Tru To You

With a star studded cast rivaling Ocean’s Eleven…kidding…but you have to admit there packs some star power in this movie.

Honestly, I wanted to see this movie to see how Ben Affleck was going to make his come back. I think his performance was decent. He either got softer as an actor or maybe it was just his character…Anywhoo, this movie plays off the book with the same title. The book is self improvement literature and is illustrated in the movie by various stereotypical characters.

We follow the lives of five women and how their relationships (or there lack of) unfold. The film is set up to tell multiple stories lines that eventually converge into one. Sorta, like Magnolia but more about if a  dude will phone a girl back.

I won’t focus on the characters but rather the stages of a woman’s life the film covers.

1. Actively Looking

2. Courtship

3. Marriage Proposal

4. Marriage

5. Divorce

Each stage is perfectly depicted by each actress. If I went into detail an connected each stereotype to each actress it would ruin things.

Sprinkled throughout the film is advice specially geared towards the women. From a guy’s stand point it is interesting to know what goes the a girl’s mind…but really? Aren’t girls just as confused as guys?

A few of my heart strings were pulled, especially with Ben and Jen’s scenes. I thought it would be an anti Valentine movie considering the title but found some pleasant surprises and maybe one or two good life takeaways.

I don’t know if this is worth a movie ticket but definitely a home rental. However, I doubt you will have a choice about going to the theater for this if you’re a guy.

**.5/4 stars

Have you ever watched a movie where you had no idea what was going on in the first 45 minutes of the movie? Well, this movie deliberately places you in that position only to have everything fall into place upon the conclusion. Think of something like Christopher Nolan’s Momento but less dark.

Ben Thomas (Will Smith) is an IRS agent who meets seven strangers and forever changes their lives. One woman in particular, Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson), becomes much more involved as Ben emotionally struggles with his secret.

Even though the film does have its predicable moments the performances outshine those flaws. Especially with Will’s range of emotion, you will be puzzled at the beginning of the story but can’t help but feel the turmoil the main character is going through.

I can’t say much more as the film has done a great job keeping the premise under wraps especially with the well put together trailer. Go see it and let me know what you think.

*** out of 4 stars.

What an amazing experience. I say experience because there aren’t many movies that really make you feel for a character to reflect on your own.

The movie stars Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button. An individual who ages through time unlike the rest of us. From birth his appearance resembles a man near death and towards the end resembles the beginning of life. Where others are growing older he grows younger.

We are taken through the journey of his life where he encounters many memorable characters and events. Most importantly, we are taken through the stages of the loving relationship between him and Daisy (Cate Blanchett). At the film’s core it is a love story, however, the surrounding layers really reflect many other themes. Mortality, life and choices to name a few.

I can’t say that those  themes are definitive as the film’s uniqueness revolves around how the audience interprets the story. I read many other critics reviews and it is quite sad how some do not celebrate the film’s achievement due to minor issues. In particular, I would like to point out Ebert’s review where he rates the movie a ridiculous low of two and a half stars; mainly because there is no lesson to be learned. Can he not find its own meaning? His own lesson to be learned?

**** out of 4 stars. Check out the trailer,  make sure you go see this one and let me know what you think.