Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures (PG-13) 2013

Directed by Richard LaGravenese

Starring:  Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Jeremy Irons, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum, Thomas Mann, Emma Thompson, Dame Eileen Atkins, Kyle Gallner, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Margo Martindale and Zoey Deutch

Here We Go:  When I initially saw previews for this movie I had high expectations without really knowing what it was about.  The more previews I saw, the lower my expectations.  That being said, I still went into this movie thinking it was going to be entertaining and it did not disappoint.  The overall concept of the movie (based on the novel of the same name) was kinda like taking Twilight and mixing it in a jar with Charmed and seeing what comes out.  The finished product was not bad but the story just didn't seem to reach its full potential.  Jeremy Irons was very well cast and the leads of Alice Englert (Lena) and Alden Enrenriech  (Ethan) were excellent.  There is room for a sequel here but with a poor box office performance this was probably the one and only film in the series.  

Bottom Line:  Watch it.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG-13) 2011

Directed by John Madden

Starring:  Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Tom Wilkinson, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Dev Patel, Tena Desae and Sid Makkar

Here We Go:  Seniors decide to relocate to India to make the most of retirement.  They find that retirement doesn't mean an end, but rather the opportunity to  write new chapters in their lives.  This movie is full of quick English wit and endearing characters.  It was nice to see such a talented group come together in this ensemble cast to make such a smart, feel-good movie.  By the end, you feel that things have come full circle and that everything is as it should be.  With the overall messages being of new beginnings, risk taking, love, and learning (at any age), this movie is a pleasure to watch. 

Bottom Line:  Watch it!

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids (R) 2011

Directed by Paul Feig

Starring:  Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Chris O'Dowd, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Jon Hamm, Ben Falcone, Jill Clayburgh and Rebel Wilson

Here We Go:  Lifelong best friends hit a rough patch when one gets engaged and the other finds that her life is pretty much stagnant.  Fortunately for us, everything leading up to the big event is insanely funny.  These ladies OWNED this movie.  I can't say enough about the comedic talents cast for Bridesmaids, or just how right the writers got it.  There were a couple times that I literally laughed to tears!  From being unlucky-in-lust to being struck down by food poisoning during a bridal party fitting, Bridesmaids keeps the laughs coming.

Bottom Line:  Watch it.  Now.