Movie Review - Short Term 12

A few months ago, a friend of mine invited me to something called the Virtuoso Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.  I only knew 2 of the celebrities receiving the award, but I went just to do something different!  A winner I didn't know was Brie Larson, a somewhat quirky person.  Her movie clip struck me as very moving and her personality was very unique!

While looking for something to watch with a different friend tonight, Short Term 12 stuck out to me.  He is usually up for watching anything so he readily agreed to watch.  It was sooooooooooo good!  Brie Larsen along with the rest of the cast did an amazing job!

The plot revolves around Grace, a supervisor at a short term stay facility for troubled kids.  Throughout the movie, you learn that Grace has a troubled past of her own.  The movie mostly takes place at the facility, and you really get to know the kids there while also learning about what these facilities are like.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a really good, independent film!

Morning Glory

I love my friends who have Netflix instant queue.  It's so awesome to instantly be able to pick a movie that you want to watch, and get it on the spot!  I had wanted to watch this movie for a long time so I was really excited when my friend Danny had it in his queue!

The movie is about Becky Fuller (played by the lovely Rachel McAdams) - a producer for a small, local morning show.  When she is fired, her life is thrown into upheaval.  Because it's a movie, Becky gets really lucky and lands a job as the executive producer of the lowest ranked morning show, Daybreak.  It's her job to bring the ratings up.  She enlists the help of world-famous news anchor Mike Pomeroy (played by Harrison Ford), only he refuses to cover any "news" that is beneath him.  He also refuses to be nice to his co-anchor Colleen Peck (played by Diane Keaton).  While all this is going on, Becky is also trying to build a relationship with another producer in her building, Adam Bennett (played by Patrick Wilson).  

Will Becky be able to save her news show and get everyone to get along?  Will her relationship with Adam survive?  You'll have the watch the movie to find out!

Cars 2

A few days ago, I finally got around to seeing Cars 2.  I had read tons of reviews from people saying not to waste my time, but I have to experience things for myself!  And just to warn you...this post does have some spoiler-ish comments.

While it was a bit slow at times, I mostly really enjoyed it!  I LOVED the Toy Story short before the movie.  It was almost like getting 2 movies for the price of 1!  The movie itself was cute and funny.  The animation was great, I loved the jokes, and the characters were magnificent!

Larry the Cable Guy was great again as Tow Mater.  My heart broke for him in this movie...but I did love all of his various paint jobs!

Holly Shiftwell was probably my favorite character in the whole movie.  I loved that she was a girl spy car, I loved her British accent, and I loved what she contributed to the movie!

So, I have to disagree with all of the negative reviews I read.  I would recommend this movie.  While it probably wasn't the best movie I will see in 2011, I sure am glad I took the time to watch it!