http://hamptonroads.com/node/353326 Movie Reviews en-us Copyright 2009 PilotOnline.com / HamptonRoads.com. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:36:30 -0500 I don't have illusions that this review will make a difference for the people who will see this movie. It's like the Harry Potter phenomena -- a tidal wave. That's why at my preview, fans filled two theaters and more were turned away. Hundreds more attended the midnight showings all over the city on Thursday - a school night for Pete's sake. And, you know what? http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/twilight-saga-new-moon-desperate-love-supernatural-world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:20:25 -0500 So, in case you couldn't tell by the title that I loved this movie -- I did.  Sandra Bullock's characters always seem obsessive-compulsive.  It's part of what makes her so funny and likeable that she can do it on screen, no holds barred.  She's kept on a bit tighter leash in "The Blind Side" because she plays an extremely wealthy, upper-crust wife, mother, commun http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/blind-side-beautifully-done-true-story-about-football-star-michael-oher Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:29:15 -0500 When I tell people about this movie, I hear 'I really don't like cartoon movies'.  Too bad, so sad because this one is the best around right now.  My rating:  $8.00 (1.-10.).   http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/planet-51-yeah-some-funny-and-friendly-aliens Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:44:43 -0500 I knew why this movie didn't preview as soon as I realized it was about aliens. ALIENS!! http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/box-why-do-all-aliens-hate-humans-lately Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:41:40 -0500 Billed as the end of the world, '2012' is an epic example of what could happen if the sun's solar activity one day microwaves the Earth's insides.  It is not the true end of the world. The wording in the film is "end of the world as we know it" (hey, wasn't that the song from "Independence Day"?).  'Knowing' still has the franchise on the destruction of Earth.&nb http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/2012-fun-ride-through-readjustment-earths-crust Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:28:22 -0500 The French have such marvelous talent for making the ordinary so much more.  Their movie stars dress up well for the red carpet.  Yet, on film, they show human flaws that allow us to connect with them.  This realism allows star Audrey Tautou ('DaVinci Code') to be Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel from orphan, dancehall girl, kept woman, and on to fashion maven.  Tough, vulnerable,& http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/coco-chanel-lovely-french-handling-coco-chanels-formative-years Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:27:25 -0500 I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to watch the newest Disney cartoon movie, "A Christmas Carol", in IMAX 3-D the other night.  From the first explosion of sound and color (that made me jump practically out of my seat!), I was glued to the screen in awe of the impressive digital detail by Disney's new collaborator, ImageMovers.  My rating: $8.00 (1.-10.).   http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/christmas-carol-old-story-amazing-new-digital-effects Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:29 -0500 The trailers for "The Fourth Kind" have Milla Jovovich sternly warning the audience that what they are about to see is real, supported by archived footage which we will see intermittently throughout the movie docudrama.  The story was written by Terry Lee Robbins and Olatunde Osunsanmi who also collaborated on the supernatural/horror film "WithIN".  Because the protag http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/fourth-kind-aliens-outerspace-or-hell Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:06:12 -0500 I expected 'Astro Boy' to be another nice kid-movie.  Pleasantly surprised, I found it witty and thoroughly entertaining --- one of those cartoons in which adults will enjoy catching double-entendres while the kids will enjoy the characters and action.  My rating: $8.50 (1.-10.).   http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/astro-boy-best-japanese-and-american-cartoon-talent Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:13:01 -0400 "Amelia" has stacked against it the fact we all know the ending.  Can't change that.  I wanted to see what the writers and director would do with Hilary Swank as the leading lady.  Billing Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor was icing on cake.  Swank's costumers, hairdresser, and make up artists own the credit for making her a perfect Amelia Earhart.  I daresay n http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/amelia-hilary-swank-channels-amelia-earhart-19281937 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:46:21 -0400