Scene-It: Summer Edition

I'm a busy girl... and since my free time is spent going to country concerts, reading the Twilight novels and (of course) going to movies- I haven't had time to post in awhile. So, if you're the kind of person that spends your summer days out in the sunshine and not in a nice air-conditioned movie theater :) then you've probably missed out on the summer movies and so I am here to tell you what is worth seeing and NOT seeing. Here we go:

BEST Kids Movie of the Summer:

Despicable Me
starring the voices of: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Will Arnett, Jemaine Clement and more hilarious people.




I included one of my favorite clips "It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!" :) rather than the trailer; which you can check out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_rUbqbhUEQ

Tagline: Superbad. Superdad.

Plot: When a criminal mastermind uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, he finds himself profoundly changed by the growing love between them.

This movie was so hilarious that it's surprising how profoundly heartfelt it is as well! Steve Carell plays this character to perfection and has you caring about his story as much as you would a Nicholas Sparks character. The "minions" are exceptional; they don't really SAY anything, but you'll laugh at everything that comes out of their mouths. This movie was nothing like I expected it to be and probably the best unexpected surprise of the summer. For not even having kids, that's saying a lot. So, whether you're headed out for a family night or a night out with friends- Despicable Me should top your list of "must-see" movies!!


A Close 2nd for BEST Kid's Movie:

Toy Story 3
starring the voices of: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Michael Keaton.







Tagline: The Breakout Comedy of the Summer

Plot: The toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.

If you're like me- you were SUPER excited to see this movie (because the first couple rocked) but were thinking there's no way they can keep up the brilliance of the first two installments of the Toy Story franchise. Well, they did. I quote Toy Story 1, sing the songs from Toy Story 2, and well- Toy Story 3 tested out my tear ducts. :) It's a great franchise and one that shouldn't be missed. If you haven't seen the first two- DEFINITELY play catch-up. Then go see Toy Story 3 ASAP! This movie really does go to infinity and beyond all your expectations! (Ken & Barbie are brilliant- seriously)



BEST Summer Comedy:

Date Night
Starring: Steve Carell & Tina Fey







Tagline: An ordinary couple. One little white lie.

Plot: In New York City, a case of mistaken identity turns a bored married couple's attempt at a glamorous and romantic evening into something more thrilling and dangerous.

I love a good comedy! I love to laugh! However, I'm picky. My "Comedy No-No" List includes: don't overdue the vulgarity or language (when the bad language, drug use, and sex references get over the top- it stops being very funny- that's why Hot Tub Time Machine is out of the running); don't be too much of a chick-flick (don't get me wrong- I enjoy my chick-flick comedies, but you don't win for comedy if you're too much of a chick-flick- that's why you won't see Killers or Bounty Hunter here, but they might show up later); don't parade as a comedy and then be super bloody and semi-serious (that's why Kiss-Ass: The Movie did not make best comedy); don't use funny people from The Hangover and the not be as funny (that's why Dinner for Schmuck's didn't make the cut- though I admit that's a personal hang-up; I don't think much is funnier than The Hangover); and finally- Don't be a political statement (The Other Guys was really funny- it almost made the cut).

Anyway!! Date Night was hilarious. Good fun. Go on a "date night" and enjoy this movie. I love the Hangover as a comedy because it also has a good story-line; Date Night is comedy in the midst of a really good story-line. Check it out!


BEST Mind-Blowing Film of the Summer:

Inception
starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and Ellen Page.







Tagline: Your mind is the scene of the crime

Plot: In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a highly skilled thief is given a final chance at redemption which involves executing his toughest job till date, Inception.

Brilliant!!! You may be tired of reading a million Tweets and Status Updates that read: "Going to see Inception" or "Inception = Brilliant" but the reason those updates are so prevalent is because EVERYONE is amazed by how good it actually is! A movie that actually lives up to it's hype. It doesn't matter your genre preference, this movie will blow your mind and bend your mind in ways you didn't even know your mind could bend; your mind will be way more flexible after this movie :) ANYONE can see the originality and brilliance that comes from the mind of the great Christopher Nolan (Christopher, you have made it up into the ranks with my favorites- Chris meet J.J Abrams and M. Night Shyamalan) :) See this movie- your imagination will thank you!


BEST Summer Superhero:

Iron Man 2
starring: the one, the only Robert Downey Jr.






Plot: Billionaire Tony Stark must contend with deadly issues involving the government, his own friends, as well as new enemies due to his superhero alter ego Iron Man.

What can I say? I love Superhero movies (I'm a nerd at heart) and I love me some Robert Downey Jr. When he said "They say that the best weapon is the one you never have to fire. I respectfully disagree. I prefer the weapon you only have to fire once. That's how Dad did it, that's how America does it, and it's worked out pretty well so far," in Iron Man 1, he stole my heart. Anyway, this is a fun movie with a lot of comedy and action and it's just a good time. I recommend it!

Honorable Mention: I haven't seen A-Team yet, but REALLY want to- so it could have won this category (i mean, really any movie that features Bradley Cooper abs deserves a WIN)!





BEST Twilight Film of the Summer:

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
starring: Robert Pattison, Kristen Stewart, & Taylor Lautner




Tagline: It all begins. . . with a choice

Plot: As a string of mysterious killings grips Seattle, Bella, whose high school graduation is fast approaching, is forced to choose between her love for vampire Edward and her friendship with werewolf Jacob.

Ok, Ok... so there was only one Twilight movie this summer so it's unfair to give the movie it's own category- but I never said I was fair when it came to Twilight-related things :) I will say that many people will tell you that Eclipse is "the best of the 3." More romance, more action, more love-triangle, a closer adaptation of the book, etc, etc. I agree with all of this, but being Team Edward, the Jacob part of this installment really gets under my skin- so I'm not objective. Anyway, my advice (as always) is READ THE BOOKS. Then, when you love them as much as I know you will- see the movies just because you always need more Twilight- NOT because they are amazing films of even because they follow the books so closely (which they don't! fine, the story-line is the same, but they leave out SO MUCH!) I know, I know- I digress. It really was a good movie. Check it out (guy or girl!) but AFTER you read the book!!! :)



BEST Chick-Flick of the Summer:

The Bounty Hunter
starring: Gerard Butler & Jennifer Aniston






Plot: A bounty hunter learns that his next target is his ex-wife, a reporter working on a murder cover-up. Soon after their reunion, the always-at-odds duo find themselves on a run-for-their-lives adventure.

Let's be honest- Gerard Butler being in this film was the main reason for it's win in this category (I wouldn't kick him outta bed for eating crackers). However, even being a non- Jennifer Aniston fan, I really enjoyed this movie. It's cute, charming, witty, and has a decent story-line with some action for the boyfriend you drag with you to see it. Killers was a close 2nd, but despite it's great cast it was kind of a poor man's Mr & Mrs Smith, ya know? Anyway, Bounty Hunter (which is now on DVD) is a great date night in- grab your couch, your popcorn, and one of those great sweatshirt blankets and be charmed by Gerard's adorable mug.

Honorable Mention: Letters to Juliet / I admit that story-line really didn't go beyond an extended version of the previews and the romantic lines were a little too cheesy, but it was clean and cute and fun and I liked it.




BEST Nicholas Sparks movie of the Summer:

The Last Song
starring: Miley Cyrus






Tagline: Do you ever really forget your first heartbreak?

Plot: A drama centered on a rebellious girl who is sent to a Southern beach town for the summer to stay with her father. Through their mutual love of music, the estranged duo learn to reconnect.

I gave Nicholas Sparks a category because he's had two out already this year- but I hated Dear John and I like to cry in movies! But, onto The Last Song...

Don't count this movie out just because it stars Miley Cyrus and her no-name boyfriend that made her quit Twitter :) Seriously, it is a heartbreaking and beautiful story about family and first loves. I really enjoyed it! Just like all Nicholas Sparks' movies, bring a box of tissues and someone who won't make fun of you when you get all weepy :)



BEST Summer Scare:

The Crazies
starring: Timothy Olyphant





Tagline: Fear Thy Neighbor

Plot: About the inhabitants of a small Iowa town suddenly plagued by insanity and then death after a mysterious toxin contaminates their water supply.

Seriously, this movie is CRAZY!



MOST Cringe-worthy Film of the Summer:

The Back-up Plan
starring: JLo








Tagline: Fall in love.* Get married. Have a baby. *Not necessarily in that order.

Plot: A romantic comedy centered on a woman who conceives twins through artificial insemination, only to meet the man of her dreams on the very same day.


Soooooo... if you're a mother of 12, had your baby in a tub, or are a doctor- this movie MIGHT not gross you out. But, it probably will. Not only did it have one too many "cring-worthy" moments, but it just went too far to be funny. However, I also feel that way about Meet the Parents. I just don't like movies that take it too far. It could have been a "cute" story if not for being way over the top in all areas.



BIGGEST Let-Down of the Summer:

Salt
starring: Angelina Jolie





Tagline: Who is Salt?

Plot: A CIA agent goes on the run after a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy.

I have to say, it's sad to have this movie under "disappointing" because I think Angelina Jolie is "bad a--" even in this less than stellar movie. But the sad truth is that it felt like it had been done before. I was expecting this movie to blow my mind and it was just the feature film version of Alias, but not nearly as good :) It's an okay action movie and was entertaining, so I'm not saying "Don't See It." Just don't expect too much like I did. Sorry Angie, can't win 'em all (but Mr & Mrs Smith is still one of my FAVORITE movies!).


Movie to see this Week:

Ramona & Beezus
starring: Selena Gomez, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Duhamel, and John Corbett




Tagline: A Little Sister Goes A Long Way.

Plot: Follows the misadventures of young grade schooler Ramona Quimby from Beverly Cleary's popular children's book series.

Blast from the Past!!! I just think this movie is going to be absolutely adorable! Plus it has an awesome cast! Let me know what you guys think of it and I'll do that same!! Meet you back here next week!!!






**taglines and plots from IMDB.com
**trailers from YouTube.com