The Invention of Lying

The Invention of Lying. The title pretty much explains itself. A man, who has lost his job, is considered a loser, and was rejected by a beautiful woman, is desperate for some happiness. This man, played by Ricky Gervais, finally decides to get what he wants. But how can this be done in a world that not only won't lie, but can't? Something inside him clicks, and he says something that cannot be undone.

This movie highly based on the spoof of God and everything considering the subject. Referring to "The Man in the Sky" for advice and help is only one of things that makes this funny, because it makes it seem that anything in our lives, when looked through a different perspective, can seem utterly ridiculous.

When the world discovers the idea of "The Man in the Sky", they certainly have many questions about the rules. To explain these rules, the main character writes them down on two pizza boxes which highly resemble the Ten Commandments. The civilians worship this image, and have it painted all over their churches, which they call humorously, "A Quiet Place to Think About The Man in the Sky." I only spoiled this scene to the public because this had to be my favorite part of the entire film.

This movie, shockingly, actually had two morals. First of all, right from the start, it shows that a "perfect world" where nobody lies would create a whole lot of chaos. That not many people get along, and more and more people would be depressed. It shows that religion gives people hope, and that it actually makes people a little bit happier. Second of all, this film shows what some people actually think. That they don't want to date someone because their looks are not appealing. The characters in this film are hung up about their genetic match and how it would affect their children. These people are obviously shallow. But we can not deny that we have thought it, at least once. That you reject someone because they are "chubby with a snub nose". Well, with the truth flying about every which way and that, it will always come back at you.

I must say though, even though this movie did not get amazing reviews from all of the professionals, I found this film amusing, and enjoyable. I do not recommend this movie for young children, due to harsh language and small sexual content. But overall, I give it a thumbs up.

Rated PG-13

-Megan

Push

Push is a movie about a bunch of super heroes around the globe that are being hunted, and killed. A young woman,(played by Camilla Belle), is the only person that escaped Division (the secret organization that is hunting the heroes down). A man, (Chris Evans), and a young child, (Dakota Fanning), get sucked into this complicated story line. Another group of people that also seem to be evil, are involved in this confusing plot. Somehow, all of these people are connected; and they bond together to get to their goal.

The whole point of this story is unclear, but it can be entertaining with a group of friends. But if you want to see a terrific story that is entertaining and touching, this is not the movie for you. This film is just not spectacular. Thumbs down.
Rated PG-13: for violence
-Megan

The Notebook

The Notebook. We have all heard of it. The romance, the fun, the sadness. Yes, all of these are a part of this spectacular movie about a young couple in love. But it comes with a twist. A story inside a story. A woman with dementia. A man with heart problems. Questions arise with who these people are. Why is this man taking his time to read a story to a woman who won't remember it? To find out you must watch this film.

The young couple. A summer romance only to be shattered by the girl's parents. The story continues slowly on to her new found love with a war hero, however the man becomes depressed, and gets fixed on multiple small projects.The young girl played spectacularly by Rachel McAdams, gets mixed up with adultery as she rediscovers her love with the young man, played by Ryan Gosling. You will be put in their shoes as you watch this young couple fall in and out of love. I highly reccomend this movie to woman, but not to men who can't stomach any point of sadness or misery. A classic chick-flick. A thumbs up.

Rated PG-13

-Megan

Valentine's Day

Love. A complicated mess. This movies (which some could consider a complicated mess) follows countless couples as they navigate Single Awareness Day... Excuse me, I meant Valentine's Day. With an all-star cast, you would think that there can be no wrongs.

The cast plays a group of Angelenos learning how to love, how to recover from misgiven love, and how to keep on loving. You would be surprised at how well the plot lines interweave with each other, and it is also surprising that a chick flick, which is probably the most predictable movie genre of them all, has some unexpected twists.

Although it is a cute and fun movie, it is only worthy of a night with the girls (which is how I saw it). It is one of the better chick flicks of late, as more sensitive guys will enjoy it if dragged out for a date night. However, if you are going to see your favorite actor/actress/hottie (Taylor Lautner fans pay attention), don't. There are so many characters and stories that demand attention, no one has a significant amount of screen time. The only characters you really get attached to are Ashton Kutcher's character and the cutest little boy you have seen in a romantic comedy since Sleepless in Seattle.

This movie does have some mature themes (barely 18 year olds learning the importance of waiting to sleep together), so don't take the younguns. And be prepared to wonder at Anne Hathaway's performance- this is one of the weirdest roles of her career. However, I marveled at her accent skills during the movie.

So, a GREAT rental for a girls' night in, but other than that, not worth much.

3 stars out of 5

Rated PG-13

-Maddy

American Graffiti

George Lucas's second (and somewhat autobiographical) feature film with an all-star cast, including Harrison Ford, Ron Howard, Mackenzie Phillips, Richard Dreyfuss, and Cindy Williams. It tells the story of four boys and the three girls who tag along with them on the final night of summer. The high school aged kids all are cruising around town in their now-vintage cars. It has all of the types you ever went to school with: Milner, the tough guy, Curt, the quiet thinker, Steve, the all-American class president, Terry, the nerd, Carol, the tomboy, Debbie, the bad girl, and Laurie, the good girl. This movie also had many firsts, such as: it was the first movie to have a soundtrack of contemporary music and was also the first movie to tell multiple, interwoven plotlines.

I recommend this movie for anyone who loves good, old-fashioned fun. It is not something you would expect from George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars. It has the good messages of valuing your friends, but don't look too deeply. This movie is pure fun- no great themes, messages, philosophical ideas, etc. Actually, there are more bad ideas that could come from this movie than good. Even so, I know I've said this multiple times, but it is fun. However, I feel I must warn you. Be prepared to learn who the characters are unless you want to be very confused. Please, enjoy, but don't take too seriously.

3-1/2 out of 5 stars

Rated PG

-Maddy

Fantastic Mr.Fox

Fantastic Mr.Fox is about a family of foxes who have a cousin come to live with them until his father recovers from a grave illness. Meanwhile, Mr.Fox, an ex-bird stealer, gets wound up in a sticky situation with some local farmers. Because of the cousin's superb physical skills, he gets drawn into the fight while the son constantly tries to live up to his father's legacy.

Fantastic Mr.Fox is a movie that is a great example for children of all ages. It shows that although taking risks can be exciting, they bring along with them consequences that can only be sorted through extraordinary measures, until eventually everything falls apart. This movie also shows the importance of family and friends through an exciting and humorous story. The animals, although act human, eat like savages as any person would expect an animal to do. The characters add to the joy and charm of this movie, which is definitely worth taking time to view. Overall this movie deserves a thumbs up.

Rated PG

-Megan