Cinematic Blast from the Past: Black Arrow

Tell me if this sounds familiar:

You're feeling a little nostalgic, so you decide to watch a movie you loved when you were younger. When it starts, you're so excited, then after a while you realize that it isn't quite as good as you remember. It's a bit campy and silly, and the dialogue and some of the acting really is laughable.

And... it doesn't matter.

You still love it.

I can think of a dozen movies that fit this scenario. And every once in while I want to revisit those films. I can escape for a couple of hours and I'm taken back to my youth. It's the best.

One of these movies is Black Arrow, a Disney movie from 1985. It was on the Disney channel, when the cable channel actually showed classic Disney movies. The film, based on a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, is set in 15th century England during the Wars of the Roses. One of the reasons I love rewatching this movie is that even when I was young, I knew that some of the acting and dialogue were quite ridiculous. I don't know if the overacting and campy delivery of lines were because of the director, or because of the campy dialogue. There are some good actors in the movie, and so I'm thinking it was probably a combination of both. The long pauses and close-up reaction shots of the actors were definitely a director's choice, and they just up the campiness.

Now, don't get me wrong, there are some good things about Black Arrow. It has some good fight sequences, the story has intrigue and the plot is interesting. If you like historical fiction, then you're sure to enjoy it, especially if you're familiar with the history of the Wars of the Roses. And, Benedict Taylor isn't bad to look at, either. Especially with his 80's hair.

My sister and I used to quote the movie imitating the actors' delivery of the lines. When others were quoting Monty Python and the Holy Grail, my sister and I quoted Black Arrow.

I would love for this movie to be remade with the exact same dialogue and see if it might not be as campy if the dialogue is spoken without the overacting. It would be interesting to get the script and read through it with some of my actor friends and see if it could actually be a good movie. Or we might just laugh all the way through it. Who knows.

You might be able to find it on youtube. And if you watch it, I hope you enjoy it in all of its campiness, silliness, over-acting, and quotable quotes.

Below are my favorite quotes (some just because of the delivery):

Sir Daniel: To Sir Richard! A few minutes ago, a boy. Now, a man!

Sir Daniel: Revenge has a long memory, does it not?

Sir Daniel: He has plans. I have plans. We'll see whose are best.

Appleyard: Your meat must fill his belly.

Will: Remember, when properly used, the staff is mightier than the sword.

Black Arrow: If you cease to serve Sir Daniel, you might live to reach manhood. (regarding message) Take that to your master. Tell him, I wish him many sleepless nights.

Richard: What is your name?
Black Arrow: I'm called Black Arrow. It is enough.

Joanna: Why am I here?
Sir Daniel: I am your guardian. Why should you not be here?

Sir Daniel: Pretty flower. But the wrong color.
Joanna: My father thought not.

Sir Daniel: How like your flower you are. Very beautiful.
Joanna: And like my flower I have prickly thorns. So, I ask you again, why have your brought me here?

Scar: He must be very fast with a bow.
Richard: He is.

Richard: That man could choose the next King.
Joanna: But not the rightful one.
Richard: Like father, like daughter - rebellious.
Joanna: What do you know of my father, Yorkist?
Richard: He was a traitor. So it's said.
Joanna: To you and to your kind. But to others and to me... a hero.

Warwick: The killer instinct, Brackley. If I'm born again, I would like to be born a hawk.
Sir Daniel: And please God, I'm not born a hare.

Warwick: You might have a warm exterior, Brackley, but you've got a cold heart.

Dinner guest: More wine! More wine for my friend here. More wine. Haha.

Sir Daniel: Richard. She actually jumped the moat?
Richard: Yes.
Sir Daniel: What a bright dame she will be.

Sir Daniel: Poor Richard. Not having enough time to enjoy his inheritance.

Joanna: Him. It would have to be him.

Joanna: I needed your horse.
Richard: Well, I'll say this, you have spirit, girl.
Joanna: I'm Lady Joanna, and I'm nobody's girl.

Richard: Do we go?
Joanna: Do I have any choice?
Richard: I have my orders, and I'll obey them.
Joanna: You're nothing but Sir Daniel's lapdog.
Richard: Get on the horse.

Joanna: Murderer! You've killed him.
Scar: Where is the body?
Joanna: Swept away in the river. Murderer!

Black Arrow: Whoever did this can't be far away, Will. Take some men and find him. There are questions needing answers.

Warwick: You haven't said much on the way, Brackley. Nervous or something?
Sir Daniel: No, your Grace, I'm not nervous, Why should I be?
Warwick: Afraid the bride won't turn up, perhaps.
Sir Daniel: Why do you say that?
Warwick: I had a sudden vision of you, waiting at the altar for a bride who's changed her mind.
Sir Daniel: That will not happen to me.
Warwick: (laughs) Relax, my dear Brackley. I was only joking. (laughs)
Sir Daniel: Hahahahaha.

Will: Let the others go... on foot. This one... we take.

Richard: He's mine.
Black Arrow: You're wounded.
Richard: He's mine. Give him a sword.

Warwick: A union of spring and winter. How sad. Oh, well.

Oates: Trust me.(exits the room)
Warwick: I'd rather trust a fox.

Oates: My allegiance is to you, Sir Daniel, and to no one else. On my honor.
Sir Daniel: Your honor, sir, is buried as deep as Sykes and Appleyard.

Oates: The red rose or the white. Trust me.

Man: He's a thief. Let the dog have him.
Black Arrow: He may be a thief. But he's also a man.

Sir Daniel: Some women are never more beautiful than when they are angry.
Joanna: Then I shall be lovely whenever you are near.
Sir Daniel: (evil laugh) My dear Joanna. Calm yourself. Reflect. I am not an ogre. I think I will make you a very good husband. I shall be sensitive to your every wish.
Joanna: I'll have to be carried, screaming up the aisle.
Sir Daniel. Oh, dear, oh dear, oh dear. Hannah, what shall we do with such a disobedient child?
Hannah: Beat her.
Sir Daniel: Yes, I'm sure you would. Go now.

Joanna: You're evil.
Sir Daniel: No, my dear. It is just that I believe that the ends justify the means. You either marry me or I kill you.

Black Arrow: Joanna. You must not marry Sir Daniel.
Joanna: I have to. I have to.
Black Arrow: Why? Why? (she leaves) Why!

Warwick: I know you. Richard, whatever your name is.

Warwick: I hate granting favors. They either cost me money or friends. Usually both.

Warwick: You see, Richard whatever-your-name-is. Justice must not only be done. It must be seen to be done.

Will: Helpless!
Black Arrow: Helpless. Helpless, helpless. I never felt so helpless!

Joanna: Your Grace.
Warwick: Yes, my dear.
Joanna: Do you know why I have to do this?
Warwick: I've been told. Yes.
Joanna: And you still let it happen?
Warwick: But of course.

Richard: No!
Will: No!
Black Arrow: No! You! Violator of England!

Oates: Purger-er! Murderer!

Sir Daniel: Out of my way, boy.

Black Arrow: It is done.

Movie Review: The Abduction Club

I am a sucker for a good period film from Great Britain, and I get excited when I find a new one that is really good. I was looking up Sophia Myles on IMDB, and when I searched through the movies she's done, I found one she did in 2002 that sounded like the type of film I would like, so I took a chance and bought it.

The Abduction Club is set in Ireland in the late 18th century, and based on actual events. It is about a group of young men who are younger sons (i.e., not the heir) of wealthy aristocrats, whose only choice in life is to marry heiresses or get a job (usually in the church). They are members of a secret men's club where each member in his turn woos an heiress, and when he think he's "wooed" her enough, he and his friends "abduct" the lady and he proposes. A clergyman is present who will marry the couple if she agrees.

The main character, Garrett Byrne, meets Catharine Kennedy at the races, and decides that he's met his future bride. Later, when he tries to abduct her from a private musical concert, his friend, James Strang abducts Catharine's younger sister, Anne, as well. All does not go smoothly for the two couples, as Mr. Power, the older gentleman who is Anne's intended, tracks them down to the house where they've brought the girls to propose to them. Anne, who does not want to marry Mr. Power, runs away, with her sister and the two suitors following after her.

The story is very unique from any other period film I've seen, and it has many comedic moments, which I really enjoyed. The comedy was well done and did not seem out of place. The abduction scene was particularly funny, and the actors played the scene well.

The actors are well cast for the most part. Daniel Lapaine and Matthew Rhys are perfect as Byrne and Strang. They have a great chemistry together as men who have been friends for a long time. They perform the comedic bits very well, and I enjoyed their performances very much.

Sophia Myles shines as Anne. She has a sweet innocence to her, but her character is also very headstrong, and she knows what she wants, as well as what she doesn't want. I wasn't as drawn to Alice Evans (who, by the way is married to one my favorite actors, Ioan Gruffudd) as Catharine as I was to the other actors. Some of it had to do with her hair, which I know is a very shallow thing to complain about, but well, there it is. Even though I didn't like Catharine as much as I liked Anne, I still enjoyed the movie very much.

Liam Cunningham plays Mr. Power with the cunning (pun not intended) and dispicability you expect from a good villain.

There is more to the plot than just four people on the run with the possibility of romances blossoming. And there is more than one villain. The ending may have been a bit predictable, but I loved the journey that took us there, and there were some surprises.

Now, let's talk about scenery. As I said, the movie is set in Ireland, and the scenes of the countryside and coast were beautiful. I would so love to visit Ireland someday.

Unfortunately, the film is not available on DVD in the United States (I bought the DVD for region 2 players only).

Movie Review: Les Miserables

Most of my friends and family, and many of the readers of my blog, know that I am very critical of live theatre. I've been involved in theatre for many years in many roles (I'm talking about acting, directing, writing, stage managing, etc. Although I have also had many roles on stage. *wink*), and I've seen a lot of good theatre and a lot of bad. The first time I saw Les Miserables was in Los Angeles, and I loved it! I loved the music, the set (especially when the barricade comes on), the story, the acting and voices of the performers, and the finale made me cry the ugly cry (as it did my brother who took me to see it). I have seen many touring productions of the musical since then, and regional productions, and I've even seen the high school version performed by a wonderful group of students. The last production wasn't my favorite, and I think I had just become "Les Miserables'd out." That is one of the reasons I was so excited to see the movie. I was looking forward to seeing it in a new and different way.

I was able to see an advanced screening of Les Miserables a week ago. I saw it in a theater full of mostly stage actors - stage actors who love Les Miserables, and were pretty stoked to see it before the general public. I'm sure that most of them, like me, have been anxiously waiting for the movie since it was announced that it was finally coming to the big screen.

I have to say that I wasn't totally impressed. I liked much of the film, and many performances, but there were some aspects of it that disappointed me.

What I Didn't Like:

Okay, first of all, I have to say that I was excited when I heard that the actors were going to film their songs live. I am still glad they did, but because they were able to perform live, I think the songs got lost in the overacting. I felt like some actors put too many unnecessary pauses in the songs, and it made it feel to me like they were overacting. I don't think I will buy the soundtrack, because I didn't feel there were any performances that were better than the versions I already have.

Speaking of overacting, I like Anne Hathaway. I know many people don’t like her acting very much, but I've been one to defend her performances. I think she's a good actress, and I also think she has a nice voice. I loved her rendition of “Somebody to Love” in Ella Enchanted. So I wasn't too disappointed when she was cast as Fantine. I knew she could sing the part. I think she did a good job, until she sang "I Dreamed a Dream." The problem for me was she “acted” to much in the song. Compared to performing on stage, movie acting is very subtle. I felt like Anne was performing to the back row of a live theatre. She did what I call “schmacting.” It was just too over-the-top for me. If she wins an Academy Award for this performance, then I'll know that the members of the Academy like "shmacting" in musicals. *wink*

I was also confused by some of Anne's choices during her big song. In the second verse she sings about her daughter's (Cosette) father: "He slept a summer by my side/He filled my days with endless wonder/He took my childhood in his stride/But he was gone when Autumn came." She pretty much spits out those words in hatred for the man. And then in the next phrase she sings "And still I dream he'll come to me/That we will live the years together." Why would she want to have a man she hated come back into her life? The reason is she really did love him, even though he left her. She was singing of a time when she was happy, and I would have liked to see that in her emotions, not hatred. That's just a personal preference.

I felt like Russell Crowe was all wrong for the part of Javert. He didn't have the right type of voice (especially for singing one of my favorite songs: "Stars"). I also felt like he really didn't want to be doing the part. I felt like he thought it was beneath him to be in a musical. That's just my impression. He may have loved every minute of it. I just didn't get that from his performance. I also hated the way dies.

I didn't like the way the scene in the factory with Fantine was filmed. The actors were looking straight into the camera, as if they were acting to us, the audience. It was very annoying. I'm so glad the rest of the movie wasn't filmed like that. However, there were too many close ups. Sometimes it made me fell claustrophobic, and I'm not generally claustrophobic.

I generally liked Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, and I think he has a decent voice, but I didn't particularly like his rendition of "Bring Him Home." I thought the key was too high for his voice. I think if they had brought the key down a bit, it might not have been so bad. but I felt he was straining the whole way through. It's very unfortunate, because it's such a beautiful song. There is, however one line in the song that has always bothered me: "He's like the son I might have known/If God had granted me a son." Valjean does not even know Marius, he only knows Marius loves Cosette. He doesn't want Marius to take Cosette away from him. In the book, you know that Valjean actually hates Marius. It shows what a good man Valjean is that, although he doesn't like Marius, he's willing to save his life.

I also felt that Amanda Seyfried's songs were a bit too high for her voice. Other than that, I think she did a decent job as Cosette. Although, she really doesn't have that big of a part in the movie.

What I Liked:

The opening scene was quite epic. I'm not sure why Tom Hopper decided to place his convicts on giant ropes trying to bring a giant ship into the dock, but it worked. I liked that Javert makes Valjean move a large, heavy piece of wood that held the French flag, because it is then that Javert notices the inhuman strength that Valjean has, which is so important for him to know later in the film.

I knew that Colm Wilkinson (London's and Broadway's original Jean Valjean) was cast as the Priest, but when he came on screen there was such an exciting feeling throughout the theater. His voice was wonderful, and he played the part perfectly. It was also great to see Francis Ruffelle, the original Eponine, as one of the "Lovely Ladies." Although I didn't recognize her face, because of all the makeup the prostitutes wore, I certainly recognized her voice. I'm so glad the two actors were given parts in the film.

The moment I heard Isabelle Allen sing "There Is a Castle in a Cloud" as young Cosette, I was totally in love with with little girl's voice. It was so clear, and she sang the song so beautifully. The solos before her scene were sung so "big," with many pauses and "over-emoting," and it was so nice to hear someone singing a song straight, and acting so "small," but still bringing emotion into the song.

For the most part I liked the Thenardiers, played by Sasha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter. I especially like Helena Bonham Carter. She brings such eccentricities and subtle touches to her characters. Both of them brought the comedy that they were cast to bring in the mostly depressing story. I didn't like all of "Master of the House." I thought some of it was too vulgar.

I really started enjoying the production when we got to the scenes with the students. "Red and Black" was directed wonderfully, and the actors had great voices. I especially liked Aaron Tveit as Enjolras. He has a great voice, and was excellent in the role.

Samantha Barks was excellent as Eponine. Her rendition of "On My Own" was wonderful. It doesn't hurt that she performed the role in London for many years. She brought just the right amount of pathos, without making you feel too sorry for her.

I liked seeing who the students were fighting. In the stage version the "enemy" is just disembodied voices. In the film, you could see that they were real men who were doing their duty, and there was even one soldier who showed emotion for what they were doing. It was very moving.

Eddie Redmayne was good as Marius, and his "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" was one of the highlights of the movie. I wish Anne Hathaway had seen him perform that song before she filmed "I Dreamed a Dream." It was heartbreaking to see the tears in his eyes at the beginning of the song. He lost so many friends, and not only did they die, he saw them die. You could feel all of that in his song. I also liked how the song "Turning" was very short and it segued nicely into "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables."

There was a wonderful moment that Javert had that was so touching. After the "battle" he goes to the house where the students' bodies are laid out. Among the men is poor little Gavroche. Javert takes a medal off of his uniform and places it on Gavroche. I almost started crying again.

I loved that there were parts from the book in the film that weren't in the stage version, and I think they added a lot to the story. These included:

• Fantine selling her teeth
• Valjean escaping into the covent with Cosette
• The gardner in the convent is Fauchelevent (the man Valjean saved from under the cart earlier in the film) 
• The addition of Marius's Grandfather (and they even gave him a line to sing)
• It is Gavroche, not Eponine, who gives Valjean the letter Marius writes to Cosette

The finale was good. It was well acted, and very touching, especially when Valjean sees Fantine and the Bishop again. It was disappointing that Eponine doesn't come too, as she does in the stage version, and I missed the beautiful harmony that Fantine and Eponine sing. However, it made sense, because Valjean never met Eponine. Why would a girl he never knew come to bring him to heaven, except to sing beautiful harmony? *wink* The only disappointment I had in the finale was I wanted to see those who died in a more ethereal, beautiful place. I didn't particularly want to see them in Paris, where they were all so miserable.

I definitely think the finale in the stage version is more moving.

As a final note (pun intended): Even though there were things I like about the film, I definitely like the musical better on stage. I think that the stage version is more moving, and actors are cast for their singing ability, not for their "bankability."

Movie Review: Skyfall

The first James Bond film I saw was at a High School party. It was For Your Eyes Only, and I disliked it so much that I was never interested in seeing any subsequent James Bond films. Even when Pierce Brosnan took over the role, although I love him as Remington Steele, I didn't have any desire to see his Bond movies. Then Daniel Craig was hired as the new James Bond, and suddenly I became interested in seeing how he would play agent 007. Maybe it was because he was blond. *wink* By then I'm also more interested in action films than I was in High School. So, I gave Casino Royale a shot (no pun intended), and I loved it. Then I saw Quantum of Solace, and the movie was about as interesting as its name. In other words, I didn't care for it.

Yesterday, at our company meeting, we had a nice surprise. After the "business as usual" part of the meeting, we were treated to a viewing of the newest Bond film, Skyfall. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I. Love. My. Job. Oh, and I also loved the movie.

This comes pretty close to tying with Casino Royale as my favorite Bond film. I know, I've only seen four, but I've heard that the three latest Bond films are very different from the others, and since I didn't like For Your Eyes Only, I still have no interest in seeing any others. Maybe one day, when I've watched all of the other movies and TV series I have on my list to watch.

I like Daniel Craig's portrayal as Bond. The character fits him as well as he wears those grey suits (and everything else he wears). His characterization of Bond is so complex , and I like that. I like that he's damaged and bitter, like he has nothing to lose, because he feels like he's already lost everything important to him. I love that he's not just a perfect, suave agent in a suit, driving a cool car, using cool gadgets, and drinking martinis (although he does all of that in the movie).

Judi Dench is such a great actress, and she is wonderful in this film. Her M is so multifaceted. One moment you hate her, and then next you're rooting for her. Javier Bardem was wonderful as Silva. He was one of those villains that makes you squirm. He is nothing but pure evil. I also like that we were given background on him. That we discovered what made him the way he is. All villains believe that what they're doing is right, and I like knowing why make the choice they make.

It was great to see Albert Finney in a film. Although, I must admit I didn't recognize him. I only knew it was him after looking up the film on Internet Movie Database. I loved his character. I loved his relationship with Bond, and I hope we see more of him.

I loved the opening sequence. The movie flew right into action at the beginning, and didn't let you catch a breath until a fateful decision was made that affected Bond in a very significant way. I liked the plot. It was simple, and easy to follow. The villain knew what he wanted and Bond wanted to stop him. I liked that the threat was very personal to Bond. It made it more suspenseful and meaningful.

I loved that I was able to see landmarks in London that I recognized. Not just from seeing them in other movies, but from seeing them myself. I love London, and the film made me really want to go back. Well, the film really didn't do it. I've always wanted to go back. But I digress. The scenes in the other international locations were wonderful too. The shot of Shanghai at night was stunning, and the shots outside of the casino in Shanghai were also beautiful.

I loved the throw-backs to the old Bond films. The Aston Martin (with its injector seat), the martini, the gadgets, and especially the iconic, always recognizable James Bond music theme. We also meet some new iconic characters from the books and past movies.

There was a great scene where Bond is fighting one of the bad guys in a high rise building in Shanghai, and we see their silhouettes as they fight. It is perfectly filmed and executed. I love shots like that - ones that are out of the ordinary, and instead of just cutting back and forth from one man to another as they fight, you see the artistry in the fight choreography, in the cinematography, and in the direction.

I'm glad that Daniel Craig has signed up for two more Bond films, and I hope that they are as good as Skyfall and Casino Royale and we don't get a "every other film is good like Star Trek" thing going on. Although, with Star Trek, it's the even films that are good and the odd ones bad. So far with James Craig's Bond films, it's been the opposite.

Movie Review: Snow White and the Huntsman

I really don't have much to say about Snow White and the Huntsman. There were some things about I liked, but at the end of the movie I left the theater thinking, meh.

It felt to me that Charlize Theron played the wicked Queen in slow motion. Her movements were slow and her lines were slow. There didn't really feel like any urgency in her actions or motivation. I don't know if she felt like being evil meant making sure you spoke slowly enough so everyone understood your evil intent. Weird. All in all I didn't like her performance. However, she really is beautiful (definitely fairer than Kristen Stewart).

Kristen Stewart was all right. She still acted the same as she does as Bella from Twilight, a little reticent in everything she does. Except at least in this film she did do something. She fought for her rightful place and didn't just let the man fight for her.

For me, I felt the movie really started when we met the eight dwarfs. Yes, eight. They brought humor and warmth into the film, which was sorely lacking prior to their appearance.

Needless to say, my favorite character in the film was the Huntsman. I have liked Chris Hemsworth ever since I saw Thor, and was so glad to see him repeat that role in The Avengers (which I saw again on Monday- loved it just as much the second time). He was great as the Huntsman, and I would consider seeing Snow White and the Huntsman again just for him (and the dwarfs).

I was a bit disappointed in true love's kiss. I wanted something bigger to happen after it. It was quite anti-climactic. It's like the writers/director felt they had to put it in because it's in the story. I was happy with the twist, but come on, give me some romance. It is a fairy tale after all.

Visually, the movie is very stunning. Very different from Mirror, Mirror. There were some very cool CGI moments.

I guess I do have more to say about the film than I previously thought. I'll let you know if I like it better on the second viewing. Chris Hemsworth is worth a second look. *wink*

The Avengers

My company treated all of us to a viewing of The Avengers on opening day. I love my job!

You would think if you have a movie that brings together such superheroes as Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) that you couldn't lose? Right? Well, with Joss Whedon at the helm as screenwriter and director, I would give a very enthusiastic "Yes"! I enjoyed the film from beginning to end.

The plot is very simple, as are most films based on comic book superheroes. Earth is in danger. The reason isn't as important as the fact that Fury (Samuel Jackson) gathers the heroes together to save Earth.

I have seen the first Iron Man film and Thor. I watched the original Incredible Hulk series with Bill Bixby, and I and saw Captain America the night before seeing The Avengers. I enjoyed all three of those movies (and the series), and I'm glad I had some background for this film.

The best part of the film for me was the dynamics and clever banter among the superheroes. Joss Whedon (creator of my much-beloved Firefly series) is such a great screenwriter, and the script here was stellar.

Chris Evans portrays the idealistic, innocent Steve Rogers so well. From his 1940s haircut to his boyish good looks, Chris looks every bit a soldier from WWII. I liked how he became the unofficial leader of the pack.

I've been a big fan of Chris Hemsworth since I saw Thor, and I loved seeing him back as the hammer-yielding God.

Robert Downey, Jr. has always been a favorite actor of mine, and his Iron Man character is great. As much as Tony Stark pretends to be self-centered, he definitely is a team player and is willing to risk a lot to save the world, and his friends. Robert Downey's portrayal of Tony is spot-on and great to watch.

I have not seen either Hulk movies, so I don't know how Eric Bana or Edward Norton were as Bruce Banner, but I loved Mark Ruffalo as Bruce/Hulk. I just don't understand the Hulk's 'personality.' The first time he changes, Bruce has no control over the monster side of him, and attacks Natasha. It seems no one can reason with the monster. However, in the big battle at the end of the movie, the superheroes tell him who attack, and he does it. Does Bruce have any control of his actions when he's the Hulk?

The villain is Thor's brother, Loki, played by the wonderful Tom Hiddleston. There are few comic book movies where the villains are charismatic, but Tom almost steals the movie, and that's a lot to say when the heroes are also great and cast so well. As Loki, Tom reminded me a bit of Iago in a stage production of Othello I saw a few years ago. He was so likable in a diabolical kind of way.

Jeremy Renner is new to me as an actor. I've heard of him, but I've never seen any of his movies. I have to say that from his performance of Hawkeye, I really want to see more of him.

I'm glad there was at least one woman among all of the men. I liked Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. I'm not familiar with the history of Black Widow, but I enjoyed the character. For some reason I thought she was a villain in Iron Man 2, which obviously I haven't seen, so I was surprised to see her as one of the heroes.

Quippy Quotes:

Steve Rogers/Captain America: I've been asleep for 70 years. I think I've had enough sleep.

Bruce Banner/Hulk: I don't think we should be focusing on Loki. That guy's brain is full of cats. You can smell crazy on him.
Thor: Take care how you speak. Loki is beyond reason, but he is of Asgard, and he is my brother.
Natasha: He killed 80 people on two days.
Thor: He is adopted.

Steve: Is everything a joke to you?
Tony Stark: Funny things are.

Steve: Doc, I think now is the perfect time for you to get angry.
Bruce: That's my secret, Cap. I'm always angry.

Stan Lee (in a cameo): Superheroes? In New York? Give me a break.

Movie Review: Mirror Mirror

I really wanted to like Mirror Mirror. This is the kind of movie I usually really like, a fairy tale adaptation that doesn't take itself too seriously. However, there was something a bit off about the script and the acting. I thought that it was going to be very funny, but most of the jokes just seemed to fall flat.

I really liked the look of the film. It's so visually stunning, and I liked the storybook world that was created for the movie. Everything had to be large and very grand, so that Julia Robert's gowns didn't seem out of place. Speaking of her gowns, I loved them. Actually, I loved most of the costumes. I especially loved Julia Roberts wedding gown. I want to borrow that for Halloween this year.

Unfortunately, Julia Roberts character just didn't work for me. In every movie she's in she always plays "Julia Roberts." Her characters don't usually vary much from that same personality. In this movie she was "Julia Roberts" saying funny lines, and acting a little evil. I also didn't really understand the woman in the mirror. She looked like she should be a nicer version of the Queen, but she did the evil magic? And the woman in the mirror was so lethargic, I wanted to shake some emotion out of her.

I liked the dwarfs and I especially liked Armie Hammer as the Prince. Just like the evil Queen, I had a hard time concentrating when Prince Alcott stood there shirtless. *swoon* Lily Collins was a very pretty Snow White and she fit the role of Snow White very well. At times she looked like a young Audrey Hepburn. Not a bad person to be compared to.

Of course they had to turn the story around and Snow White saves the Prince instead of him saving her. I didn't mind that too much, but eventually men will start complaining that they are always the "damsel in distress." It would be nice to have a little happy medium in this regard.

To sum up, I was extremely underwhelmed by the movie, which was very disappointing because I was looking forward to it.

I hope that Snow White and the Huntsman will be better. Although I'm not sure how I feel about Kristen Stewart playing Snow White in that film. She's another actress who always seems to play herself.