Category: Film Reviews

Movie Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love
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Movie Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love

I’ve never been a huge Steve Carell fan. Don’t get me wrong. I really like the show, “The Office,” and I LOVED The 40 Year-Old Virgin. But, Carell never wowed me.  Until now.

Crazy, Stupid, Love was a huge surprise for me. Its reviews were pretty good, but I didn’t expect it to be one of the best comedies I’ve seen in a really, really long time. It has everything. A relatable plot, a smooth, fast pace, lots of laugh-out-loud scenes, heartfelt relationships and loveable characters that had me rooting for them through the entire movie.

At the beginning of Crazy, Stupid, Love, Cal Weaver’s wife of 25 years, Emily (played by the always- good Julianne Moore) tells him she wants a divorce. Cal’s appearance at this point is a bit pitiful as the square, ordinary guy who somewhere along the line got really boring and lost sight of how to have any real fun in life. Enter Jacob Palmer, (played by the hot, hot, hot Ryan Gosling). When Jake observes Cal in a bar, the sexy womanizer feels sorry for him and offers Cal a makeover to try to help him get women.

Carell and Gosling are great together! I laughed and laughed as the two polar opposites fought with each other, shopped together, had fun together, learned valuable things from one another, and became true friends.

All of the relationships in the movie are amazing. Cal and Emily, who clearly love each other,  Cal and Jake, Jake and Hanna, the girl he unexpectedly falls for (played by the adorable Emma Stone) who has the eternal bachelor out of control for the first time in his life,  Cal and the 16 year-old babysitter who’s secretly in love with him, and Cal’s son who’s in love with the babysitter. This love triangle (which includes the babysitter’s dad, who thinks his daughter’s hooking up with Cal) could be the funniest part of Crazy, Stupid, Love.

This movie had a lot going on. In other words, it wasn’t one of those predictable romantic comedies with one plotline where you’re waiting to see the ending you can easily picture in your mind. Crazy, Stupid, Love is full of surprises and unpredictability.

Crazy, Stupid, Love made me laugh so much, my cheeks were hurting by the end of the movie. It also made me cry, get really sentimental, giggle, and feel GREAT about so many things when it comes to love and family. There’s also a really good twist at the end!!

Crazy, Stupid, Love could be one of my all-time favorite comedies, with very talented performances by Carell and Gosling, A chemistry between the two that’s unforgettable, Crazy, Stupid, Love has an Indi film feel to it, but it’s also got that Hollywood firytale ending.  What a great movie!

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Movie Review: Midnight In Paris
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Movie Review: Midnight In Paris

I can honestly say I’ve never seen a movie with Owen Wilson in it that I didn’t love, and in which I didn’t love HIM . That’s why renting “Midnight In Paris” (which was one of the Oscar nominations for best picture) really was a no-brainer for me. My opinion of a Woody Allen movie, on the other hand can go either way. You’ve got “Annie Hall,” one of the best movies of all time, and movies like “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” “Match Point,” and “Hanna and Her Sisters,” that are all winners. But Woody Allen movies like “Hollywood Ending” give me cause to believe that even an amazingly talented writer, director and actor can screw up once in awhile. So, you never know.

After watching “Midnight In Paris,” I can safely say, Allen did not screw up. This movie was charming, smart, funny, romantic and sweet, and no, I’m not confusing the movie with Wilson himself, although the actor is all of those things, too. Throw Rachel McAdams in the film as Wilson’s girlfriend and co-star, and Kathy Bates (who’s good in EVERY movie) as the great writer and poet, Gertrude Stein and you’ve got a cast that makes me realize just how brilliant Allen can be.

“Midnight in Paris” is the story of an engaged couple, Gil and Inez, who are vacationing with her parents in Paris. Gil, a successful Hollywood writer who’s trying to become a novelist falls in love with the elegance and history of Paris, while Inez views it as a fun vacation with great shopping. The two start spending time with family friend Paul (played by Michael Sheen) and his wife Carol (played by Nina Arianda) and that’s when things start getting interesting. Inez seems taken with Paul, and Gil would rather be spending time touring his new favorite city than hanging out with the overbearing intellectual guy who’s constantly trying to impress his fiancé.

Midnight in Paris Film review by Live Fit MagazineOne night, Paul invites the couple to go dancing. Inez happily accepts, but Gil declines, and on his walk back to the hotel he meets a group of people who magically take him (and us) into the 1920’s, where Gil mingles with greats like author F. Scott Fitzgerald, composer Cole Porter, actress Josephine Baker, artist Pablo Picasso, writer Ernest Hemingway, and writer and poet Gertrude Stein (played by Bates.)

Gil is enchanted with his newfound era and begins wandering the streets of Paris every night for the opportunity to spend time with his new friends, in particular Adrianna (Picasso’s mistress) with whom he’s utterly enthralled. His journey of hobnobbing with the greats unexpectedly begins helping Gil learn a lot about himself, his relationship, and what he wants out of life.

The only thing that kind of bugged me about “Midnight In Paris” was Inez. She was a complete biatch (no offense) with no redeeming qualities, and I wondered why Gil was engaged to her in the first place. It was a bit unrealistic, although McAdams played the role spectacularly, making me hate her the entire time.

“Midnight In Paris” made me feel like Gil did, fascinated by the allure of the 20’s and caught up in the elegance and charm of Paris, and the magic that can happen when one’s soul is captivated by the city of love. “Midnight In Paris” is a movie I could watch again and again, possibly one of Allen’s best films. And as far as my Owen, as always, he didn’t disappoint. The wedding crasher charmed me, and I rooted for him and adored him throughout this film.

“Midnight In Paris” is one of those feel good movies, sprinkled with Woody Allen quirkiness, and romantic enough to make anyone watching it believe that if something feels right, all your dreams can come true.

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The Invisible Children of Uganda
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The Invisible Children of Uganda

It’s 9pm in San Diego, California. For the littlest ones in your house, it’s time for bed. They may wake up a in an hour or two from a bad dream but. thanks to you, their hero, you reassure them that it was only a dream and that all the monsters underneath their bed have been chased away. Over 9 thousand miles away in Acholiland, Uganda children aren’t as fortunate. They are waking up in the middle of a real-life nightmare.

These brave kids are known as The Invisible Children. Their story was captured by happenstance by three young filmmakers who journeyed to Africa in hopes to document the mass genocide in Darfur, but instead were shocked by the stories of the children who live in constant fear of being abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army.

Kony 2012 Documentary photoThe LRA is a militant group commanded by Joseph Kony, a Ugandan guerrilla leader who, in 2008, was placed on the United State’s Treasury Department’s list of specially designated global terrorists. His mission: abducting children from their homes, giving them weapons, and teaching them how to kill in order to maintain his “power.” In nearly two decades more than 30 thousand children have been captured from their homes. The boys are forced to become child soldiers, sometimes murdering their own family members as initiation, and the girls are doomed to sexual slavery.

While your children are getting tucked into their beds, the Invisible Children of Uganda are waking up away from their homes. Every night, children between the ages of three and 17 walk up to 12 miles in the dark to city centers where they sleep in packed rooms in order to escape from LRA who target their small villages.

The Invisible Children Inc., founded by the same filmmakers who initially captured their story, has grown exponentially in the past several years. They have raised money to rebuild schools that have been destroyed by violence. They have organized the Global Night Commute where more than 80 thousand people in 126 U.S. cities and seven countries around the world marched together and spent the night in parks in order to raise awareness and show support for the night walkers of Uganda. They have 1.5 million followers on Facebook, and just recently they released their newest campaign which, in a matter of only two days, has already reached over 11 million viewers on youtube.

Kony 2012 is the latest campaign started by Invisible Children Inc. It’s main goal is to make Joseph Kony infamous by exposing his cruelty to those who have never heard his name. Currently, the United States has sent a handful of troops into Uganda in hopes of capturing Kony and bringing him to justice for his crimes which include 33 charges, 12 counts for crimes against humanity including murder, sexual enslavement, rape, and forced enlistment into the rebel ranks. The Invisible Children organization urges people to get involved and use their voice to make a difference in the lives of those who can no longer speak for themselves.

Be a hero to the Invisible Children of Uganda by getting rid of the monsters in their lives. Spread the word and join the movement of Kony 2012.

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Arthur: The Remake Film Doesn’t Disappoint!
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Arthur: The Remake Film Doesn’t Disappoint!

I’m a huge fan of the 1981 movie “Arthur,” starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli. What I’m not always crazy about are remakes, which is why I was a little bit skeptical about 2011’s“Arthur,” with Russell Brand and Jennifer Garner, although I do love both of those actors.

What I will say with strong conviction is that the new “Arthur” will not disappoint! Producers had the guts to make it different enough from the first one, that it takes on its own identity, instead of being yet another remake that didn’t quite measure up to the real thing.
The plot is basically the same, carefree, irresponsible, but loveable billionaire Arthur Bach has to marry Susan, a longtime family friend (who he clearly doesn’t love), or his family will cut him off. Here are some of the differences. Susan in the first “Arthur” is sweet, kind and very clueless, (played by Jill Eikenberry, who  was fantastic). The new “Arthur’s” Susan is conniving, manipulative, and extremely unlikable (which I credit to good dialogue and great acting).

Another major difference: in the first “Arthur,” Hobson, Arthur’s butler is a man. In this “Arthur,” she’s a woman, who jokes that she’s Arthur’s nanny.

I think what made this movie so great was the casting. Russell Brand is amazing. This is the first movie I’ve ever seen where he really gets to show off his talent. And he truly is talented. So funny, so loveable and adorable, I found myself cracking up constantly and rooting for him the entire time. On a side note, I felt the exact same way about Dudley Moore.

Then there’s Hobson, (played by Helen Mirren). Can I just say, she was probably the best part of the movie! What an amazing performance!! The relationship between she and Arthur was so darn cute, and I wanted to just keep watching. Another fantastic casting move was putting Nick Nolte in as Arthur’s future father-in-law, Burt Johnson. Hilarious, especially a scene where Arthur is playing with a nail gun and he accidentally hits Burt multiple times, leaving the “tough as nails” guy unfazed. The woman Arthur falls for, Naomi, (played by Greta Gerwig) was also a great choice, and so was Arthur’s butler, Bitterman, (played by Luis Guzman.)

The only thing that lagged a bit for me were the dates with Arthur and Naomi. They were a little drawn out. Then again, who am I kidding? I’m a sucker for a good, romantic scene.

I would highly recommend “Arthur,” an adorable, feel-good, hilarious at times, fun fun movie! And if I had to pick between the first “Arthur” and the second? It’s a tough decision. Here’s an idea. Watch both in one night!

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The Film The Debt Pays Big: Delivers Action, Suspense & Surprise Ending (film review)
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The Film The Debt Pays Big: Delivers Action, Suspense & Surprise Ending (film review)

I can’t think of a better movie rental right now than “The Debt,” a captivating, action-packed drama about three Mossad secret agents who, 30 years after carrying out a mission to capture a Nazi war criminal, must face the consequences of what really happened.

Now, I have to be honest; the first ten minutes of the film, I kept saying, “Huh? What just happened?” Scenes from the past and the present are intertwined, which made it a bit confusing . However, my advice is, keep watching and don’t ask questions. The pieces all come together pretty quickly and that’s when you’ll be completely captivated by this amazing film.

This movie will take you on a wild ride with its gripping plot, its nonstop action and its complicated love triangle. It starts off in 1997, when the daughter of former Mossad agent, Rachel (played by Helen Mirren, who’s amazing) publishes a book about her mother’s heroic capture of a horrific German doctor who tortured Jews during the Holocaust. “The Debt” then takes us back to the past.

The year is 1966, and Rachel, Stephan (her now ex-husband), and David, the man she truly loves are putting into operation their elaborate and well-thought-out plan. But when things go wrong, the three make a decision that will haunt them for almost their entire lives.

The Debt, a film review by Live Fit MagazineBack to 1997, the threat of the truth coming out presents itself, and now they must decide how to handle “The Debt.”

Jessica Chastain plays young Rachel and, let me tell you, she is absolutely beautiful! Her relationship with David (played by Sam Worthington) is done really, really well, to the point where I wanted them to be together so badly I had tears in my eyes. Another great character is Doktor Bernhardt (played by Jesper Christiensen). This guy is despicable! Wicked and evil to the core.

And the ending is amazing, with a scene that is so shocking, scary and creepy, I actually gasped loudly!

“The Debt” is a must-see movie.

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Movie Review: Love And Other Drugs
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Movie Review: Love And Other Drugs

Having been a pharmaceutical rep for four years, I was very curious to see this romantic comedy about a clueless womanizer who lucks his way into a job with Pfizer, and falls for a patient with Parkinson’s, who he meets while on the job.

Based on Jamie Reidy’s non-fiction book, “Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman” this movie depicts the pharmaceutical industry PERFECTLY!! Everything from the over-the-top training programs and the money big companies spend, to the persistence needed by the reps to woo doctors into prescribing their drugs in order to make quotas, the writers really got it right, which makes sense, since Reidy was one of them.

Here’s the thing. Producers decided to add this whole other plot to the movie that wasn’t in the book: the relationship between the main character, pharmaceutical rep Jamie Randall, (played by the adorable Jake Gyllenhall) and the woman he falls madly in love with, Maggie Murdock (played by Anne Hathaway with her beautiful lips and sexy voice). Although loveable from the beginning, the power of love changes Jamie from a heartbreaking womanizer to a giving, selfless person who has finally realized how fulfilling true love can be.

It came as no surprise to learn that Edward Zwick directed Love And Other Drugs. After all, two of my absolute favorite films are Legends Of The Fall and About Last Night, both directed by Zwick. And the casting could not have been better. Gyllenhall and Hathaway have a very believable chemistry that had me rooting for them the entire time. Then there’s Jamie’s hilarious newly independently wealthy younger brother, Josh(played by Josh Gad),  who moves in with him after his wife dumps him. Gad had me laughing out loud at times. Other really great characters were old timer, burned out pharma rep, Bruce Winston (played by Oliver Platt) who’s hired to train Jamie in the field, and Dr. Stan Knight (played by Hank Azaria) a key influential physician who Jamie’s determined to win over in order to impact his sales.

My very favorite part of Love and Other Drugs is when Jamie starts selling Viagra. A huge fan of historical fiction, I remember when Viagra came out, and all the hype associated with it, and to see it on film was so energizing and funny. Everyone in the film refers to Viagra as the *uck drug, which I found hilarious.

Love and Other Drugs  was a super cute romantic comedy and, although I thought there was a little too much nakedness and sex (could have been just as good with less of that),  I was inspired by watching Jamie’s journey and seeing him grow and mature into the wonderful person I knew he innately was. There was also the element of Parkinson’s . Getting a glimpse of the disease was interesting and gave me a newfound understanding and appreciation for people who suffer from it.

Love and Other Drugs is a great rental that had me laughing and tearing up throughout. And, I absolutely cannot wait to read Reidy’s book!

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“Bridesmaids” Film–Not Just A Chick Flick
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“Bridesmaids” Film–Not Just A Chick Flick

Are you in the mood to sit in front of the TV for two hours giggling and laughing out loud every few minutes? Oh, and having your jaw on the ground for most of it? If that’s the case, you have to see Bridesmaids! I LOVED this movie!!! It was truly hysterically funny.

Bridesmaids is kind of the female version of The Hangover, in my opinion. If I had to pick which movie was better, I’m not sure I could. Very much like The Hangover, Bridesmaids is for both guys and girls–NOT a chick flick by any means! No sappy romance (although there were some cute, sentimental moments) and not a predictable storyline. Read More »

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“The Help” Film Will Have You Laughing and Crying
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“The Help” Film Will Have You Laughing and Crying

Since the second I noticed the seven-foot movie poster display for The Help, (about three months ago at my local theater) I’ve been waiting with bated breath to see the movie adaptation of one of the best books I have ever read in my life.

I can say with conviction, The Help is in my top ten best-ever novels. So, out of curiosity, knowing full well that I’d probably like the movie, but that it would certainly pale in comparison to the book, I had an obsession to see Kathryn Stockett’s amazing work on the big screen. Read More »

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Love is in the Air
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Love is in the Air

Live Fit Magazine is proud to feature Sean Hasson & Jenn Collie in the first segment of our LoveBird Legacy Video series. They’re affectionately known as”Shenn”. These love birds are getting married in a couple of months. After working together for more than a year, the two soon-to-be love birds met on a boating excursion… it was destiny. “It’s about if you can marry that person and be with that person for the next 50, 60, 70 years–that’s to me when you know–is when you can spend the rest of your life with that person,” says Sean.

“If I saw him I’d get so nervous,” gushes Jenn. “I never had butterflies like that before.”
You’ll never believe how this couple got engaged!Falling in love is so beautiful. See Sean and Jenn in their self-told love story captured by Live Fit Films.

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  • Get Cozy in Comfortable and Chic Fashions

    Aspen

    Aspen

    On the slopes or at a holiday gathering, you'll be a hit when you cozy up in this lovely chocolate-colored cowl-neck sweater dress. The elegantly-draped collar and slim fitting wool knit silhouette will be sure to keep you warm in the cold days ahead.  (Please note: the hemline of the dress hits at the knee and is four inches longer than  it appears in the photographs.)

     
    The dress is made of chocolate-colored wool/knit. 
     
    To care for this dress, hand wash and hang to dry.
     
    This dress fits true to size.
     
     


    Aspen