Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

While watching the Oscars on Sky Movies HD (some British channel thing) one commenter said that his children didn't care for Fantastic Mr. Fox and that he thought when it comes to animated movies, children should enjoy it, or what's the point? He totally neglects the possibility that maybe some animated movies are made for adults. Avatar, in all rights, was primarily animated, yet was enjoyed by adults worldwide. Fantastic Mr. Fox, however, is for the most part a children's movie. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox is the story of a fox (George Clooney) and his family who rob the local farmers of their poultry and cider. Wes Anderson is the master of subtlety and using empty space exactly where it's needed. At times awkward, the humor in Fantastic Mr. Fox would be difficult for many children to grasp. However, the escapades of Mr. Fox and friends are entertaining enough visually even for an ADD wonder brat. The entire movie is engaging and engrossing, from the low-tech stop motion animation to the bouncy, fun-loving soundtrack.

Writing: 10/10
Acting (voice): 9/10
Plot: 8/10
Visuals: 10/10

Julie & Julia (2009)

Meryl Streep is the greatest actress of our generation. That alone is enough to see Julie & Julia. The premise, however, probably deters even some of her most ardent fans. A movie about cooking? Hardly. Julie & Julia interweaves the story of how Julia Child becomes the most famous American cook and the story of a blogger named Julie (Amy Adams) who, at a time where she's turning 30 feels she's not good at anything, decides to start a blog about completing every recipe in Julia Child's 734-page Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I concede that it doesn't sound all that interesting, but add a dash of romance, drama, and politics, and the story becomes remarkable.

The acting is brilliant on Meryl Streep (surprise, surprise), Amy Adams and Stanly Tucci's part. Playing a public figure with distinct mannerisms and an over the top personality is difficult. Meryl Streep does it effortlessly; she is Julia Child. Even those, like me, who are too young to be familiar with Julia Child's work and television shows know who she is and you'll recognize how dead on Streep's performance is. Amy Adams' Julie is incredibly sincere, somewhat naive, and beautifully diffident. I must admit that the character of Julie was partially the inspiration for starting this very blog. Stanley Tucci is an incredibly likable actor and there is no exception for his role as Julia Child's incredibly loving and sanguine diplomat husband.

I think Julie & Julia is a lovely film in the truest sense of the word. I don't care if you give a shit about cooking or blogging or history, it's well made. The acting and dialogue are consistently interesting. The stories are woven together masterfully. I think if you're looking for a well crafted, moving film, Julie & Julia is worth your time.

There are no explosions in this film.

Writing: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Plot: 7/10
Visuals: 7/10