that girl says

It began in 2006 as a hit Disney Channel TV series and then branched out to the big screen in 2008 with Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds Concert.  Now the “Hannah Montana” phenomenon is all grown up with a full-length feature film entitled Hannah Montana: The Movie.  Just as the franchise continues to grow in success, the film depicts Hannah’s continued climb to stardom as an international pop sensation.

At the film’s start, Hannah seems to be the girl who has everything, but somewhere amidst the hair, make-up and Rodeo Drive shopping sprees, Miley has begun to get lost in the shuffle.  In an attempt to help her return to her roots, Miley’s father (Billy Ray Cyrus) tricks her into going home to Tennessee for her grandma’s birthday.  This is where the adventure begins, as Miley reconnects with her family, falls in love and rediscovers herself in the countryside of her home town of Crowley Corners.  Miley is joined on the big screen by several favorites from the TV show and additional cameos by Tyra Banks, Taylor Swift, and Rascal Flatts.

Hannah Montana: The Movie was definitely not on my must see list, but since it was a slow weekend as far as releases, I thought I would give it a shot for the sake of you, i am that girl readers.  I walked into the theater with several preconceived notions about this film, despite the fact that I’ve never even seen an episode of the TV series.  I was expecting screaming tweens, blond wigs, and bad pop songs… So when I actually got a touching coming-of-age story, I was pleasantly surprised.

Miley is likeable on-screen and it’s hard not to fall for her charm and youthful energy.  There is an innocence about her that is endearing and the film proves to be genuine and heartfelt overall.  While the plot seems fairly generic and borders on corny cliché at times, it is perfectly suited for its target demographic of young girls.  There is also a wholesome message at the film’s core about finding yourself by returning to your roots and the importance of knowing where you’re from to get to where you’re going.

In the end, it’s all about the journey or “the climb” as they refer to it in the film and as Miley learns, no matter how much commercial or financial success you may achieve, knowing who you are and staying true to yourself is the true definition of success.  The film also offers an interesting depiction of fame through the Miley Cyrus/ Hannah Montana dichotomy, delving into how notoriety can change people and the importance of staying grounded.  In terms of production value, this big-version is well shot and directed and while the music lacks originality, it’s still catchy and appropriate for the story.

That Girl says: Like it! This is almost embarrassing to admit, but Disney delivers an upbeat and uplifting tale that is sure to make audiences smile.  It may be formulaic, but it’s a formula that works and transfers nicely from the small to the big screen.  Amidst the clutter at the box office, it’s encouraging to find a film that promotes the importance of a woman knowing herself and Miley seems to be a positive role model that young girls can identify with.

Release Date:  April 10th, 2009 (Wide Release)
Running Time:  102 minutes
Rated:  G
Company:  Walt Disney Pictures
Cast: Miley Cyrus – Hannah Montana / Miley Stewart
Billy Ray Cyrus – Robby Ray Stewart
Emily Osment – Lilly Truscott / Lola Luftnagle
Jason Earles – Jackson Stewart
Mitchel Musso – Oliver Oken / Mike Standley III
Moises Arias – Rico
Lucas Till – Travis Brody
Vanessa Williams – Vita
Margo Martindale – Ruby
Director: Peter Chelsom
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/hannahmontanamovie/#/home

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Hide

Fast & Furious raced into theaters this weekend and broke box office records while doing it.  Dragging in a stunning $72.5 million, an amount previously unprecedented for an April release, is it really worth the hype?

First of all, I know what you’re thinking: “Didn’t I already see this movie like 8 years ago?”  Sort of… Funny how you can drop some “the’s,” add an ampersand, and somehow end up with a whole new movie, right?  This is the fourth installment in Universal’s franchise and the first time the original cast has been reunited since the original The Fast and the Furious (2001). This time around, Dom (Diesel) is in the Dominican Republic, still a fugitive from the law after Brian (Walker) let him go in the first film and he fled across the border to Mexico.  Meanwhile, Brian has been chained to a desk at the FBI and is ready to go undercover and get back to the streets.  The two remain on opposite sides of the law until Dom’s long-time love, Letty (Rodriguez) is harmed and the two reunite to avenge her and bring down a drug lord who is using street racers to smuggle drugs across the border.  The high-speed pursuit runs from the streets of LA to the tunnels of Mexico as the two attempt to outmaneuver the dangerous drug cartel.

This movie is pure testosterone from the opening sequence to the closing credits.  It will undoubtedly play well amongst 16-year-old boys, but how will it fair for the rest of us?  Well ladies, this is a mediocre film at best.  It’s high octane, the cars are cool, and the street racing is somewhat entertaining, but that’s where my compliments end and my criticism begins.  The story completely lacks any character development and the lack of back-story may make it difficult for anyone who is unfamiliar with the older films to fully understand it.  The special effects look like cheesy CGI and the acting is laughable.  Paul Walker is easy on the eyes (as usual) and I only mention this fact because women in the film are completely objectified.  Neither of the film’s main female characters seem to serve any purpose except for to be love interests for the male leads and every woman featured at the street races seems to be in full hooker attire.  Overall, I think I could have done without the “new model” and “original parts.”

That Girl says: Leave it!  Fast & Furious would have made a great videogame for adolescent males, but it falls short as a film.  While the fast pace will carry you throughout without being too bored, the cool car chases just aren’t enough to make up for the intolerable acting and lackluster effects.

Release Date:  April 3rd, 2009 (Wide Release)
Running Time:  107 minutes
Rated:  PG-13
Company: Universal Pictures
Cast:  Vin Diesel – Dominic Toretto
Paul Walker – Brian O’Conner
Jordana Brewster – Mia Toretto
Michelle Rodriguez – Letty
Director: Justin Lin
Official Site: http://www.fastandfuriousmovie.net/

, , , , , , , Hide

Witch Mountain is back in theaters this weekend, restarting the beloved Disney franchise of the 1970’s that began with Escape to Witch Mountain and continued with the sequel Return to Witch Mountain.  This latest installment, Race to Witch Mountain, stars Dwayne Johnson (formerly known as “The Rock”) as Jack Bruno, a Las Vegas cabbie who is thrown into an action-packed race against the clock when two teens with supernatural powers end up in the back of his cab.  Bruno and the alien twins, Seth (Alexander Ludwig) and Sara (AnnaSophia Robe), embark on an adventure through the Nevada desert as they attempt to get to Witch Mountain before it’s too late.  With the help of brilliant astrophysicist, Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino), they must solve the secrets of Witch Mountain in order to save humanity.

I definitely remember watching the original films as a child and while this latest version doesn’t possess the magic of the originals, it seems to hold up on its own accord.  Perhaps the most action-packed Disney movie that’s ever been made, this film is appealing to both children and adults. The relatively unknown child actors are perfectly cast and Johnson and Gugino have a quirky chemistry that seems to work well on screen.  It’s short and quick-paced with action driving a relatively simple story.  There’s not much to it in terms of plot, but overall it’s an entertaining ride for parents to embark on with their kids.

That Girl says: Like It!  Race to Witch Mountain may not measure up to its predecessors, but it’s a film the whole family can enjoy.  It will remind adults of their love for the original films from the ‘70’s and expose a new generation of children to a classic science fiction franchise.  It may not be a hit with my demographic, but I can appreciate it as an action-packed adventure for parents and their kids.

Release Date:  March 13th, 2009 (Wide Release)
Running Time: 98 minutes
Rated: PG
Company: Walt Disney Pictures
Cast:  Dwayne Johnson – Jack Bruno
AnnaSophia Robe – Sara
Alexander Ludwig   – Seth
Carla Gugino – Dr. Alex Friedman
Ciarán Hinds – Henry Burke
Garry Marshall – Dr. Donald Harlan
Tom Everett Scott   – Matheson
Chris Marquette – Pope
Billy Brown – Carson
Kim Richards – Tina
Ike Eisenmann – Sheriff Antony
Director: Andy Fickman
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/racetowitchmountain/

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Hide

The International makes its way to domestic movie theaters this weekend.  Directed by Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run), the film stars Clive Owen as Interpol Agent, Louis Salinger, and Naomi Watts as a Manhattan Assistant District Attorney, Eleanor Whitman.  In this film, Salinger and Whitman team up to stop a powerful European bank that is believed to be funding terrorism.  Chasing the trail of money around the globe, the two find themselves risking their own lives to bring the bank to justice and to fight their own war on terror.

Marketed as a conspiracy thriller, I expected this film to be two hours of high-octane action and suspense, but despite its slick appearance, the pace is sluggish and the plot overly convoluted.  There is an impressive use of locations, but we crawl from Berlin to Milan and from New York to Istanbul without any clear picture of what we, or the characters for that matter, are actually doing there.  The script is poorly written with a plot that is almost incoherent and dialogue that is, at times, cringe-worthy.  Clive Owen essentially plays Clive Owen, which doesn’t bother me nearly as much as the dreadful performance delivered by Naomi Watts.  The film is impressively shot and pieced together in an almost Bourne-like manner, but despite a riveting shoot-out in the Guggenheim Museum in New York, it is completely forgettable.

That Girl says: Loathe It!  While this film may appear well crafted, the story is so full of holes and implausibility that it is ultimately a waste of time and money.  Dealing with subject matter like banking corruption, the film could have made a relevant statement about our current economic crisis, but it misses the mark entirely.  If you are going to spend your money at the movies this holiday weekend, Friday the 13th is a much better bet.  And you can take that to the bank.

Release Date:  February 13th, 2009 (Wide Release)
Running Time:  118 minutes
Rated:  R
Company:  Columbia Pictures
Cast:  Clive Owen – Louis Salinger
Naomi Watts – Eleanor Whitman
Armin Mueller-Stahl – Wilhelm Wexler
Brian F. O’Byrne – The Consultant
Director: Tom Tykwer
Official Site:  www.everybodypays.com/ www.stoptheinternational.com

, , , , , , , , Hide

After two weeks in limited release, the World War II drama Defiance goes wide in theaters this MLK weekend.  Set in the year 1941 and based on actual events, the film tells the extraordinary tale of three Jewish brothers and their battle against the Nazis.  As Jews are being massacred across Eastern Europe, the Bieleski brothers, played by Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell, take refuge in the dense Belarus Forest, which was once their childhood playground.  As others slowly learn of this family surviving in the woods, hundreds flock to the forest in an effort to escape the Nazis and live freely among those who share their faith.  As the community grows under the brothers’ leadership, something extraordinary happens – amidst a harsh winter full of death and loss, humanity thrives and hope is re-born.

It’s always difficult to evaluate films set in this era because there is such sensitivity about the historical period.  The Holocaust is the greatest tragedy the world has ever experienced; however, it is often hard to separate the harsh reality of the actual events from how they are depicted onscreen.  Just because a film deals with the Holocaust as subject matter, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a “good” movie that audiences should run out to see.

Defiance seems to walk this line – I want to love it because the source material is so remarkable, but the film itself has its flaws.  In terms of performance, Liev Screiber is truly phenomenal, but Daniel Craig is lackluster in the starring role.  He is supposed to be an idealistic leader, but he plays the part so stoically that I question his ability to inspire the masses as the character did in real life.  More importantly, his lack of emotion made it challenging for me to connect to what could have and should have been a very touching film. That said, I don’t think all of the blame rests on Craig as Zwick’s direction probably played a significant role as well.  Overall, it seemed as if all of the elements were present to make Defiance an outstanding film, but somehow the sum ended up being less than the parts.  Even James Newton Howard’s Golden Globe-nominated score couldn’t aid in translating the urgency of this real-life struggle for survival to the silver screen.

That Girl says: Like It!  Defiance is a celebration of family, redemption and humanity that should be seen for its historical value even though it plays like a conventional war movie.  It’s an inspirational story that is certainly worthy of the big screen, but a combination of elements, including Daniel Craig’s static performance, make the film feel somewhat uninspired.

Release Date:  January 16th, 2009 (Limited Release)
Running Time:  137 minutes
Rated:  R
Company:  Paramount Vantage
Cast: Daniel Craig – Tuvia Bielski
Liev Schreiber – Zus Bielski
Jamie Bell     - Asael Bielski
Alexa Davalos – Lilka Ticktin
Allan Corduner – Shamon Haretz
Mark Feuerstein – Isaac Malbin
Director:  Edward Zwick
Official Site:  www.defiancemovie.com

, , , , , , , , , , , Hide

Romantic comedy Bride Wars joins the academy contending heavyweights at the battle of the box office this weekend.  Starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, Bride Wars is the story of two best friends with a shared childhood dream of a June wedding at New York’s Plaza Hotel.  Now both are about to be married, but an error by the office of their mutual wedding coordinator (Candice Bergen), accidentally books their weddings on the same day.  Oh no! Best friends become Bridezillas as both refuse to change their date and the clash over the “perfect” wedding threatens their life-long bond.

While Bride Wars is far from cinematic excellence, I have no doubt that moviegoers will flock to see it this weekend.  The story is entertaining and Hudson and Hathaway are a good match on-screen.  That said, Kate Hudson has had a string of mediocre roles and this is no exception as she plays Liv, a successful lawyer who knows what she wants and usually gets it.  Anne Hathaway, on the other hand, shines as usual in her performance as school teacher Emma, which proved to be the highlight of the film for me.  In addition, Candice Bergen is a perfect fit for the part of the wedding planner, though I’m getting a little weary of watching her repeatedly play similar characters.  There is just one more comment I need to make in terms of performance.  Kristen Johnson, who plays a fellow teacher at Emma’s school, looks so skinny that it can only be described as sickly.  In fact, it was so distracting that it completely pulled me out of the movie every time she appeared on-screen. But beyond this, there are enough laughs to keep you smiling throughout and make the movie ultimately enjoyable.

That Girl says: Like It!  It’s corny and predictable, but if you’re in the mood for something cute and light-hearted, you may find this chick flick worthwhile.  While many of the performances are lack-luster, Hathaway will undoubtedly make you crack a smile.  The film will not only remind you of the importance of friendship, but looking at Kristen Johnson will make you remember how important it is to take care of your body and eat healthy.

Release Date:  January 9th, 2008 (Wide Release)
Running Time:  90 minutes
Rated:  PG
Company:  20th Century Fox
Cast:  Kate Hudson – Liv
Anne Hathaway – Emma
Kristen Johnston – Deb
Bryan Greenberg – Nate
Candice Bergen – Marion St. Claire
Steve Howey – Daniel
Chris Pratt – Fletcher
Director: Gary Winick
Official Site: www.bridewars.com

, , , , , , , , , , , Hide

It was nearly four years ago that I rolled up to a small coffee shop/concert venue in San Diego called Lestat’s. My presence had been demanded by a friend who insisted I hear a new artist named Erin McCarley. Erin, petite and darlingly adorable, got up on stage with her guitar and began to belt it out. Normally at concerts, you kind of bop to the music, dance around and such, but I was glued to Erin, completely stationary, enthralled by her talent.  Erin has since toured with the Hotel Café Tour and Ten Out of Tenn[essee] as well as had songs featured on hit shows like One Tree Hill and Grey’s Anatomy.  But it was only today that she released her debut album, Love, Save the Empty under Universal Republic Records…to which I have one word: yippee!!!

McCarley’s freshman album is hard to sit still to; it gets your heart hoppin’ right away. Sharing songwriting credits with Jamie Kenney, McCarley writes upbeat pop songs even though she has previously admitted, “It’s hard for me to write about being happy.  I don’t prefer being sad, but it’s a real spot for me. If you met me, I’m not this dark, sulking person, though I’m not bubbly by any means either. I guess it comes down to the fact that I’m not afraid of being sad.”  And why should she be when the sadness that beats through her songs can be so uplifting?

The title track, “Love, Save the Empty,” is a song about the lack of role models in today’s world and its effects. A sobering topic, the lyrics and delivery coupled with the melody of the music make McCarley’s message more than listenable; it’s repeatable.

But don’t get stuck on repeat for too long because McCarley has about five other songs on this eleven track CD that could just as easily be title track singles. As it is, the first release off Love, Save the Empty is “Pony (It’s OK).” The song had already sold over 15,000 copies before its iTunes stamp of approval as The Song of the Week last week.

Here are a couple of favorite tracks to add from the I Am That Girl staff: “Love, Save the Empty,” “Blue Suitcase,” “Pitter-Pat”….wait!  We can’t decide.  We love them all!

That Girl Says: LOVE IT! Love, Save the Empty does not need an iTunes stamp of approval or an IATG hallmark of awesomeness to make its way through your radio and into your must-have list, but it’s got it anyway.  We just can’t get enough of this body-rockin’ (yeah, not toe-tappin’) mix of music.

Need more?  Check out Erin on tonight’s episode of The Late Show with David Letterman and on the soundtrack to the soon to be released He’s Just Not That Into You.

album available on iTunes and Amazon

, , , , , , , Hide

You don’t need to be reminded that times are hard. However, we can always use a good pick-me-up. So how do you have a good time without spending a ton of cash? The lovely Maura Madden, resident of the Big Apple and master crafter, has solved all your problems. In her new book, Crafternoon, she lays out cost-effective parties for each month of the year where you and your friends can get down and dirty arts-and-crafts style.

Don’t worry, Madden’s not going to go all Martha Stuart on you. If you don’t know pinking shears from your elbow, you’ll find yourself in good company. Each craft idea laid out in her book is designed to be simple enough that anyone from your niece to your grandma can master it. Along with each month’s crafts she also provides a recipe for something yummy to fuel your creative spirit.

In order to properly review this book I thought it was only fair to throw a Christmas Crafternoon of my own. After attending a book reading by Madden at the Urban Craft Center in Santa Monica as well as participating in a master class in clothespin doll art, I felt ready to tackle my own event. I asked folks to bring their favorite crafting materials such as glitter and ribbons as well as a tasty dish to share. I provided the essentials for the projects laid out in the December chapter such as mini bagel ornaments and clothespin reindeer. I also made the “treat of the ‘noon,” Pam Madden’s Spiced Pecans, and let me tell you, if you buy the book for that recipe alone you will certainly get your money’s worth.

I set up my garage with folding tables and enough glitter to make Tinkerbell green with envy. Then I just sat back and let the crafting unfold. A strange mix of friends and co-workers began to mingle around the pipe cleaners and pom-poms, and then a wonderful thing began to happen. Most of the crafts planned out were completely abandoned as people began to inspire each other with completely new ideas. There is something really special that happens when people start to create. Not to mention, how often have you found yourself at a party with a drink or a cigarette in your hand? That’s probably because when we’re making new friends we feel more comfortable when we have something to do with our hands; well how about making Styrofoam snowmen?

All in all my party was a success. I’ll be expecting twice the turnout for my February Crafternoon when we make handmade valentines!

IATG says: LOVE IT! Buy this book and remember why you loved the Girl Scouts when you were nine. You’ll be surprised by what your co-workers can make out of felt, and maybe you’ll even surprise yourself!

Crafternoon A Guide to Getting Artsy and Crafty with Your Friends All Year Long by Maura Madden can be purchased at www.crafternoon.com or www.amazon.com

, , , , , Hide

Like its hero, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a film “born under unusual circumstances.”  Based on a 1920’s short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the movie spent close to 15 years in development with more than a handful of top-notch talent attached along the way.  It’s certainly interesting to muse about what the film could have been with a director like Steven Spielberg or Ron Howard at the helm… But in the end, David Fincher (Zodiac) was chosen to tackle Eric Roth’s (Forest Gump) screen adaption and Brad Pitt to star as the curious title character.  The story is unusual to say the least, telling the tale of a man born in his eighties and aging backwards through the 20th century.  With New Orleans as a backdrop, the audience journeys with Benjamin from World War I to Hurricane Katrina, bearing witness to all the years and people he encounters in between.  More than anything, this is a story about mortality – an ode to life, a requiem to death and a eulogy to the timelessness of love.

With awards buzz circulating long before the film’s release, I was more than a bit curious about this movie.  Hearing words like “masterpiece” and “classic” thrown around the entertainment community, I walked into the theater with great expectations.  But as I probably should have learned by now, movies, like life, rarely measure up to what we expect. And while Ben Button is a landmark in filmmaking; it falls short of greatness in story telling.

In terms of look, the timeless charm of New Orleans creates a picturesque landscape for a film that is nothing short of visually stunning.  From start to finish, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is beautiful to behold and the seamlessness of the aging effect is an astounding accomplishment in the art of filmmaking.  A large part of the film’s lengthy development process was waiting for technology to catch up with the requirements of the story and the two met in the middle to achieve absolute cinematic perfection.  Of equal importance was the task of finding an actor who could play the character of Benjamin from his eighties through his teens and Brad Pitt does an exceptional job.  Likewise, Cate Blanchett is perfectly cast as the adult version of Daisy; the little girl Benjamin falls in love with as an old man.  When this little girl grows up, she becomes a dancer and having trained in classical ballet myself, I was impressed by her believable grace as a ballerina.  Moreover, Taraji P. Henson, who plays Queenie, the slave woman who becomes Benjamin’s mother after his father abandons him on her doorstep, delivers what is arguably the best performance in the film.  To top it all off, Alexandre Desplat’s score is simultaneously whimsical and haunting, effectively creating mood and capturing the film’s essence.

But my praise for this movie must stop here because while The Curious Case of Benjamin Button succeeds as an epic life story, it fails as an epic love story.  Central to the film is the relationship between Benjamin and Daisy, who meet early on and come into and out of each other’s lives. Yet this is by no means a fairytale love and their relationship feels oddly mature. They’re not star-crossed lovers but two adults who finally get together when the timing is right.  While I appreciate this incredibly realistic depiction of relationships, it doesn’t allow the audience to emotionally invest in the characters. There were so many hellos and good-byes between the two, that their moments of joy together had little emotional effect on me as a viewer. I wanted to rejoice when they finally settled down together, but somehow I just wasn’t touched.

Part of the problem is the pace of a film that clocks in at nearly three hours.  There are sections that drag as the story lacks drama and after investing that much time in the relationship between these two characters, there doesn’t seem to be a true moment of pay off for the audience.  The other flaw is in the characters themselves who don’t change much over the course of the film or their lives.  While many would argue that people don’t really change, we never see Benjamin develop any sort of emotional maturity and he never seems to apply any of the wisdom he’s gained from his unusual situation.  Aging backwards seems a wonderfully original premise, but the film never fully analyzes this concept. Don’t we always say, “I wish I knew then what I know now?”  Doesn’t it seem odd to make this sort of film without discussing how the wisdom of old age could affect the decisions of youth?  Or maybe that’s the point? Maybe this knowledge wouldn’t necessarily change anything.  Maybe it’s just about living in the moment because when the past can’t be distinguished from the future, all you have is the present.

That Girl says: Like It!  I walked into the theater with great expectations for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but the film, like the title character, is unusually passive.  While stunning both visually and technologically, it lacks the passion that would have made it a masterpiece.  That said, it is an epic story, which contemplates life, love and loss and encourages viewers to do the same.  At its core is a message about time and love being the greatest of commodities and I walked out of the theater with a new appreciation for the two.  If this film can make you look at your own life differently, then however flawed it may be, it’s three hours well spent.

Release Date:  December 25th, 2008 (Wide Release)
Running Time: 159 minutes
Rated:  PG-13
Company:  Paramount Pictures
Cast:  Brad Pitt – Benjamin Button
Cate Blanchett – Daisy
Taraji P. Henson – Queenie
Tilda Swinton – Elizabeth Abbott
Julia Ormond – Caroline
Jason Flemyng – Thomas Button
Elias Koteas – Monsieur Gateau
Director:  David Fincher
Official Site: www.benjaminbutton.com

, , , , , , , , , , , , , Hide

« Previous Entries

Next Page »

Famous People Music Albums MTV Wallpapers News portal


Theme Development by Kokorosweet