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Mock Squid Soup Movies

3 clues to guess my Apr ‘16 movie: A Mock Squid Soup Teaser #cinephiles #film #review

movieclue

Sorry I’m a bit late, but here I go.

Clue #1– This movie won four Oscars though the lead actor has never won one (he’s been nominated twice).

Clue #2– As of March 28th, this film is two years old.

Clue #3– This film has a culturally diverse cast with actors from many different countries, which makes sense because the setting of the film is a fictional East Indian country.

Do you think you know what my movie is? I am making this way too hard?

I can’t wait to see everyone else’s clues. I hope I guess some right. I’m so looking forward to the actual reviews that will be posted next week.

Mock Squid Soup – Film Society

41375-mocksquidsoup2

MOCK! and The Armchair Squid are proud to introduce Mock Squid Soup: A Film Society. Each month, on the second Friday, we shall host a bloghop devoted to movie reviews. We invite others to participate and post their reviews…Don’t be shy; come join the fun! 😀

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
Mock Squid Soup Movies

Moonstruck #Review – Mock Squid Soup No.16 #cinephiles #film #romcom

Wikipedia

I can’t believe I’m going to follow in the talented footsteps of the great Cherdo, but this month I decided to review Moonstruck because I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed it before.

If anyone is interested in my experience of watching Moonstruck, click here to see my notes.

This review will consist of me asking myself 10 questions and answering them to the best of my ability.

1. What is this film about?

A middle-aged widow gets engaged to a close friend and is tasked with inviting the brother, not knowing there is bad blood there. Once they meet, she realizes she may have the wrong brother, but isn’t willing to risk causing bad luck to her future.

2. What did I think of the title, poster, and or trailer?

When I first saw this movie it had long become a VHS top seller. I was too young to see it when it originally released, so I don’t remember my impressions of the trailer and poster back then. However, when I look at the movie poster now, I think whimsy and calamity all in the name of love- New York, Italian style.

3. What did I think of the main character(s) and how the actors performed them?

I must admit I love pretty much all of the performances in this movie. I like the idea of Cher being a mild-mannered accountant knowing that in real-life she’s the exact opposite. As for Nicolas Cage, I think it’s one of his better comedic performances. If he’s supposed to be taken seriously, I didn’t get the message. And the rest of this cast is outstanding. I really felt like these people were a real family, even with being familiar with their other roles.

4. What did I think of the direction and cinematography?

I liked how the movie felt so real. I feel like there are no special filters here or ultra-bright lights or colors, yet the film still feels colorful.

5. What did I think of the soundtrack and score?

I adore this soundtrack. La Bohme isn’t the first opera I encountered, but after seeing this movie, I grew to appreciate opera even more. Also, I think “That’s Amore” is a pop classic.

6. What did I like about the story as a whole?

I like that the story was over the top and outrageous but delivered in a very nonchalant manner. The story is funny not just because of the one-liners, but it’s funny because it’s a reflection and exaggeration of the reality of the time.

7. What did I not like about the story?

I never liked that Cosmo got off so easy. All religions aside, going to confession would not be enough these days. There would be some counseling, healing, and regaining of trust.

8. Would I recommend this movie to others?

Absolutely. Why wouldn’t I?

9. If yes, who? What would I rate this movie?

I hope most people over the age of 30 have seen this movie. If I know them and they haven’t, we’re having a movie night. But honestly, I’d recommend this to anyone over 15.

On a scale of 1 to 5 movie reels, I give this film 5 reels.

MLoveIt

10. Was there anything in this movie that could be related to me or anything I have written?

Well, let’s see…
YES!
One of the major influences of my book, It’s Like the Full Moon, is this movie. It helped me decide on the title and so much more.

Watch, rent, or buy this movie here.

Mock Squid Soup – Film Society

41375-mocksquidsoup2
MOCK! and The Armchair Squid are proud to introduce Mock Squid Soup: A Film Society. Each month, on the second Friday, we shall host a bloghop devoted to movie reviews. We invite others to participate and post their reviews…Don’t be shy; come join the fun! 😀

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
Movies

John Carter #Review – Mock Squid Soup No.15 #cinephiles #film #sci-fi

Wikipedia

Let’s recap my clues from last week:

Clue #1– It’s a 2012 Disney live-action, sci-fi release with a PG-13 rating. The title also has a handful of aliases.
Clue #2– Written and Directed by the same guy, known for his work with Disney animated features.
Clue #3– Most viewers either loved it or hated it, but it definitely tanked when compared to its production budget.

So what do you think, was I too vague or was my movie just too obscure? I think I had most people stumped, but for the Ninja Captain, Alex, this was easy.

If anyone is interested in my experience of watching John Carter, click here to see my notes.

This review will consist of me asking myself 10 questions and answering them to the best of my ability.

1. What is this film about?

This is a space opera with a time travel feel. There are so many elements at play with this story that you may not catch them all in one viewing. In any case, John Carter is a Civil War vet, I think, running from his past and pledging allegiance to no one. In pursuit of a treasure, John defeats an attacker and ends up on Mars somehow. Yes, there are green men, but also white men, and white apes… don’t recall seeing too many black people, but I’m used to that. Anyway, a reverse Krypton-like affect aids John in his quest to return to earth, which somehow throws him into the path of yet another civil war and the destiny of 2 princesses (one is never recognized, but I picked up on it)

2. What did I think of the title, poster, and or trailer?

I remember thinking the trailer was very confusing the first time around and after going back and watching it again, I realize that it was extremely misleading and heavily edited. The trailer is probably why I never saw it in the theater, that and the fact that so many didn’t like it at the time of its release.

3. What did I think of the main character(s) and how the actors performed them?

I thought the actors did a fine job. There were no standout performances, but no stinkers either. I liked the aboriginal-like Mars characters with all their faults and flaws. John was a good character to slowly warm up to.

4. What did I think of the direction and cinematography?

Considering the time and how many were still not doing such a fine job, I thought the effects and CGI were well-blended in with the live action. The lighting was good, not too dark in the dark scenes; that’s always an issue for me.

5. What did I think of the soundtrack and score?

I slept on this one. Sorry. I’ll make a point to pay more attention next time.

6. What did I like about the story as a whole?

I liked how the Mars John paralleled the Earth John without him realizing it. I also like the connection between ships that sail on water and ones that sail on light. There were many small or subtle details that made this film enjoyable, even some of the not so in-your-face themes such as: oppression, prejudice, and science vs magic.

7. What did I not like about the story?

There are a few cheesy moments and some logistics I didn’t quite get, but I can’t complain too much. This movie didn’t blow my mind, but it was still pretty cool.

8. Would I recommend this movie to others?

Yes, and I will.

9. If yes, who? What would I rate this movie?

I’m sure there are others who stayed away from this film for reasons similar to mine. I’m going to share this with all my friends, even the ones who don’t like sci-fi. Maybe this will become a cult classic if it’s not already.

On a scale of 1 to 5 movie reels, I give this film 4 reels.

MLikeIt

10. Was there anything in this movie that could be related to me or anything I have written?

Not yet really, but it’s perfectly in line with a new fantasy I’m working on. I like the world building of this story and am inspired to continue working on aspects of my story that have kept me stumped for a while.

Watch, rent, or buy this movie here.

Mock Squid Soup – Film Society

41375-mocksquidsoup2
MOCK! and The Armchair Squid are proud to introduce Mock Squid Soup: A Film Society. Each month, on the second Friday, we shall host a bloghop devoted to movie reviews. We invite others to participate and post their reviews…Don’t be shy; come join the fun! 😀

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords