Because I Said So

Because I Said So is a very funny and endearing film about a single woman about to reach her 60th birthday. Throughout her life she has made consistently bad choices, resulting in a severe lack of romance, and sex, in her life. However, she does have three beautiful daughters, the youngest of which she is determined to find a suitable husband.
The mother's role is filled by the incredible actress, Diane Keaton, while youngest daughter is played by Mandy Moore. Both were perfect for their roles, leaving me, at times, in fits of laughter while at other times leaving my eyes brimming over with tears.
This is a beautiful, yet light and predictable, film about finding love for yourself and not choosing a partner for your parent’s sake.
If you haven’t seen this movie, then you should… simply because I said so!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

I saw this movie at the cinema with a friend and we had a great time!

I knew I would enjoy the film as I had thoroughly enjoyed the book but it was even better than I had expected. It was the perfect flick to watch with a girl friend during an afternoon of shopping (for obvious reasons).

The story follows Rebecca Bloomwood, a young journalist with a bit of a problem - she just cannot resist a bit of retail therapy, so much so that she finds herself ridiculously in debt. At the same time, she finds herself with a job for a popular financial magazine - and with a hottie for a boss.

The hottie is none other than one of my favourite actors, Hugh Dancy. Together with Isla Fisher, who plays Rebecca, they have great onscreen chemistry.

I, for one, can't wait to see the sequel!

The Jane Austen Book Club

What a wonderful film! I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I picked this movie up and I was not disappointed at all. The story surrounds a group of women and one man who have all the usual relationship problems and who decide to get together every now and again to talk about all the wonderful books written by Jane Austen.

Each character couldn't be more different, making this a refreshing tale of love and lost opportunities. The most impressive performance was by British actress Emily Blunt who plays a woman scarred by an unusual childhood, brought up by a mother who basically had no clue whatsoever.

The movie also stars the dreamy Hugh Dancy, Maria Bello, Jimmy Smits and Maggie Grace among others.

Although sad in parts, this is the perfect movie for a girlie get together.

Pleasantville

Released in 1998 and nominated for an Academy Award for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design and Best Music (Original Score), Pleasantville is rather an unusual film starring Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire. The two leads are brother and sister who are catapulted into the ‘perfect television series in the 1950s’ named Pleasantville about life in a perfect little town where everything is, well, perfect.
However, not all is as it seems. What one thinks as perfect, another thinks as hell, and with two completely opposite brother and sister characters, things start to change. But is it for better or worse…?
Reese was on the brink of world domination when she made this film, and this just proves that the girl can act. Tobey, also an amazing actor in his own right (have you ever seen Cider House Rules? It’s A.M.A.Z.I.N.G) puts on a stellar performance in this interesting flick. There are also some outstanding performances by the likes of William H Macy, Geoff Daniels and Joan Allen. You will also recognise a young Paul Walker, before he made it big in The Fast and the Furious.
Pleasantville tackles some interesting issues in a weird and wonderfulway. Sex, racism and individuality being just a few. If you get the chance, put this film on your must-see list.
It’s a keeper!

White Oleander

I had no idea what to expect when I sat down to watch White Oleander, which is perhaps why I was a little surprised at the sadness of the film.
A girl raised by her artist mother (played by the beautiful Michelle Pfeiffer), ends up living in care after her mother is charged with the murder of her lover (played briefly by Billy Connolly).
The story follows her young life from care home to care home, where she meets some troubled (and troublesome) characters who all affect her in some way or another.
The movie also stars Alison Lohman, Renee Zellweger and Robin Wright Penn.
It's difficult to explain the nature of the film without spoiling it, so suffice to say that it's worth watching, if just to put your own lives into perspective.
A heartbreaker, this one.

Prince Charming

There's nothing more enjoyable than a good old fairy tale, and what better than a tale about Prince Charming?
Aptly named Prince Charming, this presumably made-for TV, movie by Hallmark is a keeper. It tells the tale of a handsome young prince who cannot resist a pretty face, which leads him into big trouble when he is caught red handed with a 'wench' on the day he is to wed his betrothed, a princess from a nearby kingdom.
At his 'trial', he and his loyal servant, are sentenced to be turned into frogs until he is kissed by a fair maiden, to whom he must then wed before the following full moon. Predictably, this doesn't happen for several hundred years, where the two croakers find themselves in New York city.
Starring Christina Applegate (pictured above), Martin Short, Sean Maguire and Billy Connolly.
Although incredibly predictable in parts, this movie is a delight to watch, and is a must see for all you princesses at heart.

The House Bunny

Cheesy and predictable are just two words that could describe The House Bunny, yet it is also charming, adorable and moving. Above all, it is a fun movie that I thoroughly enjoyed and would certainly like to see again.
Anna Faris plays Shelley, a typical blonde bombshell living in the Playboy Mansion who, on her 27th birthday, receives a note from Hugh Hefner asking her to leave. Devastated, Shelley finds herself at the Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority where she becomes the 'house mother'. The girls in the sorority are so unpopular that Shelley takes it on herself to make them the belles of the school, which they must also do in order to save their home.
Although I cringed at some of the skimpy little outfits that Shelley paraded throughout the film, I have to admit that this was purely due to my jealousy of not having the figure to carry them off myself (but believe me... if I did, I certainly wouldn't wear that little!)
If you liked the Legally Blonde movies, then you'll love The House Bunny!