FILM REVIEW: Karyn Kusama’s “Jennifer’s Body”

Surprisingly, “Jennifer’s Body” is performing poorly at the box office. The movie has only raked in $12.4 million in two weeks, while the children’s animation “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” has pulled in $60.4 million in two weeks. “Jennifer’s Body” was expected to do much better due to the sultry Megan Fox and Diablo Cody’s screenplay behind the project.

Despite, the harsh criticisms and cold reviews, I think “Jennifer’s Body” is worth seeing. First of all, yes, Megan Fox is hot and the younger version of “bad ass” Angelina Jolie. Second, Diablo Cody’s screenplay is hilarious, a bit crude and risqué. Third, the trailers revealed the movie’s potential to be a fun, not at all serious, horror flick. What else could be expected from such a lineup?

The dynamite duo Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried had the whole yin and yang going for them. Fox’s character, “Jennifer” is the beautiful (and slutty) every-girl-wants-to-be-me-and-every-guy-wants-me girl in high school. And, in contrast, Seyfried’s character, Needy is the awkward-but-somehow-still-cool-enough-to-hang-out-with-the-hot-girl chick in high school. The plot feeds on the imbalanced relationship created by the characters’ social status and personalities. It is the film’s constant battle between innocence and immorality.

Speaking of the plot, Diablo Cody’s writing in “Jennifer’s Body” is like a murdering sex-fein rewriting “Juno” (2007). Jennifer, the man eater (literally) has some awesome lines audience members may just incorporate into their everyday lingo, [Jennifer grabs Needy’s breasts] “These are like smart bombs, you point them in the right direction and shit gets real.” Needy has her fair share of equally entertaining lines, but her exaggerated emotions and dramatized actions is what makes the character a gem.

I guarantee you will laugh, definitely not scream or cower in fear, while watching “Jennifer’s Body.” Definitely see it with your friends, or on a date, depending on your interests.

Rating: 3 ½ Laughs out of 5

FILM REVIEW: Karyn Kusama’s “Jennifer’s Body”

MOVIE SOUNDTRACK: “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”

The awesome Stephenie Meyer released the official track listing for the "New Moon" soundtrack. It features original songs by some of the best indie artists around. And, of course the band that inspired Meyer throughout the writing of “The Twilight Saga,” Muse, is on the album!

1. Death Cab for Cutie - "Meet Me on the Equinox"

2. Band of Skulls - "Friends"

3. Thom Yorke - "Hearing Damage"

4. Lykke Li - "Possibility"

5. The Killers - "A White Demon Love Song"

6. Anya Marina - "Satellite Heart"

7. Muse - "I Belong To You" (New Moon Remix)

8. Bon Iver & St. Vincent- "Rosyln"

9. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Done All Wrong"

10. Hurricane Bells - "Monsters"

11. Sea Wolf - "The Violet Hour"

12. OK Go - "Shooting the Moon"

13. Grizzly Bear - "Slow Life"

14. Editors - "No Sound But the Wind"

15. Alexandre Desplat - "New Moon (The Meadow)"

The album drops in stores October 20^th. And, I am beyond excited for “New Moon,” which hits theaters on November 20^th! I’ll be there in “Team Jacob” and “Team Edward” attire.

MOVIE SOUNDTRACK: “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”

FILM REVIEW: Anne Fontaine’s Coco Before Chanel

Coco Chanel is already an icon in fashion, but now she has been introduced to movie lovers everywhere. Anne Fontaine’s “Coco Before Chanel” (2009) gives a look into the life of the young woman before she set the standards of chic and classy. The movie is sophisticated, smart and beautiful while keeping raw and edgy elements.

Sure, the entire movie is in French and you are stuck reading subtitles, but that does not detract from the emotional and cutesy scenes. The audience will witness the determination and fire burning inside a young woman, the relationship between two sisters, the troubles of loving outside a social class, the boundaries and classifications created for women and men, and the need for independence. It is a biography meets documentary meets coming of age story.

Audrey Tautou transforms for the role. She incorporates quirky and strong traits from her characters in “Amélie” (2001) and “The Da Vinci Code” (2006). Tautou is amazing as Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel. She breathes life into a vintage icon for a new generation. Young women will be inspired to follow their dreams, and to break free from limitations and opposition. They will want to be fierce and fearless like Chanel. They will want to make their own name. Women may even want to burn their bras, learn to speak French, and pick up a pair of scissors and a sewing kit.

“Coco Before Chanel” is a definite must-see for all young women, Chanel No. 5 fans, couture lovers, and aspiring clothing designers. This movie is for anyone who wants independence, or just enjoys an intriguing biography. Go with your girlfriends, or make it a mother-daughter movie night. See the movie, and then go shopping.

Rating: 4 Applauds out of 5

FILM REVIEW: Anne Fontaine’s Coco Before Chanel

FILM REVIEW: Final Destination 3D vs. Halloween 2

“The Final Destination” (2009) may be leading in the box office, but are audiences walking away from the theater more satisfied from “Halloween 2” (2009) or “The Finale Destination” (2009)?

This time around, “death saved the best for 3D.” Typical to the Final Destination series, there are explosions, imaginative gory deaths, and bad gut feelings. However, there is really nothing special going on. Sure it raves that this installment is in 3D, but seriously, director David R. Ellis could have done better. There is definitely not enough in-your-face action. Wearing 3D glasses for almost two hours, audiences want more than a few every so often objects (including organs) to duck from. The opening car crash scene is about all we can expect to get good use out of 3D. Besides the disappointment, The Final Destination is still fun to watch. And it makes me feel better that the ending is different.

Rating: 3 ½ Duck-and-Screams out of 5

Rob Zombie does justice to the horror series. “Halloween 2” (2009) is a mentally disturbing, gory and gritty slasher film. It is a psychological thriller with graphically violent elements; think “Silence of the Lambs” (1991) meets tons of blood. Audience get a sense of how Michael Myers came to be the most feared murderer in the film, and how his killing spree affects persons involved. The film does not just present us with this crazed psycho killer, but it shows us a man who is desperate to reunite with his dead mother. Also, the other characters in the film seem more realistic. Laurie Strode has to see a psychiatrist. Dr. Samuel Loomis is motivated by greed. Not so happy-go-lucky in this flick.

Rating: 4 ½ Blood-curdling Screams out of 5

Looks like Rob Zombie’s “Halloween 2” (2009) wins. Which movie do you prefer?

FILM REVIEW: Final Destination 3D vs. Halloween 2