Archive for August, 2010

Any list of the best movies, most attended movies, or highest grossing movies over the last few years is sure to include at least a few animated films. For decades, Disney has consistently brought quality animation to the big screen, giving parents a movie they can take their children to see. But recently, there seems to have been a shift in the nature of animated movies. While, these were once films made primarily for young children, animated movies today attract all audiences. There seem to be a number of plausible explanations for this paradigm shift. The advancements in graphic art and animation techniques are very appealing to film makers, allowing them to experiment with a range of new art forms. Because these graphics are so impressive, film makers are being more and more tempted to explore mature subjects with animation such as in hit movies Avatar and Up. (more…)

The young, porcelain-skinned Carey Mulligan is starting to turn heads in Hollywood. Starring in the 2009 hit, An Education, the young British actress delivered a stellar performance in the coming-of-age film, based on the memoir of Lynn Barber. Mulligan plays the role of Jenny Mellor, a teenager girl who falls in love with an older man. His luxurious lifestyle and trip to Paris sweep her off her feet and the two become engaged, much to the dismay of her feminist teachers. A twist in the story take the audience along a journey of love, hard lessons learned, and the pain that comes with growing up, all beautifully executed by the talented Mulligan. (more…)

The global population of teenage females is divided in a bitter battle: Team Edward vs. Team Jacob. The Twilight Saga that has gripped the nation came back to focus this summer with the release of the third motion picture, Eclipse. Big expectations preceded this premiere as New Moon, ranked on the top 50 list of highest grossing films of all time.The midnight release of this epic saga was packed with screaming adolescents. Consider this a warning to the faint of heart. The latest in this series chronicles the return of Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) from his self-exile. Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) life seems to be back to normal, apart from the fact that she’s in love with a vampire, until she realizes that her pending decision of becoming a vampire or remaining a mortal is threatening to unleash an all out war between werewolves and vampires. On top of a revenge-seeking vampire threatening her life, her knowledge of the existence of this immortal world is putting her at odds with the vampire “powers that be.” (more…)

The last year of the 2000′s was a memorable one when it comes to Hollywood hits. 2009 witnessed a number of record-breaking films, including Avatar, which set the record for the highest grossing film of all time. This year was full of note-worthy animated films, enough that we could fill the entire top 10 with just that genre. But to give a bit more variety for the enjoyment of all our readers, we included a range of genres. Take a look at our favorite films of 2009 and see which blockbusters you still need to see.

1. Avatar: Some will say its clich to give this film the top spot, but frankly, it deserves it. The impressive 3D effects, and revolutionary stereoscopic filming makes this movie not only a (more…)

Toy Story 3 came to theaters this summer, breaking the record for the largest single day gross for an animated film. This movie also broke Pixar‘s own impressive record for highest opening weekend. In the third Toy Story movie, Andy is now grown up and about to leave for college. Thinking he no longer wants them, his mom puts his toys in a garbage bag at the street, who then make their way to Sunnyside daycare. Woody is the only toy Andy intends to take with him to college but tries to warn the other toys that they weren’t meant to be sent away. A number of plot twists including toy dictators, a misplaced Woody, but an ultimately happy ending make this another success in the Toy Story Saga. (more…)