Movie Review: 17 Again

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Comedy

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17 Again is a 2009 American comedy film about a 37 year old man who becomes his 17 year old self. It stars Zac Efron & Matthew Perry, with Leslie Mann, Michelle Trachtenberg, Thomas Lennon, Sterling Knight and Melora Hardin. This is Zac Efron's first solo film, after doing the successful High School Musical franchise for Disney. Incidentally, this is also the comeback of former F.R.I.E.N.D.S star Matthew Perry, who was last seen in the short lived TV series Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip. 17 Again is produced and released by New Line Cinema, directed by Burr Steers from a screenplay by Jason Filardi.

Synopsis: What would you do if you got a second shot at life? Class of 1989, Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron/Matthew Perry) is a star on his high school basketball court with a college scout in the stands and a bright future in his grasp. But instead, he decides to throw it all away to share his life with his girlfriend Scarlett (Leslie Mann) and the baby he just learned they are expecting. Almost 20 years later, Mike's glory days are decidedly behind him. His marriage to Scarlett has fallen apart, he has been passed over for a promotion at work, his teenage kids think he is a loser, and he has been reduced to crashing with his high school nerd-turned-techno-billionaire best friend Ned (Thomas Lennon). But Mike is given another chance when he is miraculously transformed back to the age of 17. Unfortunately, Mike may look 17 again, but his thirty something outlook is totally uncool in the class of 2009. And in trying to recapture his best years, Mike could lose the best things that ever happened to him.

17 Again was hilariously funny! I haven't seen a really good teen movie for some time, and I think 17 Again most definitely is the teen flick of the decade. It is the current generation's answer to Big, and the male answer to Mean Girls. The storyline was very well done and enjoyable. I was pleasantly surprised at this movie. I liked the witty punchlines, and I never felt a single one of it out of place. Zac Efron did a really decent acting job. As Mike O'Donnel/Mark Gould, he played the role with utmost credibility. I honestly thought it would be High School Musical-like performance, but he gave life to the role. If he keeps up the good work and takes it to the next level, he can really be an A list star in the future. Zac is no James McAvoy or Ryan Gosling yet in the acting department but there is potential. No wonder the movie is such a big hit that it is, because one look at Zac's blue eyes is enough to make you weak in the knees. Thomas Lennon, who plays his dorky bestfriend Ned is the life of the movie, what with his ober the top scene-stealers and witty one liners. Surprisingly, Leslie Mann displays great chemistry with Zac, who is years younger than him, and she's understatedly funny, too. I just wished Matthew Perry was given ample screen time since he also plays the older version of the character, but then again, it's a Zac Efron movie, and Matthew Perry still retained the same Chandler Bing quirkiness that we all loved in Friends. Pretty much, 17 Again is a really enjoyable film. It may not be Oscar material, but it was a good film to watch. It is also eyeopening because it exposes alot of teenage issues like bullying, peer pressure, coping with the divorce of parents, blending in with the crowd, cliques and what have yous. If I was given the chance to be 17 Again today, I will still be the same 17 year old I was, only better and more mature.

Movie Review: He's Just Not That Into You

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Romantic Comedy

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He's Just Not That Into You is a 2009 US romantic comedy film, based on the self-help book of the same name by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, which, in turn, was based on a line of dialogue in Sex and the City. Produced by Drew Barrymore's Flower Films and released by New Line Cinema. Featuring an ensemble cast, it stars Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long, Jennifer Connelly, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kevin Connolly, and Bradley Cooper; and is directed by Ken Kwapis, from a script adaptation by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein.

Synopsis: A group of interconnected, Baltimore-based twenty-and-thirtysomethings navigate their various relationships from the shallow end of the dating pool through the deep, murky waters of married life, trying to read the signs of the opposite sex-and hoping to be the exceptions to the "no-exceptions" rule. Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) just wants a man who says he'll call--and does--while Alex (Justin Long) advises her to stop sitting by the phone. Beth (Jennifer Aniston) wonders if she should call it off after years of committed singlehood with her boyfriend, Neil (Ben Affleck), but he doesn't think there's a single thing wrong with their unmarried life. Janine's (Jennifer Connelly) not sure if she can trust her husband, Ben (Bradley Cooper), who can't quite trust himself around Anna (Scarlet Johansson). Anna can't decide between the sexy married guy, or her straightforward, no-sparks standby, Conor (Kevin Conolly), who can't get over the fact that he can't have her. And Mary (Drew Barrymore), who's found an entire network of loving, supportive men, just needs to find one who's straight.

I thoroughly enjoyed He's Just Not That Into You! I absolutely liked the movie, I didn't have high expectations for this one. I have read the book HJNTIY (seemed pretty self explanatory by the title alone) but I wasn't really sure how it could be made into a film, but I'll say I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I liked that in-your-face approach of the script, which is so real and some (if not all) of the situations presented in the film really do happen in real life. It was extremely hilarious and utterly realistic, and features an eclectic cast that all add something different to this intriguing tale of dealing with the pitfalls of dating and marriage. The movie would also remind you of movies made by the great Woody Allen, a movie with an ensemble cast with interconnected back stories, all weaved together to form one big movie. And I think what made the movie a big hit that it, primarily due to the actors who made up the ensemble cast. Who would've thought you can see the names of top Hollywood acts Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly, Ben Affleck and Scarlet Johansson together in one marquee? And then you throw in future superstars like Justin Long, Kevin Connolly, Ginnifer Goodwin and the super, ultra hot Bradley Cooper, you have a great ensemble. every actor involved in this movie give excellent supporting performances. Not one outshines the others. These are current stars that can draw young adult audiences and they live up to the expectations. I'm glad Jennifer Connelly is there to provide the Oscar worthy drama, and Scarlett Johansson as the seductive temptress, even Ben Affleck is not too shabby in this one, he has great chemistry with Jennifer Aniston. Ginnifer Goodwin is also delightfully funny, and her character is someone every woman can relate to. Bradley Cooper is just smoking hot! I wonder why he wasn't given a chance to shine before, but he gives a good performance in this film. I wouldn't mind getting into an extramarital affair with a guy as hot as he is. Justin Long provides the voice of reason in this film, making everyone understand the psyche of a common guy who knows a thing or 2 about the rules of dating. Kevin Connolly, of Entourage fame, plays the role of a of a serial dater/player to a hilt. Everybody has an essential part, except for Drew, who I felt was underutilized, and only appears in some few scenes in the film. The technical elements are quite good--sets, costumes, lighting, music, and so on. There are some beautiful shots. I also quite liked the convention of using normal people to talk about each titled section of the movie. For me, it gave it a good sense of flow and grounding, helping tie the mini-theme of each section into the tapestry of the film. I also liked it that the movie was set in Baltimore, an unlikely location for a romantic comedy. It is refreshing, at least it's not another romantic comedy set in New York or L.A or Chicago, the usual locations. Overall, it is a fun movie to see, and more thought-provoking than I thought it would be. Good writing, good acting, and a good blending of the various elements involved. It also reminds me of Love, Actually--which is a good thing in my view. Enjoyable, just be ready to realize how close you come to what's being made fun of and commented on.

My Newest Creation Chixmaxan-Tayo

Hello out there... i should say that i really enjoy Blogger.com... in fact this is my 3rd or 4th creation... hehehe... now i'll be using .blogspot.com but sooner... i will be having my own .info domain... great for me... what is chizmaxan-tayo? chizmaxan-tayo is a blog site where in you can find different Chizmix... hehehe Chizmix is Gozzips... This blog is intended for Entertainment News, Movie Reviews, Latest Music Updates and etc... and to help me with this blog is my friend Nikki... Nikki is actually the friend of Iamithal but because Iamithal is my friend nikki became also my friend... i've been working with Nikki and Iamithal for so long... specially with our Blogging Projects that was given to us by our mentor and teacher Mr. J Angelo Racoma... Now, Nikki is here to give you the latest Gozzips(CHIZMAX)... guys i hope you enjoy your stay here and support me on this new blogs... tnx...