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W.

THEIRS: HIS and HERS went to see W. with some friends after dinner.

HERS:

W. What was he thinking half the time?

W. Why did so many people follow him?

W. Who elected this man a second time?

W. Why did Condolezza's character make her look SO bad?

W. Why was I supposed to have empathy for him after I saw this? I didn't.

The last scene summed it up. He looked lost. There was one scene I thought was brilliant. W. was leading a group of intelligent people on his ranch. They were having an important conversation, then W. realized they had missed the road and they were lost. The blind leading the blind. The message intended by the director was not lost on me.

W. What did I think of the movie? I don't really have an answer. It was a perspective worth seeing. I fear it was truer to tale than I would like to believe. I hope it was more fictional.

Lastly, I was finally attracted to W.! Well, I guess I was attracted to Josh Brolin playing a young W. That makes more sense...

HER RATING: 5, I guess.

HIS: W. was a movie that held my interest and got me thinking about how things have been done in our government over the past few years. The movie really got me thinking about the relationship between W. and H.W. and what the pressure must be like to live up to completely unrealistic expectations of your parent; and, what it must feel like to be the sheep of the family, no matter how much you try. Acting in this one was first-rate; my favorites were Richard Dreyfuss and Josh Brolin - his portrayal of W. was extraordinary. Mannerisms, body language, he had it all down.

I know Oliver Stone's movies drip with controversy, opinion, and sensationalism. But, knowing that doesn't take the fun out of seeing them :). Definitely a movie that's worth seeing for anyone interested in this time in history.

HIS RATING: Solid 8 of 10. W. will have you leaving the theater looking at things just a bit differently than before......

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

THEIRS: We went to see a Kevin Smith movie together for a date. NOTE: HIS and HERS do not read each other's bog before Posting.

HERS: OK, look. I was told it was Kevin Smith's best movie since Chasing Amy. While Clerks, Chasing Amy it was not, it was entertaining. There were some laugh out loud moments and a gross out moment that didn't look real, but was gross. There was the subject matter which I find entertaining in this format. "It was really a love story." Really? There was a lot of porn scenes. I guess those two things could go together. I found the love scene between the two characters so much better than the "other" scenes. It was laughable however, the cheesiness was not lost on me.

Hmmmmm. I really didn't believe the two characters together. They had great chemistry, but it really read friend chemistry. Some of the timing and high school reunion scenes were the best part of the film. Irony. Something Kevin Smith does well. But, again, it was no Chasing Amy.

HER RATING: 6- a good rental

HIS: I've been a Kevin Smith fan for some time. I had heard this was a light-hearted movie, kind of like "Chasing Amy" with a bit more of a risque' theme. Don't believe the title's hype - this movie, in some parts, was even a nice little story about two people figuring out that they have fallen for each other. The sensationalism of the title doesn't change that.

That being said, that process could have been done better. I think Seth Rogen is naturally pretty funny, and would have liked to have more for him to work with. Elizabeth Banks did a decent job - however I think this movie and her role in W. are definitely as far apart as two roles in film can get.

Maybe I've outgrown Kevin Smith movies. I'll have to pop "Clerks" in and see......

HIS RATING: 6.0 on a 10 point scale. Kevin Smith has done vulgar humor much better in the past.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

THEIRS: Went to see this film with a few friends on a Friday night after dinner.

NOTE: HIS and HERS do not read each other's blogs before posting.

HERS: This movie was fresh, funny, sweet, rockin' and smart. The soundtrack was spectacular. Michael Cera (from Juno fame) and Kat Dennings (who plays the "uglier" one of the pretty girls--always the brunette I might add) were fabulous. Kat Dennings captivates with ease. She is stunning to watch and is going to be a HUGE star... Michael Cera is awkward in a way you can fall in love with, not much differently than in his Juno performance.

This was a "teen movie" with gross out humor, sex, scandal, one liners, love triangles, drunk chicks, understated fashion, a underground band and a defining soundtrack. With all that said, it was a movie for all ages. A love story that has a balance of heart and the rhythm of relationships. I LOVED it and can't wait to re-watch it.

HER RATING: 9.5 Watch out world, here comes Kat Dennings.

HIS: What a pleasant surprise. I've watched a lot of teen movies. This makes sense, because I was a teenager at one point. Many times I've asked myself, "are the ones I see now as good as the ones I grew up with?"

Over 90% of the time, the answer is a resounding no.

This is not one of those times. I really liked this story. The movie is shot in NYC, which I love, and there are great characters, a well done story, and even though no one in the film seems to have a curfew, and can get into very trendy bars being severely underage, I feel like this story could happen. That these kids exist somewhere. That's interesting to me. I pulled for Nick to gain the confidence in himself you could see was brimming beneath the surface.

The two main actors had such great natural chemistry. You could easily believe those were two real people, just hanging out, talking about music. Oh, and the music was really good too. Having never heard any of it before, it got me thinking of how much music out there I still need to listen to......

HIS RATING: Solid 9 of 10 on the teen-movie scale. Solid 8 of 10 on the "traditional" movie scale.

Vicky, Christina, Barcelona

THEIRS: Ahhhh, comp time. HIS took comp time and HERS had her normal Friday off, so they decided to take in a flick...baby free.

NOTE: HIS AND HERS DON'T READ EACH OTHER'S BLOG BEFORE POSTING.

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HERS: The thing about this movie is, it had fabulous characters. So fabulous in fact that the most unique character, Christina, reminds me VERY MUCH, VERY, VERY MUCH of someone I know quite well. So, I laughed often at the similarities. Scarlett Johanson knocked this role out of the bed. I related to Vicky, Christina's best friend. Not the infidelity part, but a lot of her thought processes. Who can't relate to internal conflict? I am responsible, but I have urges to be irresponsible. Now, I am not saying I am running off to Spain, but I understand the want to fill the missing pieces of our lives and wanting to pull yourself out of the box others or yourself put you in. I know who I am but I search to find myself. A common conflict if you continue to grow and evolve as a person. OK, back to the flick...Javier Bardem is a scrumptious in this role of a man who speaks his mind and doesn't apologize for it-he is charming as well. Penelope Cruz is psychotically loving as the crazy ex. She was a unique character too, but I have met many Maria Elena's in my time. It was a good movie because it spoke to some of the most important driving forces in our lives, love, friendship, being true to yourself and making your life your own.It is a conversation film. I enjoyed it in ways I am still realizing 8 hours later.

Woody Allen make a movie about infidelity and love you wouldn't expect to find? Hmmm....direct what you know.

HER RATING: 8.5 This is a hard film to rate for me, the rating just doesn't pop out. It was interesting to watch and promoted a lot of thought and discussion. The performances were great and I if I could look like any star, I'd go with Scarlett Johanson. She is stunning in the role and on film. Does that make me bi-sexual? You have to watch the movie to get that question. LOL.

HIS: This is a Woody Allen movie. Woody Allen puts a lot of relationship-stuff in his movies. At least, the ones I've seen. I thought this was an "OK" movie with an A-list cast. Javier Bardem is on a roll, having won the Oscar for No Country for Old Men. He does a good job here, playing a guy with one thing on his mind - many different women. Scarlett Johanson does a good job as well playing a very free spirit - her character reminded me of someone I know in many ways. Penelope Cruz did a great job playing an unhinged woman that was very passionate and creative. I am convinced she can act; I wasn't sure after seeing the movie Sahara a few years ago. This movie had some subject matter that I didn't dig, but that doesn't mean I the movie wasn't done well. Spain is definitely beautiful; I definitely want to take my wife there someday. The movie was a story that held my interest because the characters seemed to be dealing with so many issues. That being said, Mamma Mia was a love story that I enjoyed much, much more. Maybe if Penelope Cruz broke out in "Waterloo," I may have liked the film more. That being said, I got to spend the day with my wife, and that was definitely the highlight of my day, even if the movie was so-so.

HIS RATING: 5 of 10 - This is a movie that you rent with a really good take-out meal, like olive garden, or the best pizza in town.

SPECIAL FEATURE! AFTER THE BLOG: THE CONVERSATION

HERS: After reading the blogs...more conversation ensued...worth seeing just for that...well, says HERS. HIS might say don't see it, avoid those deep conversations, just take your lady to a light chick flick that leaves her walking away with a pep in her step.The back and forth follows...

HIS: It is no secret I am more black and white about relationships. You saw things I didn't choose to see because the infidelity made his character difficult to empathize with.

HERS: When was HE an infidel?

HIS: Promiscuity, that is what made his character difficult to empathize with.

HERS: I just saw a man with a deeper want to love and being unable to get all the things he wanted in one person.

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HIS: That is one way of looking at it, the other way of looking at it is he is a guy who wants lots of trim.

HERS: LOL! Ahhhhh, the differences that make the world go round. Agree to differ?

HIS: Agreed.

HERS: I also agree you can take me to Spain someday :).

Mamma Mia!

THEIRS: The mother in law was in town, so HIS and HERS joined some friends for a movie. It was a busy week and they were ready for a break. Note: HIS and HERS do not read each other's blogs before posting.

HERS: I was not in the mood to do anything but sit. However, a babysitter was available for FREE and we had plans to meet friends. So, with exhaustion and my stomach aching, I went ahead and went to the movie...

It was SO worth it. I was singing full voiced, swinging my arms and hands around and just enjoying a musical with fabulous acting and a beautiful scenic backdrop. Now I know what I had previously just suspected. Meryl Streep CAN do anything. She was perfect in this role and when she sang, her acting came through and I was lost in the moment. Meryl Streep. Enough said.

Amanda Seyfried

I was fixed on the eyes, smile and performance of Amanda Seyfried as well. She was beautiful, captivating and just lovely in this performance. I knew her previously as Lilly Kane on Veronica Mars season 1 and as a Mean Girl whose breasts could predict the weather on Mean Girls. She was apparently fired from a soap opera before hitting the big screen on Mean Girls. GOOD. She is too fabulous of an actress and presence on the screen to be stuck in soaps. The soaps gave us Meg Ryan, Denzel Washington and NOW, Amanda Seyfried.

I laughed loud and often, especially when Pierce Brosnan sang. He was really committed...It was just very white manish? I don't know. Like I said he was really in the role, and the voice was reminiscent of 80's pop rock--I think. Either way, he made me smile and laugh, maybe at him, maybe with him. The supporting cast was beyond fantastic and each added so much to the film. The fantasy musical numbers were hilarious and fun, fun, fun!

HER RATING: 9.5 I love musicals, Meryl Streep and I have a new found enthusiasm for Amanda Seyfried! I recommend seeing it. Have fun, loose yourself in the fantasy and just smile!

HIS: I have a bit of background with ABBA. My dad used to play their greatest hits every time we took a long road trip or moved across the country (which was more than a few times). My wife started the tradition anew because she enjoyed the peppy Swedish super group as well. I find the songs catchy, and it's impossible to be in a bad mood when you hear them.

MAMMA MIA! is like that. After watching that movie, it was impossible to be in a bad mood. Definitely an entertaining flick. All the actors went for the singing numbers (even the ones that had NO business trying to bust out a tune - Pierce Brosnan, this means you). I was very pleasantly surprised by the young main actress in the movie (which I only know as a dead character in a show I used to watch). She had pipes to spare, and stole every song she sang.

Meryl Streep. The woman can do no wrong in film. She can be in the sequel to Stop, or My Mom Will Shoot and it would get nominated for an Oscar. She needs to be in at least one film a year of varying genres so my wife and I can enjoy her talent regularly. Great job, particularly in the musical numbers with her two "partners in crime." When my wife buys this movie, I'll be happy to give it a whirl again.

HIS RATING: On a musical movie scale: Solid 8.5 out of 10. Regular movie scale: Solid 8 out of 10. Great movie to see after a long week at work and a great way to kick off a 3-day weekend!

The Dark Knight

THEIRS: HIS and HERS had a date night, HIS being the comic book fan that he is was dying to see The Dark Knight. HERS liked the last Batman, so off they went.

Note: HIS and HERS do not read each other's blogs before posting.

HERS: What can I say? The movie was preceded by so much hype, record breaking and buzz, my expectations were high. Often, when my expectations are high, I am disappointed. This time...SPEC-BAT-TACULAR! Christian Bale is so the Batman of my dreams. No offense to George Clooney, but he bit bat dust. Michael Keaton... too scrawny to be believable. Christian Bale is brooding and mysterious. He plays the privileged playboy to the tee and then, when the bat suit comes on, TA-DAH. Batman baby! My one note is that his "Bat voice" didn't need to be sooooo brooding. Maggie Gyllenhall was the perfect Rachel Dawes. She may not have the traditional movie star looks of Katie Holmes, but she is stunning in the role. She is believable as the tough girl with a heart. Her performance was stellar. The late Heath Ledger brought down the house of cards as the Joker. He was funny in the creepiest possible way. He was outstandingly ghoulish and so evil that I loved to hate him. OK, so I loved him-no hate included- I guess those teenage years of going for the bad boy are still deep inside me. Anyway, back to the movie. I must say that sadness came over me a few times as I thought of Heath Ledger's daughter growing up without a father. Father being the most important role he will not be able to reprise.

Having never read a comic book, I just go by what I like. The movie "bat"ter than I had imagined. I often dread long movies, but the time flew by-bat style. When his batmobile was totalled and he came out on that bat motorcycle thingy (I am sure it has some graphic novel techie name) I was like, "That's what's up!" I guess there is some teenage boy in me too. (yes, I think I met my bat reference quotient.) :)

HER RATING: 8.5 The acting was superb, it was just dark enough and had fabulous special effects. Christian Bale-the best Batman, Maggie Gyllenhall-the best Rachel Dawes, the late Heath Ledger-WAS the Joker. See it. Rest in Peace Heath.

HIS: This movie has definitely come with a lot of hype and press for quite a few reasons. I was very happy to see and judge the film for myself last night.

And it did not disappoint.

The Dark Knight takes everything that was great about Batman Begins, and ramps it up a notch. Because you care about what happens to the characters, every event seems more serious. You really feel for these characters and the decisions they have to make. I haven't seen this much dread in a PG-13 movie. Everyone talks about Heath Ledger's performance. It is that good - he becomes something that is indescribable. Christian Bale continues to embody the balance between Batman and Bruce Wayne perfectly - and you believe both sides of his personality equally. Gary Oldman continues to put forth great work in the unsung role of Jim Gordon. Maggie Gyllenhall is a serious upgrade to the Rachel Dawes character - you believe she's an adult, and that she could also be an assistant D.A. Aaron Eckhart is great as Harvey Dent, brash, fearless, and then towards the end of the film his fall from grace is as epic as you can get. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are old pros, and their work is stellar here as always.

In short, this was not a "comic book" story - it was an epic crime drama. As great as Iron Man was earlier this year, The Dark Knight is definitely the best movie I've seen of this genre. This is one of the ten best movies I've seen since I started watching movies.

HIS RATING: 10 of 10. Amazing performance, airtight, riveting story, and I can honestly say I have NO IDEA what's going to happen next. Last time I said that? The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. I'm very curious to see how this story ends......