Tree of Life: artistically liberal

It was a lot to handle.  Characters are used like props in the background, rather than the focus of the scene like I'm used to.  It definitely took me off-guard as I sat through a 20 minute interlude (1/3 of the way into it) of natural photos and scenery set to an opera.  I was never quite sure what I was watching, or what I was learning about... but it was definitive that the piece had a viewpoint.  Yeah, piece rather than film.  It was like watching an installation on the beauty of nature in the M.I.A. (Mpls Institute of Art for those less familiar with the place).  However you classify it, it is not for those who are easily unnerved by the unexpected (there were dinosaurs) or those who expect to see much of Sean Penn or Brad Pitt.
Verdict: uh... yeah, I got nothing (Matinee?!)

Midnight in Paris: nostalgically adorable

Not going to lie, I'm not the biggest fan of Woody Allen.  I like intellectual banter as much as the next person, but it often overpowers the storylines, and makes them impossible to relate to.  However, this fantastic tale of a young couple in Paris picks the prenuptial jitters and runs with it.  Of course there is the needed pedantic antagonist, but his role has been reduced to a mild irritation.  The story still rewards the well-read (of which I am not), but not enough to overpower the story.  All in all, it is a great movie about love... the love of a life fullfilled, a love to share it with, and the love of the magic of Paris.
Verdict: Put it on the to-do list (Buzzworthy)

Bridesmaids: Crazy awesome

Although these reviews are meant to focus solely on the movie to help you decide whether or not it is worth your time and money, I'm just going to take a moment to awe at Apatow Productions.  I'm a die-hard fan of the down, dirty, and purely awkward imitation of life that is prevelant in its scripts.  Big ups to Judd Apatow and Paul Feig for doing it in Bridesmaids like only they can.  From the openining scene to the 13 that followed, this movie was non-stop amusing.  Ridiculous, raunchy, and excessive, but always amusing.  What's even better, is that half of the jokes in the trailers weren't in the movies.  You know it's always disheartening when you've seen all the funny parts in a film via the trailer, but Bridesmaids apparently just had that much useable material! I think this is one of the few that crosses over the gender divide beautifully, entertaining men and women alike.  Bravo Paul, Kristen, and Judd!!!
Verdict: Why wouldn't you?! (Summer must!)

Something Borrowed: Un-fortunate

So, I know I've said this before, but I do love a good chick flick.  I really do.  The predictable happily ever after that follows a mildly awkward confrontation, mostly stemming from an "I love you MORE" argument.  Who doesn't appreciate that?!  So, when you mess with the formula, it better be amazing.  There are about eight plot holes, compounded by a lack-luster "woe is me" heroine.  Because it tries to end about 5 times but aborts by introducing a new and unrelated issue that never gets resolved... just swept under the rug.  All in all it was underwhelming, even though it had so much potential (the book was kind of clutch).
Verdict: If you ever use your brain when watching a movie, don't do it (Skip)