MIRROR MIRROR, WITH JULIA ROBERTS

Marion Pellicano-Ambrose

My husband finally consented to see a movie I wanted , so last night we went to see Mirror, Mirror. I’m sure the only reason he agreed is because he’s enamored with Julia Roberts and her big lips, but that’s OK, as long as I got to see a movie without gratuitous sex and violence.

The story of Snow White is in there somewhere, but it’s very different from the traditional version immortalized by Disney. In this version, Snow White becomes more of a modern woman who doesn’t really need a prince to come along and save her. The prince (played by Armie Hammer), by the way, reminded me in looks, speech, and manner, of Brendan Frasier in The Mummy!  I know it’s ridiculous, but his name is just too close to the baking soda!

 For me, the best part of the movie was Julia Robert’s wardrobe. I SO want her ball costume for Halloween! Her performance was as good as the part could allow. Her  vibrancy and spunk didn’t really shine through as it has in previous roles.  Lily Collins, who played Snow White was lovely. She reminded me of Ann Hathaway, who I adore. I think she did a wonderful job portraying the “coming of age” of young Snow White. The sweet, shy girl became a spunky, brave warrior for her kingdom.

Possibly the best performance was that of Nathan Lane as Brighton, the Queens flunky. He was likable, even as he carried out the Queens evil commands. As always, he injected comedy and satire into his performance. To my husband’s dismay, and my delight, a group of little girls celebrating a birthday, sat 2 rows in front of us. They absolutely loved the movie. There was laughter, giggling, oohing and aahing throughout the film. Of course, there was all those things throughout the advertisements and coming attractions, but the point is, they really enjoyed the film.

 All in all, I’d give Mirror 4 out of 5 stars. It was enjoyable and entertaining, but not quite what I expected. Still, I think it’s worth seeing.

EAT PRAY LOVE

Tony Walker

How many of you saw the movie "Eat Pray Love?"
From what I knew of the movie it didn't seem like the kind of movie I would like but in trying to score with my wife I agreed to watch it with her when she rented it last week.
I was right. I didn't like it.
I'd see it again just because Julia Roberts looks fantastic but otherwise I thought it was awful. This is where I get into the premise of the movie so if you wanna see this but haven't, I am about to ruin it. You've been warned.
Julia Roberts plays a well renowned author, Liz Gilbert. She is known and makes super money but doesn't have much luck with men and is unsatisfied with her life. So she drops everything and decides to go to Italy, India, then Bali for some spiritual knowledge and to find herself.
She goes to these countries and not a single bad thing happens to her. She makes wonderful friends, stays at the most beautiful places, and once in Bali she falls in love with a man and they end up happily ever after.
Are you kidding???
My problem with this movie is that so many women (maybe men too but I've heard women talk about this movie) will identify with this movie. "I would LOVE to go to those places!" Give me a break!
First off, she is a big time author with a ton of money. I know money can't buy happiness but come on! How many of you would LOVE to have a cool job like a well known author? Hey Liz! Try flipping burgers all day! Be grateful you get to do what you love and express yourself through your writings!
How many women who saw this movie are now thinking of ways to pack up and take an extensive vacation like she took to all those wonderful places???
Yes you too will go to these places and make a million friends and not have a single problem! You won't suffer from loneliness! You won't get sick! You won't wander into any "bad parts of town" and only find beautiful sunsets! You will meet wonderful, sexy men who will sweep you off your feet!
I'm sorry. I just find all this supposed spiritual journeys to be a bunch of crap. You have issues with yourself, running away to all these places won't get you away from you! Plus the fact that most of us can't afford to take off for months like this character did.
Look at one of my favorite women-the beautiful Jennifer Copp. She didn't leave her girls to go "find herself." She came home and found ways to make the best of some negative situations by taking advantage of positive surroundings and being close to family and friends. She appears to be in a good place and very happy. She didn't run away. Julia Roberts should have made the "Jenn Copp Story!"
What do you guys think? Did you see the movie? Have you ever gone on extended trips in hopes of finding yourself?