The Proposal (2009, U.S.)

I'm very picky about romantic comedies, and I do not like Sandra Bullock at all. However, I had a pretty good feeling about this one. And it was spot on.

I absolutely loved this film. It was hilarious. Canadian businesswoman is going to be deported, so she gets engaged to her young American PA, who pretty much hates her. Magic.

The chemistry between the leads was believable. The whole ensemble interaction was good. In fact, the acting was pretty impressive overall, for a romantic comedy. And Betty White stole every scene she was in.

Also, the Alaskan scenery was incredibly beautiful.

And who doesn't love a movie where the characters actually learn something and grow up a bit?

Rating: 4.0

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009, U.S.)

Let's face it. Hugh Jackman is a badass. I don't know if anyone else could have pulled this film off. The plot was a bit confusing at places and strained credulity at others, but it was still pretty awesome.

Aside from Hugh Jackman, the rest of the cast was pretty amazing. Dominic Monaghan and Will.i.am I thought were especially good, but Ryan Reynolds just stole the show. Considering that they all had such minor roles in a story that revolved around Jackman's character, it was especially impressive. (Side note: two of my favorite Aussie actors made brief appearances... Wish they were longer!)

The special effects were also jaw-dropping. Fight scenes were over-the-top, but pretty cool and well-choreographed.

One last thing that especially impressed me was the score. Of course, I've love Harry Gregson-Williams since the first time I heard the Kingdom of Heaven score. (Other good work of his includes Shrek and Gone Baby Gone.) Normally superhero-type movies have cheesey, over-the-top scores, but this one was perfect. It used some of the stereotypical action stuff, but it also had some truly beautiful parts too. That man sure can compose.

Overall, I think this is a good addition to the X-Men films (perhaps the best one), and I look forward to the other Origins films they're planning to make.

Rating: 3.5

Adventureland (2009, U.S.)

I loved this movie. I thought it looked like a stupid teen comedy from the previews (and that's probably what they were going for), but it was actually a very serious, sad, funny, touching story about growing up and finding your place in the adult world. It was truly wonderful.

I don't know really what else to add. The acting, mis en scene, scripting, everything was just so well done. I can always live without the use of modern music instead of a score, but it worked pretty well for it.

It's terribly embarrassing, but I really have become a Kristen Stewart fan. Sometimes she's weaker than others, but for the most part, she is absolutely enthralling.

I would recommend this film to anyone and everyone, but especially recent graduates who are having a hard time getting started in life, or people who remember what that was like.

Rating: 4.5