Summer Movie Update

While I'm on a roll with summer movie viewing I thought I'd give a quick synopsis of my opinions. Keep in mind, I'm no film critic. If I'm entertained and hooked by the story I'll like the movie. I'm not necessarily out to find amazing symbolism or deep characters.

1. The Devil Wears Prada- This was a very cute movie. Possibly one I'd consider buying on DVD. I loved the fashion element and it was very funny. At the same time, there was a slightly serious twist cautioning against giving up who you are and what's important to you for a job. I think it's sometimes easy to be enticed by the money and the glamour but in the end it's not what life is really about. At one point Meryl Streep's character, the high profile, elitest editor of a fashion magazine, says of her glamorous lifestyle, "Everyone wants to be us." Not to get too serious about a summer chick flick, but that line stuck with me.

2. Superman Returns- THIS MOVIE IS AWESOME! You must see it on the big-screen. The special effects are great and so is the soundtrack. I saw it on the IMAX which was definitely impressive. The 3D scenes were cool but not necessary in making the movie what it was. I thought the story was good, Brandon Routh makes a great Superman and Clark Kent, and there were some fun surprises. I even got a little tear in my eye at the end (but if you know me, that doesn't take too much). I'm definitely looking forward to the follow-up movies.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean 2- Again, this is a great movie! Of course, the movie can't quite be as great as the first one because it doesn't have the element of surprise going for it. No one was expecting the first one to be so great. It by no means falls short the way most other sequels do (ie. Matrix Re-loaded) Although the plot gets going somewhat slowly and therefore seems a little long it's a definite must see. All of the characters are back, Jack is hilarious, Will is cute and dashing and the rest of the pirates are still along for the ride. It has one of the coolest sword fighting scenes I've ever seen (though I guess I haven't seen that many) and the sound track and special effects are great. The bad pirates are like Lord of the Rings on the sea, very gross looking- sometimes I was a little distracted by that. The movie has an ending that is a little surprising and sets up nicely for the last episode of the trilogy. If you go to see it in the theater, be sure to wear your eye patch, I did.

Superman Returns and Pirates of the Caribbean 2 both confirm an opinion I've held for awhile...music makes a movie. Actors and special effects can only go so far but music makes the action, excitement, fear and emotion come alive on a whole new level. Gotta love it.