Premonition

Sometimes I have to go through a few bad movies to find a good one. This is one of the bad ones. And don't read on if you prefer not to know the details. Oh yeah, and I spoil the ending which is totally predictable.

This is a movie about inconsistencies. But there are so many inconsistencies in the film I was unable to focus on the supposed happy ending. And if you think changing the circumstances under which someone dies IS a happy ending, then you may actually like this. I personally don't see it, didn't feel it, and don't recommend it.

Sandra Bullock plays a depressed housewife who has incredibly vivid dreams or premonitions about the death of her husband. As the movie progresses Bullock's character tries to take control of the specific circumstances and even prevent the death. While she slightly alters some of the things going on in her husband's head, Bullock's character actually ends up causing the death. Oh yeah, there, I spoiled it.

I think I will stop now before I incur the wrath of the die-hard Sandra Bullock fans.

Watch this with someone who is far less cynical than I, who will enjoy this movie as a 2-box tear jerker. Or not.

Juno

This movie was nothing like I expected. It was much better. Unlike most movies, the good stuff is not all in the trailers. There are dozens of surprises; great movie one-liners, sage parental wisdom, and teen-speak that will add new expressions to pop culture the same way Napoleon Dynamite did, or Caddyshack for you older readers.

I love it when a small-budget indy film gets nominated for an Oscar. When they are nominated for 4 and win 1, it must churn the stomachs of the Hollywood decision makers. The Best Writing Oscar was well deserved here. The dialogue is fantastic. And after all, this is a dialogue movie.

If you liked Napoleon Dynamite, you will most likely love this movie. Totally different stories, don't get me wrong. Both are great teen angst movies very well done; sometimes very painful to watch, quite often painfully funny.

Watch this movie with someone who will not be offended by the blunt, pretentious, irreverent language. And, be up on your slang, or you may miss some of the funniest bits.