Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

Quick summary: A group of men trying to relive the past accidentally get taken back to the 80s through a hot tub time machine.

Reason for seeing it: I enjoy goofy comedy movies. The previews for this movie made me laugh and it seemed like a funny plot. I was concerned that this movie would have too few laughs to be worth watching. It became an instant on Netflix and I decided to give it a try.

Review:  Just as I had feared, I was not amused during this movie. About 15-30 minutes in I considered turning it off. I stuck it out and it and it did pick up a little. Yet, overall, the humor just was not there. It was a case of putting all of the funny scenes into the previews. Most of the jokes were repetitive and predictable while others were just of the gross out variety which also failed to get a laugh out of me.

Recommendation: If you are searching for a comedy on Netflix, I suggest that you look elsewhere as I am sure that you will be able to find a more entertaining movie that this one.

Blindside (2009)

Quick summary: A teenage boy without anything or anyone is taken in by a sympathetic wealthy family. This turns his life around and ultimately helps him get to the NFL.

Reason for seeing it: I am a huge football fan and it seemed like there was a big buzz about this movie around its release. Yet, I missed it in theaters and I have really not been a rush to watch it. This is partially because it appeared that there may be a little too much drama for my taste. It had also gotten mixed reviews from my friends and family.

Review:  It is an interesting story that deserves its own movie. Quinton Aaron and Sandra Bullock both play very convincing roles which allowed me to get emotionally involved very early in this movie.   This set the stage for the entire movie. Yet, despite the powerful roles by these actors, this movie was not without its flaws. Some of the smaller roles fell short.  For example, the coach of the high school team was distracting in his role as he did not play believable coach nor did he complement the rest of the movie. His interactions with Bullock’s character were uncomfortable for the most part. There were a few failed attempts at humor thrown in I suppose to try and balance the movie. This included an extended sequence of interviews with various SEC coaches. In addition, all of the scenes that included football action came off to me as being very dumbed down and over simplistic. I also felt that the scenes in the projects were water down to the point where it was unrealistic.

Recommendation: In spite of the flaws mentioned above, this movie was worth watching for the powerful story and compelling roles played by the lead actor and actress. I certainly recommend putting this one on your Netflix list. However, I am not disappointed that I missed this one in theaters.