No Strings Attached (DVD)

This year has two very similar films about friends using each other for sex in a comedic way, this was the first one and though it was mildly funny, I'm hoping the second one, Friends with Benefits, is much better. This film had an opportunity to be funny and raunchy, but just fell short and only filled with me with giggles. Of course, it could be the lack of chemistry between Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman that really left me cold. It is sad to see a good actor paired with a bad one because it just makes the latter seem even worse. I think this film would have been much better if it focused on Natalie Portman's friends because that's who got the most laughs.

Beastly

A modern day fairy tale is not hard to find these days, but a well-done modern fairy tale is. Though I know I am too old for the age group this film is geared towards, that does not excuse bad writing. Most of the major plot points seemed contrived and left a funny taste in my mouth. Though Alex Pettyfer was perfect as a self-absorbed, good-looking, jerk, I could not buy Vanessa Hudgens as a brainy, sweet girl. Honestly, the best part of the film was Mary-Kate Olsen because she just went balls out insane, and it worked. I'm glad I only paid $3 to see this film because otherwise it would have felt like a waste of money.

Bridesmaids

Finally something raunchy for the girls!!! I love to watch a good R-rated comedy, but was getting a little tired of the cliché man-child learning and lesson and have been dying to see woman be just as funny, or more so. This film was a dream come true and laughed from beginning to end. Annie, Kristen Wiig, is the perfect woman-child filled with awkward moments and surrounded by odd people. All the characters play nicely off each other and have a chemistry which has been lacking in a lot of female driven films. I laughed from start to finish and my cheeks hurt from smiling for 2 hours straight. I just hope this is a sign of more funny women to come.

Thor

Yes, another comic book movie, or is it? Though the trailer and talent attached to the film hinted to something good, it's hard to have high expectations for a teenage boy's fantasy. However, with this film, it is perfectly okay to have those high expectations because it meets them. This was a fun film which sets a high bar for all other comic book movies to come. You laugh, you cheer the good guy and boo the bad guy, you leave the theater smiling. It also adds new dimensions to the comic hero genre by having non-sexualized women. The women in the film are known for their skills and their personalities more than for their appearance and none of them wear skimpy/body-hugging outfits showing their bodies. Thor falls for Jane because of her brains and personality, it's wonderful! Filled with positive influences throughout the whole film, Thor is truly the perfect summer blockbuster.