Christopher C. Payne's Blog, page 35

Knight and Day

I am reading the reviews of this movie wondering if I saw the same film.  Granted, it is pretty funny.  At times I am not sure it was intending to be funny, which doesn't necessarily bode well for the film, but it was humorous none the less.  As an omen, when I walked into the theater to see this film, five minutes before the start time, there was not a single person sitting in the seats.  Nobody.  That doesn't necessarily bode well for the film either.  Can we say strike two?  I did like...

Leap Year

With the likes of "Enchanted" and "Julie & Julia" under her belt, Amy Adams is fast becoming this decades Meg Ryan.  How can you not love the exuberant, giddy, forever smiling redhead who brings flashes of Lucille Ball while making the world fall in love.  I now seem to watch more romantic comedies than I do horror films, and with all the women in my house, that probably won't be changing for a long time.  I guess I am lucky enough to enjoy most of them and "Leap Year" was no exception. ...

The Cutting Edge

"The Cutting Edge" is the latest endeavor by Darcia Helle in her vast array of growing novels offered up for her avid fans consumption.  I must admit that this is the first of her books which I have read, and for the most part found myself entertained.  With the focus of "The Cutting Edge" centering on a serial killer and a common hairdresser's obsession with blood, the content falls in line with my book, Duncan's Diary.  Maybe all of us crazy people flock to the same party, who knows. 

I...

Learning to Cry is Published

Learning to Cry is now available at Barnes & Noble.  It should be showing up on Amazon any day now.  JournalStone's first published book as we delve ever further into the literary industry.  Awesome.  Take a look.  Who knows, you might even want to buy a copy.  Currently only in paperback but the hard cover is coming out very soon.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/e/9780982811900/?itm=1&USRI=learning+to+cry

The bond between a father and daughter is strong enough to weather the most...

Jennifer's Body

Ok, I finally did it.  I watched Jennifer's Body last night.  I can't believe how badly the movie was trashed while it was in theaters.  It really wasn't that bad.  Actually it was a decent horror flick, and Megan Fox held her own in her first leading role.  Granted this isn't Shakespeare, but people, the movie is absolutely worth watching.  I do question the writing with lines like, "You give me a wettie", "Put it in", "Am I too big", "Am I hurting you" and my favorite line, right after...

Taking Woodstock

"Taking Woodstock" is one of those films I could have easily missed.  I had no desire to see it, and it was only by chance that I ended up catching it OnDemand.  I can only say, as far as movies go, that I am very pleased I happened across it.  The movie was a fantastic depiction of the behind the scenes story leading up to the monumental event which has become infamous.  This might be the only concert in history that literally, on its own, defines a specific decade and what life was about...

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

First let me say that I have not read any of the books, and I had no prior knowledge of the series before seeing the movie.  I think the second disclosure I should make, for the record, is to seeing this movie on the plane.  Granted I was lucky enough to see it in first class, but still, the screen is tiny and the sound just doesn't bode well for a good movie experience.  I am sure these factors degraded my appreciation, but I have to admit there just wasn't much there to pull me in.  It...

All About Steve

I continue to look back at the reviews from some of the main critics on this movie, to make sure I viewed the same film.  The film was just trashed by most people and I admittedly only saw it because it was on my cable premium channel for free.  I figured I had some time to kill; the girlfriend always likes Sandra Bullock movies, so why not give it a shot.  I still had my scotch in hand if things got too bad.  Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed the film quite a bit.  I am still unsure what all ...

Hot Tub Time Machine

I absolutely love John Cusack movies.  I was thinking back in time to the famous line "I want my two dollars".  I think that was it anyway, from "Better off Dead".  I am sure everyone also remembers Lloyd Dobler and his persistent pursuit of the teenage love of his life.  I could venture on with Cusack's accolades but needless to say, the man was, and still is, an awesomely talented actor.  So I always have higher expectations for his movies, even the ones I anticipate to be filled with...

Grown Ups

I found this movie to be laugh out loud funny, but the storyline, plot, and acting were all filled with several holes.  I almost feel like I could hit copy/paste when reviewing some of the recent comedic theatrical releases.  There just wasn't any depth here, but it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy several of the slapstick jokes being played out.  If you like the old "Three Stooges" you will most likely enjoy this film.  Not that I would compare this mediocre release to a classic, but the head...