Weekend Movie Picks

I’m sure that William Shakespeare is rolling over in his grave, but Anonymous was a good movie. It’s clearly fictional, but I’m ashamed to admit that it was incredibly entertaining to see the most brilliant playwright of all time depicted as a fraud. There have been several “candidates” for the authorship of Shakespeare’s plays. Anonymous depicts Edward De Vere the Earl of Oxford as the true author of Shakespeare’s plays. The Earl is brilliantly played by Rhys Ifans, who unfortunately is best known for his, albeit brief, engagement to the ultra-trampy Sienna Miller, rather than his amazing acting ability.  

Joely Richardson (Vanessa Redgrave’s real-life daughter) & Jamie Campbell Bower play the younger versions of Queen Elizabeth & the Earl of Oxford.

I’m equally surprised that Roland Emmerich managed to direct a half-way decent movie. This is after all the same Roland Emmerich who directed those memorable “classics” like Godzilla, 2012, 10,000 BC, The Day After Tomorrow, and Independence Day.

Luke Evans, Matthew Macfadyen, Milla Jovovich, & Ray Stevenson

The Three Musketeers was slightly silly and over the top, but it was so much fun to watch. The swordplay was fantastic. The cast was great, which included Orlando Bloom, Percy Jackson himself–Logan Lerman, Ray Stevenson, and of course Milla Jovovich (who needs no introduction as a tough-girl).

Despite it’s shortcomings, no one does sword fighting like the musketeer films. The plot was ridiculous and the film itself was a spectacle, but if you go in with no expectations other than to be entertained, then you won’t be disappointed. Director Paul W.S. Anderson (and husband of Milla), is best known for the Resident Evil films, which are my own personal guilty pleasures.

So I guess this is the week that I disagree with the majority of critics because the best reviewed film in theaters is Paranormal Activity 3,which I absolutely despised. I usually agree with the majority of critic so this week is unusual. I enjoyed the first two Paranormal films, but I thought the third one was awful, just awful. Whereas on Rottentomatoes.com Anonymous is rated 44% and The Three Musketeers is rated 25%. I’m flabbergasted. Anywhoo, happy viewing.