1982 - Peter's Friends

This is one of those gems that I never got around to seeing, and finally dusted off the DVD I'd purchased of it years ago to plop in.  I'm gearing up for a bit of a similar type ensemble, so I'm surrounding myself with these types of films right now to see what parts inspire.
Hugh Laurie looks so amazingly different here.  Emma Thompson reminds me of Kate Hewlett a bit here in a really delightful way.  I was worried a bit that Kenneth Branagh was going to be the same character type all the way through but was happy to see him mature with age.
This is a really charming film with a wonderful cast and an impressive musical soundtrack.  I'm sure it was a low budget flick since it largely took place all in one location, but it never felt that way.
If you haven't seen it, this is a beautiful film about friendship and one that shouldn't be over looked.  I'm glad I have a copy and I'm sure I'll revisit it sooner rather than later.

1723 - Thor

Decided to re-watch this 'cause it was on Netflix (Huzzah!), and since I believe that Loki is to be the big-bag in Avengers, I figured this was probably the most relevant of the Marvel Universe films to revisit.  This was just as fun as the first time.  I love the set-up to the character and then as soon as he enters our world it becomes a bit of a fish-out-of-water comedy for a little bit.  What a great choice by the filmmakers.  I think that Thor probably has the strongest character arc of any of these films so far.  When he gets his powers back you REALLY believe that he's earned them.  Love it.  Portman is lovely as always, even if she isn't given enough of a range of things to do with her character.  Kat Dennings… well…. I've lost my enjoyment of her ever since I saw that pilot of 2 Broke Girls.  Amazing how one little thing can kind of turn you off of someone.
I'm getting pretty excited about the Avengers this Friday.  All of these films leading up to it have been pretty well done, so it'll be nice to see what happens when they throw them all together.  Trying to keep the expectations low.

1647 - Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked)

The trailer for this really intrigued me, besides being a who's who if British film actors it's also a pretty interesting topic - 1960's Britain had banned rock and roll from their radio stations and so people like this set up pirate radio as a legal way to broadcast the music of choice to the masses.  This is the story of those people and how an uptight politician tries to destroy them.
The film is enjoyable enough, it's got great cast and they all fit well together.  I suppose my biggest critique is that I'm not sure the motivations of anyone.  I never get a real sense of why this music was seen as so harmful or why this politician has such a bee in his bonnet about it.  Why doing this was so important to either side... I wanted to care - all of the filmic ingredients were there, but I just didn't know why I should and so, ultimately, I didn't...
This was a good film that could have been a great one if they added a bit more heart and grounded us in something a little firmer.  Great soundtrack.  It's hard to know if to recommend this at all - my suggestion is to check out the trailer and if it grabs you, chances are you'll dig the film as well.

1573 - Thor

This was a film that I was only half thinking of going to see, so when a friend suggested that we see it I didn't put up too much of a fight.  Besides, this is the kind of film that you really want to see on a big screen (Bridesmaids, the film I wanted to check out, arguably, works just as well on a small screen).
So for those who don't know Marvel has been doing a pretty cool job of laying the ground work for a series of films all leading up to The Avengers, and this film is no exception.  It has a simply stunning cast.  (I had no idea that was Idris Elba until the end credits!  Nor that it was Colm Feore under all that Frost Giant make-up!)  Chris Hemsworth is really excellent here.  I find myself falling a little out of love with Kat Dennings these days, and far more in love with Natalie Portman. 
The best thing about this film is that it's a fun ride - and it's got a wicked sense of humor.  It spends the first act taking the character seriously inside of his world, and then throws it all on his head when he gets to ours.  I won't ruin any of the comic greatness - you'll just have to check it out yourself.
Hiring Kenneth Branagh to direct this film was an inspired and interesting choice.  As a man who knows his classic theatre, with the Norse Gods involved I have to say that I'm sure he found the themes and storyline compelling, but knew how to weave them and not take the film itself too seriously.  Lots of great stakes and character turns - great fun for the entire family.
So for a guy who didn't really care about seeing this film at all, I'm walking out with a decent recommend.  And it's under two hours, which is impressive since most companies think that epic and long belong in films like this just for the sake of it.  I could go on about it's many virtues, but I'm tired.  Ready for bed.  So if you haven't already, and are the least bit interested - give it a shot while it's still in theatres.