"Don't let anyone, ever, make you feel like you don't deserve what you want. Go for it!" (10 Things I Hate About You, 1999)

Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You

Rating: PG-13

Release Year: 1999

Notable Cast: Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, David Krumholtz

Stars: 3

Review: A must-see teen classic, modeled after Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew." So many strengths to this movie! The casting was excellent, particularly Julia Stiles as "the shrew" and Heath Ledger as the sweet-hearted bad boy. Dialogue is great and the soundtrack rocks. I wouldn't recommend this movie to everyone though-- it's definitely a chick flick and primarily targeted towards teens. One unique aspect of this movie is that it considers issues of adolescence (partying, cliques, "fitting in," conflict with parents) without making those issues the primary focus. As a result, I think the target audience gets to enjoy the movie and relate to it without feeling angst-y afterward.

Favorite scene: Heath Ledger serenading Julia Stiles with "You're just too good to be true" on the bleachers, with the marching band playing in the background.

Good date movie? Yes for young couples, especially if you are the cheesy-romantic types!

"If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually IS all around." (Love Actually, 2003)

Movie: Love Actually

Rating: PG-13

Release Year: 2003

Notable Cast: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson

Stars: 4

Review: Such a wonderful movie! This movie is one of my all-time favorites. The title may lead one to the belief that this movie is a cheesy and predictable chick-flick, but, in fact, it has a number of different plot lines which are intertwined to give a rather broad look at love. I believe that most everyone can find at least one or two plot lines to pique their interest. The stories range from being sad to being sweet to being devastating to being star-crossed to being scandalous. I appreciate that the writers did not attempt to do too much editorializing-- the stories are presented quite simply and it is up to the viewer to formulate his own opinions. I find this movie particularly endearing in its ability to captivate audiences at a variety of depths-- that is to say, one can enjoy this movie on multiple levels, as he so desires. For example, a superficial viewing presents an enjoyable flick perfect for lighthearted movie nights and a deeper viewing encourages contemplation of moral indiscretion and the oft-harsh realities of love. Fun for most everyone! Please note that a select couple of the scenes are not appropriate for younger audiences.

Good date movie?  Definitely!

"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." (Casablanca, 1942)

Hello friends! Just wanted to start off with some introductions. My name is Monika, and I am a third year medical student. Last year marked the end of formal education for me, and I am now in a new and exciting stage of my career with clinical rotations. I am very busy but having a wonderful time and looking forward to many adventures! Movies are my favorite way to relax, and I see them as a constant throughout my travels... every city has a movie theater and a movie rental place! A dear friend of mine gave me the idea of starting a blog to share movie reviews. I am quite looking forward to it! :)

My first post or two will be on past movies I have seen, to get the ball rolling and to give me a chance to develop my style. Feel free to comment! Have a wonderful day! :)