Unicorn City

Rated PG

100 minutes

Nicole’s Rating – A

Being a geek myself, this movie spoke to me. OK, maybe not just spoke to me, but related to me on a whole new level of geek. I’m a table top gamer (somewhat) myself so this movie was made for my kind. One of the best things about the movie experience is that the theater was filled with role players such as myself and everyone in there had a great time!

This is an independent movie that was made here in Utah and right now it does have a limited release for the state, but I KNOW this movie can make it big. It’s great fun for the whole family, even if you don’t know squat about D&D or L.A.R.Ping, you’ll have an enjoyable time with the characters. Most of the story is centered around Voss trying to get into a leadership position with both is gaming guild and for a job. Then there’s Marsha who tries to get Voss to fall in love with her, but getting their characters to fall for each other. There’s every type of mystical realm characters (elves, dwarves, bards, succubus, knights…etc) but the winner take all of the show was Clint Vanderlinden who played a role playing centaur. Every time he was on the screen you knew there was going to be something good coming.

The costumes were great! They were made a bit better than if your average role playing person would do, but the creativity on each costume was enjoyable. Again, a wagon carrying centaur…you can’t beat that!

The only thing I found wrong about the movie is very minor. The D&D game play was a bit too clean. I know every guild I’ve played with gets a bit more heated, but I understand that the company wants to make this a family film.

I know many people are reading this review and a probably gagging at the words “Independent Film”, “Family Film” and “Utah”, do not let these words make you think for one second that it’s too cutesy for you. I can’t remember the last time I’ve laughed so hard during a movie. Go and see it while you can and bring as many family and friends as possible. Then who knows…you may start your own guild.

The Artist

The Artist

Rated PG-13

100 Minutes

Nicole’s Rating: A-

I’ve been wanting to see this show since I saw the trailer to it months ago. Finally after it won for ‘Best Picture’ at this year’s Academy Awards, I had to get out and see it. And I must say for a silent movie, it’s got more going for it than most action packed films out today!

Each performer did a remarkable job. Jean Dujardin, who played the lead of George and Bérénice Bejo who played the main female lead, have made their ways into Hollywood. Even thought it was a small role, John Goodman made a great presence on the screen. It’s good to see him back! But I have to give big loves to Uggie, a dog who played just as much as an important role as the human actors. This little guy just jumps into your heart from the first moment you see him!

The music…oh the music was great! It was the true voice of the show. I made me want to go back to the 1920’s a see a real silent film with a live orchestra.

I can see why it was nominated for best picture. Personally, I don’t think it should have won because this is the type of movie that will not appeal to a larger audience. Even right now for a domestic gross, it’s only brought in $32 million. I’m sure many more will go out and see it now that there’s big hype around it and I do hope that is the case.

This film is a true work of art with its wonderful storyline, great cinema-photography angle, lighting and shading and just over all direction. I’m sure this movie will be the next ‘Citizen Cain’ for students who are going into film because of all the excellent elements. Overall, if you a fan of old movies this is must see, but if you’re one that has to live in the now, I’m sure you’ll have a pleasant nap.