Movie #99 - Bruce Almighty

Bruce Almighty
Universal Pictures
2003 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 41 min
Director: Tom Shadyac
Starring: Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Steve Carell

Whoever decided that Jim Carrey could play God for a day was a genius... I love this movie.  Alright, so there's nothing epic or life-changing about it.  But it's a sweet story about one man's personal redemption... under very unique circumstances.

Of course, he has to use his powers for the things that any man would, at least at the beginning.  You know, making his girlfriend's boobs bigger and sabotaging the competition to get ahead at work (bravo, Steve Carell, on acting completely insane in that scene).  Trying to skip out on the responsibility by saying 'yes' to everyone? Rookie mistake.  Sure this movie is a 'gimmick,' but it's definitely a gimmick that's well done and fun to watch evolve.  Also Jennifer Aniston is highly underrated, but very good as Bruce's unlucky girlfriend.

PS - Morgan Freeman is probably the best 'God' since George Burns in 'Oh, God!'

Movie #92 - The Break-Up

The Break-Up
Universal Pictures
2006 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 46 min
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Justin Long, John Michael Higgins, Vincent D'Onofrio

The best part about this movie is the end.  Not because it's over... but because it doesn't end the way you expect.  A Hollywood rom-com always has a happy ending right?  Well, despite the movie trailer that would have you believe this is your standard rom-com, it so isn't.  Instead, it's like a study in communication breakdown, romantic dysfunction, the differences between men and women and how they manage conflict.  And even with its cutesy back-and-forth between this couple - expertly protrayed by Vaughn and Aniston, by the way - this movie is full of sorrow, regret, and doubt.  It's well done and highly underrated.  Calling this a rom-com just doesn't make sense.

Anyway, I really do like this movie, although it's not one I could pick up and watch every weekend.  There are laughs, here and there, but mostly it's just a reminder to appreciate the one you're with and not take anything for granted.  But the open-ended last scene also reminds us of all the things possible in the future.

Movie #23 - Along Came Polly

Along Came Polly
Universal Pictures
2004 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 30 min
Director: John Hamburg
Starring: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, Hank Azaria, Alec Baldwin

Ben Stiller plays the same goofy, lovestruck, hopeless guy he does in most of his movies. In this, he's an insurance adjuster who can't take risks. When his wife unexpectedly cheats on him (on the first day of the honeymoon), he freaks out, goes home, and bumps into the least likely woman to be interested in him... Surprisingly, she is interested (What is it that the ladies love so much about Ben?)

Overall, it's just a funny rom-com with a basic plotline, cast of characters, and a few choice one-liners thrown in for fun. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Alec Baldwin are probably the best parts about this movie. Still, I enjoyed watching it for the first time in a few years.