54. How Do You Know?

                   This movie was confusing. Confusing on many points.  First thing that is confusing is why a movie with Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson isn’t funnier. There are cute moments and it’s entertaining. But overall it’s kind of muddled and confusing at times. I guess I was expecting more.

                How Do You Know? Follows the story of Witherspoon who is a Team USA softball player whose career has run its course and who was cut from the Team for the first time ever. Lost and confused with her placed in life she meets and moves in with Wilson’s character who is a pro baseball player. I should have known something was up when he was playing for the Nationals! Joining in on the fun is Paul Rudd who plays the son Jack Nicholson. Rudd is being indicted by the government for actions he did not commit (you find out who did later).

                What follows is not that funny. Which is disappointing due to the fact that How Do You Know? is brought to you by James L. Brooks. This is the same Brooks that is one of the creators and producers of The Simpsons.  Even though the Simpsons can be muddled and confusing at times too it’s generally funny. Something that is lacking in this searching for true love movie.  Plus Brooks gave us Spanglish which is awesome.

Final Verdict: I love Owen Wilson but not worth owning.

20. Armageddon

Bruce Willis saves the world.

             Let me just say at the start of this blog that I love this movie. No really. It is one of my most favorite movies of all time. I remember seeing it in theater (despite the STRONG objection from a certain girl that we will just call Comer) and being absolutely mind blown by this movie. It’s Michael Bay at his finest--even better than Transformers.

                This movie has everything that I love. Humor, Actors I like (BW baby!), Action, explosions and tender moments.  Armageddon is an awesome movie.  It’s fun from beginning to end. In case you have been living on an asteroid for the past 12 years you need to know that this movie is simply about an Asteroid heading to earth. IF we can’t stop it then we are all done for.  What do we do?

Talk about the Wrong Stuff

                What we do is call Bruce Willis. Willis is Harry Stamper, the best deep oil driller on the face of the planet.  He and his rag tag group of guys are shuttled off to space to land on the asteroid, drill a hole into it, and blow the thing up from the inside. Far fetched, I know. But there are some times movies are meant to be out of this world.  Did I mention that his rag tag group of guys includes Owen Wilson, Ben Affleck, Steve Buscemi, Michael Clarke Duncan and the scene stealer of the entire movie Peter Stormare who plays the Russian astronaut Lev.  I can’t imagine anyone who hasn’t seen this movie but if you are one of those please do so. It’s Great! 

Final Verdict: A must own!!!

2. Marley and Me

Yes, men do cry.

First, I have to start off with the fact that I love Owen Wilson. He is one of my favorite actors. To some he might be a one trick pony, but ever since Armageddon I have found him absolutely hilarious. So when I pulled out Marley and Me that was my first thought. I was happy. Ready to go.

The best thing about Marley and Me is that it is based on a true story. I love that. I think it bleeds into the movie throughout. You also need to realize that this was the first movie that Owen Wilson made after he attempted suicide. IF you don’t know the whole story, Google it. I really feel that everything that Owen went through in his personal life really comes to life in this role. It's perfect for him. He is not over the top funny and gets to show his “range” as an actor. I love him in this role.

*****SPOILER***** Yes, Marley dies. You can't get around it, and you can't change it. It's based on a true story. Man, I cried. I have cried every time I have seen this movie. Which I think is 4 times now. I will be the first to admit that I cried and cried and cried. Call me a wuss, whatever. I grew up with a dog. It brought back so many great memories of growing up. When he is sitting there at the end telling Marley how great he was for loving them day in and day out I start to tear up. I really lose it at the burial when the children are sharing their feelings. Every time. You don’t get that with Owen Wilson in Shanghai Noon do you!? Final Decision: Absolutely worth owning!

Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston

Favorite Line: “It’s like Of Mice and Men” – Owen Wilson’s character John when on the way to get Marley fixed.

Other tidbits
-Alan Arkin plays Owen's boss in the movie and is so funny!
-The movie used 22 different Marleys in the filming.