Water For Elephants

Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz

Directed by Francis Lawrence

Rating: 4 stars

Jacob Jankoski (Robert Pattinson) is in training to be a veterinarian when the death of his parents leaves his penniless and homeless. Unsure of where his future lies, he hops aboard a train and is accepted to work for a circus. August (Christoph Waltz) the ring leader gives Jacob a job cleaning up and feeding the animals. When Jacob's talent is noticed by August, he is appointed teacher of the new attraction, an elephant. Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) is to ride the elephant and be part of the show. While Jacob handles the elephant, he and Marlena form feelings for each other though they can't acknowledge it because Marlena is married to August.

Though the movie may be a disappointment to those who read the book, I really enjoyed Water For Elephants. The cast was simply brilliant and  this movie redeems Robert Pattinson's acting qualities. It was an entertaining movie though had some upsetting scenes. This isn't a movie to bring the family with (unless maybe they all read the book). What I'm trying to say is, don't bring your kids. August is a brutal character with some mental problems that he inflicts pain on the animals and is abusive. I think this movie deserved four stars because the acting was impressive, it's easy to get lost in the movie. I don't want to spoil the movie so I would definitely recommend this movie. However, if you get uneasy at scenes with animal abuse or fighting, you may want to approach this movie with caution.

How Do You Know

Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson

Directed by James L. Brooks

Rating: 2 stars

When Lisa (Reese Witherspoon) gets cut from the USA softball team, she finds herself stuck not knowing what to do with her life. She goes on a date with Matty (Owen Wilson), a naive pro baseball player. George (Paul Rudd) is being blamed with some bad news from his company and doesn't hit it off so well when he is set up on a date with Lisa. Yet, George really likes Lisa. Lisa must figure out which guy she wants.

How Do You Know is two hours of my life I will never get back. Judging from the preview, you know it's going to be an okay movie. What I didn't know was that it would be a terrible movie. Reese Witherspoon's character is annoying and (for lack of a better word) dumb. This was a terrible role for her to be cast in. Same goes for Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson! Paul Rudd plays this corporate guy who is just as annoying while Owen Wilson plays a professional baseball player who sleeps around and has the common sense of a two-year-old. The only reason I rated this movie two stars instead of one is because this movie probably appeals to some people out there. Honestly, this movie should never have been made. Usually I'd recommend movies to people who like the cast but honestly, if you are a fan of any of the cast in this movie, you will find yourself wondering the same thing as me; how could a movie be so horrible? Save yourself two hours and watch something else.