The Incredible Hulk (part 1)

Happy Monday lovers! I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter and Passover weekend. Now that lent is over I'm back to blogging and back to life. During my mini break from the internet I've had a lot of time to pray, reflect, and watch movies of course!

The Avengers franchise is the most successful superhero franchise in history, not to mention one of my favorites. (go Captain America) and I'd seen all the movies except one. I finally got around to watching it and fell in love. So for today's Monday movie I've chosen The Incredible Hulk.

We all (hopefully) know the story of Dr. Bruce Banner, the brilliant scientist who turns into a big, green rage machine when his pulse gets too high. In this adaptation we find Edward Norton as doctor Banner, living on the outskirts in Peru, seeking solidarity and validation while desperately attempting to find an antidote for his "condition" so he can return to his life and his love Betsy Ross (beautifully played by Liv Tyler). However, he is captured by General "Thunderbolt" Ross, and his worst nightmare is reincarnated when power-hungry soldier Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) becomes a similar, more evil version of himself. Check out the trailer for The Incredible Hulk below:



As I was growing up, I remember my dad being enamored with the Incredible Hulk, but after the 2003 film I was only left disappointed and longing for more. The CGI was just awful, I didn't care for Eric Bana's Hulk at all, and the movie was just downright a depressing snoozefest. This reboot brought The Hulk back to life for me. I much prefer Edward Norton (although Mark Ruffalo in The Avengers was even better) to Eric Bana and the adaptation of The Abomination made me squeal. Tim Roth was absolutely perfect for the role of the classic supervillian.

Norton's take on Banner was an excellent installment of just one superhero film in what was to become The Avengers. Even with the seriousness of his character he was still able to throw in some witty one-liners that made me giggle and lightened the tone of the movie a bit. In my opinion he brought a little humanity to the monster and paved the way for Ruffalo to make even better Hulk movies in the future.

The Incredible Hulk is now available on blu-ray and DVD, and as always don't forget to check back on Thursday for part two of this post.

P.S. Go see Captain America: The Winter soldier in theaters now! It's truly the best Marvel sequel ever. 

Valentine's Day

Good morning lovers! I hope you all had a great weekend and are geared up for a week of love, because it's Valentine's week here at Matilda Makes! Since Valentine's Day is Friday I figured I'd spend the week gearing up for it by posting Valentine's Day related everything! So get ready for a week filled with pinks, reds, and lots of love. And since it's Monday let's kick off this week with the Monday movie which is...

Movie poster courtesy of IMP Awards.

Valentine's Day! How appropriately fitting, right?
A dozen lovers wake up in Los Angeles  on Valentine's Day only to find their lives and their relationships turned upside down because of the holiday. Three couples awaken together, but each relationship faces it's challenges. And and "I Hate Valentine's Day" threatens to bring the lonely and the lied to together and make it all come crashing down. Can Cupid finish his work by midnight?

Check out the trailer for Valentine's Day below:

The story of intertwining couples facing day-to-day relationship struggles is something I'm sure we can all relate to. Who hasn't felt the pressure to give the perfect gift, or christen the night with that special someone? Featuring one of the largest ensemble casts in box office history including Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez, Taylor Lautner, Queen Latifah and Jamie Foxx among others, Valentine's Day is sure to leave you laughing. Who knows, Cupid may even aim his arrow right at your feels.

Valentine's Day is now available on blu-ray and DVD.

Capote.

Good morning and happy Monday people of internetland! I hope you've had a beautiful weekend and a wonderful 2014 so far. Over the weekend we've had one of the first notable losses of the new year. Academy Award winning actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman passed away at the tender age of 46 from a drug overdose. An incredible actor, Hoffman was fearless with his role choices as well as ambitious and awe-inspiring as one of the greatest actors of the generation. So for today's Monday movie, I've chosen one of my favorite Hoffman flicks based on the life of one of my favorite authors.

Movie poster courtesy of imp awards.

Based on Gerald Clarke's autobiography and originally opening on September 30, 2005 to coincide with what would have been Truman Capote's 81st birthday, Capote follows the events leading up to the writing of his best selling novel, In Cold Blood.

After the murder of the Cutter family, Truman Capote travels to Kansas with best friend (and famed novelist) Harper Lee, to begin work on what would be his most famous novel. In the beginning Capote only intends to interview those people involved with the victims. However after making nice with Alvin Dewey, the lead detective on the case, he gets the inside scoop on the case and even begins making visits to see the murder suspects. He develops an unlikely relationship with one of the suspects, Perry Smith. Smith's story intrigues Capote, who eventually gets the material he needs to write his iconic novel. Check out the trailer for Capote below:



They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but more often than not biographic movies with major potential end up a sad parody instead of an inside look into the life of a legacy. Phillip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal of Truman Capote was less a cheap imitation and more a channeling of America's great nonfiction writer, a man whose oddities conceal immense intelligence and deep damage. Hmm, maybe Hoffman was more like Truman Capote than any of us could have ever imagined.

Capote is a film of extraordinary insight regarding a man who stopped at no means to get the scoop of the century, and in the process loses all sense of self-awareness.

Capote is now available on blu-ray and DVD. 

Seven Psychopaths

Happy Monday beautiful people of the internet. I hope everyone had a fun filled weekend, I know I did. It wasn't really eventful; I just spent a lot of time reading, doing homework, and playing with the puppy. I love my Wilfred. We have a very special (although sometimes bordering on the psychotic) relationship. After school I race home to greet him, and I can't imagine living my life without him. So at the recommendation of a close friend, I decided to scare myself and check out a movie in which I hope I am never put in the circumstances of.

Movie Poster courtesy of IMP Awards.

Seven Psychopaths is a British crime comedy written and directed by Martin McDonagh, the Academy Award nominated writer of 2009's In Bruges. Seven Psychopaths stars Colin Farrell as struggling screenwriter and alcoholic Marty Faranan. He dreams of finishing his screenplay "Seven Psychopaths", a violent movie about love and peace, but so far he's only got the title. With the help of his best friend Billy (Sam Rockwell), an out of work  actor who kidnaps dogs for a living, they come up with the stories of the seven psychopaths. When Billy and his partner Hans (Christopher Walken) steal the wrong gangster's Shih Tzu and Marty gets caught up, he suddenly finds that he's living in his movie. Check out the trailer for Seven Psychopaths below: 



Martin McDonagh has done it again with Seven Psychopaths. The dialogue is excellent, the action is fantastic, and the acting by the ensemble cast is top-notch. This movie is hilarious, action packed and a little heartfelt. I've never cried during a movie, and without giving too much away I will say that Christopher Walken's performance almost brought me to tears. Seven Psychopaths is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, leave you on the edge of your seat, and even give you something to think about as you leave the theater.

Seven Psychopaths is now available on blu ray and DVD.

Captain America (part 1)

Good morning and happy Monday beautiful people of the internet! And a happy Earth Day to those of us here in America. Today is a beautiful day to get out and do something wonderful with nature. Plant some seeds, help clean up litter, or maybe even just spend the day in the park admiring the beautiful scenery Mother Nature has blessed us with. Today is going to be a wonderful and special day, I can just feel it.

Movie poster courtesy of IMP Awards.

I was feeling a little patriotic today, so for today's Monday movie I've chosen one of my favorite superhero comics, Captain America. Captain America: The First Avenger is the fifth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

It's March of 1942 and we're at the height of World War II and all Steve Rogers wants to do is serve his country by enlisting. But in addition to being short and skinny he's got a plethora of health issues including asthma and scarlet fever, which obviously deems him unfit for service. 

However, as with anyone who is truly determined to live out their dreams, this doesn't stop him from trying to enlist several more times in various cities using different names. It's during his fifth failed physical examination in the Bronx that he meets Dr. Erskine, a physician and scientist who sees Rogers's whole-heartedness and potential. He signs the boy up for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, the world's first superhero. 

Now bigger and stronger, Captain America is on the hunt for Johann Schmidt, the head of Hitler's advanced weapory division who is bent on world domination of his own. Check out the trailer for Captain America: The First Avenger below:

Captain America's patriotism, love and integrity really started my love affair with this country from an early age. He's been one of my favorite superheros since I was a child, and I think this updated rendition of a comic star and true American hero did the Cap justice. Starring some of my favorite people including Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, Hugo Weaving and the hunky Chris Evans as the title star himself, Captain America is not a movie to be missed. After seeing this I guarantee you'll be just as pumped for The Winter Soldier as I am.

Captain America: The First Avenger is now available on blu ray and DVD.

P.S. Wanna know why there's a part 1 attached to this post? Check back on Thursday for a special surprise.

Black Swan

Happy Monday morning loves! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I spent the weekend with my hair let loose and the music turned up and I danced the weekend away. I've never cared if I looked like a dork, it's fun! Although it's still Monday, I haven't quite gotten the dance outta my system yet which is why for today's Monday movie I chose Black Swan.  

movie poster courtesy of teen hollywood.

Black Swan chronicles the story of Nina Sayer (Natalie Portman), a young dancer in a prestigious New York ballet company as she prepares for the role of a lifetime playing the swan queen in Tchailovsky's
Swan Lake. She's innocent and naïve, perfect for the role of the white swan, but she has trouble tapping into the evil seductress of the black swan. 

She meets Lily (Mila Kunis), another young dancer who seems to be everything she's not: a natural dancer at ease with her dancing and her sexuality. She's perfect to play the black swan, and as rehearsals progress Nina becomes convinced that Lily is after her role. This is the role of a lifetime and Nina is not just gonna give it up without a fight. 

Though not a movie for the conservative or faint of heart, this movie is visually stunning and exhilarating. Natalie Portman is captivating as she brings the audience on her journey to channel her dark side. Black Swan gives a thrilling and terrifying perspective into the world of ballet. This movie is addictive, seductive and will definitely leave you wanting more. Check out the trailer for Black Swan below: 



Black Swan is now available on blu-ray and DVD. 

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Welcome to the beginning of the week! I hope everyone had a great weekend. We have approached yet another Monday, and I've been in the mood for a little Spanish, so for this week's Monday movie I've chosen one of my absolute favorites.

Movie poster courtesy of imp awards.

Making its debut at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival is Vicky Cristina Barcelona, a brilliant movie written and directed by Woody Allen. The film centers around Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson), a pair of friends who are opposite in personality but connect nonetheless. Both girls are going through a transitional period in their lives when they decide take a summer vacation to Spain. They meet handsome and suave artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) at an art exhibition. He is immediately enamored by both of them yet still harbors feelings for his volatile and quite unstable ex-wife María Elena. Little do any of them know that María Elena is about to turn all three of their lives upside down. 

From the first time I saw this movie I was instantly obsessed!  Woody Allen is amazing, and this film is just another example of his genius. This flick is funny, romantic, a little crazy and incredibly sexy. The Spanish backdrop is a character in itself, adding so much culture, ambiance (and at times) tension to the film. The score is eclectic and fun, featuring a soothing mix of Spanish guitar music, traditional flamenco and even newer music like the soothing voice of Giulia y Los Tellarini add to the story's lighthearted yet passionate tone. Not to mention outstanding performances by a gorgeous cast bring Allen's well though out, in-depth characters to life (and also net Cruz her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress) and really catapults the film to greatness. Check out the trailer for Vicky Cristina Barcelona below: 

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is now available on blu-ray and DVD.

Thank you to YouTube for allowing me the usage of their trailer.

3:10 to Yuma

Good morning and happy Monday beautiful people of the world! Can you believe that we're already halfway through the month of January?!?! It seems as if 2013 is going by just as fast as 2012. One of my New Year's   Resolutions was to blog more, and so far I've done a horrible job. To be fair I've been sick with the flu for about a week, but that's still no excuse.

Movie poster courtesy of IMP Awards.

Now that I'm feeling better, hopefully I can stick to that resolution. I recently subscribed to Netflix (I know, I'm finally a civilized human being) so now not only do I have a massive DVD collection, I've got an entire new universe of movies I haven't even tapped into. I've got a Monday movie that is absolutely awesome! 3:10 to Yuma is a 2007 remake of the 1957 film starring Glenn Ford and Van Heflin.

After falling into poverty, one-legged rancher and civil war veteran Dan Evans agrees to escort the notoriously ruthless outlaw Ben Wade to Contention for money to pay off his debts and provide for his family. However, what Evans doesn't expect is Wade's unexpected knowledge and criminal wisdom as the bandit tries to get inside his head. Things get crazy when Evans's eldest son sneaks off to join his father on this dangerous job. And when Ben Wade's merry band of misfits (Haha. Robin Hood reference. Not funny? Aww.) led by Mr. Wade's right hand man, the just plain evil Charlie Prince, to whom he has given his undying devotion and loyalty, things really take a turn for the chaotic and battle ensues. Check out the trailer for 3:10 to Yuma below:



I'm not normally a fan of western remakes because they don't always feel authentic, but I was delightfully surprised with this one. I felt transported to 1884 Arizona. The saloons, the canyon, the railroad, it was all amazing. I even felt a little nostalgia with dialogue from the original movie. I don't even have to mention the terrific performances by stars Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, whose chemistry is makes the movies that much more entertaining to watch. Russell Crowe is the king of admirable, heroic characters, so to watch him play the bad guy was such a nice surprise, and no one plays a bad guy better than Ben Foster. Seriously, this two time Academy Academy nominated movie is not one to miss!

3:10 to Yuma is now available on blu ray and DVD.

Movie trailer courtesy of YouTube.

P.S. Did anybody watch the Golden Globes last night? I loved it! Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were hilarious hosts. I was so happy that Ben Affleck won best director for Argo. What was your favorite moment of the show?

Moulin Rouge!

Happy Monday! May your day be as swift and merciful as an execution. Haha. Just kidding. However, today is New Year's Eve so I'm sure you'll want the day to pass with some haste so you can get to your New Year's Eve plans.

via Imp Awards.

I was in the mood to end the year with a bang, so I went for an extremely over the top movie that everyone loves! Moulin Rouge! is a musical unlike anything you've ever seen. The year is 1899, and young Christian, a poet, (played perfectly by the gorgeous Ewan McGregor) has left his humdrum life to move to Paris and become a part of the Bohemian revolution. He crosses paths with an eccentric gang of artists putting on a show. Christian quickly becomes swept up in the world of sex, drugs, and love when he decides to write the show and falls for the city's most beautiful courtesan in the process. 

He's not the only one enamored with the beautiful courtesan Satine. What started out as an innocent theater production has turned into a dangerous search for truth, beauty, freedom, and love when a wealthy duke agrees to invest in the production in exchange for Satine. Check out the trailer for Moulin Rouge! below: 



Everything about this movie is above and beyond: the acting, the costumes and set designs, and especially the chemistry. Featuring hits from some of the biggest names in music of the 20th century, the soundtrack alone is reason enough to give this movie a watch. Moulin Rouge! is sure to reinvent your perception of the typical love story. With performances from an A-list cast including Nicole Kidman, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent, and Richard Roxburgh this movie will be sure to remind you that of all things, the most important is love.

Moulin Rouge! is now available on blu-ray and DVD.

Movie trailer courtesy of YouTube.

The Princess & the Frog

Happy Monday dolls! I don't know about the weather out there, but here in Baton Rouge it's been cold which has kind of put a damper on my mood. However, today's Monday movie is sure to bring a smile to your face and a twinkle to your heart.

movie poster courtesy of imp awards.

Set in New Orleans, The Princess and the Frog is an updated take on a modern fairy tale classic. Tiana is a young, 19 year old girl working two jobs to achieve her dream of one day owning her own restaurant. Naveen is the spoiled, arrogant prince from Maldonia who is swept up in the magic of New Orleans and its notorious shadow man who tricks him and turns him into a frog.

Naveen, having read the story of the frog prince, convinces Tiana that all he needs is one kiss to turn back into a human. She reluctantly agrees, but instead of him turning human she is transformed into a frog!

They embark on a journey through the mystical bayous of Louisiana to find Mama Odie, a voodoo priestess who can turn them human again. With the help of Ray the firefly and Louis, a trumpet playing alligator they find themselves on a race against time to navigate the swamp, along the way learning the importance of hard work, love and following your dreams.

The Princess and the Frog includes and all-star cast featuring Oprah Winfrey and Terrance Howard as the parents of the independent, assiduous Tiana (voiced by the beautiful Anika Noni Rose), Keith David as the scary shadow man and the hilarious Jennifer Louis as Mama Odie and was nominated for three Oscars at the 82nd Academy Awards ceremony. Tiana is definitely one of the most memorable Disney princesses, I'm totally jealous of her southern charm, determination and not to mention those cooking skills! Disney returns to the genius of 2D with this tale that is sure to become a classic with the likes of The Little Mermaid, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and so many others!

Check out the trailer for The Princess and the Frog below:

With the holidays just right around the corner, this is the perfect movie to watch. The Princess and the Frog is available on Disney blu ray combo pack and DVD.

The Italian Job

Happy Monday morning lovelies! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, I know I did.

I love movies, so much so that I've taken the time to invest in a quality TV and sound system so I can enjoy movies to the fullest extent that they were meant to be enjoyed. So instead of posting a recipe on Mondays, I'm gonna do a little feature called Monday Movie instead where I spotlight a movie.

For my first movie I'm featuring one of my favorites: The Italian Job. A remake of the original 1969 caper film, The Italian Job stars Mark Wahlberg (swoon) as Charlie Croker, a master thief who with his mentor and brilliant safe cracker John Bridger (Donald Sutherland) plan one last heist to steal $35 million in Italian gold bricks. The heist goes as planned until one of their own double crosses them and leaves them all for dead. Now with Bridger dead and the gold gone the team is ready for vengeance. They recruit Bridger's daughter Stella (Charlize Theron) to even the score.

This is one of my favorite movies ever, and not (just) because I have a major crush on Mark Wahlberg.  It's action packed with some hilarious moments, and even a little bit of romance. This movie is what inspired me to get a MINI Cooper in the first place. Check out the trailer for The Italian Job below.



The Italian Job is now available on blu-ray and DVD.

Courtesy to Imp Awards for the movie poster.