I must sadly admit that this was my least favorite Nicholas Sparks’ book turned movie.  Not because it didn’t stick exactly to the book, but because the story didn’t get me emotionally attached.  Sparks’ romance novels tend to grab you right from the start, but with this adaptation, you’re left on the sidelines watching.

Don’t get me wrong, the chemistry between Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfriend was hot.  They were very believable as a couple head over heels in love.  Even the relationship between Tatum’s character and his father was really good. 

I just wish the movie spent more time showing their blossoming relationship in the first two weeks they met.  It seems to focus more on their letter writing, but that just got boring after a while.  It leaves you with more of a “meh” feeling than an “aww” one, which is disappointing in my book when it comes to romance stories.

Who to take to this movie: romance junkies

Don’t see this movie if: you’ve just gone through a breakup

*2 (out of 4) snaps*

Wow – what a fun show!  It’s hard to find something where you’re completely engaged and entertained the whole time, and this show was just that.  It’s super close to the movie, so it won’t disappoint fans of the flick (that starred Reese Witherspoon).  It’s packed with tons of pink and high pitched squeals of joy, so you may want to leave your man at home for this one, unless he liked the movie too.

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, it tells the tale of UCLA sorority president Elle Woods who thinks she has her life figured out - her boyfriend will propose, and after he graduates law school, they’ll live happily ever after.  Problem is he dumps her before he leaves, so she becomes determined to follow him and joins him at Harvard Law.  Her perky personality and loud pink fashion don’t exactly fit in, but she’s determined to win her man back and prove that she can be serious thanks to the help of new friends.

I was really impressed with how well the movie translated to the stage.  The songs are absolutely hilarious, especially one with the line “is he gay or European?” More laugh out loud moments filled the theater whenever the UPS delivery man showed up at the salon. 

There is so much infectious bubbliness on stage that you can’t help but smile throughout the whole thing.  Plus, the live dogs are absolutely adorable, and it’s good for girls of all ages because the adult humor isn’t too in your face.  “Legally Blonde The Musical” is playing at the Buell Theatre now through February 14.  Get your tickets by calling 303-893-4100 or at www.denvercenter.org.

Who to take to this musical: the favorite ladies in your life

Don’t see this show if: pink makes you gag

*4 (out of 4) snaps*

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This predictable romantic comedy tells the story about how a girl who never believed in love was forced to start doing so.  All because she stole some coins out of the fountain of love in Rome during her sister’s wedding.  With big time funny guys like Will Arnett and Danny DeVito, you’d think that it would be a roaring romp, but it’s pretty lukewarm.

I found Kristen Bell’s character to be so annoying.  Her “love isn’t real” shpeel got so old after a while.  I get it – you’re not the loving type even though you’re incredibly lonely and deep down know that you’re wrong!  Even Josh Duhamel’s character, her main love interest, becomes so confused with her that I think his annoyed undertone wasn’t acting.

This was a bit of a disappointment for me.  There were only a few laugh-out-loud moments, and I was hoping for more.  It’s a cute flick for girlfriends but not so much for a couple to enjoy.

Who to take to this movie: girlfriends who are suckers for love

Don’t see this movie if: you’re going on a first date

*1 ½ (out of 4) snaps*

Mel Gibson stars as a Boston detective in this intense action thriller.  His daughter gets shot right outside his home, and everyone thinks he was the original target.  Turns out that’s not the case, and Gibson goes on a wild rampage trying to solve his daughter’s murder.

I was really impressed with Gibson’s performance.  Yea, some lines were kinda cliché, but his character was strong.  He’s got a tough exterior, but deep down he doesn’t want to hurt anybody.  He just wants answers.

This movie has quite a few twists and will put you on the edge of your seat.  There are jumpy moments and sweaty palms ones too, keeping you entertained for most of it, but unfortunately some slow, dull scenes prevented this movie from being a homerun.

Who to take to this movie: adults who dig conspiracy plots

Don’t see this movie if: gun shots make you jumpy

*3 (out of 4) snaps*

Dwayne Johnson (AKA The Rock) stars in this cheesy family comedy about a hockey player who becomes the tooth fairy.  Despite having big name actors like Billy Crystal and Julie Andrews, they couldn’t save the movie from its corny script.

The premise is that Johnson doesn’t believe in having big dreams.  His was crushed, so he thinks being honest to kids is better, even if it hurts their feelings.  Once he claims the tooth fairy isn’t real, he gets summoned up to Fairy Land and serves as the tooth fairy to teach him a lesson – just believe.

I understand that it’s a family movie and that certain messages need to be pushed, but it was just so over the top.  It didn’t help that there was little to no humor for adults to enjoy.  I was hoping that it would be funny like other Johnson movies, but it was more like an after school special than a fun flick.

Who to take to this movie: kids who like using their imagination

Don’t see this movie if: you’re not with anyone under the age of 12

*1 (out of 4) snaps)*

Let me start by saying this movie had so much potential.  It’s the true story about a father who will do whatever it takes to help his kids who are sick with a rare genetic disorder.  What went wrong?  Bad acting.

Brendan Fraser should stick to his goofier movie roles like in “Bedazzled” and “The Mummy” series.  He was overacting and his performance as the father was almost laughable.  This movie is about sick kids and should’ve made everyone cry, but no tears came out.  Just sighs of disappointment.  Harrison Ford also didn’t give his best performance as the doctor trying to find a cure.

Keri Russell was the only one who did her job well in this movie, but she couldn’t carry the success of it all on her shoulders.  The kids were decent, but after the first 30 minutes, I was just anxious for it to be over and move on with my life.

Who to take to this movie: people who don’t mind poor acting

Don’t see this movie if: this story hits too close to home

*½ (out of 4) snap*

Although a bit confusing at times, this movie packs quite a punch.  It’s about a 14-year-old girl who gets murdered and watches over her family and friends from heaven.  She witnesses her family’s quest, especially by her father (played by Mark Wahlberg), to find out who did it.  It’s based off the best selling book by Alice Sebold.  Now I didn’t read the book, but I overheard fellow movie goers say that they enjoyed the movie but not as much as the text.  Pretty typical with books on the big screen.

The confusing part for me was the sequence of her murder and arriving in heaven.  I couldn’t tell if things were happening on Earth or if she was on her journey to the afterlife.  Once I figured that out though, I was on board and able to stay there for the rest of the movie.

I’m sure that the book went into great detail about her murder, but I’m glad that the movie didn’t show it.  It just wasn’t necessary to move the story along.  I also liked director Peter Jackson’s choice of sweaty palms suspense.  I wasn’t expecting that.  It’s intense and dramatic, and if you can handle the subject, then you can handle this film.  Plus Susan Sarandon helps this movie from being a complete downer by adding comic relief as the grandmother.

Who to take to this movie: adults who can sit through heart breaking topics

Don’t see this movie if: dramas aren’t your thing

*2 ½ (out of 4) snaps*

It’s official.  Denzel Washington can kick butt.  He stars as a man in a post-apocalyptic type world who possesses the very last Bible.  Everyone is fighting just to survive one more day, and once Denzel comes across a power hungry man who wants the Bible, things get really intense.

I enjoyed watching Denzel in his fight scenes.  The man is tough!  Mila Kunis also had a great performance as his companion on the road.  They were very different from one another, especially since she wasn’t born until after the war, but that’s what made their relationship work.

It’s dark and gloomy, but that’s to be expected in the world created on the big screen.  The powerful story helps you forget that you’re pretty much just watching people in a sad, desolate state.  It’s one of those stories that has many layers and continues to reveal more and more, even until the end.

Who to take to this movie: adults who like rough fight scenes

Don’t see this movie if: gloomy landscapes make you sad

*3 (out of 4) snaps*

Amy Adams stars in this romantic comedy about proposals.  See, she thought her boyfriend would propose to her the night before he leaves for a business trip to Dublin, but she gets diamond earrings instead.  Left severely disappointed, she takes advice from her dad and takes a risk at an Irish tradition – the woman proposing to her man on February 29th during Leap Year.

Her trip to Dublin isn’t an easy one, but I’m sure you could’ve guessed that.  And the twist?  She starts falling for the Irish guy (Matthew Goode) who’s taking her to Dublin.  The chemistry between Adams and Goode is strong, and it’s hard not to root for her to end up with him.  The movie is more about their love/hate relationship than her relationship with her boyfriend.

It’s cute but not spectacular.  I’ve always been a fan of Adams work because she’s so honest with her characters.  I guess I would’ve liked the movie more if she went to Ireland as a single woman because there could’ve been more growth and exploration in the love between her and Goode.

Who to take to this movie: suckers for romantic comedies

Don’t see this movie if: you think Irish accents are annoying

*2 (out of 4) snaps*