Million Dollar Baby 2004

My Quick Thoughts:  I originally saw this movie when it first came out in 2004.  Watching it over 10 years later, I had the same reaction as I did the first time.  Eh.  I'm not really a Clint Eastwood fan and I'm not really a boxing fan, so I really wasn't the target audience.  I have been known to like sports movies in the past, even though I am not really a big sports fan, but I really wasn't able to connect with this one.  Maybe it's because I don't understand the thrill of boxing or maybe it's because this movie was pretty dark, not having the uplifting feel that many sports movies have. I don't know, I guess what I am saying is that I was underwhelmed.

Favorite Quote:   "You're standing outside of my church comparing God to Rice Krispies?"

                                 

Overall Rating: B-

What I Was Doing That Year:  I was in the zenith of my Harry Potter obsession, and this is also the year The Notebook came out so I was also falling in love with Ryan Gosling.  "Say I'm bird."

Favorite Movie From That Same Year:  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

12 Years a Slave 2013

My Quick Thoughts:  This is a good movie about a dark time in American history told through the eyes of one man, Solomon Northup.  It was interesting to see all of Solomon's different encounters over his 12 years as a slave.  This movie was difficult to watch because of it's content, and the movie was filled with intense performances that will make you run through a whole gamut of emotions. Definitely worth watching to learn a little bit more about the history of our country.

Favorite Quote:   "I don't want to survive.  I want to live."

                                 

Overall Rating: A-

What I Was Doing That Year:  I was 33 and probably wondering where my 20s went.

Favorite Movie From That Same Year:  The Great Gatsby

Crash 2005

My Quick Thoughts:  My first thought when re-watching this movie for the first time in over 10 years last night was, wow this seems so current!  This movie follows five or six stories that all come together in the end.  Each story has to do with racism through the eyes of different people.  Some of the story lines are more powerful than others.  The movie is very gripping, but some of the stories seemed undeveloped or forced.  Overall it is a good movie, but I thought it would be better if maybe they cut a few of the story lines, and got deeper into the ones that remained. 

Favorite Quote:   "You could fill The Staple Center with what you don't know."

                                 

Overall Rating: B+

What I Was Doing That Year:  I was a senior in college.

Favorite Movie From That Same Year:  Walk the Line