The Ruby Review: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

5 Stars ★★★★★

After a long string of movies at the Palm Theater that didn't exactly peak my interest, I found a great one! Starring the Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor, this film combines excellent cinematography, perfectly placed moments of comic relief, beautiful and talented actors, and a just wild enough to be believable storyline.

McGregor plays a sensible government expert on fishing who gets dragged into the project of bringing salmon to the Yemen River, by a consultant played by Blunt. While working on accomplishing this, the two learn invaluable life lessons from the man behind the idea, a wealthy Sheik, and begin to see the world in a different perspective.

I went into the movie a little worried it would revolve completely around the sport of fishing, but was happily surprised how well they used the past-time to exemplify the importance of faith and hope, as well as common ground between two seemingly opposite people. Definitely a must see for any lovers of Ewan McGregor, fishing, British films, and uplifting movies.

The Ruby Review: Soul Surfer

Soul Surfer - 3.5 stars

Since I was a little kid, I've heard about the incredibly unfortunate shark attach on Bethany Hamilton. This movie may not have been the best I have ever seen, but it is sure an inspiring story. Starring Anna Sophia Robb as Hamilton, this film shows the life of the girl known for losing her arm to a 14 foot tiger shark. Living in Hawaii, surfing was her life. Most would abandon the sport after losing an arm, seeing it as an impossible task. But Hamilton, a truly brave soul, overcame the challenge and is today one of the top female surfers around. Highlight was the beauty throughout the movie. Not only were the islands lush and pristine, all of the actors looked exactly as dedicated surfers should- very tan and very blond.

The Ruby Review: No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached: 3.5 stars

From the trailer, this movie appears to be just another romantic comedy, with a meaningless plot and lots of gorgeous people. But the lack of a date for winter formal led me to this adorable movie! Ashton Kutcher plays the predictable cutie, who seems like an airhead but really has a heart of gold, and Natalie Portman portrays his emotionally guarded childhood friend who can't help falling for him. The first part of the movie is a fun distraction from reality, with the couple 'using each other for sex' and nothing more. But as you can guess, that doesn't work out and it blossoms into a perfect love story. Highlight was the amazing homes they live in and the cars they drive; I guarantee you you'll be jealous. -R.

The Ruby Review: The King's Speech

The King's Speech: 4 stars

Being a teenage girl, this wasn't exactly at the top of my films-to-see list, but it was my mother's birthday, and I can never say no to a movie. I have to say I'm glad I went. The King's Speech may have been predictable but it was truly inspiring. All of the characters were vivid and real, and at many points this very dramatic film made me laugh. Helena Bonham Carter was beautiful and eloquent and Colin Firth did an impeccable job with not only a stutter, but playing King George VI with believability and passion. Go see it! -R.

The Ruby Review: Blue Valentine

With the Academy Awards approaching, coupled with the numerous amounts of movies Ruby watches, we thought "The Ruby (movie) Review" would be helpful (or not) and certainly entertaining for all of you. All movie reviews will be written by the Ruby of the Rose. First up, Blue Valentine.

Blue Valentine: 2 stars

Blue valentine was a letdown. From the trailer I expected a more intense, indie version of The Notebook but it was far from that. Ryan Gosling was gorgeous and Michelle Williams was incredibly talented as always, but their characters were disappointing and lacked depth in my opinion. The entire movie jumped around, from fighting parents to unplanned pregnancies to random love scenes. Good movie idea but too many subplots. Highlight was the music, with surprising singing talent from Gosling. On a whole, it was a letdown but not a total waste.