Rating: Summary: Great, Super Fun Flick Review: This is such a fun movie! After seeing Mandy in "How To Deal," I was a little hesitant about this movie. Don't get me wrong, Mandy is fantastic no matter what-- her screen presence is amazing, sincere, and every bit as great as those super famous A-list movie stars, but sometimes the film itself just isn't that good. "Chasing Liberty" is a breath of fresh air for Mandy fans and film fans alike. It's less about plot and more about character, which is so great I wish Hollywood would embrace witty dialogue over a burning building.Mandy plays Anna Foster, daughter of the President. When her dad's "secret servants" ruin her lovely dinner date that she spent hours getting ready for, she rushes into the Oval Office declaring a little independence. They come to a truce-- When they are in Prague, she will get to attend a concert with just TWO agents, instead of the whole swarm. Unfortunately, you can't make the President promise anything, and when Anna learns that her dad did indeed send more agents than what they agreed, she hits the road with a hunky photographer. (Played by newcomer cutie Matthew Goode) So a massive chase ensues with the secret service attempting to keep tabs on Anna as she gallivants through Europe, enjoying the freedom she so desperately wanted. There's alot to love about this movie-- Mandy is terrific, and Matthew Goode definitely delivers. There is also a cute side-story involving two agents, one played by the hilarious Jeremy Piven, who deserves much more screen time than he normally gets. Also-- some cool DVD features, including deleted scenes and bloopers (where we get plenty of Jeremy Piven!) Watch this one because you're bound to like this charming story.
Rating: Summary: SOUNDTRACK--no cd, just songs from the film Review: Yomanda- youre free*
Jason Mraz- who needs shelter*
Caroline Lost- to be with you
Chris Issak- life will go on
Faith Hill- If I'm not in love with you*
Jesse Harris- if you wont
The Roots- the seed
Giorgia- Vovi Davvero
Michelle Branch- Find your way back
Rooney- stay away*
* = personal favorites
Rating: Summary: Chasing Liberty - Stupid & Dull Review: Granted "Chasing Liberty" is a cheesy teen movie that revolves around the steretypical issues of teenage freedom, romance and lifestyle, but I have to say this is one of the worst teen flick that I've ever seen. The plot of the story actually was quite interesting and seemed to have potential of developing into something fun. However, I think what ruined this movie was Mandy Moore's poor performance as the lead character, Anna. I bet when she was making the movie, she thought she was just making another teen movie where she had to portray another grounded angry teenage girl. But no, she was actually portraying a President's daughter. Yeah, there is a difference and she failed to see it. That was what didn't make this movie stand out and unique. If she actually put her mind into this portraying the character and thought about what makes "Anna" different from an average teen, I'm sure this movie would be a bit more entertaining. By the way, Mandy Moore needs to work on facial expressions as well. It seemed as if all she could put on her face was a smile, a frown, a "oh-my-god" expression.
Rating: Summary: Where's the soundtrack? Review: I was hoping to find a soundtrack CD for this movie. The movie reminds me of some of my travels through Europe as a college student, though the story here was predictable. I thought the music throughout the movie was very catchy and would like to listen to more.
Rating: Summary: Light-Hearted, But Not Original Review: I love Mandy Moore, but this film was not one of her best. It did not show a stretch in her acting, and the plot was so unbelievable. The boy she meets in Europe is definitely cute, however, and the grown-ups in this film such as Mark Harmon are very good.
Rating: Summary: About 45 minutes into the movie... Review: I am currently watching this on Comcast On Demand. After less than an hour...I'm about to turn it off and either watch Willy Wonka or the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Just crap.
That's all I have to say.
Rating: Summary: Bland, generic teen romance Review: I'm a bit of a sucker when it comes to Mandy Moore, I loved A Walk to Remember and Saved but I'm afraid there's nothing new or interesting about Chasing Liberty. A girl who just happens to be the President's daughter (one of those safe, non-mass-murdering, non-greed-driven, non-corrupt President's that only exist in movies) escapes her parents clutches to go off on an unrestricted journey of self-discovery yadda yadda yadda.
But here's the catch, the man she's travelling with is working for her dad. Gee, do you think she'll be heartbroken when she finds out? How utterly predictable. The romance blossoming between the two agents tailing her (Annabella Sciorra and the great Jeremy Piven) is more interesting but hardly brilliance.
Her journey across Europe isn't even that interesting and she meets nothing more than assortment of stereotypes along the way. If a Euro-travelogue movie is what your after then go for European Vacation instead.
The movie is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with Dolby 5.1 sound and a bunch of extras I so do not care for. Sorry Mandy, I am unimpressed this time.
Rating: Summary: Charming Review: This flick is typical with a twist. Girl runs away, hot british guy keeps her out of trouble, they fall in love. The twist: she is the presidents daughter, and he is in the secret service. The only thing is that she doesn't know it. With out this intreguing plot element, the movie would just be another unbearable chick flick. It is a cute film; good 'snuggle' material. Enjoy!
Rating: Summary: It's Cool!!! Review: Well, since I already wrote reviews about Love Actually and The Girl Next Door, I said to myself, I wrote one about Chasing Liberty, which is the next on the list of romantic movies that I like. So, what does this movie have to offer? Well, besides cute Mandy Moore, who is actually really good actress, I can also say, that the plot of the story was quiet OK. Ususally in that kind of movies, the plot isn't really something special, but it was decent in this one. President's daughter runs away, while on concert in Czech Republic, and goes to Italy, Austria, to Germany. I mean, just cool story, and plus is, that is happening in a beautifull cities of our europe. So, if you like romantic comedies, do watch this one.
Rating: Summary: Political comic relief Review: By nature, fathers tend to be overly protective of their daughters. This is even more true if the daughter is an only-child. The ante goes up even more when the father just so happens to be the President of the United States and is able to keep tabs on his offspring wherever she may wander!
Such is the backdrop of this charming & refreshing Romantic Comedy. It displays the frustration of a young girl (Mandy Moore) who is fed up with being followed everywhere she goes. Her rebellious stage is juxtaposed with her dad's overbearing but loving concern for her safety.
One of the nice things about this film is the subtle way in which it shows how both father & daughter are right....and how both father & daughter are wrong in their assumptions about the world. The movie never takes a "preachy" tone, and to do so would have ruined the charm of the story.
Mandy Moore is, in a word, adorable. She has a warm and radiant camera presence and her charisma is what really puts this DVD over the top. Had any other actress played her role I doubt if this would have scored more than 3 or maybe 4 stars. Moore's persona by itself is worth the price of this DVD.
So, if you're looking for a different kind of Romantic Comedy, this one might be worth a shot. Instead of a regular girl turning into a princess we're shown the life of a virtual princess - who wants nothing more than to be a normal girl. Very entertaining & feel good stuff!
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