Movie Review - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore, Elden Henson, Wes Chatham, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Mahershala Ali, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Paula Malcomson, Stanley Tucci, and more.

Directed by: Francis Lawrence Screenplay by: Peter Craig and Danny Strong Based on the Novel by: Suzanne Collins Cinematography by: Jo Willems Music by: James Newton Howard

Premise: With the 13 districts united, the rebels turn their focus to the capitol. Katniss struggles with what's been done to Peeta and also what to do about Gale. Worse, President Snow decides to turn a large chunk of the capitol into a new Hunger Games. And Katniss learns President Coin might soon no longer have a use for her. (Rated PG-13)

Review:

1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth give great performances as the odd love triangle spins, gets even more complex. and eventually comes to a resolution. Donald Sutherland and Julianne Moore were a lot of fun as the opposing presidents. Elden Henson and Wes Chatham added some nice depth to the story as Pollux and Castor.

2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The special effects team does a superb job in the film. The scene where everyone is cut off and the black water comes, and then when we see the black water in action and chasing after them, was awesome. Loads of explosions and heavy gun fire. The close range explosions from the arrows looked great underground. The 50+ caliber guns and the devastation on the columns from the bullets looked very real. And wait till you see the special surprise the group is given by Snow's team in the sewers. My only problem was that the marketing department gave away all the good traps in the previews! Boo! (Hubby was displeased!)

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: It really would be nice if films that have multiple parts or have sequels with years in between, the movie makers would deign to remember not everyone will have rewatched the previous films before seeing the new release and give a recap. Especially for side characters! While remembering the principal people was easy, there were several side characters who've been in several of the films who weren't as memorable for whatever reason and therefore it was hard to realize who they were and what their backgrounds were to get the audience to care when bad things happen to them. Jena Malone's character Johanna Mason was one of these. I adored her performance in Part 2, but I was hard pressed to remember anything about the character at all. And not remembering anything, makes it very hard to care. (This was a major suffering point for the film "Insurgent" earlier this year.)

Aside from not knowing who some of the people were, however, I very much enjoyed the direction they took with the film. Talking with my daughter, who read all the books, I know they changed a few points for the ending, but these were improvements to the plot rather than issues. They also continued to show that actions have consequences and will affect people emotionally as they had in the previous films.

The major theme this time played with duality and perceptions. Katniss comparing Peeta and Gale. Peeta comparing remembered and altered memories. Gale and the way he viewed enemies as things rather than people and how this comes back on him. It even applied to President Snow and Coin.

Another theme they had fun bandying about pertained to hubris and pride. Also how your enemy can be your friend and vice versa. And both themes tie in to the ending at the capitol, which was well played if a little transparent.

Only thing I wished we'd gotten a little more on was Snow's reactions when he thought Katniss was dead and then found out she was alive. Totally unexpected reaction, but it spoke back to that duality theme I mentioned before. Heh heh.

4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: The cast and the stunt team did some great work in Part 2. The fight in the sewers was especially well done - lots of hand-to-hand combat goodness. Between the traps and several explosions during the film, people get thrown all over the place.

5) Costuming/Makeup - Thumbs Up: While the departments did a great job as usual, there was one thing missing. A section of this film happens at the capitol. Several meetings even occurred in Snow's mansion. But for the most part all the outrageous clothes and makeup were nowhere to be seen there. In a scene with actual citizens running to and fro, there were still no true funky clothes and hairstyles. Tigris definitely had both, but she's just one person, and an extreme case at that. Even Effie was toned down. Seeing these people in their wild getups and makeup was half the fun in the previous films! :P

Conclusion: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 was worth the wait though they would have benefited from a recap or releasing this one close to Part 1. Gritty and emotional and a fun ride.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)

Movie Review - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Willow Shields, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, Sam Claflin, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Philip Seymor Hoffman, Lynn Cohen, Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Plummer, and more.

Directed by: Francis Lawrence Screenplay by: Simon Beaufoy and Michael Arndt Based on the Novel by: Suzanne Collins Cinematography by: Jo Willems Music by: James Newton Howard

Premise: Close to a year after the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen is still trying to deal with the horror of those death filled days. And President Snow doesn't like how the districts have taken her defiance during the games to heart and have hope again. Under threats to her family and friends, Katniss picks up her fake romance with Peeta to please the president. But every move she makes only displeases him all the more. He wants her removed permanently. Yet it is the new head of the games who comes up with the plan on how she could best meet her end - by using a little known clause of the games and make the 75th Hunger Games one which picks its contestants only from previous winners of the games. And Katniss is the sole, living female winner from District 12, so she has no way out. (Rated PG-13)

Review:

1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: For "Catching Fire" there were several returning characters as well as a bunch of new ones. Jennifer Lawrence totally sold the PTSD's, grief, and other whirlwind emotions flowing through Katniss Everdeen. Josh Hutcherson's Peetah Mellark was earnest, even while battling the bitterness at Katniss's lack of affection for him. Donald Sutherland was delightfully evil as President Snow. Elizabeth Banks was great at showing how Effie Trinket finally realizes that the system they live under might be flawed.

I thought Lynn Cohen gave an amazing performance as Mags - and she never uttered one word. Sam Claflin was also very entertaining, as he kept the audience guessing throughout on just what kind of person he was.

2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is full of lovely, visual special effects. The 3D map in the game control and the shield dome were but two of many. Others special effect efforts were even more impressive because they didn't even seem like special effects - the crawling fog, the lightning, the waves, and even the baboons all seemed like natural, integral parts of the environment rather than an added element for our entertainment.

The only spot that seemed to have difficulty was not one you'd expect. Katniss is at the top of a tree, looking out at her surroundings. And though she really is in a tree, the forest around her was not. Yet when the images were merged, they didn't blend well at all, and failed in their purpose. It was quite surprising.

3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: Since I'd not read "Catching Fire" before seeing the film, I'd wondered how they were going to deal with matters as left in "The Hunger Games." I couldn't have been more pleased. Though almost a full year had passed, Katniss is actually shown still trying to deal with what she'd done in the previous games. Suffering from PTSD's, trying desperately to cling to the life she'd hoped to make with Gale, cowed by the enormity of what she is being told is her fault just for trying to survive and save those around her - realistic reactions to the events thrust upon her, and one which most films would not have ventured to show.

The escalation of events, the 'games' Katniss is not aware of which are happening all around her and beyond. The horrible sense of guilt and helplessness as things are given meaning beyond anything she'd imagined and unable to do anything about any of it.

There wasn't much rehashing of things which had gone before, so no slowing of events for those who watched the first film. I think enough is glimpsed in the beginning to at least give new viewers a general idea of what's going on, so they'd be able to enjoy it.

Even the film's title operates on several levels, which was delicious fun. There are even several surprises in store.

4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: In "Catching Fire" we get a glimpse of several of the other districts, each with their own look and feel. The location of O'ahu, Hawaii allowed for a totally different arena than the one used for the first film and looked great. The cinematography took full advantage of the new venue, giving us some really spectacular shots at various points.

5) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: As with the first film, strange clothes and makeup abound. Effie Trinket has more costume changes than lines. Her butterfly dress was utterly amazing. Taking the concept to extremes, even to butterfly eyelashes. I loved the contrast between people like her, and other normal citizens of the Capital vs. the more restrained tastes of those more confident of their status or power.

Conclusion: "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" outdoes "The Hunger Games" with regards to story, intensity, and logic. Lots of power plays and plenty of great visuals to kept us thoroughly enthralled. Sadly, no previews or extra bits in the credits for the next one.

Rating: 4.5 out 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Paying Full Price to See Again) (Been a great season for good movies!)

Movie Review - EPIC

EPIC

Starring: Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Christoph Waltz, Beyoncé Knowles, Blake Anderson, Aziz Ansari, Chris O'Dowd, Steven Tyler, Jason Sudeikis, and more.

Directed by: Chris Wedge Story by: William Joyce, James V Hart, and Chris Wedge Screenplay by: James V Hart, William Joyce, Daniel Shere, Tom J Astle, Matt Ember Based on the book "The Leaf Men and The Brave Good Bugs" by: William Joyce Cinematography by: Renato Falcão Music by: Danny Elfman

Premise: Moving to her father's house after her mother's death, Mary Katherine is disappointed to see he's still up to the same strange research that led her mother to leave him years before. Her father believes there's an advanced civilization of diminutive people living in the forest. So when it looks like the solstice, combined with a full moon, has her father running about even more than usual, MK decides the new arrangement isn't going to work after all. But when the three legged, one eyed pug, Ozzie runs off into the forest, MK goes after him, and stumbles into the middle of a battle of good versus evil. (Rated PG)

Review:

1) Voice Acting - Thumbs Up: I've always enjoyed the work of Colin Farrell and Josh Hutcherson and their voice acting on this film was well done. Amanda Seyfried gave a great performance as the grieved and troubled MK. Christoph Waltz looked to have had some fun as Mandrake. Beyoncé Knowles came across as a great and wise queen. The comedy tag team of Aziz Ansari and Chris O'Dowd definitely did a lot to amuse. Though some of the different accents thrown in at different places and not always consistently so did jar a little in places.

Of course one of the most fun characters in the film had no voice at all - Ozzie - the three legged, one eyed, old pug.

2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Blue Sky Studios did an awesome job with the look of the film. From the gorgeous hummingbirds to the wilting of plants, the detail was astounding. Seeing the leafs and plants used as clothes, flying boats, and moving doors made the world of the forest really come alive with wonder. The scenes of Queen Tara arriving at the small lake in her flying ship and then stepping on the lily pads were gorgeous.

Inversely, watching the rot arrows deform the tree limbs, wilt leaves, and other destruction were also quite impressive. Mandrake's home was the essence of decay.

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: Overall the plot of the film worked, but wasn't necessarily outstanding. There were a few small surprises, though not many. We barely got a glimpse into the culture of the Leaf Men and those they protect, or even the structure of life in the forest, which would have given the plot more depth and context. The whole side business of betting and fixed bird races didn't mesh well with what little the audience was shown of the culture. Even the problems with Nod seemed forced and without any real substance. Late in the film, we find where Nod lost his father, it made no sense why Ronin and Nod's dad would have been there in the first place and it was never discussed. (If anything, it lent a dark undertone to what the two might have been up to at the time.)

I found the use of Ronin's name rather odd. Since the Leaf Men obviously followed many oriental ideals in the way they fought and lived, the fact they would give their commander a name meaning 'masterless samurai' seemed strange. Though with what happens to the queen, perhaps it was apt.

Another odd point was a thread pursued in three different prongs - the act of loving someone yet there being obstacles keeping you apart and no solution ever becoming apparent - the queen and Ronin, Grub and MK, MK and Nod. It's rather a depressing theme and seemed out of place in what was advertised as a combination action and comedy animated film.

Conclusion: EPIC wasn't so epic. And its name if one of the worst for a film ever. The animation is totally well worth watching. The film definitely had its moments, but it won't have you running off to tell all your friends about it. With all the birds, Grub and Mud, and Ozzie, there might be enough there to entertain the younger kids.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Better For Matinee)

Movie Review - Red Dawn

Red Dawn

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Isabel Lucas, Connor Cruise, Edwin Hodge, Brett Cullen, Alyssa Diaz, Julian Alcaraz, Will Yun Lee, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and more.

Directed by: Dan Bradley Screenplay by: Carl Ellsworth and Jeremy Passmore Based on the 1984 film "Red Dawn" Original Music by: Ramin Djawadi Cinematography by: Mitchell Amudsen

Premise: While home on leave, Jed Eckert witnesses the crippling of his hometown by a massive blackout. The next morning, he wakes to find it being invaded by North Koreans. Banding together an unlikely set of fighters, Jed decides the invaders will not be taking over his home without a fight. (Rated PG-13)

Review:

1) Acting - Thumbs Up: Chris Hemsworth and Josh Peck did a good job showing the audience their family's strained relations without ever actually talking much about it. Josh Hutcherson showed his usual flare.  Connor Cruise had several poignant moments and he carried them off beautifully.

2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: Bullets flew everywhere and there were explosions galore. The scene when Jed and Matt look up into the sky and see the invaders dropping down was quite affecting and well done. Sadly, some of the efforts of the special effects department were diluted or downright sabotaged by the use of shaky cam on several of the scenes.

3) Plot/Story - Neutral: I'll be honest, I didn't pick to see "Red Dawn" because I expected it to have depth or a convoluted plot. And it was a good thing I didn't. This film is best watched without thinking too hard. As difficult as the premise was to believe in 1984, it is ten times more so in 2012. With the amount of technology now at our disposal, a campaign of this magnitude could not have been arranged without word getting out. A secret pulse weapon is mentioned purely to set up the premise and nothing more is learned about it at all.

I saw the original back in the day, but don't remember much. My husband said the remake followed most of the main points of the original. The brothers are at odds due to the death of a loved one years before, and their issues clash during different parts of the film, but eventually they reach some resolution.

Sadly one of the more satisfying moments in the film was marred by the fact the item and location hadn't been shown previously, so ended up being a point of bad story telling. Still, they did try to give some quick filler to substantiate their survival, so some things were well thought out. Killing didn't come naturally to all of them and the hard decisions some had to make were hard, and the audience was able to see that.

4) Stunts - Thumbs Up: With bullets and explosions, we always get stunts. The gags were solid and worked well, except those that were made blurry by shaky cam. Still, enough flying bodies and some hand-to-hand fights were present to fulfill our action quota.

5) Locations/Cinematography - Thumbs Up: There were many nice sweeping shots of the different locations and they gave the audience a good feel of the town and the thick woods our heroes hide in. The fall colors in the forests made for a nice backdrop. It also helped create a starker contrast after Captain Cho's attempt to destroy their hiding place changes the terrain.

Conclusion: "Red Dawn" was fast paced and fun. A nice diversion as long as you don't look at it too closely. Hubby felt the original film was better.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Better For Matinee)

Mind Sieve 5/21/12

Greetings! Let's see what I have for you this week!

This side of the Pond has decided to do like the BBC and make a modern Sherlock Holmes rendition. CBS is backing it and has called it Elementary. I'm a Sherlock sucker so I will definitely check it out. Besides with Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu, it should be a blast~! 

From Dreamworks - Rise of the Guardians. Looks funky!

Science Fiction and Fantasy Icons Look Downright Dashing In 19th Century Russian Regalia from io9. (Yes, yes they do!)

A Fantastic Fear of Everything with Simon Pegg. Looks trippy!

For all those who've only recently discovered Josh Hutchenson, he's got a new movie coming. This must be the week for trippy trailers - Detention. 

A cute/sad stop motion music video - Delta Heavy - Get By. 

Designing From Bones - Stories Hewn From Rock: Tombs and Temples from Gene Lempp. 

Everything You Wanted To Know About Twitter Chats from Mark W Schaefer.

From Kaye Publicity - Can't Afford To Be Aloof. Why we must do social media and more.

3 Tips - Double Posting On Social Networks Is Missing Opportunity from Bindle Post. I thought this article was about one thing when I click and it ended up being something else entirely, but still pegged me! Doh!

From Rachelle Gardner - What If My Agent Doesn't Like My Next Book?

Villains vs Antagonists from DIYMFA. Some nice definitions!

Does Every Scene Need a Goal? From Jami Gold.

Have an awesome week! And see you next time!

Movie Review - The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Willow Shields, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Amandla Stenberg, Isabelle Fuhrman, and many more.

Directed by: Gary Ross Screenplay by: Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, and Billy Ray Based on the Novel by: Suzanne Collins Original Music by: T-Bone Burnett and James Newton Howard

Premise: Volunteering to take her twelve year old sister's place when the latter is picked from the Tribute lottery for the Hunger Games, Katniss must train and gain every advantage she can before being placed in a competition where only one of the twenty four children made to compete will come out alive. (Rated PG-13)

REVIEW:
Before I begin, I will state that I have not read the young adult series of books this movie is based on so observations are purely on what was presented in the film.

1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up - Despite a large number of the cast being teenagers, the casting director, Debra Zane, did a phenomenal job of finding actors and actresses that could go the distance despite their young years. Jennifer Lawrence was a great choice for the lead. Josh Hutcherson, which has never failed to please, was phenomenal. From the smallest parts to the largest, everyone was on their game adding their depth to the fascinating culture of the Hunger Games.

2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up - From force fields, DNA manipulated wasps, computer consoles, and more, the CGI was great! The added illusion to some pieces of clothing was fantastic. Vehicles and the Capital long view were also very nicely done.

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up - It moved along well, with many subtle undercurrents that told stories in and of themselves. For the most part things fit and made sense. Only points that caused problems were: where did Peeta get paint, and if you could make Insta Demon Dogs, why isn't some of this tech not used in the Districts to save coal miners. (Post movie discussion did lead to the possibility that a) the TV peeps had a humongous budget to afford things the Districts couldn't b) that it would only work in that domed environment c) since it's a book adaptation some info might have been lost in translation or d) got thrown into the script to up the suspense without thinking too deeply - I'll leave it to you to decide which you believe.)

4) Stunts - Thumbs Up - I am not a fan of shaky cam, especially when it's used to make action look more than it is. That being said, it was used in small doses, so it never got out of hand, for which I am grateful. Otherwise they were well done and fluid, so looked natural.

5) Locations/Cinematography - Thumbs Up - From the squalor of District 11 to the riches of the Capitol, everything fit and looked authentic. Great atmosphere at every location.

6) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up - The differences between the Districts and the Capitol were like night and day between clothing, makeup, and hair styles. The Capitol styles definitely screamed of decadence and leisure, as well as escapism and shallow veneers. The frontier town look for the poorer Districts was a nice touch, though it did seem to be pushed a little much with the emaciated looking people when the heroine looked incredibly healthy in comparison though her own life had been as harsh if not more than most after the loss of the main bread winner in her family. And with wild game (illegal as well) being scarcer every year... But aside from that, kudos! Wait till you see the shaped beard on Seneca Crane - dang! Some truly imaginative (if sometimes glaring) looks.

The makeup for the combat wounds and wasp swollen face were very well done. Wet and gory but not too much! Just enough for the 'ew' and 'flinching' factors to kick in.

Conclusion: Definitely worth seeing. Enough politics and subtle topics to enthrall the adults with plenty of action, competition, and budding teenage angst for the teenagers. While the deaths are not graphic, this might  still make the film a little too intense for viewers under twelve.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)

Movie Review - Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Luis Guzman, Vanessa Hudgens, and more.

Directed by: Brad Peyton Written by: Richard Outten, Brian & Mark Gunn Screenplay by: Brian & Mark Gunn Based on the Novel by: Jules Verne Original Music by: Andrew Lockington

Premise: Trying to bond with his step-son, Hank goes with Sean in an attempt to find Sean's Grandfather after Sean receives a cryptic coded message. A message stating that Jules Verne's Mysterious Island is real.  (Rated PG)

Review: "How about an adventure?" a repeated theme with stunning visual results, just lacking in good writing. Sad to say as I'd really been looking forward to the film.

We lost Frasier and gained Johnson. Not a bad deal as both are more than capable. Even gave the writers fodder for internal conflict. If only they'd not been so heavy handed about it.

Gorgeous visuals. The storms out at sea and then the vistas on the island were magnificent. One promised breathtaking view definitely was that. The flaura and the fauna were all well done and pretty darn cool. The underwater scenes totally rocked.

But for every place the visuals or the acting sang, the story telling pretty much crashed. Which is a pity. Heavy handed, with awkward conflict, the only parts that somewhat worked were the comedic bits. Luis Guzman added a lot to the film to make it tolerable, and of course the Rock's dating tip number three was a hoot. (No, guys, that does NOT work! lol)

The story ran hot and fast, so fast, you couldn't appreciate much of the island. And there were discrepancies or conveniences that just couldn't be explained or made no sense. Sorry, but an old man alone for two years on the island could not do what Alexander did, even if it was cool.

Ten to thirteen year olds won't see those flaws, so they should have a blast. For us old timers, seeing the city and the Nautilus will be half the treat, even if the sub is kind of small.

So for a family film, it will do. Give wonder for the kids, hormones for the teenagers (boys and girls), and cool visuals for the adults.

Rating: 3 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Better For Matinee)