What makes a victor in The Hunger Games? The ability to survive a merciless world without succumbing to the immense levels of disgust, dishonesty, and pain.
In what seems to be something of a post-apocalyptic world, in what could be thought of as our civilization's future, there exists a sick game that started out as a punishment, but is now put on for the entertainment of the society's elite. From an evolution of our world, where the wealthy watched as gladiators were ripped to shreds by beasts in ancient Roman arenas, to the picnics that bystanders set up along the sidelines of the Civil War, it is no surprise that people enjoy a fight to the death, no matter how ashamed we may be when questioned about it. This is precisely why The Hunger Games is so brilliant. It shines a mirror on the flaws of society, whilst telling an amazing story of extreme trial, excitement, terror, love and friendship.
This film, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Stanley Tucci grossed nearly $20 million on its opening night, which is more than any non-sequel midnight opening thus far in movie history (despite the fact that it had a tiny advertising budget, unlike Disney's recent release, John Carter). And all of this success is not without good reasoning.
Laurence's portrayal of Katniss Everdeen, a raw, strong, and brave young woman who volunteers to take part as tribune in the Hunger Games in the place of her younger sister, is positively astonishing. This story demands an almost unimaginable amount determination from Katniss and Laurence's portrayal of the character features an absolutely flawless range of emotions. Her acting was complemented impeccably by the performance of Josh Hutcherson, who was cast in the role of Peeta Mellark, who was also sent to the Hunger Games as tribune to fight for his life and attempt to bring pride to their shared District 12. Together, they win their disturbed audience's affection by becoming "star-crossed lovers," putting on a show much like Romeo and Juliette, yet by the end of the film, one may wonder how much was real and how much was just to survive under the cruel eyes of their society. Serving as the star commentator of the Hunger Games, the talented and versatile Stanly Tucci expertly plays Caesar Flickerman, the favorite television host of the rich and elite, who pushes for the romance between Katniss and Peeta.
It is not without such powerful acting from these three, as well as every other tribune and "game keeper," that this film earned such amazing believability. The realm of Panem suspends disbelief as it captures everything that a post-apocalyptic world could be, with an absurd concentration of wealth concentrated in the Capitol, juxtaposed with its twelve districts, many of which are filled with extreme poverty and despair. The representation of the scarred society is awe-inspiring, as it progresses from a parade of the twenty-four tribunes (two from each district, none from the Capitol) to the blood-bath that occurs, all for the entertainment of the rich and influential beings who enjoy this show in the regression of the values we like to think we have today.
All around, this film is brilliant, outstanding, and above all, compelling.
(This work is credited to Maria NeCastro (me), for future reference.)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
21 Jump Street, Mirror Mirror, & The Titanic 3D
21 Jump Street
This was one of the most hilarious movies I've seen lately. It is a quality film because of its nearly-satyric humor, parodies, and how it addresses the stereotypes it uses. 21 Jump Street is better than most teen-comedies in the sense that it is non-traditional and has a more genuine feel than most, which is ironic because the leads, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, play two cops who are pretending to be high-schoolers in order to break-up an illegal drug-ring.
This film really proves an increase in the ability of Hill's acting (along with his more serious recent role in Money Ball). If you think that means that there won't be the token hilarious intoxication scene, you are wrong, 21 Jump Street doesn't disappoint.
Also, Channing Tatum is not just a guy that can take his shirt off in movies for a good rating. His comedic abilities were truly impressive. If I could tell you to see this movie for one reason, it would be to see Tatum's comedy for yourself!
This movie also really rocks because: a) the love interest doesn't look like a barbie, she's sweet and deep, b) there is a genuine portrayal of a change of time, high schools have changed (when you go back to highschool, the unexpected WILL happen), and c) there is a very awesome celebrity appearance at the end that really makes the whole movie worth while.
Mirror Mirror
I don't have too much to say about this film, other than don't read reviews of it before you go. I did, and it really spoiled how beautiful the costumes, special effects, make-up, etc. were. It is gorgeous, if you don't like fairytales, don't go see it, if you do, watch it and love it (no thanks to Roger Ebert)!
The Titanic in 3D
This movie is amazing, no matter whether it's on a giant screen in 3D or if you're watching it on cable interrupted by a billion commercials. It is one of the best movies ever made, in my opinion, especially if you feel emotion and aren't some weird robot, no offense. The acting is phenomenal, the cinematography is awe-inspiring, the music is perfection...be still my beating heart.
Here's my verdict of this recent release: It's beautiful that a whole new generation gets to see it on the big screen, but it really doesn't need to be in 3D (because it wasn't shot in 3D originally, the effects aren't all that impressive). The biggest improvement I've heard of is that they adjusted the appearance of the night sky to be an exact replica of how the stars looked that night on The Titanic in the North Atlantic.
It's beautiful and it always will be.
This was one of the most hilarious movies I've seen lately. It is a quality film because of its nearly-satyric humor, parodies, and how it addresses the stereotypes it uses. 21 Jump Street is better than most teen-comedies in the sense that it is non-traditional and has a more genuine feel than most, which is ironic because the leads, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, play two cops who are pretending to be high-schoolers in order to break-up an illegal drug-ring.
This film really proves an increase in the ability of Hill's acting (along with his more serious recent role in Money Ball). If you think that means that there won't be the token hilarious intoxication scene, you are wrong, 21 Jump Street doesn't disappoint.
Also, Channing Tatum is not just a guy that can take his shirt off in movies for a good rating. His comedic abilities were truly impressive. If I could tell you to see this movie for one reason, it would be to see Tatum's comedy for yourself!
This movie also really rocks because: a) the love interest doesn't look like a barbie, she's sweet and deep, b) there is a genuine portrayal of a change of time, high schools have changed (when you go back to highschool, the unexpected WILL happen), and c) there is a very awesome celebrity appearance at the end that really makes the whole movie worth while.
Mirror Mirror
I don't have too much to say about this film, other than don't read reviews of it before you go. I did, and it really spoiled how beautiful the costumes, special effects, make-up, etc. were. It is gorgeous, if you don't like fairytales, don't go see it, if you do, watch it and love it (no thanks to Roger Ebert)!
The Titanic in 3D
This movie is amazing, no matter whether it's on a giant screen in 3D or if you're watching it on cable interrupted by a billion commercials. It is one of the best movies ever made, in my opinion, especially if you feel emotion and aren't some weird robot, no offense. The acting is phenomenal, the cinematography is awe-inspiring, the music is perfection...be still my beating heart.
Here's my verdict of this recent release: It's beautiful that a whole new generation gets to see it on the big screen, but it really doesn't need to be in 3D (because it wasn't shot in 3D originally, the effects aren't all that impressive). The biggest improvement I've heard of is that they adjusted the appearance of the night sky to be an exact replica of how the stars looked that night on The Titanic in the North Atlantic.
It's beautiful and it always will be.
More on John Carter...sorry it's a bit delayed
Disney rarely disappoints, in my opinion, and John Carter was no exception. Despite the fact that the advertising department did not do the best job of portraying what this film was actually about, within the first twenty minutes of sitting down in the theater, the makers of this movie more than made up for it.
This could get me in trouble, but I'll go out there and say that this movie was more enjoyable than all of the Star Wars I have ever watched (and DEFINITELY Avatar...fell asleep during that one twice)! Now, I can tell you that if you don't appreciate the science-fiction genre, you may not like this one, however, it involves a plot that is far more than just sci-fi. (Although, most of the sci-fi we all know today has developed because of the existence of the John Carter stories written by Edgar Rice Burroughs (b.1875).)
John Carter of Mars is an adventure to a new world, in which, you guessed it, the main character is none other than John Carter. He meets new species, makes new friends (and new enemies, of course), meets a girl, saves the girl, etc....and arguably saves the entire planet of Mars within the story of his universe.
It wasn't so much the story that won me over on John Carter as it was the character development, casting, make-up, and the uber impressive CGI (computer-generated images). This film goes far beyond the typical Disney set of characters: bad guy, good guy, princess, and fairytale ending, although it absolutely covers them all...but in a far more suspenseful, sophisticated, and most importantly, entertaining way.
I applaud the casting of this film. The main characters are played by actors and actresses that are not particularly well known, which really adds to the believability of the story. With performers that an audience hasn't yet seen over and over, it supplies the viewers of this film with the opportunity to see a story unfold without rating the actors based on their performances in other roles.
If you are looking for an adventure, love story, mystery, and all-around well-told story, go watch John Carter of Mars. I would suggest it to almost anyone!
For more information on the film, please check out IMDb's listing for this movie.
Thank you for reading/following!
This could get me in trouble, but I'll go out there and say that this movie was more enjoyable than all of the Star Wars I have ever watched (and DEFINITELY Avatar...fell asleep during that one twice)! Now, I can tell you that if you don't appreciate the science-fiction genre, you may not like this one, however, it involves a plot that is far more than just sci-fi. (Although, most of the sci-fi we all know today has developed because of the existence of the John Carter stories written by Edgar Rice Burroughs (b.1875).)
John Carter of Mars is an adventure to a new world, in which, you guessed it, the main character is none other than John Carter. He meets new species, makes new friends (and new enemies, of course), meets a girl, saves the girl, etc....and arguably saves the entire planet of Mars within the story of his universe.
It wasn't so much the story that won me over on John Carter as it was the character development, casting, make-up, and the uber impressive CGI (computer-generated images). This film goes far beyond the typical Disney set of characters: bad guy, good guy, princess, and fairytale ending, although it absolutely covers them all...but in a far more suspenseful, sophisticated, and most importantly, entertaining way.
I applaud the casting of this film. The main characters are played by actors and actresses that are not particularly well known, which really adds to the believability of the story. With performers that an audience hasn't yet seen over and over, it supplies the viewers of this film with the opportunity to see a story unfold without rating the actors based on their performances in other roles.
If you are looking for an adventure, love story, mystery, and all-around well-told story, go watch John Carter of Mars. I would suggest it to almost anyone!
For more information on the film, please check out IMDb's listing for this movie.
Thank you for reading/following!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The movies of spring break! I saved the best for last...
Wanderlust:
-This film was just what the new comedy genre needed. If you like Paul Rudd's style, this movie is perfect. It's silly, wild, and unexpected. It wasn't the most amazing movie I've seen recently, but it isn't a waste of time, especially if you're looking for a laugh from some of the best, lesser-known comedians the industry has to offer!
-I'd suggest this one to those of you who liked Our Idiot Brother but wanted something a little more funny.
I Don't Know How She Does It:
-If you don't like Sarah Jessica Parker's acting style, you won't like this one, that's my guess. It wasn't the most amazing film, however, if you enjoy a strong career woman and some witty writing, this one was pretty good. It's an enjoyable watch.
-If you liked Did You Hear About the Morgans, you'd probably like this one too.
One Day:
-I wasn't exactly sure what to think of this one when I initially started watching it. It had the potential to be excellent, but the fake English accent that Anne Hathaway put on threw me. It had a lovely idea: two people ripped apart and brought back together, time and time again by friendship and destiny. It is sad and deep, but it still seemed artificial in some parts, which just brings me back to Hathaway's accent.
-I'd suggest this one to people who liked Wuthering Heights (yes, I'm actually referring to the Bronte book here).
The older, but not too much older movies:
The Kids Are Alright:
-Some really excellent performances and character development/progression in this movie. I'd been meaning to watch this one since it came out in 2010. For anyone who isn't familiar, it's the story of a family with lesbian parents who have to deal with the new presence of their sperm-donor, nearly twenty years after the birth of their first child. This film had a beautiful and complex plot. Great writing too.
-I'd recommend this one to anyone who enjoys the work of Julianne Moore in a serious role (although, she absolutely takes the cake in 30 Rock).
A Single Man:
-I think this is one of the most profound movies I've seen lately. Colin Firth does a completely phenomenal job in this film. It is flawless: casting, costume design, cinematography, directing, writing and obviously acting! It takes place in the 1960s in Los Angeles and chronicles one monumental day in the life of George, as he revisits the most important moments of his existence.
-If you haven't already seen it, go rent it! Do it. I'd recommend this one to anyone who is looking for an amazing film that is worth the time. (I liked it as much as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, that's a ton!)
-This film was just what the new comedy genre needed. If you like Paul Rudd's style, this movie is perfect. It's silly, wild, and unexpected. It wasn't the most amazing movie I've seen recently, but it isn't a waste of time, especially if you're looking for a laugh from some of the best, lesser-known comedians the industry has to offer!
-I'd suggest this one to those of you who liked Our Idiot Brother but wanted something a little more funny.
I Don't Know How She Does It:
-If you don't like Sarah Jessica Parker's acting style, you won't like this one, that's my guess. It wasn't the most amazing film, however, if you enjoy a strong career woman and some witty writing, this one was pretty good. It's an enjoyable watch.
-If you liked Did You Hear About the Morgans, you'd probably like this one too.
One Day:
-I wasn't exactly sure what to think of this one when I initially started watching it. It had the potential to be excellent, but the fake English accent that Anne Hathaway put on threw me. It had a lovely idea: two people ripped apart and brought back together, time and time again by friendship and destiny. It is sad and deep, but it still seemed artificial in some parts, which just brings me back to Hathaway's accent.
-I'd suggest this one to people who liked Wuthering Heights (yes, I'm actually referring to the Bronte book here).
The older, but not too much older movies:
The Kids Are Alright:
-Some really excellent performances and character development/progression in this movie. I'd been meaning to watch this one since it came out in 2010. For anyone who isn't familiar, it's the story of a family with lesbian parents who have to deal with the new presence of their sperm-donor, nearly twenty years after the birth of their first child. This film had a beautiful and complex plot. Great writing too.
-I'd recommend this one to anyone who enjoys the work of Julianne Moore in a serious role (although, she absolutely takes the cake in 30 Rock).
A Single Man:
-I think this is one of the most profound movies I've seen lately. Colin Firth does a completely phenomenal job in this film. It is flawless: casting, costume design, cinematography, directing, writing and obviously acting! It takes place in the 1960s in Los Angeles and chronicles one monumental day in the life of George, as he revisits the most important moments of his existence.
-If you haven't already seen it, go rent it! Do it. I'd recommend this one to anyone who is looking for an amazing film that is worth the time. (I liked it as much as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, that's a ton!)
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