Frozen

Frozen

Property of Disney

One of Disney's most anticipated films in recent years is their Nov. 27 CGI release, Frozen.

Unlike most of Disney's newest films, this one really captures the essence of their classics in the sense that it's a true musical.  With thoughtful and powerful compositions consistently dispersed throughout its entirety, this animated piece is akin to some of the entertainment powerhouse's biggest hits.

The 108-minute show takes place in the fictional land of Arrendale and focuses on the story of two royal sisters.

The narrative initially seems to be about the younger, spunky sister, Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell.  As the plot progresses, however, her older sister, Queen Elsa, voiced by Broadway star Idina Menzel, takes center stage as a young woman with the power to freeze anything near her.  With each passing year, Elsa's power (or curse) gets stronger and proves to be something of a Midas touch.

A large portion of this film's beginning revolves around Anna and Elsa's parents urging the older girl to conceal her power.  Predictably enough, it's when she cannot hide away from the world that she loses both the trust of her kingdom and the self-control she had over exercising her power of freezing.  

Throughout the plot, Elsa sings about her struggles between whether to conceal her true self or to accept and appreciate the "ice queen" side of herself.  This, along with many other realistic themes, is beautifully explored in a storyline that is equally relatable to adult viewers as it is to the children in the audience.

In addition to the thoughtful nature of the film, what really makes it worth watching is its wide variety of characters and its hilarious, yet family-friendly comic relief.  While Elsa and Anna are fantastically strong female leads, the male roles are the ones an audience can count on for a good laugh.  The silly duo of the gruff, handsome Kristoff, voiced by Jonathan Groff, and his reindeer bestie, Sven are unforgettable as Princess Anna's heroic companions.  Furthermore, the film's snowman character, Olaf, voiced by Josh Gad is more than comparable to extraordinarily funny animated characters, such as Mulan's Mushu or Shrek's Donkey.

Oh, and if that's not enough, the animation is spectacular.  Although Disney animation is often executed by the untouchable Pixar, this heartwarming movie proves that Disney Animation Studios are also topnotch when it comes to creating a beautiful new world.   

If you get the chance, this is a great movie to see on the big screen!

Grade: A+

Catching Fire

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Property of Lionsgate

In the sequel to one of last year's biggest movies, America's new sweetheart, Jennifer Lawrence, takes the screen again as the courageous Katniss Everdeen.

The film, which has earned over $250 million since it was released on Nov. 22, takes place in the dystopian nation of Panem after Katniss and a her fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson, have become the most recent victors of the "Hunger Games".  Despite their good fortune of surviving the gladiator-like event, Panem's President Snow has become fearful that the victory might inspire rebellion in the districts.

While the pacing of the first half of the film (prior to the start of the next games) seems rushed, it does a great job of explaining the society in which Katniss lives.  From the horrifying physical punishment for acts of defiance in Panem's districts to Donald Sutherland's portrayal of revenge-thirsty Snow, Catching Fire captures the essence of the society that writer Suzanne Collins created in her 2009 young-adult novel.     

For the viewers who really enjoyed the action in the first Hunger Games, the film provides an even more exciting arena for the 75th annual Hunger Games.  Plus, with Francis Lawrence as the new director of the series and a substantially larger budget, the cinematography of this film tops the shaky-cam film style of the 2012 release.

What makes this film worth watching, in addition to the fascinating cautionary nature of the story, is the performances given by the cast.  Laurence's performance as the emotionally-void Katniss continues to exceed expectations, as the events of the prior games have caused her to become a more vulnerable character.

Other roles worth mentioning include Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, the wealthy chaperone-like character from the Capitol and the former Hunger Games victors Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason.  Banks' acting stayed consistently impressive, while the emotional growth of the character was both unexpected and compelling.  Sam Claflin took on the devilishly charming role of Finnick.  After much speculation of whether or not he could do the character justice, Claflin proved to be a success.  The brutal and daring Johanna is played by Jena Malone of Pride & Prejudice and Sucker Punch, who brings the fiery essence of Johanna to the role.

In terms of the love triangle that the story offers, some viewers may take argument with the portrayal of the varying relationships Katniss has with Peeta and Liam Hemsworth's Gale.     

Although Catching Fire was longer than the first installment in Collins' series, the film manages to encapsulate the most important parts of the plot, while remaining truthful to the original tone, all within a 142 minute runtime. 

Grade: A-

About Time

About Time

Image property of Working Title Films

This Nov. 1 release stars Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy in a touching story about time travel and the value of relationships.  With the tagline, "It's about life. It's about love. It's about time," this drama brings new light to the tired concept of time travel.  

In the film, Gleeson's character, Tim, learns that he has the ability to travel through his past.  As a 21-year-old, Tim dedicates his time-traveling abilities to finding love when his father, played by Nighy, informs him of the fact that the men in their family have this extraordinary ability.  The charmingly awkward young man declares, "For me, it was always going to be all about love."

In the midst of coming of age, Tim meets the love of his life, Mary, played by McAdams.  As one could quickly expect, Tim invests all of his efforts, both romantically and in the time traveling sense, on impressing Mary.  

The casting of actors in this film, as well as their ability to make this story come to life, is phenomenal.  The versatile Gleeson, who has appeared in the Harry Potter series, True Grit and Dredd, proved his ability to act in the context of a tasteful drama.  In addition, McAdams gave one of her best performances since The Notebook, which means this is a must watch. 

Although it's a tearjerker, the thoughtful story illustrates the true message behind the film, which is to savor every moment as though it could be your last.  As Tim explains how he uses his gifts, "I try to live every day as if it were the final day of my extraordinary, ordinary life."

Movie I can't wait to see:

It's always a bummer when highly rated movies aren't shown in wide-release. 

The movie I can't wait to see is 12 Years a Slave.  Starring Alfre Woodard, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Garret Dillahunt, Michael Fassbender, Michael K. Williams, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti and Sarah Paulson, this Nov. 8 release currently has a rating of 97/100 on Metacritic. 

This is IMDb's description of the film, "In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery."

Sounds like a very interesting story.  

Here's a preview:

Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World

This image is not my property.

After an appearance in The Avengers, Chris Hemsworth is back on the big screen as the god of thunder in the sequel to Marvel's 2011 release, Thor.

While one of Marvel's infamous bad boys, Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston), is locked up for his wrongdoings that took place in the context of The Avengers, the world of Asgard comes under the attack of an ancient elven race. 

As was much anticipated, the lovers from different worlds, Jane (played by Natalie Portman) and the Norse god are reunited because of a major event called the convergence, a time at which the nine realms (a concept introduced in 2011 release) align.

What makes this film different from the first is the fact that this feels more like a superhero movie.  While Hemsworth's character had to work hard to earn his power in the precursor, it made for a plot that was less than satisfactory.  Now that he's a full-blown, experienced warrior-type hero, his story far more interesting.   His powers are pushed to the limit in a multi-world final battle scene that rivals that of The Avengers

In addition, Thor: The Dark World has a very fun vibe at times.  Some critics have said that this Nov. 8 release could have done without the added humor, but it can certainly be argued that it created a more diversely entertaining film.  The added humor may have come from a sense of obligation to make the audience laugh after the success of Iron Man 3, which had viewers cracking up in May 2013.  It could be a good choice for the franchise...besides, who doesn't love Kat Denning's snarky role as Jane's intern, Darcy?

Although the movie is named after Thor, the real star was his adopted brother, Loki, the quick and witty god of trickery.  After his bout in New York fighting against the Avengers, his brother calls upon him for help during Asgard's time of need.  From the depth of character that Hiddleston brings to the character this time around to the constant question of whether he'll betray his people again, Loki makes this movie worth watching.  He'll have you wondering whether you love to hate him or hate to love him the whole time. 

If you enjoy Marvel's superheroes, action and a bit of laughter, this movie is a great way to spend an afternoon! 

Grade: B+

The Counselor

The Counselor

This image is not my property

Under the direction of Ridley Scott comes this Oct. 25 release.  Written by Cormac McCarthy, this film stars Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz and Javier Bardem.

The movie opens with the "Counselor" (Fassbender) and Laura (Cruz) speaking intimately and lustily, covered in white bedding.  The moment is sweet and the movie proceeds with the Counselor going to pick out an engagement ring for his beloved.  

This film is truly a mixed bag.  As the plot continues, the viewer gets a view at what happens when the Counselor, a seemingly high-powered lawyer, finds himself caught in the middle of a bad drug deal.  His life, as well as the life of his fiance Laura, are turned upside down, which leads to how Pitt, Diaz and Bardem become major players in the film.  

Diaz plays Malinka, the new flame of the Counselor's friend, Reiner, played by Bardem.  While the couple certainly makes the film interesting, from the fact that they own cheetahs to the awkward description that Reiner gives of Malinka's past sexual encounters, the Diaz tries too hard to act cool, yet dangerous and Bardem ends up giving a less than memorable performance.

On the upside, Cruz and Fassbender are very convincing in their roles, but their talent would have been better used in another film.   

What's most unfortunate about this movie is that its best feature is its disturbingly graphic violence. 

It's hard to say that a movie is bad, especially after paying to see it in theaters, but this one really was.  The movie felt forced, from the poor acting to the graceless writing, it was lacking human compassion.   

Grade: D+


 

Up next! The Counselor and Ender's Game

My next reviews will be on:

The Counselor

Ender's Game