Monday, December 22, 2014
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Saving Mr. Banks Review (2013)
While it took a moment to get off the ground, once it started, I was totally engrossed in it and it really made me want to re-watch Marry Poppins.
Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson did such fantastic jobs in their roles. Would I give Hanks the Oscar for best actor? Maybe not for this role although he was brilliant; I'd still say he deserved it more for Captain Phillips. Who really impressed me (who I didn't even know was in it) was Colin Farrell. It was by far the best I'd ever seen from him and he really went for it. Paul Giamatti also had a sweet little role and I really liked him in the film.
This movie was extremely charming in a lot of ways and had so much heart. It was sad, delightful, inspiring, smart, profound and genuine all at once. I really couldn't find a flaw with it. I was pleasantly reminded of 2010's The King's Speech. 5 out of 5 stars for this gem. (A Must See)
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Review (2013)
I really really enjoyed this film. The cinematography was stunningly crisp and beautiful. It could have been about absolutely nothing and it wouldn't have mattered because it was so gorgeous to look at.
Where it lacks in depth, it makes up for in creativity. I was invested the whole way and appreciated the filmmakers ambition.
The pacing was good, the comedy was spot on; some parts were predictable and silly, but I was okay with just going along with the ride and felt like there was something for everyone.
If you're looking for some clean family fun, this is a good one for adults and kids to enjoy. Not to mention the soundtrack is tremendous.
4.5 out of 5 stars! (I'd Buy It)
The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug Review (2013)
I will start off by saying that people will either love this or hate it. It is not as true to the book as some fans may have hoped, but I personally thought the additions were fine and so it didn't bother me.
For the most part, this movie keeps a really fast pace in comparison to the other Lord of The Ring's movies, which I liked. Bilbo's character really develops well in this, showing us how the ring changes him. Martin Freeman does such a good job with this role as does the rest of the cast in theirs.
While there are a lot of good things about Desolation of Smaug, like the beautiful cinematography and exciting action sequences, it does have its flaws. One particular addition with Gandalf seemed unnecessary.
Either way, the film is worth seeing simply for Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. The CGI on him is INCREDIBLE and his voice is so menacing and chilling. Every scene with Bilbo and Smaug are stunning. Overall I will give this movie a 3.5 out of 5 stars! (Worth Ticket Price)
Friday, November 22, 2013
Hunger Games: Catching Fire Review (2013)
Fresh from rereading the book, I had such high expectations for this movie and let me just say, I was BLOWN AWAY. From the minute it starts the cinematography and directing was just beautiful. I enjoyed the first movie a lot, but Catching Fire takes us to a whole new level. The acting performances are better from everyone, it's edgier, no shaky camera, believable chemistry between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, the budget is bigger, there's less CGI and the CGI that is in it is more realistic, the arena is stunning! All in all it was a perfect film in every way and got the tones of the books down to the T.
Everyone did SUCH an exemplary job with their characters, but two people stood out to me a bit more than the others and that was my girl, Jennifer Lawrence and Sam Clafflin who plays Finnick. Jennifer Lawrence has such amazing expression that you don't need a first person perspective like the book to know what she's thinking. You can just see it in her eyes. Jennifer really perfects this role, it's the best I've ever seen her.
Sam Clafflin also had a lot of pressure entering this all star cast, but he totally nailed it. Finnick's character is so likeable and he encompasses everything I imagined him being in the book perfectly. Now of course there are other names that did absolutely amazing as well, Jena Malone as Johanna Mason, Josh Hutcherson really brought it this time around, and I loved the new game maker played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, just to name a few.
I am so happy with how much detail from the book was in the movie from the smallest things. Buttercup actually looked like Buttercup instead of some random black cat like in the first movie. Katniss and Gale's hair were actually black like it was in the book instead of dark brown. Little details like this made the movie so much stronger than the first and that's saying something cause I really loved the first.
Director Francis Lawrence's vision of Catching Fire is definitely worth the price of an admission ticket. It's the best sequel I've seen since The Dark Knight.
5 out of 5 stars, no doubt! (A Must See)
Friday, November 8, 2013
Thor: The Dark World Review (2013)
While I was excited to see Thor kick butt, I'd be lying if I said I didn't see this film mainly for Loki. He's unpredictable, sarcastic, twistedly awesome, but not that much in the film which had me a bit disappointed.
The film's strength was it's comedy in that it didn't take itself really seriously at all. It knows it's cheesy, we know it's cheesy and it doesn't try to be what it's not, which I can respect. The visuals are beautiful especially in a particular scene involving a boat and a waterfall. However, there were quite a few flaws that I simply couldn't overlook. The plot was all over the place (most of the time I wasn't even sure what it was), Jane and Darcy were borderline annoying most of the movie, and again, I wanted more Loki!
The more you think about it the less you like it, but if you are in the mood for some fun mindless action, this is the film for you. I enjoyed the first movie more which makes Thor: The Dark World just good enough not to be bad. 2.5 out of 5 stars from me. I left the theater thinking, "Meh." (Watch If Free)
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Ender's Game Review (2013)
I want to start off by saying that I have NOT read the book and so there will be no comparisons in this review; that being said, after seeing this, I would definitely like to.
One of the things I can't stand in movies is bad child actors, thankfully most of the cast was really good! While some of the children had a hard time with the complex dialogue, (Ender) Asa Butterfield's line delivery is spot on. After seeing him in Hugo and Boy in the Striped Pajama's I already knew he was talented, but in Ender's Game he holds the entire movie on his shoulders and even stands out next to Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley and Viola Davis. With such a tremendous amount of emotional range at such a young age, this star has a bright future ahead.
I was very impressed with the character of Ender himself and his development. He was effortlessly likeable, smart, and respectable, definitely a leader I'd want to get behind.
While at some points the story is a little hard to follow, long winded, and some of the emotional moments seem forced, Ender's Game held its head above the water with solid performances, strategic character development, and a powerful ending. It was hardly perfect, but it was charming. 3 out of 5 stars. (Rent It)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)