My Movie Review of The Hunger Games directed by Gary Ross

The Hunger Games

Rated PG-13

Runtime 142 mins.

Disclaimer (I am a huge fan of the novels. This review is more or less to enlighten those who are not familiar with the books but curious about seeing the film adaptation. Yes, there are people who have not read the book! Let's not judge them.) 

Based on the widely popular novel series by Suzanne Collins, the long awaited movie adaptation directed by Gary Ross finally hit theaters this past weekend. And rightfully so, the Lionsgate’s film has already broken box office records bringing in an impressive $155 million in ticket sales, the third-best debut ever for a film, behind the $169.2 million opening for 2011's "Harry Potter" finale, and the $158.4 million opening of 2008's "The Dark Knight."

With that being said, I shall release the inner fangirl  - The movie was awesome!!

However, objectively I understand there are two distinct audience group: those who have read the novel and those who have not. I must stress that in many cases, feel that one need not to have read the graphic novels or books for any movie adaptation. But, in this rare instance, do believe that this film was not a separate entity to live and breathe on its own, but a true companion to the books - and for those movie goers who are not familiar with Collin’s work, may find themselves somewhat unsympathetic to some of the deaths or the progression of the plot in its entirety. But let’s break it down, regardless.

The setting is sometime in the future, after the fall of the United States, a dystopian society of sorts. Originally, there were thirteen districts, each contributing a vital resource, all delivered to the capital Panem. But after a rebellion was ignited in District 13, the area was extinguished and the remainder of the Districts forced to pay the consequences. As a reminder of District 13’s defiance, each District must now send two tributes, children from the ages of 12-17 chosen in a raffle to participate in a deadly game of survival where only one child will survive. It is here that Katniss Everdeen from District 12, volunteers in place of her younger sister Prim, who found the odds unfortunately in her favor. From here, things become a whirlwind of mayhem, as Katniss and the other tribute, Peeta Mellark, embark on their adventure to the capital to participate in the 74^th Hunger Games, an event that is televised for the entire nation to watch. Without getting into every logistical aspect to the Hunger Games, think Rome in its height - The decadence, the immorality - People rooting for a gladiator, captivated by the blood sport. While they lead privileged lives, others suffer at the expense. This is much like the world in which the film is set in. You are not supposed to agree with the plot, nor should you feel that children murdering each other are an appropriate form of entertainment. But it is the underlying antagonism to the entire story and only the beginning. These games are the fuel to the small burning embers that will inevitably ignite and by the end of the film; you will have a better understanding of the direction of the story.

For those not familiar with the novels, I can only offer this. The film did a pretty good job of explaining things necessary to the plot. There are technological advances in this society, mixed with the same poverty that you see deep in the heart of the Appalachia Mountains. The acting is superb and heartfelt by the entire cast. But credit must go to the actress who held everyone’s heart throughout the movie. Jennifer Lawrence who plays Katniss Everdeen was nothing short of amazing. Her character is strong but nurturing and these qualities were very evident in Lawrence’s performance. I was mesmerized by her ability to capture the heart and soul of the novel. And since a majority of the film is spent in the Hunger Games, might add that the filmmakers did a very good job of depicting the horrors. The action was quick when need be and delayed in others, a perfect balance that is not overwhelming for those who would find the subject matter otherwise disturbing. In the end, I strongly feel that even if you have not read the novels, the movie will make sense as it is exceptionally well done. And for those who have read the novels, well… I know you already seen the film! So I leave you with this – Go see the movie and “may the odds be ever in your favor”, The Hungers Games will not disappoint.

Casting and Credit:

Directed by Gary Ross

Jennifer Lawrence – Katniss Everdeen

Josh Hutcherson – Peeta Mellark

Willow Shields –Prim Everdeen

Liam Hemsworth-Gale Hawthorne

Stanley Tucci-Ceasar Flickerman

Wes Bentley-Seneca Crane

Elizabeth Banks-Effie Trinkett
Woody Harrelson-Haymitch

Movie Review: 21 Jump Street directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller

21 Jump Street
Rated R (drug reference, cursing, disturbing scenes involving private parts... In other words, not for young children) - 109 mins

Movie Synopsis: A reimagining of the 80's television series 21 Jump Street - the film follows a pair of underachieving police officers who willingly participate in a revised program, called 21 Jump Street.

My Review: I think it's fair to say that I had no expectations heading into the screening. I literally did not think the film would be that funny or entertaining, yet was still curious and hoping that by off chance it would. In short, this movie was hilarious - I mean laugh out loud and cringe - hilarious. I know, I was shocked too!

The film begins with the audience getting a glimpse of a high school, while Emimen's Slim Shady plays. We then zoom in on Schmidt (Jonah Hill)- his attire consisting of raveworthy baggy jeans (I know you remember this horrible fashion trend), a white t-shirt, bleached shaved head and a mouth full of braces. As he tries to speak to a girl, a teenager by the name of Jenko (Channing Tatum) with shaggy shoulder length hair mocks him, causing Schmidt to run off in embarrassment. However, Jenko is not free of conflict as he later gets scolded in the principal’s office for failing to do well in school. Oh, teenage angst...

Flash forward... Jenko and Schmidt find themselves, coincidentally at the police academy. Agreeing that each has an asset worthy of succeeding, the two decide to work together and help each other graduate.

However, being a cop turns out to be less than glamorous as they had suspected. But as luck would have it, they find themselves recruited for their youthful looks into a revised program called 21 Jump Street - undercover cops at the direction of Captain Dickson (Ice Cube). Their mission: go back to high school.

Excited at the opportunity to return back to high school, knowing what they know now, proves more difficult than they expected. Things have changed! Kids are more eco-friendly, and more socially accepting. But the awkwardness of the two trying to fit into roles as brothers and teenagers makes for some very comically worthy scenes.

With the task of infiltrating the drug scene to try and locate the source, the two find themselves becoming immersed in school, with amusingly the roles reversed- Jenko being placed in AP classes and Schmidt being accepted by the “cool” kids. (Definition of cool kid by the way, consists of having some IT knowledge, preferably in graphics and web media and being socially aware of the environment. Oh, you know what else helps. Wear a shirt that says my best friend is a whale. Points, if it is made of hemp.)

First, I have to say there are a plethora of great actors in this film. Ice Cube as always, nailed his role as the stereo typical police captain. Jake Johnson (New Girl) is great as the principal, and Rob Riggles (Step Brothes) could literally breath, and I would laugh. Ellie Kemple (Bridesmaids) was too cute as the teacher that is sort of inexcusably-but we get it-attracted to Jenko as her student. And of course, Dave Franco was born to play his character as head of the eco-friendly teens clique.

But many props must be given to Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. They were perfect together, and their actions complimented each other’s jokes. The two of them truly carried the film. And, speaking of film. Did I mention it was hilarious right through to the end? In fact, the antics seem to amplify with each passing minute to a finale, worthy of Bridesmaids and as shocking as the Hangover. Yes, we’re PG over here. I shall not say. But, be warned that this also means that you may not want to take your tween or young teen to the screening as well. Definitely many inappropriate scenes, and though they were hilarious, were still …. Inappropriate. Got it?

So after being very disappointed by Project X, I can safely say, this is the comedy that you have been waiting for. 21 Jump Street accomplishes what it set out to do, which was not recreate the magic of the television series (who am I kidding? I never watched it anyway) but make an R rated comedy that made you laugh. It’s getting a lot of love from me, five stars all the way. 21 Jump Street opens tomorrow, Mach 16.

Cast and Credit: 
Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller
Jonah Hill - Schmidt
Channing Tatum - Jenko
Brie Larson - Molly
Dave Franco - Eric
Rob Riggle - Mr. Walters
Ice Cube - Captain Dickson

Movie Review: John Carter directed by Andrew Stanton

John Carter
Rated PG-13

Movie Synopsis: Transplanted to Mars, a Civil War vet discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior.

My Review: John Carter is a sci-fi action film brought to life by director Andrew Stanton of Finding Nemo and WALL-E, based off the fiction works of author Edgar Rice Burrough’s "Tarzan series" and “Barsoom Series”, written approx. a century ago. Amazingly, Burrough’s influences are still evidenced today by the likes of George Lucas’s Star Wars and James Cameron’s Avatar, to mention just a few. As celebrated author Ray Bradbury once noted, "Burroughs is probably the most influential writer in the entire history of the world." And thus, Disney Studio brings to you a film about a man transported to another world, figuratively, and literally!

The film centers around our main character, former Confederate Captain John Carter, and his pursuits to find gold, an attempt to placate his troubled past, as we get brief flashbacks of a young woman and child. Reconciling the man we see before us, and the young family of his past, we begin to understand his actions are plagued by a past tragic event and seem to be the catalyst to his solitary ventures into dangerous Indian territories looking for treasure. However, it is deep within one of these hidden caves, that John Carter encounters unusual markings engraved in stone, along with a luminous ceiling of gold. However it is heavily guarded by a hostile robed man, and the struggle between Carter and the guardian, becomes a fight of life and death, ultimately leaving Carter to awake in the harsh desert of another world- Barsoom to be exact -or Mars to us earthlings.

From there Carter finds himself in the middle of chaos and Civil War, ironically an element he had left behind in his own personal life. And it is here, John Carter’s adventures on Barsoom truly begin. From being held captive by a race of tall green creatures with four arms, to joining alliances with the Princess of Helium. The road for John Carter is long and treacherous as he tries to find a way back home to planet Earth.

With many unique characters and different factions warring, the beginning of the film became a little convoluted and confusing at times but ultimately found its pace as the story treaded on. For many of us not familiar with the novels, keep watching. The story does unfold slowly, but in a way that we found gave us the opportunity to become better acquainted with the characters. However, visually, the little ones will be pleased from the beginning. Barsoom was stunning on screen and extremely vivid in many shots. Our only complaint was that our screening was in 3D but completely lacked in its efforts. On this, we feel it’s best to save your money and opt for the 2D, as the 3D was not utilized.

How deliciously cute is he?

Overall though, we thought John Carter was a fantastic ride and enjoyed the film immensely. Our viewing group consisted of tweens and teens, and Noe seemed to enjoy the film more than I did, a vital key that Disney is right on track with their target audiences. Plus, we might add that the creature that looked like Jabba the Hut, but acted like our 80 lb lab was one of the cutest creatures that we have seen on screen in a long time – we sort of want one! We most definitely recommend John Carter and say bring the entire family. John Carter opens in theatres nationwide Friday, March 9.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Andrew Stanton
Taylor Kitsch-John Carter
Lynn Collins-Dejah Thoris
Samantha Morton-Sola
William Defoe-Tars Tarkas
Mark Strong-Matai Shang

Movie Review: Project X Directed by Nima Nourizadeh

Project X
Rated R
Run Time 88mins.

Movie Summary: 3 high school seniors throw a birthday party to make a name for themselves. As the night progresses, things spiral out of control as word of the party spreads.

My Review: Project X is an adult comedy film produced by Todd Phillips of The Hangover franchise, directed by Nima Nourizadeh and written by Matt Drake and Michael Bacall who co-wrote Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and the upcoming 21 Jump Street, and spinoff to Tropic Thunder which will star Tom Cruise as Les Grossman. The film stars Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown, as three unpopular teens who decide to throw the ultimate house party, all the while documenting their degenerate but ultimately infamous ventures on camera.

With a tremendous amount of raw talent associated with this film, we prepared ourselves for an hour and half of hilarious debauchery. What ensued unfortunately was redundant - over the top - unrealistic – this would never happen to teenagers – behavior. Tapping into our own arsenal of adolescent experiences, a decent amount that included borderline criminal activities (an apology to the condo association, whose gates I broke on more than one occasion), was then compared too and examined. Bottom line, I didn’t get it. This was more girls gone wild set to an explicit soundtrack, then a film about a house party gone wrong.

What started out with potential, as the boys began to seek their way to stratospheric and epic proportions of party gods, just became too much drinking, topless women, and drugs with little story to perpetuate the adventures into something magical. Though I will admit I do like Thomas Mann as an actor, his presence in the film was the only glimmer of hope, which was eventually extinguished by the licentious appetites of his collective peers. Oh, and I might add one more thought. Don’t see this film in the theatre if you are prone to motion sickness. I teetered on the verge of nausea the entire screening due to the shaky, homemade video style of filmmaking.

In essence, I was slightly disappointed in writer Bacall, who wrote the brilliant Scott Pilgrim movie. We know he captures teenage immoral indulgence with a manner that can only be described as awesome. Yet, between producer Todd Phillips, and the lack of anything intelligently scripted in this film, Bacall and Drake dropped the ball on this seemingly simplistic notion of parents gone-boys throw a party. Though the concept is not new, the direction of teenage havoc for this film was, and not in a good way. This was a party turned riot that would in actuality; have Pasadena police pepper spraying the entire party. In the end, I left queasy and bored. I give it two stars. Project X hits theatres today March 2.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Nima Nourizadeh
Thomas Mann – Thomas
Oliver Cooper – Costa
Jonathan Daniel Brown- JB
Dax Flame – Dax

Book Review: Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Genre: Children's Fiction
Author: Ransom Riggs

(As of today, it is #3 on the New York Children's Chapter List)

Book Summary: A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

Noe's Review: As I strolled down the endless array of novels within the many tunnels at Barnes & Noble, I passed by an almost iridescent glow coming from the New York Times Best Sellers shelf. Its cover drew me in like a mule to a carrot, a moth to a flame, a hipster to a coffee shop that "nobody knows about". I guess it was the creepy title or maybe even the morbid photos that made me desire this book... And so I forced asked my mother to purchase it for me.

Rule #1 about reading books: Never develop an expectation or you will always be disappointed, though typical me has to go and break every rule known to readers. What I had thought to be a spine-chilling ghost story had turned out to be a sci-fi adventure... not at all what I had expected, but good none the less.

Essentially, the book is about Jacob, a young boy looking for excitement. This leads him - us -  from one world to another as we discover kids with hidden talents and a universe were time ceases to exist. And that's all I can reveal!

The only problem I can find with the novel, is the story is not at all what I had wanted it to be. This I agree, is my fault, but regardless made me feel slighted somehow. I just saw so much potential with the cover, I couldn't help but create my own preconceived notion of how the story would unfold. However, the writing is still very good, great I might add! And the plot, after adjusting, was very well developed. Although I felt clueless at times, the characters were very likable and I had cultivated a strong bond between myself and the characters, to the point, I wanted to see them prevail.

In the end, I felt my time was well spent with a really good story and that's all that matters. I give this book four peculiar stars! - Noe