The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Movie Review

Category: Popcorn Movie

One of the most anticipated movie this year is definitely worth waiting. Francis Lawrence was given responsibility to continue the success both commercially and critically for this most awaited sequel. HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT. The thing I love about this film is the tone and the fluidity of the original is maintained in this one. If you weren't aware of the changes, you would have thought the previous director was not replaced in the first place. It also pays that the team was given a great story and fortunately, the writer for the screenplay did his level best to give the book justice.

The Hunger Games Catching Fire opens on the life as victors for both Katniss and Peeta and the roles they have to play and maintain throughout their tours of the other districts. The film also gave us a glimpse on the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Honestly, I am so confused with which guy she actually likes or loves. But I guess that's the best part. The film also delve into the political. The growing rebellion of the other districts against the capital. If that did not inspire you to even at least be curious to watch it, I don't know what will.

Delightfully talented Jennifer Lawrence continue her role as Katniss after winning and deservingly so (others may not agree) an Academy Award. I personally believe that her acting in the original is better but I still love her. I cried especially in the scene where she was sharing a story about Rue.  The movie has no downtime. Pacing and tone is maintained throughout. And the acting of the whole cast is superb and that is not something you can say for other recently released franchises. Two standout performances came from Elizabeth Banks and Stanley Tucci. Elizabeth Banks with her outrageous outfits is probably one of the best acting I have seen so far this year. She is so underrated. I hope she gets accolades for her performance in this film. Other highlight of the movie is the special effects. Obviously, the profit from the previous one was utilized accordingly and hopefully that will carry on toward the next two sequels. I have refrained from reading books that are made into movies with the exemption of some other series. In this one, I just read the original because I don't like feeling disappointed. But I think fans of the books will highly appreciate the effort and execution. The team behind Catching Fire has exceeded the bar set by the previous film and I am not sure how they can top this for the next series.
 

I cannot wait for the finale. I actually forgot that I was in the cinema because there are certain scenes that I wanted to rewind with my remote and that reminded me where I actually was. I highly recommend this movie and I am actually looking forward to watching it again this weekend.

 

Rate: 10/10

Next Movie(s) Plan: Ender's Game, 47 Ronin, Frozen
 

The Counselor Movie Review

Category: Not Worth Watching

 

I haven't had the energy to write a comment about this hideous movie. I am actually quite angry because I have been following Ridley Scott's career since Gladiator and have been enjoying his movies a lot until this film came to theaters. I did not watch the movie because of its stellar cast but because of its talented director. I guess it was a mistake to expect so much but I was embarrassed because I invited other people to watch it with me unfortunately it took a lot of will power to not fall asleep in the cinema.

 

I honestly did not understand the movie at all. Due to my frustration and complete lost in translation, more than halfway of the film, I decided to go to Wikipedia.com to read the plot summary of the movie so I can understand it. I have used so much of my brain cells to try and follow the whole film, but needless to say, it was such a waste of effort. Truth be told, I am surprised that the cinema was relatively full so I hope it's due to the only other movie showing which is THOR. The silver lining of this film is the performance of Cameron Diaz. WOW!!! I have never been a huge fan of her acting because she seems to have a short range of it. But after watching her in this one, this woman has so much potential. Kudos to her.

 

All in all, do not even bother. This should be completely erased from Ridley Scott's filmography. It does not deserve to be part of it.

 

Rate: 1/10  

Thor: The Dark World Movie Review

 

Category: Popcorn Movie

 

Apparently, not everyone is in love with this movie including those that I know personally. I honestly do not understand why. First of all, this is better than Man of Steel. That movie makes me want to sleep and I ended up having back pains after watching it. Thor: The Dark World is everything you would expect from a purely popcorn movie. Pure Entertainment. Period! 

 

The original is arguably better written and better executed possibly because it was directed by the talented Kenneth Branagh. It looks to gear towards the more mature and sophisticated audience compare to other Marvel produced movies in recent times which is more kid-friendly. The sequel feels more like the latter. Maybe because the studio saw that its contemporaries are more successful than what they had on the original. In short, they took a route towards a more superficial than substance approach.

 

Kenneth Branagh was initially attached to direct the sequel but time- constraint made him forego the project altogether. Here comes numerous names attached to direct, then Alan Taylor who is better known to direct several episodes for Game of Thrones came along. I am a huge fan of GOT so hopefully the guy could deliver as good at what I saw in the small screen to the big screen. Alas, the guy did. The movie is the total opposite of the original. (Not exactly a bad thing) More raw and less sophisticated. Louder and more chaotic. Bigger effects and more humor. It sort of reminds me of a Josh Whedon signature style of direction. Avengers anyone? At first, you would have concluded that the movie might actually be a product of Whedon's but he is in fact a consultant for several scenes in this film apparently or so I read.

 

Expect the same from all the actors especially Tom Hiddleston who I thought is marvelous in this film. No doubt the only actor who can play the charismatic and manipulative Loki. The two lead actors are definitely an eye- candy and their chemistry still sizzle even knowing that the two are both happily- married in real life.

 

Again, I don't understand why people do not love it. I do. Is it better than the original? I personally don't think so. It really depends on what you want to see. Anyway, the movie has two post- credit scenes so make sure to finish the credits and wait for the last one before you leave the cinema. Have munchies and have fun watching!

 

Rating: 8/10