The Hunger Games (4)

(Trailer)

Gary Ross did a really great job of making the novel into a movie. Usually they ruin it because you just can't fit as much information in a movie as is in a book. I do suggest reading these books though if you haven't yet, it's worth it!

I liked the direction they went with this movie. I thought the changes they did make to the story were necessary and/or is really going to help the flow of the story in the next two movies. As a big fan of the books though they are still hard for me to fully accept but I'll get over it - it isn't possible for a movie to be exactly like a book. Also, I was relieved that they stayed true to the whole Gale and Peeta thing. It's NOT a love triangle, get over it people.

Jennifer Lawrence is my new favourite person. She ROCKS as Katniss. She was perfect. Beyond perfect, she really made the character come alive for me. Of everyone in this film she blew me away and made the movie a special experience; just like the books.

I know people are gonna hate me for sawing this, but I still cannot grasp Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. Don't get me wrong, Josh was great and he works so well with Jennifer...but I just cannot let go of the image I have in my head from the books and he just doesn't fit the mold. I'm sure when I see the movie again that I will love him and think I'm crazy for writing this now but it's how I feel.

My only complaint for Liam Hemsworth aka Gale is that he is FAR TOO good looking, even for Gale. He was good though even if he doesn't get a lot of screen time.

The movie was intense and I liked how they didn't just jump into the games and have unnecessary action and fighting. It was important that the first half of the movie was what it was. You need to get to know the characters and see their lives so that when the second and third movie come out that it all makes sense.

The only thing is that the book is written from Katniss' perspective and without her thoughts you really have to depend on Jennifer Lawrence's facial expressions to sell the emotion of each scene. Some times that just isn't possible. The movie was fast paced and didn't waste time but in the end the movie felt far less intense and emotionally taxing as the books.

A part of me wishes now that I had waited to read the books until after the movie because I feel like I would have less things to say.

It's still a great movie and I loved it. I didn't know 2 and 1/2 hours could go so quickly.

I could say a lot more but I think this gives you enough. I cannot wait for the sequel.

Bonus: The soundtrack. Oh, and Donald Sutherland.

4/5 ADSENSE HERE

The Sunset Limited (3.5)

(Trailer)

Based on the play by Cormac McCarthy, this 2011 film by Tommy Lee Jones follows a conversation between two men about their different believes on life.

This movie caught my eye last year but I never got around to watching it. It's not something light to put on before bed, the play is quite intense which makes for an equally intense script. I actually would love to see this on the stage having seen the movie.

This movie felt very much like a play. The staging and direction felt very theatre-esque. I am sure for some that it would therefore feel like it had a strange pace but I liked it. You can blame my BFA in theatre.

Samuel L Jackson ( Unthinkable ) was FANTASTIC in this movie. I was actually blown away. He likes doing roles for fun these days and sometimes you forget how good an actor can be when he stops taking himself so seriously...man! So good. This guy is an incredible actor. He was very organic and pure.

Tommy Lee Jones was stationary in comparison. Almost like his movements were marked by tape marks on the floor so he stopped in the right spot...I'm not sure, there was any sort of extra level to him. Maybe that's how he decided to play this character but regardless I didn't like it. I enjoyed a few of his directorial choices though.

Good play to screen film but with the lack of liking Mr. Jones I found some parts boring but the rest was great. Really makes you think about some key outlooks on life. Pretty interesting.

3.5/5 ADSENSE HERE

We Bought a Zoo (4)

(Trailer)

2011 drama/family film by Cameron Crowe ( Singles) based on the national bestselling novel about a father who buys a zoo for his family after losing his wife.

I love movies that are based on true stories. If they are done right, they give a script that extra bit of strength to make both characters and story amazing.

This movie did that. They did it well.

There is so much heart in this story and it really shines through in the film. I thought that all the performances and the script was great. Matt Damon (Green Zone, Hereafter) did really well and I thought he was quite charming as Benjamin. The little girl broke my heart she was so cute. I even liked Scarlett Johansson ( Vicky Christina Barcelona ) who I wasn't convinced could truly act until I watch this movie...although there were a few too many close ups of her pretty face grinning with the whole hair in the wind thing with the sunshine going on for me to be FULLY convinced. Ya. A little too much going on there.

This is a great family/drama movie and it really inspired me to read the book. I watch a lot of films and I admit that they rarely make me want to look into where the script came from to access more of the story than what the film gave me. But, now and again, a really good story shows up and I can't seem to let it go. I have a feeling this is one of those.

So watch this movie. It made me laugh, made me sad, made me frustrated but ultimately made me glued to the screen with anticipation to see what would happen with the zoo.

...the fact that it is true is crazy. Hats off to them.


Bonus: Thomas Haden Church ( Easy A , All About Steve).

4/5 ADSENSE HERE