IMDb Synopsis: Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match.
If you've seen the new header on my blog (and if you're reading this, I'm going to guess that you have), it's sort of obvious that I'm a huge Hunger Games fan. I read the first book in 2010 and have been addicted ever since. My expectations for the film adaption were quite high after watching the trailer, and, fortunately, they were met.
There were so many wonderful performances in the film, but the star of the show is clearly Jennifer Lawrence. She was everything I wanted Katniss to be, and even more, capturing the role of a strong and moving heroine. A few other actors I was impressed with (I wish I could discuss them all) were Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz, Wes Bentley and Isabelle Fuhrman. Liam Hemsworth only has a short amount of screen time, so I don't feel that I can fairly judge his acting skills until Catching Fire is released.
You don't have to read the novels before seeing the film, but I would suggest it, for two reasons: One, while the film is mostly faithful to the books, they can't work everything into the film. And two, the film is clearly made for those of us that have read the books and are so familiar with the story- I could see why someone that hadn't read them could be a bit confused with some scenes.
Overall, The Hunger Games is worth your time, both the books and the film. And, in case you're wondering, it's nothing like Twilight.
5/5 stars
IMDb Synopsis: A biopic depicting the early years of legendary director and aviator Howard Hughes' career, from the late 1920s to the mid-1940s.
I'm back from my hiatus! For my first post in 2012, I'm reviewing a film that is discussed frequently among the classic Hollywood fandom: Martin Scorsese's The Aviator. (I also plan on reviewing The Artist whenever I get an opportunity to see it.)
I love watching biopics, if they're made well. Sometimes I'm hesitant to watch a film when it's portraying people I''m fond of, since there's always a chance that the actors chosen won't live up to my expectations. Fortunately, this wasn't the case here.
The two actors that surprised me the most (and the two that I was most pleased with) were Cate Blanchett and Leonardo DiCaprio. Prior to viewing, I was skeptical of Blanchett- not just anyone could play Katharine Hepburn- but I was pleased with her performance and I'm glad she won an Oscar. For no particular reason I loved her line "Can't you just eat ice cream out of a bowl, like everyone else?"
Then there's DiCaprio, who I've never liked (I blame Titanic). Like Hepburn, Howard Hughes isn't an easy role to play, but DiCaprio managed to master his role, especially in the scenes concerning Hughes' mental illness.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Aviator and I think the same goes for many other classic Hollywood fans. Also a deserving mention to the costume designer and makeup artists for making all of the actors look so authentic.
4.5/5 stars
IMDb Synopsis: A young woman uses her body and her sexuality to help her climb the social ladder, but soon begins to wonder if her new status will ever bring her happiness.
If you like classic films as much as I do, you'll probably agree that one of the best things about classics is pre-codes. I think it's so interesting to see how much film makers got away with in the early thirties, as apposed to films made after the Production Code went into effect in 1934. There are so many great pre-code films that never would have made it past the Hays Office, and Baby Face is one of them.
Barbara Stanwyck's performance is top-notch. She's so convincing as Lily Powers, and this is my favorite of her earlier roles, along with Night Nurse (1931). I haven't seen many of George Brent's films, but I enjoyed his performance as well. Also notable are Donald Cook and a young John Wayne towards the beginning of his film career.
Overall, Baby Face is the most provocative pre-code film I've seen, and one of the best. I would suggest watching it if you're looking to see more pre-codes, or are just a Barbara Stanwyck fan.
5/5 stars
IMDb Synopsis: On a vacation, sports journalist Mike meets designer Marilla. They fall in love and marry right away. However back at home they realize that they're living in different worlds and know nothing about each other and exes and angry mobsters get in the way of their happily ever after.
I've probably mentioned this in a post before, but Gregory Peck and Lauren Bacall are two of my favorite actors of all time. Naturally, I was very excited to see both of them in a film together. I can honestly say that my expectations were met.
One of the reasons I dislike modern films so much is because almost all of the romantic comedies are awful- most of the actors are horrible, and I just don't find them as humorous or enjoying as the classics. I wouldn't be lying if I said that Designing Woman was one of the funniest films I've ever seen. The story and dialogue are both extraordinary- which is why it won an Oscar for Best Writing, Story, and Screenplay for screenwriter George Wells.
Peck and Bacall's performances were marvelous. I expected them to be, though, since I'd seen them do extremely well in romantic comedies before (Peck in Roman Holiday and Bacall in How to Marry a Millionaire, which I reviewed a few months ago). I also thought their chemistry was wonderful, and I really wish that they had made more films together.
Overall, I found Designing Woman to be a gem of a film from director Vincente Minnelli. I most definitely recommend seeing it if you're interested in great romantic comedies.
5/5 stars
