Review: The Hunger Games (***)

Based on the best selling books The Hunger Games takes place in the future and takes place in a nation called Panem which is divided into 12 districts and The Capitol. Once a year one boy and one girl between the ages of 12-18 are chosen to compete in The Hunger Games. But when Katniss Everdeen ‘s (Jennifer Lawrence) sister Primrose is chosen she chooses to volunteer as the tribute. Chosen as the guy was Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), when they are going to the capitol they meet their mentor Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson). Katniss also befriends Cinna (Lenny Kravitz) and develops an alliance with Rue (Amandla Steinberg) who is the female tribute for District 11. During the games Katniss develops feelings for Peeta and has to choose between him or her childhood friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth)

Elizabeth Banks does a wonderful job as Effie Trickett. Stanley Tucci and Wes Bentley do good jobs as well. There has been some controversy because this is about killing kids and it earned a PG-13 and the upcoming Bully received an R for some F bombs and could save lives. I’ll say that these are books that teens have read and have been waiting for, however I do agree that The MPAA is ridiculous and thank god for Harvey Weistein for releasing it unrated.

In The End Katniss was a brave girl as stated in the movie for what she did. If my sisters were picked for something like this I would volunteer. There were a few parts that I didn’t like (which I’m not gonna say because of spoilers). But Overall I recommend this movie 

John's DVD pick of the week (3/27/12)

Sorry for the late notice. This week my pick was #9 on my best films of 2011 its...

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

That's right the 9/11 drama is my pick this week. The only two big releases this week are Alvin & The Chipmunks Chipwrecked, and A Dangerous Method.

My vintage pick is in honor of this weeks release of Mirror Mirror is the best take on Snow White yet Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs the first Disney movie ever. 

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Movie Trailer

Madagascar 3 Europes Most Wanted - Official Trailer #2 (2012) HD Movie

John's DVD pick of the week (3/20/12)

Well it's Tuesday, This is one of the best weeks but only one can be my pick this week its...

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

That's right David Fincher's American take on this film is my pick this week. It was #6 on my best films of 2011. The other two films that almost made my top ten out this week are The Gary Oldman spy film Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, and Jason Segel's revival of The Muppets. Other films out this week are the Easter fil Hop and the Roman Polanski directed comedy Carnage. I did not see either of these Films

My vintage pick is, In honor of This weeks release of The Hunger Games is Jennifer Lawrence's best performance to date Winter's Bone see it when you have a chance.

Mini Bulk Reviews

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (***1/2)

Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker. It started off slow, but once the two characters meet the film goes faster.

The Artist (****)

Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin (Jean Durjadin) wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), a young dancer set for a big break. A fantastic homage to early cinema, one of the best films of 2011

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (***)

The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name. Cool film, best scenes of the film were the ones filmed w/IMAX cameras.

We Bought A Zoo (***1/2)

Set in Southern California, a father moves his young family to the countryside to renovate and re-open a struggling zoo. Very heartwarming and inspiring tale.

The Adventures Of Tintin (**1/2)

Intrepid reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell) and Captain Haddock (Daniel Craig) set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock's ancestor. Good descent fun that's all I gotta say.