10s Movie Review - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Director: Francis Lawrence
Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Drama/ Dystopian
Runtime: 146 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones, Sam Claflin,, Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Plummer, Jena Malone, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Description: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

Review: The first film in “The Hunger Games” franchise was a huge success and was really good. The second movie gets a new director, Gary Ross steps down and makes room for Francis Lawrence. 
Instead of getting in to the action right away, Lawrence takes time to look back on the happenings from the first film. The surprising climax of the 74th Hunger Games has changed a lot and it’s not over for Katniss and Peeta just yet. Together they have to visit all the districts for a victory tour, something they both don’t like doing. The people love Katniss and president Snow is anything but happy about it. 

Plutarch Heavensbee is the new game maker and decides to make the 75th Hunger Games into something unforgettable. Together with president Snow they decide to let former winners from each district fight it out in the arena. Because Katniss is the only female winner from district 12, she has to enter. And Peeta joins her again, when he volunteers after Haymitch was chosen. 

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is a case of bigger and better. But also visually it brings us more. No shaky cam here, which make the actions scenes even better. And the new arena brings a lot more variation and new dangers. The story is very true to its source material. 

It takes some time before the actual battle starts, but the movie never bores. This is also a big thank you to Jennifer Lawrence, who shines once again as Katniss. A tough heroine, who can also be vulnerable and it’s easy to identify with her. This franchise separates itself from other young adult films that were based on books. The film also adds some great new characters, like Finnick, Beetee, Plutarch and Johanna. 

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” was already my favorite book in the series, it’s a fantastic film as well.

Rating: 5 / 5

10s Movie Review - The Hunger Games

Director: Gary Ross
Genre: Adventure/ Action/ Dystopia/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 142 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bently, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones

Description: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death.

Review: The plot of the by Suzanne Collins written book is promising. Lead character is Katniss Everdeen, who lives in Panem, the new name for the completely destructed North America in a near future. Panem is divided in districts, where the 13th district is already gone. As a punishment, the twelve districts have to deliver one boy and girl to attend the Hunger Games. In this battle only one will come out alive, everyone will literally fight ‘till the death. When Katniss’ sister Primrose is the chosen one for the 74^th Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers to go herself.

All the tributes are dropped in a forest and the people of Panem are watching them every move. The Hunger Games are a big event. It all starts even before the games, where all the tributes have to win over the audience in order to get sponsors.

Jennifer Lawrence is a worthy leading lady and she carries this film easily. She is an underdog, yet a fantastic heroine. Katniss doesn’t want to be a hero though, she is just as afraid as everyone else. But she chooses to fight for her life, without having to kill everyone in sight.

The plot is pretty cruel, but it’s softened a bit to make it more appropriate for a broader audience. That’s okay, because the film’s story is still pretty disturbing.

“The Hunger Games” is a good book to movie adaptation and a great start to a strong franchise.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

90s Movie Review - Fallen

Director: Gregory Hoblit
Genre: Thriller/ Crime/ Drama
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 1998
Starring: Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, James Gandolfini, Embeth Davidtz, Elias Koteas, Aida Turturro

Description: Homocide detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington) witnesses the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese (Elias Koteas). Soon after the execution, the killings start again, and they are very similar to Reese’s style.

Review: Thanks to detective John Hobbes, serial killer Edgar Reese is caught and sentenced to death. The man doesn’t seem to care. Remarkably cheerful, he sings “Time is on my side” from The Rolling Stones. Soon after the execution, similar murders start to happen.

“Fallen” is a strong, macabre thriller, that is very overlooked and underrated. I remember watching it for the first time when video stores were still a thing. And it has always been e favorite Denzel Washington. I hadn’t watched it for a long time, but it still holds up and I love it just as much.

It’s a very original film, with some great twist and a fantastic ending. And Washington is, as always, outstanding.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

TV Show Review - The Undoing (Mini Series)

Season: Mini Series
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Mystery
Number of episodes: 6
Year: 2020
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, Noah Jupe, Donald Sutherland, Lily Rabe, Matilda de Angelis, Edgar Ramirez, Michael Devine

Description: The life of a New York therapist (Nicole Kidman) is turned upside after she and her family get involved with a murder case.

Review: In this psychological thriller, you follow the lives a Grace and her husband Jonathan. They are live the perfect life in New York, with their son Henry. Until Elena, a mother at Henry’s school, is found dead in her art gallery. It turns out to be a murder and Grace and Jonathan’s life is turned upside down. Especially when one of them becomes a suspect.

You think you know, but think again. “The Undoing” has plot twist after plot twist. And just when you think, you figured it out, things turn again. There moments you believe that this certain person has done it, and then you believe they might be innocent. You go back and forth constantly. It’s like a rollercoaster with a new exit each time. Just when you think you are sure of the culprit, they drop a small hint that makes you question everything again.

“The Undoing” is very America, it’s all very polished. The only thing I would’ve changed, is to make the characters look a less “perfect” all the time.  

The cast of “The Undoing” alone is worth watching. Nicole Kidman plays the lead and she is very strong in her role. The same goes for Hugh Grant, especially as the series progresses. And Donald Sutherland, in his 80s, still knows how to intrigue. Noah Jupe, who plays son Henry, is such a great talent. You might also know him from the movie “A Quiet Place”.

“The Undoing” is absolutely worth watching, it’s exactly that kind of psychological thriller that gets under you skin after watching it. The who, why and how are very interesting questions you keep asking yourself constantly while watching this series.

90s Movie Review - A Time to Kill

Director: Joel Schumacher
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 1996
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson, Sandra Bulloc, Kiefer Sutherland, Donald Sutherland, Oliver Platt, Ashley Judd, Kevin Spacey, Charles S. Dutton, Chris Cooper, Beth Grant

Description: In Clanton, Mississippi, a fearless young lawyer (Matthew McConaughey) defends a black man (Samuel L. Jackson) accused of murdering two white men who raped his ten-year-old daughter, inciting violent retribution and revenge from the Lu Klux Klan.

Review: When Carl Lee hailey’s 10-year-old daughter is brutally abused by two racist white men, something snaps inside him. The men will be tried in the usual way, but Carl Lee fears they will be released very soon. According to him, there is only one thing to do: take the law into his won hands. So he kills the two men and is arrested by the police. A trial will have to decide whether and how Carl Lee should be punished. As a lawyer, Carl Lee hires the inexperienced Jake Brigance. He must go up against top lawyer Rufus Buckley. Fortunately, Jake gets help from ambitious Ellen Roark. The trial is the subject of many demonstrations: the Ku Klux Klan calls for prosecution, while the black community pleads for release.

When it comes to courtroom thrillers, author John Grisham is one of the best-known writers. Over the years, numerous of Grisham’s books have been adapted for film.

The story is very clear in who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. The charismatic underdog against the cynical veteran: anyone who has every read anything by Grisham has a clue as to who will win. On thing is certain: because of the complicated issue is portrayed as black and white, it does make it all nice and easy to get along with. And it’s very easy to sympathize with the main character.

A good script is essential here, but a good cast is just as important to deliver it with credibility. Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey are all fantastic in their respective roles, as are Sandra Bullock, Kiefer Sutherland and Donald Sutherland in smaller roles. I believe that the final plead and that ending are a bit too dramatic for my taste, but work well as tear-jerking moments.

A film that doesn’t have a dull moment in it.

Rating: 4/ 5 

00s Movie Review - Pride & Prejudice

Director: Joe Wright
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 127 minutes
Year: 2005
Starring: Keira Knightley Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Tom Hollander, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Judi Dench, Rupert Friend, Carey Mulligan, Kelly Reilly, Talulah Riley, Penelope Wilton

Description: Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?

Review: After the 1940 version with Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson and the successful mini-series from 1995 with Colin Firth, this is the newest incarnation of Jane Austen’s literary classic “Pride & Prejudice”.

Keira Knightley, as Elizabeth Bennet, plays her biggest role to date. She is the point of your attention and Knightley shows us she can handle the pressure. Especially in the more dramatic scenes she stands strong, even if she shares the screen with the experienced Judi Dench.

The chemistry between Keira Knightley and her on-screen Mr. Darcy, portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen, is great. Every time the two get closer, you feel butterflies in your stomach. Just a look or response is enough to know what they feel.

Both Knightley and Macfadyen are perfectly cast in their roles, but Rosamund Pike also did a wonderful job. She shines and this is the movie I discovered her in. Judi Dench plays her role as arrogant and respectable Lady Catherine very well, like we expect from her. Tom Hollander as the typical Mr. Collins, is responsible for a more humoristic touch. His character is incapable of saying anything spontaneous, which is especially funny when he has to share some more emotional matters. Then there is Brenda Blethyn as the neurotic Bennet mother, who wants only one thing: her daughters to be married with a preferable wealthy and good looking man.

The camerawork is impeccable and the music fits the style and time period of the film perfectly.
As a fan of the novel, I’m very pleased with this movie version of “Pride & Prejudice”. You might call me a hopeless romantic, but it’s one of my favorite films of all-time.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Mr. Harrigan's Phone

Director: John Lee Hancock
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Horror/ Mystery
Runtime: 105 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Jaeden Martell, Donald Sutherland, Joe Tippett, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Peggy J. Scott,  
 
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 43: A MOVIE BASED ON A BOOK
 
Description: When Mr. Harrigan (Donald Sutherland) dies, Craig (Jaeden Martell), the teen who befriended and did odd jobs for him, puts his smart phone in his pocket before burial. When the lonely Craig sends his friend a message, he is shocked to get a return text.

Review: The number of film adaptations of Stephen King stories is at least as vast as the literary canon of the great master himself. New to the list is the Netflix film “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone”.

Craig befriends the old billionaire Mr. Harrigan where at a young age, he reads literature to the old man, because his eyes are deteriorating. He does this over a period of five years and we see him grow up from a young boy to a teenager. A special bond develops between the two. Craig gets an iPhone from his father and later buys one for his old friend. When one day Mr. Harrigan dies, Craig puts Harrigan’s phone in his suit at the funeral, to be buried with him. When Craig is feeling lonely, he decides to leave a voicemail message for Mr. Harrigan, telling him how much he misses him. But he gets a text message back from him and strange things start to happen.

The reason the two have such a good bond is because they both lost their mother at a young age. Craig likes being with him because he is not well-liked at school and is more concerned with getting rid of the bullies. The wise old man recognizes this and teaches him wise life lessons.

For the people afraid of horror: you can watch this. It is not horror. It’s at most a mystery thriller, with drama elements. The focus is on the bond between the two main characters. What is their connection. How is it that Craig still gets messages on his phone when the man has died. And what about the wishes he expresses on Harrigan’s voicemails and their outcomes?

Donald Sutherland, who plays the titular Mr. Harrigan, doesn’t have a big role, but plays it convincingly. Wise and sly but also fragile. Jaeden Martell, who was also in “It”, another film based on a Stephen King book, and  holds his own against the veteran. Martell portrays a believable, insecure teenager.  

“Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” is a film I enjoyed, not one of the best Stephen King adaptations, but definitely not in the worst category either.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 55: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Director: Fran Rubel Kuzui
Genre: Action/ Fantasy/ Comedy/ Horror
Runtime: 82 minutes
Year: 1992
Starring: Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens, Rutger Hauer, Luke Perry, Hilary Swank, David Arquette, Stephen Root, Thomas Jane, Ben Affleck, Seth Green

Description: A flighty teenage girl (Kristy Swanson) learns that she is her generation's destined battler of vampires.

Review: I think more people saw the TV show than the film, but this is definitely a fun watch. It’s not as spectacular and dark as the series, because it focuses more on the comedy than the horror. But still very watchable and entertaining.
Kristy Swanson plays Buffy and Luke Perry is her love interest. Donald Sutherland plays Merrick, not very spectacular though. Rutger Hauer is the villain but doesn’t get a lot of screen time. Paul Ruebes, aka Pee Wee Herman, plays the villains sidekick. His death scene is hilarious by the way.
For horror fans this might not be satisfactory, but if you like the comedic kind with a low budget and no special effects, you will be happy. This story sounded ridiculous when it first came out, but eventually it got millions of fans because of the TV show.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 151: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

Director: Francis Lawrence

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 136 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Jennfier Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour, Julianne Moore, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Stanely Tucci, Natalie Dormer, Evan Ross

Description: As the war of Panem escalates to the destruction of other districts by the Capitol, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), the reluctant leader of the rebellion, must bring together an army against President Snow (Donald Sutherland), while all she holds dear hangs in the balance.

Review: In a world filled with young adult series it’s not easy to be above average and to stand out. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” has succeeded. It’s a strong concept and a top cast and “The Hunger Games” gets an amazing final act.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” got mixed reviews and wasn’t received well overall. It was a bit tame, lack of action, but I liked it. It was a build up to the second part and I always said the first part would be appreciated more if part two came out. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” is amazing!

Katniss Everdeen is recovering from an attack from brainwashed Peeta and all she wants is revenge on President Snow. She doesn’t want to do just what rebel leader Alma Coin has planned for her. Katniss gets an elite team, with Gale, Finnick and Peeta, but also some new faces. Together they storm the Capitol, which is filled with booby-traps.

It takes a bit of time before “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” really gets going, but then the spectacles breaks loose. This is probably the most violent one of the franchise and the darkest of the four.

You could say that, after the satisfying climax of the film, the movie goes on a bit too long. Everything has to come to an end and I was pleased with that part as well. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” has a lot to love.

Jennifer Lawrence is fantastic again as Katniss. She is probably one of the most successful actresses of her generation. And the rest of the cast does great too, even if some have somewhat limited screen time.

“The Hunger Games” series takes its audience seriously and I wish there were more movie series as good as this. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” is a worthy goodbye to the franchise and definitely a great film.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 21: Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Director: Philip Kaufman

Genre: Science Fiction/ Horror/ Thriller

Runtime: 115 minutes

Year: 1978

Starring: Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright, Leonard Nimoy, Art Hindle, Lelia Goldoni, Kevin McCarthy, Don Siegel, Tom Luddy, Stan Ritchie, David Fisher, Tom Dahlgren, Garry Goodrow, Jerry Walter, Maurice Argent, Sam Conti, Robert Duvall

Description: In San Francisco, a group of people discover the human race is being replaced one by one, with clones devoid of emotion.

 

Review: This “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” is a remake from the 1956 version. In San Francisco mankind is taken over by duplicates. Because the original took place in a small town, the claustrophobic feel is not as present, but here the big crowd scares you. Matthew and his friends can only rely on each other. The bigger the crowd, the bigger that oppressive feeling is.

This all makes the movie a success. They take the time to reveal the happenings, the slow buildup helps building the tension. The movie is well made, the camerawork is good and the use of light and dark. And some of the action sequences are also very impressive. The thriller and psychological horror aspect are clearly present. Because of the suspicion, claustrophobia and the fear of losing your own personality.

Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams do a good job as Matthew and Elizabeth. Also Veronica Cartwright is very believable and shows a wide range of human emotions. Leonard Nimoy and Jeff Goldblum also perform very well.

“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” is of high quality and definitely one of the best science fiction movies ever made. The movie captivates you till the end and that surprising twist still haunts me. A definite must see.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 135: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Director: Frances Lawrence

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 123 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Natalie Dormer, Sam Claflin, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland

Description: When Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) destroys the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. She meets President Coin (Julianne Moore) who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion, while trying to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) from the Capitol.

Review: In this franchise they choose to split up the last book into two movies. Mostly for financial reasons, but for fans one extra movie to enjoy the adventures of Katniss Everdeen. For people who read the books, it’s great to see the buildup, for neutral viewers it might by a bit unsatisfying.

Katniss Everdeen has survived her second time in the games and sees that her previous enemies turn out to be her allies. They wanted to free her so they could rebel against the capitol. District 12, Katniss’ home front, has been destroyed and Peeta has been heald captive by the enemy. Because the movie is in two parts, everything has been stretched a bit.

They take the time to show the audience what the impact of the events in the previous film is. Katniss is heavily traumatized, an underground defiance wants her as the face of the revolution. She doesn’t want it at first, but after her visit to Distruct 12 she wants to find a way to protect her loved ones. Katniss’ personal development is very interesting to see in this film.

Jennifer Lawrence is again great as Katniss. You feel her pain and agony. A great new addition is Julianne Moore as Alma Coin. A perfect choice for the role. Elizabeth Banks portrayed Effie Trinkett again, this time in a different way. Maybe my favorite version of Effie.

The movie doesn’t contain any actual Hunger Games. It isn’t as action packed as the other two movies and the pace is a lot slower. That never means it’s dull, because time still flies while watching it. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” is a fantastic film, that will especially please the fans and the people that know the books very well. I think this movie will eventually be more appreciated when part two comes out.

Rating: 4/ 5

Video of the Week (9)

This week it's movie related. No, not a trailer, because I do that on sundays. I actually got this in my mailbox, a message from President Snow, the president of Panem. It's a great way to tease someone who is looking forward to "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 1". Now it's even harder for me.

 

 

 

Movie Moments: "The Hunger Games"

"The Hunger Games" is definitely one of the coolest and most fantastic movies I've seen this year. And it's full of great moments, recognizable for those who read the book. Here are my favorite scenes.

Moment # 1: Hunting
Katniss is hunting and sees a deer. She is about to shoot it when Gale appears and the deer runs away.

Moment # 2: Gale’s plan
Katniss and Gale are talking about the hunger games. Gale has a plan, he says they could run away. But Katniss doesn’t think they’ll make it.

Moment # 3: The reaping
The day of the reaping has come and Effie Trinkett is about to pick the tributes. When she pulls out the girls name, she calls out Prim’s name. She’s scared and Katniss volunteers as tribute. Peeta is the male tribute for district 12.

Moment # 4: Gale’s promise
Katniss and Gale have a few minutes before she has to leave. He tells Katniss that she can hunt and that she will win. Katniss wants him to promise her that he’ll take care of her family and that Gale doesn’t let them starve.

Moment # 5: Meeting Haymitch
Katniss and Peeta meet Haymitch Abernathy, the man who’s supposed to get them ready for the hunger games. He’s drunk and not really in the mentoring mood.

Moment # 6: Tribute parade
Peeta and Katniss take part in the tribute parade. They surprise everyone with their flaming costumes.

Moment # 7: “Thank you for you consideration”
Katniss has to show of her skills in the last evaluation. She gets a bow and arrow and misses the target. Gamemaker Seneca Crane and his fellow watchers start laughing and stop paying attention. Even when Katniss does hit the target. All of a sudden Katniss shoots an apple, in the middle of the crowd and thanks the men for their consideration.

Moment # 8: Eleven
Katniss, Peeta, Haymitch, Effie and Cinna are waiting for the evaluation. Peeta got an 8 and Katniss and 11. She’s officially the favorite of the hunger games.

Moment # 9: The night before
Katniss and Peeta can’t sleep and have a conversation the night before the hunger games.

Moment # 10: Cinna and Katniss say goodbye
Cinna is the last person Katniss sees before she enters the hunger games arena. He gives Katniss her jacket and he put the mockingjay pin on it. Katniss is getting scared and when she’s in the tube she realizes that this is it.

Moment # 11: Cornucopia
The countdown starts and all the tributes are standing in the cornucopia. When the clock stops, all the tributes start running and fighting for their lives. Katniss grabs a bag and runs into the woods.

Moment # 12: Tracker Jackers
Katniss was chased by some tributes from district 1 and 2. She is in a tree and when she wakes up she sees Rue. She points to a hive of Tracker Jackers, genetically manipulated wasps. Katniss cuts the branch and the hive falls down. The other tributes run for their lives and Katniss has time to get away.

Moment # 13: Rue dies
Katniss is attacked by Marvel, but she strikes first and kills him. But Rue is also hit and dies in Katniss’ arms. She makes sure Rue gets a proper burial.

Moment # 14: Gale sees Katniss and Peeta kiss
Katniss found a wounded Peeta and decides to take care of him. Peeta wants to know why she helps him and Katniss kisses him. Gale sees it on t.v. an is annoyed by it.

Moment # 15: Hounds
The gamemaker wants some action and sends some blood thirsty hounds after Katniss and Peeta.

Moment # 16: Katniss and Peeta win
After Cato was killed by the hounds, Peeta and Katniss are the only two ones left. Adjusted rules say they won, but again there is a change. Only one of them can win and Peeta thinks it should be Katniss. Katniss doesn’t agree and she gives Peeta some poisonous berries. They both want to eat them, so there will be no winner this year. Right before they eat them, the game is stopped and Peeta and Katniss win the game.

Moment # 17: Katniss sees Gale
Katniss and Peeta return to district 12 and Katniss sees that Gale kept his promise. He’s with Prim and her mother, who both seem happy to see her. When Peeta sees Katniss looking at Gale and smiling, he grabs her hand.

Favorite Moment: Moment # 13: Rue Dies

Movie Moments: "Pride & Prejudice"

This film is based on my favorite novel, written by Jane Austen. Sometimes I wished I could step into this time and experience Elizabeth Bennet's life. Here are my favorite moments from "Pride & Prejudice".

Moment # 1: The ball
The whole Bennet family is going to a ball where they meet Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Jane gets the attention of Mr. Bingley pretty soon, when Elizabeth tries to talk to his friend Mr. Darcy. When she asks him if he dances, he answers: “Not if I can help it”. Later Elizabeth overhears a conversation between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, where Bingley is stating his affection for Jane. When he tells Mr. Darcy that Elizabeth is also a beautiful woman, Mr. Darcy says she’s barely tolerable.

Moment # 2: Discussing Mr. Bingley
After the ball, Jane and Elizabeth are in bed under the covers talking about Mr. Bingley. If he really liked Jane or not. Elizabeth is glad that she never has to see Mr. Darcy again.

Moment # 3: Mr. Darcy gives Elizabeth a hand
When Jane is visiting Mr. Bingley’s sister, she has to stay in bed al day because she’s ill. Elizabeth, and later Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth’s three younger sisters, visit Jane. When they leave Netherfield, Mr. Darcy helps Elizabeth in the carriage, which surprises her. When Mr. Darcy walks away he stretches the hand he offered her.

Moment # 4: Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy dance
At Mr. Bingley’s ball, Mr. Darcy asks Elizabeth to dance. She can’t believe she agreed to it. While dancing they start talking and when they stop talking, they dance as if they are the only two people in the room.

Moment # 5: Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth
The Bennet family is having breakfast when Mr. Collins is trying to get their attention. He wants to speak with Elizabeth alone. He asks her to marry him, but Elizabeth declines. Mrs. Bennet is mad at Elizabeth and wants Mr. Bennet to convince her to marry Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet doesn’t want Elizabeth to marry him and Mrs. Bennet thinks she’s ungrateful.

Moment # 6: Mr. Darcy visits Elizabeth
Elizabeth is staying with her friend Charlotte and her new husband Mr. Collins. When they are out of town, Elizabeth is visited by Mr. Darcy. Not with a purpose, because he seems pretty uneasy and nervous. When he leaves very soon after arriving, Charlotte asks Elizabeth what she did to poor Mr. Darcy,

Moment #7: I love you
Elizabeth hears stories about Mr. Darcy and she runs away. In the pouring rain Mr. Darcy follows her. He tells Elizabeth that she’s the only reason he came, that he loves her and wants to marry her. Elizabeth says no because Mr. Darcy was the reason for Mr. Bingley not proposing to Jane yet.

Moment # 8: Elizabeth visits Mr. Darcy’s house
While traveling with her aunt and uncle, Elizabeth visit Mr. Darcy’s house. When they see a bust of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth can’t help but stare at it and admitting he’s a very handsome man. Not much later she sees Mr. Darcy and his sister Georgiana.

Moment # 9: Mr. Bingley proposes to Jane
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy visit the Bennet family. Jane is hoping for a reunion, but both men leave very quickly. Not soon after they leave, Mr. Bingley returns requesting to speak with Jane privately. He asks her to marry her and Jane says a thousand times yes.

Moment # 10: You’ve bewitched me
After a tumultuous night, Elizabeth goes outside. In the breaking dawn she sees Mr. Darcy walking towards her. He tell Elizabeth that everything he did, he did for her. And then quote: “You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on”. He kisses Mr. Darcy’s hand and the lean into each other.

Moment # 11: Elizabeth loves Mr. Darcy
Elizabeth is waiting for Mr. Darcy outside of Mr. Bennet’s office. When he leaves the room, Elizabeth enters and while closing the door he smiles at her and she looks at him. Mr. Bennet doesn’t understand why she wants to marry Mr. Darcy, because he thought she didn’t like him. Elizabeth says that she loves him and that they are very much alike. Mr. Bennet gives his blessing and is very happy to see Elizabeth like this.

Moment # 12: Mrs. Darcy (U.S. version only)
A dialogue between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy: How are you this evening, my dear?
Elizabeth Bennet: Very well... although I wish you would not call me "my dear."
Mr. Darcy: [chuckles] Why?
Elizabeth Bennet: Because it's what my father always calls my mother when he's cross about something.
Mr. Darcy: What endearments am I allowed?
Elizabeth Bennet: Well let me think..."Lizzie" for every day, "My Pearl" for Sundays, and..."Goddess Divine"... but only on very special occasions.
Mr. Darcy: And... what should I call you when I am cross? Mrs. Darcy...?
Elizabeth Bennet: No! No. You may only call me "Mrs. Darcy"... when you are completely, and perfectly, and incandescently happy.
Mr. Darcy: [he snickers] Then how are you this evening... Mrs. Darcy?
[kisses her on the forehead]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[kisses her on the right cheek]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[kisses her on the nose]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[kisses her on the left cheek]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[finally kisses her on the mouth]

Favorite Moment: Moment # 10: You've bewitched me

In the Picture: The Characters from "The Hunger Games"

I read the books and yesterday I finally saw the movie. I have been looking forward to this for so many months. Here are the characters from “The Hunger Games” and I’m going to apologize in advance, I picked two favorites….

Katniss Everdeen
Played by: Jennifer Lawrence
Katniss is 16-years old and lives with her mother and younger sister Primrose. After her father dies in an mine explosion, she hunts to provide for her family and she’s the glue that keeps the three of them together. When Prim’s name is called out during the reaping, Katniss volunteers as tribute for the Hunger Games. She promises her sister she will try to win the games and during the training she catches the eye of the viewers. She has to act like she’s in love with Peeta in order to survive and to earn sponsors. Katniss is a fighter and a survivor and does everything to return to her sister.

Peeta Mellark
Played by: Josh Hutcherson
Peeta is the son of a baker and the male tribute for District 12. He has been in love with Katniss for a long time. Peeta is loyal and brave, but can also act very arrogant.

Gale Hawthorne
Played by: Liam Hemsworth
Gale is Katniss’ best friend and hunting partner. When Katniss leaves for the Hunger Games, he promises her to take care of her family. Gale calls her “Catnip”. He is a true friend, because he keeps his promise and may even have feelings for Katniss. When he sees her kiss Peeta, he isn’t happy about it.

Haymitch Abernathy
Played by: Woody Harrelson
Haymitch is Katniss’ and Peeta’s mentor and a former Hunger Games winner from district 12. He is drunk, or at least under the influence of alcohol, most of the time. He sends Katniss gifts throughout the games to help her survive.

Cinna
Played by: Lenny Kravitz
Cinna is Katniss’ stylist. He’s a sly and witty man and clever with his fingers and even smarter in the mind. His fantastic design for Katniss’ clothes, increases her popularity. Cinna has a strong connection with Katniss.

Effie Trinket
Played by Elizabeth Banks
Effie is the District 12 escort and always happy and bubbly. She has a very colourful appearance and helps Katniss and Peeta to get sponsors. Effie is constantly bickering and arguing with Haymitch. She also hates it when people don’t have proper etiquettes.

Caesar Flickerman
Played by: Stanley Tucci
Caesar is a TV-host and interviews the tributes before they enter the Hunger Games. He’s an extravagant man, with bright blue hair and pearly white teeth who knows exactly how to entertain a crowd.

President Snow
Played by: Donald Sutherland
President Snow is the president of Panem. He is loved by many and hated by maybe even more people. Mostly the ones in the lower districts. Snow is vicious and can’t stand the fact that Katniss was so smart during the Hunger Games.

Seneca Crane
Played by: Wes Bentley
Seneca is the head gamemaker of the 74th Hunger Games. He is appointed by President Snow and his job is to maximize the excitement of the Hunger Games. He looks very confident but remains aware he's at the President’s mercy.

Favorite Character: Katniss Everdeen and Gale Hawthorne (sorry, couldn’t choose)

The Hunger Games, Sneak Peak

Finally we can catch a glimpse of the movie "The Hunger Games". It was announced that at the 2011 VMA's they would show footage of the movie. It's not much, but here is a Sneak Peak of "The Hunger Games" which will hit theaters in March 2012.
This short teaser already looks great and the music sounds really good. That can also be heard on the official website. I can't wait to see the extended trailer.