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

Movie Review - Venom: Let There Be Carnage

Director: Andy Serkis
Genre: Action/ Science Fiction/ Adventure
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Naomie Harris, Michelle Williams, Stephen Graham, Reid Scott, Peggy Lu

Description: Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) attempts to reignite his career by interviewing serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), who becomes the host of the symbiote Carnage and escapes prison after a failed execution.

Review: Tom Hardy once again takes on the role of Eddie Brock and his alien parasite Venom, but in “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” we see a side of the bloodthirsty alien that we would rather not have seen.
In this sequel to “Venom”, Eddie Brock has accepted that he must share his body with Venom, but this leads to much bickering between the two. When deranged killer Cletus Kasady takes in his own symbiote and transforms into Carnage (a red larger version of Venom), Eddie and Venom must put their problems aside for a while.
Tom Hardy, as always, is a joy to watch. He feels more at home in this sequel as Eddie Brock. Without him the movie would have been a lot less engaging. This is partly due to his buddy Venom. And the sequel is a lot funnier. Venom has become a prankster and some jokes are good. But some are not. At those moments you don’t think you’re watching “Venom: Let There Be Carnage”.
Fortunately, when Venom and Carnage come face to face, the film is really good and the two rivals go head to head in some spectacular action sequences. Carnage is an impressive villain. Woody Harrelson, who plays Cletus Kasady, is too. At first. At the start of the movie, he is really good. But when he becomes the host of the symbiote Carnage, Cletus becomes more cartoonish and silly.
“Venom: Let There Be Carnage” does make an attempt to give Cletus some depth, pairing with Shriek and giving the two their own storyline. But not enough to make Cletus an unforgettable character.
The film feels a bit messy at times and is not one of the better Marvel films. It does make for an entertainment popcorn movie and it still is worth your time. Because the strong action sequences make up for a lot.

Rating: 3 / 5

Movie Review - Kiss the Ground

Director: Joshua Tickell, Rebecca Harrell Tickell  
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 84 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Ray Archuleta, Gisele Bündchen, Tom Brady, Patricia Arquette, David Arquette, Jason Mraz, Rosario Dawson, Ian Somerhalder

Description: A revolutionary group of activist, scientist, farmers, and politicians band together in a global movement of “Regenerative Agriculture” that could balance our climate, replenish our vast water supplies and feed the world.

Review: “This is the story of a simple solution, a way to heal our planet”, says actor Woody Harrelson, narrator in the Netflix documentary “Kiss the Ground”. That sounds hopeful and it is, although the first 25 minutes are far from uplifting. Because before we get to the solution, we get an explanation in detail how we ended up here and where things went wrong. In short: pesticides, monoculture and industrialized agriculture.
Because we started ploughing and spraying with chemicals, we killed the microbes in the soil. No healthy soul without microbes. And without healthy soil the CO2, which is normally stored in the soil in large quantities, goes back into the atmosphere. Desertification occurs, driving 40 million people from their land every year. If we continue like this, y 2050 there will be about a billion people on the run as a result of desertification. So much for a brief summary of the first 25 minutes of misery.
No crisis is so great or there are always people out there who won’t give up says Woody Harrelson. For example, we see a regenerative farmer from North Dakota, who saw his harvest fail year after year to due extreme weather conditions. Until one day he ran out of money to buy fertilizer and pesticides and was forced to seek refuge in regenerative agriculture. Not only has he been doing well financially since then, but you can also see a clear difference between his lusg green land and the parched land of his neighbor.  
There is also the story of Loess Plateau in China. Once the most dehydrated and neglected piece of land on earth, until scientist started restoring the land. The images before and after show how a dusty void can turn into a true green paradise.
Besides Woody Harrelson narrating the documentary, lots of famous stars join him in the fight for a better planet. Supermodel Gisele Bündchen and her husband, American footbale player Tom Brady, singer Jason Mraz and actors Ian Somerhalder, Patricia Arquette, David Arquette and Rosario Dawson. All of them know how important our soil is and found a way to help our planet. As Patricia Arquette is committed to compost toilets.
Overall, “Kiss the Ground” is a very interesting documentary and an eye-opener.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - The Edge of Seventeen

Director: Kelly Fremon Craig
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner, Kyra Sedgwick, Woody Harrelson, Hayden Szeto

Description: High-school life gets even more unbearable for Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) when her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson) starts dating her older brother (Blake Jenner).

Review: A coming-of-age film. I love them. Director Kelly Fremon Craig makes her directorial debit with the excellent “The Edge of Seventeen” and can easily be called one of the best teen films made in the last years.
At least it’s one of the most sincere ones, because the film doesn’t ridicule teen emotions but takes them seriously. This doesn’t mean that “The Edge of Seventeen” is a heavy drama, because the film has dry humor. The power is within the realistic portrayal of a teenager dealing with her emotions and struggles.
“The Edge of Seventeen” focuses on the smart and witty Nadine, who feels like and outsider. She thinks she’s an old soul and constantly judges her peers. Nadine has many funny and sharp observations and she mostly talks about them with her best friend Krista. She is Nadine’s only friend and support. But when Krista starts dating her older brother Darian, whom Nadine hates because he does have his life together, her world collapses. After her father died, there is only her mother, but Nadine can’t really talk to her. Instead she clears her heart while talking to one of her teachers.
“The Edge of Seventeen” is a great portrait of a struggling teenager, who first comes of as a bit annoying, but along the way you get to understand her more. Hailee Steinfeld is fantastic in her role as Nadine and my favorite scenes were the ones she had with Woody Harrelson, who plays her teacher. The film has some slight wit. Nadine tries to keep everyone at a distance and sees herself as a better person. But in order to survive, she has to open up to the people around her.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Zombieland: Double Tap

Director: Ruben Fleischer
Genre: Comedy/ Action/ Horror
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Zoey Deutch, Rosario Dawson, Luke Wilson, Bill Murray, Thomas Middleditch

Description: Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) move to the American heartland as they face off against evolved zombies, fellow survivors, and the growing pains of the snarky makeshift family.

Review: The subgenre, horror comedy, is one of my personal favorites. Especially when it has to do with zombies. When “Zombieland” came out in 2009, it was a surprising, fresh and hilarious film that really impressed. It mocks itself and is creative. Ten years later, director Ruben Fleisher comes with the sequel. Maybe a little late, but better late than never. Because, did we need it? Not really. Did I enjoy it? Hell yeah!
In 2009, besides Woody Harrelson, all actors were fairly new to Hollywood. Now, it stars Oscar nominees and even one winner, being Emma Stone. Besides this difference, the cast hasn’t changed a bit and the chemistry is still a strong element in the film. The bickering between Columbus and Tallahassee, the creative ways to kill a zombie, sharp dialogue. Off course it doesn’t reach the same level as “Zombieland”, but “Zombieland: Double Tap” comes awfully close.
“Zombieland: Double Tap” is more of the same, but we loved the first so why change the formula? It’s not as original as the first, but it’s a great sequel. And if you’re a fan of the original film, you will enjoy this one as well.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - The Highwaymen

Director: John Lee Hancock
Genre: Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy Bates, John Carroll Lynch, William Sadler, Kim Dickens

Description: A pair of Texas Rangers (Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson) come out of retirement to catch the infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde.

Review: Former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Benjamin Maney Gault return from retirement to end the criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde.
Director John Lee Hancock has some historical dramas on his resumé, like “Saving Mr. Banks” and “The Founder”. In “The Highwaymen” he went into a different direction. It’s the tale of two heroes hunting for the world’s most infamous criminal duo.
The film’s strength is its depiction of the 1930s. Hamer and Gault are trying to fight their way though the country where, due to the economic crisis, the citizens have become more fond of murdering outlaws than the actual law.
How both characters respond to everything around them is very different. In this contrast we see the true characters.
“The Highwaymen” is not an action/ chase movie. Its power is set in the silent moments, where Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson get the chance to translate the historical story into words, facial expressions and motion. Both actors are definite favorites of mine and are excellent in this film.
We are actually missing Bonnie and Clyde here, but it was a conscious choise of Hancock to give them almost no screen time. The consequences of their actions, the search for them and the men hunting them are the focus of the story. And this makes “The Highwaymen” into a melancholic film experience.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - Solo: A Star Wars Story

Director: Ron Howard
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 135 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover, Paul Bettany, Jon Favreau, Linda Hunt, Warwick Davis, Thandie Newton

Description: During an adventure into the criminal underworld, Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca and encounters Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) years before joining the Rebellion.

Review: After Disney got the rights to “Star Wars”, it’s not sitting still. A new trilogy and a bunch of standalone films. The new trilogy is doing really well and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” was also very good. There we followed rebels trying to stop the building of the death star. Director Ron Howard took the story of a young Han Solo, probably the most popular character in the franchise.
Han Solo, one of Harrison Ford’s most memorable roles, is know as a smuggler and pilot of the Millennium Falcon, which he flies with his co-pilot Chewbacca. In “Solo: A Star Wars Story” we meet Han, before the story of “Star Wars: A New Hope”.
Han has to flee criminals and has to leave his girlfriend Qi’ra behind. He swears to return one day and get her.
“Solo: A Star Wars Story” is a so-called origin story, so we get to see how it all began for Han Solo. How he met his pal Chewbacca, how he meets Lando Calrissian and how he gets the Millennium Falcon. Alden Ehrenreich isn’t very well-known yet, but he is a good choice for the role of young Han Solo. He has to stubbornness, arrogance and charm. But he misses one thing: Ford always portrayed Solo as being ‘annoyed’ of some sort (now what?). It’s hard to explain, but I felt like he was missing it here.
Donald Glover is the best choice for the young Lando Calrissian. And it’s sad that he doesn’t get that much screen time. And Woody Harrelson doesn’t disappoint either, as always.
The story for “Solo: A Star Wars Story” is relatively thin. The references to the original films are fun, especially for nostalgia purposes. But Han Solo’s character doesn’t get enough depth.
That doesn’t mean that “Solo: A Star Wars Story” isn’t a good standalone film. It has everything you want from a good action/ adventure film. Wild chases, shoot outs and great visuals.
“Solo: A Star Wars” is probably not the film that Star Wars fans were hoping for, because a better look at one of the most beloved movie characters in film history is lacking here. As a standalone film it’s good, but within the Star Wars universe it’s not at the same level as the other films.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Reviews - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Director: Martin McDonagh
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones, John Hawkes, Peter Dinklage, Lucas Hedges, Abbie Cornish

Description: A mother (Frances McDormand) personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter's murder when they fail to catch the culprit.

Review: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is a strong film, with an original screenplay and lots of unpredictability. Frances McDormand plays, as a broken and fighting mother, the role of her life.
I’m glad we finally got another monumental film, that is not mainly leaning on pretty pictures to decorate the story and a soundtrack to keep the pace. If this film doesn’t win any awards for best screenplay, leading lady and supporting actor, I don’t know what the hell is wrong with Hollywood.
When it looks like you’re dealing with a simple story, but it turns out to be a realistic drama with dark humor. Director and writer Martin McDonagh, who already brought us two very brilliant films “In Bruges” and “Seven Psychopaths”, shows us how this is done.
We follow mother Mildred Hayes, who lost her daughter who was raped and murdered. Because she believes the local authorities are failing her, she rents three billboards. On those billboards she puts the following messages: ‘Raped while dying’, ‘And still no arrests?’, ‘How come Chief Willoughby?’.
This provocative message becomes the talk of the town. Chief Willoughby, played by Woody Harrelson, is personally attacked. But he also has his own problems, because he is facing terminal cancer. Beside him there is Jason Dixon, portrayed by Sam Rockwell, the racist, alcoholic ‘bad cop’ with a dominant mother.
Frances McDormand plays the best role to date. And she has her fair share of memorable performances. But my favorite was Sam Rockwell. What a performance!
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” will definitely end up on my favorites list at the end of 2018. Fantastic film!

Rating: 5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 92: War for the Planet of the Apes

Director: Matt Reeves
Genre: Drama/ Action/ Adventure/ Thriller
Runtime: 140 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Toby Kebbell, Judy Greer

Description: After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar (Andy Serkis) wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind.

Review: It’s very tempting to close a trilogy with a bombastic and epic action film. More characters, more explosions, bigger everything. Director Matt Reeves managed to stay away from all that and turns “War for the Planet of the Apes” into an intimate war film.
Even the opening of the film, a spectacular confrontation between one of the last human armies and Caesar’s colony, is pretty timid. Minimal dialogue, the camera focusses on lyrics on the soldier’s helmets. It sets the tone for the film.
Some people accuse “War for the Planet of the Apes” of false marketing. They expected the battle of all battles and claim it’t not a real war film. But it is most definite a war film, one that zooms in on the ethics of a war.
And this fits Caesar perfectly, one of the most sympathetic characters created over the past 10 years, thanks to Andy Serkis and his magnificent performance. Where Caesar was idealistic before and wanted to keep peace, but now he is acting out of revenge and realizes he is no better than Koba. “War for the Planet of the Apes” shows us that war is a product of escalation, revenge and emotion.
The only human opponent Caesar gets here is from the Colonel, played by Woody Harrelson. He is Caesar’s complete opposite when it comes to morals. But there isn’t that many conflict between humans and apes. And strangely enough, that’s the charm of the film. It doesn’t try to top “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” or “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”. It gives us something new and it’s a great end to a strong trilogy.
Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challene 2016 - 78: Triple 9

Director: John Hillcoat
Genre: Action/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Casey Affleck, Woody Harrelson, Kate Winslet, Aaron Paul, Anthony Mackie, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot, Teresa Palmet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clifton Collins Jr.

Description: A gang of criminals and corrupt cops plan the murder of a police officer in order to pull off their biggest heist yet across town.

Review: Just like in other big American cities, the police in Atlanta works with codes. The 999 code means that a cop has been shot. A group of bankrobbers is about to cause a triple 9.
Michael Atwood has to return a favour to some Russian mobsters. In his group there are the two Welch brothers and two corrupt cops. Irina Vlaslov, leader of that Russian mob, calls the shot. On the other side of town detective Jeffrey Allen is dealing with this gang and tries to get his cousin Chris to get ready for it.
“Triple 9” doesn’t have many surprises. Not in the plot, motives or backgrounds. And there are too many characters to actually make them interesting or deep enough. The atmosphere is perfect, but the screenplay is the problem. The movie doesn’t interest you from beginning till end.

Rating: 3/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Characters from "The Hunger Games" Series

I love “The Hunger Games” books and the movies. I wanted to take a look at the characters and rank them. Here are my five favorite characters from “The Hunger Games” franchise.

5. Johanna Mason

Johanna Mason won the Hunger Games for District 7, when she pretended to be a weakling. When only a few tributes were left, she showed her true skills. Johanna was send to the Quarter Quell to protect Katniss.

 

 

4. Haymitch Abernathy

Haymitch is Katniss and Peeta’s mentor in the preparation of the Hunger Games. He won the games himself ones, he was the first winner for District 12. Haymitch is a drunk cynic and he doesn’t have faith in Katniss at first.

 

 

3. Beetee Latier

Beetee doesn’t look like the biggest threat, but his intelligence is something to watch out for. He is very skilled with a wire, which eventually saves him and his allys in the Quarter Quell.

 

 

2. Finnick Odair

Finnick was the winner of the 65th Hunger Games and the youngest ever to win. Katniss was hesitant to make Finnick her ally in the Quarter Quell, but he proved to be valuable. Finnick is a key person in the rebellion.

 

 

1. Katniss Everdeen

Off course Katniss, she is every girls heroine. Katniss doesn’t want to be a hero though, she just wants to survive these awful games. She is very loyal to her family and friends and often fights for them instead of herself.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Cinna, Rue, Effie Trinkett, Gale Hawthorne, Plutarch Heavensbee, Mags

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 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

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 118: Seven Psychopaths

Director: Martin McDonagh

Genre: Crime/ Comedy

Runtime: 110 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson, Tom Waits, Abbie Cornish, Olga Kurylenko, Gabourey Sidibe, Michael Pitt, Harry Dean Stanton

Description: Struggling screenwriter Marty (Colin Farrell) inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends (Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken) kidnap a gangster's (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih Tzu.

Review: Marty is an Irish scriptwriter who works in Hollywood. For his next script he only has a title: “Seven Psychopaths”. Trying to fight his writer’s block, he’s constantly drinking alcohol. His friends Billy and Hans have another occupation: they kidnap dogs and then return them to their owners in order to collect the reward. Everything goes wrong when Billy kidnaps the Shi’Tzu of criminal Charlie and Marty gets involved.

“Seven Psychopaths” is best described as a dark crime comedy. Filled with good actors who get away with all the horrible violence because of their funny dialogues and the bizarre scenario. Director Martin McDonagh broke through with “In Bruges”, which is a favorite of mine. Colin Farrell also had the lead role in that movie. Here, as Marty, he is more neutral and the people around him steal the show. Sam Rockwell does what he does best. He’s totally crazy, but wins over your sympathy somehow. Christopher Walken has the most emotional role, but his humor is great.

McDonagh filled “Seven Psychopaths” with fun moments. It’s sometimes on the edge of overdoing it, but thanks to the humor of the actors it’s a highly enjoyable movie. Definitely worth your time.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Battle: The Truman Show Vs. Edtv

Two movies where the lead characters are being watched by… well everyone, 24/7. When the movies were released, reality television just started and became extremely popular. Today, they make shows about everything. To battle it out, here is “The Truman Show” Vs. “Edtv”.

 

CAST

The Truman Show: Mostly known for his comedic roles, rubber face Jim Carrey takes the lead. And very well indeed. I think this is Carrey’s best performance so far. Laura Linney, Ed Harris and Natascha McElhone also take part.

Edtv: The relatively unknown Matthew McConaughey plays Ed and is accompanied by Woody Harrelson, Jenna Elfman, Ellen Degeneres and Elizabeth Hurley. The cast looks less impressive, but do a solid job.

STORY

The Truman Show: Truman is unaware that his life has been followed ever since his birth. His whole life has been planned out, but he starts to be suspicious. Trying to follow his own path, the TV people try to stop him. It’s a drama, mixed with subtle comedy.

Edtv: Unlike Truman, Ed volunteers to be followed. He is supposed to make the rates go up, but at first his life doesn’t look all that interesting. That soon changes and Ed is loved by many. It’s more of a comedy.

EFFECTS

The Truman Show: Truman lives in a picture perfect town, with picture perfect citizens. It all looks stunning.

Edtv: Nothing special here.

WINNER

It’s kind of a no brainer, “The Truman Show” is without a doubt the better movie of the two.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 47: Now You See Me

Director: Louis Leterrier
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo, Mélanie Laurent

Description: An FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) and an Interpol detective (Mélanie Laurent) track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

Review: “Now You See Me” introduces the four illusionists in the opening sequence. All of them with their own specialty. The magicians are brought together by a mysterious figure and they get a Las Vegas show. In that show it seems that ‘the four horsemen’ are robbing a bank in Paris. FBI agent Dylan Rhodes and Interpol agent Alma Vargas have the task to find out how they pulled it off.
Because you’re constantly shifting between the four illusionists and the two law enforcers, it’s really hard to see the ethnic difference between good and bad. It’s never clear who the real protagonist is in the movie. The story is missing an edge. With that the characters aren’t all as important. Of the four magicians, there are only two that really have a purpose. The other two stay in the background. Eventually we get a pretty predictable twist in the end.
The visuals are amazing, it’s a very good looking movie. And it’s certainly a very good concept. But it’s not as sensational as the tricks in the film.

Rating: 2/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 37: Edtv

Director: Ron Howard
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 118 minutes
Year: 1999
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Jenna Elfman, Ellen Degeneres, Elizabeth Hurley

Description: Video store clerk Ed (Matthew McConaughey) agrees to have his life filmed by a camera crew for a tv network.

Review: Financially the TV network “True TV” is on lower ground. Their producer has to think of a new formula and comes up with the idea to follow someone 24/7. Ed Pekurney is the lucky guy. At first it doesn’t look like something people will watch, but it becomes a huge hit.
Because of the script and the montage, the film feels realistic. We all know the concept of reality TV, which gets more unoriginal nowadays. But back in 1999 this was groundbreaking. “Edtv” is a fun film about the hype of a real life show. It has a lot of humoristic moments. Off course you compare this film to “The Truman Show”, a movie with a similar theme. “Edtv” is very standard then, but on its own it s surely a very entertaining movie.
The acting is solid, the casting is strong as well. It’s Matthew McConaughy in his early days and he was cast perfectly as the laid back Ed. Woody Harrelson does a good job as brother Ray and Jenna Elfman has great chemistry with McConaughey. Although “Edtv” wasn’t a success in theaters, I enjoyed it and found it very entertaining. And recommendable.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Battle: Shaun of the Dead Vs. Zombieland

Another new item. In Movie Battle I will compare two movies which have certain similarities, like a theme, director or actors. I will judge both movies on their cast, story and effects. Eventually I will announce one winner.

First it's zombies. My two favorite zombie movies go head to head, who will win this battle? Lets find out.

CAST

Shaun of the Dead: At the time this movie came out, the actors weren’t all that well known. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are now one of the funniest comedy duo on the planet, but the only person that we knew well in this film was Bill Nighy. This movie put Pegg and Frost on the map for me and would soon be unforgettable.

Zombieland: With this movie my light obsessions for Emma Stone. She is great. Jesse Eisenberg is a bit typecast as this nerdy, losery guy. He does that well. Abigail Breslin is no longer a kid and Woody Harrelson play my favourite part in “Zombieland”. He kicks some zombie ass! So all four actors in this movie did a good job.

STORY

Shaun of the Dead: England has already been taken over by zombies, but Shaun doesn’t realize it yet until there is a strange girl standing in his yard. When she is speared and still gets up, Shaun and Ed know something’s wrong. It’s hilarious how they try to fight them.

Zombieland: In this movie the world only has a few living people. Besides the four I mentioned earlier, Bill Murray is also one of them. Columbus has made a list of rules for survival, which he mentions throughout the movie.

EFFECTS

Shaun of the Dead: Not a lot of effects needed, but the zombies look very real. And so does the blood (you got red on you).The movie is well filmed, with these earthy tones.

Zombieland: There were more effect needed here, as for the zombies are a bit faster in this movie. Especially the scene where we get to see the zombie kill of the week, needed some extra touches. Everything looks a bit more flashy.

WINNER

I love both movies a lot. I always like zombie movies, funny or just scary (ok, I prefer funny). But I have to go with “Shaun of the Dead” because British humor is just a little bit better.

In the Picture: The Characters from "Zombieland"

Zombie movies are always fun to watch, especially with a big dose of humor. And some cool characters. Here are the characters from “Zombieland”.

Columbus
Played by: Jesse Eisenberg
Columbus is a very kind and loyal guy, who might seem a bit whimpy but he isn’t. He has a list of rules to follow in order to survive zombieland. He is trying to get to his parents and to find out if they’re still alive.

Tallahassee
Played by: Woody Harrelson
Tallahassee is a tough guy and he decides to travel together with Columbus. Deep inside he isn’t all that tough, because he lost someone important. And Tallahassee has a week spot for Twinkies.

Wichita
Played by: Emma Stone
Wichita is a girl you don’t want to mess with. All she wants is to protect her sister and she will stop at nothing. Wichita isn’t your average girl, she knows her way around a gun and she can be quite manipulative. She was a con artist before the catastrophe.

Little Rock
Played by: Abigail Breslin
Little Rock is Wichita’s sister and she leans on her. She wants to go to “Pacific Playland” with her big sister, because it’s supposed to be zombie free. Little Rock is a nice girl, but she did learn some tricks from her sister.

Favorite Character: Tallahassee