"The Hunger Games" Has the Odds In Their Favor

"The Hunger Games" is a spectacular start to a great series. Based on the book by Suzanne Collins, it tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence. She lives in a dystopian nation called Panem, and she is part of district 12. Panem has an annual event called "The Hunger Games" where a 12 to 18 year old female and male is randomly chosen to battle to the death with the eleven other districts, there is only one winner, and the games are televised. It is a bloodbath for the nation's enjoyment. Effie Trinket, played by Elizabeth Banks, hosts the reaping before the actual games. The reaping is the actual picking of the names where the whole district is invited. Katniss volunteers to be in the games after he little sister, Primrose, played by Willow Shields, is chosen. Katniss is cannot let her little sister go through this tragic experience, because she is more than a big sister to her, she is almost like a mother to Primrose. the other person picked was Peeta Mellark,  played by Josh Hutcherson. Katniss is a very skilled bow and arrow shooter which will help her in the games. Peeta and Katniss are very nervous and scared but they know they need to win for their families.

This film is very well made and very entertaining. Jennifer Lawrence is spectacular in this film. This is obviously her breakout role, and she does a great job for this film. She is very good at every role, and she is becoming a very popular actress for this decade. Josh Hutcherson was very good in this film also. He has been waiting for his great film and this is probably it. He has been around for awhile, this film and "Little Manhattan" are definitely his best films. Woody Harrelson, and Elizabeth Banks were also very good in this film. They brought a great comedic relief to this very serious time for the two competitors. This film brought up a lot of controversial topics. It brought up the whole idea of free will, if we have our lives planned out, do we have the right to change it? Also, it brought up many ideas of entertainment. Are we doing anything wrong when we watch and look at people's lives whether it is on screen or in real life. This is a very good film and the rest of the series is probably going to be great also.

Grade = 90/100 = A-

Movies to See this Holiday Weekend

Things to see this Thanksgiving weekend, in no particular order:

1. "Frozen": The disney animated film about the holidays that is getting a lot of buzz.

2. "Oldboy": The new Spike Lee film with Josh Brolin, it is supposed to be very well made with great violence.

3. "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom": This film tells the story of Nelson Mandela, and it is supposed to be spectacular.

4. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire": This film is very popular now, and it is worth seeing because of the great adaptation of the book and the amazing cast.

Have a great holiday weekend, eat some great food, and I hope it is very relaxing.
Happy Thanksgiving!

"Coraline" is a Great Film that is Visually Beautiful

"Coraline" is a great film that is visually beautiful. It has an animated film telling the story of a little girl named, Coraline. Coraline, voiced by Dakota Fanning, is a young girl who moves to an old house with her parents. She is very bored, and disinterested with the new house. She starts to explore the land, and discovers some neighbors and a boy named Wybie, voiced by Robert Bailey Jr. Wybie is a young boy that is intrigued by Coraline. Wybie gives Coraline a doll that looks exactly like Coraline except she has buttons for her eyes. Coraline accepts the doll, even though she thinks its a little creepy. After being pestered by her parents, she discovers a hidden door in her house that leads to a different world. The different world portrays Coraline's life but having everything she wants. Her mother cooks her everything she wants, her father is very interesting and is very talented. And also this world revolves around her. There is a distinct trait that her other parents have now, they have buttons for eyes. Coraline believes that this world is better for her, but problems arises when she spends a lot of time in the world.

This film is made so well. Henry Selick is a genius. He directed and wrote this film also. He also directed, "James and the Giant Peach" and also "The Nightmare Before Christmas." This film was so aesthetically beautiful I am surprised it has not gotten more recognition. Each actor did a fantastic job, also. It is extremely hard to do voice acting but they were spectacular. Dakota Fanning is a great actress even for her age. She has been in the business and she is great at what she does. Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman and Keith David also did a fantastic job for their roles. This film was very well done and it is worth seeing. It is a great film meant for kids, but it has adult themes in it, that makes it so great to watch.

Grade = 83/100 = B

Leslie Nielsen Was A Genius

"The Naked Gun" are one of the best comedic films of all time. Leslie Nielsen, plays Frank Drebin, a cop who cannot get anything right. Everything he does causes trouble with leads to countless laughs. In the best of the trilogy, the first one, he goes on a case to take down Queen Elizabeth II. With his helpby Ed, played by George Kennedy, and Nordberg, played by O.J. Simpson they try to solve the case, with many laughs and antics that are throughout.

These films are one of the funniest films you will ever see. It is a shame that Leslie Nielsen has left us so soon, because he is one of the funniest actors of all time. His hilarious antics in these films, "Airplane!" and "Spy Hard" has made him a comedic legend. He lived until he was 84, and it is a shame because his films were hilarious. Go see his films, and keep his spirit alive, because he truly wanted to make people laugh, and he does it in his films. Go see it!

Naked Gun 1 = 82/100 = B-

Naked Gun 2 = 73/100 = C

Naked Gun 3 = 65/100

"Do the Right Thing" is One of Spike Lee' Best

"Do the Right Thing" is one of Spike Lee' best. It tells the story of a neighborhood in Bed Stuy, a section in Brooklyn, that is filled with many different types of races, including Hispanics and mostly African-American. The main character, Mookie, played by Spike Lee, is a pizza delivery boy, at Sal's Famous Pizzeria. Mookie is loved by everyone and he gives advice to anyone in need. His boss, Sal, played by Danny Aiello, is an Italian-American trying to get by. His restaurant has been around for awhile and he feels he has grown up with the people of his neighborhood. This film takes place during one day, the hottest day of the year, and tensions arise in this urban neighborhood.

This film really brings up a lot of issues. Violence/anti-violence, love/hate, white/black superiority, police brutality etc. Most of the film Spike Lee is trying to get out to the audience that racism still exists and it is a terrible thing, because it could lead to violence. The Character, Radio Raheem, is looked as threatening, and buff, but in reality the only few things he really wants to do is for people to listen to his music, and buy batteries, and for Sal to put up pictures of African-Americans in his store. The film is very well-made because of it gets people thinking about why Lee filmed this movie in a certain way, with contorted shots, and close-ups, and dutch angles. This film is very good, and it really shows that racism is a terrible thing that still exists in America, and it probably will never stop. But we can try to get through with it without violence, because it could lead to death of a loved one, or yourself.

Grade = 89/100 = B+

"12 Years a Slave" is a Great Film for 2013

"12 Years a Slave" is a great film for 2013. It tells the story of Solomon, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, a slave trying to get back to his family during his terrible life as a slave. He gets captured by two white men, Hamilton and Brown who put him into slavery even though he is a free man. Overtime, we meet a few slave owners that make Solomon work, but also lets him fulfill his hobby, playing the violin. We meet a few other slaves that become friends with Solomon overtime and they all want to get out of this terrible life they are a part of it. By the end, we meet Bass, played by Brad Pitt. He is a Canadian, that really helps Solomon get back to his family because he is a free man.

This film is great mainly because of how raw it was and how beautifully acted it was. This film has an in depth look at how it really was for slaves. It really was a living hell for them. We see the bruises, bloody messes and the verbal and sexual abuse of what slaves were had to get put through. It is a time of tragedy for America because it was a time where innocent people were forced to not be free and equal like everyone should. The slave owners in this film, were excellent in this film regardless they were displaying people that were very vile and cruel. Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti, and Michael Fassbender were all great. Even though, Brad Pitt was only in this film for about twenty minutes his character was essentially the hero in his time of need. Chiwetel Ejiofor did a great job in this film and he deserves recognition for the work he did for this film. Also Steve McQueen did a great job as the director. The authenticity of this film was greatly made throughout the film. This film is great but still very gruesome, but it told the true events of what had happened to slaves.

Grade = 89/100 = B+

"Invictus" is a Great Film with Two Great Lead Actors, Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

"Invictus" is a great film with two great lead actors. It tells the story of Nelson Mandela, played by Morgan Freeman, trying to unite the apartheid country. He tries to do this by uniting with the captain of the South African Rugby Team, Francois Pienaar, played by Matt Damon. Mandela believes with an amazing run, the National Rugby Team can win the World Cup. He also believes by rallying the team will help with the problem of apartheid and officially unite the country.

This film is great mainly because of Morgan Freeman. He is an amazing actor that has been around for centuries. He is one of the few actors that people know even when we hear his voice. He has been in so many films, it is hard to say he has been in flops. He has, but he makes any flop much better. Including, "Oblivion," "Wanted," "Olympus Has Fallen," and the "The Big Bounce." He was a main part of why, arguably the best film ever made, "The Shawshank Redemption" was so good. Matt Damon, was also very good in this film. He is also a very good actor, and talented writer. "Good Will Hunting" was an amazing film for his career. It really skyrocketed his career into stardom. "Invictus" was a great role for him and he did a very good for him. This film was very well made. Both Actors got nominated for Oscars, and deserved the nominations. This film was very good and it deserved to be credited.

Grade = 84/100 = B

"Requiem for a Dream" is a Thriller that Messes With Your Head

"Requiem for a Dream" is a thriller that messes with your head. This film tells the story of four drug addicts. Harry Goldfarb, played by Jared Leto, is a drug dealer who is also addicted. His girlfriend, Marion, played by Jennifer Connelly, is also addicted and helps Harry deal. Marion and Harry are not the most wealthy of people so they acquire help from Tyrone, played by Marlon Wayans. They try to acquire enough money to deal and also use. Marion also is an escort on the side, to help out with their business. Harry's mother, Sara, played by Ellen Burstyn, is an addict also trying to feel better about herself and lose weight. Harry will do anything for Sara regardless that he is an addict and is not trying to quit. We then see the four spiral out of control in their addiction. It is a very weird, odd, bizarre, and messed-up way of seeing things, but this film displays the true events of what an addict goes through.

This film is very disturbing at times, but it is so grueling it is almost like you cannot stop watching. The four main actors do a fantastic job for their roles in the film. Jared Leto is a very talented person. He is a spectacular frontman for "30 Seconds to Mars" and he is also an extraordinary actor. This film and "Girl Interrupted" are his best films. Jennifer Connelly is also an incredible actress. She is very beautiful and her acting is impeccable also. She usually plays a distraught woman but this film was different for her, and she nailed this role. Marlon Wayans was not very good in this film also. He is usually in some hilarious films, but this was obviously different for him and he did a pretty good job. The most spectacular performance in this film was Ellen Burstyn. She has been around for decades, and she is an incredible actress. Her performance in this film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and it is unfortunate she did not because she did spectacular for this film. Darren Aronofsky is a genius and this is one of his best films.

Grade = 85/100 = B

"About Time" is a Great Film to See this Holiday Season

"About Time" is a great film to see for this upcoming holiday season. It has Tim, Domhnall Gleeson, living in Cornwall, with his parents, and his sister Kit Kat, played by Lydia Wilson. He is a very lonely man, he has not had many girlfriends and he is looking for a woman to be with. But he is very close with his sister and his parents. Before he leaves, his father, played by Bill Nighy, tells him the men in his family can travel back in time to any part of their life, to redo. At first, he does not believe him, but when he actually does, he uses this to his advantage. He moves to London to start his lawyering job, and start his new life looking for the love of his life. One day, he goes on a double date with his best friend Jay, played by Will Merrick. They go on this date to a restaurant where the diners eat in the dark. On this date Tim meets Mary, played by Rachel McAdams. Mary and Tim really hit it off, and Tim finally thinks he has found the right one. He starts his life with Mary, and now he is finally happy and not alone. He finds someone that is his true love, with his powers in the back of his mind that can help him with his dad, his mom, Kit Kat, and Mary.

This film is great mainly because of how their relationship progresses. He meets this girl in the dark and he realizes she is the best person for him. And they then start their life together. Domhnall Gleeson was spectacular in this film. This was his first leading role, and he did a really a great job because he really showed that the nomral, nice guys can get the girl they deserve. Rachel McAdams did a fantastic job also. This is similar to "The Notebook" in being a very romantic and emotional film, but this was a great role for her because it showed that can quirky and romantic but also a motherly type of person. Lydia Wilson, was a great asset to this film. She was an alcoholic in this film, and she really played the hippie, outgoing little sister very well. Bill Nighy deserves a lot of credit for his role also. One of the main recurring themes in this film was the relationship Tim had with his father. He was the person that Tim looked up to, and he was a great role model for Tim to help him with his life. This is a great film to see this year.

Grade = 88/100 = B+

"Everything Must Go" is a Great Indie Film

"Everything Must Go" is a great indie film. It has Nick Halsey, played by Will Ferrell, trying to cope with his alcoholism. After losing his job and wife he decides to have a yard sale to have a fresh start to his new life. He decides to sell everything, his belongings and all of the memories of his wife, and his past life. Trying to cope he still drinks, and sits on his lawn. He makes friends with a neighborhood kid,  Kenny, played by Christopher Jordan Wallace, who looks up to Nick regardless that he is a bum. He also makes friends with a pregnant woman across the street, Samantha, played by Rebecca Hall.  His friend, Frank, played by Michael Peña, who is a police office checks up on him. Nick tries to sort everything out anyway he can, because he is trying to fix his life because he realizes he has done wrong. 

This film actually has Will Ferrell in a dramatic role. He is not the best actor to be portrayed as a dramatic/comedic actor because he is well known for his hilarious roles including "Anchorman" and "Step Brothers" but he really tries in this film. He gives a decent performance as a serious actor and he succeeds in this film. Also, the supporting roles are very good in this film. This was Christopher Jordan Wallace's second film and he did a spectacular job for this film. Also, Rebecca Hall is a great actress. She has been in some amazing films including "Vicky Christina Barcelona" and "The Town" and she does a great job for this film. And Michael Peña is a fantastic actor mainly because of his role in "Crash" and he was a great asset for this film. This film is worth checking out, and Will Ferrell is pretty decent as a serious actor in this film.

Grade = 82/100 = B-

"Finding Nemo" is One of the Best Animated Films Ever Made

"Finding Nemo" is one of the best animated films ever made. It tells the story of Marlin, a clown fish taking care of his son, Nemo. Marlin lost his wife and now he is taking care of Nemo on his own. Nemo is a boy that wants to do things on his own, especially because he wants to overcome his fin. One fin is shorter than the other which causes his swimming to not be as proficient as most fish in the sea. One day after not listening to his father, Nemo gets abducted by a boat, and netted. Marlin is then forced to go out across the ocean to find his son. Along the way, he meets Dory. Dory is a blue tang fish that has short-term memory loss. She accompanies Marlin on his journey. The two encounter dangerous deep-sea creatures to hinder their journey for the grand prize, finding Nemo.

This film really put animated films on the map. "Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life" and "Shrek" were the beginning of animated films but "Finding Nemo" really had the most technologically advanced updates that really was portrayed throughout the film. After this film there were multiple animated films made in the year. Also, this was an animated films that was not just for kids. Most animated films today are only for kids. Including "Planes" and "Madagascar." Animated films do not have to just be for kids, films like this "Up," "Wall-E" and "Shrek" are great representations of films that are for kids but adults can relate to it and also love it. This film really put animated films on the map. And it is one of the best animated films ever made because of the great cast, the storyline, and the amazing effects that went along with it. Please go see it.

Grade = 90/100 = A-

Robin Williams is One of the Best Actors of All Time

"Mrs. Doubtfire" is a hilarious classic. It tells the story of Daniel Hillard, played by Robin Williams and his family. He has two daughters and a son. He is married to Miranda Hillard, played by Sally Field. Miranda is fed up Daniel. He is very childish, and he is a very mature father and Miranda is fed up with it. They decide to get a divorce and Miranda takes care of the kids. Daniel is forced to move into an apartment and tries to recreate his life. He then finds out that Miranda is looking for a housekeeper. Daniel decides to come up with a disguise, Mrs. Doubtfire. He gets the job, and gets to be with his kids even though Miranda and their kids do not know. He just wants to be with his kids because he loves them, and they love his father.

This film is great mainly because of Robin Williams. He is one of the best actors of all time. He is one of the few actors that can successfully be in any genre and still help the movie make it ten times better. Granted, he has had flops but when he is good movies he is great, which makes the movie better. This film might be his best comedy, and "Good Will Hunting" could be his best dramatic role. Sally Field also, did a fantastic job for this film. She has had a long lasting career and she is a decent actor. Also, Pierce Brosnan was great as a minor character. This film is hilarious throughout the film, and it shows that Robin Williams is funny and can act very well. Please see it and laugh.

Grade = 82/100 = B-

"The Bicycle Thieves" is a Classic Italian Neo-Realism Film

"The Bicycle Thieves" is a classic Italian Neo-Realism film. It tells the story of Antonio, played by Lamberto Maggioriani, a father living in Italy after WWII. Most of Italy is in poverty at this time, and Antonio is one of the father that is forced to take a job to take care of his family and make sure they are well-supported. The job he takes is a person that puts up movie posters by bicycle. On the first day on the job, his bicycle gets stolen. His son, Bruno, played by Enzo Stailoa, spend the weekend trying to find his bicycle. The bicycle that represents that can get them out of poverty and give them a great way to live. Antonio becomes relentless in finding the bicycle. It is a story of determination and a father trying to be the best he can but sometimes a father cannot be the superman he is sometimes supposed to be.

The film was directed by the legendary Vittorio De Sica. He has many, many films but he is most known for this film. He epitomizes the Italian Neorealism genre because he makes you feel like we are with the characters. Also, the actors in his films are not professional actors. Maggioriani did a fantastic job for this film even though he is not a professional actor. When watching him in this film you can feel the intensity of relentless attitude in finding this bicycle. Also, Enzo Stailoa did an amazing job for this film. He was only ten in this film, and he was the best "actor"in this film because every scene showed his emotion towards his father. This film is a great representation of De Sica's work and Italian Neorealism films. Go see it.

Grade = 90/100 = A-

"Changeling" is a Spectacular Film

"Changeling" is a spectacular film. It tells the story of Christine Collins, played by Angelina Jolie, living as a single mother in late 1920's Los Angeles. Her life is dedicated to taking care of her little boy, Walter, played by Gattlin Griffith. When he goes missing Christine goes on a witch hunt to find her little boy. She goes to the LAPD to help, with the help of Detective Lester Ybarra, played by Michael Kelly, they try to find him. Also trying to help is Reverend Briegleb, played by John Malkovich. They are all determined to find Walter safe and sound.

This film really shows that Angelina Jolie is a great actress. Other than "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" we have not seen her as a lead actress in a movie that was successful. She is obviously extremely beautiful, she is a sex symbol for our generation but in this film she really shows that she is not just this beautiful person. She can act. This film and "Girl, Interrupted" are her best films and she really nailed this role. Also, John Malkovich and Michael Kelly were great supporting roles for this film. Michael Kelly has been in some great films and he did a great job in this film. John Malkovich is one of the best actors of this time period. He has such a distinct demeanor about him that just is so present throughout every single film he is in. Also, Gattlin Griffith did an amazing job for his age. During this film he was ten, and he did nailed this role for his age. This film is great to see if you want to see another great Clint Eastwood film.

Grade = 83/100 = B

"Fight Club" is One of the Best Psychological Thrillers

"Fight Club" is one of the best psychological thrillers. It tells the story of an office worker suffering from insomnia, played by Edward Norton, who is also extremely depressed. He feels like his life is going nowhere and he feels like life has no meaning. He has lost every ounce of happiness until he finds his happiness through support groups. Testicular cancer support groups, tuberculosis, melanoma, and various other ones. At these support groups he has people that help him out, and have someone to talked to even though he does not suffer from any of the diseases. He finally is able to sleep after. He then meets a person that has been doing the same thing he is doing, Marla Singer, played by Helena Bonham Carter. He confronts her and they then decide to split each week so everyone is happy. With all the extra time, he then goes on a business trip and on the way home he is introduced a soap owner, Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt. After this happens things go out of control for the main character. He starts to be around Tyler a lot and they develop a new support group for men, fight club.

David Fincher is an absolute genius for putting to this novel to screen and exceeding the standard. Chuck Palahniuk wrote this novel, which is spectacular also. David Fincher directed this film, Jim Uhls wrote the screenplay, and they really brought this film to life. Palahniuk even says that the film is a better adaptation than the novel. The first time I saw this film I was mesmerized of how it plays with your head. It really shows how you should strive to be whoever you want to be, and to not have any fear whatsoever when fulfilling what you want to be, and strive to be an individual. Please go see this spectacular film that is beautifully acted by Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Jared Leto, also beautifully made and edited. Go see it!

Grade = 87/100 = B+