The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 - Film - 2015
When I was in England I felt it important to watch the final instalment of The Hunger Games. To see the first one I skipped college and went to the local cinema making it back in time for my history lesson. So the trilogy (books) and quadrilogy (films) hold fond memories for me. I loved the books and the films have not disappointed.
Francis Lawrence bought us three out of the four films of The Hunger Games. The last book was split into two films to allow them to include more details. This is something that normally puts directors on my blacklist but, in this case I was happy they took this approach. The reason being there is a lot of development in the third book. A lot of twist and turns for the story and after seeing it split over two films, it is clear that if they had tried to fit it into one film - well it just wouldn't have worked.
There is very little negative to say regarding this franchise and it's actors. Each one: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson give some of their very best performances in these films.
One thing I would say for this film is that it was a little, for lack of a better word, dull. Because it was wrapping up the story there was some action, but very little in terms of theatrics. Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson got very little screen time in this film as they needed to make sure certain criteria were met for the story. I felt this was a shame. Both characters, Effie and Haymitch, bring a lot of life into the film. They balance out the seriousness of Katniss and Peeta's situation.
The ending was also a little disappointing, it was a little bit like they they ran out of time and had to rush it a bit. They did manage to wrap up everything in quite a clever way in terms of all the other characters.
There is some happiness and sadness in this film. There were times that I felt like crying but others when I thought 'that is just amazing'
The action was good, the effects were what you would you would expect from a Hollywood blockbuster.
These films became a phenomenon and they are some of the best book to film adaptations I have ever seen. But, this film fell under the 'it happens in the book so we have to find a way for it to happen in the film' curse. Some situations are forced, or of their making but too obvious for it have any effect. Unfortunately, this is not something that is easy to get away from.
8/10
I think they should have utilised their characters more. It was not the best of the franchise and I think that the earlier films especially Catching Fire were more interesting to watch. It is definitely still worth the watch for all ages.
Monday 23 November 2015
Sunday 22 November 2015
Is the world moving on from James Bond?
Spectre - Film - 2015
- 24 films
- 6 James Bonds
Has the world finally grown tired of suave super spy?
Spectre is the 24th film in the franchise with it being Daniel Craig's fourth outing as the spy. All of Craig's Bond films (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall) all tie in with Spectre. Spectre uncovers the man behind the mirror (or organisation in this case) Skyfall raised the bar for Craig and Spectre crashed and burned.
Despite it being the wrap up to the previous three films there was no tension. No amazing reveals. No new information. Boring action. Rubbish acting. Too many cliches to count on your hand. Pointless use of a villain. Predictable... the list goes on and on, the bottom line. Spectre did not deliver.
Sure, Spectre had everything you expect from a Bond film: a villain, a pointless sex session, some killing/explosions, a pretty Bond girl, an epic theme tune and the line "shaken not stirred" but has all this just got boring now?
The action was mediocre, he was in a big military base "Oh action" I hear you say... Wrong! There was a few bullets fired and an explosion with him walking out with not a scratch on him.
Sex scenes were dull, predictable and boring.
The whole story was meant to be wrapped up here and it was just a let down. You would think the head of this organisation Spectre would be evil beyond words. He (or she) would be willing to do everything and anything to bring down the mighty James Bond. Do you want to know the reasoning behind the whole organisation? Because his daddy took Bond skiing instead of him. Boo frickin hoo. Four films have been based on the revenge plot of a spurned boy. I'm sorry but that is not believable, it is rubbish and a complete let down to the films. If the main villain had to have a vendetta it should have been Bond killed someone or something with a bit more to it than just "Your were a spoilt child"
Oh and the cliches every other line was a cliche that you just sat thinking "After this they are going to have sex" - it was just dull.
It was obvious during the film that Craig was not interested. He made it clear to the media that he no longer wanted to play James Bond and it showed. His acting was stiff and unemotional. Some of the major scenes that could have been more, weren't out of what seemed pure laziness. Fair enough if you don't want to play a role anymore but, you still have a job to do.
Having said all of this, it was not the worst of the Bond films but I just feel with all the actions movies out. New spy movies coming. James Bond is getting old. Every film is the same because that's who the character is.
This film had the potential to be 100% better. The acting could have been better by Craig taking interest. The story could have been better especially, with the use of the villain. This film did not live up to expectations.
6/10
It was mediocre but when I watched it the second time around it didn't seem quite as bad. If you are a die-hard of these films then I am sure you will be in your element. If you are looking for an original action spy movie, move on.
- 24 films
- 6 James Bonds
Has the world finally grown tired of suave super spy?
Spectre is the 24th film in the franchise with it being Daniel Craig's fourth outing as the spy. All of Craig's Bond films (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall) all tie in with Spectre. Spectre uncovers the man behind the mirror (or organisation in this case) Skyfall raised the bar for Craig and Spectre crashed and burned.
Despite it being the wrap up to the previous three films there was no tension. No amazing reveals. No new information. Boring action. Rubbish acting. Too many cliches to count on your hand. Pointless use of a villain. Predictable... the list goes on and on, the bottom line. Spectre did not deliver.
Sure, Spectre had everything you expect from a Bond film: a villain, a pointless sex session, some killing/explosions, a pretty Bond girl, an epic theme tune and the line "shaken not stirred" but has all this just got boring now?
The action was mediocre, he was in a big military base "Oh action" I hear you say... Wrong! There was a few bullets fired and an explosion with him walking out with not a scratch on him.
Sex scenes were dull, predictable and boring.
The whole story was meant to be wrapped up here and it was just a let down. You would think the head of this organisation Spectre would be evil beyond words. He (or she) would be willing to do everything and anything to bring down the mighty James Bond. Do you want to know the reasoning behind the whole organisation? Because his daddy took Bond skiing instead of him. Boo frickin hoo. Four films have been based on the revenge plot of a spurned boy. I'm sorry but that is not believable, it is rubbish and a complete let down to the films. If the main villain had to have a vendetta it should have been Bond killed someone or something with a bit more to it than just "Your were a spoilt child"
Oh and the cliches every other line was a cliche that you just sat thinking "After this they are going to have sex" - it was just dull.
It was obvious during the film that Craig was not interested. He made it clear to the media that he no longer wanted to play James Bond and it showed. His acting was stiff and unemotional. Some of the major scenes that could have been more, weren't out of what seemed pure laziness. Fair enough if you don't want to play a role anymore but, you still have a job to do.
Having said all of this, it was not the worst of the Bond films but I just feel with all the actions movies out. New spy movies coming. James Bond is getting old. Every film is the same because that's who the character is.
This film had the potential to be 100% better. The acting could have been better by Craig taking interest. The story could have been better especially, with the use of the villain. This film did not live up to expectations.
6/10
It was mediocre but when I watched it the second time around it didn't seem quite as bad. If you are a die-hard of these films then I am sure you will be in your element. If you are looking for an original action spy movie, move on.
I'm Baaaaack
So, just a short post. I am now back from holiday and one of the things I have learnt is it is more stressful away from work than at it. So, I am back until Christmas when the yule tidings will begin. But for now, there are reviews coming, advice, help and some randomness for your daily reading.
Keep an eye on this space!
Keep an eye on this space!
Tuesday 17 November 2015
Holiday
Apologies for the delay ... as mentioned in previous post I am visiting family this week ... posts will begin again Monday 23rd November :)
Saturday 7 November 2015
Two Countries, Two Loves, One Heart
Brooklyn - 2015 - Film
Brooklyn, is a story of a girl who has a choice to make. Doesn't sound interesting? Well that choice includes, two countries, two men and one with the last of her family.
Brooklyn tells the tale of an Irish immigrant who travels to New York for a better life. Her sister, Rose, arranges everything for her wanting to give her the best chance she can. Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) finds herself home-sick, missing her sister the most and in a strange city. However, she finds comfort attending Irish dances and living in a boarding house with other Irish girls while in a strange city. Then comes along love number one, Tony, an Italian New Yorker who sweeps her off her feet. The home-sickness fades and Eilis finds herself happy in the strange city. Tragedy strikes back in Ireland forcing her to travel back to the family she has left. While back in Ireland we have love number two come into the picture. After a brief stint of indecisiveness her choice is practically made for her.
Despite this being a love story, it was good to see a struggle that many have gone through. If you've ever moved country, if you've ever loved more than one person, if you've ever struggled with a choice so much it causes you physical pain - this film has it all. It's not too sad that you sit there crying, but it is emotional and tugs on your heart strings.
Saoirse Ronan, gave an absolutely stunning performance. A little jealous that she is in fact my age and here she is giving a performance that even the best actresses would be proud of. I think it probably helped her that she could be herself a bit more, she didn't have to worry about her accent. She was looser than I she was when she was in The Host for instance.
Julie Walters (Mrs. Kehoe) provided some comic relief in the boarding house dinner scenes. It was also nice to see some camaraderie amongst the girls who lived together. It's not often that happens when you have six girls living under the same roof.
I liked that the film stuck to it's 1950's routes. The outfits and the way they all acted kept true to the lifestyle. The performances were amazing from everyone not just Saoirse but hers was definitely one that will keep in my mind for a while.
The one bad thing I will say is that I would have liked to see more of love interest number two. Without spoiling too much, there wasn't much here and I think this could have been given more substance.
8/10
I really enjoyed this film. It had something special about it that makes you think about it when you leave. There is love, loss, choices and laughter. What more could you want from a film?
Brooklyn, is a story of a girl who has a choice to make. Doesn't sound interesting? Well that choice includes, two countries, two men and one with the last of her family.
Brooklyn tells the tale of an Irish immigrant who travels to New York for a better life. Her sister, Rose, arranges everything for her wanting to give her the best chance she can. Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) finds herself home-sick, missing her sister the most and in a strange city. However, she finds comfort attending Irish dances and living in a boarding house with other Irish girls while in a strange city. Then comes along love number one, Tony, an Italian New Yorker who sweeps her off her feet. The home-sickness fades and Eilis finds herself happy in the strange city. Tragedy strikes back in Ireland forcing her to travel back to the family she has left. While back in Ireland we have love number two come into the picture. After a brief stint of indecisiveness her choice is practically made for her.
Despite this being a love story, it was good to see a struggle that many have gone through. If you've ever moved country, if you've ever loved more than one person, if you've ever struggled with a choice so much it causes you physical pain - this film has it all. It's not too sad that you sit there crying, but it is emotional and tugs on your heart strings.
Saoirse Ronan, gave an absolutely stunning performance. A little jealous that she is in fact my age and here she is giving a performance that even the best actresses would be proud of. I think it probably helped her that she could be herself a bit more, she didn't have to worry about her accent. She was looser than I she was when she was in The Host for instance.
Julie Walters (Mrs. Kehoe) provided some comic relief in the boarding house dinner scenes. It was also nice to see some camaraderie amongst the girls who lived together. It's not often that happens when you have six girls living under the same roof.
I liked that the film stuck to it's 1950's routes. The outfits and the way they all acted kept true to the lifestyle. The performances were amazing from everyone not just Saoirse but hers was definitely one that will keep in my mind for a while.
The one bad thing I will say is that I would have liked to see more of love interest number two. Without spoiling too much, there wasn't much here and I think this could have been given more substance.
8/10
I really enjoyed this film. It had something special about it that makes you think about it when you leave. There is love, loss, choices and laughter. What more could you want from a film?
It Doesn't Matter If He's A Human, A Vampire, A Unicorn
Hotel Transylvania 2 - 2015 - Film
I liked the first Hotel Transylvania, it was different to a lot of films aimed at the younger age bracket. The films are about Dracula who creates a 'safe haven' for monsters. A place, they can go hidden from humans, to be themselves. A mysterious human, Jonathon, stumbles across the hotel in the first film. Mavis (Dracula's daughter) and Jonathon discover that they are each others 'zing'. This leads onto the second film.
The second film spans a wedding, a birth and five years of the child's life. It does it quickly so you don't feel like you're sat there watching a home movie. But it doesn't speed through it that they miss times for comedy. When the child, Dennis, is born Dracula hopes he is a vampire. But there is a strong possibility that he won't be due to his human father. The possibility gets farther and farther away when the child is coming close to his fifth birthday. This just spurs Dracula into involving the child in things that really are not smart of a grandfather to do. They also have the addition of Dracula's father who brings along some friends that end up causing havoc at the child's fifth birthday party.
This one was better than the first. It was more interesting. They kept Dennis at a good age so he was still young but, he was 'useful' enough to produce his own comedic moments. At no point during the film did I feel bored, or that the film was long. They kept it fairly short at 89 minutes - which is about right for a young age film like this.
There was A LOT of product placement in this film. Dracula using a Sony Experia phone was a novelty to say the least. However, because this was produced by Sony I think I can forgive it. Just once. Maybe.
The story was fine, about what you would expect from a family film like this. It's not going to win any of the snooty awards but, it wins the best family film I have seen since How To Train Your Dragon 2. With this being a sequel as well it made it better. We already knew the characters. You don't necessarily have to watch the first film to enjoy this one. But I would advise it. This way you get a feel for everyone before it starts getting into all the emotional turmoil of marriage and babies.
The voice acting was spectacular on everyone's part. There is no-one that can be faulted in this film for lack of enthusiasm.
9/10
Many critics may not like this film but, that's because they don't think like they are going to watch a film aimed at kids. I am. I was a kid. I was probably the only person without kids for that matter. But it doesn't matter because a film like this has those all important adult humour jokes that kids just don't understand.
It genuinely made me laugh out loud in some areas. For it being a sequel it was far better than the first in terms of comedy. The story was extremely predictable but, what can you expect from this type of film?
If you enjoy being a big kid go watch it!
I liked the first Hotel Transylvania, it was different to a lot of films aimed at the younger age bracket. The films are about Dracula who creates a 'safe haven' for monsters. A place, they can go hidden from humans, to be themselves. A mysterious human, Jonathon, stumbles across the hotel in the first film. Mavis (Dracula's daughter) and Jonathon discover that they are each others 'zing'. This leads onto the second film.
The second film spans a wedding, a birth and five years of the child's life. It does it quickly so you don't feel like you're sat there watching a home movie. But it doesn't speed through it that they miss times for comedy. When the child, Dennis, is born Dracula hopes he is a vampire. But there is a strong possibility that he won't be due to his human father. The possibility gets farther and farther away when the child is coming close to his fifth birthday. This just spurs Dracula into involving the child in things that really are not smart of a grandfather to do. They also have the addition of Dracula's father who brings along some friends that end up causing havoc at the child's fifth birthday party.
This one was better than the first. It was more interesting. They kept Dennis at a good age so he was still young but, he was 'useful' enough to produce his own comedic moments. At no point during the film did I feel bored, or that the film was long. They kept it fairly short at 89 minutes - which is about right for a young age film like this.
There was A LOT of product placement in this film. Dracula using a Sony Experia phone was a novelty to say the least. However, because this was produced by Sony I think I can forgive it. Just once. Maybe.
The story was fine, about what you would expect from a family film like this. It's not going to win any of the snooty awards but, it wins the best family film I have seen since How To Train Your Dragon 2. With this being a sequel as well it made it better. We already knew the characters. You don't necessarily have to watch the first film to enjoy this one. But I would advise it. This way you get a feel for everyone before it starts getting into all the emotional turmoil of marriage and babies.
The voice acting was spectacular on everyone's part. There is no-one that can be faulted in this film for lack of enthusiasm.
9/10
Many critics may not like this film but, that's because they don't think like they are going to watch a film aimed at kids. I am. I was a kid. I was probably the only person without kids for that matter. But it doesn't matter because a film like this has those all important adult humour jokes that kids just don't understand.
It genuinely made me laugh out loud in some areas. For it being a sequel it was far better than the first in terms of comedy. The story was extremely predictable but, what can you expect from this type of film?
If you enjoy being a big kid go watch it!
The Last Witch Hunter - 2015 - Film
Vin Diesel graces our screens again with his film "The Last Witch Hunter". The film is based around Kaulder who is cursed with immortality when he kills the Witch Queen. 800 years, 36 Dolans, and many powerful witches all gathered in one place later, he finally meets a girl that he doesn't mind spending time with and the Witch queen returns. Surprise!
I thought this film was going to be similar the likes of Blade, Van Helsing those kind of ones where you have the badass, they're fighting bad guys and saving the world. Not so much. Kaulder was a badass but he barely fought. The witches were just normal people (at least 90% of them anyway) and very few were actually evil. You would imagine the film would have a lot of fight scenes, magic being thrown around and epic stand offs - but it didn't. The witches were normal humans with a 'talent'. You had the odd bad one but the amount of bad ones that we saw in the film I can count on one hand. Disappointment.
Vin Diesel was our main immortal badass, he could fight I'll give him that but then we are used to seeing Vin Diesel in this role. Personally, his acting was stiff, he looked as though he had a wooden plank taped to his back and considering he was one of the producers he should have paid attention to the story!
Michael Cain, Elijah Wood and Rose Leslie were all excellent supporting actors. I couldn't fault them. After her stint in Game of Thrones Rose Leslie showed some real promise in this film that I would like to see more of from her.
The story contradicted itself more times than I could count. There were many 'Do you realise what you are saying?' moments. I know, I know I shouldn't expect an Oscar winning story but it was as if a child had written the story. Has anybody ever seen The Jimmy Fallon show, Kid Theatre? Yup that's what this was. The actual premise of the story could have been good, but it was executed poorly.
The effects were okay. The witch queen was probably the most CGI'd of the lot and she looked good I will give them that.
Overall, not Diesel's best show. They left off that there could potentially be a sequel.
3/10
I call bullshit on at least half of the story. And Diesel's acting was not his best. I recommend watching but not paying to watch it. Maybe wait until it comes on Netflix because I guarantee it will.
Vin Diesel graces our screens again with his film "The Last Witch Hunter". The film is based around Kaulder who is cursed with immortality when he kills the Witch Queen. 800 years, 36 Dolans, and many powerful witches all gathered in one place later, he finally meets a girl that he doesn't mind spending time with and the Witch queen returns. Surprise!
I thought this film was going to be similar the likes of Blade, Van Helsing those kind of ones where you have the badass, they're fighting bad guys and saving the world. Not so much. Kaulder was a badass but he barely fought. The witches were just normal people (at least 90% of them anyway) and very few were actually evil. You would imagine the film would have a lot of fight scenes, magic being thrown around and epic stand offs - but it didn't. The witches were normal humans with a 'talent'. You had the odd bad one but the amount of bad ones that we saw in the film I can count on one hand. Disappointment.
Vin Diesel was our main immortal badass, he could fight I'll give him that but then we are used to seeing Vin Diesel in this role. Personally, his acting was stiff, he looked as though he had a wooden plank taped to his back and considering he was one of the producers he should have paid attention to the story!
Michael Cain, Elijah Wood and Rose Leslie were all excellent supporting actors. I couldn't fault them. After her stint in Game of Thrones Rose Leslie showed some real promise in this film that I would like to see more of from her.
The story contradicted itself more times than I could count. There were many 'Do you realise what you are saying?' moments. I know, I know I shouldn't expect an Oscar winning story but it was as if a child had written the story. Has anybody ever seen The Jimmy Fallon show, Kid Theatre? Yup that's what this was. The actual premise of the story could have been good, but it was executed poorly.
The effects were okay. The witch queen was probably the most CGI'd of the lot and she looked good I will give them that.
Overall, not Diesel's best show. They left off that there could potentially be a sequel.
3/10
I call bullshit on at least half of the story. And Diesel's acting was not his best. I recommend watching but not paying to watch it. Maybe wait until it comes on Netflix because I guarantee it will.
Sunday 1 November 2015
What Happens If You Have Nothing To Inspire You?
Some of the greatest musical hits, plays and poems have been written out of heartbreak. Take Adele for example, she broke up with her boyfriend, wrote an album and became a MASSIVE hit all over the world.
Great poets/play writes such as Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare and Robert Browning all had the inspiration from love.
Modern day you have singers like Taylor Swift who is criticised for her track record of boyfriends and her songs that she has written about her relationship.
But the way I see it is why should you be criticised for this. All these people are doing is taking a life-event that was significant to them and finding their way of expressing themselves.
BUT what happens when you don't have that inspiration?
I'm not saying the only inspiration is from love because it's not, you have songs/poems about life, death, musing on the world. I think the reason why love is such an inspiration is because you have the good side of love, when you find the right person you life can be full of happiness and passion. You find yourself always smiling. You think about that person on a minutely basis. They are in your every thought about your future, even little things like what to have for dinner. But on the other side of it, you also have tragedy. Losing a person you love can feel like the light has left your life. You feel as though even when you wake up, you are still asleep. You can go through life alone and hurt because that person is no longer at your side.
So, we all know why love is a big inspiration whether happy or sad so what do you do when you feel as though you don't have this inspiration?
Take my life for example, as previously noted I wasn't exactly sociable until about a year or so ago so I don't have many stories to tell in that side of my life. I have been with the same person for 6 years now, in these years there has never been a time of heartbreak. Before him, I did not suffer going through a break-up that I didn't instigate. At the moment, I am working so much that I don't have a chance to think about sadness. The only thing that causes me sadness in my life now is an event that happened 5 years ago. This event triggered a lot of motivation for me. This person is the reason why I write. Why I edit. Why I do... well everything. I have happiness in my life, that is always tinged by sadness. So, this is my motivation but is it my inspiration?
My life is consumed by one person, which makes me lucky for what I have (I know many would call me ungrateful) but having someone from a young age (15) takes a lot of commitment. It takes a lot from you. We have never been through anything dramatic or anything that is worth writing about.
Art is an outlet for people. Sometimes you have emotions just waiting to get out.
So, where can you get if you don't have it?
What if you've never gone through heartbreak?
What if you've never been in love?
Well, my suggestion is to use things that you do have in your life that you love or have a passion for. For example, the novel that I am writing is a crime novel. I chose this because I love reading thrillers. I love watching all those detective shows that seem the same to everybody else. I have to do a lot of research because where I don't work in this profession it isn't I know inside and out. But I stick with it anyway because it's a topic/genre that I love and feel that I can write about.
My advice to you is to write what you know. If you don't know heart-break don't write about it.
Your writing is stronger when you know what you are talking about.
Great poets/play writes such as Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare and Robert Browning all had the inspiration from love.
Modern day you have singers like Taylor Swift who is criticised for her track record of boyfriends and her songs that she has written about her relationship.
But the way I see it is why should you be criticised for this. All these people are doing is taking a life-event that was significant to them and finding their way of expressing themselves.
BUT what happens when you don't have that inspiration?
I'm not saying the only inspiration is from love because it's not, you have songs/poems about life, death, musing on the world. I think the reason why love is such an inspiration is because you have the good side of love, when you find the right person you life can be full of happiness and passion. You find yourself always smiling. You think about that person on a minutely basis. They are in your every thought about your future, even little things like what to have for dinner. But on the other side of it, you also have tragedy. Losing a person you love can feel like the light has left your life. You feel as though even when you wake up, you are still asleep. You can go through life alone and hurt because that person is no longer at your side.
So, we all know why love is a big inspiration whether happy or sad so what do you do when you feel as though you don't have this inspiration?
Take my life for example, as previously noted I wasn't exactly sociable until about a year or so ago so I don't have many stories to tell in that side of my life. I have been with the same person for 6 years now, in these years there has never been a time of heartbreak. Before him, I did not suffer going through a break-up that I didn't instigate. At the moment, I am working so much that I don't have a chance to think about sadness. The only thing that causes me sadness in my life now is an event that happened 5 years ago. This event triggered a lot of motivation for me. This person is the reason why I write. Why I edit. Why I do... well everything. I have happiness in my life, that is always tinged by sadness. So, this is my motivation but is it my inspiration?
My life is consumed by one person, which makes me lucky for what I have (I know many would call me ungrateful) but having someone from a young age (15) takes a lot of commitment. It takes a lot from you. We have never been through anything dramatic or anything that is worth writing about.
Art is an outlet for people. Sometimes you have emotions just waiting to get out.
So, where can you get if you don't have it?
What if you've never gone through heartbreak?
What if you've never been in love?
Well, my suggestion is to use things that you do have in your life that you love or have a passion for. For example, the novel that I am writing is a crime novel. I chose this because I love reading thrillers. I love watching all those detective shows that seem the same to everybody else. I have to do a lot of research because where I don't work in this profession it isn't I know inside and out. But I stick with it anyway because it's a topic/genre that I love and feel that I can write about.
My advice to you is to write what you know. If you don't know heart-break don't write about it.
Your writing is stronger when you know what you are talking about.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)