Movies in Review: "The Hunger Games"

There was Hunger Game frenzy that could not be denied. All Friday shows were sold out in my area before 5pm. When I went to see this movie early afternoon on Saturday, evening shows were also filling up quickly. I guaranteed ticket sales of at least 85million. Well I was right, and tickets sales even doubled my prediction, with domestic tickets sales of 155 million its opening weekend...Amazing! No the question is...was it worth it?...perhaps...

I liked it, I just wasn't like OMG that was Amazing! To be quite honest I like the movie Avatar better. Not to say one had anything to do with the other, just trying to give something to compare my feelings for it. There wasn't much to dislike about this movie. There were exceptional performances from all actors/actresses. I have no complaints at all from Jennifer Lawrence's performance, the young wpman who is getting all the shine as a result of this film. She deserves it because I don't think they could have picked a better actress to embody this character. I believed her as a loving, stronger older sister. Her fear of what was about to happen was clear, as well as her natural strengths for survival.

The make-up and costumes were fun. Elizabeth Banks looked amazing. I'm glad they made it so she didn't look like herself. Love Stanley Tucci to death, he's one of my favorite actors. His blue ponytail and over sized Chiclets teeth made for great humor. And Lenny Kravitz was wearing the mess out of that gold eyeliner, I wasn't even mad because that man still looked sexy, eyeliner and all!

I guess my biggest disappointment came once they started the game and you see these youngsters turn into savage beasts trying to save their own lives. The opening scene for the start of the game was about it for action though. All of the other scenes after that were pretty mild. There is some down time created to cause suspense, and a love story that played so thick that it was starting to get annoying. The game itself was pretty unfair for the kids involved, so for me, I just became angry at some parts. The movie is over 2hrs long, but is entertaining enough. I think the movie could only go so far with the story, but it was interesting enough for me to go out and buy the book. This isn't a bad movie, just don't have your hopes up for too much...A-

*Side Note...Would like to send a shout out to my boy Hudda of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble as their song "War" is featured in the movie soundtrack. The song is played in the scene when Stanley Tucci is on stage for his talk with each player. Congratulations Fellas!

Movies in Review: "The Raid: Redemption"

This will be a very short review for a movie that flew under everyone's radar, since it had a limited release the same weekend as the most anticipated movie The Hunger Games. To be very honest The Raid flew under my radar too. As The Hunger Games was the only major released movie this weekend luckily I was in search of another movie to view since I never want leave you with only one review per week. Weekends like this my movie-going experience is more relaxed and I am able to indulge in Independents or Limited releases. There were about 4 limited released movies that were playing this weekend, and I chose this one...so glad I did.

Movies like these are usually shown in the smaller theatres, and the show I viewed was sold out. Honestly when I read the write-up on this film, it didn't really appeal to me. It was an oddly exceptional rating from a critic that pushed me into the theatre to see what it was about. This movie is a martial art's fanatics dream. The fight sequences were amazing! This movie is packed with so many fight sequences, you will find yourself exhausted by the time the credits start rolling. You could tell the audience was into it because there were plenty of Oooohhh and Aaaaahs and Wow's, as well as other outbursts you can't contain after seeing an awesome hit.

Let me just warn you there are subtitles, but the great thing about this is that you won't even notice. There is hardly any speaking, just enough to give you an idea of whats happening and why. With movies like these, dialogue just takes away from what people actually want to see...ACTION!!! This movie is jam packed full of excitement. Not to say women won't be able to appreciate it, but this has testosterone written all over it. If its in your area men you have to check it out ASAP!...B+

Movies in Review: "21 Jumpstreet"

Wow this movie rocked at the box office! But Im not really surprised. 21 Jumpstreet was one of the best television series to watch in the late 80's, and anyone who was a fan of the show wanted to see how horribly they were going to do with this movie...I know I did. Well to my surprise, it wasn't half bad.

Unlike the tv series, the film is more comedy driven, so it makes it still different enough to separate it from the show. There are still certain aspects about the show that they kept in the film of course. If its a comedy, Jonah Hill will always be a perfect fit. Im not a Channing fan, but I must admit that I do find his comedic ventures to be a good fit. Tatum and Hill were hilarious together. They were over the top in almost every scene, but it made for a fun comedy. Ice Cube was uber loud and seemed to also lay it on heavy, but it kinda worked, so I cant say Im mad at his performance. I enjoyed the cameos made by the actors/actresses from the television series, especially Johnny Depp.

Although piggy backing off a very popular tv series, I enjoyed how the filmed poked fun at this fact, but still had enough going on to make it different and fun. The ending made it clear that they are leaving this one open for a sequel, and if there is one, Im there...B

Movies in Review: "Seeking Justice"

Well its about time Nicolas Cage! I was honestly about to give up on you, and put you in my pile of actor discards. I use to be a huge Cage fan, but I haven't really loved a movie from him since 1998...smh. I actually don't know what made me walk into the theatre to check this one out. I didn't see a trailer, but when searching for movies to view this weekend I did see that a critic gave it 3 out of 4 stars. I was shocked! The fact that Cage was the star still kept me from going to see it. I think it was January Jones, and Guy Pearce that helped to make it a pause for the cause...and I'm glad I did.

This is an action thriller that wasn't short on thrills at all. Cage even seemed back to his old self. He didn't over do it, and was natural as Wil Gerard. Even his hair plugs looked real...kudos to the make up artists on set! He and January Jones worked well together as a married couple in New Orleans. Once Jones's character gets assaulted, the thrills begin. We get brought into this organization that has its hands on everybody it seems. Once Gerard takes a deal from the organization, he finds himself trying to separate himself from it just so he can get his life back. Let me just say, my short synopsis isn't nearly as exciting as what takes place. Every part matters so you have to be able to sit through this one completely.

This movie is an exhilarating ride that is well worth the view. I found myself one the edge of my seat and jumping at some parts...fun. Very entertaining, so I don't think you will be disappointed...B+

Movies in Review: "Detachment"

I really had no idea what this movie was about when I was checking for new releases this weekend. All I needed to see was Adrien Brody's picture on the poster. I guess it helps to maybe read a small write up about the film, especially since I also didn't see the trailer. My weekend could have been turned upside down had I been in a dark space when seeing this film. Let me start this review off by saying...It's Heavy...

Its a drama about a high school education system. Anyone who is a parent, or educator may already know that that's depressing in itself. This movie goes deep into the emotions and mental breakdowns, and insanity these educators go through. It pushes on the issues of parental involvement, or lack there of. As a result, we see how the kids act out in school, and are getting left behind in the education system. There is so much emotion to be evoked from this film, as it also steps into the lives of students and teachers outside of the classroom, personal and emotional struggles, and secrets...Life. Adrien Brody was perfect as a substitute teacher Henry Barthes. His performance was strong and filled with real emotion.

I would recommend this movie. Warning: please do not view this film depressed...I'm just sayin. I think this film is especially great for parents of teenagers who want to pretend like they are not at fault for the way their child is. Its a good film for anyone who is looking for birth control...lol...or maybe that's just me...A-

Movies in Review: "John Carter"

This movie was expected to be a blockbuster hit, although I couldn't see it with a PG-13 rating and "Disney" stamped on it. John Carter ranked #2 its opening weekend, raking in a disappointing 30million in ticket sales...smh. From what I watched in the trailer, I just didn't get it, and definitely didn't find anything exciting about it. I only went to see it because of all the buzz that seemed to be surrounding it. And after seeing it...I still don't get it.

Not that I didn't get the movie, I still don't get what all the buzz and hype was about surrounding this film. I mean...it was just ok...eh. The story was mediocre, but the action was decent. I got a little lost in the relevance for some of the characters, and there are too many to name. The movie could have used more focus in my opinion. I enjoyed Taylor Kitsch, and felt he fit the character John Carter very well. He was a strong main character, it was the other characters that seemed to fall apart around him, aside from the "green" people, and his pet "dog".

I thought the movie was ok, but maybe I was expecting too much. It felt as if they had a ceiling on how far they would push this film, and that ceiling was that PG-13 rating...smh. This movie could have been a blockbuster...eh...or maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. Kids would rather see The Lorax instead of this because there are too many components that don't reach them, and there are too many missing components to keep an adult totally interested.

Don't get me wrong...it wasn't horrible...but it wasn't GREAT either. I wouldn't waste the money on 3D, and I might suggest you also wait for this on demand as it actually felt like a made for TV movie...C+

Movies in Review: "A Thousand Words"

Poor Eddie Murphy...smh...It seems that his star has dimmed to just a light flicker. It's obvious his name no longer holds any weight, as this movie opened at #6 this weekend with ticket sales of only 6.3 million. This would be considered a bona fide flop since the budget for this film was well over 40 million...smh :(

I can't say I'm really sad since I am no longer an Eddie Murphy "fan". From what I viewed in the trailer, I expected this movie to be corny, and full of nonsense. Of course it didn't disappoint, but was still better than I expected. This movie is by no means great, and even the comedy was weak, but I did enjoy it to an extent. Murphy wasn't as flamboyant as he has been in his previous films. He wasn't over the top and I was actually able to see his character shine. I actually enjoyed him in this movie. The character who was over the top (there's always one) was Aaron Weisberger, the assistant played by Clark Duke. I believe his character was needed for comical relief, but sometimes Duke just pushed it too far. Ruby Dee was a great addition, providing one of the only solid performances in this movie.

The story is cookie cutter, and not very exciting. I enjoyed the ending, it was just a little too predictable. This movie is not worth the ticket price...bootleg maybe...C

Movies in Review: "Friends With Kids"

This comedy is written, directed, and produced by Jennifer Westfeldt who also stars in this film as Julie (one of the main characters). With this being her first film, I would give her a pat on the back for a job well done.

This movie had a great cast, which consisted of most of the actors/actresses we loved from the film Bridesmaids, in addition to Westfeldt and Adam Scott. I found the intro to be a little annoying as we get introduced to the 2 main characters having a phone conversation, which was cute, but when the music starts and the introduction credits play, I found the back and forth going in and out of scenes to be nerve racking...maybe it was just me...lol.

As the movie gets going the dialogue seems less structured so it felt like the characters were real, although I did find the writing to be weak at spots, but nothing that will having you complaining too much. There are a number of comedic actors/actresses cast in this film, so you will easily find yourself chuckling. I found the story to be good, but also a little depressing. I honestly felt that bringing a kid into the relationship is just a means to an end...you will see what I'm talking about...depressing. Knifed up beauty Megan Fox makes an appearance, and for the first time, she didn't annoy me. She was even a little decent playing her character as a broadway actress. The sad part about her is that she's starting to resemble and anorexic Lindsay Lohan. Megan use to be gorgeous! Now?...not so much...

Anyway...I enjoyed the movie for the most part. They could have cut down on the back and forth between the 2 main characters, but it is what it is. This movie felt like something that I would have enjoyed better on a night at home instead of on the big screen. If you need a matinee choice, this would be a good one, if not, you will be ok with holding out for this in Red Box...B+

Movies in Review: "Project X"

Well there is no denying after seeing this movie the party was definitely EPIC beyond words. It was so epic though, it was starting to get boring to watch by the end of the film...smh

The problem I had with this movie is that it was ALL about the party, so sitting there watching an hour of non-stop dancing, sexing, boozing, and utter non-sense may be entertaining to some, but tired me out to no end. Don't get me wrong, it was fun to watch. I think they could have used a little less of the party and a little more about the 4 teenagers who were throwing the party to boost their popularity in school. From what they showed of their school life, they seemed to be average teenagers, not popular, but also not at the bottom of the totem pole either. It seems that social media outlets can get even the "unpopular" kids popular...smh. They made that part waaaaaayyyy too easy, but ok...whatever.

There is honestly very little dialogue. Most of the movie looks like a girl's gone wild music video. All the scenes where there is dialogue are actually very funny scenes. Like I said, I just wish there was less of the party. Anything you could think of and could imagine happen at a teenage party, happened 10 fold. I found it very interesting that the producers only wanted to cast people with no acting experience. The cast was selected from an open casting call...interesting. I thought the 3 main characters were great, and I enjoyed how the movie was filmed to look as a home video. The dog was also a nice added touch.

This movie was very entertaining to watch, but after an hour I was just over it. That could be do to the fact that I'm just too old for that ish...lol. If this helps, because Im sure my review of this didn't, all the members in the audience had a ball watching this, and were clapping by the end...B-

Movies in Review: "The Lorax"

Wow! This movie killed at the box office...but are we really surprised? By law (no such law really), any "kids" film will rank #1 its opening weekend at the box office because usually only one animated movie a month gets released for the children to see. After a month of watching non-stop commercials that builds excitement, there is no way a parent would deny their child a "special" monthly visit to the theatre...and add on those awesome 3D glasses the kids love, and you might have yourself a Hit!....well...almost...

I found myself caught up in the promotion for this film and couldn't wait for its release. However by the end, the most exciting part was the teaser they showed for the release of Despicable Me 2...release date 2013...I can't wait that long!!! Anyway...now this is not to say that the movie was horrible. It had alot of great things going for it that are excellent for child viewing. The animation was absolutely beautiful. Bright vibrant colors, fun playful scenery, cute adorable animals, all the things to grab and keep a child's attention. I'm not a child, so I think I needed/expected a little more, but just found the story to be a bit dull. I have never disliked a Dr Seuss movie. I love the clever rhyming, and the lessons to be learned from his stories, but alot of that seemed to be lost in this movie. Well maybe not totally lost, but there definitely wasn't enough of what I know I love about Dr. Seuss.

I also found some of the characters to be annoying. Zac Effron as Ted killed me to know end. Even his voice-over comes across forced and over the top...smh. I thoroughly disliked the character O'Hare. It was a cartoon, but I kept wanting to punch that little man in his face just so he would shut up. The characters that shined in the movie in my opinion didn't get enough screen time. Betty White played Ted's grandmother, and I think this movie could have used more of her character throughout the movie to spice it up. She was the most fun to watch. I don't think they gave the Lorax himself enough shine. They seemed to let Ed Helms character outweigh him...eh...IDK. This movie is more for the kids, and they will love it anyway. It's visually exciting to watch, but I can't say that its worth the money to see it in 3D. It wasn't awful, but it somehow loses a bit of that Dr. Seuss feel I love so much...B