Movies in Review: "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Well there was no question who would top the box office in ticket sales this week. There was nothing that came close to topping ticket sales for the latest installment of The Hunger Games. Teenage girls lined up in droves to see Katniss Everdeen back in play. I know because the theater I went to see this installment was full of tweens who wouldn't hush it up so I could enjoy my movie...Uuughhh...smh...Anyway...I was pleased with the theatrical trailer for Catching Fire, and was excited to see what would happen in this second installment. However I think it was wrong of me to have the same expectations of the first...

Catching Fire started out slower than I had anticipated as we meet the winner of the 74th Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen feeling defeated. Her character was so strong in the first movie, it was hard watching her just give up and give in. I don't know, but the characters in this new installment didn't really seem to connect and draw the audience in. For example how many of us fell in love with Rue, and despised most of the other Hunger Game contestants. There was nothing like that here. All we had a chance to see was a new round of "old" contestants, but we were given little background about any of them.

I felt a few of the characters were underused. I thought the contestant with the razor teeth would have been used more in the Game scenes, but I only saw her character once. Jeffery Wright's character Beetee was interesting, but he wasn't used enough for anyone to actually care about him. Even the characters we loved from the first movie were slighted. I definitely could have used more of Haymitch's drunken banter or Effie's bubbling personality. Unfortunately the movie focused too much on Katniss Everdeen. Even the games themselves were a bore as we watched the contestants lose to the elements of mother nature than fighting among each other.

One of the only interesting parts in this movie for me were the costumes. They really outdid themselves in this installment. Effie of course had the best costumes, which is one reason I wish there were more scenes with her in it...lol. The overall visuals were cool, but nothing spectacular. Some things were kind of a repeat from the first movie...eh.

I had hoped to like this movie so much more than I did. When it ended, the credits rolled, and I was shaking my head. I'm guessing this installment of the film keeps in line with the story, but in my opinion it could have used more embellishment...B-

Movies in Review: "The Book Thief"

I had no interest in seeing this movie, which is based on a novel of the same name. It didn't seem to have anything special going on with it, but it was Geoffrey Rush who made me think that maybe it would be worth it. Geoffrey Rush has become one of my favorite actors after seeing his performance in The King's Speech. Unfortunately I have seen very little starring any of the other actors in the film.

I am happy that I put my trust in Rush, because he was pure perfection as the adoring foster parent Hans. Hans takes a lot of loving grief from his wife Rosa played by Emily Watson, who was also remarkable. You will find sheer entertainment watching the interaction between these two. I have never heard of the young Canadian actress who plays Liesel (the book thief), but her performance sparked an interest to see her again. My favorite character by far was Rosa, and Rudy. Rudy is the cutest thing ever, and he made the movie more interesting than it would have been.

There is not a great deal of excitement, just a well written script, and a great cast performance. I loved the narration given in the movie, and how the film played out like a well written book. I'm sure many of you may not have heard of this movie, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth seeing...B+

Movies in Review: "The Best Man Holiday"

The Best man is a classic movie that man of us have watched over and over. When the movie ended no one expected there to be a sequel right? When I first got word of a sequel brewing, I can't say that I was excited. I think I may have even been a little upset at the fact that they were planning to ruin a perfectly good movie by dropping this sequel. When I first saw the theatrical poster, it made me smile as that feeling of nostalgia came over. That smile turned into pure excitement when I watched the first theatrical trailer...OMG! Who didn't swoon when you saw Quentin, Harper, Lance and Julian doing the New Edition routine...Wooohooo! Yeah the movie trailer was a winner, and I was crossing my fingers in hopes that the movie would be the same.

The best movie so far this season in this category. I have never in my life been so excited and overjoyed with a movie. It has been 14yrs since we have seen this gang, but not a beat was missed. I loved how everyone progressed in life so naturally, as opposed to superficially. All with families now, and going through their own personal hardships. I swear to you the first 45min of the movie I laughed out loud at every scene. It will warm your heart to see what their friendships endure and overcome, and will remind you of your own relationships ~tear~. I love them all, but I am definitely #TeamQuentin all the way. Terrance Howard isn't my favorite actor, but when he finds a role that fits him, he is magic. Morris Chestnut has never looked better, and he put smiles on the faces of  every woman in the audience. #Yum. The leading ladies were all beautiful and aged perfectly. If I had to be stupid and picky about something, it would be that one of Sanaa Lathan's boobs was always way bigger than the other when she was shot laying down...Come on, I know I'm not the only one who noticed...lol.

Everyone warned me about the tears that was shed during this movie, so everyone in the audience came prepare. There were women literally passing tissue down the aisles...hilarious. I was ready, so I thought I had my tears under control. Nope...I didn't. The scene with Lance got me and tore me to pieces...Uuuughhhh. What an emotional roller coaster...

I can't give this movie enough praise. I didn't think they could make a sequel comparable to the first, but they did. If you loved the original, this one can't be missed. Go as a group, go by yourself, just go...A+!

Movies in Review: "Thor: The Dark World"

I have to admit that Thor is by far my favorite movie superhero, and I'm not ashamed to admit that it has a lot to do with the fact that Chris Hemsworth is so damn fine! Come on...you know I had to get that off my chest first. And let's be honest fellas, the only reason your girl went to see this film with you was she could indulge in her secret love affair with Thor...lol..ijs. But anyway...back to my review...eh hem...

The movie started out a bit weird and slow. We get introduced to Dark Elves, Thor was at war, and there were random scenes of Jane. To be very honest, the movie didn't really start getting good until Loki came into the picture. I have a secret crush on Loki, he is like the best villain you love to hate ever.

The story finally gets going on a nice pace, with decent action, and some great humor. The humor was my favorite piece in the movie. The character Darcy was on a sugar rush, but she was still funny as hell and fun to watch. I enjoyed her the most. The storyline of the Aether and Jane foster wasn't as tight as it could have been, but it didn't cause the movie to totally unravel.

This movie is uber entertaining, and will be enjoyed until the end. Of course you know you have to stay until the credits stop rolling because you know there is a hint for Thor 3...Yay! This wasn't as good as the first, especially visually, and could have used a few more shirtless shots of Thor, but it was still pretty good...B+!

Movies in Review: "Ender's Game"

Hmmmmm...what was I expecting from this movie??? I was expecting a strong story with some fun action scenes, and characters that were exciting. The trailer made it look as if this is exactly what I should expect. So like many of you, I was excited to get into the theater to see this one. Now how many of you walked out of the theater satisfied...#NotMe...

This movie was nothing more than child's play. It was a video game with dialogue added for drama. There was very little exciting about this movie, especially the story. Why is Ender Wiggin's so special? A kid who fights back bullies and beats them so they won't bully him again, and who tries not to be a copy of his older brother...yawn. Is this what is so special about this kid? He has decent problem solving skills, and this makes him the chosen one to save the world? Uugh...

The scenes with the kids were dull. All they did was float around in a ball playing laser tag...lol. There is bunch of adult yelling going on from Ford's character, but it's easy to just tune him out because it sounds like he's talking just to be talking. I kept trying to hold on and give this movie a chance, but an hour in I couldn't hold on any longer and fell asleep...I'm sure I didn't miss anything important because the movie only seemed to get worse as it ended.

Needless to same Ender's Game couldn't have ended soon enough for me. It ranked #1 at the box office with $28million in ticket sales, but that's not even close to the $110million that was dropped to make this movie #EpicFail...D :/

Movies in Review: "Last Vegas"

OMG! Freeman, De Niro & Douglas all in the same movie...What!!! Excuse my excitement, but When I first saw the theatrical poster for this movie, I thought it was a joke, but I couldn't take my eyes off the poster. All I kept thinking was that as much as I love all these actors, having them in a movie together would likely prove to be an epic fail...boy was I wrong...

There have been a number of mixed reviews on this one, so I walked in the theater not expecting much, but left with a huge smile on my face. This movie was so much fun to watch. The comedy was on point, and each character delivered. I was surprised at how effortless these actors meshed together. The really seemed like a group of old friends. Diana and Sam played by Kevin Kline were my favorite characters. Diana played by Mary Steenburgen was the wild card that brought the movie together and gave it added spark. Kudos to the writers for adding Michael Ealy, and Romany Malco to the mix. It was nice to have some young eye candy pop up on the screen :).

All I can say is that the audience I viewed it with was laughing throughout, and clapping by the end of the movie. This is the perfect date night movie, or just a fun movie to watch if you're in the mood to catch a flick...B+

Movies in Review: "About Time"

I must admit that this review might be a little bias because romantic comedies are my favorite genres for movies, and Rachel McAdams is my favorite actress in them. I have looked forward to seeing this movie for a while. There is nothing like a romantic comedy (if done correctly), that leaves you with a smile on your face, and a flutter in your heart (or is that just me?)...lol

Omg...I got everything I expected from a movie like this. Definitely one of the cutest romantic comedies I have seen in a while. Not only because of Rachel McAdams, but the male lead Domhnall Gleeson was so much fun to watch. I fell in love with him over and over. He was the perfect ginger! Lol...btw...I loved how his red hair was used in the comedy of the story.

The best part about this story was its quirkiness, especially Tim's family and friends. The was such a very strong bond and obscure dynamic about them that worked. I enjoyed the butterfly effect which caused a wave of emotions, and you know how emotional we women are.

Yes this has chick flick stamped all over it. So enjoy a matinee alone with this one ladies, or make it a girls night out. If some of you men happen to get dragged to this one, don't worry, you will also find some enjoyment in it...A-

Movies in Review: "Free Birds"

Like any big kid at heart, I always look forward to seeing a fun animated movie. Although I opted to see Free Birds, I can't say that I was excited about my decision. The trailer provided nothing exciting that had me anticipating it's release. I think I was hoping it would be better than the marketing put behind it. Unfortunately...It wasn't...

This movie had so much missing from it, making it a total bore. There was very little amusing about this movie. Parts that were suppose to be funny, totally flopped. The opening scene with the ignorant turkeys wasn't funny at all, and you could tell there was comedy trying to be forced. Woody Harrelson's character Jake should have definitely been more amusing, but he also fell flat. There were some scenes that were fun to watch, but still felt like there was something missing.

The writing wasn't great and didn't appeal much to its audience. By the time the movie ended, not one child in the theater clapped. I'm not use to seeing that happen. It is clear from its weekend ticket sales I wasn't the only one who had little interest in seeing a movie about turkeys...smh. I was hoping to be surprised, and give this movie a decent grade, but this movie had me watching the back of my eyelids more than the action on the screen...C- :(