Movie Review: The Hunger Games

I'm going to start this review by saying this: Jennifer Lawrence is beautiful. She is one of the most enigmatic actors I have ever seen grace the screen, and I believe this is partly because she is one of the most beautiful people alive, and she's a terrific actress, and an Oscar-nominated one at that. Now, on to the actual movie. Adapted from Suzanne Collins' addictive best-seller trilogy, The Hunger Games, (followed by Catching Fire and Mockingjay), this film is one of the most successful adaptations of a book I've seen, next to the Harry Potter series. Panem, the nation formerly known as the United States, is now divided into 12 districts, all manned by a Captiol in the center of the districts. The Hunger Games, created in response to the rebellion of the now-extinct District 13, pits 24 teenagers against each other in a fight to the death, with the winner being bathed in riches for the rest of their life. Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, lives in the very poor District 12 with her mother (her father died earlier in a mining accident) and her sister, Primrose (Prim for short). She has a hunting partner in Gale, played by newcomer Gale Hemsworth, in a relatively minor role compared to the books. On the day of the Reaping, where the contestants for The Hunger Games are selected, Katniss, Prim and Gale gather in the town square to hear this years tributes called. Prim is called for the female tribute, but Katniss comes to her rescue and volunteers as tribute. The male tribute nominated is Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson, who has a sordid past relationship with Katniss after giving her bread when she was starving, and later confesses during the tribute interviews that he is in love with her. That's the basis of the story, without giving too much away. Peeta and Katniss enter into the Hunger Games, and fight for the latter half of the movie. The casting for the movie was incredible. Jennifer Lawrence is perfect for the role of Katniss, as are Liam Hemsworth as Gale and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. The one supporting role that really stood out in my opinion was Donald Sutherland as President Snow. Sutherland provides an unflinching performance as the cruel President of Panem, and is very successful in displaying the subtle evil that he gives off in the books. Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson also do terrific as Peeta and Katniss's mentors, Effie and Haymitch, and Lenny Kravitz does very well as Katniss's stylist, Cinna. With an almost scene for scene adaptation of the book, a FANTASTIC cast of many wonderful actors, one of the most beautiful actresses ever in the lead role, and enough action and drama to satisfy boys, girls, men and women alike, The Hunger Games is the best movie of the year so far. It definitely lives up to the hype. If you haven't read the books or seen the movies, do it. They're enthralling, and very satisfying. 

Rating: A

Movie Review: 21 Jump Street

Jonah Hill got skinny. No longer in his awkward days of playing sex-starved teenagers in movies like Superbad, Jonah Hill is in his second major "grown-up" role, the other being his Oscar-nominated portrayal of a stats genius in Moneyball. Channing Tatum is also making quite a name for himself, with roles in this movie, The Vow, and Magic Mike. The story in this adaptation of the TV show of the same name, is that two cop partners, Hill and Tatum, join the police force together after having the traditional bully/victim relationship in high school. They expect a lot of action to go down, but are instead put on bike duty. They have a big drug bust in the park they're patrolling, but they forget to read the criminals their Miranda Rights. Then, the partners are sent to 21 Jump Street, an undercover operation that sends cops...you guessed it...undercover, into high schools to solve various drug problems with the students. But, how the times have changed since they were both in high school. The people who used to be outcasts are the cool kids, and vice versa. And the story goes on, etc. etc., and they figure out who makes, supplies, and sells drugs. The movie, surprisingly, was actually very funny. It was well written, had plenty of raunchy material without "going there", and provided a solid 2 hours of hilarity. The plot never really slows down, and the jokes keep up with the pace of the movie. There was also a fantastic cameo by original 21 Jump Street TV star Johnny Depp. This movie is no Oscar winner, but it was funny and clever, and had some great starring roles from Hill and Tatum. Overall, a good comedy that never lags, and constantly provides new material to laugh at.

Rating: B+

Movie Review: Dr. Seuss's The Lorax

The latest animated film from Dreamworks Studio, and the newest Dr. Seuss children's book adaptation, The Lorax, was a half-cheerful, half-depressing movie with a very strong message about the environment. Ted, voiced by Zac Efron, has fallen for a girl in his city of Thneed-Ville, named Audrey (in an actual enjoyable performance by Taylor Swift). Audrey's greatest wish is to have an actual tree, which are now non-existent. So, Ted travels out of the city limits to visit The Once-Ler, an old man who is the only person who knows the story of the trees, and the only person who can give Ted a tree for Audrey. Then the story of the title character, The Lorax, begins. The Lorax, voiced by Danny DeVito, is an enjoyable character who conveys a strong message about protecting the environment. In the end, the boy gets the girl, the girl gets the tree, and the Once-Ler is forgiven of his misdeeds by his old pal, The Lorax. The movie is very well-paced, alternating between past and present segments, and interspersed with various musical numbers that are characteristic of this type of film. There are some great supporting roles, mainly by Ted's Grandmother, voiced by the hilarious Betty White. Overall, a very well-adapted representation of the Dr. Seuss classic, that combines comedy, music, and a message about the importance of preserving our environment. Even if the kid's don't understand what the movie is trying to convey, the adults who take them should. It may get a little too dark for a children's movie, but the book did as well. An entertaining and thoughtful adaptation. 

Rating: A-