Review Of : The Hunger Games

Just watched "THE HUNGER GAMES" courtesy of GSC cinemas. 

I know many of you might have already watched this movie. :P

Directed By Gray Ross 


Starring  Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth



Synopsis: Based on the Suzanne Collins novel of the same name. In a not-too-distant future, North America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 13 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female rep, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.

Highly recommended to read the book first before watching the film.

First & foremost, the movie had left out a few parts that's in the book. If you're just going to walk into the cinema, you might not really understand the details of the movie. Such as Katniss' & the Districts' background, etc. The movie didn't really went off from the book but some of the audience might be a little confused at certain scenes ( as to why does this happen? or what is that? etc.)  The novel was written in Katniss' point of view (mostly in monologue), therefore it might be kind of difficult for Ross to direct such film and make it "understandable" for the audience. But he actually did it by making the movie from different perspective ( e.g. the hosts explaining the game, conversations, etc.) 

The film might be a little "slow" at the beginning and also the unnecessary usage of the "shaky-camera" style during the first few scenes in District 12 and also in later scenes . A number of reviewers actually state that the movie could've been better if the fight scenes were more intense (aka violent, bloodshed, etc. etc. :p). But, because of Ross wanting the movie to be rated as PG-13, the violent scenes was reduced to showing the audience parts of killing quickly and stabs, cut off from the screen. 

In my opinion, despite all that, the movie was actually quite good. Could have been better though. 

Most of the lines & dialogues was mentioned in the film as I imagined while reading the novel. The characters were really brought up by the actors really well as described in the book. (:

Most of the plot wasn't much altered but they're quite a number of scenes removed, sadly.Maybe because of time constrain. :/ 

The music composed for this film really played well with the scenes in the film. 

I'm really looking forward to Catching Fire (which will be the sequel to this movie expected to be out in 2013) to be better.(:

My Rating?

Plot : 3.5/5

Storyline : 3.75/5

Acting**:4/5 

Effects** : 4/5

OVERALL : 7.5/10.

Trailer: 

Review Of : John Carter

Just watched "JOHN CARTER" a few days ago. :)  

Directed By Andrew Stanton

Starring Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Samantha Morton, Mark Strong

Synopsis: John Carter was miraculously transplanted to Mars, the Civil War vet then discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior.

Interesting movie even though expected more action sequences.

When I first watched the trailer (if you haven't watch it yet, watch it below of this post) of this film, it reminded me of "Prince of Persia", "Avatar", and a little of "Star Wars". 

After watching the film, it didn't disappoint me, it really is a combination of ideas from the above film. But, it wasn't copying, I would say. I mean movies with these kind of genre can't run away of Star Wars' space landscapes & concept, Avatar's Navi' (noting to the Tharks; the 12-foot tall green barbarians) and the dressing & scenes familiar to Cowboys & Aliens and Prince of Persia. A a little of Adjustment Bureau. (watch it to find out,hint: The Therns). 

Directed by Andrew Stanton; (famous for directing numerous PIXAR animated films like 

WALL-E, Finding Nemo, etc.), this was really a great. If I'm not mistaken, this was his first live-action film. So, its really worth it. (: 

The idea & story of the film is kind of simple. But there is a twist of the story at the end. 

Acting was good. Character was given fair screen time. Quite good. There is a few "laughable" moments in the film too. 

Visual Effects was really good. (especially the Martian landscapes & scenery and the designs of the ships)   

I think it would be good in IMAX 3D. ;)

A highly recommended to watch this film. Must watch on silver screen. :D 

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 3.75/5

Acting**:4/5 

Effects** : 5/5

OVERALL : 8.25/10.

Trailer: 

Review Of : War Horse

Just watched "WAR HORSE" today. (:

Directed By Steven Spielberg 

Acted By Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson and David Thewlis

Synopsis : 

Set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War, War Horse begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets-British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter-before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man's Land. The First World War is experienced through the journey of this horse - an odyssey of joy and sorrow, passionate friendship and high adventure. 

( Source : Dreamworks )

A really heart-warming, touching story.

A great movie which tells the sorrow & hardship in war through the perspective of a horse. This was really interesting. The film touches alot on loyalty,  friendship, family-bonds, & of course the hardship of war. It was indeed a really spectacular film. Not just it's touching, but it also contains a few hilarious dialogues too. ;)  

Storyline & plot was like I said, touching & inspirational. 

Acting. I was really surprised  on how they made Joey ( the horse) act so wonderfully in the film, how he bonded with the many actors in different scenes. The acting of the humans was of course as remarkable as Joey too. :P  

Visually, the movie was really spectacular. The beautiful landscapes in the film was stunning. (have to watch on the big screen!) 

Btw, this film was nominated for 6 OSCARs in the Academy Awards. (:

A truly stunning, inspirational story;emotionally & visually. Highly recommended. 

My Rating?

Plot : 4.25/5

Storyline : 3.75/5

Acting**:5/5 

Effects** : 3.75/5

OVERALL : 8.5/10.

Trailer: 

Review Of : Chronicle

Just watched the Premiere Screening of "CHRONICLE".

Directed by Josh Trank


Acted By Michael B. Jordan, Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell and Michael Kelly


Synopsis:

New technologies and social communities allow us to record, post and comment on every second of our lives, sharing our every emotion and opinion with the world, no matter how mundane. For three high school classmates who suddenly gain superpowers from a mysterious substance, the chronicle of their ordinary lives is about to take on extraordinary turn. Initially they use their powers to play innocent pranks on each other and people around them, but soon they gain confidence and learn to control their powers better to take on more difficult tasks. Their newfound sense of immortality and impunity will force them to evaluate their own morality to ultimately decide where to draw the line about how far they should go. 


(Source: 20TH CENTURY FOX)

An interesting film.


This movie is shown "from-a-handheld-camera" shooting point of view. e.g. Cloverfield, 127 Hours, Paranormal Activity. But, it's not really that too shaky effect.


Well, this film is sort of a more "realistic" superhero movie rather than the good vs evil storyline.


The story goes by these few teenagers who gained telekinetic powers from a fallen object from space. Well, they did not use their powers for good, they played pranks on people. But, things get ugly when one of them gets over-obsessive of his powers...
 I mean this might be true if one have these powers, he/she might end up like what the characters in this film. 


Storyline & Plot was surprisingly interesting. 
Something new for a change to those typical "superhero" kind of movie. This film really stands out from anything else of the same genre.
Acting was good. The characters built-up was good.
Effects was good too.


Be warn, that some people may like this kind of movie, but for some, won't like it. :p


For me, it's really good. You should watch this movie for a change. (:

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 4/5

Acting**:3.5/5 

Effects** : 3.75/5

OVERALL : 7.75/10.

Trailer:

Review Of : Journey 2 : The Mysterious Island in IMAX 3D!

Watched the Premiere Screening of 

JOURNEY 2 : THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND in IMAX 3D! ;D

Directed by Brad Peyton

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Luis Guzman, Vanessa Hudgens, Kristin Davis

Storyline :

Young Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson, reprising his role from the first film) receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist. It's a place of strange life forms, mountains of gold, deadly volcanoes, and more than one astonishing secret. Unable to stop him from going, Sean's new stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), joins the quest. Together with a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his beautiful, strong-willed daughter (Vanessa Hudgens), they set out to find the island, rescue its lone inhabitant and escape before seismic shockwaves force the island under the sea and bury its treasures forever. 

(Source: WARNER BROS. PICTURES)

The 3D effects, & VFX are epic. Poor storyline though. 

Plot & Storyline was poor. If you've watched Journey to the Center of the Earth (aka Journey 1) starring Brendan Fraser, well, Journey 2 is sort of like that. It's like they remade the film.

Acting was okay. 

Visual & 3D Effects. Ah, yes. Because of their stunningly good 3D fx, the poor storyline can be excused. (: There's a number of scenes in the movie which put the audience in the movie. I'm saying this movie should be made into those theme park attraction than a movie in the cinema. 

I could actually state a few scenes where the 3D effects are really showing of, but that would be a spoiler right? ;) 

SO, If you are thinking of watching this movie, I highly recommend it in 3D! (preferably in IMAX 3D!, you won't  regret it , although, its a little pricey. :P ) 

*You can watch this movie in IMAX 3D @ TGV Sunway Pyramid. 

My Rating?

Plot : 2.75/5

Storyline : 3/5

Acting**:3.5/5 

Effects** : 5/5

OVERALL : 7/10.

Trailer : 

2012. (:

"The year has come. 

The year which the Mayan calender will end. 

The year which the world will...."

OKAY, let's not scare ourselves that the world will come to an end on this year. :P 

I mean no one knows when or how the world will end. Those are just predictions, and they're not always right. The world could end at anytime, it could end in the next 100 years or it could end right now. 

2011 has passed. Now, it's a dawn of a new year which means new beginnings. 

So, just live life as it is & seize the moment! 

So, let's not be paranoid or anything and let's just usher the new year with joy & fruitfulness.

And here's a less horrifying picture. lol.  (:

Happy New Year 2012 !! (:

Thanks to all my blog readers & everyone who supported this blog.
And I look forward to this year and I hope you do. =)

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