The Randomizer has returned!
Yay!!
Baby turtle agrees
Happy New Year to you all. I hope the first month of
January has been good to you, and family
members, pets, posters etc, and you might have been wondering 'Where is my
fortnightly dose of random stuff to look at?!?!"
Well as some of you may know, I have been writing a 1st
draft of my book. Literally writing. So I've been taking some time to do that.
But also with the Randomizer, I have found it difficult to try and keep
entertaining with new ideas for a fortnight last year. Though I do consider a
good number of them good articles, I do think that some of them I could've done
better for myself and for your entertainment. So I'm considering CUTTING back
from fortnightly to ONCE A MONTH. That way I can have fresh ideas to come to
the table, and hopefully keep you laughing or just freaked out. Either way
makes me happy.
What's just as important is that this year is the 100th
year of the start of the First World War. You will have no doubt that this is
an important anniversary to commemorate and I will be doing an article at some
point to talk about it. So keep your eyes peeled for that, and I hope you understand where I'm coming from, and continue
enjoying these articles as great joys.
With that done, let's get to the Top Ten Movies I saw in
2013
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2013 was a bit of a difficult year for me. I didn't really
get a good chance to see a film for at least 4/5 months, with a few gaps give
or take in between for the rest of June through to December. 22 films I've seen
all around, including DVDs. Believe me when I say, it's not an easy list to
compile. There have been films that I thought were quite good to start with,
but as time went by I found myself questioning certain aspects of some films,
like plot developments, characters, etc. I did find it a bit hard to come back
from that really.
But for all that some of the films were really enjoyable to
watch. Some of the twists in some films really got me intrigued (one giggling
like a lunatic), one was a good satire to watch, and one where I was influenced
(ahembossedahemmibsahem) to watch. So I did really have some fun watching these
films and I obviously need to do better at watching them this year. But for
now, BRING THE LIST ON!!! THERE WILL BE SPOILERS BY THE WAY. YOU HAVE BEEN
WARNED. END CAPITAL MESSAGE!
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10.
IRON MAN 3.........ahem sorry
A film with a controversial twist, Iron Man 3 sees Tony Stark suffering from panic attacks following
from events in The Avengers, and has
built 40 odd Iron Man suits, creating problems with Pepper Potts. When an
attack happens by one called 'The Mandarin' which nearly kills Happy Hogan (and
prompting Shane Black to take over directing duties), Stark directly challenges
the Mandarin, and has his house blown up in the process. Stark, in a deadly
alliance with a 10 year old, finds out that the bombings are related to a
treatment called 'Extremis', and goes to investigate more in Miami, finding out
a strange truth and fights the Mandarin, winning the day and having that pesky
piece of shrapnel taken out from the first film.
Let's get the twist out of the way shall we? The Mandarin is
in fact an actor called Trevor Slattery (played by Sir Ben Kingsley), and the
real Mandarin is in fact Aldrich Killian (played by Guy Pearce). Second
well-known twist of last year on par or above Khan because Marvel is more
bigger nowadays.
Like the twist with Star
Trek, I did absolutely feel to pieces, laughing that Kingsley was a
complete misguided villain, instead having Guy Pearce as the main threat. In a
good way I mean, I liked it. It was quite well done, keeping Killian in the
background and revealing him when the time called for it.
So what could I say about Killian? Well, he's not a bad bad
guy per se, at least that's what I thought at first. But then I read an article
saying that the Iron Man villains do not have the full justification of being
proper villains, more just characters to oppose Tony because a)business,
b)revenge and c) revenge again.
That...does have a good ring to it. If you
think about it, the villain's motivations aren't very well explained.
People
harp on for Killian's motivations being quite skewered, though I was confused
by Obadiah Staine's motivation to get Tony out of the way so he could take
control. I really don't remember anywhere in the film saying 'I want to take
control of Stark because..." and so on. Whiplash from......that
film.....kind of had something going on with his quest for revenge I guess? But
that went out of the window when he had his own suit of armour. All of them are
simple and stupid at the same time. Guy Pearce was quite menacing as Killian
and could show a clever mind, but the character is left out in the cold a bit,
his cause for revenge somewhat contentious at best.
So what are the good bits about Iron Man 3? Well, I do like the plot, and how Tony actually does
pay for his consequences in this film, seeing how he copes without the suit and
gathering information with a bit of help from Rhody and that weird guy who
wanted to be like him. The Christmas setting....not sure it's really needed,
could have been set at anytime, but this is kind of nitpicking and it doesn't
distract much. It was a good story that does the job well.
Acting wise, Robert Downy Jr does a good job as Tony Stark
(as ever) and actually in my opinion did a good version of someone suffering
from Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder. He's become less of a cocky man and more
introverted, and we see how Downy Jr turns the development of this character
into even more of an ass-kicker, even without the suit. Actually, the acting
overall is really good. Ben Kingsley played a better role then what I've seen
in recent memory, Gwyneth Paltrow was good in her role as always with Pepper
Potts showing her range of loving Tony and wondering how to cope with her
beau's difficult life at the present time, Don Cheadle as Rhody was great at
being sarcastic at times and trying to help Tony through as a good side-kick
and Paul Bettany is as ever static as JARVIS.
I do believe I have converted to Christianity sir. It's from
researching the Da Vinci Code
Iron Man 3 is one
of the few good threeqeuls I have ever seen. A great twist, good characters
(though bit silly at times), good acting and good action sets. One of the best
Marvel films I had seen and wouldn't mind sitting down with my chestnuts
roasting on an open fire and watching to my heart's content. It's the kind of
film that is just pure fun and fantasy.
(Actually I don't want my chestnuts roasting on an open
fire. It would hurt getting them off in the first place).
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9.
The Cabin in the Woods
What do you think about when you see the poster? Confused,
intrigued, why is it looking like a Rubik's Cube?
Five college friends Dana, Jules, Marty, Holden and Chris
Hemsworth go to spend a weekend at said Cabin
in the Woods.
*SPOILERS (highlight if you want)
However in the most unconventional twist, they are actually
being watched by two underground facility technicians, who are planning to use
the five of them as sacrifices to applease the 'Ancient Ones'. The five are
representations of the archetypal sterotypes: The Whore, the Athlete, the
Scholar, The Fool and the Virgin (who could be taken or survives as long as the
others die). Jules, Holden and Chris Hemsworth all snuff it, except for Dana
and Marty whom discover the facility that holds a whole array of different
horror creatures and release them. Soon the facility is destroyed and the two
make their way to a temple underground, where Sigourney Weaver encourages Dana
to kill Marty. Dana refuses and Weaver and a werewolf fall down to the Ancient
Ones. Dana and Marty share a joint together as the Ancient Ones rise up and
destroy the world. Bummer.
*END SPOILERS
This film did throw me off at first with its opening and I
was like....what the fuck is this? What's going on? But as the film goes along,
it does show an intriguing set-up in subverting the genre of horror and more
specifically slasher films, like those I talked about in my American Horror
Remakes article. When you get around to watching The Cabin in the Woods, the ideas that are played about with at the
beginning and end of the film are really interesting, given the amount of
creative ideas that the Horror genre has to offer. For what it's worth, it was
an enjoyable watch.
Everyone did a good job in their roles, with some very good
acting here and there, but there wasn't many specific stand outs apart from
Chris Hemsworth as far as I remember. He was a pretty good badass in this role.
Then again he's always a good badass in what I've seen. The one cameo in the
film was pretty neat and came out of nowhere, but it was nice to see that
specific person make such an appearance. Some of the deaths scenes as well are
pretty shocking and can be actually be funny at times, especially with one of
the five, where I couldn't really help but laugh at now. Don't remember doing
it at the time.
I can't note anything that was specifically bad at all, but
I suppose with the direction it took in being a satire of the horror genre as a
horror film (if that makes sense), it's different in a nice way. It's pretty
much an indie film with a lot to say, but no one will take much notice of it.
In addition, it's a point to say that the film was made in 2009, but got its
release 3 years later. If it came out during a point where the remakes of Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street were, maybe more
people would have taken more notice.
Note to producers: have better ideas for release dates
please
The Cabin in the Woods
is a good romp through on a Saturday night given the opportunity. Give it a go
and see what you make of it.
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8.
Despicable Me 2
Not actual poster, but thought it would be funny
If you ever meet my brother Huw, please don't say you have
never seen Despicable Me or Despicable Me 2. He will promptly take
you round to his house, force you onto a chair and make you watch it. Oh, and
don't say you're a Norwich City football fan. He will give you a lecture why
Ipswich Town are the better team in more ways than one. Or a Sunderland fan for
that matter either. Actually screw Sunderland, NEWCASTLE ARE BETTER!
(ahem).......Moving on, Despicable
Me 2 is a really good and really funny film, giving a good balance between
the main character Gru and his little bunch of awesome yellow buddies, The
Minions. I'll admit, I wasn't that interested in watching the Despicable Me series to begin with. All
I knew about it was my brother having the minions as ringtones, and talking
about how good a film it was non-stop. When he brought Despicable Me 2 to watch, I decided to give it a go and see what
the fuss was about. Boy, did I miss out much?
The film opens with a secret laboratory being captured with
a secret magnet, and Gru, whom is now father to three girls Margo, Edith and
Agnes, is called by the Anti-Villain League (leader known by the way of
'Ramsbottom') to investigate who did such an act. He is partnered with Lucy
Wilde to search the Paradise Shopping Mall for said person with evil magnet.
The Minions in the meantime, get captured one by one and are turned from their
yellow demeanour into purple raving lunatics (Minion: oooooooooh. Me:
.......PSSHHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!). Gru also eventually falls in love
with Lucy. So, will Gru get with Lucy in the end, and find out who the bad guy
is? Will the Minions ever have enough holidays?
Spoiler: NEVER!
I was pleasantly surprised watching this. I suppose people
got a lot more laughs out of watching the Minions on-screen then what was
happening on-screen, myself included. There are some good comedy bits with Gru
and co in the film, especially where the relationship between him and Lucy is
concerned, her being a wacky character while Gru was.....well, Gru. The three
girls have their own little branches of storyline too, showing a bit more
humanity and emotions, especially with Agnes looking for a mother figure. I
think those situations were pretty good to show, even having Margo NOT get with
the little asshole at the end. The Minions are the comedic foil to those little
dramatic bits, and they were great in their own right. Silly, but not over the
top silly.
Some people might agree with me on this, but after watching
the two films, I do think that the second one is better, probably because it's
more funnier. Obviously Minions are cool.
One surprise I had wondered was who was playing Dr. Nefario
in the films, and to my shock it was Russell Brand. Russell Brand. The guy who
would more than willingly shag anything that moves. I do find it difficult to
separate the two characters apart with the knowledge that Brand is playing a
deeper-voiced version of himself. Wonder if he used that voice with Katy
Perry......better not go into that territory.
For all intents and purposes despite the film being good, I
think I have seen better films this year as you'll see. I do like Despicable Me 2 and I am glad I've seen
it now. I really wouldn't mind watching it again for the sheer hell of it, but
some films are funnier to me than this, with just great lines, surreal stuff,
and sheer insanity.
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7.
Chronicle
This film doesn't have that many great lines and surreal
stuff, but it is quite insane. The Good kind of Insane. Like Quentin Tarantino.
Andrew Detmer starts to keep a video-diary of his life,
showing his mother having cancer and his father being a stereotypical ass-hole
who actually does HIT his son. His video-taping strikes the ire of some people,
especially at a party with his cousin Matt. He is convinced by popular student
Steve to record a hole in the woods, which is holding a large blue crystal
object. Upon inspection, they are stricken by nosebleeds and the camera cuts
out. Weeks later, we see they have developed telekinetic abilities and
initially use them for pranks until Andrew pushes a rude motorist off the
highway and into a river, Matt urges them to restrict their usage. As the story
goes on, Andrew becomes more and more alone and angry, eventually seeing
himself as an apex predator........
The story was very good to watch, seeing how Andrew develops
more of an aggressive personality, using his new found powers to eventually
strike out against his tormentors and those few people who do actually like
him. He is quite the complex character, so you do see what abuse is going on in
his life and feel sympathetic to him in one way. It is a steady downfall,
slowly unfurls before your eyes.
One of the things I also liked was the visual effects.
Compared to somewhat obvious CGI you see in mainstream films, the way it's
handled is really good. Almost everything looks natural as you see Andrew
crushing a car with his hand, the three of them flying through the air and
almost getting killed by an aeroplane, Andrew actually RIPPING a tooth out of a
bully. The timing of each effect is near perfect, especially helped by the
sound effects too. You could really hear the velocity of each effect as Andrew
uses his powers to do whatever he does. I won't spoil what happens at the end,
but needless to say, it's a visual effect storm. So much better than most
visual effect films I've seen in my near 25 years on this world.
Green Lantern take note
In addition, it does do a clever thing of not using conventional
filming techniques, instead using video-cameras to highlight the action and
drama going around. It's kind of like Cloverfield,
except this was a bit more stronger. But....if I have to nitpick a little bit,
did he really need to film himself all the time? I know it's a video-diary but
still, wouldn't someone notice or pick it up? Apart for that, it doesn't really
hurt the film.
In fact, I don't think it has many major faults at all.
Acting wasn't bad overall, story is great (even going quite dark) and like I
said, the visual effects are just great. I think there's a lot to go on from
this film. I have read that there is a sequel in the works, but no other
information is available. If a sequel is to be done, it needs to be done
properly and slowly reveal what is going with that blue crystal at the
beginning that gave them their powers in the first place. That said, Chronicle is a great film. One of the
best I've seen all year.
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6.
The Big Lebowski
I should probably have one person to thank for
influencing....yes, influencing. Definately no bossing about at all....my
watching some films this year. That is Mibs Bayliss. She likes to make sure I am
on the right track and make sure I develop some good taste in films. I think
it's worked well. Well.....a little. In this film's respect it has hit a
winner.
The Big Lewbowski:
Cult film, surreal as fuck, and a great joy to watch.
The Dude (played by Jeff Bridges) is beaten up by two thugs
and his rug peed on, who have confused him with another gentleman called 'The
Big Lebowski' because they share the same surname. Seeking compensation he goes
to said Lebowski but is refused. Days later, he is called up again to hear that
Lebowski's wife has been kidnapped and is roped into the situation, acting as a
courier to give one million dollars to her kidnappers. At the same time, he
likes to go bowling with his two friends, Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve
Buscemi) who get caught up in the situation too.
Watching the film itself, the comedy was a great joy for me.
The lines of dialogue are fantastic (I love the description of what a man is),
the characters are bizarre yet weirdly relatable, and the plot though confusing
and goes all around, is interesting to unfold before your eyes. There were some
real gems of laughter from me, especially at an action right near the end of
the film which is such bad taste but I really couldn't help myself. I won't
spoil what it is, but believe me it is so bad, it's hilarious.
But I also wonder perhaps
that The Big Lebowski is an acquired
taste, for those who enjoy the surreal and daft moments this film has.
Sometimes what appears visually onscreen can be so bizarre that I can
understand why people would go:.....what? I can imagine a few of my friends
looking at this film and just see them have blank expressions on their faces
when watching. Not that there's anything wrong with that of course, but that is
probably one of the reasons why it's a cult film, Because of its surreal branch
of comedy.
Now I kept along with the plot well enough (I like to think
so there), but I think I must have missed something when the truth is reveal
about 'Lebowski' because I got quite confused when it was said by The Dude.
Granted this is only a nitpick again, so I won't go on about it. I can't really
think of anything bad to talk about in this film at all. I just happen to think
it was a great work of film. But I'll admit I don't think I'll be getting into
the cult of The Dude anytime soon. I have Doctor Who for that.
If you don't know what I mean by cult, The Dude is the focus
of many subjects of debate. Philosophical books, conventions, you name it. The film has become something a bit more
bigger around the world. But I'll admit I'm not sure I would really get into
that kind of thing myself. I'm more content with abiding with the idea of the
Dude as something bigger, like taking pleasure in the simple things of life. But
I wouldn't go as far as seeing him bigger than perhaps he was meant to be. He
is a pretty awesome character, and that's that.
If you're still on the fence on watching The Big Lebowski, I would say: Do it.
Because one) It's one of those films where you won't know unless you've seen
it. It's a unique experience to watch. Two) You might understand the cult of
The Dude a little better. Three) What else do you have better to do on a night?
All I can say is I'll hope you'll enjoy it!
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5.
Rush
Now this is where it gets a bit harder for me to talk about
what films I enjoyed more because I loved these top five films. You will not
believe how long I can sit at a computer and still not come to a decision about
which ones I preferred the most over all of them. But it has to be done, and I
might even regret in future what I've put up for the top five. Now's not the
time for that however.
At number Five is Rush.
In 1976, one of the most intense sporting rivalries appeared
on-screen. Apologies if I've lost you already thanks to the word sporting.
James Hunt and Niki Lauda faced off against each other for the coverted Formula
One championship (which oddly had been won by Michael Schumacher anyway so no one
really cared. And won again by Sebastian Vettel a month after that. Bloody
Germans!) As they raced against each other, each plays dirty tricks on each
other until the dreaded Nurburgring where a horrific accident will affect the
standings of that year.....
With some of the sporting films I've seen like The Damned United, I think the best
sport films don't only focus on the sport, they focus on the characters as
well. Rush is one of those films, obviously. Two contrasting styles with Lauda
and Hunt pushing each other to the limit as they race physically and
emotionally, as Lauda discredits Hunt's team for breaking the rules, and Hunt
discrediting Lauda for wanting to cancel a race for fear of losing points. The
conflict is well done with Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl playing the two
drivers getting at each other's throats.
The way it is shot helps in that respect, as you see each
driver pushing the gear sticks and buttons to get ahead of the other, and
needing a bit of luck too. But when the drama is simply being played out, the
shots are more slower paced, and allow for some air to breath. The weird thing
is they don't contrast with each other, they actually help gel the film
together more easily. In a way, the film is a good technical achievement as those
making it knew what bits to keep slow and what to push up.
What is bugging me at the moment is re-watching clips I do
get an idea that Chris Hemsworth is good in the role, but that's it. Just good
in the role. I'm not sure being next to Daniel Bruhl helped either because the
way he voices those lines out just sounds better then Hemsworth did. That was
the major difference between the two actors. They picked up physical habits
well, but the way they sounded in their roles just made that much of a difference.
Also there are always the historical inaccuracies that
spring up in the film. But these little issues don't bother me that much,
despite my own insistence at times for historical accuracy. I was quite
surprised by Hunt's actions after a certain press conference in the film. Those
who've seen it will understand what I'm talking about. But I suppose that was
to create an easy sense of more drama then was actually needed. It's a
difficult fence to lean on for the moment.
I'm sure Jesus would approve
Despite some inconsistancies, Rush was a good watch overall. Even if you're not a sporty kind of
person, you can get into the drama happening on-screen from both the
competitive nature coming out of both Hunt and Lauda as they attempt to
out-match the other to victory.
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4.
Flight
As I was writing out this list, the film suddenly popped
into my head as something I had completely left out! Curse myself! This was a
film that I had watched with great interested and was not sorely disappointed.
Denzel Washington plays Whip Whittaker, an airline pilot
with a drug and alcohol dependency. Not a bad combination at all!
Unfortunately, the plane he is on suddenly jolts as he naps and he wakes up,
and attempts to make a safe landing, eventually rolling the plane upside down
and crashing in an open field. As he recovers, he finds that only 6 people died
on the plane out of 102. He also finds out some weeks later that he was tested
while unconscious for a toxicity report. Seeing that he could very well be
charged on grounds for drinking, drug and manslaughter, Will attempts to get
out of it by lying his way through towards the subsequent trial......
The biggest talking point of this film is of course Denzel
Washington. And of course, I was swayed by his performance at the time. And I'm
still pretty swayed now. Re-watching one important scene with him, you see how
he is confused at the prospect of doing a lie that will not condemn him as it
will do another. Hearing his voice, seeing his face as he goes into the drive
of such a character, it is an amazing performance. The scenes where he is quite
drunk as well were well done too, seeing everything on display as he screws up
his life further and further is quite breathtaking and amazing to see.
As a story it is pretty fascinating to see, nearly always
from Denzel Washington's viewpoint, seeing how his life works and what happens
as he sinks deeper and deeper into his lies, affecting almost everyone around
him. He finds love, he gets involved in the investigation (sort of) and he even
asks someone close to lie for him so his ass is saved. It is quite sad to see
him go through everything, but it does in a way create an interesting dynamic
to seeing how he works and I'm wondering how long can this addiction hold out
for? Perhaps in essence that's what the film's about: How far will one go when
it comes to being addicted to protect themselves? In his case, it's pretty far.
But I WILL admit there are some things I didn't quite fully
catch or thought were just plain weird. When he is in a stairwell with a fellow
addict and a cancer patient, I found it difficult to hear what the conversation
was about. Seriously I had to put subtitles on to hear what was being said,
when they talk about random events being God's work, and death and what have
you. I don't really want to put the subtitles whenever a movie's on, but I only
do it in case I don't understand it fully. Still, a little clarity on sound can
be nice at nearly every point.
Speaking of God, one of the characters is the co-pilot when
the plane crashes and he talks about God. That was all fine and dandy. What I
LAUGHED at was his wife saying "Praise God" at every random moment
during the scene. Obviously he doesn't know how to stop the repeating. Should
press off and on again, that would sort it. Wonder if Washington felt the same
way?
Yes
Apart from those little issues, I did really enjoy Flight, thinking it was one of the best
films I've ever seen all around that 2013. The story was great, Washington is
great, it is a great film all around. But it's wasn't THE best film I had seen
all year. As you will see....
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3.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Continuing on from the last film, The Desolation of Smaug follows the Company of Dwarves and Bilbo as
they continue their journey to the Lonely Mountain, going through the Mirkwood
Forest where they encounter more spiders, more elves (including a dick one, a
CGI one and a completely fictional one), and the almighty dragon itself, Smaug.
In the meantime, Gandalf turns detective to investigate the ruins of Dol Guldur
where the Necromancer is residing, and discovers quite the discovery of the
minellium.
First things first, Smaug was AWESOME to look at. Just to
see him make his first full appearance in towering glory over the little hobbit
was simply awe-inspiring. To be honest, I wasn't sure of his quick appearance
at the end of An Unexpected Journey,
but whatever fears I had were completely blown up (no pun intended) by the
sheer size of him. It helped being voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch too, and I
think I got all the more enjoyment out of this then I did from Star Trek. His
conversations with Bilbo (insert Sherlock gag here) were enjoyable, seeing the
two use their wits against each other and playing a sort of sick game, with
really only one probable outcome: Smaug giving you one hell of an orgasm. It is
Benedict Cumberbatch after all.
"You know how many times I've had to change my trousers
Tauriel? Three times today" "Yeah I know the feeling"
Some of you might be wondering what I think about the
addition of Tauriel, the female elf of Mirkwood. I don't think she's bad at
all, and I don't care if she's a new addition. She is a pretty good character
to have around, to show some sort of wise nature about her and be against her
master Tharanduil, the king of Mirkwood. I am curious to know if she is going to
die in There and Back Again. It would make sense in the scheme of things, and
allows for something interesting to happen. Evangeline Lily plays her pretty
well, playing a nice game with Kili and coming to feel some sort of attraction
for him. It is an interesting turn for the Hobbit series to play with.
The action, what there is, was well done too. Seeing CGI
Legolas and Tauriel kick the Orc's ass was nice, but some bits can be a little
distracting, like when the elves are jumping through the trees as the dwarves
are in the barrels. Sometimes it can be a little jarring, but happily it just
flies by. Interestingly enough, things do get a little more gory so to speak.
There are quite a number of beheadings in this film, most of them orcs, but
it's something I've never really seen that clearly before, at least not in any
war film I've seen before. Perhaps this is to do with the film becoming more
darker to match the tone of the LOTR trilogy.
To be quite honest, most of this film more or less focuses
on the characters themselves as they confront each other a lot, and we get to
see quite a bit of development. Most of it was really good to see and feels as
if it's been done right at all, especially with Smaug and Bilbo (insert second
Sherlock pun here), but there are some good bits with Tauriel and Kili possibly
hitting it off. Something that I think will end in tragedy. Booo.
So I suppose come the end, The Desolation of Smaug is a great film and I can't find many
opinionated faults in it at all. Becoming a little more complex at that with
including the more character development, good action despite less of it and
pretty much the BEST dragon I've seen in film in my life. I want to see the
next one NOW dammit!
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2.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Wonder who knew this would be on my list? Hands up! Be
honest!.........you all get biscuits if you tell the truth. No? You all fail
Those of you who have read my first article on the Top Ten
Films I've Seen in 2012 will know that The
Hunger Games was my favourite movie from that year.
So the film picks up from the last film, we see Katniss
Everdeen (Jennifer Lawerence) now suffering from some form of Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder having to tour with her District 12 companion Peeta Mellark for
their victory parade. At first, her rebellious streak comes out with the death
of her friend Rue, but after an old man is killed citing the whistle Katniss
used in The Hungers Games, she has to comply with her mentor and Peeta to not
say anything that will cause rebellion. President Snow and his new cohort
Plutarch Heavensbee who come up with an easy plan to rid themselves of her: The
75th Hunger Games will include past tributes, and Katniss is among
one of them.......
It's the little bits for me that got me interested into this
film. Right from the start of the tour, we see Katniss crack from seeing the
image of Rue in District 11, seeing the wedding dress being turned into that of
a mocking jay thanks to the work of Cinna, and right at the end with Katniss
simply staring into the camera. The facial expressions Jennifer Lawerence did
were pretty breathtaking to see before my eyes. The only annoying thing I
thought was that it just ended like that, not without showing all the badges of
the Hunger Games series. Not something I completely expected since I hadn't
read the books.
Everything now revolves around Katniss and her attempts to
be honest about The Hunger Games, and for that the people do attack the system,
while the government attempts to suppress such natures. It got me intrigued by
how the story might turn out, and how this government would go to extremes to
eliminate such a threat and break down her resolve. It is an interesting story
with quite extraordinary characters, waiting to see what would be the result of
such actions. One thing that did confuse me was one twist at the end that I did
not expect to see, but I think it was because it came a bit out of nowhere,
more focused on seeing Haymitch and Katniss's reaction to her new found
situation.
In terms of effects, I thought the mandrills were greatly
improved compared to those "wolves" from last year (if you can call
them wolves), and the actual centre of the Hunger Games concept was interesting
keeping secrets in store for the Tributes, especially with a certain tree
sticking out as an important point. Just an all-round improvement, nothing to
complain about. (See what I mean by this being difficult to talk about? Gah
nothing bad to note at all much!)
I think the overall problems I had was a bit of confusion by
the twist, and the fact it ended sooner then I really thought it would, like
with The Desolation of Smaug. Perhaps that was due to the pacing being good
again. I didn't particularly feel that scenes were too quick or too slow for my
liking, nothing felt unnecessary. Still, would have been nice for some feeling
of an ending instead of simply ending on Katniss's look. I know that people say
that plot details in books aren't always included in film, but what they forget
is that books and films are different mediums. You can explain all you want in
books and allow what has been said to settle in. With film, 2 to 2 and a half
hour to explain everything is a slight pain, and really can't be done. Maybe
something can be included from Mockingjay to just have some sort of resolution?
Just a thought.
You try that here, one of your characters must die. It is
Martin's Law
Catching Fire is a
good follow-up to The Hunger Games.
Everything is upped just a bit, making everything look big in comparison. Note
I say Big, not bigger. In my mind at the minute is the idea that if a sequel
becomes bigger, you might push too far to make the sequel better then the
first, and end up losing where to go for the threequel should it come along.
Catching Fire does that to a good extent. The characters bring a bit more
intelligence to their situations, but don't lose any sort of emotions or
development, which is helped by the acting at some points, especially with Jennifer
Lawerence's great acting style. And speaking of said Lawrence...........
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And Number 1:
Silver Linings Playbook
Now this is a little bit of a surprise for me for this to be
anywhere on list at all, let alone watching it. But quite honestly, Silver Linings Playbook made me feel
quite a draw of emotions. I was laughing, shocked, and smiling by the film's
end. There was something about this story that just felt....perfect.
The film centres on Pat Solitano Jr (Bradley Cooper) coming
out of a mental health institute to move back in with his parents Robert De
Niro and Jacki Weaver, determined to get his wife Nikki back into his life
after an incident that he keeps repeating in his mind. He finds a route of
communication through a friend's wife's sister called Tiffany (played by
Katniss Everdeen) and she agrees, in exchange for him partnering her in a dance
competition. Along the way, he gets slightly involved with his dad's good luck
charms in American Football (whom is trying to open a restaurant) and goes to a
therapist for treatment.
As I've said, this film surprised me to no end. Pat Jr
suffers from bi-polar disorder and seeing him act the way he does is interesting
and shocking at the same time. One scene in particular that shocked me was a
quick moment of conflict between him and his parents. I won't spoil what
happens, you should watch it for yourself. Bradley Cooper's performance in that
role was really good, as far as I remember. He just seemed to be quite
fantastic as a determined man who just wants to get his life back to the way it
was.
Tiffany is a fascinating character, and looking back on
Jennifer Lawrence's Oscar win for the role, I could see why. She is a
powerhouse, equally determined but also you could see she really wanted to help
Pat out, or so we think. You could really see the innocence and probably
guiltiness at the same time as the film unravels what happens between the two
characters. I can't think off the top of my head who could have played that
part better then Lawrence in any way. Again, no spoilers.
Her impression of Kirsten Stewart in the diner scene was
what won her the part
Like The Hobbit again, this film focuses more on the characters,
how so determined they are to try and find their own peace of mind, Pat Jr with
his wife, his father with opening an restaurant, and Tiffany...well spoilers
again. But as the film pans out you see how their choices change throughout and
how the initial conflicts actually seem to affect those choices in how they do
things. It is essentially a character study on the face of it, but it's done
right as an emotional ride through those who are simply different minded to us.
They have mental health problems, but they are still human of course. That
shouldn't be ignored.
I wasn't sure what to expect before watching this film. All
I had was the knowledge of suggestion and Jennifer Lawrence's Oscar win. Now I
do think this is one of the best films I've seen ever, and would more than
willingly watch again if someone asked me to. Silver Linings Playbook gave me a good deal back in return for what
I'm saying now about it. If you haven't seen it, I would suggest to see it now.
Stop whatever it is you're doing and get this brought, rented, interwebbed,
whatever. Just watch it. It is a film
that is NOT to be missed!
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So that's the first article of the year complete! I hope you
have enjoyed my choices and think I'm onto something. Then again I'm always
onto something. Cocaine for starters. Just prepare for February girls and boys.
It's only going to get more random then ever!
Randomizer out!
I don't know about you.......But I take comfort in those
films
