'The Hunger Games' review

Watch the preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S9a5V9ODuY

I confess to know nothing about 'The Hunger Games' trilogy of novels. My 12 year-old nephew loves the books and was eagerly waiting for the movie as well as countless other fans. The movie based on the first one had a built-in audience lined up to make it a monster hit so it was time for us to see what the fuss was all about. Now that the crowds died down, we caught yesterday's matinee which was populated with mostly teenagers and a few adults who chaperoned the pre-teens. We were the oldest audience members but didn't feel we were out of place here. My wife's gal pals seen the film and recommended it. I must say you could hear a pin drop during the showing as everyone's attention was glued to the screen.
>>>The story takes place in the future after an unsuccessful revolt again the government. As punishment each of the twelve districts must offer two children known as 'tributes' to compete in a hi-tech televised survival fight to the death known as 'The Hunger Games.' Names are chosen by lottery and there will be only one winner rewarded with his or her life and other honors. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss volunteers to take her younger sister's place and she's the better candidate as she's damn good with a bow & arrow. Her fellow district member is a baker's son who excels in lifting. Woody Harrelson plays a former games victor who coaches them when he's not overindulging in booze & food.
>>>There are many good things to admire in this film starting with the production design.. The poor living conditions of Katniss's Appalachia-like district are contrasted with those of the affluent capitol city. I admired the exaggerated costumes and makeup/hairstyles of the upper classes as well as the simple garb of the lower classes.
>>>There's also a nice balance between good guys & bad guys. Each character is given the proper amount of screen time as not to overshadow others. Performances are generally good. Stanley Tucci skillfully plays an unctuous, TV host. Elizabeth Banks, who matches Tucci's character with her own brand of smarminess, is unrecognizable under her wigs & makeup as a government official. Donald Sutherland wisely underplays his role as the crafty President fearful of the outcome of this game inciting another rebellion. He's like a coiled viper ready to attack but subtly chooses his words to make his points or warnings. Lawrence shines as the central character portraying the reluctant and sympathetic contestant who is forced to kill when required. She carries the plot well without detracting from the others. Her unassuming performance catches you offguard.
>>>The film was given a PG-13 rating so younger viewers could attend. The violent scenes are quickly edited as not to dwell on killing & bloodshed and leave much to the imagination. Even a forced suicide near the conclusion is not shown but suggested.
>>>We came to this film with no expectations and enjoyed it as you should too. The story's moral dilemma of kill or be killed unfolds at a slow pace but doesn't drag. Some fans of the novel have seen the film more than once so I'm assuming they thought it was a good adaptation. I hope the next two installments as just as pleasing....

'Wrath of the Titans' review

Sam Worthington again as Perseus battling a Cyclops. Watch the Preview: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/wrath-of-the-titans/10044919/main?icid=mfm_poster

This is a so-so sequel to the recently successful 'Clash of the Titans.' I'm a sucker for these sword & sandal fantasy films. It's more of the same but with almost non-stop action scenes of humans battling gods, demi-gods, and monsters I have to admit it got a bit tiring after a while and we felt exhausted at the film's conclusion. (I can't believe I would ever say that....) It was as if each scene was trying to outdo the previous one with bigger fights, more explosions and damage. Sometimes more is not always better.

>>>Everyone here speaks in this mock Shakespearian serious tone found in these mythological and historical epics. Sam Worthington who plays a badly bruised Perseus from being constantly pummelled throughout the film is hard to understand at times as he swallows his lines. The Brits in the cast should have given him elocution lessons.
>>>The same major players reprise their roles with the addition of Edgar Ramirez as a new villain. You must see his portrayal of the title character in' Carlos,' a 2010 French TV mini-series about the real international terrorist, available on DVD or where I saw it on The Sundance Channel. Bill Nighy steals his brief scenes as a fallen god who creates magical weapons to defeat our hero Perseus's enemies.
>>>The 3-D was minimal and not worth paying extra to see. Except for a few brief shots, the film is comparable to looking into an old Viewmaster for depth-of-vision. This has been my main gripe against these so-called '3-D' films.'Wrath' is recommended only for fans of the first one. Don't expect a sequel unless they bring in new characters to replace those killed off here or the creators decide to bring them back since anything is possible in a fantasy, or more likely, if 'Wrath' is another blockbuster hit.

Monkees Concert DVD

In honor of Davy Jones's passing, we watched again the only available concert DVD of the Monkees. This show was filmed during their 2002 tour but not at the show we saw in Wallingford, CT. No Michael Nesbitt here but the remaining threesome did such a good job, we didn't miss his absence. Amazon customers who attended this filming complain that the DVD is lacking several songs and lots of their banter & antics between songs. Regardless, all the hits are here and it's a momento for us who got to see them live years after the cancellation of their TV show. A must for fans and let's hope to see the uncut version some day. This time my right ear didn't hurt after playing 'Im Not Your Stepping Stone,' since I controlled the volume level.

'Safe House' review

Watch the trailer: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/safe-house/52486/main

This afternoon I went to see 'Safe House' while the Mrs. lunched with her GF. First the previews were late in starting and then the film wouldn't start. We had to get the manager to get it going after waiting 2o minutes. After this rough start, the film wasn't a disappointment and we got coupons for free popcorn for our next visit. I was hoping for a free movie pass but....

>>>>There are certain actors who are worth watching even when their films are so-so or unsuccessful. Denzel Washington is one of these actors and this film has enough action sequences to hold your attention while the plot unfolds. Denzel plays a former master CIA agent on the run from the badguys who seek a certain file from him. He turns himself in at the American Consulate in South Africa and sent to a 'safe house' operated by Ryan Reynolds, a newbie CIA agent. Then the story revs up several notches as their not-so safe house is attacked and puts them on the run from the badguys and the CIA which wants Denzel at all costs.

>>>>There's plenty of chase scenes and gunfire while Denzel keeps his cool & wits in convincing Ryan there must be a traitor in the CIA who wants both of them eliminated but not until they can retrieve the elusive file. Both men need to trust each other as Denzel educates Ryan in survival skills. Ryan gets beat up a lot here, as we see in his action films. He's becoming rather versatile playing these kinds or roles as well as doing comedies & light romances with ease.

>>>>Denzel offers his usual good performance and Ryan holds his own against him, not an easy task, A co-worker warned me that the traitor was easily spotted and I admit I agree with him but it didn't stop me from enjoying this film. See for yourself.

R.I.P. Davy Jones

Davy Jones passed away today at 66 from a heart attack. I wasn't a huge Monkees fan like my wife Martha who's upset over the news. About 10 years ago we saw the Monkees Reunion Tour at a local theater. Martha had her teenage wish to see them in person finally come true. Michael Nesmith was the only one of the four members who was not present. To be honest, the other three put on such a good show, we didn't miss him. They sang as well as before.

>>>>We had sixth row seats and got pretty close to them when they walked to the front of the stage. Parents our age brought their children to see them as we watched the guys joke between songs. All their hits were presented. Martha remarked that Davy had the energy of two guys together half his age of 56 at the time. I shall never forget this concert because for the finale they played 'I'm Not Your Stepping Stone.' What was so memorable about this song was that the volume was cranked up so high to permanently damage my right ear which was close to a bank of speakers. To this day my ear will hurt if concerts & movies are played too loud. I carry earplugs in anticipation.

>>>>We own the DVD of this tour and we'll have to replay it this weekend. Poor Davy.... Gone too soon.

Damn I'm good!

Michel Hazanavicius accepts the Oscar for best picture for the film "The Artist."

As you see, all of my predictions below came true. Although Viola Davis lost, I said Meryl Streep could 'sneak by' and so she did which makes me sorta right. The show wasn't as good as other years with Billy Crystal but it was still enjoyable seeing Hollywood's royalty decked out on their special evening.

Oscar Time

Jean Dujardin & Berence Bejo in 'The Artist,' the expected favorite to win Oscars in several catagories.

It's Oscar time so you'll know I'll be glued to the TV tonight. I haven't seen most of the films nominated for Best Picture but we got out to see 'The Artist', 'The Help,' and 'Hugo'. So here's my guesstimates for the major awards:

Best Picture: It's a toss between 'The Artist' and 'The Descendents'. 'Hugo' is also a love letter to the days of silent films and Hollywood loves their past. 'The Artist' is the favorite between the two. I expect it to win in several catagories.

Best Actor: A toss between George Clooney and Jean Dujardin.

Best Actress: Viola Davis (unless Meryl Streep sneaks by). We got to see Michelle Williams who was touching as Marilyn Monroe as she captured her vulnerable essence if not her looks. She could be an upset winner if the votes are split between Meryl & Viola.

Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer. His reviews has been the best in years and it's his time for an award since he missed out for 'The Last Station.'

Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer

Best Foreign Film: ' The Separation' (unless there's an Iranian backlash.)

Best Director: Michael Hazanavicus or Alexander Payne.

Best Original Screenplay: Woody Allen or Michael Hazanavicus

Best Music Score: 'The Artist.'

My opinions are based on reviews, articles, and word-of-mouth. So let's see how I do....