Movie and Book Review: Catching Fire

I enjoyed reading The Hunger Games and liked the movie. I REALLY loved Catching Fire---both book and movie! When I was reading it, I couldn't wait to see how they were going to adapt it for the big screen. I'm happy to say I was not disappointed.

This second installment of the Hunger Games saga is so much richer and deeper. The characters displayed a real depth of emotion about death and dying; about the destruction of people by their government...It really makes one think about what could happen in the world when people are powerless.

I always like the Peeta character in the novel, but wasn't too keen on the selection of Josh Hutcherson as the actor to play him. I think he kicked it up several notches this time around, so I liked him a lot more, but I still couldn't stop focusing on how short he is compared to Katniss and pretty much everyone else in the film! Lol...

In the book, Finnick Odair, one of the competitors in the Games is described as having "extraordinary beauty", so I was looking forward to seeing an awesome hottie...didn't quite happen...lol...the fellow chosen was nice looking (see fellow below on the right), but far from extraordinary or swoon-worthy. He did start to look better the longer the film went on...lol...They probably didn't want the guy to overshadow Peeta or Gale! At least they showed more of Gale this time!



Catching Fire will totally leave you "hungering" for Mockingjay. I still have to read it! I haven't read the reviews of the book, but it's my understanding that some people were disappointed with the conclusion to the saga...uh oh...well, I 'll find out soon enough. In the mean time, go see Catching Fire. It's good---real good!

Toodles!

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Movie Review: SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

The only film I've seen Jennifer Lawrence act in is The Hunger Games. I had no intention of seeing Silver Linings Playbook, a comedy-drama, but my interest was peaked when Lawrence was nominated in the Best Actress category for an Oscar. I'd heard good things about her (Winter's Bone), so I decided to see what all the fuss is about.

I didn't even know this had been a book first. I'd never heard of it. Check out the description...

Pat Peoples, the endearing narrator of this touching and funny debut, is down on his luck. The former high school history teacher has just been released from a mental institution and placed in the care of his mother. Not one to be discouraged, Pat believes he has only been on the inside for a few months––rather than four years––and plans on reconciling with his estranged wife. Refusing to accept that their apart time is actually a permanent separation, Pat spends his days and nights feverishly trying to become the man she had always desired. Our hapless hero makes a friend in Tiffany, the mentally unstable, widowed sister-in-law of his best friend, Ronnie. Each day as Pat heads out for his 10-mile run, Tiffany silently trails him, refusing to be shaken off by the object of her affection. The odd pair try to navigate a timid friendship, but as Pat is unable to discern friend from foe and reality from deranged optimism, every day proves to be a cringe-worthy adventure.

I must say, Lawrence does have a real range of acting ability. She was impressive in the role of Tiffany. I'm glad I went. I think so much more of her as an actress now, then I did after The Hunger Games. I liked her then and she was fine as Katniss, but I really like her now! She showed more depth. She loses herself in the role and expresses a plethora of emotions. Lawrence plays crazy real good...lol...Bradley Cooper was no slouch either. As Pat Peoples, he's definitely kicking it up too. He didn't get nominated, but I would say he and Lawrence were equal in what they brought to their characters. Anyone who's worked with the mentally ill will definitely identify with the goings-on in this film.

 I was pleasantly surprised to see Chris Tucker of the Rush Hour movies. I haven't seen him in a while. He's usually playing some kind of comical, off-the-chain, funny character. I was happy to see him tone it down and play it a little more straight for a change. He plays the role of Danny, the best friend to the Bradley Cooper character. They both were locked up in the same psychiatric hospital. Tucker was funny, but not in his usual slap-stick kind of way. He did say that the director had to make him control himself and not take things too far...lol...No surprise there. Nice to see he's got some acting range as well.

Silver Linings Playbook was well done, I'd say, for all involved in the project. Go see it. It's well worth the time.

Toodles!

 

Bradley Cooper and Chris Tucker