The Avengers

I know you have all heard wonderful things about this film.  Let me just tell you that, for the most part, it does a wonderful job of living up to your expectations.

The Avengers is the combination of Marvel's greatest superhero's coming together to fight against a common enemy.  The antagonist (Loki) just happens to be from another world and just happens to be Thor's brother.  Amidst the chaos in trying to track down Loki and the energy cube he stole, our favourite superheros learn how to put their own egos aside in order to work together.  This film stars Chris Hemsworth (still cutie) as Thor, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk, Chris Evans as Captain America, Scarlette Johansson as Black Widow, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and finally, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.  Quite an exhaustive cast, isn't it?

That's probably the most impressive aspect of this film - the intricate and lengthy cast of excellent actors.  They brought together all of these currently popular actors with their busy schedules and talented careers, in order to show the respect they have for Marvel's most beloved superheroes.  The film was careful to link all the superheroes' individual stories/ films, incorporating aspects of how the characters came to be and how they are all connected to the current source of anxiety.  This film was careful to include fans that may be new to the comic world, as well as satisfy diehard fans that have been anticipating this film for much longer.

Okay, let me just say that the humor in the film really added to the action of the film.  When you have a full-on action film, you can sometimes get bored with the constant fighting and you need some comedic relief.  This film delivered on that.

All in all, this film is light, action filled, funny with a well thought out plot, and full of great actors.  I give this film 8.6/10.  Go see it if you haven't already.      

The Raven

As an Edgar Allan Poe fan, I felt somewhat torn...

The Raven follows a series of events that occurred in the last, otherwise unknown, days of Poe's life.  From one brutal murder to another, Detective Fields discovers that the connection between the murderous acts link back to the stories by Edgar Allan Poe.  In order to find the murderer, he involves the intelligence of Poe himself.  This film stars John Cusack, Luke Evans, Alice Eve and Brendan Gleeson.

I can't say that my expectations were high in the first place, but this film was mostly disappointing.  Other than quoting some of Poe's famous works, and taking from his stories the many gruesome deaths, this film had so many issues with it, the entire time you knew something was off.  The research the film makers attempted, didn't do Poe justice.  His character was too modern that it became unrealistic.

As for the genre of the film, it seemed somewhat undecided.  Was this a comedic film? It certainly tried to start out that way.  Was this a detective film?  Well, it's no Sherlock Holmes, but it definitely tried to be that at times.  Was this a horror?  I found myself jumping a few times.  Or was this a thriller?  I couldn't figure out what this film wanted to be.  It did not flow well at all. And after the first hour, it felt like it was droning on, forcing the minutes to pass.  The film could have been concluded so many times, and it became obnoxious how long they kept it going for.

Now, as for the acting, John Cusack was fine.  He didn't wow me, but he didn't disappoint me either.  Luke Evans, however, is another story.  He was famous for overacting.  His face gave away a hint of exaggeration, one which told you, 'yes I am an actor, playing a part'.  There is no better way to ruin a film, but to overact in your scenes.

Finally, the ending was not satisfying at all.  You are dragged through this not-so-complex plot, only to find that the ending you've been waiting for is somewhat taken from you.  It's extremely anti-climactic.
                  
Ultimately, I give this film 6/10 for being lazy in its execution and careless with the reputation and respect of Edgar Allan Poe.

The Cabin in the Woods

 

This film was a pleasant surprise...

The Cabin in the Woods seems like a typical horror film, however, it actually enjoys turning the genre on its head.  It's about five college students who go to a cabin for spring break, only to meet their inevitable death.  You think you've seen this film a thousand times with different variations, but trust me, you haven't.  Let's just say, premeditated murder has been taken to a whole new level.  This film stars Chris Hemsworth (a.k.a. cutie), Kristen Connolly, Anna Hutchison, Franz Kranz and Jesse Williams.

All the actors did a great job.  I enjoyed the approach the writers and creators took to this film.  They incorporated humour and horror, which was refreshing for me.  The idea that people were watching each death without a shred of remorse was definitely a comment on the media in our world today -  a nice touch.  I would also like to add that I absolutely loved the beginning.  I thought it was a really light way to start a potential horror film.
Now, let's get to the actual problems of the film, because they weren't that small.

The ending was too ridiculous for me.  It went from interesting, intriguing, to flat out - "are you kidding me?"  The killer unicorn was probably my absolute favourite.  Yes, that's right, a killer unicorn.  Who would have thunk it?

The story lost my respect towards the end.  Too much of a stretch that didn't really resolve itself.  I do, however, like how they set up the stereotype of the characters - the stoner, the virgin, the football star, the not so virgin, the book worm - and then they mock that stereotype for you, so you don't have to.  I enjoyed that. 

Therefore, other than the ending, this film is worth the watch.  I give it 7.8/10 for being unique, fun, and extremely entertaining.             

The Hunger Games

As a reader and fan of the novels, I was impressed...

The Hunger Games, based on Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name, takes place in the future, where a part of the world is divided into 12 districts.  Every year, two tributes are chosen from each district to fight to the death in front of millions. This acts as a reminder of the Capitol's power over its people.  This film stars Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, and Jennifer Lawrence.

Jennifer Lawrence did a great job playing her character, leaving subtle traces of shock, strength and fear.  The men in this film also did a great job with their acting.  The stage set was wonderful and detailed as well.  There was some unnecessary tweaking to the story, which irritated me because it wouldn't have been a big deal if they just left it the way it was.  For example, the whole reason Katniss gets the mockingjay pin is changed in the film.  I would think something that obvious would have remained the same, but I guess I was wrong.

As for the film as a whole, I felt for those audience members that knew nothing about the books or their storyline.  The film does not do enough to keep them involved with what is going on and why events are happening, which is preventing specific audience members from enjoying the film as much as everyone else.  This is the fault of the film makers, having the assumption that everyone is in tune with the storyline. 

I also want to comment on the romance element.  I think it did not get its due in this film.  It was completely rushed through and unclear, therefore, unbelievable (and this is coming from someone who read the book and enjoyed it).  I realize the main character is faking her feelings most of the time, but both actors seemed like they weren't sure how to approach those scenes, and the writing/editing/direction, didn't help either. I guess what I'm getting at is that the actors seemed uncomfortable with those scenes, entering a drastic change from the rest of the film.  The film should have transitioned much better into romance. 

My advice -stick closer to the novel and save yourself the risk of messing up too much.

All in all, a great film.  I appreciated all the effort put in to it and I'm looking forward to the second installment.  I really hope it keeps up with its newly formed standard. I give this film 8.3/10.            

The Vow

Wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be...

The Vow is about a married couple that make it through a bad car accident, however, Rachel McAdam's character (the wife) experiences partial memory loss.  She can't remember her own husband.  As you can imagine, this would be just devastating for the husband, played by Channing Tatum.  Instead of dwelling on the bad, he sees it as an opportunity to make his wife fall in love with him all over again.  Does it work?

Well, the romantic in all of us would certainly hope so, but don't hold your breath.

So, I'm conflicted.  This film does not satisfy the romance genre as I would hope, because the ending is somewhat unconventional.  How do I explain without giving the ending away?  The resolution of the film is based on choice.  Usually, when you watch a romance, it is all about how the woman cannot live without the man or vice versa, therefore, lack of choice.  However, in this film, it's about how the woman takes her time and makes a choice.  This film takes a more individualistic approach to love, rather than all or nothing.  It takes its time with the circumstances.  You might say it is in fact more realistic in regards to love, than most films.  Because of this, I respect it.

Now, here's the problem.  For the same reason I respect the film, I also felt dissatisfied with it.  The ending was a let down, because there was no grand gesture. The ending, the conclusion, was just too simple.  It didn't match up.  It is almost as if the film rejected itself and tried to turn in to something else, just at the very end.  The ending was unfulfilled. You'll see what I mean if you go and see this film.   

Okay, so if I haven't confused you enough, let's move on to the technicalities of the film.  The acting from Channing Tatum wasn't completely horrible, but it wasn't anything to rave about either.  I didn't really care for him.  Every time he talks I want to yell at him, "Open your mouth! Relax your jaw!"  He's always mumbling his lines, and it pisses me off.
Rachel McAdams bothered me only during the cheesy (in love) scenes, because to me she played her character so cheesy that it came off as overacting.  I don't like when I have to be reminded that someone is trying to play a part.  With Rachel, I felt that way the most when she was acting in love.  I felt that way the least when she was confused and lost.  It seems she's better with drama.

As for the flow of the film, it was decent, nothing major to complain about.  Nothing else really stood out to me as bad or good - it all seemed passable otherwise.

I give this film 5.8/10.  I definitely won't remember it in a month's time.  P.S. I Love You is still the reigning champion for me.

This Means War

 

If Chris Pine and Tom Hardy were not present in this film, it would have been completely pointless and a waist of time - but that's just my opinion.  Not that I have anything against Reese Witherspoon... it's just... look at them!  (picture above)

Okay, now that I sidestepped the obvious, we can get back to the film's synopsis.  This Means War is about two CIA agents, who just happen to be partners, that find out they are dating the same girl.  Competition heats up when they decide to win over her affections, without letting her in on the fact that they know she's dating both of them.  This film stars Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy and Chelsea Handler.

We all can understand the obvious appeal.  A great cast, a romantic trio, and a comedian to make you laugh all the way through.  Sounds like a perfect mix?  Well, it's not.

Despite the fact that each of these actors are good at what they do, for some reason, the putting together of the film doesn't allow that talent to shine.  I blame the producers, the writers, and the director.  Honestly, what were they thinking?  It's almost as if they relied so much on the reputations of the actors to sell their movie, that they didn't bother to make it much of a movie.  The plot was not creative or unique to me, despite the fact they were CIA agents and not just normal men.  The humor was forgettable.  I didn't feel the impact of the storyline.  I didn't feel the intensity of the situation.  It felt rushed all the way through, like they were doing one scene, just so that they could get to the next one.  Chris Pine tries to salvage this oversight, but his efforts weren't enough to prevent this train wreck of a film.  And Tom hardy, really?  I expected so much more from you.  To go from Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, to this?

Basically, my problem surrounds the putting together of the film - the editing.  The scene to scene transitions, the plot development, the convenient ending.  It just felt like the least amount of effort was put in from everyone, even at times, the actors.  I know they are capable of better, that's what bothers me the most.

I don't know what else to say.  Major disappointment.  Other than Chris Pine and at times Tom Hardy, this film was weak.  I give this film 5.6/10.  Get your shit together guys!              

Chronicle

 

This film started out strong and then slowly descended into unbelievable territory.

Chronicle follows the life of a neglected and abused teenager named Andrew, who lives as a social outcast at school. He begins recording his life with a video camera, isolating himself even more from the rest of the world.  Things change when he, his cousin Matt, and his cousin's friend Steven, come in contact with unknown matter.  They each develop telekinetic powers that allow them to do things they never could have imagined. This film stars Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Kelly, and Alex Russel.

My favourite aspect of this film is that the audience is always viewing it through the perspective of the camera the character is holding.  The film plays with this perspective, hopping it around as characters take the camera from one another.  I thought this was very unique and interesting, however, if your sensitive to movement, it can make you a little nauseous.  It reminded me of The Blair Witch Project.

The acting in this film was really well done and realistic. I really have no negative comments about the acting.

I do, however, have negative comments about the plot.  Near the end of the film - the climax - was when my respect for the plot flew out the window.  Events became too hectic, too fast, too irrational and too extreme.  It reminded me I was only watching a movie, taking me out of that world and putting me firmly back into the theatre seat.  This ruined the whole film for me.

Because this film held strong 3/4 of the way through, I give it 7.6/10 for attempting something different, something original, among the interchangeable films we've been watching so far this year.