Finding Neverland

 One of these things is not like the other.

A story not so much about how the writer of Peter Pan (Johnny Depp) came about his inspiration, but more so about his relationship with a widow (Kate Winslet) and her four sons as he seeks to open their minds and inspire their imaginations. Having shied away from watching this movie for many years due to the biography/drama genre and the presence of Kate Winslet whom I do not share much affection for, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the movie.

It is not a particularly entertaining movie, although it does have it's moments, but focuses more on 'feel good' and inspiring parts to keep an audience focused. The visuals, style, props and acting were all good and the only real thing keeping this movie from being a huge success is the general genre's lack of appeal to a wider audience.

There are two question that plagued my mind throughout the movie: was it Dustin Hoffman that played Hook, and where the heck had I seen Radha Mitchell (who plays Johnny Depp's wife) before?

Look at my face, does it look like I care?

Can you pick it? I couldn't so maybe this will help...

If you still can't pick it you don't deserve to...

The Good: Johnny Depp acting like a pirate, Hook playing a normal person, the imagination scenes.
The Meh: the genre wasn't really my cup of tea, Kate Winslet is still a bit meh for me too.
The Ugly: I'm not crying, I've just got something in my eye dammit!
Hey There Good Looking: Vin Diesel, clearly.
Overall: 7/10

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

I used to be an adventurer like you, but then I took an arrow in the knee...

Based on the book The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, this movie follows the story of Katniss Everdeen fighting for survival in a Battle Royale-themed game set in post-apocalyptic North America. This movie was touted as one of the year, and lived up to the hype.

Initially I was nervous by the unoriginality of the main plot lines, the young ages of the actors, and of how well the violence would translate into action scenes,  but most of these fears were put to rest as the movie progressed. Having to constantly stop thinking of the previously mentioned Asian epic was made easier by the pleasant acting (and looks) of Jennifer Lawrence, and the focus of the story as it centered around the development of her character, Katniss. The rest of the actors performed well enough to keep me entertained for the duration of the film, particularly Stanley Tucci and Woody Harrelson.

The violence of the movie was understated I feel, but as the target audience begins at those in their young teenage years it is understandable.

The movie did slightly feel like the book adaptation it is, especially towards the end. For much of the movie, some plot details felt skimmed over and the ending was left unraveled as it clearly waits for the next books to be shot.

The Good: Jennifer Lawrence, the pace of the movie, the costumes, and the development of the characters.
The Meh: the length, the main plot's unoriginality, some of the acting
The Ugly: jerking camera work in the opening few scenes felt like I was doing parkour while watching.
Hey There Good Looking: Jennifer was nice, but the hottest piece of meat on screen goes to another point on her love triangle, Liam Hemsworth.
Overall: 7.5/10

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