Another Earth

That looks familiar...

A thought-provoking and introspective movie which explores self-loathing, healing and forgiveness. This sci-fi drama stirred a fair bit of interest at Sundance for its powerful storytelling and apparent tiny budget.

There are two events in the film and it takes a bit to grasp the relationship between the two. Firstly, astronomers discover an identical planet to earth in orbit around the sun, on which copies of ourselves may inhabit. Secondly, Rhoda Williams is a young woman whose world is shattered by a drink driving accident which claims the life of a mother and son while leaving the father in a coma. Rhoda later searches for forgiveness by befriending the recovering father who remains unaware of her past.

Check it out, two moons...

Another Earth is not a light-hearted movie, and requires good attention throughout to follow the subtle interactions. Fortunately, despite the budget and early careers of Brit Marling (co-writer and lead actress) and Mike Cahill (co-writer and director), the film is engaging and a remarkable success. It also stars William Mapother of LOST fame as John Burroughs, who is magnificently cast to portray the brooding and damaged father.

So how does all that relate to 'Earth 2'? Well, the basic concept there relates to the Multiverse idea, and the thought of two universes colliding to result in two copies of the same planet co-existing is the same reality. The second earth metaphorically represents Rhoda's internal state as she struggles with forgiveness. As the plot leads Rhoda to confront herself internally, it's also represents the concept of confronting yourself externally.

There are some beautiful, high-contrast images which have a definite artistic taste and ensure Another Earth is visually appealing to compliment the storytelling. I highly recommend seeing this film.

When I wish upon a tiny blue dot...

The Good: Acting, story, direction.
The Meh: While the scientific concepts and problems were 'worked out' during filming (such as tidal effects, etc), not many made it to the final cut leaving some bothering questions.
The Ugly: None.
Hey There Good Looking: Brit Marling.
Overall: 7.5/1

The Avengers

One of the highly anticipated movies of 2012 that all of us 'comic fans' have been waiting for - and hoping like hang that they don't stuff it up!
Going into the cinema I had my reservations on how they were going to pull this off... placing all these superheroes into one movie and trying to create a decent story line and flow, this movie really needed to be a sequel to each of the characters.

The Avengers is based on the development of the Avengers Initiative, to help fight against the evil about to be unleashed by Thor's half brother Loki. But with each character sporting complex personalities and trying to be the bigger man, it was going to be no easy feat. So there were many laughs to be had.

I must say that I was thrilled by the story's continuation, the brilliant directing, superb acting and great effects. The salute to the comics and video game with some subtle yet well placed comments and actions was really nice to see.


So all in all, a job well done!
A wonderfully entertaining watch that has something for everyone.


The Good: Robert Downey Jr. and his continually changing 'pet' names for the different characters!
The Bad: You really need to have seen Thor for this to follow and make sense! If you have then nothing really that bad.
The Meh: The Final show down where Dr. Banner turns into the Hulk effortlessly and without pain, and can suddenly control him with ease, contrary to his comments throughout the entire film. But not a biggy.
Hey There Good Looking: Cobie Smulders, playing the part of Agent Maria Hill

 

Overall: 9/10

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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