4 Dec 2015

LOVEFILM: NOVEMBER '15.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY #1 ...

The best of the three films in my opinion. 'The Hunger Games' over, less computer game like action. I felt this was an altogether more intelligent film that (dare I say it?) begin to give meaning to the previous instalments. Well acted, whilst Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and her fellow young actors as always did a good job it was wonderful to see some of the older actors (Donald Sutherland as President Snow) with a more prominent part to play.

My only complaint? Unlike some book adaptations that saw the final book made into two films, with no real sense of a distinct beginning, middle and end, this really did feel like what it was, half a film. TT

Marginally more engaging than the previous two films there is a sense of this plot eventually moving forward and developing something potentially interesting.  But, I'll wait and see. I can only hope that the conclusion gets beyond the personal and into the political. President Snow is right! The rebels have it all wrong?  NJT


BIG HERO 6 ... 

A long while since I've actually laughed (and laughed out loud at that) at a Disney animation - to be honest recent films such as Frozen have left me feeling nothing if not nauseated. I had worried I'd outgrown the twee cuteness and the all-singing-all-dancing 'villains'. And truth be told I probably have but that's OK because this isn't your typical Disney fare.

A quirky combination of East meets West. Set in 'San Fransokyo' there's a definite Japanese vibe to the film. Wonderful storytelling with several great message at its heart. The star of the show, Baymax, a marshmallow looking robot, whilst doubtlessly cute is not at all twee. But best of all .... hurrah, no schmaltzy romances, Go Go and Honey Lemon are no tiny of waist, pouted of lip young women waiting around for Mr Right or indeed any man to save them. TT

Going to have to be very nice about a Disney film which is much out of character for me.  We watched this the day after the terror attacks in Paris and it was a good antidote for such a dark day.  The young Hero's wayward existence is tempered by the big brother mentor's introduction to an education and such opportunity as it affords.  Tragedy follows and the embittered young man finds comfort in the gentle ministrations of his brother's robotic creation Baymax. As events unfold we find the tragedy was not so incidental as believed and an unintended consequence of a plan of revenge.  Hero too has to go through the pains of desire for revenge as he nears the perpetrator and events head to a climactic destruction.  What prices are paid for the lack of forgiveness and what possibility exists when it is offered? ... and it's a good giggle.  Baymax is a new role model. TT

THE GRAND SEDUCTION ... 

Gentle comedy of small town relationships and the nature of community on a small island that is losing its way, its identity and purpose as the world moves ahead of it and its contributions.  A possible resurrection is on the horizon if only the community can attract a resident doctor. Chance and a small packet of cocaine does bring a doctor (Taylor Kitsch) for a month and the whole community (co-ordinated by Brendan Gleason) goes into overdrive to persuade the man to fall in love with the island by means fair and well... not so fair.  The strangest game of cricket and a postmistress who refuses to get all flirtatious and the elderly espionage unity tapping the telephone wires keeps the absurd ticking along as they woo their catch. NJT

No sex, no violence, no swearing, just a nice, gentle, whimsical story with some terrific characters. Need I say more? TT

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM #3: SECRET OF THE TOMB ...

Way better than the somewhat dismal Night At The Museum #2, I'd even go as far as to say I enjoyed this as much as the first film in the franchise.

Full of the usual 'exhibits' -  Dexter (the monkey), my favourites, Jedediah and Octavius (the miniature cowboy and Roman soldier respectively) and, of course, the wonderful Robin Williams in his last major screen role as Teddy Roosevelt (how poignant to see his character slowly reverting to its wax self) - as well as newcomers, the rather dishy if somewhat simple, Sir Lancelot and Laaa (the caveman) who despite his monosyllabic grunting got more than his fair share of laughs - Secret Of The Tomb is set in the British Museum.

Full of good humour and with the nice touch of a father and son relationship at its heart, I'm only hoping that the series ends here whilst on such a high note. TT

Knockabout comedy romp with museum exhibits. Nothing more or less... NJT



10 comments:

StarTraci said...

I'm glad you enjoyed Big Hero 6 and yes, sometimes a movie like that is a great antidote when the world shows its ugly side.

I enjoyed Night at the Museum 3, as well. It seemed a fitting sendoff for Robin Williams although, of course, no one could have known how poignant that ending would become.

I have wanted to see "The Grand Seduction" and while I haven't seen it yet, I am sure between the two kids, a viewing of the "Hunger Games" is in my future.

Have a great weekend!
:-)
Traci

Kelly said...

I've only seen the first of your selections here. I enjoyed it, but I've not heard good things about the final film which was just released. I have to admit that by the time they get to the end of these drawn out book adaptations, I've usually lost interest.

I can't remember seeing the second museum movie. I guess I didn't miss anything. I might have to give this third one a shot.

My next movie post is scheduled for Monday.

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

'Hunger Games' really isn't my kind of thing, although a couple of your choices caught my eye.

I am off to find a clip of 'Night In The Museum 3', as I really can't recall whether we have watched it or not.

We used to watch all of the Disney films, almost as soon as they were released and it might be a little churlish to now be think that if we can no longer take our Disney vacations then we won't watch the films any more! However Family members who have seen 'Big Hero 6', have nothing but praise for the film and consider it to be one of the best!

Thanks for sharing and have a good weekend.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

I've only seen the first Hunger Games movie so I need to catch up. LOVED Big 6. That was so much fun.

Stephanie@Fairday's Blog said...

I haven't seen any of these- but I have wanted to finish watching the Hunger Games series (only seen the first one). I will hopefully catch up soon. Great to hear your thoughts. :)

Shooting Stars Mag said...

glad you liked Mockingjay part 1; I saw the 2nd part this past month and really enjoyed it!

I haven't seen Big Hero Six but I am curious. Glad you enjoyed it!

Gina said...

Have seen all but the "seduction" one and enjoyed them just as merrily. In fact, my copy of the first movie arrived in the mail yesterday! Can't wait to watch it again. ^-^

Brian Joseph said...

I have not yet delved into the Hunger Games books or films. I do think that I might enjoy the movies so I do want to give them a try.

It is good to know that the series ends on a high note.

brandileigh2003 said...

I enjoyed Big Hero 6 as well, but haven't had a chance to see Mockingjay yet.

Literary Feline said...

I wish the Mockingjay films had been made into one film. I've enjoyed all the films, but think something was lost by making the final book into two movies.

I haven't yet seen Big Hero Six, but I want to see it. I haven't seen the other two either, I'm afraid. At the moment, we are re-watching the Star Wars movies in anticipation of the new one coming out in a couple weeks. My husband is a big fan (at least of the original series).