Actor and Actress Spotlight!

Hello, today I will be doing an Actor and Actress Spotlight. Basically, I choose a popular movie with popular actors and actresses, and discussed them. I choose Catching Fire. 

The theatrical poster for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Jennifer Lawrence: Jennifer Lawrence plays our heroine Katniss Everdeen. While Katniss is easily Lawrence's most iconic role, Lawrence has starred in many films. Starting her movie career in 2008, Lawrence starred in many small films, like The Poker House, Like Crazy and The Burning Plain. Then she got her role in 2012 film The Hunger Games, and suddenly she was one of the most wanted actresses in the world. Since The Hunger Games, she has starred in Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, The House at the End  of the Street, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. She has done all this, and shes only 23. 

Jennifer Lawrence at the 2013 Oscars

Josh Hutcherson: Josh Hutcherson plays Peeta Mellark, one of Katniss' admirers and, eventually, her husband. Josh started his career in 2003, and was a talented child actor. He starred in films like The Polar Express, The Bridge to Terabithia and Journey to the Center of the Earth. Hutcherson has starred in many small films, but his biggest career achievements would be in The Hunger Games series. Josh is only 21.

Josh Hutcherson


Liam Hemsworth: Liam Hemsworth plays Gale Hawthorne. While Hemsworth work as Gale is international, he mainly stars in smaller films, like The Last Song and Cut Bank. Liam started his career in 2007, and is the oldest of the trio, at 24. While Liam is respected and considered a wonderful actor and influence, his four year long relationship with controversial singer Miley Cyrus often gave him negative headlines. They broke up fall 2013.
 
Liam Hemsworth 

Movies to be Excited For!

I find January to often be a slow month for movies. I feel all the best movies from the holiday seasons are over and everyone's seen them, (Catching Fire, American Hustle, The Hobbit, Frozen, Wolf of Wall Street), but I have some movies that I am defiantly looking forward to these next few months.  

 First, How to Train Your Dragon 2. This animated flick may not be the movie at the top of everyone's list, but is a must see. The first one was, surprisingly, very good. The adorable and memorable Toothless and his weak but relatable human companion, Hiccup, are coming back this June. Plus, kids will love it, the animation will be superb and you may find yourself enjoying it.


            

Hiccup and dragon Toothless in a theatrical promotion


Second, we have the popular book to movie adaption, Divergent. I've read the books, and enjoyed them enough, but I'm not completely satisfied with the casting. Theo James plays Four and Miles Teller plays Peter, and I have to say I hope it works out, but I'm not sure. I am excited to see Kate Winslet play Jeanine. I'm cautious about this movie, but I am defiantly interested.



Theo James as Four and Shailene Woodley in the movie poster


Third, we have The Lego Movie. Now, I don't like Lego pieces. However, every kid plays with them at one time or another. This movie may seem as something to bring your six year old son and his friend to, but you have a good chance of enjoying it, too. With leads by Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman and popular funnyman Will Ferrell, and despite the painfully cliche slogan, (The story of a nobody who saved everybody), keep an eye on this one.
  
Will Ferrell is 'Lord Business' in the upcoming film

Now, we have a stunner. Godzilla. The beast is making a return to the movies in fall, and I have to say I'm ecstatic. Many a classic fan may be disgusted by the fact that the movie is being remade, but, with today's astounding computer animation and capabilities, we will be able to see Godzilla in all his destructive and terrifying glory. Watch out for this movie in mid September.  
 
 
 
 The poster for Godzilla, coming September 19.

Finally, our last film is Maleficent. Told from the perspective of Disney villain Maleficent, we see the whole other side of the story from Sleeping Beauty. Plus, we have our leading Lady Angelina Jolie as the witch, which should be enough to see the film. This dark portrayal of the classic princess story is a definite must see this spring.


Angelina Jolie in a promotion for the film, out late May



While of course there are tons more of amazing movies set to come out this year, (Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part One, The Fault in our Stars), I felt like these were interesting choices. Many would be overlooked as children movies, or not getting enough attention for the great film I'm hoping for. I hope you enjoyed these reviews and are excited for some of these movies as I am!

Are you looking forward to any of these movies? What are some others you are looking forward to seeing? 
 











 

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Hello! Today I will be reviewing the latest installment in the 'The Hobbit' movie series; 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'. I understand this is late, as the movie came to most North American public viewing theaters on December 13. However, whether you're still debating to go see it or you're wondering about the critical reception, read on. 

                                        One of the theatrical posters for the movie 

To me, the second movie was a huge improvement on the first movie, and no, not just because we saw the dragon. I felt this one had a much better pace. While it took a dragging near-hour to get out of Bilbo's hobbit hole in 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey', I felt I was pulled in the moment the film started. There were some amazing performance by all actors. One of the most talked about performances came from Orlando Bloom, who no one expected to actually be in the movie. Bloom's character Legolas was not in J.R.R Tolkien's book, so we were all surprised to see him. 

Of course, I have to say the best part of this film was the end. Namely, Smaug. Our dragon is played by Benedict Cumberbatch, who did an amazing voice for our villian. Cumberbatch's performance also installs a fear in the audience for Bilbo and his companions. Martin Freeman, who plays hero Bilbo Baggins, did an amazing job here as well, mainly in his in interaction with the dragon, and relatable fear and desperation. 

                                       Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Bilbo (Martin Freeman) in Erebor. 

The film also left us with a dramatic ending, which I won't put here, in case you haven't seen the film already, or read the book. Still, the ending is a major cliffhanger, and promises an amazing third and final instalment in the trilogy. (The Hobbit: There and Back Again, is set to release December 2014). 

The only negative for younger viewers would be the amount of blood and gore. Smaug can also terrify younger viewers, with his appearance, voice and evil plans. The violence comes in with the Orcs. The battle scenes, (which I will not go into detail, because spoilers) are frequent and fairly long. You see orcs being stabbed, beheaded, shot and killed. Orcs also attempt to kill young children in their home. However, the orcs are very clearly the 'bad guys' (besides Smaug), and the children will not be as affected as if it were the friendly dwarves being beheaded. However, one dwarf is shot in the leg. 

Anyway, this movie is an amazing film, and is a great enjoyment for many fans of Tolkien. Some fans may not like the book-to-movie adaption flaws, but that is the choice of the viewer. If you are not an avid fan of Tolkien, however, it is highly recommended to watch the first film before seeing this one, or this one will make little to no sense. (Or even better, just read the book!)

Leave a comment about your thoughts on the movie!