The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, 4 Stars

This is an excellent movie. I agree with the critics who say this sequel is better than the first one.

Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) is superb. It's hard to imagine that she can get even better than this, but she is still young and let's hope for her sake and ours that her talent continues to grow. Stanley Tucci (Devil Wears Prada), Donald Sutherland (Pride and Prejudice) and Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Twister) all give (expected) strong performances. Woody Harrelson (Doc Hollywood) has 'upped his game' recently and is delivery higher quality stuff. But it is the acting by both Elizabeth Banks (Definitely, Maybe) and Jena Malone (Contact) that is rightly drawing raves- they are surprisingly very strong.

A good plot, well-delivered at a great pace, I highly recommend it. I would see again (and again) and look forward to the remaining two Hunger Games films.

About Time 3.5 Stars

This is a really interesting movie with a different story that seems to work very well. It is directed by Richard Curtis who also directed Nottinghill and Love Actually and has a very similar feel to it.

The story is about time travel (which should not be a 'spoiler' as it's shown in the movie trailers) and takes a few twists that are unexpected. But the result is a thought provoking movie that I think should stand the test of time.

Bill Nighy (also in Love Actually) is delightfully good and Rachel McAdams (Midnight in Paris) plays a quieter more supportive role than I've seen her in. The surprise is Dohhnail Gleeson (Harry Potter 7 & 8) who carries the film with an awkward but strong performance. Other actors are not as well known to me but they add to the overall lovely effect.

I cannot wait to see this again and might return to the theatre to do so, soon.

Gravity 3.5 Stars

I really liked this movie. Much has been written about the style of shooting and it is very, very well done. I don't know enough about the artistic merits of filmmaking but it is spectacular to watch. I saw it in 3D but I don't know if it added anything or not (does it ever?).

There are essentially only two actors: George Clooney (The Ides of March) is his excellent, smooth self; and, Sandra Bullock (The Blindside). I liked her in this role but I've seen some reviews by critics who felt that other actresses would have been better. She gives a fairly wide ranging performance including playing an initially nauseous astronaut and at one point has a great throw-away line (which you might miss) "I hate space".

The story is an interesting premise of self examination and self worth. There are some slow parts but it generally keeps moving. And I'd like to see it again, especially on the big screen.

Last Vegas 2.5 Stars

This is a nice little film, but don't rush out.

There are some great performances.  Morgan Freeman (The Bucket List), Michael Douglas (The American President) and Kevin Kline (Dave) are all very good, are what you expect and work well together. He is the last to be introduced but they are led by Robert de Niro (Silver Linings Playbook) who is the glue for the other actors and thus the movie.

The concept isn't new, nor are the jokes, but to me it still works. Worth renting and I might even see it again sometime.

Right Kind of Wrong, 2 Stars

This is a quirky little movie. Surprisingly, I think I'd like to see this again.

It looks like it might have been shot in Banff but that is downplayed as  the lighting and film quality are 'cheap'. Instead of beautiful, lush shots, they are flat, lacking lustre. The script is weak and the story predictable.

The casting is interesting. Catherine O'Hara (Home Alone) is delightfully quirky and could have been on screen more. Ryan Kwanten and Sara Canning (neither of whom I was familiar with) do their best but I don't know if it's that they cannot act, or that the script is that bad (or both). Still, the camera is kind to them and they are both nice to watch on the big screen.

If the script had been stronger, the film might have been also...

Lee Daniels' The Butler, 3 Stars

This is a good movie, if only to see who is cast as whom. Alan Rickman, whom I admire greatly (superb in Sense & Sensibility and of course the HP series), is Ronald Reagan. A little strange to see but he gets Reagan's speaking cadence down very nicely and is quite credible.

Forest Whitaker (excellent in Good Morning, Vietnam 1987) is very good but I often felt I was watching a performance (except a family dinner scene, late in the movie). Oprah Winfrey (The Color Purple, 1985) is very good and should get some award nominations. But there is too much of her.

The strangest casting is John Cusack (Serendipity) as Richard Nixon. The 1960 scene is awkward (and is meant to be). But the 1974 segment, just before a slurred and drunken Tricky Dick resigns, is very well done and I felt it works. Jane Fonda (On Golden Pond) does a wonderful 30 second cameo as Reagan's wife.

An interesting look back at American Presidential history, most of which I remember or knew about. Worth seeing and I think I'd like to see again.

Muriel's Wedding (1994), 2.5 Stars

Well, I've seen better photos of Toni Collette. And I've seen her in better movies (such as Little Miss Sunshine). But I've heard this is known as Toni's breakout movie and one can see a wide range of acting skills displayed by her. Rachel Griffiths (whom I liked in The Rookie, 2002) is excellent also.

It's a disjointed little movie about a disjointed Australian family. It's well done, drags in some places, but I'm not sure I'd see it again. If you like those two actresses it is worth viewing.

The Way Way Back, 3.5 stars

This is a lovely film. I highly recommend it. (It may be hard to find, as it was only at one theatre in our city.)

It has the same 'feel' as Little Miss Sunshine (and also includes Steve Carell [Dan in Real Life] and Toni Colette [In Her Shoes]) - there's a relaxed easiness to the story.

It's a great cast - Liam James (Fred Claus) plays a 14 year old really well, stiff shoulders and all, and his dialogue throughout feels natural. Especially with the next door neighbour daughter played by Annasophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). And Sam Rockwell (Frost/Nixon) is hilarious while also being a sympathetic listener.

It is a coming of age story with lots of teenage angst, all of which I love. I can't wait to see it again.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), 4 stars

Watched this recently and it holds up very well after 40+ years (let's hope that all of us can say the same about ourselves...).

Of course, Paul Newman (Cool Hand Luke) (look at those eyes!) and Robert Redford (The Natural) are excellent, as is Katherine Ross (The Graduate).

The dialogue works incredibly well, still, especially between Newman and Redford, some of which has to be 'ad lib'. And there is the signature phrase 'Who are those guys, anyway?'

The film quality is decent also. And the Burt Bacharach music is delightful.

Worth seeing (and hearing) again and again.

Turbo, 1.5 stars

This is a pleasant movie. It drags in places and is totally predictable but my 5 year old granddaughter enjoyed it.

Of the voices, only Ryan Reynolds (Definitely, Maybe) and Paul Giamatti (Truman) were recognizable to me and each did a nice job.

A good rental for young children.

Red 2, 2 Stars

Well, this sequel is similar to the first, but not as good. It drags occasionally and some of the fight scenes go on too long.

Casting is great: Bruce Willis (The Kid) and Helen Mirren (The Queen) dominate the dialogue and each scene they're in; and, Anthony Hopkins (Zorro) and Mary-Louise Parker (TV's West Wing) are quality additions who are experts at delivering their lines with subtlety and yet with emotional depth.

You don't have to have seen the first one - this one would make an enjoyable rental.

Despicable Me 2, 3 Stars

I liked this movie and recommend it. It moves well and, with a young viewing crowd, does not drag so that the audience gets restless. There's not much of a memorable plot (meaning I'm having trouble re-creating it...).

The poster to the left is of an upcoming Minion movie as I wanted to highlight the Minions who are hilarious. The other voices are good, some recognizable, but no one stands out.

A very enjoyable outing at the big screen, with many laugh-out-loud moments.

(P.S. I have changed my rating system and put it directly into the headline of the movie. Depending on time, I might go back and revise the previous posts.)

Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), and Before Midnight (2013)

Well, these are different - a trilogy starring the same actor and actress playing the same characters. It started in 1995 and added the next each nine years.

All the movies are slow - the pacing reminds me of Out of Africa (1985). My lower rating for the first film may reflect my getting used to it.

Ethan Hawke (Dead Poets Society 1989 - "Oh captain, my captain") and Julie Delpy (whom I was not familiar with) are wonderfully cast - their conversations are natural and fit their life experiences.

Each of the films feature exceptionally long scenes - some over 10 minutes - taken in one shot. I don't know how many 'takes' those scenes took but they are fascinating to watch as each interchange unfolds. Delpy and Hawke apparently became more involved in the writing in the latter two movies and the flow appears smoother.

I recommend all three films. The latest movie, Before Midnight, received exceptional reviews, which drew me to find the first two (and to watch them first). While all three are good, the most recent stands out and I would see it again.

Man of Steel

I like this movie and want to see it at least once more. The plot is interesting, with some different twists to the legend that are either new or of which I was not aware.

Some of it is beautifully done - the scenes on Krypton are stunning - and there are some excellent performances. Henry Cavill (Stardust [2007]) as Superman is very watchable and credible. His angst about what his role should be or is, is tangible. Amy Adams (who mixes solid work with clunkers like The Wedding Date [which I liked!]), is very good as Lois Lane and adds a strong dimension to the story.

Russell Crowe (A Good Year) is superb. Ayelet Zurer, with whom I was not familiar, does a good job and might be one to watch. Kevin Costner (For Love of the Game), who is often only good in baseball movies in my opinion, is effective in a restrained way.

While the story generally moves along, it is too long (and drags in places) due to the length of the scenes with violence. Still, it's a good movie and if you like the Superman legend, I recommend it.

The Soloist (2008)

This is a good movie and the second time I've seen it.

Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man etc), who is always great and whom loyal readers will know I admire, is actually not his wise-cracking, impromptu self. But he is very effective as a reporter trying to help a homeless man who has a ton of talent. Jamie Foxx (Dreamgirls [2006]) is superb and this movie is worth seeing for his performance alone.

With more emphasis and public discussion on mental health in recent years, I wonder if this movie would have had greater attention and acceptance if it had been released in the last year or two.

Good story, worth seeing, moves pretty well. I think I could see it again a few times just to watch for the nuances of Downey's and Foxx's performances.

Von Ryan's Express (1965)

Well, I saw this in the 60's and just found it on Netflix. This is a WW2 movie starring Frank Sinatra (gazzillions of shows, movies, etc) and Trevor Howard (Mutiny on the Bounty 1962) and to my surprise a young James Brolin (Catch me if you can).

It's a typical war movie, good plot, usual violence. I'm surprised a re-make hasn't been made. Okay rental I guess but even better if it's free.

Iron Man 3

I like the Iron Man series. And I love Robert Downey Jr. (Heart and Souls is one of my favourite films). Gwyneth Platrow (Shakespeare in Love) is not hard to watch and Don Cheadle (Family Man [which includes Robert Downey SR]) is delightfully irreverent. Ty Simpkins (whom I'm not familiar with) holds his own in scenes with Downey.

I'd have to think hard about what the plot is or was. But who cares? It's Iron Man, it's got Downey's unbelievably fast repartee (some of which has to be 'ad lib'). If you like this sort of film, you'll like this one.

The Sessions

I had heard good things about this movie and the performances, but this one really surprised me in a positive way.

The cast is generally superb: Helen Hunt (Cast Away) is very effective; John Hawkes (whom I don't remember in Lincoln) is phenomenal considering he can only move his head; and William Macy (Seabiscuit) plays a thoughtful long haired priest who helps the characters (and the audience) deal with the issues raised by the film. Moon Bloodgood (Eight Below) gives a solid performance. (The only weak link is Adam Arkin (Hitch) - I don't know if it's how his character is written or how he delivers it.)

A very thought-provoking topic, with a few sub-topics included. The movie flows fairly well but occasionally drags. Be sure you know what it's about before you view it. I highly recommend it.

Star Trek Into Darkness

This is a worthy sequel (or Part 2) to the re-boot of the series a few years ago. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are Kirk and Spock again and, while enjoyable, they seemed to be just going through the motions and didn't add any 'zip' to their acting nor the film.

The key to the movie is Benedict Cumberbatch (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) who is evil and excellent. The quality and wide range of his emotional performance is riveting and  worth seeing again.

Also introduced is Alice Eve (She's Out of My League). She gives a fairly lightweight performance - I wonder if we'll see more of her in the future?

The movie has non-stop action and flows pretty well. Cumberbatch gives my rating an extra 1/2 star.

No Reservations (2007)

Saw this 2007 film recently. It is an entirely predictable, mindless story about an aunt, Catherine Zeta Jones (Zorro) who becomes the guardian of her niece played by Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine). Breslin was 11 at the time, as pictured here. The other picture is when she was 15 in 2011 (Source: Wikipedia).

Also included is Aaron Eckhart (delightful in the underrated Possession [2002]), whom I find often plays 'himself'. An actress I've started to notice more of recently is Patricia Clarkson (the also underrated Station Agent [2003]).

Anyway, this is not getting a high rating but it's an enjoyable rental.

42

My favourite baseball movies (in no particular order) are: The Natural, Field of Dreams, A League of Their Own, and Bull Durham. 42 is a nice movie based on a true and important story, but I don't rate it in those top four.

Harrison Ford (apparently his movies have grossed over $5 Billion in revenue) has fun in a bit of an 'over the top' role. This was Chadwick Boseman's second movie role and he is credible as Jackie Robinson. Alan Tudyk (A Knight's Tale) plays a racist and he does a good, though chilling, job.

Some reviews said that Robinson went through tougher times than were portrayed here and the movie was 'watered down'. I think the Director and writers (and perhaps Robinson's widow) were trying to portray more of a hero-worshipping film (which would likely result in a larger box office). The tone reminds me of the 2007 film Maurice Richard (The Rocket). 

But 42 is still worth seeing and I'd see it again.

Admission

I like Tina Fey (Mean Girls) and I liked this movie. Tina and Paul Rudd (Perks of Being a Wallflower) appear to have some good chemistry and the movie flows easily when they are on screen. Lily Tomlin (West Wing, Laugh-In) is great as always and has an off-the-wall character that she plays well. And Michael Sheen (The Queen) continues to show his diversity.

The story is good and flows well. But I'm not sure if I'd see it again.

There are ethical issues that are front and centre - some are addressed and some are just glossed over. And it is those issues that stayed with me - and perhaps that is the point. But I'm still not sure I'd see it again.

Oz the Great and Powerful

This movie didn't work for me. But if you like James Franco (Spider-man), then you might like it. To me he is one of those actors that plays himself - in this case robotic, not very thoughtful, pretty vacuous.

I am realizing that I like Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain & I don't remember her in the delightful The Station Agent 2003). She is sneaking onto my radar with quite solid performances - her films listed on rottentomatoes.com since 2007 have some very impressive and positive reviews. Rachel Weisz (The Bourne Legacy) was okay - perhaps she didn't have much to work with?

The movie drags in a few places, suffers from some poor writing and could be shortened. It's colourful but that's not enough to carry it. It's in 3-D, which once again proves why that it is a 'tool' that the film industry hasn't mastered (except for snowflakes or small bubbles coming out of the screen).

Safe Haven

First of all, this is a Nicholas Sparks movie (based on his book). Enough said (but since I have more space...).

This film just feels disjointed. I'm not sure if Julianne Hough (Footloose) can act - there's not a lot of range shown. And Josh Duhamel (Win a Date with Tad Hamilton) is equally monotonous. I liked Cobie Smulders (whom I don't remember in The Avengers) and newcomer Noah Lomax shows good potential as one of the kids.

My impression is that Sparks is getting edgier in his stories - I'm not sure how the book was, but it doesn't translate to the screen. The cutting back and forth in time leaves a very choppy 'story'.

You might want to rent it or wait til it's on free TV (which is what I might do, if I'm desperate...).

Argo

This is an excellent and exciting film. There's been lots of anecdotal conversation about the movie and I wanted to see it and write this review before the Oscars tonight. I still think it will win Best Picture, partially in sympathy for Ben Affleck (The Company Men) who is excellent in his acting role and does a fine job directing (for which he was not nominated).

Alan Arkin (a young version pictured at left) (Little Miss Sunshine) plays a caustic role that he (always) does well in, and John Goodman (King Ralph) is also good. Other actors are well-cast and play their roles well.

The film moves with a good rhythm of tension in Iran, offset by 'lighter' moments on the other side of the globe. Not sure if I'd see it again, having lived through some of the real saga years ago, but I'm glad I saw it and I recommend it to you.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

This is a nice film and suitable for age 5 and up.

Totally predictable, featuring Jim Carrey (The Truman Show). His performance was inconsistent - brief flashes of the zany stuff that we have all come to expect, but I thought he looked tired and gaunt and sometimes it felt like he wasn't 'in' the part. Carla Gugino (whom I liked in Night at the Museum and who appears to have had other mainly minor roles during her career) is good, and Madeline Carroll (who looked familiar but is new to me) plays her daughter and showed some good acting range. Oh yes, Angela Lansbury plays her usual type of character.

An enjoyable rental.

Silver Linings Playbook

I really liked this movie. And if I didn't think Argo was a lock for the Academy Award's Best Pic, this one is right up there (and might satisfy the strange AA voting system of ranking all the best pic nominees).

I thought Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) was excellent, showing the skills we had already seen in 'the Games' (and I think she'll win the AA Best Actress). I heard Robert de Niro (Stardust) was great. I thought he was good, not great  (maybe he sets such a high standard in most of his other films that we are spoiled?) But it was Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers) who really surprised me with his range and depth - very impressive.

I liked the story, the visuals and the overall flow. It all felt like it could be a part of anyone's life, which is not always the case. I'd like to see it again.

Quartet

A lovely movie. A gentle look at ageing in a British seniors home for those with musical backgrounds. I found myself seeing emotional glimpses of my parents in their final years, while recognizing much of the music, and remembering the nerve-wracking hustle and bustle of preparing for a performance that are captured well here.

Apparently this is Dustin Hoffman's directing debut. He does a nice job - I have a few quibbles about the progression and development of some of the relationships, but generally it all rings true. (Sir) Tom Courtenay (The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner 1962 and Dr Zhivago) gives a very strong performance, as do Pauline Collins (Shirley Valentine) and Michael Gambon (the HP series). And of course, Maggie Smith (the underrated Ladies in Lavender, with Judi Dench) is herself, and superb.

Not a 'great' movie - it is, after all, showing in January which are the 'dog days' of the movie year. But solid and I'd see it again for the performances and to catch the nuances I missed the first time.

Promised Land

I liked this movie. But then, I like just about anything with Matt Damon (The Adjustment Bureau) in it - I find that he is compelling, down to earth, telling it like it is - maybe he only plays various shades of himself (as opposed to Johnny Depp who appears able to re-invent himself in different roles). But I still like his character(s).

It's a good story, about 'fracking' for oil (look it up). But there is something that is bothering me about the movie. Some critics call it too contrived, with a lame ending. Well, I like contrived; and, a lame ending is in the eyes of the beholder I'd say. Cannot put my finger on it...

There are good performances - John Krasinski (Office); Rosemarie DeWitt (The Company Men, in which she was  very solid support for Ben Affleck - in this movie I would describe her as 'wholesome'); and Hal Holbrook (All the President's Men - 1976). And the vistas of landscapes are quite lovely to watch.

A good rental, I'd see it again. And I gave it an extra 1/2 star for Damon.