Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, 3 Stars

While I liked this movie, and would see it again, something was missing.

In splitting the final book of the HP series, my daughter observed that the film Director had captured the book's bleakness in Part 1 of the movie. In the Hunger Games trilogy of books, the third is generally acknowledged as the weakest (I agree). So maybe there wasn't a lot to work with in the first place?

Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) is a wonder to watch. The camera loves her, especially in gigantic close ups in the theatre. Her range of emotion is so impressive. It was sad seeing Philip Seymour Hoffman (Twister) in one of his final roles. Julianne Moore (The Fugitive) is a great addition to the cast. Donald Sutherland (Pride & Prejudice) can say so much more in a whisper than most actors. But it is Elizabeth Banks (Definitely, Maybe) (sorry, Joss) who is worth the price of admission. She is excellent in the first two films of this series and tops those performances in this one and if there's a bleak character, she's it. Bring on Part 2!

The Theory of Everything 3 Stars

I like this movie. The story is very compelling. Although some parts may be hard to believe, it is presented quite well. It does flounder around the 3/4 mark and doesn't really return to the interest and intensity of the first parts of the film. Nevertheless, the performances are worth seeing.

Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables) is very very good in portraying Hawking's deteriorating body while maintaining his sense of humour and twinkling eyes. Felicity Jones (apparently a dinner guest in Julie & Julia) also masters a wide range of emotions. The audience is very sympathetic to her and her chosen lot in life. David Thewlis (HP series) also does a good job.

I would see it again just to see the strong performances. Some of Redmayne's lines are hard to understand and that is another reason to see it once more.

3 Kids Movies

The Book of Life - 2 Stars (maybe). Nicely drawn and some interesting philosophical challenges, but not much more.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - 1 Star (maybe). This is a lovely BOOK. Not too hard for young readers and fun each time it comes to the chorus / title. Might take 20 minutes to read? Don't try to imagine how they made this into 80 minutes on the screen. Jennifer Garner (Dallas Buyer's Club) is her usual sweet self but even she cannot save this. Yuck.

Big Hero 6 - 2.5 Stars. Saw this in a theatre full of young kids. Some laughs. Not bad story, nice animation, interesting characters and concept. I'd see it again.