The Lucky One

Well, I was apprehensive about this movie, as the critics almost universally panned it. But, it is a Nicholas Sparks story (The Notebook, Message in the Bottle, etc) - need I say (much) more?

The story line is entirely predictable, as per the trailers. Zac Efron is quite something to watch and removes his shirt (well, you've gotta expect that?). One reviewer indicated that he actually caught a glimpse of some acting potential and that maybe Zac is ready for something that doesn't just feature his nice face and laser beam eyes? Taylor Schilling is better than I expected, based on her lack of (film) experience - I had seen an interview of the two of them and she had trouble maintaining eye contact (while Zac, of course, was mesmerizing). She was decent, lovely to look at and displayed a wider range of  emotions than I would have anticipated.

Blythe Danner, who doesn't have a huge part and has been around forever, is a delight. Her conservation of movement and measured responses in dialogue are great - it's fun to watch a pro.

I also liked the shooting of the scenery - lovely to see. All in all, a predictable event, I think I'd see again, and would make a good rental when you want something fluffy.

The Hunger Games

Well, this is a very good, but intense movie, as was the first book of the trilogy (which I now need to re-read). Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone, for which she was nominated for an Oscar) plays the role of Katniss to perfection. She is moody or determined when she needs to be and it does feel like she's wrestling with what role she should play in the upcoming competition. The movie's subject is somewhat distressing and at times hard to watch (although it is superbly shot and is not too graphic).

The supporting cast is excellent including strong portrayal's by Woody Harrelson (Doc Hollywood, which I recommend), Elizabeth Banks (Definitely, Maybe which I also recommend), Stanley Tucci (a gazillion movies including Shall We Dance and The Devil Wears Prada), and Donald Sutherland (another bazillion, including Pride & Prejudice (2005), the superb Ordinary People (1981) and the original movie, M*A*S*H (1970)).

The film moves along at a good pace and it doesn't feel like 2 hours & 15 minutes have gone by. Not sure I'd see it again, certainly not immediately. But I did come out of there very glad to be alive.

Mirror, Mirror

Well, I'm not sure what we were thinking - Mirror, Mirror was 'not quite horrible' (to quote my wife). It was almost embarrassing watching Julia Roberts try to have an accent of some sort as the Queen. Lily Collins (Blindside, where she played the daughter - believe it or not - 'Collins') as Snow White is lovely but never seems to take real ownership of the role. The Prince was forgettable and stiff but the Dwarves were fun to watch. And Nathan Lane (Birdcage, 1996) is great as the predictable Queen's assistant.

Maybe consider as a rental, if you're really bored.