Mockingjay Part 1 - Hunger Games Series (2014)

After Catching Fire came out, I finally read the entire book series. I couldn't wait for the new film to come out knowing the battle was going to start. If you've read the books, then I know you will be pleased when you see how the film honors the original writing.

At the end of Catching Fire, we last see Katniss break the force field around the arena in the 75th Annual Hunger Games. A rescue team pulled Katniss from the arena as it fell apart, and then told her she was to be the face of their rebellion, their Mockingjay. Immediately she asked about Peeta. She learned that the Capitol captured Peeta and a few other tributes while she was being rescued. In the last moments of the film, she is told that District 12 was destroyed.

In Mockingjay Part 1, the film begins with her coming to grips with the circumstances, and recovering in District 13. Katniss is introduced to District 13's President Coin, played by Julianne Moore, and the team that will help spread their message to the other districts, and specific messages to the Capitol: Beetee, Effie, Plutarch, played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Hamich. Katniss is assigned a small crew to film propaganda pieces while they visit the devastation in her home District 12 and the survivors of District 8. Inspired, they film several pieces to give hope to the remaining districts. Interviews between Peeta and Caesar Flickerman air regularly showing a rapid decline in Peeta's well-being. Katniss knows they need to rescue him as soon as possible. President Coin saw the opportunity and sent a small group on a covert mission to get into the Capitol and rescue the imprisoned tributes. As a reader of the books, the only scene that I was eager to see is the reunion between Katniss and Peeta. It doesn't happen in the way we all would expect. The rebellion is in full operation, but now everyone has a role to play. Now we wait for part 2 to see the ending to the series.

I can't say enough good things about this film. It is very well made, great special effects, camera techniques, and with Jennifer Lawrence as the lead it isn't hard to feel her pain. Even if you've read the books, and the story is fresh in your mind, the film is hardly predictable. I was pleased, however, that they used the original speeches from the book. "If we burn, you burn with us!" Among others.

The most shocking was watching Peeta's Capitol appearances and each time looking more emaciated, sick, and destroyed. Only at the end of the film we can see a better view of his overall physical state and it is truly heartbreaking to see. You can almost feel the shock Katniss feels looking at him. Over the past year photos from production have leaked, showing Josh Hutcherson looking very healthy and fit, which concludes that they added special effects to make him look as horrible as he did by the end of the film. Josh played Peeta's emotions brilliantly. After everything Peeta has been through, he looks at familiar people with emptiness in his eyes, as though he's never met them before.

I noticed a few problems with the film, but nothing that would change how the viewer sees the film. Towards the end of the film, President Coin is speaking to her district. There is a close up on her face during the climatic moment and you can see she must've eaten before the speech. There was something between her two front teeth! If they can use special effects to make Peeta look convincingly sick, they can certainly erase the speck on Coin's teeth. Maybe it's just me, but Coin's contact lenses didn't look that great either.

I remember Jennifer Lawrence had cut her hair very short between film roles. Kristen Stewart did the same thing between filming Twilight and The Runaways. Which means in the series films that follow, a wig will be added. One of my biggest filming pet peeves is when the hair looks fake. Jennifer's hair is naturally dark, long, thick and wavy with very specific layers around her face. In this film her hair had an all-too-perfect hair line, the layers weren't there anymore, and it wasn't the same texture as her natural.

It was great seeing Philip Seymour Hoffman again. During the ending credits they added a tribute to him. Since his passing I've read his large part had to be cut down to something smaller. They hadn't been able to finish filming with him before his passing. I don't know if his passing affected this film at all, but I expected to see more of him.

I can't say too much more without giving too much away. You have to see this new film! The Hunger Games is some of the greatest works to entertain us in a time films are beginning to suffer at the box office. From page to screen it's an in-depth adventure into a futuristic world. It's about not being poor slaves, but fighting back! Liberation! And Jennifer Lawrence delivers an excellent performance every time.

When the film was over, I heard different voices around me, "wow!" "Aw geez!" "Oh my Gosh!" "That was crazy!" I'm not making this up! It will have you on the edge of your seat the whole way!

Of Mice And Men, National Theatre Live (2014)

I went to the movie theater to have an experience, and I got more than I expected. I was floored in the first 10 minutes watching the dialogue between George and Lennie, played by James Franco and Chris O'Dowd. The intensity between these two demonstrated a long, rough past they've shared together, and their journey wasn't over yet.

The play is about George and Lennie. Two men who work and travel together in, what looked like, 1930's California. George is hardworking, rough around the edges, and keeps Lennie on a short leash. Lennie is mentally disabled, large, with a very youthful personality. Whenever Lennie "misbehaves"or causes trouble George has to pack up and move the two of them to the next ranch to work and earn money. Lennie likes it when George talks about their plans to have a ranch of their own. Their dreams of their own home with land is what motivates them. Everything comes to a head at the next ranch they work on. George realizes Lennie has become too much of a handful.

The relationship between George and Lennie is very moving to watch. They both look out for each other, protect each other, and though they never say it they also love each other. The theme of the script is companionship, loneliness, and the need for someone to be close to. Leighton Meester plays a rancher's wife who briefly gets close to Lennie. She is the only woman on the ranch with no one to confide in, so she constantly visits the other working men on the ranch hoping to talk to one them.

We can all relate the need to be close to someone else. Companionship and the desire to not be alone is within all of us.

I really liked seeing George and Lennie together. Chris and James had great chemistry. Chris was flawless, vulnerable, honest and sincere as Lennie. Chris stole the show, for me. George was sensitive when it came to Lennie. Lennie is his weakness. James was fantastic as George. James reminded me of James Dean: mysterious, dominant, aggressive, takes care of Lennie before himself. If there is one thing I have learned, James Franco always delivers and his performance in this play far surpassed any expectation I had. Brilliant performances!

The scene transitions were themed to the period. Strategically period props were used to maneuver scene changes, even having a water trough on stage! Very cool!

The stage blood was very well done. During fights you'd start to see blood appear on their faces. It looked as though they had a stash of makeup and blood in various places on stage. While the other men would move around and encourage the fight, shielding the fight slightly, the two fighters would mess up their faces to show the damage. It something you have to see to believe, it was a very creative way to simulate a real time fight.

The only part I'm still trying to understand is the ending. I won't give it away here, but if any of you out there know the ending and understand why it had to end the way it did, please feel free to comment below.

In the last moments of the play, Lennie asks George to repeat what they once talked about at the beginning. George points out over the audience to the mountains in the distance and tells Lennie to imagine the good life they planned. George begins to describe the ranch and the animals they would've had. Lennie looks out, blank expression behind his eye while he tried to "see" what George describes. Then Lennie asks George to talk about them.

"Guys like us, they got no family," George starts.

"But not us George. Not us because I got you and you got me," says Lennie with enthusiasm,
"That's what gives a hoot in hell about us."

The last moment they share together on stage is Lennie looking out over the audience into those mountains, and his eyes light up for a moment with excitement. "I see it George! I can see it."

Patch Adams (1999), A Tribute to Robin Williams

I can't remember the first time I saw Robin Williams. Growing up, I knew him as the funny man in strange movies. When I was young I watched him in The World According To Garp, Toys, Popeye, and later as the voice of the Genie in Aladdin. As I grew up, I developed a deep love and appreciation for the art of performance, in part because of Robin. There is no one else in the world, that can go up on a stage, and deliver great humor and intelligence in the same way Robin does. Hollywood will never know another like him.

I was in San Francisco, on a business trip, when I heard Robin had died. I didn't want to believe it. It was a rough week for me, trying to work while mourning the death of a beloved artist and role model. The father I never had. Though it has taken me some time to write this blog about him, I'm glad I waited. I've had time to reflect, research, and understand more about him, which only helped me to respect him more. I, too, live with depression and anxiety. I understand the battle to maintain balance, and build strength when you feel weak. I know that for some, the battle is much more difficult. Knowing that Robin made a great effort to help himself, gives me a sense of acceptance and peace. He is no longer suffering in this life. Now he can move on to the next.

When Robin made films, he left a lasting impression. He gave his everything to his audiences, friends, and family. Billy Crystal said it best at the Emmy Awards 2014, "It's difficult to think of him in the past, because he was so present."

Patch Adams is a great platform in which to remember such a comedic icon. This film becomes the most relevant to Robin's life and legacy because of the purpose. Hunter "Patch" Adams tried to commit suicide, but was saved after connecting with other ill patients, making them laugh. In the film, there is a conversation Patch has with Carin that speaks volumes. Carin asks him if the rumor about his stay at a mental institution was true.

Patch: "I tried to kill myself. The mental ward was the best thing that ever happened to me."

Carin: "What did the doctor's do to help you?"

Patch: "The doctors didn't help me. The patients helped me. They helped me realize that by helping them I could forget about my own problems. And I did. I really helped some of them. It's an incredible feeling."

This is what Robin Williams did for the world. Humor is a great tool in life. It's a shield against negativity, it's a bind between opposing forces, and it's a contagious healing agent. Making us laugh is what made Robin happy. He gave us 40 years of laughs, and each laugh is timeless. He can still be shared with the generations to come. Share Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams, Aladdin, Jumanji, and Good Morning Vietnam with your kids. They, too, will experience the laughs Robin left behind.

Patch Adams is a great story about a man who hit bottom, but then discovered a reason to live. After getting into medical school, he challenged the world of medicine with a theory that laughter and positivity can benefit the health of the patients. Patch's mentors believed transference between a physician and patient was a bad thing. Patch believed it was essential to the improvement of their quality of life to connect with patients. And he would be right. The Dean of the medical school tries to find a way to expel Patch for being different, offended by his "excessive happiness." The Dean believed doctors are meant to treat the profession with seriousness, and technicalities. He felt the class clown didn't belong. Patch would fight the system in order to graduate.

This film demonstrates the risks Patch took to make his dream a reality. Based on a true story, and true events, Robin Williams shows depth, sincerity, and honesty in a passionate character's fight to be true to himself, and help others.

A great family film, very funny, very moving, and the imperfect moments of the film make it even better! Robin Williams at his best, playing the comedy and tragedy well! I recommend this film to everyone. I can't think of anything negative to say about it.

My Facebook Post:
"Something to remember about depression: when we don't have confidence in ourselves, we look for ways to cope. Humor is a great tool for breaking the ice, making introductions, being expressive, and touching people around us. Depression is more powerful than others realize. I understand it because I've been living with depression for most of my life. Comedy often becomes our only tool to communicate. We poke fun at ourselves as a way to deal with our insecurities. Comedy gives us hope that we can still fit in with everyone else who is more "complete." I've always had a good sense of humor. Making others smile makes me feel better about myself. Having the support and reliance on others makes me stronger." -Lisa Marie Monette

Two legends in film.

"A preview of coming attractions..."

My facebook tribute, that I made, above. 

This was a paper outside my hotel during my visit in SF. I took this photo with my phone. 

Gone too soon. 

RIP

The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)

This is one of my favorites movies. Based on true events. And one of Val Kilmer's best performances. Not to mention a beautiful landscape in Africa.

The Ghost and the Darkness are the names given to the lions that attacked. It was 1898 when bridge builder Col. John Patterson joined a team in Tsavo, Africa to build a bridge between Kenya and Uganda. During building, lions were attacking at night, killing hundreds of workers in a matter of weeks. It was making the men too afraid to stay and work. As the killings became more frequent, Patterson requested reinforcements but was quickly denied by his superior in England. One of Patterson's workers called for his own reinforcement, in known huntsman Charles Remington. Patterson and Remington fight off the lions side by side. They learn there are two lions in particular that are hunting together. Lions are independent hunters. "These lions, are not like lions." Together, Patterson and Remington are on a mission to keep their workers safe, and end the terror the lions bring.

The two maneless lions that attacked were shot and killed by John Patterson. It took more than 6 months to build the bridge, than the 4 months originally scheduled. Patterson documents these events in his book The Man-Eaters of Tsavo. Now the lions are on display at The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Illinois. I don't know about you, but I've never seen "maneless" male lions before. In the film they were lions with manes, which I think makes them a little scarier.

I love this film because it's thrilling, suspenseful, with a touch of humor, with some of the greatest actors to portray the legend from 100 years ago.

The real lions

Shrek, The Musical (2013)

It's fortunate for me that live stage shows are now becoming available on netflix. Shrek is a family friendly show. There is something in it for every age! Really fun script similar to the film, with all of our beloved characters. Puss in Boots even makes a cameo!

Shrek The Musical is slightly different from the original film. In the stage version, we get a better understanding of Shrek's background, and even Fiona's time in the tower.

The complex story begins when Shrek's parents think it's time for him to have his own life. In the land of Far Far Away, Shrek finds he doesn't fit in with everyone else, since he is the only ogre among humans and fairy tale creatures. Shrek finds a swamp to call home and lives there, alone. One day all of the fairy tale characters flood Shrek's swamp. Shrek gets upset, finds out that Lord Farquaad has banished them to the forest, and decides to pay Farguaad a visit to get his swamp back. Donkey, becomes Shrek's side kick against Shrek's wishes. Then we learn that Lord Farquaad wants to be King, which means he needs to marry a princess. The other princesses didn't appeal to him, but he set his sights on particular princess, Fiona. She's trapped in a tower, with a dragon guarding her. After meeting Shrek, Lord Farquaad makes a deal with him. Shrek gets his swamp, after rescuing the princess. The journey begins.

Lord Farguaad was portrayed excellently! Sort of a miniature, overly confident Liberace character. He would even address the audience with a more mature sense of humor. Donkey was toned down a little for the younger audience. He becomes an emotional guide for Shrek. Fiona was a more developed character in this portrayal. There is a song she sings in her tower called, "I Know It's Today." It begins when she is a little girl. The little girl sings about her prince arriving today, rescuing her so she can begin her life. The next Fiona is a teenager. Reading fairy tales, still believing her prince will come, today. The next version we see is adult Fiona. She is optimistic yet frustrated. A very funny, charming, and honest young woman in Fiona.

Pinocchio is opinionated and passionate as a sort of leader for the fairy tale characters. The Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood is one of my personal favorites. He makes a really funny cross dressing wolf! The Ginger Bread Man is great to watch, and is as spicy as his original film version. The play also gives a nod to The Cow That Jumped Over The Moon, and Broadway's The Lion King! Very funny!

This play is for youngsters and families. It's for the youthful minded. I enjoyed it, but personally I prefer a more mature, dramatic play. I'm glad I saw Shrek, but once was enough for me.

Capote (2005)

A truly exquisite film. Simple, elegant cinematography, the best actors possible, and a perfectly written screenplay. I can't say enough good things about this film. If you haven't seen it yet, it is definitely worth a look! Young actors might use this Philip Seymour Hoffman performance as a lesson.

Truman Capote was a famous author. He wrote articles, novels, and plays. Among his most famous, Breakfast At Tiffany's and In Cold Blood. The film Capote is a behind the scene's look into Capote's research into the lives of two murderers on death row. After reading an article about a Kansas family that was brutally murdered, Capote arranges interviews with the detectives, police, and even the killers, finding inspiration for his next book. While interviewing the murderers, Capote develops a friendship with one, Perry Smith. In Cold Blood was written as a nonfiction novel documenting Perry Smith's life story, and the murders. This would mark one of the most traumatizing events of Capote's life. This film is a moving depiction of those events.

Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance is perfection. Because of him, this film will be rendered a classic among American Films.

Capote is filmed with the same simplicity as an Ang Lee film. Neutral color palette, minimal musical score, and an honest screenplay. A masterpiece.

"More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones." - Truman Capote

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Not many stories can top Jane Austen. And Sense and Sensibility is one of the best stories ever written. The 1995 Ang Lee film is also difficult to top, since it is one of the greatest films in cinema history. Ang Lee is an award winning director with an eye for excellence. The winner of 3 Academy Awards, Sense and Sensibility is the model of elegance, sacrifice, and love.

Sense and Sensibility is about a family devastated by the loss of their father, Father Dashwood. Since the family is from the father's second marriage, his son from his first marriage inherits all of the property and money, leaving very little money and no house for the stepmother and her three daughters. When the brother Dashwood goes to his family to offer financial aid, his wife talks him out of it. The stepmother and daughters Dashwood move in with extended family until the daughters can be married off. There are a series of ups and downs surrounding the daughters finding love, but in the end everyone ends up where they need to.

This film demonstrates the sacrifices one makes for love, and also the terrible circumstances that can prevent one from what they desire. Courtship and marriage between couples were arranged based on the 18th century standards. One couldn't always marry for love, but for security and class.

The cast is outstanding! Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Hugh Laurie, Alan Rickman, among others. Everyone was at the top of their game, but I do have a problem with how the men were portrayed in this film. I'm not quite sure if it was period accurate as to how men behaved, but they were awfully stiff and unnatural. Hugh Grant was especially awkward throughout the film. We've seen him perform better since, I just wish the men had more personality. Although, for the character of Willoughby, it was discussed in the film that his extravagant behavior was not that of a gentleman. Even Alan Rickman displayed more emotion and dimension in his character Col. Brandon.

Otherwise this film is one of the greatest ever made. Definitely worth a look!

Lost in Translation (2003)

This film was a complete surprise for me. I didn't expect what I ended up getting with this one. The way it was advertised implied something less. This is probably one of Bill Murray's best!

The film is about a middle aged actor, played by Bill Murray, who is in Japan to be the spokesman for a product and later do a talk show. This is also a chance for him to take a break from a family life he is unhappy with. In the same hotel is a young woman, played by Scarlett Johansson, who is left alone while her young husband is working all day. These two lonely people run into each other at the hotel and form a friendship. It ends up being stronger than they anticipated, but it is just what they needed. 

The relationship that develops between these two characters is actually tender, sweet, and endearing. These are probably things they are not getting from their marriages, so they seek this with each other. Bill Murray was especially unique, honest, and relatable. There is a certain vulnerability these two share, and when they are together they complete each other.

I can't say enough good things about this film. It's funny at times, but also sweet and heart warming. You just have to see it!

The Iron Lady (2011)

I didn't know what to expect with this film. I didn't know much about Margaret Thatcher other than she was the first female Prime Minister of England, and that Austin Powers doesn't find her attractive! She is actually a remarkable woman who knew what she wanted and didn't allow anything to stop her from achieving her goals. And she is regarded as one of the best leaders in history.

The Iron Lady is the story of Margaret Thatcher. The film begins "present day," her last days before she passed in 2013, and flashes back and forth through her childhood, political education, and her time in office. Through this we learn how close she was to her father, and what motivated her to become a figure in politics. We also witness her struggles as a woman in the 1950's running for a political seat. Margaret had to learn to be sharp and quick tongued to keep up with her male colleagues. Her ambition would finally pay off when she was asked about running for Prime Minister. She was quick to assume that position would never see the likes of her, but she would be wrong.

Meryl Streep always delivers her best in any role. Playing Margaret Thatcher is definitely one of her best. This role won her an Academy Award, which is well deserved. Jim Broadbent plays her husband. Their relationship is sweet, and well balanced. He was attracted to her ambition in the beginning, and was proud of her success.

This is a great film for many purposes. It is portrays Margaret Thatcher well, with great respect. I received a great education from this.

What To Expect When You're Expecting (2012)

I was just sitting at home, waiting on laundry, when I came across this film on Netflix. I didn't expect what I ended up getting.

What To Expect When You're Expecting was not only funny with a star-studded cast, but also honest. It's a film about a collection of relationships; one couple is adopting, another have been trying to conceive, and for others it was unexpected. The film is as up and down as I'm sure pregnancy is. A very touching set of stories, and a hilarious, masculine outlook on the idea of parenting.

The cast was very impressive with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, and more. Elizabeth Banks and Jennifer Lopez deliver competitive performances exploring the emotional journey of pregnancy versus adoption. These two were the most moving for me.

Anna Kendrick was a surprise. It is apparent that she is very talented, and really knows how to charm her audience. We will see many more great things from her.

I felt Rebel Wilson was a bit unnecessary. Friends with Elizabeth Banks' character, Wilson plays a southern girl, not too intelligent, but supportive of her friend. I found her a bit unnecessary. She is like a female Chris Farley, only good for a certain brand of humor.

My favorite group of people in this film, were The Dudes. Four Dads with babies strapped to them while they walk through the park together, pushing strollers. Their outlook on their marriages and parenting are funny, quirky, and honest. They all had one thing in common, they all aim to be great fathers.

Bring tissue for this one! There will be tears of sadness and joy!