Movie Review: Mockingjay: Part 1

 

My Review (4 stars):

 

     Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014). *Heavy sigh* I was excitedly looking forward to this film since watching the incredible Catching Fire (2013). A bit nervous… nothing serious. Now my heart is utterly wrenched in two. I should have read the book series before watching this movie; I was not prepared, not at all. And now I sit here quite torn on how to think about Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014). Did I love it? Did I hate it? Some of both.

 

     I didn’t like The Hunger Games (2012) in the end. Too many violent characters with a sickening outlook. It told an intriguing story for sure, but it isn’t a movie I would re-watch. Catching Fire (2013) blew me away. While still more violent than I usually watch, the emotion was powerful, the continuation of the tale riveting. It was quite utterly fascinating. In addition, it had some great humor, :-D. I sat there at the end filled to the brim with amazing feelings, hardly able to wait for the next movie. But now that I’ve watched it, I shall warn you: Mockingjay: Part 1(2014) is a whole different world.

["If we burn, you burn with us!"]

 

     On a good note (in my opinion anyway), there is no more TV shows of pitting people against each other to the death as entertainment. The last year of the Hunger Games stunned all in the previous movie. I believe it’s the last at least. In Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014), Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is suffering from the trauma of having left Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) behind. She’s in the (mostly) demolished District 13 with a host of rebels who are ready to fight back against the tyrannical government of Panem. And they want her as their symbol.

[Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen]

 

     The first two movies were violent, gory, and grim with their horrid games. But now we step into an ominous world with war broiling on the horizons. War against an evil government. That being said, there is some extremely disturbing happenings in this movie, emotionally and otherwise. President Snow is seriously depraved and even inhuman in his lack of conscience.

 

     ***SPOILER ALERT*** GAH! Peeta!!! Poor, dear, sweet Peeta!! No, no, no! HOW COULD SHE (Suzanne Collins) DO THIS??!! It’s… it’s worse than death! Now he doesn’t remember Katniss. Their story. His devotion to her. All the sweet things he said to her. He won't know she finally realized how much she loves him! He doesn’t even know who he is. He’s been made into a monster…a weapon of the deranged capital! This is what he was so afraid of!! AHHH!! *Buckets of tears* Okay. *Ahem* *sniff* I just had to get that out of my system. If anyone has a remedy for Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014) induced trauma, please let me know. If things don’t look up for Peeta in the next (last) movie, I will hate this series forever. I’m dying a thousand deaths for Peeta and Katniss! *More tears* Alright… let me get a hold of myself. ***SPOILER ALERT ENDS***

[Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark]

 

     Now that I was able to get all that out, I will try to go on with this review. :-p It wasn’t all tears, and eyes wide in horror, and all that. I was thrilled to be back into Katniss’s story at the beginning of Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014). It was good to see Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Effie (Elizabeth Banks), Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), Primrose (Willow Shields), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and Beetee (Jeffery Wright). Effie's transformation was...a bit shocking, haha. Also, it was quite interesting to delve more into Finnick's story. They were all together and safe for the moment. But of course, Peeta and Joanna and Annie weren’t there. Again, there was real, breath-taking, gut-wrenching emotion. The actors do an amazing job in making this story come to life. I was stunned and captivated by it all once again. There were a few brief moments of humor, but not nearly as much as Catching Fire (2013) had. This is a grim story. Heart-breaking separation. War. Desperate escapades. Even so, it was all quite epic. We watch Katniss struggle and grow and rise to her feet, ready to be a warrior. Ready to be the mockingjay. Ready to fight for the oppressed and her loved ones.

[Katniss Everdeen - the Mockingjay]

 

[Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket]

[Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair]

 

     I really liked this movie for the most part. Yes, some parts were agonizing. Some parts were a bit violent. But it’s a superb story. Awesome acting. Entrancing emotion. It was a thrilling action film with a heart-breaking love story.

 

     But yeah. I WAS NOT prepared for the end. I think I pictured it more a Divergent (2014)-like scenario. It was…um…nothing like that. Brings the incident to a whole new level.

 

     That being said, I’ll add in that besides the end part, I didn’t feel that the violence was too graphic in this movie. The film-makers were pretty good about cutting it away from anything dramatic. Until the end. *Clears throat* Yep, that was rather brutal. Plus it wreaks havoc with your emotions. Huge caution to younger audience. This is older teen to adult content. Depending on what you can handle. I’m “adult”, but that scene was a little much for me.
     As for gory… we have a few scenes of terrible deaths caused by the brewing war. You can’t see much, but you get the gist, and it’s really sad. Oh, there is one scene of a hospital where more is shown. That was a bit disturbing. Some people, main characters even, are bruised, cut, really look in bad condition at various points.

     No swearing that I can remember.

     We still have that frustrating love triangle. I do not like this love triangle. However, it is starting to lean one way; Katniss is starting to realize who she really loves I think (romantically, that is). But poor Gale! We see a lot of him in Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014); and definitely see more into his heart and what he is suffering. *sad face*

[Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne]

 

     I don’t know what else to say. I really liked most of this movie. It wasn’t what I expected. But still fascinating. I nearly died (you know, in my little land of Katniss and Peeta) with the ending parts. I’m so scared that the series is going to end terribly… eek!! So badly want to watch Mockingjay: Part 2 (2015), but at the same time, I’m so worried…

 

     Ah! Help me out here, fellow watchers! I’m a happy-ending kind of girl. Though Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014) thrills, the end leaves you rather in an emotional wreck. That’s how close I get to fictional characters, ha! I have hope though. Mockingjay: Part 2 (2015), please bring some good things for our beloved, strong, broken couple. I didn't completely hate this movie, despite what my review might imply. I'm just imagining the depressing ways they could end the series. If Part 2 goes better, than this movie will be so much easier to watch!

 

     Never mind. I can’t stand this. I think I’ll go read the books so I know what to expect!

 

     So tell me. I'm dying to know. What are your thoughts on Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014)?

 

[Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson. HUGS. Just to make me feel better, :-)]

 

*For more detailed information about Mockingjay: Part I (2014), visit pluggedin.com: http://www.pluggedin.com/videos/2015/q1/hunger-games-mockingjay-part-1.aspx*

Movie Review: Mom's Night Out

 

My Review (5 stars):

 

     A totally heart-melting, relatable, and faith-filled comedy. I can’t boast of being a mom, and understanding how that is; but I still could relate to our slightly paranoid, red-haired main character, Allyson. Though exaggerated (as it’s a comedy), Mom’s Night Out (2014) hit the nail pretty much on the head about a woman’s emotions, fears, and insecurities.

 

     I laughed and laughed. And then I cried. And when the movie ended, my spirits were so lifted and I felt like living zealously (like I always aspire to do, but never actually end up doing most of the time! :P).

 

     Anyway, it was so cute and meaningful. It told a lot about mommys, and just about women and men in general. It could be a little crude at some points; but most of it was just great. Mom’s Night Out (2014) really brought across a beautiful message and I was left sincerely touched. Not to mention, I loved the end!! :-) Trust God and live with joy, guys! Cherish every moment. And live zealously!

 

     Watch Mom’s Night Out (2014) all mothers and just all women. It’s a memorable comedy.

Movie Review: Divergent

My Review (4 stars):

     Divergent (2014) is a thrilling, dystopian, action movie based on a book of the same title by author Veronica Roth. The book series is simply called Divergent as well, and consists of three main books, Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant; plus an additional few short stories.

     So, in the movie Divergent (2014), we meet Beatrice Prior (Shailene Woodley), a teenage girl who lives amidst a precarious faction system within the walls of a great city safely cut off from the ruins of what once was America. The factions are Erudite, the knowledgeable ones; Amity, the peaceful crop-tenders; Candor, the honest; Dauntless, the brave protectors; and Abnegation, the selfless. Beatrice's parents are part of Abnegation, which makes Beatrice, and her brother Caleb, part of it too. —Until they get the test and choose a faction at the choosing ceremony. The test tells teens what they're most like (it helps them choose right at the choosing ceremony). ...But to some, like Beatrice, it tells something entirely different. Some dangerous. A condition punishable by death.

     This film brings us along with Beatrice as she struggles to cope with being divergent, and live in spite of it. After joining a new faction, she begins to realize that some things are very wrong with the way her city is living, and she has to decide whether to stay undercover, or take a stand.

     First off, I found Divergent (2014) to be thoroughly entertaining; interesting and captivating. The whole dystopian thing has really captured my attention of late, and that element of this movie doesn't disappoint.
     We have the strange faction system. Crumbling, abandoned ships and skyscrapers. Fascinating concoctions that stimulate the part in a person's brain that processes fear... when is injected into a person, along with little things that allow your fearful hallucinations to be seen on a computer screen. Yeah, crazy technology or something. :P But it's very interesting to think of.

     There's a strong family theme. It's easy to see that Beatrice and her brother and parents love each other. In some cases, this love is shown as certain ones put their life on the line for others. There's hugs exchanged, I love yous spoken, and sacrifices made.

     No spiritual element to speak of since Divergent (2014) isn't a Christian movie (or book). I read somewhere that Veronica Roth is a Christian, so... I don't know. *Shrugs* Some good values are still captured in this film though, such as standing up for the innocent even when it'll hurt (even kill) you, and putting friends and family above yourself as well. There's lots of shooting and deaths, especially in the latter part of the movie, but I didn't feel those parts were too glorified; and there were several scenes of characters grieving over someone's death. It's seems evident that Tris (Beatrice) is shocked, horrified, regretful over all the deaths, and the fighting she herself has to do. You can see it in her eyes and a scene where she says she's not sure she knows who she is anymore.

     That all being said, I will still note that some of the violence creeped me out. There were smaller things, such as the fighting rounds during Dauntless training, that didn't creep me out, but it wasn't too fun to watch, I'll admit. There were at least four intense fighting scenes, (girl on girl and boy on girl) in which one of the pair gets beat up pretty bad. There's punching in the face and stomach, some shoving and kicking and whatnot. The part that creeped me out really though, was when the fighting with guns/fighting against the government started in earnest... armed men are chasing a teenage girl, and loved ones start to die. I got over it after awhile, but it definitely made me stop and go, “wait, this isn't a pg, fluffy romance or anything”. So yeah, stop and realize this is pg-13 for intense violence before letting any younger children watch it. I would say viewers should be at least 13, preferably older (16 or so and up). If not because of the violence, then because there's definitely some mature themes that younger children and maybe even some teens can't really grasp.

     Such as intense competition between the Dauntless, which results in a suicide. And some of the stuff the Dauntless leadership try to teach their trainees, like obeying even when you don't agree with what's being done, or are even horrified at what's being done.

     Divergent (2014) was really interesting that way. It made me think of how some leaders/rulers really try to manipulate their people, as the society/dauntless leadership were trying to do in this film. "Human nature is the enemy," says one of the leaders, Jeanine Matthews... (which is true in a sense because it IS human nature to sin, to be selfish, to protect yourself even when it hurts others, to seek pleasure at any cost, and so on.) But the society's solution to human nature being the enemy, was to wipe out free will, wipe out thinking independently, wipe out emotions, wipe out the tie between family members. Faction before blood! is their quote. So yeah, its an interesting, thought-provoking theme overall.

     The romance of Divergent (2014) was touching and heartfelt at points. A little too much at other points. There's an extended kissing scene as well as a few other little moments that perhaps didn't need to be added. Also, there's a brief hallucination of a girl getting attacked. Some immodest dress and inappropriate comments also are downs of this movie.

     And there's some swearing. Some misuse of God's name. Perhaps four or five of each throughout the film.

     In conclusion, I'm not really sure what to think of Divergent (2014) yet. Like I said, it entertained me. The dystopian world fascinated me. For the most part, Tris had a sweet romance. There were no really twisted ideals being promoted that I can see as of now. But there were still teens pummeling each other, and lots of shooting. The end of Divergent (2014) leaves me really wanting to watch Insurgent (2015)...but, we'll see.

     For the most part, the dystopian world, the action, the crazy stunts, the intriguing story of Divergent (2014) really pulled me in. It's a thrilling watch in that aspect! :)

For more information about the pros and cons of the movie Divergent, I would suggest visiting http://www.pluggedin.com/videos/2014/q3/divergent.aspx

Movie Review: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

 

My Review (4.5 stars):

 

     The excitement is growing. Getting captured, fighting darkness, giant spiders, and waking a dragon... I liked The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) even more than the first movie! There was more action, I think. More is discovered... we're coming closer... And of course, there's a cliffhanger ending. :( But it was still epic! Can't wait to watch all three movies in a row!

     

     The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) was more violent than The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). More mini battles, more orces getting beheaded and whatnot. And then there were the giant spiders... which definitely creeped me out... but were a necessary part of the story I suppose! It was kind of creepy and great all at once, ha! :p But yeah, a few scary/intense/yucky parts that definitely give this movie a reason to be pg-13.

 

     The elves... were amazing. The scenes of Legolas and Tauriel's epic fighting were most certainly my favorite parts of the movie! Love the elves. Love the interaction between the king's son and the captain of the guard. Their story intrigues me, and I'm excited to see more of it. Yeah... the red-haired Tauriel's appearance really made The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) all the better for me; I felt a girl character with a bigger role was due, :)

 

     Bilbo was brilliant and endearing as usual. The dwarves funny. The skin-changer added some new excitement and intrigue to the whole story... and not just a little amount of chill. Oh, and Bard from Lake-town also added a whole new element to this journey. His children were great too, and gave his story depth. Oh, and Smaug, we finally come face to face with Smaug... which is quite exciting, and terrible all at once!

 

     As I mentioned, the elves' fighting was great. The barrel scene was fresh, funny, and exciting! Just too much fun. Also, the fighting scenes in Lake-town were great. Though the scene there of Tauriel saving a sick dwarf left me a little weirded out. But from what I understand, the elves have a special gift in healing??

 

     The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) just left me more wound up and excited than ever about this hobbit's tale. Since I haven't read the book, I'm left breathless and full of terror mixed with anticipation. I can't imagine how its all going to work out right. What happens to dear Gandalf? Where does Legolas end up as he's chasing down Bolg? How does Tauriel answer Kili? Why does the elf king not want to help fight against evil? Does Bard escape in time to counter Smaug's return for revenge? And what's going to happen with the necromancer and his dark army?

 

     Guys, I am so excited to watch The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)!! All in all, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) leaves you enthralled yet wishing for more! :) :)

 

 [Turiel]

 

[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies trailer]

Movie Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

 

My Review (4 stars):

 

     The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)... after watching it about three times, I think I may be ready to review it. Maybe. Bear with me, people, I haven't read the books! It's just that its such a long movie, and without having read The Hobbit, it takes me awhile to sort everything out.

 

     So, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) actually comes before all three Lord of the Rings movies. While Frodo makes an appearance in the former, its about his uncle(??), Bilbo Baggins. I definitely liked this movie better than LotR. It wasn't as dark I think. It felt more adventurous, humorous, and purposeful to me. An epic tale of good vs. evil.

     And I think that's all J.R.R. Tolkien meant it to be. An epic tale of good vs. evil, that is. Though Tolkien was a Christian I believe, a friend of C.S. Lewis even, I'm pretty sure he said at some point in his life that he didn't mean his books (The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings) to be Christian allegories. However, we still may see subtle, small allegories scattered throughout this film. Overall, it doesn't have a BIG allegory, like Chronicles of Narnia. The wizards, like Gandalf, seem to be the highest powers on the good side. On the dark side, there is this blackness/sorcerer/evil being called the necromancer who definitely could represent Satan. But all in all, I think its just a great, adventurous, action story; and even can make me think of the spiritual world at times. The necromancer and the orc certainly make me think of Satan and his demons. But I wouldn't try to find a big, Christian allegory in this film. It just confuses one.

 

     Gandalf also has some wise things to say that really make The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) all the better. It's a thoughtful tale really, with some lessons to teach I think.

 

     Okay, some downs for me. There's some sort of crudeness, toilet humor, gross aspects. Nasty-looking trolls act in base ways; disgusting goblins and their horribly-disgusting king dominate a good many scenes; a wretched, little, once-was-a-hobbit named Gollum now acts like an animal; the dwarves are extremely piggy, spilling ale down their beards, extended burping... at least in one scene... All that could have been toned down some in my opinion. I'm just too much of a girl for all that, ha!

 

     But besides their unseemly table manners, the dwarves do become rather loveable. The hobbits in their little hobbit village are very cute, if not sweet as well. Bilbo often melted my heart with his whole-hearted loyalty and simple bravery. Plus he's just a very unique and likable character; definitely a hobbit! :) And I very much like Gandalf, as always. He's a grand character too. The lady wizard, Galadriel is also inspiring.

 

     Hmm... the orcs can be frightening, as well as the huge, wolf-like beasts they ride. The scene of the little, woodsman wizard visiting the dark, abandoned fortress is creepy to be sure. I think the Gollum parts are the worst for me... he's too animal-like for actually having once been a hobbit. Plus its hard to watch his good and bad side battle when you know he'll eventually be overcome by evil (in the LotR). Definitely take note of the pg-13 rating because of these things.

 

     So, there's a few aspects I generally wouldn't prefer in the movies I watch. But, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), and its like, are exceptions. Middle-Earth is brilliant. The scenery in this movie (New Zealand area), is beautiful. I love visiting the elvish lands... they're simply lovely and inspiring and fantasy-like. In fact, the elves really are my favorite race of Middle-Earth. The whole getting hunted down by orcs and their massive wolves is really quite exciting; though I could have done without the goblins! The hobbit holes are very homey and quite sweet.

 

     This whole unexpected adventure of Bilbo Baggins has me intrigued. I'll be back to review The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) when I've watched that for the third time! :p

 

[The dwarves]

Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon 2

 

My Review (4 stars):

     As you may know, I loved How to Train Your Dragon (2013). It had just the right amount of humor, sweetness, action, and poignant lessons to make it delightfully fun, and also touching. However, How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) was a little different. Or a lot. It had a much darker theme. There was a tragic incident. A shocking revelation. An army of dragons. A brutal beast. It was definitely a big step up from the first movie, making me caution younger children who may have been fine watching How to Train Your Dragon (2013). The second one has much more violent/scary scenes and happenings.

     Another thing, is the... hmmm, hypnotic stuff that goes on. I was a little bit leery of that. It was just creepy. But since it was dragon to dragon, no people involved, it wasn't too terribly bad. It was hard to watch a sweet dragon go wild though! You'll know what I mean when you watch it, or if you have watched it already.

     Yeah, and one of the twins, the girl, has quite changed. I could have done without her boy-craziness.

     And sad, it was so sad!! Still reeling over the tragic-ness in this tale, *sniff*!!

     On the flip side, I really liked the older Hiccup, and how he was finally a man, and how he was pursuing Astrid, instead of seemingly the other way around. Their relationship was just too cute, :) Not to mention, the other relationship in this movie was so, so sweet. Truly probably the best romance I've seen in an animated movie! :) That's why its so sad... well, never mind.

     So How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) still had its humorous moments, its sweet parts, but overall, it was much darker, and for a bit more mature audience than the first. There was some really good lessons too, a cool storyline. I enjoyed it, but not as much as How to Train Your Dragon (2013).