Joy: Quick-Fire Review

Check out my Quick-Fire Review of Joy, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper.

Make sure you subscribe to my channel for more Quick-Fire Reviews!

Watch The Mockingjay Part 2 London Premiere Highlights

The fact that it was Bonfire night or that the weather was truly British last night certainly didn't dampen the spirits of the masses and the cast of Mockingjay Part 2 in London as the final send-off commenced.

With stars such as Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson and so many more took to the red carpet, they were met with the greatest of support from the adoring fans.

You can watch the highlights of the premiere below.




Also, don't forget to check out my Mockingjay Part 2 review over at MovieMarker!

Watch The Mockingjay - Part 2 London Premiere Live

Last night I was among many lucky journalists who sat down to witness the final chapter of The Hunger Games saga, Mockingjay - Part 2.

Whilst my review will follow soon - I can confirm it's great - today sees the London premiere for the film as the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson and the rest of the gang embark on their final journey together.

As many of you will undoubtedly be peeved that you cannot make the event, fear not, as you can watch it all live through the link kindly provided below.

The event will begin this evening so make sure you don't miss out!

The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part I Review

As far as adaptations of YA novels go, Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games series stands on the very pedestal that many strive to reach. Since its introduction to adoring fans, a whole new generation has begun, with the representation of war and loss presented for a younger audience to embrace and digest. With such success also comes expectation, and with the third film in the series, The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part I arriving, those anticipation levels have hit a peak.
 
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has survived the Hunger Games Quarter Quell and is now immersed in a rebellion that thrusts her front and centre as the beacon of hope. As Panem's very own Mockingjay, Katniss is the very spirit whose defiance against the Capitol and President Snow has sparked a fightback and ultimately a revolution. Driven by President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) she must rally the troops, provide propaganda videos and fight the good fight to finally free the people of the despicable forces currently in charge.
 
That doesn't come lightly though, with Katniss far from devoid of her own troubles on a personal level. Haunted by the traumatic two Hunger Games she has competed in, Katniss is riddled by nightmares and feels almost removed from those around her. Add to that her concern for Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) - currently within the clutch of Snow - and a man who loves her on a different level to her own emotions in Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Katniss is going to require plenty of steel to get through these difficult and testing times.
 
It can often be a risky move in making a drastic change in tone in a franchise but in Mockingjay this shift in focus is utterly justified as we move on from the Games of the title to much more grounded and affecting territory. The bigger picture of Collins' series is focused on war and the consequences of battle and this is captured none moreso than in Francis Lawrence's return to bring to life her next page turner.
 
Gone are the colourful, vibrant costumes of the opening ceremonies, the glamour of the contestant quarters and everything in between, all replaced by a grey pallet. A world thrust into

rebellion and war, a rubble-filled series of districts plagued by violence and destruction; one that is simply exquisite in its detail and powerful in its presentation. Lawrence has a strong world to represent and in visiting various Districts creates some hugely emotive and flooring scenes and imagery. Rubble, bodies and remains all combine to leave the audience with a striking realisation that this is a world in turmoil and never far away from conflict.

That feeling also emanates throughout as another spellbinding performance from Jennifer Lawrence comes to fruition. Her execution as a war-trodden, plagued Katniss is a sheer delight and connects on every level. Whether interacting with her family (favourably increased this time round), breaking down at the state of Peeta on the television or facing the brutality she has to come face-to-face with, Lawrence conveys the emotional impact with great gusto.

Lawrence isn't the only guiding light as her comrades and support cast all present additional favourable elements to the film. Gale's chunkier role this time around proves Hemsworth possesses a great likeability, while both Moore and the late Hoffman bring forth the authorative figures brilliantly. The return of the likes of Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson will no doubt

delight and provide some well-timed laughs and Donald Sutherland continues to induce fear and loathing as he takes Snow to another level. Put quite simply, this is a dream cast that contains too many exceptional performances to mention in one analysis.

Fans of the book will also feel wholly satisfied with the end product, with only slight alterations to the source material, but little to deter from the story they have been privy to. In fact, the conclusion to the film will no doubt leave everyone aghast and the inclusion of a Godzilla-esque rescue sequence will have even seasoned readers of the book edging towards the corner of their seat. Such changes are necessary and work to great effect throughout.

Mockingjay - Part I is a great removal from the two outings we have journeyed through previously and the tonal shift is superbly executed. Lawrence and co once again prove that this is one of the most consistent and all-round compelling franchises in recent times, and there's little denying this trumps its predecessors. Gritty, affecting and enthralling, Francis Lawrence has done it once again and delivered one of the blockbusters of the year. 

Film Rating: 5 F's out of 5

Cinema Review - Silver Linings Playbook

As we edge closer to the end of yet another year in cinema, 2012 is proving to be one hell of a ride for films. As is accustomed for this period of a year, the Oscar contenders are unveiling themselves thick and fast, and one that I would certainly put money on is David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook.

Pat (Bradley Cooper) is a man whose life you could say is starting over. Having been recently released from a mental institute following a eight month stint, the bi-polar sufferer heads back home to reside with his parents (Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver) in order to remain stable. The problem for Pat is that he is still insistent that he will reunite with his wife, whom has put a restraining order against him following the revelation that she was having an affair.

After meeting with the sister of a family friend, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), an equally unhinged and judged individual, Pat strikes up a rather dysfunctional yet blossoming relationship with her and soon the pair collaborate to aid one another's needs. As Pat seeks to regain the love of his wife, Tiffany's feelings for him grow stronger, but will Pat's 'silver lining' theory be proved true?


Silver Linings Playbook is a film of sheer brilliance that captivates from start to finish. David O. Russell continues his fine form from his previous Oscar banking chip The Fighter to bring to us yet another endearing and compelling drama. Bringing together a dysfunctional family and two hugely engaging central characters, the director creates a film that, despite being far from genre-specific, is a joy to behold and oozes realism and ultimately captivates.

In Cooper and Lawrence, the film possesses two whirlwind talents, and their performances are surely to be commended with Oscar nods. On one side Cooper copes brilliantly with tackling a bi-polar sufferer, awkward in conversing with others, unaware of his errors and intent on particular things in life. 

Lawrence, on the flip side, provides the standout turn as she breezes through with a performance that is a stamp of authority on her versatility as an actress, flipping a switch from seemingly controlled to outright unpredictably broken. The actress is going from strength to strength and I think it's fair to say this is her best showing to date. Both acts create characters that you will want to invest time in and many will find themselves drawn in by individuals who are hard not to care for.

Add into the fray a superb OCD father portrayal from the return to form Robert De Niro, as well as superb support from Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker and John Ortiz, and Silver Linings is a delight of a film. Russell has created a visionary piece of work that combines real-life issues, love, drama and comedy and comes out with the formula for success. Lawrence is groundbreaking, Cooper is exceptional, Russell's direction is nothing short of sublime and Silver Linings Playbook enters the Oscar race at the top of the tree.

Rating: 4.5 F's out of 5

Trailer Breakdown - The Hunger Games

Following Monday's release of the first full Hunger Games trailer there was quite a buzz on the internet surrounding this book to film adaptation. 
In case you missed any notable pieces of the trailer check out our breakdown of the best bits.

Meet Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Gale (Liam Hemsworth), best friends in District 12, who are about to experience an event to change their relationship forever. The Hunger Games are set to begin.

About to announce the participants of the next annual Hunger Games Effie Trinkett (Elizabeth Banks) hits the microphone to seal the fates of 2 individuals from each of the 12 districts.

On the announcement of Katniss' sister Primrose being selected for the Games her older sister refuses to let her compete and announces herself as a Tribute, and replaces her sister as a competitor in the fight to the death. 

With all the competitors picked for the Games they are then whisked off to be made up for the big event. The man tasked for transforming Katniss is Cinna (Lenny Kravitz), a man determined to get Katniss noticed when each individual is shown off to the district-wide crowd.

Also, offering a word of advise to our Katniss, is a quick glimpse of the 50th winner of The Hunger Games Haymitch Abernathy. He also represented District 12 in the tournament. 

Despite having a tough time ahead Katniss is a skilled archer, following her hunting expeditions in the forests with Gale. She will certainly be a formidable force if she can get her hands on her weapon of choice.

Katniss and fellow Distrcit 12 participant Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) ponder life before they prepare to enter into battle. A relationship that progresses as the film plays out...

As the clock counts down to zero...


LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!










The Hunger Games is released in the UK on 23rd March 2012.

The Hunger Games Trailer arrives!

It's one of my most anticipated trailers for some time and finally today we have The Hunger Games trailer unleashed! Check it out below.







Let us know your thoughts!
Hopefully this won't be another Twilight situation!!!

Fanatical Film Spotlight: The Hunger Games

As the official trailer is released tomorrow I thought it only best to do a feature on the upcoming Hunger Games film and give my thoughts.


Now I admit I am not particularly an avid reader but when I heard about The Hunger Games Trilogy and upcoming plans of movies I couldn't help but want to read the first book before the first film's release next year. Having finally finished book one I am immensely looking forward to the film but there are some slight qualms I have after reading various reports on the film. Check out what I think below.


Firstly, if you are not familiar with the premise of The Hunger Games then let me divulge.


North America is now known as the nation Panem, the Capitol, with 12 districts surrounding it. Each year a competition known as The Hunger Games is forced upon these districts by the Capitol with one boy and one girl, aged between 12 and 18 chosen to represent their district in a fight to the death.


We follow the journey of sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) who forces herself into the Games to replace her younger sister. She is a natural hunter, roaming beyond the walls of District 12 with her best friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth) to find food for their families.


But this is a whole new test for Katniss' hunting skills. She has to kill or be killed in the annual event which brings the people of the Capitol together for the biggest event of the calendar. Will Katniss' skills with a bow and knowledge of the forest aid her or will she fall victim to the competitors from the other districts?


With a premise that promises both excitement and emotion, The Hunger Games is a perfect book to be adapted to screen. I do however have a few reservations about the film.


Firstly, the decision to make it a 12a slightly baffles me. A book which contains some rather graphic violence deserves to be reflected thoroughly in the movie, after all this is a tournament where killing is the only way to win. Extreme violence is not necessary but to get the audience immersed into the seriousness of the events unfolding it would only make sense but to immerse us into a Games with utter realism.

Additionally with the decision of a younger audience being reached it could turn out that the Hunger Games may result in shifting gears down the Twilight route with a love triangle representing two districts, this may mar a potentially good film. 


On the plus side the cast seems almost perfectly assembled with the possibility of great things to come. Up-and-coming Jennifer Lawrence looks the part as Katniss and the likes of Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Elizabeth Banks supporting help to give extra bang for your buck. 


Whatever happens there can be no doubt that The Hunger Games will draw in the crowds and let's hope that after a very vague teaser trailer we get a fantastic one to whet one's appetite tomorrow.


Stay tuned to Fanatical Film tomorrow for the new trailer.