The Avengers (2012)- Review

Release Date: May 04, 2012; Genre: Action/Adventure; With: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson; Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures

Joss Whedon's action packed Marvel adventure The Avengers is a success in almost every way possible. With such a big cast and many important characters, juggling them all would be something hard to accomplish, making sure they all get their screen time and we get to see their point of view, but for Whedon, making such movies to their fullest potential seems to be in his nature.

The best part about The Avengers is that Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are all apart of this one (very best) Marvel blockbuster. Each with their own unique introduction (and all giving exceptional performances), you get the chills every time one is introduced and they continue throughout the movie.

The Avengers initiative was something introduced to us in Iron Man 2 with our first look at Black Widow and Nick Fury, director of S.H.I.E.L.D., but it wasn't ever forced until needed. Now that Loki, the god of mischief (brother of Thor, god of thunder) made Nick Fury very desperate, he has no choice but to initiate The Avengers. What brings Loki back? He still doesn't sit well with his adoptive bother having all of his glory with being king of Asgard and plans to destroy the world by stealing the Tesseract (a cosmic cube that can open a portal to another planet) and  with his army of aliens.

The Avengers is taken at a steady pace, focusing on the heroes themselves and their relationships with each other developing (they don't like one another at first). While this goes on with the most necessary humor (I'm not being sarcastic) and some action between them we learn more about how Loki's plan is working with getting captured and unleashing his army and how The Avengers work together.

From beginning to end The Avengers is one of the most successful action packed comic book adaptations ever. You couldn't ask for more with everything it serves to fans of all ages. The visual effects are great as expected, and the action is the best I've seen. This was also the first time I could say that the Hulk was portrayed successfully in a way I'm sure almost everyone enjoyed. A-

Cabin in the Woods (2012)- Review

Release Date: Apr 13, 2012; Rated: R; Length: 95 Minutes; Genres: Horror, Thriller; With: Chris Hemworth, Richard Jenkins; Distributor: Lionsgate

Right off the bat you are introduced to a scene that makes you ask yourself if you're in the right theater. With what seems to be a joke at first, ends up being more than the horror movie they led you to believe it is and more than anyone would expect it to be with an inventive story that drives the entire movie. That's exactly what makes Cabin in the Woods a one-of-a-kind.

Five friends head off on a vacation to non other than a cabin in the woods. How did they discover this cabin? Its supposedly Curt's (Chris Hemsworth) cousin's who recently bought it. On their way they encounter an old strange man who somewhat warns them of what happens at the residence with his best attempt to be creepy. without suspecting anything, they head off to the cabin anyways and have a good time. After watching them have a good time the only way college students know how to have a good time, we are then introduced creatively to what sets this movie off into its horror, all hell breaks loose and we are able to put the pieces together as we watch the thrilling and funny horror movie we don't get too often.

Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon are geniuses. Cabin in the Woods (Goddard's directorial debut) is wildly original from beginning to end. What seems to be the typical horror movie you may have been expecting, takes everything to another level with nothing you have ever seen before and real humor, which is exactly what horror movies lack. I think we've seen enough of daring teenagers getting slaughtered for whatever reason. Cabin in the Woods is a fresh new look on what more can be done with movies. B

Whats Ahead for Catching Fire

Before I get into the flaws about Francis Lawrence directing Catching Fire, its best if I do highlight the benefits of bringing him to direct the sequel to The Hunger Games, Catching Fire. despite Lawrence's track record, he has shown to be impressive with his action sequences in I Am Legend. If there is anything Lawrence will succeed in, in Catching Fire its the action and visuals. We saw in his most recent film Water for Elephants, even though it wasn't received well critically it did achieve well in visuals and he left us with something you could say was beautiful (better than nothing). Although Lawrence may be of great use in those areas we also want a good adaptation that is well received all around critically and from fans. That's what made The Hunger Games such a huge success and one of the reasons we can say it wasn't just a tween franchise slapped on paper and whipped out on screen looking to make good box office. Lets hope we don't stoop that low.

With Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) and Suzanne Collins (who was smart to co-write and make sure the adaptation of The Hunger Games was done the right way) writing the screenplay, we can surely be a bit relieved that we do have some good writers with Catching Fire in their hands although we don't want speak too soon. Even with an Oscar winning writer there could still be mistakes made. Other big blockbuster movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides saw the low end in terms of domestic box office and critical reception with an Oscar winning director.

With Lawrence's previous films you can't get too comfortable with how Catching Fire will turn out. Hopefully he'll keep it as suspenseful and overall well adapted as The Hunger Games. Also one last very important thing. Please don't rush into the action. Develop the story and characters. This is what made The Hunger Games well received and such a great adaptation.

The Hunger Games- B+

Release Date: Mar 23, 2012; With: Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence;  Genres: Drama, Sci-fi and Fantasy

Based on Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy, in a futuristic time where a nation had fallen apart after a horrific war two tributes from each district are chosen to fight to the death until one victor remains in what you would call a reality television show that is broad cast live to audiences. To those who are familiar with The Hunger Games trilogy, prepared to be impressed with this sensational adaptation and to those who aren't, prepare to witness an incredible journey filled with suspense and originality.

Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), a citizen of District 12 volunteers to tribute for The Hunger Games to save her little sister Prim from being tribute. Against a fellow citizen Peeta (Josh Hitcherson) who she develops a relationship with, has to fight to the death and although we don't see much of Gale (Liam Hemsworth), there is a clear understanding of their relationship and how he feels for her. Katniss must fight for her life on this suspenseful and emotional must see journey.

Filled with convincing performances by all the cast, The Hunger Games is a winner! Staying true to the book, director Gary Ross does a flawless job of introducing the first of the trilogy. It's an emotional fight to the victory that instantly captures you. A fearless adaptation where every minute keeps you enthralled. With its inventive story and strong cast, The Hunger Games works on screen and ends on top . B+

84th Academy Awards - 2012 Oscar Winners

The best movies of 2011 have officially been recognized. With many expected to win but also some surprises, the 84th Academy Awards honored The Artist and Hugo with the most wins of the night including Best Picture, Director and Actor of the year. Christopher Plummer walked away with an Oscar as well as Octavia Spencer. The biggest surprise of the night was Meryl Streep's victory over Viola Davis. There were also many memorable moments like Jean Dujardin winning Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role and Octavia Spencer winning for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. A successful night, I would call it! Here is the full list of winners! Oh and did I mention I only got 3 of the 20 I predicted would win wrong.

Best Motion Picture of the Year
The Artist (2011): Thomas Langmann

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Jean Dujardin for The Artist (2011)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Meryl Streep for Iron Lady (2011)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Christopher Plummer for Beginners (2010)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Octavia Spencer for The Help (2011)

Best Achievement in Directing
Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist (2011)

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Midnight in Paris (2011): Woody Allen

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
The Descendants (2011): Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Rango (2011)

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
Nader ja Simin: A Seperation (2011): Asghar Farhadi(Iran)

Best Achievement in Cinematography
Hugo (2011/II): Robert Richardson

Best Achievement in Art Direction
Hugo (2011/II): Dante Ferretti, Francesca Lo Schiavo

Best Achievement in Costume Design
The Artist (2011): Mark Bridges

Best Achievement in Makeup
Iron Lady (2011)

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
The Artist (2011): Ludovic Bource

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
The Muppets (2011): Bret McKenzie("Man or Muppet")

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Hugo (2011/II)

Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Hugo (2011/II)
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Hugo (2011/II)

Best Documentary, Features
Undefeated (2011)

Best Documentary, Short Subjects
Saving Face (2011/II)

Best Short Film, Animated
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (2011): William Joyce, Brandon Oldenburg

Best Short Film, Live Action
The Shore: Terry George

Final Oscar Predictions

With the Oscars tomorrow, I've finally made my predictions final. Before I get to my predictions, I want to express my opinion on what movies should be in some of these categories. The biggest mistake this year was not including Drive in any of these categories besides one for sound editing. If you ask me,  it was worthy of best picture, director, actor, and supporting actor. Ryan Gosling and Albert Brooks were spot on with their performances and the movie overall was genius, but to focus on what is nominated, The Artist should take home the most with Hugo behind.

Best Picture:
Who Will Win: "The Artist"
Who Should Win: "The Artist"

Best Director:
Who Will Win: Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Who Should Win: Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"

Best Actor:
Who Will Win: Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"
Who Should Win: Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"

Best Actress:
Who Will Win: Viola Davis, "The Help"
Who Should Win: Viola Davis, "The Help"

Best Supporting Actor:
Who Will Win: Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"
Who Should Win: Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"

Best Supporting Actress:
Who Will Win: Octavia Spencer, "The Help"
Who Should Win: Jessica Chastain, "The Help"

Best Original Screenplay:
Who Will Win: Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"
Who Should Win: Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Who Will Win: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rush, "The Descendants"
Who Should Win: Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin & Stan Chervin, "Moneyball"

Best Animated Feature:
Who Will Win: "Rango"
Who Should Win: "Rango"

Best Foreign Language FIlm:
Who Will Win: "A Separation"
Who Should Win: "A Separation

Best Documentary Feature:
Who Will Win: "Undefeated"
Who Should Win: "Pina"

Best Cinematography:
Who Will Win: Emmanuel Lubezki, "The Tree of Life"
Who Should Win: Emmanuel Lubezki, "The Tree of Life"

Best Film Editing:
Who Will Win: Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Who Should Win: Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"

Best Art Direction:
Who Will Win: Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo, "Hugo"
Who Should Win: Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo, "Hugo"

Best Original Score:
Who Will Win: Ludovic Bource, "The Artist"
Who Should Win: Ludovic Bource, "The Artist"

Best Original Song:
Who Will Win: "Man or Muppet" ("The Muppets")
Who Should Win: "Man or Muppet" ("The Muppets")

Best Sound Editing:
Who Will Win: Philip Stockton and Eugene Gearty, "Hugo"
Who Should Win: Lon Bender and Victor Ray Ennis, "Drive"

Best Sound Mixing:
Who Will Win: Tom Fleischman and John Midgley, "Hugo"
Who Should Win: David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Bo Persson, "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"

Best Visual Effects:
Who Will Win: Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, R. Christopher White and Daniel Barrett, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
Who Should Win: TIm Burke, David Vickery, Greg Butler and John Richardson, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"

Best Makeup:
Who Will Win: Mark Coulier and J. Roy Helland, "The Iron Lady"
Who Should Win: Nick Dudman, Amanda Knight and Lisa Tomblin, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"