• Review Index
  • About Me
  • Suggestions

vinnieh

~ Movie reviews and anything else that comes to mind

vinnieh

Daily Archives: July 20, 2015

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

20 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 46 Comments

Tags

2010's, Action, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, Francis Lawrence, Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Julianne Moore, Liam Hemsworth, Natalie Dormer, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Claflin, Science Fiction, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Woody Harrelson

Film Title

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Director

Francis Lawrence

Starring

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Julianne Moore as President Alma Coin
  • Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Jeffrey Wright as Beetee
  • Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair
  • Natalie Dormer as Cressida

The third film of the franchise, Mockingjay Part 1 emerges as a more subdued sister than its previous installments. At times it does feel a bit slow and devoid of action, but at the same time it’s interesting to watch this gathering calm before the storm as it explores political upheaval and the growing sense of rebellion.

Katniss has been saved after destroying the Games in the last movie. Scared and wracked with nightmares, she is taken underground to District 13. Mockingjay Part 1 PosterAfter her act of defiance, her district was destroyed and acts of protest against the corrupt Capitol have been ever-present. The enigmatic Alma Coin and political propaganda expert Plutarch Heavensbee sees Katniss as the poster girl for a full-scale attack on President Snow and his barbaric forces. The wounded Katniss is very reluctant at first to strike back as she worries about what happened to Peeta. But after seeing the destruction of her district and the sheer cruelty of Snow which includes having a brainwashed Peeta as the spokesman to talk down rebellion, that inner fire inside of her begins to burn and she becomes the face of resistance in this time of political strife and corruption. Yet with Snow using his choke hold of tyranny against the districts, it is going to be dangerous for all involved. But the newly resurfacing of Katniss is returning and she will spearhead this campaign to bring down the corrupt powers that be, aided by good friend Gale and bands of rebels wanting to be free from oppression.

As I previously mentioned, Mockingjay Part 1 is the slow build up kind of movie. For times in the film, it works very well in capturing the machinations of political rebellion and the waiting to strike. I did however find parts of it a bit dull and craved a bit more action than what was shown. Plutarch and President Alma CoinYet this doesn’t make it any less effective as a movie, it’s just slightly different from the last two entries. Francis Lawrence crafts this engaging story with a certain topicality in the politics and propaganda used featuring Katniss as the face of resistance. Even though this film is set in the future, many of the issues it deals with are very present in our current climate which adds a further dimension to this series. Mockingjay may be the slow burner, but it has a personal and more intimate feeling to it. It may be risky to have a sci-fi/action movie that only has sporadic moments of action, but I liked the way in which Mockingjay showcases how wars can be waged with the power of words and imagery rather than just violence. An effectively bleak visual style gives voice to the darkness and terror felt by the people under the rule of President Snow. An evocative and building score helps give tension and personal feeling to Katniss as she regains her steel and prepares to fight for the people. The scene of Katniss singing ‘The Hanging Tree’ and it acting as inspiration and a call to arms is an excellent example of this as the melody flows through with urgency.

Jennifer Lawrence rivets the attention from beginning to end as the emotionally tormented heroine Katniss. 2014, THE HUNGER GAMES -  MOCKINGJAYEmbodying rage, pain and steel, she is a strong-willed character who can make a difference in a world of barbarity. With deep clarity, selflessness and toughness, Lawrence is a marvel to watch as the resilient and purposeful warrior due to her mature performance and sheer amount of talent. Josh Hutcherson, although seen quite sporadically this time, is strangely different as the Peeta who has been tortured and brainwashed. Liam Hemsworth contributes the mix of caring emotion and earnestness, while Woody Harrelson continues to be a hoot as mentor Haymitch. I liked seeing Elizabeth Banks as the now dressed down Effie, once the glory of the Capitol and now an ally with freedom. Julianne Moore encompasses the cold, detached persona of President Coin, while the late Philip Seymour Hoffman brings a considerable presence to his part as the propagandist. Hoffman is still missed now and this movie is a reminder of his talent and skill even in a small role. Donald Sutherland is still as menacing and commanding as ever as the despicable President Snow, who is not tolerating rebellion against his tyranny. Jeffrey Wright, Sam Claflin and Natalie Dormer in supporting roles at least make an impact, despite somewhat limited screen time.

Mockingjay Part 1 emerges as a thought-provoker rather than an action blockbuster which may disappoint some, but is still very effective in the way it is gearing up for the next part.

 

Barefoot in the Park

20 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

1960's, Barefoot in the Park, Charles Boyer, Comedy, Gene Saks, Jane Fonda, Mildred Natwick, Robert Redford

Film Title

Barefoot in the Park

Director

Gene Saks

Starring

  • Robert Redford as Paul Bratter
  • Jane Fonda as Corie Bratter
  • Charles Boyer as Victor Velasco
  • Mildred Natwick as Ethel Banks

A witty and breezy comedy about a newly married couple who are complete opposites, Barefoot in the Park bristles with humour and charm as we watch a picture of domesticated bliss gone amusingly awry. Sure, some of it is quite dated when viewed now, but the chemistry between Robert Redford and Jane Fonda combines with a laugh-filled script makes it enjoyable.

Proper Paul and fun-loving Corie Bratter have recently married and they move into an apartment in Greenwich Village. Yet the apartment is far from a dream home, mainly because of the five stories of stairs that need to be climbed to reach it. It is here that we see how different the newlyweds are in terms of their personalities and ideas. Barefoot in the ParkOn one hand, Paul is an uptight and straight-laced young lawyer, while Corie is an effervescent free spirit who is willing to try anything. The apartment has a hole in the ceiling which renders the place freezing, crammed space and their aging womanizing neighbour Victor Velasco must come through their apartment to reach his one on the floor above. Paul hates all these things about their new home, but the adventurous Corie sees them as quaint and very nice. Already a wedge has been drove between them as they begin to see that wedded life can be complicated indeed. To add to this, Corie’s sarcastic mother Ethel comes by to view the place. Velasco and Edith Barefoot in the ParkThe romantic Corie tries to set her mother up with Velasco as she feels she is lonely. And after a wild night out had by all of them, it is time for Paul and Corie to see if their marriage is going to last or not. The newlyweds begin to see that marriage is not a bed of roses and that they are particularly different which does lead to arguments and maybe a possible divorce. Watch as personalities clash and misunderstandings between the mismatched couple cause fireworks and plenty of laughs.

Director Gene Saks gives Barefoot in the Park that breezy quality that suits the brisk pace and various antics that occur in the piece. He is given extra help by Neil Simon’s script from his own stage play that just cracks with humour and wit as Paul and Corie enter into marriage and witness the fact that their personalities are somewhat incompatible. Comic interludes are ever-present in this film and while some of it may be a trifle dated, it still doesn’t fail to raise a smile or a laugh. There is kookiness to the proceedings that gives the film a verve when the plot meanders on occasion. A lively, romantic score tinged with a good old jaunty rhythm is the perfect musical accompaniment to this funny tale of marital disharmony.

Barefoot in the Park gains an added spark from a game cast who perform excellently with the confines of comedy. Robert Redford is delightfully uptight as the respectable Paul, who doesn’t seem to know how to live a little and let his hair down. Jane Fonda and Robert RedfordRedford brings a whole lot of charisma and some priceless facial expressions to the film that are bound to conjure laughs. Jane Fonda is his comedic foil in the part of Corie, who lives for the moment and is kittenish to say the least. Fonda is a natural at playing this, and giving it a sexy edge. The chemistry between the two is believable, abrasive and caustic, which only adds to the many incidents that befall them. The colourful supporting roles are filled with style and considerable talent by Charles Boyer as the old but still hungry for life fox and Mildred Natwick as the sarcastic and self-doubting mother.

Scintillating chemistry, humour and talent make Barefoot in the Park a guarantee to put a smile on your face and a breezy way to spend an hour or two.

Subscribe

  • Entries (RSS)
  • Comments (RSS)

Archives

  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012

Categories

  • 007 thoughts and reviews
  • Adventures of Satrap
  • Announcements
  • Awards and Achievements
  • Birthdays and Tributes
  • Blogging Community
  • Blogging Questions
  • Creepy
  • Gif Posts
  • Humour
  • Movie and Television Trivia
  • Movie opinions and thoughts
  • Movie Reviews
  • Music reviews and opinions
  • Photography Discussion
  • Rest In Peace
  • Sport
  • Television Opinions
  • Television Reviews
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
July 2015
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Jun   Aug »

Tags

007 1940's 1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's 1990's 2000's 2010's Action Adventure Announcement Based on a true story Bernard Lee Bette Davis Birthday Blogs You Should Follow Cate Blanchett Comedy Crime Desmond Llewelyn Disney Drama Fantasy Foreign Language Film Gillian Anderson Halle Berry Happy Birthday Horror James Bond Judi Dench Julianne Moore Julia Roberts Liebster Award Lois Maxwell Madonna Maggie Smith Matthew Fox Meryl Streep Music Musical Mystery Natalie Portman Neve Campbell Period Drama Psychological Horror Psychological Thriller Rest In Peace Romance Romantic Comedy Science Fiction Spy Supernatural Horror Thriller

Top Posts & Pages

The X-Files Season 6
More Butts
Unfaithful
Lyric Analysis - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Kylie Minogue: Where the Wild Roses Grow
Mystic Pizza
The Children's Hour
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 3
Blow-Up
Party of Five Season 3
An Update
Follow vinnieh on WordPress.com

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • vinnieh
    • Join 3,769 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • vinnieh
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...