The Hunger Games

I had anxiously awaited the release of this film as I had consumed the book in a day it was that good! This was then followed by the second instalment the next day. I could not put them down. Though this made me excited it also left the film a lot to live up to. However, when I saw the cast I was sure it was going to live up to my expectations. Jennifer Lawrence has not had a lot of acting experience but from what I’ve seen in X-men First Class I thought she was the right choice and she is exactly how I imagined Katniss to be. Just how Josh Hutcherson was just how I imagined Peeta to be. He pulled the baker’s son look off perfectly. Though I have loved Liam Hemsworth ever since seeing The Last Song, I’m afraid he didn’t quite pull Gale off for me. This may be hindered by the fact that I prefer Peeta in the book anyway. As always Stanley Tucci was amazing with his crazy hair and massive teeth! Overall, the casting was pretty amazing and made the film work well, especially casting for those in the Capitol.

Though some parts were different to how they were in the book, it didn’t take anything away from the film or the plot in general. Everything was done with flare and wasn’t brought down to attract the younger audience. The choice of setting and clothing for the districts and the Capitol were brilliant as it showed the true divide between them and the choice of camera angles and sound gave it the rough and confused sense that was needed. Though it was quite long I think it was needed to add all the necessary detail and you didn’t notice the length at all because it was so enjoyable.

I cannot wait for the next instalment which I hope won’t take too long to arrive as the books have left me wanting more. I would definitely recommend it to lovers of the books and people who don’t even know the story at all! It is gripping and trust me, this isn’t another twilight. This one is absolutely juicy.

Picture from: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2868031744/tt1392170

Project X

I wasn’t expecting much from this film and didn’t really have much time to think about it as I was planning to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. However, it was sold out so I went into the Project X screening – which contained one other person! This doesn’t say much for my expectations of the film. 

The beginning of the film didn’t do much to raise my hopes either. It’s slow and doesn’t remotely grab your attention with the dodgy ‘Chronicle-like’ hand held camera effect. The generic ‘parents going away and leaving the nerdy boy with minimal friends home alone for the weekend’ set up was no surprise and was a little bit annoying. The random introduction of camera owner, Dax, into the friend group seemed a tad desperate and Costa … don’t even get me going on how annoying his character is. 

However, once the party night arrived I became a bit more enthralled by the idea. As expected by 9.20pm no one had arrived and they were looking to stay the losers they were before. But then, miraculously, about 100 people all arrive at once (yes, I know very likely). This included all the popular people who never knew who he was. The next half hour was fun, funny and involved the arrival of a lot more people but the party seemed surprisingly controlled. That was until people got into the house – yet it was still fun. 

Then the ecstasy arrived. 

Things began to get less funny and a little more sinister, leaving me with an increasingly uncomfortable feeling. A window was broken, then people skate boarded off the roof, a dwarf was put in the oven, the birthday boy,Thomas, jumped off a roof, followed by chubby JB followed consequently breaking his fingers,  the car was driven into the pool and a man with a flamethrower arrived.

So overall I enjoyed the film but it became a bit confused about what it was trying to achieve and left me feeling a bit uncomfortable which is unfortunate as it could have been so much more. I wouldn’t go out my way to watch it but if you get the chance to you might as well. This film was not quite ripe.

Picture from: http://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-latest/project-x/5038774.article