This Used To Be My Playground

I felt that it was only appropriate (since there are no new films out that I want to see...) that I should talk about one of the films that is closest to my heart! And if you haven't guessed it from my title it is A League Of Their Own. Maybe I am a sucker for that fact that girls took a major role in this film--as it was based on a true story--or maybe the fact that is was a movie that I related to as I used to play the game myself (well...softball). But there is something about this movie that still resignates with me today!

But to be completely truthful I think that I love this film soooo much because I am a Tom Hanks fan. Since I was young I can not think of a Tom Hanks film or tv show (Bossom Buddies) that I did not have. And yes I have the Bossom Buddies on DVD. 
But.. I am going to stop ranting and actually put my two cents into this film like I have with all the others so far. 

First and foremost I loved the all-star cast. I mean there were so many, such a Rosie O'Donnell, Madonna, Geena Davis, and of course Tom Hanks. They all in their own ways make this film. Secondly, the music. Although I think I love this Madonna song more because of my father. He was always such a big fan of Madonna's early music. I also like the music because it suits the genre so well. And lastly, I loved this film because of its femininity. For once women were able to be seen as more than house workers. They were respected for the talent they had outside of their households. I know many films make women out to be caretakers and cleaners, but in the 80's that was beginning to change. 

ok...I think it is time to end it. A League of Their Own is and will always be amazing. Penny Marshall created a great film that many people really enjoyed, especially myself. It might not be perfect in some people's eyes...but it sure was in mine. 

My Hunger For The Hunger Games

In lieu of the fact that The Hunger Games is coming out August 18th I thought that it was only appropriate to tell the world what I thought about this film. Having read the books it was easy to determine that I was going to love this film, but at the same time...maybe not. The worst thing about reading a book is that you do not always picture the characters the way that the film-maker or casting crew does, which could make or break the film.
Before I saw the film I was unsure about the actor who was about to play Peeta. He did not seem to resemble the character that I conjured up in my head. When Josh Hutcherson first hit the screen I could not believe how much I loved his character. Josh was able to play this character so well it was hard to imagine anyone else in this role. He was able to bring this fictional character to life, as well as seemed to have amazing chemistry with the leading lady playing Katniss; Ms. Jennifer Lawrence. This dynamic duo was about to make this trilogy into a reality through their amazing performances and acting abilities. I feel this will only be the beginning for them in the film world.
As for the film itself there were only a few concerns that I had, the first was the films rating. Although it is a young adult book turned film it was hard to understand why it had a rating of PG 13. I understand that American and Canadian ratings can be different, but I do not think that this film should have been rated this way. I say this because a lot of the fighting within "the games" was not shown as it was told in the books. I understand that if it is rated PG 13 you can not slam the screen with blood or gore nor do I want to see that, but I would liked to see a little bit more action. Therefore, the PG 13 rating was a bad call.
My second concern about this film was about film adaptation. For most films that were adapted from books I tend to see a lot of important story lines that get lost and never used within the film. I enjoy reading and I enjoy watching films that do not conjure up a new ending or deleted important parts of a book. As for The Hunger Games, the filmmakers did not tend to change any important aspects of the novel, but they did tend not to include parts of the story. Maybe this had to do with the length of the film or maybe it was because the film was not able to rein act these scenes the ways that readers would wanted them to. Whatever the reason may be I feel that as much as I wish these scenes were included, they did not deter me from really enjoying this film.
And lastly, the third concern is the character of Gale played by Liam Hemsworth. Although the first film does not talk much about the character of Gale the second film will and I am concerned that maybe Liam is just another pretty face. To be quite honest, I have only seen one other film that this actor has been in and it was The Last Song, which did not really thrill me. I just hope that Liam will be able to capture the essence of Gale's character from Suzanne Collins' novel. Having said that, I do have to make light on the fact that Josh was not my first choice either and he really took this role to new heights...so maybe Liam will do the very same thing.
Now on to the good stuff. As for the film The Hunger Games I was incredibly happy about this film adaption. Everyone including the actors and filmmakers were able to capture this book in a way that I never thought that they could. The effects and costumes were to die for. They were able to create the perfect image of all of these characters through their wardrobe, which I feel intensified their roles on screen. Way to go!!!
All and all I would have to give this film a [B+]. This is based on this films superb adaption abilities, not to mention the amazing acting from all of the characters within this film. I can not wait for The Hunger Games to come out on blu-ray. It will be yet another great film to add to my already stellar collection.

See you at the movies!

The Dark Knight Rises

One word sums up the new Batman film...SPECTACULAR! I could have not asked for a better film. I was very impressed by the open-ended ending that Christopher Nolan left all spectators. But before I go into detail about how awesome this film really is, I think that I should also add a little note on the previous "Theatre Massacre" that occurred. 

I would like to take this moment to say how incredibly sorry I am to anyone who had lost or even has a wounded brother, sister, mother, father, or friend that endured this night of horror. It is a night that I am sure no one will forget. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. 

The Dark Knight Rises was a great ending to a very iconic DC Comic story. As we all know, Christopher Nolan developed a Batman trilogy that changed the way we viewed this character. These films created a new and improved Batman that most audiences could believe in. In many ways these films, including the most recent Dark Knight were also very politically charged. This movie was not about the rich saving the day and making more money, it was about the rich taking the opportunity to help in times of need without hesitation. It is movies like these that show audiences what is really important. 

Another aspect of the film that I loved was the villain. In the previous Batman films Nolan tended to put Batman up against the not-so-tough villain that he could easily defeat. But in this recent film Batman's limits and physical strength were tested. Batman had to fight tooth and nail against Bane, and even then I am sure audiences were not sure if he would survive it. 

In terms of the actors and actresses that came into this recent film, I was very impressed. I will be the first to admit that I did not think that Anne Hathaway had what it takes. I did not see her as a "super-hero" character, but she amazed me. She plays a great villain/heroine. And as for Joseph Gordon Levitt, what can he not do? Wow! I wonder what is next for this amazing actor. 

Lastly, for anyone that is a fan of special effects, this film had them all. Nolan has always been known for his spectacular effects and this film out did them all. If Nolan really declares that this will be the last Batman film he makes, I am sure that it will go down in history. 

I give this film an [A] for its amazing special effects, actors, and its new adaptation to a well-known and loved comic book character. Thank you Christopher, like always you make watching films a pleasure!

Batman: The Dark Knight Rises (Coming Soon)

On behalf of the third and final Batman film coming to theaters this Friday, I thought that it was only appropriate to create a blog that celebrates these films. I think that most film enthusiasts would agree that Christopher Nolan's take on these films is quite spectacular. He is able to bring to life a new side of this DC Comic story by creating a character that reflects what most people would like to be or try to be within their own lives. Though the voice of Batman is not that thrilling, Christian Bale has created a irresistible and insanely complex character through is roll as the Bat. Compared to previous Batman films, Christian Bale has shown that this mask-crusader is as much a human-being as he is a 'hero' to the town of Gotham. 

In previous films, for example Batman directed by Tim Burton, Batman has been seen as a super hero with immense strength and intelligence. But Nolan was able to show that the real hero is only as powerful as the team behind him. No longer is the masked Bat solving crime completely by himself. The police and law makers use him a a tool to scare off the enemy. It is nice to see a super-hero movie that does not make Gotham inhabitants weak and powerless. Furthermore, this film tends to include the importance of the law--even in corrupt places like Gotham City. We see this first hand in the first film Batman Begins. Rachel tells Bruce that he does not want justice, that he wants revenge. And the only way to get justice is to put the alleged on trial. This scene shows the importance of the justice system and what it provides.

Another great aspect that these films provide movie-goers with is marvelous acting from all cast members, even previous characters that are no longer part of this films. For example, Katie Holmes. One word....WOW! This film was probably one of the best of her acting career. She played 'Rachel' well, but unfortunately Maggie Gyllenhaal was more realistic in this role. She has such a strong presence within the second film, which is translates to the audience. And of course, the late Heath Ledger must be mentioned for his astounding performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight. He made the Joker into more than just a kitschy comic book character by developing a new face to one before. 

The last aspect that made Christopher Nolan's film so spectacular is its effects. Most comic book films tend to use computer generated effects, but this film does quite the opposite. These realistic special effects scenes create the film by providing audiences with a sense of 'the real' in the unrealistic city of Gotham. Therefore, it is safe to say that the last film of this trilogy will raise the bar for all Batman films to come. 

I give this film a [A] for its amazing use of effects, spectacular actors and actresses, marvelous storyline and characters, and last but not least its wonderful director Christopher Nolan. 

Having said that this is the time that I state my thoughts on how this film is going to end. After I see this film I will go over my predictions and see whether or not I was right, as well as give my final grade for these films as a whole. 

I believe that this final film is going to end this trilogy with a bang. First of all, I think that Bane will be fought and killed along with Cat-Woman, but at the end of this final showdown Batman (Bruce Wayne) will decide whether or not the city of Gotham really needs him. He will choose to step out of the mask and live his life without it. And this is where Rachel will come in. I do not believe that she is dead. They never proved this fact in any way. For example, you did not actually see her body, nor was there a funeral. I think that she got away. Do not tell me why I think this I just do. I could be completely wrong. But in her note that Alfred receives from Rachel--which he then burns--she states that when Gotham no longer needs Batman they would be together. Watch it again and see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnyI75EthaQ. Therefore, it is safe to say that she might still be alive. Hmmm...that is some food for thought. Those are all my predictions, I can not wait to see what happens. 

See you at the theater!! 

My spidey scenes are tingling for the new Spider-Man film that hit theaters a few weeks ago. With the previous series being cancelled, it was hard for me to want to see a new version of a not-so-well produced film, but everyone deserves a second chance. And I guess the proof is in the pudding.

The Amazing Spider-Man takes on a very different story line compared to the classic Marvel Comics tale and I enjoyed every last minute of it. Andrew Garfield was able to show audiences that Spider-Man can be loved much like the beloved Batman.

Although, Tobey Maguire will be remembered for his performance within the last series, it is safe to say that Andrew has created a lust for this Spidey character in more ways than one. From his flirtatious moves to his thirst for harmony, this wholesome vigilante warms the heart of any viewer. Not to mention the supporting actress Emma Stone has stolen the stage with her performance as Gwen--Spider-Man's love interest. The character of Gwen has been able to add a much more realistic take on the 'helpless damsel-in-distress' role of Mary-Jane. Gwen is seen as a down-to-earth, beautiful young women, who is strong, brave and intelligent. Where most films would have the defenseless Gwen run from evil, this film does not. Gwen plants her feet in the ground and continues to complete the task she has been asked to complete, even when she finds out that she is in the destruction path of Dr. Curt Connors. She also comes in quite handy when Spider-Man finds himself in a bind. Who knew this film would throw out the commonly used stereotypical character trait of the heroes powerless love interest.

Therefore, this film has set the stage for all other Spider-Man films to come. Apposed to the previous series with Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire The Amazing Spider-Man will be able to reach a new audience as it brings together action, romance, and the epic genre to create what some would call a blockbuster hit. Unfortunately, compared to other action films The Aamazing Spider-Man is lacking in terms of special effects. Much of this films scenes have been created through the use of computer technology. Compared to films like Batman, The Aamazing Spider-Man is still not able to thrill audiences with its computer simulated stunts, but I am sure it will get there.

All and all I give his film a [B+] for its new take take on a old film. I am sure movie goers will agree that this film pleasantly surprised them, which might end up being the reason they go and see any of others to come.