Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Movie Buzz

Hunger Games: Catching Fire
It seems that every week there is another casting announcement for the highly anticipated Hunger Games: Catching Fire. It has already been confirmed that Jena Malone has been cast as Johanna Mason and Phillip Seymor Hoffman has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee. Now there are rumors swirling that the casting directors have decided on Sam Claflin to play the coveted role of Finnick Odair. Sam Clafin was recently seen in Snow White and the Hunstman. Personally,  when I was reading Catching Fire I always imagined a Garrett Hedlund type playing Finnick. I am sure that if Sam was offered the part, he will be amazing in the role. Earlier today it was confirmed that Amanda Plummer has been cast in the role of Wiress. After much thought I believe that she will be perfect in the role. The are rumors spreading that Tony Shalhoub is in the mix to play Beetee. That will be the best casting decision in the entire Hunger Game franchise. Perfect is not even a good word to describe him playing Beetee maybe flawless. Melissa Leo is also in the mix to play Mags. I always imagined Mags as being played by someone older but Melissa Leo is fantastic. 
Pixar
It is official, there will be a Finding Nemo sequel. I have been waiting for this news since 2003. I never thought it would happen and I am so excited that this is finally happening. There is a strong possibility that there will be a Toy Story 4. Next year the prequel to Monsters INC, Monsters University will make it way to the movie screens. 

Quick Box Office Report
In the midst of bombs and mishaps Ted is turning out to be the surprise hit of the summer. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom are the indie darlings of the year.  It is looking that Beasts of the Southern Wild will be joining their company. 

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

War Horse



Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Kross, Niels Arestrup
Director: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Lee Hall and Richard Curtis
Rating: 5/5 Unicorns



War Horse is based on the children novel by Michael Morpurgo which was later adapted successfully to stage. War Horse is set during the First World War I and begins with the beautiful friendship between a horse named Joey and Albert Narracot( Jeremy Irvine), the young boy who raises and trains Joey. When Albert's Father(Peter Mullan) sells Joey to the British Calvary in order to maintain their farm, the film follows the remarkable journey of Joey and all those whom come in contact with him during the war. 


War Horse was one of the films that came out last year that I really wanted to see. It was a film that I knew would not be good for me to watch around people. I once made the mistake of watching Tsotsi on the airplane, I do apologize to the people around me. I am sure I sounded like a drowning cat trying to muffle my cries. From the trailers of War Horse I was already getting misty eyed, so I knew this was no film to watch at the cinema. I am going to breakdown the emotions that come with watching War Horse. Once the movie begins  you will find yourself  in love with Joey and the relationship he establishes with Albert. When it was time for Joey to ploy the land, my cheeks were stained. By the quarter mark of the film you will be crying under a table with a bottle of wine. By the middle of the film, full on sobbing in shower mode. By the time the movie ends, you will find yourself crawled up in fetal position not being able to cope with all the emotions you are feeling. It was an emotional marathon trying to get through War Horse. I am not trying to discourage you from seeing War Horse, it was one of the most breathtaking films I have seen in recent memory. The cinematography in War Horse was spellbinding and the art direction was spectacular. The score was enchanting and acting was superb. This film had classic Spielberg feel which I absolutely adored.

A good bonus about War Horse is the wonderful Tom Hiddleston, who is absolutely lovely as Captain Nicholls. I think I actually clapped when he came on screen. Am I turning into a fangirl? I think he already has too many of them without me putting myself onto the list. Captain Nicholls is the man the Narracots sell Joey to. He promises to take special care of him. I won't delve much more because one of his last scenes had me crying under a table with a bottle of wine. Benedict Cumberbatch played the Major Jamie Stewart in the same division as Captain Nicholls. It was out of the world seeing them as screen partners. The great thing  about Major Jamie Stewart is that he had a horse named Topthorn who becomes Joey's big brother. I will not talk much more about Topthorn because when I do I find myself crawling on the floor. My final verdict on War Horse is a film not to be missed. Just remember to bring a box of tissues with you. You have to be emotionally prepared to handle the beast of emotions that come flying out you.