The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

While the first one took it's sweet time getting to the story, this just jumps right into the action. But get ready for characters that aren't even in the book, like Legolas. And the motion capture for turning Benedict Cumberbatch into the dragon Smaug is amazing. Peter Jackson knows the right people to do motion capture, as we all know from watching Andy Serkis as Gollum all these years. But really?! 3 hours?! That's stretching it wouldn't you say? Almost as stretched as butter scraped over too much bread.  I didn't see this one in 3D, which is a real shame, because it seems I would have benefited a lot from it. Smaug breathing fire towards the audience would have looked amazing in 3D. Then again, the 3D is HFR, so probably not.

Grade: B   8/10  4/5 stars

Saving Mr. Banks

I definitely think this  is going to be nominated for a few awards this season.  Tom Hanks is the perfect choice for Walt Disney, and Emma Thompson comes off as both snarky and funny at the same time. While at times it is a little dark, it has plenty of humor to make up for it. But considering that both this and Mary Poppins are both Disney I'm not sure we're getting all the facts here. But they really went all out in making everything and everyone look and dress like they were living in the early 60's. If this isn't nominated for at least one award, I've lost faith in the Academy.

Grade: A+    10/10    5/5 stars

47 Ronin

 

I saw 3 movies today! Man, I'm sore. Never again. Anyway here's the review.

Oh, trailers, why are you so inaccurate sometimes? The advertising makes this look like a must-see film. It is not. It's just silly.  However, although it is PG-13, it has minimal blood, (only the Ronin writing their names and then giving their thumbs a small cut, then pressing down on their name.)  it's goreless, has no nudity, or profanity. One of the cleanest PG-13 films I've seen in a while. (Along with Saving Mr. Banks which I also saw today)   But "based on a true story" as the ads claim? Highly doubt it. Dragons do not exist. If you're going to claim a film actually happened at least give it some realism. I walked in expecting something awesome, and came out thinking "Not as good as I expected, but just OK. I don't love it, I don't hate it. " I'm going to bed now, I'll post Saving Mr. Banks and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug tomorrow. 

Grade: C-   6/10   2.5/5 stars.

Frozen

This movie is proof that just because John Lasseter made it, it doesn't mean it's good. The songs give you a headache and the plot is paint- by-numbers. Every cliche in an animated Disney movie is here. It's a terrible film that should not have been made at all. Ignore Rotten Tomatoes, because this proves they are a poor source for determining good movies.  Disney, no more princess movies ok? They have run their course. Make original films with no cringe-worthy songs. In other words make Wreck-It Ralph 2. Grade: C- 4/10 2/5 stars 

Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor 3D

(AN: This was a one night only event at select theaters. But you can get the DVD/Blu-Ray on December 10.)

I am a huge Doctor Who fan. I love the Daleks, and David Tennant is the best Doctor.  The pre-show was hilarious as well. The Sontarans have some very funny lines such as "We enjoy your practice of heating up kernals of innocent corn until they pop, and then eating them." People were also cheering at David Tennant. While the beginning is a little like the beginning of the first J.J. Abrams Star Trek movie (Gallilfrey burning=Kirk's planet burning) it has amazing 3D. I felt the Daleks were actually going to exterminate me. As always David Tennant and Matt Smuth have some very funny dialogue, and there's a surprise twist at the end that changes the entire history of Doctor Who forever. It's definetly very well done. Steven Moffat, sir, you are the perfect writer for Doctor Who, and I hope you're still around for the 100th anniversary special of Doctor Who. Grade: A+ 10/10 5/5 stars

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

(Author's note: I won't be doing a book to film comparison like I did with Ender's Game. I read the book, but that was a while ago and I don't feel like going through 300 pages just to point out a few minor changes.) Review: It's much darker than the first film, and the games are more exciting. Some people said the beginning was boring, but that's how the first one was too. I'd rather they have good plot development rather then just rushing to get to the action. It's the character development and dialogue that fuels plot. They chose an actor for Finnick who looked just like his description in the book.  And yes, people  in the Capitol like to dress crazy in this as well. Even though there was little to no humor in the book, the film managed to have some very funny lines. (Mostly from Effie Trinkit and Haymitch) Grade: B   8/10 4.5/5 stars

Top 10 Christmas Movies

10. A Christmas Story: Ralphie wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas but everyone tells him "You'll shoot your eye out." Grade A+ (+++++) (joke to those who have seen it) 10/10 5/5 stars
9. Iron Man 3: ("WHAT?!" you must be thinking. yes this is a christmas movie. it takes place on Christmas.) Review and summary already posted.
8. Elf: An elf finds out he's actually a human. Grade: A+ 10/10 5/5 stars
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas: Review and summary already posted in top 10 halloween films post.
6. A Christmas Carol 2009: Scrooge is visited by 3 ghosts who show him the joy of christmas. Grade B- 7/10 3/5 stars
5. Gremlins: A cute creature called a mogwai makes little mogwais who turn into monsters. Grade: A+ 10/10 5/5 stars
4. The Santa Clause: After Santa dies a man is called to take his place. A+ 10/10 5/5stars
3. Alvin and the Chipmunks: 3 Chipmunks become singers. Grade: B- 7/10 3/5 stars
2. The Polar Express: A boy who doesn't believe in Santa goes on a journey to the North Pole. Grade C- (The characters look really creepy.) 6/10 2.5/5 stars
1. The Nativity Story: The story of the first Christmas. Grade: A+ 10/10 5/5 stars

Next post will hopefully be review of The Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire