The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part I

The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Pt I
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson
My Opinion: It's a good ride!

I can’t say I’m particularly impressed with The Hunger Games movies, but I have found myself looking forward to the annual red box release. I stopped reading the books after the first, yet I’m as intrigued by Jennifer Lawrence as I am by Katniss’s plight.

Mocking Jay lacks a solid structure, and is more of a chapter than it is it’s own story. Regardless, I was enthralled. Catching Fire, with all its thrilling darkness, might still be my favorite, but I’m once again anxious for the next installment.

The Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything
Directed by James Marsh
Starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones,
My Opinion: mushy and boring, but great performances

I stopped writing on this blog for a long time because each of my reviews read like broken records. Yet after seeing The Theory of Everything, I feel the need to re-express my grievances over the films that are perpetually oozing out of Hollywood.

Why is every film tailored for a simple-minded audience? Are we so stupid that we can’t comprehend a script that doesn’t swivel around an affair? Surely I am exaggerating, but the fact is we have a film that chronicles the life one of the most brilliant men in history, and it’s rather stupid. After seeing this film, I’m left with little more than the impression of wonderful performances. Our glimpse into Hawking’s life seems less factual then embellished and decorated with dramatic occurrences.

The Theory of Everything gives us little of Hawking’s own mind, of his struggle, of the developments of his theories – a retelling that offers little examination. It’s my fault for wanting an updated film as profound as My Left Foot, but it’s Hollywood who has done a disservice to Stephen Hawking. If it wasn’t for the stunning performances and the subject manner, I’m not sure there’d be a reason to see this film.