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Reviews
Rogue One (2016)
Awesome and Perfect
Finally not disappointed! Best film since Star Wars. It was fun, gorgeous, witty, and deep. Real Star Wars as it gets. I think this one would make George Lucas proud. This new director and the screen writers are true gems. As a fan I feel they get it. I am happy to say there is character development, fair representation, solid strong female lead and truly enjoyable relationships and satisfying characters. They nailed it without the force too; but there it was woven throughout the whole movie. It's essence and presence always there. I also liked all the jokes and references without it being too cheesy or over done. Basically I usually like to find a strong critique, but I can't. The only one I could think of is it could have been longer as I wanted to get to know some of the side characters a bit better. Also I think one brief CGI characters acting was bad, but since this is a spoiler less review I will leave out who. I am looking forward to what this team does again and hope they make the next one.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Not bad, not good
The Han Solo character arc made no sense. Totally lame. He was growing as a character. all they did was bring him back to his old self like some very sad midlife crisis gone terribly wrong.
I think its possible JJ Abrams has never had an original thought in his life. Sure I like stuff for the fans, but this movie could not stand on its two feet. I mean considering Goerge Lucas and his few faults if you ask me as a storyteller, outside of a small amount of cheesy acting, Jar Jar's and the Gungans lame voices and a huge amount of slow scenes in number two I thought first three where good and I liked the third more than this new one. This one lacked something. Perhaps Lucas?
I loved the originals as a kid of the 80's but like the prequels too. The group think of movie buffs is obnoxious and I can imagine why JJ wants to pander to them. They are where the easy money is. Easy to market to and follow the trends. Nothing is easier than appealing to this crowd; total formula.
However I feel it fair to say for Lucas sake there was some crazy deep stuff attempted in the first three (the prequels) and the subject matter was a very difficult story to tell especially when you include the fact that now there is major expectations, the fans in question, and the need to have one's feet in all worlds.Such as is it a kids movie? Can you make the hero become the villain? Not to mention being constrained by needing to match up with the previous movies story without error. None of these challenges or problems was presented to the new movie. None. It was still poorly executed. I loved the eye candy, but not as much as the original 3. I liked the new characters as concepts and I thought the pacing was good. But over all, it lacked depth, character development and the Han Solo treatment was sad.
Seriously the new movie was a disappointment. I think because for all his very human flaws, it still lacked a master story teller.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015)
Best adaption from a book I have ever seen
I loved everything about this movie. The theme, the overall message and presentation; everything. I am a everyday person who likes stories. Books. Movies. Graphic Novels. I don't care one bit if it was like some other movie people mentioned in some of the comments,or if the camera angles where not what is popular right now, or the special effects not the right colors or whatever for film majors. I want a story. With real characters, imaginative, real with intellectual stimulation. A movie that makes you think. One you can enjoy discussing after and the hunger games series delivers. The acting was superb. The subtle looks, the drama, the understanding of the characters they played. Nailed it. The directing was amazing. The shoots of the more intense scenes from the books were gorgeous and the timing spot on. The "war scenes" were more often like real war. Terrifying and putting one foot in front of the other. No more heroism then that. You can't fight the kinds of things they were up against. Its not just another tale that says the more powerful win. It's complex. It was better than the book and I enjoyed the book.
The Hunger Games (2012)
Best adaption of a book to film yet!
I am usually very picky as I love a good movie and have usually read the book beforehand if it is an adaption. I have been very disappointed with most giving them a 6 or 7 rating at best.
Hunger Games stayed true to the vision, the characters and the story. It had everything that I loved about the book and the screenplay's omissions and additions where appropriate and sometimes brilliant.
Also I was worried about Hollywood watering down a female lead character, or changing her personality to match expected social norms. They did not. She is totally Katniss. The characters where all very good.
I was so impressed with everything overall. When I see an adaption of a book, this is what I want to see.
Solarbabies (1986)
Rollerskating orphans vs fascist government
If you don't love cheesy scifi....are too cool and all, don't bother. I mean it. But if magic alien spheres, weird roller sports, tiretown, and eco warriors make you happy, than this is your movie. It has a subtle beauty. 80s madness at its best. From the misunderstood tribal kid who calls birds to the cool mascot hearing impaired kid, its just, well its just....just see it. The hair and music alone are worth it, even if you do not realize how awesome the story is. Check out the cut offs. The only conceivable reason this movie is not in any hall of fame is because there is no award for Best Cheesy Sci Fi, or ...people just suck. Givin that, I am sure there IS an award somewhere. So do not deny yourself the futuristic bad news bears on skates. Why, afraid you may pull out those old hot pink wheeled roller-skates you know you have? Afraid you may try to save the world in a spray painted tank top? I know I am.