Hugo and Hunger Games

Somehow we missed "Hugo" in the theater over Christmas break, so we were forced to watch this film for the first time on video, at home. Rob came over and watched with us, which was fun because like me he's a Scorsese fan and appreciates movies in general. I mention this only because "Hugo" is obviously aimed at children, yet anyone who loves movies would enjoy this film. I think it's interesting (and I'm not pretending to be the first to notice) that "Hugo", "The Artist" and "Midnight In Paris" share common themes and all were released around the same time (and won Academy Awards). The stories for each of these films are quite different, yet the nostalgic tone for the past is at the heart of each film. For me "Hugo" had a similar affect as "War Horse"; while I recognized the masterful filmmaking represented on screen, the characters and story never drew me in. Artistically this is a wonderful film, pleasurable to watch, yet I found it to be lacking substance. Perhaps this can be partially explained by the limitation of young actors. An earlier film by Scorsese such as "The Departed" is strengthened by the presence of Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio. Much of the film depends on their performances, which freed Scorsese to focus on style, editing and all the other fun stuff. "Hugo" has no shortage of the fun visual flair, yet falls short of being a great film because the characters never become real.

Jude read the Hunger Games books (and kept me somewhat informed on their content), so I took him to see the first movie at midnight on opening night. Often (as many of you know) I am sucked in by a movie's trailer only to be disappointed by the full product. This time the opposite occurred. I really had little desire to see this movie, based on the premise or the trailers. Even ten to fifteen minutes into the movie I was very critical of the camera work, the cliches which were being utilized, and the minimilistic set design. I think it was an important scene where the main character Katniss says goodbye to her family that changed my mind. While certain elements later in the film still were distracting, overall the strength, courage and fortitude portayed in Katniss led me to thoroughly enjoy the film. The vision of the future in "Hunger Games" seems like a watered-down version of any number of movies that I've seen before; but I realize that this movie wasn't aimed at jaded old guys like me (much like the Twilight series). Rather a new generation is being warned against fascism and other evil isms in the Hunger Games books just like the Twilight books warn young people against other kinds of danger. I am really interested to see how the Hunger Games turns out (not intersted enough to read any books of course), but I'll go to the next movies as they come out.

War Horse, The Gold Rush, The Artist, The Muppets, Tintin, Safe House, and Much Ado About Nothing

Other directors wouldn't dare try a movie like this, which once again proves Spielberg's mastery in filmmaking. It's not the story itself that's daring, rather it is the unique way in which he uses the story to accomplish something greater. It's clear from early in the film that boy and his horse are an allegory for...

That is what I wrote about "War Horse" well over two months ago. Unfortunately I've been pretty busy, and to tell the truth the movies I've seen haven't really inspired me to take the time to write about them. That's really too bad, because even bad movies should be examined; there is an explanation for their badness.

Instead of writing extensively about each of the movies I've seen, I'm going to briefly tell you whether or not I like the given film.

"War Horse" was a masterful film which I didn't really enjoy. The subject matter and characters never really captured my attention.

I watched "The Gold Rush" in preparation for watching "The Artist", I wanted to have a reference point for knowing what a silent film should be. I watched this at home via Netflix with the kids. Charlie Chaplin wasn't making some novelty film where physical performance was all he had; he understood that this was all he needed. Black and white, silent, limited camera techniques and all, this is an extremely entertaining film.

"The Artist" is also an entertaining film, yet we are always conscious of the fact that sound is missing. Honestly, too much emphasis is placed on this being a silent film that it doesn't work as a film, it feels like a gimmick. I would actually argue that it isn't a silent film; if the filmmakers selectively include sound, I would consider that cheating. I enjoyed the movie, but it doesn't belong in the category of "The Gold Rush".

The Muppets was wonderful, especially the musical sequence for 'I'm a Muppet of a Man'. Alas, I could go for more Muppets, this would have been much better had it been the beginning of a new Muppets TV show rather than a stand-alone one-time-only movie.

"Tintin" is like Indiana Jones for little kids (I know about the connections), and if that isn't a selling point for you I can't really help you. There isn't much depth here, but the ride is fun.

"Safe House" meets the criteria of being a movie that I have no desire to write about or even really think about. It's one of those movies that while I was sitting there I was wishing that I could be watching "Training Day" instead.

"Much Ado About Nothing" is a great way to make up for watching "Safe House"; it renews your appreciation for movies, and for Denzel.