By Robin E. Simmons
THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
I didn’t read the books, didn’t like the first movie and the sequel is a tad long at 146 minutes. However, this latest movie adaptation in the “Hunger Games” trilogy burns up the screen and it’s solely due to Jennifer Lawrence’s powerful screen presence as Katniss Everdeen. Not free as promised, Katniss is now a prisoner of a fake narrative that endorses and supports the Capitol! For me, what works the strongest in the film is how the elite are morally indifferent to the needs of the lowest social strata. It’s a very relatable contemporary issue, no? The ramped look, feel and visceral energy of this follow-up to the 2012 hit of Suzanne Collins’ novel is welcome and compelling — and will no doubt encourage a slew of YA stories to make the jump to the big screen.
If you are not familiar with the story so far, this movie will leave you in the dark since it continues the adventure of the first film. Suffice it to say, rebel Katniss will not be intimidated by her President nor the unpredictable behavior of her fellow fighters in the deadly games. I loved the addition of Philip Seymour Hoffman as the mysterious Game Master. Great supporting performances and focused direction make this a treat for the legions of fans that will find satisfaction — and renewed anticipation for the next chapter. Now playing.
ENOUGH SAID
Fine performances by the leads do not make this otherwise vapid film meaningful, engaging or even especially diverting. Mostly good reviews were no doubt heavily influenced by the late James Gandolfini’s final performance as a hugely sympathetic divorced man bad-mouthed by his ex (Catherine Keener) to her easily influenced masseuse (Julia Louis-Dreyfuss) who is dating Gandolfini. If this contrivance sounds funny, it’s not. Gandolfini will be long remembered. This movie will not. Now playing.
NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER:
ADORE
I don’t think I’ve ever really used the word icky, but I can’t think of any other word that better fits this preposterous film that’s set in an Australian beach town of lush widescreen loveliness. Naomi Watts and Robin Wright are two moms who vacation with their sons (Xavier Samuel and James Frecheville) who each get involved with the other’s mom. Besides the “intoxicating sensuality,” as one reviewer put it, the movie raises — and superficially examines — a lot of other notions. It tries to be about morality, the nature of family and the meaning of love, but finally, it’s all pretty preposterous and yes, icky when transferred from Doris Lessing’s elegant prose to literal images. I think the alternate home video title “Perfect Mothers” does better justice to the provocative tone of this film. Still, it makes me wonder – are some books better left on the page? Paramount. Blu-ray.
THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES
Adapted from the worldwide bestseller by Cassandra Clare, this romantic, otherworldly action adventure didn’t really catch fire (pun intended) for the intended and much-desired film franchise. The story is about a seemingly ordinary teenager who discovers she is the descendant of a line of “Shadowhunters,” also known as half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. Harald Zwart directs. For the hardcore niche fans of the book, the film will satisfy. For others, not so much. Blu-ray combo pack includes deleted scenes, an interactive lineage tracker that allows fans to delve deeper into the characters. There’s an “Almost is Never Enough” Music Video by Ariana Grande featuring Nathan Sykes, and five behind-the-scenes featurettes that explore the journey of bringing this book to life on screen. Sony. Blu-ray.
PAIN & GAIN – COLLECTOR’S EDITION
A brutal and nearly unbelievable true crime drama gets a darkly comic spin under Michael Bay’s surreal, kinetic, neon-bright direction. Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie play a group of misguided, deluded and likely steroid addled personal trainers in 1990’s Miami who, in pursuit of the American Dream, get caught up in a criminal enterprise that goes horribly wrong when they kidnap the resilient Victor Kershaw (a terrific Tony Shaloub). The new Special Collector’s edition includes an hour’s worth of extras that explore Bay’s unique “vision” for this character-driven story, the histories of real-life Daniel Lugo, Paul Doyle, Adrian Doorbal and Victor Kershaw and their sensational descent into the nightmarish web of a horrifically bizarre crime. Paramount. Blu-ray
ALWAYS FAITHFUL
I was choked up a few times while watching Harris Done’s fine, straightforward film about the dogs and trainers in the military’s K9 program. Sad that dogs are engaged in warfare, but the bravery and loyalty and skills they possess are extraordinary as is the bond that develops between human and animal. The stakes are unthinkable and there’s no room for error as these war dogs are responsible for countless fellow soldiers. The movie follows five young Marines from training to deployment. If you’re a dog lover, you will appreciate this remarkable film. iTunes and VOD.
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