#135 - The Hunger Games (2012) Review

The Hunger Games (2012), Gary Ross
3/5

This film was still enjoyable although it has a number of flaws. Aside from obvious deviations from the book, Jennifer Lawrence wasn't the greatest in her role as Katniss. Also the shaky camera movements were distracting, detracting from the story and pandered to the need to tone down the violence of children, which defeats the purpose of the story. I was also disappointed by the big name supporting cast, especially Donald Sutherland, who just lacked the cold creepiness he was trying to evoke. Overall still enjoyable action movie.

#134 - The Siege (1998)

The Siege (1998), Edward Zwick

3/5

This was slightly better than your average action movie, although the twists were quite obvious, it was a quite interesting story about American culpability in world terrorism. Also, it put a stark face to the possibility of turning the army on your own people and it's consequences. Performances were average, Annette Bening wasn't her best, and neither was Bruce Willis who played a cookie cutter version of the military, although he wasn't given much screen time to work with. Overall enjoyable, but nothing special. 

#133 - Brave (2012)

Brave (2012), Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell

3/5

While this isn't the best Pixar production, it was highly enjoyable, and a great fairy tale story with interesting gender issues. I would definitely have loved to watch this as I was growing up as it shows a princess who is strong, unconventional and doesn't follow tradition. I was also glad it didn't go along the romantic lines and focused more on the family relationships as integral to the plot. Highly enjoyable to watch and beautiful graphics, while the story was somewhat simplistic. 

#132 - Sightseers (2012)

Sightseers (2012), Ben Wheatley

4/5

This is a great off-beat black comedy. Great performances and writing. What is most striking about the film is it's authentic capturing of the mundane nature of life, complexity of relationships and the strains while on holiday. It also brilliant toes the line noticing the inane annoyances of life and humans, while remaining poignant and emotional, but it was a bit distancing at times. Well worth a watch.