Hunger Games MOVIE REVIEW: The latest reviews

Hey everyone, so I saw the Hunger Games movie last night and it was AWESOME!
The Hunger Games - Official Trailer - Watch more Movie Trailers The Hunger Games is a 2012 American science fiction action drama film directed by Gary Ross, based on the novel The Hunger Games written by Suzanne Collins. The film was produced by Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik, while its screenplay was co-written by Suzanne Collins, Gary Ross and Billy Ray. It stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Donald Sutherland.[5] The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic future in the nation of Panem, which consists of a wealthy capitol surrounded by 12 impoverished districts. As punishment for a past rebellion against the government, the Capitol initiated the Hunger Games—a televised annual event in which one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts are selected in a lottery as "tributes" and are required to fight to the death in an arena until there is one remaining victor. When the protagonist Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) hears her younger sister's name called as the female tribute for their district, she volunteers to take her place in order to save her from having to participate. Joined by her district's male tribute Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson), Katniss travels to the Capitol to train for the Hunger Games under the guidance of former victor Haymitch Abernathy (Harrelson), expressing resentment for both the Capitol and its populace for forcing her and her fellow tributes to fight to the death for their own amusement. The film was released on March 21, 2012 in France and other countries[6] and internationally on March 23, 2012[7] in both conventional theaters and digital IMAX theaters.[8] The film currently holds the record for the third best opening weekend box office sales of any movie ($152.5 million) in North America behind The Dark Knight ($158 million) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 ($169 million)[9] and is the biggest box office debut for a non-sequel. The Hunger Games was well received by critics, who praised its themes and messages, as well as Lawrence's performance, while at the same time criticized its subdued violence and cinematography. Like the novel, the film has attracted criticism for its similarities to other works, such as the Japanese novel Battle Royale and its film adaptation as well as the American short story "The Lottery". It is noted, however, that Collins' novel and screenplay possess key differences by drawing on sources of inspiration such as reality television, the Iraq War and the myth of Theseus. The Hunger Games takes place in the nation of Panem, which was formed from a post-apocalyptic North America.[10] Panem consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve poorer surrounding Districts. As punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol, one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected by annual lottery to participate in the Hunger Games, an event in which the participants (or "tributes") must fight in an arena controlled by the Capitol until only one remains alive. Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from the coal-mining region of District 12, volunteers for the 74th annual Hunger Games in place of her younger sister, Primrose. Also selected from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, a baker's son who once gave Katniss bread when her family was starving. Katniss and Peeta are taken to the Capitol where their drunken mentor, former victor Haymitch Abernathy, instructs them to watch and learn the talents of the other tributes. During a pre-Games interview with TV personality Caesar Flickerman, Peeta reveals his long-standing, unrequited love for Katniss. Katniss believes this to be a ploy to gain crucial audience support for themselves, as audience members may "sponsor" tributes with gifts of food, medicine, and tools. The Games begins with half of the tributes killed in the first 8 hours, while Katniss relies on her well-practiced hunting and outdoor skills to survive. Peeta forms an alliance with the "Careers", including Cato and Glimmer, to track Katniss, whom they pursue into the woods. Katniss develops an alliance with District 11 tribute Rue, who points out a tracker jacker nest which Katniss uses to kill one of the Careers (Glimmer). The alliance is short-lived: Rue is killed by District 1 tribute Marvel, whom Katniss kills in return. At Rue's request, Katniss sings to her as she dies, then spreads flowers over her body. Katniss' televised act of respect sparks a rebellion in District 11. With Katniss and Peeta established as "star-crossed lovers" - and the Gamemakers trying to avoid inciting further rebellions - a rule change is announced midway through the Games, stating that two tributes from the same district can win the Games as a pair. Upon hearing this, Katniss searches for Peeta and finds him, wounded by a sword. As she nurses him back to health, she portrays herself as deeply in love with Peeta to gain audience favor and sponsorship. When Katniss tries to retrieve medicine for Peeta, Clove attacks her, but Thresh kills Clove for Katniss in memory of Rue. "Foxface" accidentally kills herself eating highly-poisonous nightlock berries. A pack of hellish "muttations" are released, killing Thresh and forcing Katniss and Peeta into Cato's hands. After an intense fight, Katniss shoots Cato with an arrow to save Peeta's life; Cato falls to the muttations, and Katniss shoots him again to end his suffering. The Gamemakers reverse the rule change in an attempt to force Katniss and Peeta into a dramatic duel, where one must kill the other to win. Katniss, betting that the Gamemakers would rather have two victors than none, reveals a cache of nightlock berries and gives Peeta a portion. Upon realizing that Katniss and Peeta intend to commit suicide, the Gamemakers announce that both will be the victors of the 74th Hunger Games. Although she is treated to a hero's welcome in the Capitol, Katniss is warned by Haymitch that she has now become a political target after defying her society's authoritarian leaders so publicly. As Katniss and Peeta return to District 12, President Snow ponders what to do about the joint victors and the rebellion they have started. [edit] Cast See also: List of The Hunger Games characters Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen[11] Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark[12] Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne[12] Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy[13] Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket[14] Lenny Kravitz as Cinna[15] Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman[16] Donald Sutherland as President Coriolanus Snow[17] Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane[18] Toby Jones as Claudius Templesmith Alexander Ludwig as Cato[19] Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove[19] Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen Willow Shields as Primrose Everdeen Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh[20] Amandla Stenberg as Rue[20] Jack Quaid as Marvel Leven Rambin as Glimmer Lionsgate confirmed in March 2011, that about 30 female actors either met or read for the role of Katniss, including Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, Emma Roberts, Saoirse Ronan, Chloë Moretz, Lyndsy Fonseca, Emily Browning, Shailene Woodley and Kaya Scodelario.[3][21] On March 16, 2011, it was announced that Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence of the indie film Winter's Bone landed the coveted role.[22] Though Lawrence was 20, four years older than the character,[23] author Suzanne Collins said that the actress who plays Katniss has to have "a certain maturity and power" and said she would rather the actress be older than younger.[24] Collins states that Lawrence was the "only one who truly captured the character I wrote in the book" and that she had "every essential quality necessary to play Katniss."[25] Lawrence, a fan of the books, took three days to accept the role.[3] Lawrence was initially intimidated by the size of the movie and what it may mean for her fame.[3][26] According to The Hollywood Reporter, contenders for the role of Peeta other than Hutcherson included Alexander Ludwig (who was later cast as Cato), Hunter Parrish, Lucas Till, and Evan Peters.[27] Other actors considered for the role of Gale included David Henrie, Drew Roy, and Robbie Amell.[27] In April 2011, John C. Reilly was in talks with Lions Gate Entertainment to portray Haymitch Abernathy, former victor of a Hunger Games held years before and mentor to Katniss and Peeta.[28] The following month Lionsgate announced that the role went to Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson Sexual Content: Kissing scenes (Not that bad) Language: Multiple h-words and d-words. Other than at, it is a clean movie. Linked-in Web Rating: ***** Overall Review: Great cast and a GREAT usage of the best talent in filmography!!

New Music Video: "Part of Me" by Katy Perry at the VEVO Music Event 2012

Sexual Content: NONE

Language: NONE

Linked-In Web Rating: *****

"Excellent lyrics. Witty, clever, and great use of poetic style. Loved it!!"

New Music Video: "Wild One's" By Flo-Rida Ft. Sia

Sexual Content: Multiple Scenes in Clubs and with Hot Girls.

Explicit content: Flo-Rida says the B-Word and A-Word a few times in the song. Also, the F-Word is mentioned once as well.

Linked-In Web Rating: I personally LOVE this song, so I give it ***** stars.

Enjoy!

Movie Review: 21 Jump Street

Cast
Jonah Hill as Morton Schmidt [6]
Channing Tatum as Greg Jenko [7]
Brie Larson as Molly [8]
Ice Cube as Capt. Dickson [9]
Ellie Kemper as Ms. Griggs [10]
Dave Franco as Eric [11]
Rob Riggle as Mr. Walters [12]
Johnny Depp as DEA agent (cameo) [13]
Peter DeLuise as DEA agent (cameo)
Holly Robinson Peete as Judy Hoffs (cameo)
Nick Offerman as a police officer[14]
Dakota Johnson as Fugazy
Johnny Simmons as Billiam Willingham
Dax Flame as Zack
DeRay Davis as Domingo
Jake Johnson as Principal Dadier

[edit] Production

In May 2008, Columbia Pictures confirmed that a film version of the series was under development. Jonah Hill rewrote an existing script by screenwriter Joe Gazzam and executive produce the film, as well as star in the film.[15] Johnny Depp has confirmed in an interview for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides that his cameo has already been filmed. Hill said he wanted horror director Rob Zombie to direct the picture. In May 2009, Jonah Hill described the film adaptation as being a "R-rated, insane, Bad Boys-meets-John Hughes-type movie"[16] On December 21, 2009 it was announced that Columbia Pictures are in talks with Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs directing duo, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, to direct the film which will star Jonah Hill, who also is executive producing.[17] Channing Tatum will star alongside Hill in the film adaptation.[18] Dave Franco also won a role in the film,[19] and so has Dakota Johnson.[20]

[edit] Release

The premiere of 21 Jump Street took place on March 13, 2012, at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.[21]

[edit] Critical reception

Early reviews of the film have been strongly positive. Based on 132 reviews collected by Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds an 87% approval rating from critics, with an average score of 7.2/10. The consensus states: "A smart, affectionate satire of '80s nostalgia and teen movie tropes, 21 Jump Street offers rowdy mainstream comedy with a surprisingly satisfying bite."[

Linked-In Web Rating: *****

New Music Video: "Super Bass" by Nicki Minaj

Sexual COntent: References to sex and multiple references to sexual content

Language: Multiple sh-words, f-bombs, etc...

Linked-In Web Rating: *****

Music Video: "Love the Way you Lie" by Eminem ft. Rihanna

Sexual Content: A ton of swearing scattered throughout the song

Linked-In Web Rating: ***

Movie Review: Ice Age: "Continental Drift"

Plot

Take place a few years after the event of Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Scrat's pursuit of the acorn has world-changing consequences, forcing Manny, Diego and Sid on an adventure, where Sid reunites with his long lost family, Diego finds his love interest, Shira, and they meet a gang of pirates determined to stop them from returning home.

[edit] Cast
Ray Romano as Manny[2]
John Leguizamo as Sid[2]
Denis Leary as Diego[2]
Queen Latifah as Ellie[2]
Seann William Scott as Crash[2]
Josh Peck as Eddie[2]
Chris Wedge as Scrat[3]
Keke Palmer as Peaches, Manny and Ellie's teenage daughter[2]
Jennifer Lopez as Shira, a saber-toothed tigress who is part of Gutt's crew but becomes Diego's love interest later.[2]
Drake as Ethan, a woolly mammoth who takes a liking to Peaches[2]
Peter Dinklage as Captain Gutt, a Gigantopithecus and the main antagonist[4]
Aziz Ansari as Squint, a prehistoric rabbit and part of Gutt's crew[5]
Wanda Sykes as Granny, Sid's Grandmother[2]
Nicki Minaj as Hailey, a woolly mammoth[6]
Ester Dean as Sloth Siren[7]
Rebel Wilson as Raz, a Procoptodon that is part of Gutt's crew[8]
Joy Behar as Eunice, Sid's Mother[3][9]
Nick Frost as Flynn, an elephant seal that is part of Gutt's crew[3]
Heather Morris as Katie, The Gossip Girl[3][10][11]
Josh Gad as Louis[3]
Alan Tudyk as Milton/Fabio Sloth[3]
Kunal Nayyar as Gupta[3]
Alain Chabat as Silas, a Blue-footed Booby that is part of Gutt's crew[3]

[edit] Development

The first details of the sequel were announced on January 10, 2010, when The New York Times reported that Blue Sky was working on a fourth film and was in negotiations with the voice cast. Fox later confirmed on May 5, 2010, that Ice Age: Continental Drift would be released on July 13, 2012.[12]

An early poster of the film was revealed at the 2010 Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas.[13] On December 19, 2010, 20th Century Fox released the first screenshot of Ice Age: Continental Drift.[14]

Sexual Content: None

Linked-In Web Rating: *****