Sunday, March 25, 2012

Focus On "The Hunger Games" Video Review


Oscar-nominated director/co-writer Gary Ross creates a faithful and compelling adaptation of “The Hunger Games” that will only whet avid fans’ appetites to see the sequels played out on the big screen.
Adapted from the first book in Suzanne Collins’ best-selling dystopian book trilogy for young adults, “The Hunger Games” stumbles over a few of the anticipated pacing and storytelling pitfalls but mostly meets and in some arenas even exceeds expectations.

As expected, the movie has Ross’ steady, intuitive direction, an excellent cast working in top form, magnificent costume and production design, a stellar if understated soundtrack and score, plus Collins’ own pen (along with Ross’ and Billy Ray’s) applied to the script all going for it. These pluses really add up to a satisfying cinematic experience, which as a “Hunger Games” fan, I found to be quite a relief. After all, there are so many ways that a movie version of Collins’ dystopian near-future sci-fi tale about a government-mandated, live-for-television game show that forces teenagers to fight to the death could have gone horribly wrong, but thankfully, Ross and Co. get so much of the story right.

As expected, the series’ fervent fans turned out in droves for 12:01 a.m. Friday screenings, with several houses at Harkins Bricktown 16 crowded with movie-goers, including many dressed as their favorite characters from the books. (My thanks to Harkins for provided me with midnight passes so I could bring this review to you.)

Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence (“Winter’s Bone”) brings her now-standard but still impressive ability to portray both toughness and vulnerability to the lead role of Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old denizen of the Appalachian Mountains. In the not-too-distant future, what was formerly North America has been replaced by Panem, which consists of a weathly, corrupt Capitol situated in the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by 12 poor, oppressed districts whose residents provide all the necessities and luxuries – food, electronics, and in the case of District 12, coal – to the Capitol and are ruthlessly kept under the government’s thumb by the militaristic Peacekeepers.

The Hunger Games are another means of keeping the populace down: In penance for a long-ago attempt at overthrowing the government, each district is required each year to provide two tributes – a boy and a girl – between the ages of 12 and 18 to travel to the Capitol, receive training and then fight to the death in the Games. Only one of the 24 tributes will survive, and everyone is Panem is legally required to watch the dehumanizing brutality play out live on television.

In District 12, Katniss has become accustomed to surviving: Her father was killed in a mining accident when she was a child, and since her mother couldn’t cope, it fell to Katniss to provide for her family, including her beloved younger sister Prim (Willow Shields). Katniss and her best friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth), whose father died in the same accident, keep their families fed by breaking the law and hunting game in the woods outside District 12.

When it comes time for the 74th annual Hunger Games, Prim has turned 12 and is eligible for the first time for the lottery, or Reaping, that will determine the district’s two competitors. Despite Katniss’ every effort to protect her and against all odds, Prim is plucked at random from the thousands of entries, and Katniss’ reaction is immediate and instinctive: She volunteers to take Prim’s place.

To make matters worse, the male tribute drawn for the Games is Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), the baker’s son who once saved Katniss and her family from starvation by sneaking her bread.

Katniss and Peeta are whisked off to the Capitol by the etiquette-obsessed Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), District 12′s vacuous, flamboyantly dressed government representative, and the inebriated Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), who as District 12′s only previous winner of the Games is tasked with mentoring the pair through this year’s installment.

When they arrive at the Capitol, Katniss and Peeta are beautified, battle trained and literally paraded about for the benefit of the rich and privileged (in chariots around a Coliseum-esque arena, no less). Katniss’ stylist Cinna (Lenny Kravitz) dresses them in flaming costumes that leave an impression but also provides quiet moral support for the terrified girl.

All the tributes also are interviewed on live TV by the affable but oily longtime Hunger Games host Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci, terrific as usual), and Peeta picks that moment to reveal his longtime crush on Katniss. Unsure whether his proclamation is true or not, Katniss goes along in the hopes of garnering sponsors and fan support that could be vital to surviving the games.

Once they enter the arena and face their fellow tributes – including “careers” who have trained since childhood for the Games – it’s clear Peeta and Katniss will need all the help they can get if they want to make it back to District 12 alive.

Ross keeps the plot economically unfurling from the opening moments and after the Reaping, ramps up the action to a near-breakneck speed, but he still is unable to quite keep up with page-turning pace of Collins’ cliffhanger-per-chapter novels. He, Collins and Ray efficiently and skillfully edit down the story to its essentials while still keeping the essential plot and character developments, along with the vivid details that make the story unique. But some elements, such the bond that forms between Katniss and 12-year-old District 11 tribute Rue (Amandla Stenberg), are just too rushed to make the kind of emotional impact that they had in the book.

Despite Lawrence’s stellar efforts, the movie misses the internal monologue of Collins’ first-person novel, particularly since Katniss’ voice is so distinctive, insightful and vital to really understanding the love triangle that makes up one of the story’s many layers. Although Hutcherson and Lawrence have strong chemistry, their characters’ complicated relationship doesn’t get quite enough time or space to develop, though giving the story’s romantic angle short shrift is preferable to letting it slip into the forefront.

But the movie does have one storytelling advantage: It takes viewers inside the control room of the Games, showing the cold-blooded way in which Head Gamemaker Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley sporting some jaunty facial hair) and his technicians put the tributes in harm’s way to make the spectacle more entertaining. Plus, Crane’s periodic meetings with Panem’s ruthless leader President Snow give the excellent Donald Sutherland more screen time.

Ross keeps the harrowing, bloody fight sequences just within the parameters of the PG-13 rating – I wouldn’t recommend the movie to children younger than 12, and they should be a mature 12 at that – but more importantly, he keeps with them a heartbreaking sense of cruel realism. These aren’t the kind of action scenes that make you want to cheer for a hero, they make you cringe at the exploitation these children are forced to endure.

And really, the laser focus on the story’s meaningful core is the true triumph of the movie version of “The Hunger Games.”

Friday, March 16, 2012

Watch John Carter Online For Free



John Carter is far from the disaster it’s been made out to be in some circles…nor is it an unqualified success. It has enough visual effects and production values for three movies, and almost as much story material, which is one of its problems. But it does provide vigorous,  eye-filling entertainment, and paves the way for Taylor Kitsch (best known so far from his work on the TV series Friday Night Lights) to become a major movie star.

I never read Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novels about Carter and the planet Mars (known to the locals as Barsoom), but a friend who is a lifelong devotee was quite pleased with this adaptation, by director Andrew Stanton, Mark Andrews, and Michael Chabon, declaring it true to the spirit of the books even though it adds many ideas of its own. As one of Pixar’s star players, Stanton is an experienced cinematic storyteller, which is why it’s disappointing that his first live-action project is so unwieldy at times. My challenge was keeping track of the many curious and unusual-looking characters that populate the picture. (All I can say with certainty is that Tharks don’t fly.)

John Carter (a virile, and likable, Kitsch) is a Confederate soldier who, in the wake of a family tragedy, has become uncontrollable, a wild animal who is ready to lash out at anyone and everyone. Fate and circumstance transport him to the planet Mars, where the lighter gravity gives him the ability to jump and soar about. This impresses even the fiercest warriors he meets, including a feisty princess (Lynn Collins) whose father is urging her to marry one of their enemies in order to create a peaceful alliance. The question is whether or not Carter is willing to take sides in a battle that is not his own.

This epic-scale production is the latest to offer a visual-effects landscape so palpably real that it’s impossible to tell where actors and sets leave off and movie magic takes over. At one time this achievement alone would have made John Carter a major event; today, it is just the latest in a string of films to show off such technical wizardry. While we can still marvel at the amazing sights laid out before us—like an apparent monster who turns out to be an overgrown puppy-dog-like pet—it is imperative that we never lose sight of who’s who, and what’s at stake. That turns out to be a tall order.

I can only call the finished film a mixed bag, with exciting scenes followed by dull stretches. But no movie so rich in imagination and so skillfully staged could or should be dismissed out of hand. If you have even the slightest curiosity about John Carter, I’d encourage you to see it.

As to why the folks at Disney decided to leave “…of Mars” off the title, I have no idea what they hoped to accomplish. Readers have devoured Burroughs’ novels under that name for decades; turning it into a generic name seems downright silly. 

Friday, March 9, 2012

Shannon Magrane-I Have Nothing


You’ve gotta love the 16-year-olds on ‘American Idol,’ the youngsters stepping up to the plate of one of the most intimidating stages in the country and singing their hearts out. With nerves running painfully high among the ‘Idol’ Top 13 tonight, some stars-to-be are ramping up the energetic vibe, while others are losing their cool in the spotlight. Unfortunately, super young Shannon Magrane, who sang Whitney Houston‘s ‘I Have Nothing,’ missed her opportunity to shine.
Dressed in sequined black leggings and a leather jacket covering a neon blue and pink shirt (a stylish nod to the Houston-dominated ’80s), Magrane took a stab at the pop queen’s ‘I Have Nothing.’ Though she hit some spot-on moments, the beloved blond kept falling back into a string of flat notes. Every time she reached for something especially big, she just couldn’t quite get there — most noticeably, perhaps, during the biggest point in the song in what was supposed to be an epic Houston key change.

Still, the songstress looked like she was remaining calm, smiling and continuing in her performance right until the end. When it was all over, Jennifer Lopez empathetically voiced what everyone in the audience was dying to say.

“Sweet baby,” she offered with an all-knowing tone. “I think the thinking got the best of you a little bit on that one. You can sing that song … We didn’t get to hear that here tonight.” Encouraging the young singer in her abilities, J. Lo advised her not to rush the big notes and to “just tell the story,” adding, “That’s what you have to do when you get up there.”

“I think your nerves got the best of you baby,” Steven Tyler chimed in like a dad talking to his disappointed teen. “It’s a huge song, and you kind of crashed and burned on the turnaround.” With a good-natured smile, Magrane urged, “I didn’t get to show you guys tonight, but I can sing my butt off on that song,” seeming to grasp that she didn’t sing anything off tonight. It remains to be seen if America takes pity on the talented young teen or gives her the boot for missing the mark.

Paying tribute to the late great Whitney Houston, Shannon Magrane performed ‘I Have Nothing’ on American Idol Top 13.

The 16-year-old contestant from Tampa, FL sang her version of ‘I Have Nothing’ on American Idol Top 13 live performances on Wednesday night. Here’s what the judges have to say about Shannon’s performance.

Randy Jackson: Your nerves got the best of you tonight, I could feel, and everything you go for, you didn’t hit it, wasn’t great tonight.

Jennifer Lopez: You can sing that song, but we didn’t .First off I am glad the judges decided to judge for once. I actually agreed almost all the time. As I suspected, and was proved right, the girls are better than the guys this year. So if a guy wins this year it will for sure be another tragic tale in Idol lore. Yeah I know it’s just the first real show but we also got a real look at the talent.  And I will bet the odds change radically next week. And a minor word of caution to all the Idols but one, try to perform as far away from Jessica Sanchez as possible. Just a random thought.

You’ve gotta love the 16-year-olds on ‘American Idol,’ the youngsters stepping up to the plate of one of the most intimidating stages in the country and singing their hearts out. With nerves running painfully high among the ‘Idol’ Top 13 tonight, some stars-to-be are ramping up the energetic vibe, while others are losing their cool in the spotlight. Unfortunately, super young Shannon Magrane, who sang Whitney Houston‘s ‘I Have Nothing,’ missed her opportunity to shine.

Dressed in sequined black leggings and a leather jacket covering a neon blue and pink shirt (a stylish nod to the Houston-dominated ’80s), Magrane took a stab at the pop queen’s ‘I Have Nothing.’ Though she hit some spot-on moments, the beloved blond kept falling back into a string of flat notes. Every time she reached for something especially big, she just couldn’t quite get there — most noticeably, perhaps, during the biggest point in the song in what was supposed to be an epic Houston key change.

Still, the songstress looked like she was remaining calm, smiling and continuing in her performance right until the end. When it was all over, Jennifer Lopez empathetically voiced what everyone in the audience was dying to say.

“Sweet baby,” she offered with an all-knowing tone. “I think the thinking got the best of you a little bit on that one. You can sing that song … We didn’t get to hear that here tonight.” Encouraging the young singer in her abilities, J. Lo advised her not to rush the big notes and to “just tell the story,” adding, “That’s what you have to do when you get up there.”

“I think your nerves got the best of you baby,” Steven Tyler chimed in like a dad talking to his disappointed teen. “It’s a huge song, and you kind of crashed and burned on the turnaround.” With a good-natured smile, Magrane urged, “I didn’t get to show you guys tonight, but I can sing my butt off on that song,” seeming to grasp that she didn’t sing anything off tonight. It remains to be seen if America takes pity on the talented young teen or gives her the boot for missing the mark.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Taylor Swift Is Set To Release A Brand New Album



It has been confirmed that Taylor Swift is set to release a brand new album full of brand new songs in 2012. A lot of people had been thinking, and some even hoping, that the country singer would be releasing an album of covers.

However, that is not to be. Although Taylor has been performing a number of different covers while on her tour, she insists that her album will be her own. Yet she did not deny that there may be a cover on the album but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Taylor Swift has confirmed that she has already penned 10 brand new tracks for the album and that they will be along the same lines as her previous tracks. It is quite a feat for the singer, who recently confessed that her biggest fear is getting writers block. No such problem there it seems.

Hollywood more beautiful singer Taylor Swift is cooking for her new album. It is big projects for 2012. This is not amazing for celebrities because they always do new experiment for their albums. Singer Taylor’s song is sad and already in the planning stage. Singer excitedly dished that it is not only big thing but she has up her sleeve for upcoming year. She is making time for some other projects. Singer Swift told ‘now tour continues chugging along through the early part of 2012 with her perfume.’

Pop star told ‘she is working on some amazing and surprise projects that may or may not happen with possible some acting.’ She also adds ‘I am really excited about next album and I have been writing. I can’t believe that it comes out in a year but I am already excited about it.’ Singer share about her holiday ‘I am excited about holidays and I much love Christmas. I love buildup to Christmas festival that everything is exciting wintergreen with Christmas tree.’ She always celebrates Christmas festival with her friends and happiness. It is very good enjoy of signer.

Swift, 22, whose "Dear John" song was seen as a bitter ode to ex-boyfriend John Mayer, told Vogue magazine that she was working on her fourth album, and is currently single.

The country-pop crossover artist, who famously wears her heart on her songwriter's sleeve, said that writing about past loves is a way to ease the pain.

"There's just been this earth-shattering, not recent, but absolute crash-and-burn heartbreak and that will turn out to be what the next album is about," she told Vogue in a cover story for its February edition.
"The only way that I can feel better about myself -- pull myself out of that awful pain of losing someone -- is writing songs about it to get some sort of clarity," she said.

Swift dated "Brokeback Mountain" star Gyllenhaal for about three months in late 2010 before their much-photographed relationship ended suddenly around the Christmas holidays that year. U.S. celebrity magazines claimed that Gyllenhaal had ended the relationship because he was unhappy at the attention the couple was generating.

Swift told Vogue she did not feel like dating at the moment. "I really have this great life right now, and I'm not sad and I'm not crying this Christmas, so I am really stoked about that."

Asked whether she was crying last Christmas, Swift replied, "I am not gonna go into it! It's a sad story!"