FRIDAY FLICKS: Puss in Boots

Kidlet adored movies from the age of 2 but his younger brother not so much.
When PUSS IN BOOTS released last year, it was the first movie preschooler sat through with some interest.
Since then, he has watched Shrek 2 & 3 a hundred times for one reason: Puss in Boots.
He thinks the cat is super cool and I have to agree.
With the movie just being released on DVD (and yes, I had to buy it yesterday) I thought this review is timely.

PUSS IN BOOTS is a prequel to Shrek 2, where Puss first makes an appearance.

In this movie, he teams up with the mastermind Humpty Dumpty and a street-wise cat Kitty Softpaws, to go after the outlaw couple Jack and Jill who have the magic beans he's been searcing for his entire life. 
Beans that can lead to the giant's castle hiding valuable golden goose eggs.

Sounds like fun, huh?
The movie is a rollicking good adventure, made easier on the ears by the dulcet tones of Antonio Banderas who plays Puss.
Salma Hayek is fabulous as Kitty Softpaws.
And Jack (Billy Bob Thornton) and Jill (Amy Sedaris) are seriously scary!

I won't give away any plot points but needless to say, there are many twists and turns in this fun film.
Kids will love it.
And if you're like me and mainly see kids' flicks these days, adults will enjoy it too.

FRIDAY FLICKS: The Bext Exotic Marigold Hotel

I love entering a movie theatre knowing absolutely nothing about the film I'm about to see.
No expectations to fall short.

That was the case last week when I took my folks to see THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL. I knew nothing about the film and when my mum mentioned it was set in India, I was hooked!

So that's all I knew: the location.

And what a rollicking good time I had.
I laughed out loud continuously throughout the movie, though it isn't a comedy per se.

It's a poignant 'fish out of water' story about English retirees 'outsourced' to a rundown hotel in India.
Each character has a satisfying growth arc from start to finish, with plenty of romance thrown in for good measure.

With an all-star cast and excellent acting, I dare anyone not to enjoy this feel-good film.

My rating: 8/10

FRIDAY FLICKS: The Hunger Games

For the last 9 years, when I've headed to the cinema it's to see kiddie movies.
As for attending release day of a film?  Try never.

Until The Hunger Games.

I devoured the books and couldn't wait for the movie.
The midnight session was out of the question with the little 'uns, so I grabbed my ticket for the next session at 9.30am and armed with a banana smoothie sat back to be entertained.

If you haven't read the book, here is the quick blurb:

In a not-too-distant future, North America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. (written by Suzanne Collins)

Jennifer Lawrence is excellent in the lead role of Katniss Everdeen.  Gutsy, brave, yet vulnerable. Powerful performance.
Josh Hutcherson plays Peeta, her fellow tribute from District 12 (and her sort-of love interest.) Have to say, he wasn't at all what I imagined for Peeta and I wasn't convinced by the supposed 'romance' between them in the arena.
Liam Hemsworth plays Gale, a very convincing love interest we only see briefly due to the focus of the movie being on the Hunger Games. (Definitely looking forward to seeing more of him in the follow ups!)

The subject matter of the book/movie is pretty grim (teenagers pitted against each other to the death) but I felt the movie was done well in this regard: not overly graphic.

That said, the over-riding themes centre on bleakness and cruelty and power, so if you're hoping for feel-good, this movie isn't for you.

The Hunger Games are disturbing, but make for riveting viewing.

If you loved the book, I think you'll be pleased with the movie.

My rating: 8/10