The Hunger Games (2012)

I've never heard of the Hunger Games stories before the announcement of this film's release, but after seeing it in motion, this is the film that fans of the series as well as newcomers will be talking about for a long time after its initial release. Filled with fantastical visuals and bits of drama in between, The Hunger Games exceeded my expectations and sent me on a quest to know more about the series that I was once oblivious towards.

The premise of the film is an annual event called "The Hunger Games", where one male and female who are 12-18 years old, are chosen from one of twelve districts that America-- or as they call it in the story, Panem-- is made up of. This event is the cause of a rebellion that the people of the country staged seventy-four years ago against the Capitol (government). As a result, they take away people's children who fall into that age group to keep them grounded and exceedingly scared of the power that the Capitol holds over them. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is a sixteen year old girl who lives in District 12 of Panem. She hunts animals for food as well as for trading and selling in case they need any extra supplies. After the death of her father in a mine explosion, she becomes the head of the family since her mother has been shell-shocked ever since and her younger sister Prim is depending on her for her care and support. This year, Prim can also become one of the chosen Tributes to compete in the "Games" but Katniss reassures her that her chances are very slim and she has nothing to worry about. Subsequently, Prim is drawn as one of the Tributes and is in utter shock from these unexpected turn of events. Katniss can't just let her go, and so she volunteers as Tribute to save Prim's life. It is then the boys' turn to be drawn and Peeta Mellark, (Josh Hutcherson) who is the baker's son is thrust into the "Games" alongside Katniss. Katniss immediately recalls the time Peeta threw her a loaf of bread after he saw her starving in the rain, but is still uncertain inside about the burden she carries of trying to repay him for his kindness. She feels that once someone has done a kind deed for her, it is her obligation to pay them back for it. They then travel to the Capitol to start their training for the competition. Greeted by the many wealthy people of the Capitol as heroes, Peeta thrives in the spotlight while Katniss recedes inside herself from the people that she feels aren't trustworthy. Upon meeting their mentor Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) who is a former winner of the "Games", Peeta tries to get on his side if he's to receive some life saving tips and strategies while Katniss displays aggressive behavior and a difficult attitude in regards to their mentor's demeanor. Bearing an enormous responsibility to her family back home and a defiant mindset towards all those who stage this brutal event, Katniss doesn't release her grip from any of their throats and is doubtful of Peeta's intentions when he publicly reveals his feelings for Katniss. The games are about to begin but is Katniss's determination, skill and slyness alone, enough to keep her alive and ticking in the race for her life? And is she able to trust Peeta despite his smooth-talking nature and the possibility of his love for her being only a gimmick to gain favor with the crowd?

The movie is definitely a fascinating study of society as well as the amount of control the government can impose on its people. The film incites us to think of ourselves as the audience of the many reality television shows that swarm the networks these days and question our principles and purposes of watching people running their lives as well as seeing them in many mortifying situations that we think of as entertainment. The film shows us the extremes these reality shows can include if something like this ever happens, and gives us a wake up call about the many horrible things that we choose not to see people part-take in while blinding ourselves with their glamorous appearances and how grand they seem to be on TV. But what we don't want to see when we watch reality television, is how normal these people are and that they have just as many problems if not more as regular people do. The average joe has to always concoct a fantasy for themselves to dream of when they want to escape the ordinary lives they lead, but what they don't realize is that they have to lead their life in a way that makes it enjoyable and worthwhile. Only then will people realize that they are living the dream and their limits are sky-high. Katniss is the one who doesn't conform to the regularities and finds ways to gain an advantage no matter what situation she's in, showing us that outside-the-box thinking is truly necessary for survival even if you're not fighting till the death in a televised battle.

The film also provokes us to challenge the views of the government or governing bodies that cause us to think and act the way they would want. Reminding us of the many riots and protests that take place today even within the student body, it shows us how oppressing the government could get if we don't speak up and raise a wave in our communities. The ripples that these waves cause will eventually reach national attention and prompt others in the same situation to get up and fight for what they believe in. Katniss's defiance towards the government and all those who live the easy life, sends out a signal of hope to all those who are continuously fighting to have their voices heard and to reach a decision which should unfold in their favor. If we are to be self-governed and not let the government decide our fate, we need to cause riots and protests towards the events and announcements that violate our way of living and the opportunities that we could lose as a result. If we would let go of everything we care about and our viewpoints, the government would indeed tighten their grip and realize that we are puppets who are willing to be pushed around and be told what to do. So now you see that this film is not a just a vehicle for crazy fans to swoon over and gush about. It is a truly effective piece about people's rights that serves to empower our beliefs and pass it on to the government that should help keep our principles alive other than greedily hoarding their power and resources for the bourgeoisie population. Disturbing acts aren't only committed in the arena where "The Hunger Games" take place, but also where you wouldn't initially look for them.

The acting job done by Jennifer Lawrence is truly wonderful but might also be considered as a continuation of her role in the film that earned her first Oscar nomination. From her many nuances in the film, it definitely shows you how dedicated she is to portraying Katniss to the fullest extent. She shows us many shades of her acting that reflect towards our interpretation of Katniss, and it's anything from a little smile to the feeling of sheer agony that prove her to be a breakthrough actress in the field of the many rising starlets that make up the industry. Josh Hutcherson also did a solid job capturing the essence of Peeta and luridly putting across his rendition of a supporting character that gives Katniss any glimpses of hope while trying to survive in the darkest of moments. Of course he will be branded as a heart-throb the moment the girls see him, but that's also a part of spawning interest in the already ignited flame that is the franchise. His eyes are kind and it's ultimately through them that he reveals Peeta's true nature even if Katniss is at a loss for words while trying to figure him out. Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Elizabeth Banks get to show their pompous, self-satisfied inner egos while portraying the characters that come from the wealthy population of the Capitol. From the garish hair and squeaky voices to the ridiculously voluminous outfits and large white teeth, both Tucci and Banks really set the bar high for the most pretentious characters in the series that ultimately humors the shallowness of the rich and powerful.

Overall, it's a film that gets younger viewers involved in the much more mature themes of power and independence at a young age as well as letting them choose who to root for on the basis of those who are fighting to bend the rules they are given. It's an important step in cinema not only because of the hype surrounding it, but also the kind of messages you can get across to the masses if you are basing it on an established and highly successful piece of writing. View at your own risk and may the odds be ever in your favor.

The Iron Lady (2011)

If you ever wondered what it's like to be a blossoming politician, here's your ticket to see the many life fragments of one of the most influential women of the 20th century, who set out to do a man's job successfully in a world where women weren't the norm.

It starts off with Margaret (Meryl Streep) going shopping for a bottle of milk. She is completely unrecognizable to the people and seems to have been forgotten by all those that she served in her position as the head of the country. Bombings are shown on the television and Margaret has continuous hallucinations of her husband Denis (Jim Broadbent) commenting on her past and current status in the country as well as what's going on in the world presently. Frail and alone, Margaret drifts away into the memories of her humble beginnings in politics and the constant inconsideration she faced at the hands of the opposite sex while running for office. She remembers all those that have helped her in the past and the many traumatic and daunting experiences she had to live through while being incumbent. Through all the hardships and distress she faced during her life in and out of office, she relied heavily on her intuition and gut instinct in order to do what was right for her country. She saw Britain as a well oiled machine that needed all its citizens to contribute to the community if they were to stay balanced economically. People however, protested about the taxes being at the same level for both the wealthy and the poor but she never let up on her policy and wouldn't let the country's lower class become apathetic towards securing jobs and paying their dues for the country that keeps a roof over their heads. Margaret was elected for a reason and she was determined to guide the country to prosperity and its people to productivity. But in the end you start to question whether her powerful position and the path she took to get there, was worth more than her family and all the trouble she cast upon herself despite thinking of the country's welfare.

Although the film was filled with many great montages and powerful storytelling qualities, the superb acting of Meryl Streep was especially outstanding and nothing short of Oscar-winning. Not only did she have to play one of the most powerful women of the 20th century, which is already daunting in itself, but she also had to switch her mindset from period to period because she played Margaret during her reign as prime minister and many years after her withdrawal from politics. Not many actresses have the experience to fill those shoes, but Meryl handled her portrayal of Margaret with great finesse and meticulous attention to details. Shifting from different time periods in a character's life, especially if it's an important historical figure, can seem nerve-racking and very difficult to achieve to perfection but it proved to be an attainable goal for the golden lady of the silver screen. This vehicle of a film ultimately rested on Ms. Streep's shoulders and the final result was indeed triumphant.

As many of the films released in the 2011 awards season which involved plots about females as the main protagonists, this film could be put up on the same shelf as the rest for achieving a frame of mind that other women would be happy about. The message of this film was obviously to remind women that their life is worth more than just raising children and standing at the kitchen counter all day. Margaret's gumption and spirit towards building up and developing her political career is more than just admirable because she not only wanted to do things her way but also wanted to inspire and show other women that it is possible to take charge and earn job positions that otherwise would be filled by men. It took sacrifice for her to make it to the top and she had to leave her children and husband behind for long periods of time while tirelessly working to secure Britain's safety from attacking enemies, and providing a stable economic model for the entire country. Not many women have the guts and wit to balance such demanding careers, and it takes a substantial amount of dedication to see your aspirations turn into reality. Feeble and lonely in her later years, Margaret still keeps up her iron mindset and doesn't give up on life although throughout the film it was very difficult for her to let go of her late husband Denis and his constant reminders of how strong she's been despite the constant critique from the male majority of politicians who didn't see her potential of becoming one of the greatest politicians of all time. But in the end you realize that although she has lost valuable time with her family, she still did what she thought was right for her country and the countries that surrounded it. She was a true leader and has to be proud of her perseverance in the field she chose to pursue while sincerely giving the biggest possible amount of her love and care to the people who she loved most of all.

A stunning portrait of one of the world's most brave and honorable women, who gave everything she had to get to where she should be. Courage and persistence will take you a long way no matter what your goals are, but it all truly come down to the amount of determination and will that you have to hone your skills and realize your true weight in gold. Words can't ever bring you down, and your beliefs and actions will pave the road to your long-awaited dreams. Meryl Streep also possesses the same kind of grit that Margaret Thatcher carried while in office, and this is the quality that I think made her perfect for this once in a lifetime role.

The Artist (2011)

From the flapper dresses to the whimsy dance numbers, The Artist is a shining moment in the history of cinema; bringing back to life the many classic attributes of a silent film from the late 1920's. The rise and fall of silent film is mixed in with a tender love story while we marvel at the unconventional usage of the style that has been redundant for almost a century.

Set in the period between the late 1920's and the early 1930's, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a steadfast star in silent film Hollywood. Wallowing in his glory, he neglects his lonely wife and spends most of his time with his dog or on the film set. At the premier of his newest film, he bumps into Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), who's a dancer looking for her big break in the film industry. The paparazzi and reporters are all over them once she gives George a kiss, printing in the next day paper a headline "Who's That Girl?". From there on it's a chain reaction that leads from one thing to the next. Peppy then auditions to be a dancing extra in another Valentin film in which they kindle a spark of chemistry and possibly a mutual love for each other. She eventually gets the job with the help of George, but the chair of the studios has some momentous news to share with Valentin. He warns him of the new fad which is the talkies, but George in his own pride, incredulously rejects such a notion and continues to only devote himself to silent films. In the coming years Peppy flourishes in the industry by securing bigger roles and soon enough becomes a mainstream star, gracing the silver screen to much avail and success. George however sinks lower and lower in his depression, realizing he was wrong in denying the future of film while chasing continuous success in no man's land. After his wife leaves him and the stock market crash forces him to sell all his furniture and move to a smaller apartment, he resorts to excessive intake of alcohol and inactivity. His only beacon of hope is Peppy, who is fully aware of his receding role in the industry and the relapse he endures in a fit of rage and confusion. Will she be too late to save his life and bring his legend back to the mind's of the public, or will George devour himself in his current state of oblivion.

I was impressed by the undeniable determination of the director, Michel Hazanavicius to shoot this picture as closely to a traditional silent film as he possibly could. From the opening credits to the quality of the black and white imagery, it is definitely nothing like we've ever seen before in this century and nothing short of the magic that silent films brought to people in their heyday. Because it is intended to be a silent film, the music and acting needs to set the tone so the audience connects with it and this film did just that to the peak of perfection. In most movies you have sound and voices to listen to but here, you need to rely on your eyes and ears to understand the mood of the characters and the situation. It makes the film a little more interactive for the viewers and lets them know how others felt while watching films of this nature in the portrayed period. The quirky, vigorous movements of the actors was also a very big part of bringing back to life this extinct genre and it's really one of those one-of-a-kind pictures that you will be talking about for years to come.

As to the moral of the story, it's truly about the fickle lives of performers in the film industry. One day, you shine as the biggest star in the business, and the next you're sitting in a run down apartment looking at pictures of the next big thing. It exposes the truths of the entertainment industry and how it chews you up and spits you out if that is all you live by. You have to be strong in the head and accept the changes that come your way, using your experience from the past to pave your future. It's true that new talent comes and goes but you can still be part of it if you comply with their rules and the perpetual changes that slap you in the face. The character of George couldn't deal with change and so it led to his deterioration and demise from the public eye as well as his line of work.

It's also meant to be a lighthearted love story between the new face of cinema and the forgotten legend of silent film. Although at first it may seem that the story is only about George's character, as you read between the lines, everything at the end becomes clearer about his relationship with Peppy. He did her a favor by convincing the head of the company to cast her in her first role, which was a crucial point in her blossoming career; and she saved his life by taking care of him and securing him a role in one of her movies. Their love of the arts ultimately transcends into their love for one another. It's during the hardest moments of life that you find who are your real friends and Peppy turned out to be a true friend apart from his beloved dog and chauffeur. Despair was always by his side since the shift the world has taken, but George's friends managed to save his mind from it just in time to get him back up and working.

I warn you of the possible tapping your feet will be doing while watching this film; and its content is much more dramatic than you may think. A climactic moment will come in the story that will shock you and make your heart race but other than that it's a phenomenal tribute to the origins of modern film. Outstanding, wonderful, and groundbreaking are the words to describe The Artist.

The Woman in Black (2012)

Marking Daniel Radcliffe's first film since finishing the Harry Potter series, The Woman in Black is one of the most chilling ghost stories to hit theatres in recent years. Filled with scares, thrills and chills; it's sure to make you believe in the vengeful spirit of those that moved on and the frightening stories behind them.

A young lawyer from London named Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) is sent on a trip to a remote village in England to recover the paperwork of a deceased owner who lived in a house that the locals believe to be haunted. Arthur hopes to be able to finish his duty without any delay, prompting him to move briskly in his search of the house. He has plans for his son to come visit him at the village for a short vacation, in search of finding happiness after the death of his beloved wife. After visiting the house for the first time, he sees a black figure of a woman on the property and becomes curious about the history of the manor. The village residents urge him to leave the place urgently so as not to upset her spirit. After witnessing the death of two children, and a couple of disturbed parents whose children have died some time ago, he decides to fall deeper down the rabbit hole and help the woman in black recover what she is looking for. Will his efforts anger her or please her, only God knows; but maybe it will make him realize the most important things in his life and the need to let go of the past in hopes of a better future. Their stories intertwine, but are they ready to let go of the past just yet?

Many horror films that came out in recent years required gore and violence to please the audience, but this film is one of the more unconventional horror releases of the 21st century that stick to the art of storytelling. Replacing gore and violence, for chilling apparitions and the horrifying stories behind their grudges is an admirable step in the outlying minority of horror films. Taking a risk has always been a perpetual part of making movies, and the persistence of everyone taking part in this production has not been done in vain. When it all comes down to what we think about horror, pictures of blood and raw violence pop into our heads; but this film chose to take on a story set in the early 20th century about the spine tingling mystery of a woman who has lost something that was precious to her, and never receiving any recognition from it, even in death. That is what fascinates me most about her past. It's a jab at our constant fascination with death and the constant thoughts we have about the afterlife and if it in fact exists.

The cinematography was presented luridly but at the same time neutrally, with the harsh juxtaposition of stark whites and blacks being mixed together in montage to create an eerie feel of a portending spirit and the relentless task she has pursued for so long. It comes down ultimately to the score to pull off a one-two punch and send us on a trip to hell and back. The unwanted silence and the fear that builds up to any moment of fright, is never truly relieved by the feeble murmurs and wailing sounds of music. The tension is everlasting and makes the film so much more compelling and captivating to watch.

Daniel's acting was surprisingly impressive and very daring. I especially liked the part where it's just him walking around the house and there is no dialogue whatsoever. The only downturn for me was probably the ending, because it seemed so abrupt and almost like it was cut short. You expect a happy ending and in a way it probably was, but it didn't seem that way at all. The woman in black will still continue haunting children and brutally killing them because of her continued belligerence and grudging mindset. She will ultimately never be at peace and she has herself to blame for the devastation she caused to the residents of the town who did nothing wrong. Besides all the gloominess and ghastly surroundings, there is a point that is conveyed in this story. First of all, you must let go of the past and live in the present and for the future. The woman in black and Arthur's situations correlate and ultimately define their actions. Except Arthur chose to live for the benefit of his son, while the ghost chose to make other people's lives miserable because of her green-eyed jealousy and agro towards the death of her long lost son. Everyone has a choice when they are dealt a loss, and unfortunately some can't handle it as well as others. The most important thing is to not let yourself wallow in your pity for too long, letting the loss devour you whole. It's a bit of a cautionary notice, but something we can all relate to nonetheless.

Overall, it's a surprise hit that's sure to be popular with horror fans all over the world even if it doesn't include the quintessential attributes of a typical horror. Expect your eyes to be wide open for even the most shocking revelations, and squinting in the quietest of moments because that's when she will strike. Adrenaline will rush through your veins when dead silence approaches, and that's when you know the film has achieved its desired effect. Your senses will guide you on the journey ahead, and stop you dead in your tracks during the last minutes of it. Classical in tone, but revolutionary in genre and the current movie scene.

The Help (2011)

One of the most inspiring movies of 2011; The Help takes the cake in conveying a story filled with hardships, and the courage a group of women had, to stand tall and tell the truth despite their inborn fear of speaking up to the majority.

The story is set in the town of Jackson, Mississippi during the early 1960's at the time of the civil rights movement. A young writer nicknamed "Skeeter" (Emma Stone), is fresh out of college and is looking to work at a New York paper but hasn't got the experience. She inquires for a job at the local paper, and gets one filling in for an advice columnist. To help with the column, Skeeter asks a local maid named Aibileen (Viola Davis) if she can help her write some of the material. But when she stops to think about how suddenly their house maid Constantine left, she decides to offer Aibileen a chance to get her perspective across to the people of America. Aibileen tells Skeeter her life story and the many heartbreaks she has witnessed throughout her life. Another maid named Minny (Octavia Spencer) also gets involved in the covert project the women have thought up. Through their stories, Skeeter gets to know just how strong these woman have been throughout the hardest of times and the things they've had to witness in their otherwise meaningless lives. Skeeter knows that many black women who have worked as maids for a number of white families, in reality raised their children but have received nothing in return other than their usual wages. During this crucial time in their nation, it would only be right to release an account of the mistreatment of these women and how cruelly they have been expended by the many wealthy families of the South. They are the minority, and as soon as they opened their mouths, all hell broke loose around them. Will they decide to carry on their quest for justice despite the possible consequences, or will they give in to the situation and let it be?

Harmoniously supported by the beautifully conducted score, this film makes you laugh and cry at all the right moments. I commend the intensity the production team carried with them to complete this fine piece of work. A fine set of powerful performances that move all those who watch it, even those who may seem like the tough cookies. The set design and costumes transported us into the kind of South many of us never seen and everything from the grimy environment the black population to the quaint parties the rich white folks would hold every now and then. Jessica Chastain delivered a surprisingly refreshing performance in the role of the few women who had no mind for the color of someone's skin, and who herself was an outsider and treated with mockery and contempt by her peers. Her character stayed optimistic nonetheless and wanted to love her enemies. This is what she had in common with the maids of Jackson and it probably was one of the things she and Minny could empathize about when they talked to each other. She represented the beacon of life among the rich, white population of the South and really stood out from the rest because she was kind. Kindness washes all other attributes and baubles a person may possess.Bryce Dallas Howard brings a whole new level of conceitedness and evil to the screen that is sure to make everyone shudder and repulse in their seats. I enjoyed watching her character get what she deserves even if it was in the worst way possible. No special effects or showy production pieces were used in the making of this film, but what makes it so outstanding is the content matter and the sheerness of emotion that each of the main actresses bear while playing their roles to the peak of perfection.

An admirable aspect of this film is instilled in you once you see this film. The black maids not only took an enormous risk in revealing their experiences with the ones surrounding them, but also understood that it was not about them in the end. The future generation and the type of opportunities they would have, was put on their shoulders. If only someone would listen to how badly they were treated as maids and take action to stop the hate. These women lived through so much and it is their determination and dedication that made them heroes. They couldn't have done it unless they realized that they were only a small part of the civil rights movement and it was up to them to secure a future for the next generation of African-Americans. As hard as it may sound, these women knew that at any moment they could be taken away and thrown in jail, but that didn't stop them from pursuing their goal and making a difference in the lives of the people around them who were treated like dirt all those years. With the help and support of Skeeter and Celia (Jessica Chastain's character), these women had a glimmer of hope that there are a handful of people out there who don't judge others by the color of their skin, but by their character and treatment of others. Imagine yourself having to leave your children behind and taking care of someone else's everyday. Never receiving any recognition or thankfulness for how hard they worked, they decided it was time for a change.

Overall, it's an unforgettable film that the production team believed in from beginning to the end. Accomplishing this film will remind people of the history and struggle the Americans had to go through fifty years ago, and hopefully be grateful for. All those who had the guts to be heard are now heroes and this film; illustrating the courage you need to build, to make a difference that is important to you and all those that hold the same beliefs. The message transcends to the current discrimination of homosexuals and the bullying and struggles they live through but sometimes cannot take any longer. You are the change you want to see in others, so stop the loathing and get inspired by this spectacular story.