Is it just me....

or is the gene pool diminishing?

Left: Johnny Simmons ("Young Neil" - Scott Pilgrim vs The World)
Right: Gabriel Macht ("The Spirit" - The Spirit)

Left: Michael Shanks ("Daniel Jackson" - Stargate SG1)
Right: Michael Weatherly ("Logan Cale" - Dark Angel)
These two even have the same first name!

Sucker Punch (2011) Zack Snyder

Finally - an original idea! It's not always too easy to follow the plot, or to distinguish reality from fantasy, but then I believe that's the point of Sucker Punch's fantastical journey into (probable) madness. And the cinematography is out of this world - often quite literally.

My favourite thing about this film, though (apart from the soundtrack, which is brilliant) is the strong female presence of the leads. Lots of action sequences - lots of chicks kicking butt. Both Emily Browning and Abbie Cornish were impressive, especially when comparing their roles here to previous appearances in things like A Series of Unfortunate Events (Browning) and A Good Year (Cornish). The various fights, choreographed by Damon Caro who is also responsible for such big action hits as Fight Club and 300, are simply beautiful.

Overall, the whole production has a very "graphic novel comes to life" feel, which perfectly fits the larger than life storyline, with an ending that is deliciously open to self-evaluation and individual interpretation.

Geek's rating: Somehow manages to be both Hooloovoo AND Vl'Hurg, with a bit of Magrathean thrown in for good measure

The Hunger Games (2012) Gary Ross

I wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted to see The Hunger Games. Before reading the book I was pretty keen, but once I had read, and loved, Suzanne Collins’ novel, I was definitely NOT going to see it and face the same disappointment that I have experienced with almost every conversion from page to screen. (And yes, this does include Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Twilight).

However, when I found myself at a loose end this afternoon, I decided that I’d take the chance and see whether it was worth it. The answer is definitely yes. The film manages to remain true to the book without any, or at least not many, deviations from the plot, and where there are deviations it’s mostly quite easy to understand why they would leave out certain moments from the book in order to better translate the story to screen. The problems that I do have with the film stem more from a lack of emphasis on certain aspects than from an interpretative difference. There could have been more of a spotlight on the relative poverty of the districts as compared to the depraved decadence of the Capitol. The role of District 13 in the uprisings that lead to the formation of the Hunger Games, which is pivotal if they intend to continue the franchise, was completely omitted. And, as another reviewer correctly pointed out, Katniss’ deprivations in the arena are glossed over and played down.

The cast gave me a few moments’ worry, but seeing especially Woody Harrelson and Josh Hutcherson in their roles relieved any doubts that I may have had. The casting highlight, for me, was Lenny Kravitz as Cinna. He plays the role with all the sensitivity that the literary version of his character portrays, and perfectly captures his unease and distaste for the proceedings in which he is expected to take part.

Overall, the story remains true to the book in most of the vital aspects, although the book does provide a deeper and more complete picture of the history of Panem and the motivations that drive Katniss in her actions. I will most certainly be adding this to my DVD collection, though, and am especially keen to see any special features, particularly deleted scenes.

Geek’s rating: Magrathean

The Avengers (2012) Joss Whedon

I’ve been told that there is an upper limit to the number of times I should use the word “awesome” in a review, but I’m going to ignore that advice for The Avengers. Because the cast is awesome, the directing is awesome, the script is AWESOME, and the action is awesome. Joss Whedon, whom we love, managed to elicit huge guffaws from the entire audience with the witty repartee and finely timed physical comedy (the Hulk absently whacking Thor after a major battle scene is a prime example).

The characterisation of the heroes and their accompanying human failings is, wait for it, awesome. Tony Stark: narcissism. Check. Bruce Banner: anger. Check. Natasha Romanov: guilt over chequered past. Check. Thor: god-complex. Warranted, but also check. And while I was not convinced of Loki’s role as super villain in Thor, he manages to pull it off awesomely, with appropriate angst at his choice of benefactor.

I have only one criticism of this movie. If you are going to put at least three of the world’s most beautiful men in one film, you have to have a shirtless scene at least once. I mean, what is the motivation for girls to see this film (not geeky girls like me, but normal girls)? At the very least the two Chrises should have gone topless at least once each. At least. Other than that, however, this film is, yes, awesome.

Geek’s rating: Mouse.