The World's EndThe team behind “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” are back to conclude their loose trilogy of comedy mayhem with “The World’s End,” and just like its predecessors, it’s a slice of fried gold.
“The World’s End” is the funniest comedy of the year. It’s also an exhilarating action movie, a prescient science fiction film and a heartfelt buddy flick. Brewed together, these elements make for the one of the most enjoyable films I've seen in quite some time. |
The Hunger Games: Catching FireAlthough it follows similar plot developments, “Catching Fire” is a faithful adaptation that miraculously never feels like a retread of “The Hunger Games.” Despite its lengthy runtime, the film’s fire never once burns out.
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (JoshHutcherson) embark on the Victory Tour after winning the 74thHunger Games. Their defiant actions in the games have inadvertently inspired a rebellion among many citizens of the 12 Districts of Panem, and the oppressive Capitol government is executing anyone who shows signs of discontent. |
ChronicleChronicle circumvents every single criticism levied at "found-footage" films by making the format integral to the story’s impact. High-school senior, Andrew Detmer (played to unsettling perfection by Dane Dehaan), is defined by his camera. He documents his every move, preferring to view the world around him through a window rather than dealing with the defects of his life head on. His mother is slowly being eaten away by cancer. His father, an alcoholic, abuses him. He chronicles his interactions with them as a means to help him cope with the toll that it’s taken on his well being.
The only person that Andrew speaks to is his cousin, Matt (Alex Russell), a self-proclaimed philosopher. He does his best to improve Andrew’s morale but he rarely prevails. It’s evident that their relationship doesn't really exist outside of Matt giving Andrew a ride to school – a place where Andrew eats lunch alone and is bullied mercilessly. Carrying a bulky camera around on his shoulder doesn't help matters. |