FILM REVIEW | The Book Thief

Everyone dies; it’s a simply fact of, ironically, life. No one can escape Death; no can cheat Death; and no can hide from Death. But Death, in his continuous journey of meeting people in their final moments, has seen both the beautiful and ugly side that reside in humanity. But in some cases, Death finds someone to fixate upon in order to question the truth behind what it means to be human. Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) unfortunately finds herself as Death’s latest fascination.

The Story

Based on the novel by Markus Zusak, the film follows the tale of Liesel, an orphan who finds herself in the mercy of a “new father” and a “new mother”. Narrated by Death, much like the book, the film takes us through Liesel’s story throughout the rise and fall of Nazi Germany.

I haven’t read the book, which is unfortunate, because this film is absolutely moving. Much like The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas, the story is a combination of innocence, intrigue and a deeper insight to humanity. Since it’s being told from the perspective of someone who doesn’t understand that both good and bad reside in the same person, the film simply shows the story as it is – people who choose to do good, and people who choose to do bad; people who listen and follow blindly, and people who listen and silently question; above all, it shows no matter where people are from or who people are, the anyone can be family.

Since I can’t compare the film to the book, I have to say that the story was well told, even if I wasn’t sure about the narration at first. Personally, I think there didn’t need to be a narrator, but I do understand that there needs to be a correlation between the book and film.

The Cast

Sophie Nélisse – This is the first film I’ve seen this young actress in, but she was a striking and believable Liesel. Her connection with her cast members were authentic and she made me believe everything she said and did. She was just beautifully brilliant for this role.

Geoffrey Rush – Another excellent role for the Aussie actor. He played the role of Liesel’s father figure, Hans, incredibly well. He made me laugh, cry and restored my faith in humanity. Kudos to Mr Rush for an outstanding performance!

Emily Watson – I love Watson when’s she feisty, and as Liesel’s adopted mother, Rosa, she was brilliant in portraying a nagging wife with her big-heart secretly locked inside. She was never over the top in her rudeness, and she was believable in her portrayal of a woman who cares too much about everything and everyone.

Nico Liersch – playing Nélisse’s love interest and best friend, Rudy, Liersch was both the comic relief and a picture of innocence. Portraying a boy who called things as they were and dared to challenged all that he could, I thought Liersch was an outstanding support for Nélisse.

Ben Schnetzer – Although his character spent most of the time in the basement, his portrayal as Liesel’s adopted brother-figure, Max, was sensational. He played the role of the protective and instructive, loving older brother who encouraged his sister to be her best and nourished the curiosity and talent within her. Kudos to Schentzer for a moving performance.

Overall, The Book Thief is definitely one you take your whole family to. It moved me to tears on several occasions due to the fact that it was centred nicely on the family unit – no matter what it looked like. The story is incredible and the cast are phenomenal. Go see it today, seriously.

Star Rating: ★★★★★

Next on sL: Her

FILM REVIEW | Saving Mr. Banks

Pamela L. Traverse (Emma Thompson) has fought a long and hard battle with Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) when it comes the selling the rights to her beloved book, Mary Poppins. Now that 20-year-long battle has come to a standstill, Mrs Travers finds herself at Walt Disney Studious attempting to hold on to the one piece of her old life left.

The Story

A combination of past and present, we follow the parallel stories of Ginty (Annie Rose Buckley) and P. L. Travers as they unfold the story within the story of a Disney classic. The story is bound beautifully by musical classics and witty dialogue that portray the struggle between staying true to the story, as well as retaining the Disney magic.

What I love about this film is it’s realistic and packed with intrigue, enthusiasm and heart. You get the gist of what it takes to stay true to yourself and the heart of your work – no matter what anyone says or tries to do with it. There’s a balance of struggle and hope that leaves you clinging to every word and action that the characters say and do – and occasionally sing, as they all draw you in. There are moments where you want to side with Walt, but ultimately you understand why your heart stays with Pamela.

When the truth unfolds, you also see the delicate balance between the harsh realities of life right beside the escape that comes with imagination.

The Cast

Emma Thompson – her portrayal of the Australian author was incredibly believable and accurate to that of the recordings that are played at the end of the credits. Her ferocity in staying true to the author’s wishes for her book was incredible. She also carried the delicate balance of a woman who wants things to go her way and a child who only wanted to make her father proud.

Tom Hanks – captures the enthusiasm of Disney, but also carries a gentle portrayal of a man who knows the hardships of life. Hanks made Disney a tangible person, one that many can and will relate to, rather than a just a name on a billboard – he made him human. For that, I say, KUDOS to Hanks!

Colin Farrell – plays the believable Mr Goff – the inspiration for the Mr Banks character in both the book and the film. He captures the struggles of fatherhood and the hardships of working a nine-to-five job beautifully, and delivers a very heart wrenching performance.

Introducing:

Annie Rose Buckley as Ginty – as the young Australian actress hits the screens, I have to say that Buckley’s simplicity and well-rounded performance earns her the right to play this vital role. She has an ease in her acting abilities that leaves you aching for her character throughout the film. She supports Farrell well as she plays Goff’s beloved daughter.

Overall, Saving Mr. Banks is a beautiful film. It’s one that everyone will enjoy and one that will leave you in tears – so bring tissues! It’s a great film to understand the other side of Disney.

Star Rating: ★★★★★

Next: The Book Thief

FILM REVIEW | Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Jack Ryan (Chris Pine) was a Marine just serving his country, but when a tragic accident leaves him damaged, he finds himself in the hands of the CIA. With a new opportunity at hand, Ryan finds himself in a sticky situation, one that will determine the world’s economy.

The Story

One word: predictable.

Alright, I’m a little harsh – I know – but let’s face it, when it comes to action films it’s more about how many car chases and gun wounds can they can give the characters. The story in itself was simple: guy serves his country à guy almost dies for his country à guy is given a second shot to serve his country à guy ends up saving his country, and the world – then there’s obviously got to be some Russians in there.

It’s hard to say that action films will go beyond that formula, I mean I know it’s what’s fuelled the action genre’s success, but they could’ve at least thrown in a few more twist and turns in there. Also the execution of introducing characters was slightly sloppy. At times the pace was too fast and you missed vital information for the progression of the story.

On the positive side, there were great action shots, and quirky dialogue, but they weren’t enough to warrant a great deal of care from this reviewer…sorry guys.

The Cast

Chris Pine – the last few years we’ve seen a mixture of things by Pine, action wise, he made Ryan believable. Honestly, I’m not sure if he had much to work with, but I will say the scope of his character was dynamic enough for growth, so I’ll give him one thumbs up for bringing Ryan to life.

Keira Knightly - I was disappointed with Knightly’s performance, particularly her American accent. Its occasional falter wasn’t distracting, but I think her focus was more on sounding American that actually being Cathy. There was no spark between her and Pine at all, that was the most disappointing part of the film. She usually has a great chemistry with her co-stars, but I just didn’t see it here with Pine.

Kenneth Branagh – I have to say that Branagh outshined everyone in this film. I much preferred his character to Pine’s, which says a lot about the film – if you’re on the villain’s side you know there’s something off. He was believable and made you sympathised with Viktor more than Ryan.

Kevin Costner – Bit of a ghost-like guardian in this film, I don’t think Costner’s character really does very much in this film. He is kind of just there – he’s not even the comic relief. I’m not too sure what his role was, but in all honesty he might as well have been Charlie in Charlie’s Angels – a telecom. Again, sorry for the harshness.

Overall the film had no “Wow-factor”. There was nothing new and there was nothing exciting about the film. I mean if you want to prove me wrong, go see it for yourself and comment on this review, otherwise, please save you money for something better. 2014 has more up its sleave, so save up for some of those films!

Star Rating: ★★

Next: Saving Mr. Banks

FILM REVIEW | Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hucherson) are back for the wildest ride of their life – The Winner’s Tour. With revolution ripe from the 74^th Hunger Games, where Katniss and Peeta defied the Capitol by being the first winners to be from the same district (not to mention, defying the odds of having a single winner), President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is breathing down their necks to maintain his control over the twelve districts.

But with the reality of hope seeping through the districts, the 75^th Hunger Games Quarter Quell has sent even more uproar as past winners are being brought back into the arena, once gain risking their lives for the sake of entertainment.

The Story

For those of you who haven’t read the trilogy, this second instalment to the Hunger Games simply sees Katniss and Peeta attempting to keep their “star-crossed lovers” act alive for the duration of both the Winner’s Tour and the next leg of the Games. Gale (Liam Hemsworth) also returns, but this time as the wedge of reality and reason between the couple.

This time the Games are more dangerous; everyone that will enter the arena have entered it once before – and WON. Each contestant had their own means of winning the Games before, thus everyone is just as deadly as the other – no matter what district they’re from.

It’s a great adaptation of the book and follows the story nicely, allowing you to enjoy the progression of the story from the first film. What this film does well that the first film seemed to lack, was the creation of the unseen events of the book (since it was written from Katniss’s perspective) to the screen. In saying that, it could possibly be because the first film set the pattern for this film, thus, making it easier to appreciate the poetic license of adding the Gamemaker’s room and Plutrach Heavensbee’s (Phillip Seymore Hoffman) conversations with President snow.

The Cast

Reprising their roles, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland, Woody Harrelson (Haymitch), Elizabeth Banks (Effie), along with Stanley Tucci (Caesar Flickerman) all stepped it up a notch in giving their characters a different dynamic for the pressing demands of the Quarter Quell. They all brought a darker side of their characters, which gave the new comers are great playing field when it came to supporting them.

Sam Clafin and Jena Malone were the two standouts for me as I was watching the film. Playing Finnick Odair – District 4’s seemingly self-absorbed, good-looking “darling of the Capitol” – and Johanna Mason – a feisty firecracker with not remorse from District 7 – both played a great contrast to Lawrence’s and Hutcherson’s “stubborn-girl and loving-boy” portrayals. Malone was the extreme version of Lawrence’s characters and Clafin was the flirt that Hutcherson’s character could never be – or would ever want to be.

Overall the film was a great adaptation of the book and it left you wanting more. It was exciting, moving and thrilling all at once. It’s one everyone will enjoy no matter what age you are. I recommend reading the series, but like I said, the film can stand alone if you’ve seen the first film. If you do watch it without seeing the first one, I’m sure you’ll pick the story up pretty easily, but you may not have the emotional attachments to the scenes and characters as those around you (:P).

sL Star Rating: ★★★★★

Next on sL: TBA