Movies: Winter 2014

I don't get out to the movies that often for a variety of reasons, but there are quite a few I'm looking forward to this winter season. Top of the list is The Hunger Games: Mockingjay.

I have to admit I was disappointed when I learned Mockingjay was being made into two films. This seems to be the trend now. I thought the beginning of the book slow, spending too much time on Katniss' state of mind after her rescue from the dome and after learning of Peeta's capture. And that seems weird for me to say as I love the exploration of what makes people tick, but I wearied of it. So I'm a little worried they might have made Part 1 too drawn out and melodramatic. Still, I have to see it, of course. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it if you've seen it already (no spoilers for those who haven't read the book!) I'll probably see it within the next week or so.

And I guess the same could be said about The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. I had never read The Hobbit until last year and admit I am much more a fan of the movies than the book, iconic though it is. But that Jackson has padded the original story out (and added superfluous characters and romance) is undeniable. I've heard that he wanted to include some of the background material Tolkien included in the The Silmarillion (which I haven't read), but it still seems like it's being drawn out purely for commercial reasons. Oh well. I'll be going to see it anyway. I have a crush on Kili.

I became somewhat familiar with Into The Woods, the broadway show and its soundtrack, while I was studying vocal music in college. I never got to see it live and, while I'm not a huge Broadway fan, it's one of the shows I would love to see. So I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. The cast looks strong and the production good. Pluses: Johnny Depp and Chris Pine.

I've tried to see Big Hero 6 a couple of times but it didn't work out, so I hope to see it while it's still in theaters. If not I will definitely be buying it on DVD as soon as it comes out. Everyone I know who has seen it has loved it and it looks adorable.

And finally, I'd like to see Exodus: Gods and Kings. It appears that Scott has been more faithful and respectful to the epic story than Aronofsky was to Noah. Interestingly, according to Rotten Tomatoes, Noah had a critics rating of 77% with only a 43% rating from audiences. So far Exodus has only a 41% critics rating but 97% audience interest. From all I've seen, it looks like a bigger, more epic, and more CG and effects laden Ten Commandments. That's neither a positive nor a negative. So we shall see. I'm not sure I can believe Christian Bale as Moses - that just seems weird for a lot of reasons to me - but he's one of my favorites, so I'm willing to suspend belief just for him!

Have you seen any of these yet? If so, what did you think? Are there any others you recommend?

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Reviews for The Glister Journals: Bronze

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Note: All original text and materials by or commissioned by B. B. Shepherd are copyright 2012-2014 to China Blue Publishing.