THE LEGO MOVIE 2 REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Prior to its release in 2014, I don't think anyone was expecting The Lego Movie to be as good as it was. I didn't think an animated film based on Lego would work and would only appeal to young children. However, I couldn't have been more wrong and The Lego Movie proved to be a pleasant surprise. It was funny, entertaining and managed to appeal to viewers of all ages, especially those who have played with Lego. It was successful, both with critics and at the box office, leading to two spin-off films, The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie, being released in 2017. While the former proved to be just as good as its predecessor, the latter was a disappointment. Five years after The Lego Movie's release, a much anticipated sequel has been released.

It's been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are now facing a huge new threat: Lego Duplo invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than it can be rebuilt. The battle to defeat the invaders and restore harmony to the Lego universe will take Emmet (Chris Pratt), Lucy (Elizabeth Banks), Batman (Will Arnett) and their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds, including a strange galaxy where everything is a musical. It will test their courage, creativity and Master Building skills, and reveal just how special they really are.

Making a sequel that lives up to people's expectations can be a challenge, fortunately, The Lego Movie 2 is just as entertaining and enjoyable to watch as its predecessor. It expands on the original’s premise and introduces viewers to new worlds and characters, showing that there’s no limit to someone’s imagination. The sequel has also crafted a timely story that is inventive, funny and can be enjoyed by the whole family. The end of The Lego Movie revealed a twist and that the entire film had been based on a young boy, Finn (Jadon Sand) playing with his father's (Ferrell) Lego pieces. It then ended with his younger sister, Bianca (Brooklynn Prince) wanting to play too, leading to the Lego Duplo characters entering the universe. While The Lego Movie was about Finn forming a closer relationship with his father, in the sequel, we see Finn playing with his sister. At first, he's not happy about this, leading to a divide in their relationship. Anyone who has siblings will be able to relate to these scenes as there's a lot of arguing. Because they can't play without fighting, their mother (Maya Rudolph) tells them to pack away the Lego. This leads to a sense of uncertainty for the Lego characters as it seems like it's coming to an end. 

I found the writing to be quite clever and inventive with words. In the beginning, Emmet is troubled by dreams of a pending 'Armamageddon', which references the children's mother. The 'Systar System' sounds a lot like 'Sister System', which indicates Bianca and the world that she has created. 

The Lego Movie 2 picks up straight where its predecessor ending, with Emmet introducing himself to the Lego Duplo characters, unfortunately, things go wrong, with the Duplo characters taking over the world and turning it into a post-apocalyptic wasteland named Apocalypseburg. For the majority of the film, the Duplo characters are perceived as invaders and as the main villains. After Lucy, Batman, Benny (Charlie Day) and Unikitty (Alison Brie) are kidnapped, Emmet goes out on a rescue mission. 

Most sequels suffer from being predictable as they follow the same narrative path, leading to a boring viewing experience and disappointment. This isn't the case for The Lego Movie 2, which continues the story of its predecessor and, instead of repeating the same narrative, the writers, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Matthew Fogel, manage to keep things interesting by introducing viewers to new characters, such as Queen Watevra Wa-Nabi, whose name is a clever play on the words 'Whatever I wanna be', (Tiffany Haddish) and General Sweet Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz). Queen Watevra is a shape-shifting alien who is the ruler of the Systar System whose plan is to marry Batman in order to unite the two universes together. Despite Queen Watevra singing a song about how 'not evil' she is, Lucy isn't convinced and tries to come up with a plan to stop her. Meanwhile, during his rescue mission, Emmet meets Rex Dangervest (Pratt), a self-declared galaxy-defending archaeologist, cowboy and raptor trainer. Considering that Emmet and Rex are both voiced by Pratt, the twist involving Rex's character isn't that much of a surprise. While The Lego Movie 2 isn't unpredictable and it's easy to see most of the twists, it is still entertaining and there isn't a dull moment to be found in its 107 minute runtime.

The Lego Movie is remembered for its catchy song, 'Everything Is Awesome', and its sequel features several more songs, including 'Not Evil', which is sung by Queen Watevra, 'Catchy Song' and 'Everything's Not Awesome', a twist on the original song. This songs add to the overall enjoyment of the film and I can imagine children annoying their parents by singing 'Catchy Song' repeatedly. While 'Everything Is Awesome' is an upbeat and optimistic song, 'Everything's Not Awesome' is more of a slow ballad, sung by the Lego characters who believe all hope is lost. However, while it's not a negative, depressing song, it is actually sung with a sense of hope. It is a more realistic song than 'Everything Is Awesome' which ignores the realities of life. 

The Lego Movie 2 features strong voice casting. Pratt returns as Emmet and Rex, who is an amalgamation of other roles played by Pratt, including Star-Lord from Guardians Of The Galaxy, Owen from Jurassic World and Joshua Faraday from the 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven. The character of Rex makes for great self deprecating humour. Also returning is Banks as Lucy, Brie as Unikitty, Charlie Day as Benny and Nick Offerman as MetalBeard. While Lucy spends most of her screen time trying to rescue her friends, the latter three don't get as much screen time. New additions include Haddish as Queen Watevra and Beatriz as General Sweet Mayhem.

Lego bricks have been available ever since they were first manufactured in 1949, seventy years ago. Because of the technology that is available now, including iPhones, iPads and so many apps, it's a little hard to believe that Lego bricks are still popular now, however, the release of The Lego Movie and its spin-offs and sequel proves that there will always be an appreciation for Lego. There's a lot of fun to be had with The Lego Movie 2 and, while it lacks the fresh quality of the original, it is still a successful sequel.

7/10

  

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2 REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

When The Hunger Games was first released almost four years ago, I had no idea it was going to be the successful franchise it is now. I was fourteen when I watched the first film and began reading the books and each film just got better and better. This is definitely the case with Mockingjay Part 2, the thrilling and emotional conclusion of the franchise. 

I would also say that this is the film that, I think, is the most faithful to the original book of the same name. There were so many parts in the film that I remembered reading about when I first read the book three years ago. Whilst I was reading the books, I didn't know how the cast and crew were going to make a film adaptation in a creative and successful way. Nevertheless, they managed to do it.

Jennifer Lawrence returns, for one last time, as Katniss Everdeen, the main protagonist. In the first Hunger Games, she only intended to protect her younger sister, Primrose (Willow Shields), from fighting in the violent games. She didn't think she would survive, let alone start a revolution against the Capitol. However, by the end of the Games, she and fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), won despite the rules clearly stating that there should only be one Victor. This is what starts the rebellion. In Catching Fire, Katniss is forced to go back into the games for a special version known as the Quarter Quell, much to her dismay. She forms allies with new characters, Finnick Odair (Sam Claflin), Beetee Latier (Jeffrey Wright) and Johanna Mason (Jena Malone) who are part of a secret rebellion plan formed by the Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Katniss doesn't know this until the end of the games and she is rescued by Plutarch who explains she is the Mockingjay, the symbol of the revolution. In Mockingjay Part 1, Katniss is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and is finding it difficult to cope without Peeta as she doesn't know if he's dead or alive. She meets the President of District 13, Alma Coin (Julianne Moore), who is unsure that she is the right person to be the face of the revolution due to her struggles. However, Katniss proves her wrong and films short films, known as 'propagandas', to distract the Capitol and to persuade the people of Panem to join her fight against President Snow (Donald Sutherland). However, things don't all go to plan because, when Peeta is rescued, he tries to kill Katniss. This is because he's been hijacked which means that the Capitol has corrupted his memories of her to make her appear violent or a threat to him.
Now, Mockingjay: Part 2 picks straight up where Mockingjay: Part 1 left, with Katniss recovering from her injury. Despite her struggles, she is still willing to be part of the fight against the Capitol but President Coin refuses and sends her to District 2 to film a propaganda, much to her annoyance. She is desperate to kill President Snow for everything he has done and goes on a rogue mission to join her fellow soldiers to take over the Capitol. President Coin is not happy with this and sends Peeta who still has negative views on Katniss and continues to have violent acts of rage towards her. However, he is slowly recovering from his disordered views of Katniss and he begins a game called 'Real Or Not Real' to help him know the truth. This was one of my favourite parts in the book as I thought it was a clever way to help Peeta understand his disorded image.
Director Francis Lawrence has stated that this is the most violent out of all The Hunger Games and he's not wrong. At one point in the film, Finnick mockingly states, 'Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 76th Hunger Games' and it truly is like that. The Capitol itself is like an arena with thousands of booby traps and bombs, known as Pods, lying on every corner. Katniss and her team of soldiers, one of which includes friend Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), must avoid all of these traps in order to make it to the President's mansion.
I had read the books so I knew what was going to happen but I was still shocked at how brutal certain people's deaths were. One specific death scene had me in tears when I first watched it as the character was one of the most likable in the series and the character died in such a violent way. There was also another death scene which had me in tears but wasn't as violent as it was so sudden. These deaths may come as a shock to people who haven't read the books.
There are several new characters played by some of the best actors. Despite being only on screen for a short time, they still manage to pull it off. In fact, every actor in this film was amazing, especially Jennifer Lawrence. She is perfect as Katniss and really understands her character well. Throughout the films, I think she's definitely matured and grown into the role. I've also got to mention Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. In The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, Peeta had a charming personality but in this film, he's lost that charm due to the Capitol torturing him. He goes from being violent one minute to being really emotional. Josh really managed to make me feel sympathy for him.
I think this is a great conclusion to one of the biggest film franchises and I would definitely say that it's the best of the four films as there's plenty of violence, suspense and emotional moments.
With brilliant acting, intense scenes, amazing special effects and great directing, this is one of the best book-to-film adaptations I've ever watched.
9/10
Read my review of The Hunger Games here.
Read my review of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire here.
Read my review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 here.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

The third film in the Hunger Games series, while not the best, is one of the most dramatic in the franchise. Despite there not being a lot of action compared to its predecessors, Mockingjay: Part 1 is still a compelling watch for fans of the previous films and Suzanne Collins' best selling books which this film is based on.

The film immediately picks up where Catching Fire finished. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has just found out that, due to the events of the previous Hunger Games, her home, District 12, has been destroyed. Fortunately, with her younger sister, Prim (Willow Shields), mother (Sandra Ellis Lafferty) and friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth), she is living in District 13 which was thought to have been destroyed but has turned into a secret base for rebellions run by President Coin (Julianne Moore). Katniss, who is now the leader of the rebellion known as the Mockingjay, tries to persuade the other Districts to join forces with her and take down the Capitol. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, as Katniss' friend, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), is being held captive in the Capitol. Despite struggling with post traumatic stress disorder, Katniss never gives up and is more determined than ever to take down the Capitol and kill President Snow (Donald Sutherland).

Jennifer's performance is one of the best things about the Hunger Games franchise. I think that her performance has improved with each film and that's no different here. Her portrayal of Katniss clearly shows that Jennifer understands what she's going through and, despite everything she's gone through, she still remains strong and tough for the rebellion. Katniss' 'If we burn, you burn with us!' monologue was one of my favourite parts from the book and also, thanks to Jennifer's performance, one of my favourite lines from the film. With Peeta being trapped in the Capitol, Josh Hutcherson has limited screen time, however, he gives an even more sympathetic performance. Peeta makes appearances via 'interviews' with Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) and is forced to say thing he doesn't want to say. However, we see a whole other side to him in the film's climax and it's this scene that changes Katniss and Peeta's lives forever. Making her first appearance in the Hunger Games films, Julianne Moore is perfect as President Coin. Like Katniss, she is a strong and brave woman who is determined to destroy the Capitol.

The film is mainly driven by Katniss and her journey to save Peeta and destroy the Capitol. However, there's one action sequence that stands out and that's when Katniss, Gale and her team of rebellions travel to District 8 to film one of the propagandas needed to convince other Districts to stand up and fight. Unfortunately, Snow is watching Katniss' every move and orders bombs to be dropped down on District 8 leading to destruction and chaos. It's full of tense and we see Katniss at her best here, fighting arrows at the oncoming squadron in a attempt to prevent the bombs.

Most critics have said that this is the 'most boring' film in the series due to its lack of action but I disagree. The film's focus on Katniss' journey makes it a compelling watch and the amount of tension in this film makes this film impossible to be boring. Unless you've read the book, I doubt many people will see the climax coming. I've read the book so I knew what was going to happen, however, I was shocked at how brutal and scary it was.

Overall, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 sets up the franchise finale with a penultimate chapter loaded with solid performances, smart political subtext and some tense sequences.

9/10

Read my review of The Hunger Games here.

Read my review of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire here.

Read my review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 here.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Jennifer Lawrence returns as the main protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, in the second film of The Hunger Games series, Catching Fire. The film is set a few months after Katniss and fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), rebelled against the Capitol and became the first two tributes to win The Hunger Games. The two must embark on a Victory Tour and perform as the 'star-crossed lovers'. After finishing the Victory Tour, both Katniss and Peeta think they're safe from the violent Games, unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) soon announces that there will be a special version of the Hunger Games where the tributes will be reaped from previous victors. This means that Katniss, being the only female victor from District 12, will be forced back into the Games, much to her horror. 

Since the first film was released in March 2012, I was devastated when I found out that I had to wait 20 months to watch Catching Fire. However, this was definitely worth the wait as I saw it in IMAX at my local cinema a week after its release and it was incredible. It really brought the Games to life and the sound quality was immense. The action has improved since the first film and the story becomes more tense as Katniss tries to protect Peeta, Gale (Liam Hemsworth), who is her friend from District 12, and her family, which consists of her mother and her younger sister, Prim (Willow Shields). 

This film is probably one of the most accurate adaptations of the book as it contains the majority of the dialogue and scenes.

Francis Lawrence takes on the series from previous director, Gary Ross, who couldn't direct due to scheduling conflicts. I definitely think Lawrence was the best choice for directing as he previously directed the science-fiction thriller, I Am Legend starring Will Smith. He understands the characters well and what they've been through and easily shows their pain and aggravation. 

Jennifer Lawrence is brilliant as Katniss Everdeen, the heroine of the series. This film shows how selfless she is as she is constantly standing up for herself and protecting her family. An example of her selflessness is when Gale is being publicly whipped and she runs to his aid. Another example is when she learns she and, fellow victor, Peeta are being thrown back into the Games and she asks their mentor, Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), to protect Peeta, even if it means she dies. These examples are perfect at showing how brave and protective she is of her friends and family. This is definitely one of Lawrence's best performances since her role as Ree in Winter's Bone and as Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook.

Josh Hutcherson is also great as Peeta Mellark. In The Hunger Games, it was revealed Peeta had a crush on Katniss which made their relationship tense. However, in Catching Fire, they become closer as they bond in the Games. Unlike Lawrence, I grew up watching Hutcherson's previous films including Bridge To Terabithia and Zathura: A Space Adventure so I loved watching him in a mature role. 

The action sequences in the first Hunger Games is what made it a compelling watch, especially in the film's climax. However, the action has improved in this sequel and is a lot more exciting than its predecessor. The climax in this film is a lot more tense than the previous film and, unless you've read the book, many people will be on the edge of their seats as they have no idea how the film is going to end or what the cliffhanger is.

Overall, with brilliant acting performances all round, this is a great adaptation of Suzanne Collin's best-selling book and is the best in the series.

9/10

Read my review of The Hunger Games here.

Read my review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 here.

Read my review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 here.

THE HUNGER GAMES REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Katniss Everdeen is, undoubtedly, one of Jennifer Lawrence's best performances. It was this role that shot her to stardom and gained her success. This is the first film in The Hunger Games franchise and it's one of the best as it sets up the premise and characters and introduces us to the titular Hunger Games.

In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided into 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim (Willow Shields), is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives.

Like I mentioned, Jennifer's performance of Katniss is one of her best, in my opinion. She makes Katniss a strong and feisty protagonist who is determined to win the Games in order to return home to her sister. This was the first film I'd seen Jennifer in and I immediately became a fan of hers.

Another strong performance comes from Josh Hutcherson as Peeta who develops a friendship with Katniss despite the inevitable fate that one of them will have to die. The cast includes a lot of recognisable names including: Woody Harrelson as Katniss and Peeta's mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, who is an alcoholic and provides some comic relief; Elizabeth Banks who is unrecognisable underneath her incredible make-up and costume as Effie Trinket who is Katniss and Peeta's escort and Stanley Tucci as the eccentric TV presenter, Caesar Flickerman.

Of course, with films like this that feature a lot of conflict, there's going to be an antagonist and that's President Snow who is played brilliantly by Donald Sutherland. From the second we meet him, we know he's the villain. To be honest we don't see much of him because the film's main focus is on the games and the conflict between the contestants. Fortunately, in the sequels, we see a lot more of him and why he's the main antagonist of the franchise.

With a film that's about fighting to the death, there's going to be violence. This was one of the main concerns when making this film because the filmmakers wanted the film to be a 12A (PG-13 in US) but found it difficult as the book, written by Suzanne Collins, was so violence. Fortunately, they were successful. The level of violence is still quite high and the way in which some of the contestants die are brutal but not graphic. 

If it wasn't for Collins' book, I probably would've given this film a miss as, back when this was released when I was 15, I didn't enjoy watching violence. However, I loved the book and knew I had to watch the film. Fortunately, the motion picture adaptation didn't disappoint and it went on to be a huge success, receiving critical acclaim and gaining over $694M at the box office. 

Overall, because of its thrilling action and strong performances from the whole cast, The Hunger Games captures the dramatic violence, raw emotion, and ambitious scope of its source novel.

8/10

Read my review of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire here.

Read my review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 here

Read my review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 here