The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

It followed the book quite closely and did a great job of bringing the story to life. Acting was all top notch, with my favorite still being Stanley Tucci. He’s glorious in that role. CGI and special effects were effectively used. They’ve handled the first two films adeptly, but they have their work cut out for them in the third.

Rating: B-

28 Up (1984)

Perhaps the best in the series? At 28 years of age, many of these children have established themselves and polished away their immature corners. I didn't think it was possible, but I even came to like the chain smoking rich girl who's dog killed rabbits. Looking forward to the next installment.

Rating: B

No Impact Man: The Documentary (2009)

One of those documentaries where a person lives a certain way for a specific period of time for a cause. They are fun to watch, since most of us would never attempt such a thing. The parallel story about his wife and daughter’s experience joining in this project was equally interesting. Learned some things and felt inspired to improve in a few areas.

Rating: C+

Noah (2014)

A wild and bizarre interpretation of the Noah story from the Bible. I’d expect no less from Darren Aronofsky. Epic in scope and aggressive in storytelling. If taken on its own merit, forgetting the source material, it makes for an entertaining film. Not one of my favorites from him, but interesting nonetheless.

Rating: C+

Carandiru (2003)

Performances were amazing. Each scene was created with care. Incredible set design. The film is mostly told through the eyes of the prison doctor. His patients explain through flashbacks how they got busted. There's also weaving stories told within the prison walls, all of which are based on true accounts of inmates who survived that terrible place.

Rating: A-

The Happening (2008)

A novel premise that delivers on the newly acquired R rating, but in the end, it's hard to truly be afraid of a Greenpeace activist's wet dream. It's basically the Matrix, but with plants instead of robots.

Rating: C+

Hello I Must Be Going (2012)

Love, relationships, family, and finding happiness. The usual. I liked it.

Rating: C

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

A step up from Two Weeks Notice, but not a big step. Cute and funny scenes here and there, but a predictable plot and over-the-top sub characters made it wallow in the mediocre romantic comedy trough.

 Rating: C-

Flightplan (2005)

Contrary to popular belief, this movie has nothing to do with a flight plan. Pretty good suspense until the end, where it fizzled.

Rating: C-

3 Days To Kill (2014)

Some Luc Besson flourishes helped make things interesting, but McG direction couldn’t elevate the material to a higher level.

Rating: C

The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Not as terrible as I was expecting, which isn't exactly a stellar review. It held my attention, for the most part. I've seen worse.

Rating: D

Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006)

It's not everyday you get to see a comedy about suicide. In fact, every character in this film has killed themselves. Surprisingly, it's not depressing. Instead, it's like a darker version of the film "Defending Your Life", which is a great movie if you haven't seen it.

Favorite parts: Gogol Bordello & the black hole underneath the seat.

Rating: C+

Out of the Furnace (2013)

Great character development and a full-bodied build-up to what is essentially a revenge flick. Personally, I would have preferred a little less back story and a lot more revenge fueled butt-kicking at the end.

The closing scene didn’t pack quite enough umph to feel satisfying, especially after such a showcase of killer acting. Some great performances—perhaps even nomination worthy. That’s what will stick with you after the credits roll.

Rating: C+

L.I.E. (2001)

A boy version of the Sundance film Thirteen. Not as sensationalized as Kids, but with acting at the same level. The real performance was from Brian Cox - tough role.

Rating: C+

Ocean's Twelve (2004)

Not as smooth and fun as the first. The cast is great once again, but the plot is almost too confusing to follow at times. The characters still make it enjoyable to watch, especially Julia playing Tess playing Julie.

Rating: C+

6 Days to Air: The Making of South Park (2011)

A must see for any fan of South Park. Fun behind-the-scenes look at how an episode comes to fruition. Enjoyed.

Rating: C+