Battleship delivers a sinking feeling

Hasbro's 2012 summer dud puts movie-goers into a ridiculous line of fire.

ON CONTINUITY

Arth Vader (AV): Battleship? Pontificator, any resemblance to this movie and the actual bored... I mean, board game–is purely coincidental. While this two-hour eye-sore made some vain effort to tell a story that included alien warships–that sat on the water and hopped around, even though they could fly 100 million light years to Earth–and the Destroyer USS Arleigh Burke match wits on the open sea oddly laid out in a grid (get it?). Lame, because that would mean the aliens flew millions of light years to 'hop around' on the pacific ocean and spar against a clearly inferior adversary. Stupid. 

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): This movie was made from the Hasbro game, Battleship. I’ve played this game several times, both the original and electronic versions...and have never come across any aliens Vader. In terms of strict continuity, the game wasn’t followed. In their defense though, had they adhered strictly to the game, it would have been something less than what it was...and it was a tough sell to begin with.

 CASTING & DIRECTING

AV: I'm downright embarrassed for Director Peter Berg. As a quality director who directed noteworthy films like Friday Night Lights and Collateral (a personal favorite of mine), this movie certainly knocked his credibility… pardon the phrasing… down a peg or two. The movie's pacing was choppy–and I'm being polite here–and showed audiences NOTHING new in genre or cinema graphically. As for the cast, well, it seemed to be more of a "who's not doing anything right now?" kind of cast composite. I am especially disappointed in Liam "Qui gon-Jinn" Neeson for his role as a random Admiral and tears for True Blood's Alexander Skarsgård who delivered quality performances in Generation Kill and Melancholia. I can't even comment on Rhianna's transparent role. ugh.

TP: I would have loved to see Liam Neeson play a larger role in this film, but of course, he was superb in the role he had. Taylor Kitsch isn’t going to win any awards for playing the angry and rebellious type... it’s just too easy to play and he wasn’t really convincing as such. He just seemed unreasonably brash to me...but maybe that’s what they were going for, at some point. I was never convinced of anything by Rihanna’s acting... except that this wasn’t the role for her... and maybe acting isn’t her thing. The directing was much better than the acting and this showed fairly early in the movie... although saying that doesn’t really mean much considering the final product. 

SPECIAL EFFECTS:

AV: If this movie had a redeeming quality, and trust me, I am still searching for one, it may well be the special effects (SFX). While not exactly blowing me away (sorry) the SFX were decent. Visually compelling, if not empty and dopey given the context. 

TP: It’s hard to mess up special effects these days and this movie did a good job of not doing so. There was only one scene for me where the CGI was evident, and I mean that in terms of it didn’t come off as real. The rest of the film was textbook special effects and superb for films like this with a particular scene going old school prop instead of CGI, which really worked well for that scene. I found the aliens to be very interesting in the similarities and differences they had with humans. Their scanning technology was reminiscent of the Predators while another weapon, rolling about and shredding everything, was reminiscent of Transformers.

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK: 

AV: A deeper look? There's nothing here, folks. Vapid, empty, confusing and pointless, this movie offers the viewer nothing but two plus hours of fancy effects. Aliens that can't see? An Alien warship that can fly but chooses instead to jump on top of the water? The alien mother-ship can't communicate with its home world, so they try and commandeer a NASA radar array? 

How do you re-fit a decommissioned battleship that's been in dry-dock for 30 years? Where did the ammunition come from? Where did over 1,000 retired sailors come from to man the ship that saves the earth from the alien armada? I could keep going—but I think you get where I'm going here, Ponty. Though not a veteran myself, I have a deep understanding and appreciation for naval warships accomplishments, logistics and capabilities. This movie just ignored all of them. 

TP: There was something missing in this film Vader... and the more I look, the easier it is for me to tell what it was. There was action in it... some very creative sequences in fact. I was excited, at one point, at how they were able to make an obsolete battleship interesting and relevant.

There was a modicum of comedy, particularly early in the film with a sequence gag of one of the scientist saying they should contact different agencies...only to be told that he already was as the camera pulled back with a “do’h” feel to it. I guess I wasn’t feeling what they tried to pass off as drama. As dire as the situation was, I was never convinced that the emotions of the characters were vested in their predicament. The film didn’t draw my feelings out...and so I came away empty and wondering why there wasn’t a connection. From what the word about town is... not many people felt connected to this film.

ON SEQUELS

AV: Please, God, no.

TP: They actually set up for the possibility (if you stayed past the credits)... but I really don’t see the point unless they’re going to explore the alien culture further... and I can see some difficulty in trying to make a whole movie about them while still trying to make it about the main character of this film. Perhaps a complete departure from the whole “battleship” idea... and just go with something different. Maybe “Connect Four”...?

AV: Ha ha! Connect Four might be a step in the right direction after this movie, Pontificator!

ARTH VADER Rates Battleship: I can sum up this film with the following observation: one of my boys and I went to a mid-week, evening showing of this movie.
In the theater, there was one other man sitting there in the room with us. He left approximately one hour into the movie. I was going to give this movie a zero-out-of-ten busted blocks. But then I remembered that the special effects weren't horrible. So I'll load one (1) busted block into my main battery, fire–and then try to erase this dismal event from my memory.

THE PONTIFICATOR Rates Battleship: I went to this movie with no expectations and came out of it entertained (thanks to the special effects), but feeling there could have been so much more to it (like a plausible plot). The missing ingredient (no connection whatsoever) sinks this film with five busted blocks.

Battleship: 3/10 Busted Blocks

Marvel Assembles a Winner

With an all-star cast, first rate screen writing, brilliant SFX and a marketing campaign worthy of any presidential candidate, Marvel Studio's The Avengers, is one super ride you cannot miss!

**SPOILER ALERT! While we will try and refrain form giving away anything too major, there is some potential for spoiler content in this post. You have been warned, true believer.**

ON CONTINUITY

Anyone order a record-breaking maga-blockbuster with extra appeal?

Arth Vader (AV): This movie built us up to have some VERY high expectations indeed, Ponty. Since The Incredible Hulk (2008, not that other unmentionable disaster), Nick Fury and Tony Stark have been hinting at and implying a movie mash-up of heroes for several years now. Through both Iron Man movies, Thor and Captain America, we have been teased and tempted with the prospect of the greatest Super hero team ever assembled. I don't think we've had such a large strain of multi-movie character continuity... ever. This movie has established itself as the new bar for films in the super-do gooder genre.

Hitting the target, baby!

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): Well Vader, this isn’t the way the Avengers started in the comic book, but with a movie this good, who cares? Really though, it stayed true to the previous individual movies of the characters and had elements peppered in from the actual origin of the team as well as other continuity elements. The roster is different from the books (swapping out Ant-Man and Wasp for Hawkeye and Black Widow) and of course Captain America wasn’t an original member, but you just couldn’t do an Avengers movie without Captain America. The origin of the team did include Loki as the villain, so the film was true to that, and Hawkeye was an enemy of the Avengers before he was a member... so they nailed that as well. Taking from the Ultimates origin, the Chitauri were also antagonists and the Hulk rampaging on the S.H.I.E.L.D Helicarrier was also incorporated. Overall...several elements of Avengers lore spectacularly blended to make something new, but also true to the real fans.

CASING & DIRECTING

AV: When you put a quin-jet full of A-List talent behind the masterful direction of Joss Whedon, you get gold. A perfect mix of powerhouse talent (Downey, JR., Johansen, Jackson and Evans) and give them fan-inspired direction and open-reign to improvise guided by Whedon, Marvel, Faverau and (gulp!) Disney–and you have what is commonly referred to as a blockbuster, folks. The on-screen handling of so many hero's working in unison could NOT have been easy but this movie's direction puts the viewer right in the thick of the action and keeps the entire dialogue engaging and entertaining. This is arguably the movie's greatest accomplishment.

Wasn't the Scarlet Letter "A"?

TP: Indeed Vader... my rating on the subjetc: all perfect. They couldn’t have chosen a better cast to make this movie. Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Clark Gregg (Agent Coulson), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury)...all perfect for their roles and delivering excellent performances. The directing of the film is superb and flawless as the movie flows seamlessly into each scene... especially with the battle sequences.

"Hulk Smash... All Box Office Expectations!"

SPECIAL EFFECTS

AV: No aspect of this movie was done on the cheap–from the massive advertising and promotional campaign, to the PR and viral marketing efforts, to the talent and production quality and, of course, the special effects. No part of this movie is lacking, Ponitficator. However, I want to call out one particular gem (no not from the Infinity Gauntlet, that's coming!) concerning the SFX in The Avengers. It's the Hulk. Funny, imposing and intimidating, the Hulk's rich CGI presence onscreen was just shy of academy-award winning. Really. It's my estimation that old green genes simply stole the show. The Hulk is leveraged as the "Ace" up the Earth's sleeve, which is–Ahem!–an incredible undertaking both story-wise and cinematically—as he is literally a 1,000 pound butt-kicking ball of channeled rage. Most notably is the Hulk's beat-down of Loki while he is in mid-monologue–a scene that is just laugh-out-loud funny.

TP: What more is there to say except spectacularly marvelous?! The special effects were all that... and then some. Agreed Vader, the most notable effect, the Hulk, looked... well, incredible! Without question, the best looking Hulk to date, presented as very realistic, especially with conveying emotional content. The expressions on his face are priceless. The aliens were also realistic as were the various powers displayed by our heroes. The lightning from Thor’s hammer, the resilience of Captain America’s shield, the technology of Iron Man and Stark Industries, the mechanism of Hawkeye’s quiver... all flawless and done to the highest expectation.

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK

AV: For the first time since the first Spiderman movie, I felt like I was actually watching a comic book brought to life. Now I am going to geek out here for moment–I hope you, and our readers, will indulge me, Pontificator. I have read and followed the Avengers since Age seven. They are the reason I became so enamored of comic books, why I went to Art School–becoming the catalyst to a 20+ year advertising career–and even the founding pillar of our relationship spanning more than 30 years, Ponty. This movie is a deeply grounded part of my world. Suffice it to say I have been waiting the better part of three decades for this movie to happen–and today, I am one happy camper!

TP: Wow Vader... well said old friend. I use this part primarily to weigh in on the dramatic, comedic and action elements of a film. Not every film has all these elements...and few in enough parts to appeal to the widest audience possible. I’m proud to review a film that shatters this mold and incorporates hefty amounts of action and comedy...and delivers enough drama at the right times to make the emotions connected to the scenes real and memorable.

AV: One of my favorite parts of The Avengers is how accessible it is to non-fans. You need not have seen ANY other Marvel movie to go and enjoy this film. Whether you are an avid fan or a curious movie-goer, you will heartily enjoy The Avengers. As of the posting of this review, The Avengers has posted the biggest domestic box office in the history of Hollywood, with a 4-day (domestic) total of more than $207 million dollars in the US–and a staggering foreign market/overseas pull of $447 million in just 10 days. The Avengers summer of box office dominance has begun!

TP: The interaction between the various characters was a make or break aspect of the film and carried more weight than I would have thought after seeing the final product. Tony Stark was into himself but every bit a hero, Steve Rogers stepped up to take command as the soldier he is, Bruce Banner...probably the biggest surprise of all, provided the resonating link, both as Banner and as the Hulk. The professional approach of Hawkeye and the subterfuge of Black Widow rounded off the team...while Nick Fury offered the guiding hand and motivational spark. This film may have been action packed...but it was the characters that drove it to success.

Gettin' a taste of the Fury!

Arth Vader on Marvel's high-stakes gamble: When discussing the runaway success of The Avengers, it is important to take note of the monumental risk Marvel undertook to get the Avengers to happen. Needing a cash infusion of a reported $525 million to make the series of movies leading up to The Avengers, Marvel–under the watchful eye of parent company Disney–put all of their intellectual properties up for collateral. This is literally putting everything on the line. If any one of the previous movies had flopped, this story could have ended VERY differently. Marvel has come a long way since being on the verge of bankruptcy in 1998–truly a 'super' success story!

ON SEQUELS

TP: There will certainly be a sequel... and the appearance of the end credit villain almost certainly means that it will be bigger in every way possible... meaning the biggest movie of all time. Talk about setting the bar...

AV: Agreed! Show me a movie that generates almost $700 million in just under two weeks and I will show you a franchise that is here to stay. No one will be able to deny the unrelenting money making success of The Avengers. The end teaser at mid-credit roll was an indicator that Marvel is going "all-in" with some pretty heavy-hitting baddies in the future. Let's remember the Red Skull was whisked away into nether space at the end to Captain America and we were clearly given a glimpse of *SPOILER!* Thanos the Mad Titan smiling cynically at us in the cold depths of other-dimensional space. So we have some great things to look forward to in future Avengers installments.

THE PONTIFICATOR Rates The Avengers: I’m not going to waste time with colorful language and glowing accolades... The Avengers convincingly busted all 10 blocks... and then some!

Arth Vader rates The Avengers: If you happen to be one of the 46 people left on Earth who has not yet seen The Avengers, please, shut-down your computer and head to the multiplex. Now. As for me–with an incredibly entertaining overall experience, state-of-the-art SFX and an all-star cast–I will be going weekly until it is pulled from theaters. Even a trans-dimensional army of super-high-tech baddies couldn't keep me from giving Marvel's The Avengers a Perfect 10 Busted Blocks. 'Nuff said. 

Oh, and just because NO ONE has said it yet; "Avengers Assemble!"

The Avengers: 10/10 Busted Blocks!

Titans Come Roaring Back

A fresh set of faces, [slightly] better writing and quality effects helps Wrath of the Titans overcome it's dismal beginnings.

SPOILER ALERT! This post assumes you have scene this movie as we freely discuss the film's plot, developments and effects. You have been warned, mortal.

ON CONTINUITY:

ARTH VADER (AV): Well I'm happy to say that this movie, while not the best in its category, is a far more compelling experience over the first film, Clash of the Titans. While a bit devoid of depth and substance, this movie set out to further the trials and hardships of hero Perseus (played by hunky Sam Worthington) as he embarks on a quest that leads to a showdown between Kronos and the Gods. I don't know my Greek mythology well enough to know how this syncs with actual myth but I do know I generally liked it. Though I found his widower status a bit odd since his wife was in essence a mystical being, clearly she was an unnecessary carryover from the first film. Pontificator, what were your thoughts on this movie's continuity?

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): Greek Mythology has some very stable elements to it that any story can be crafted from Vader. The best ones are those that consume our imagination with familiar elements that we recognize...and show us something new. This film is a continuation of the first and although it is a shining example of using the mythology to craft something new, it sticks with the continuity created by the fist film and expands this new corner of the vast world supported by these myths.

CASTING AND DIRECTING:

AV: Most of the big names returned for another dose in Wrath. The most notable addition was the lovely Rosamund Pike as Andromeda, though I must say, I didn't really understand her role int he story, Ponty. I got she was a warrior Queen leading a legion of soldiers in a battle against the Pissed-off Titans but I was OK without the lack of background. She stepped up being a new, flirty love-interest and I was good.

TP: There were no Oscar performances here, but there was excellent direction as the film flowed through each sequence and the choice of cast, some returning from the first film, were all great choices for the product presented. Sam Worthington convinced me that Perseus was a real person and you can never go wrong with veteran actors Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes. Bill Nighy and Danny Huston are also old hands at delivering quality making it easy for Edgar Ramirez to play off them and opening the door wide for the comic relief of Toby Kebbell.

AV: As for the direction, good stuff here. I firmly believe that as more movies embrace 3D technology, more of them will use it wisely. This movie did a masterful job of displaying a sense of depth and scale that was both impressive and added to the story's scope, believability and story. This is why we go to movies. To see what we just can't get at home, no matter how big our flat screens get.

SPECIAL EFFECTS:

TP: The special effects in this film were awesome. For a movie laden with creatures of all types and dependent upon the believability of the unique interactions those creatures have with everyone else on screen, the effects delivered. There were so many areas that this film could have gone wrong...but it delivered the goods regardless of the complexity of the sequence. What do you think Vader?

AV: A shiny gold star here, Pontificator! The effects shots in this movie were paced and presented really well! Lot's of cool, multi-headed beasts, giant earth-shaking volcanic explosions and the amazing power of the Gods when they retaliate against said adversaries–is all just gorgeous. From the giant interlocking walls of the Titan's crypt to the explosive volcanic climatic battle between the Gods and Kronos, the viewer is treated to a sate-of-the-art effects experience that really puts me on the back a Pegasus himself! My favorite scene is in Hades' realm where Zeus is shackled and is having his power siphoned off to empower Kronos (king of the Bad dudes and God of ultimate naughtiness or something)!  The sheer size of the environment and of Kronos himself defies true description. Suffice it to say, you will be awestruck.

TP: I must say, this was the first film I’ve seen that delivered the 3D goods... and kept delivering well into the film. I made a mental note of this in the theater when I caught myself flinching because the action was in-my-face as it jumped off the screen and into my lap! The closest I’ve seen thus far to the kind of quality that can be found at Walt Disney World... but for a lot less!

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK

AV: Not sure on this one, Ponty. I don't know if there is much to go deep with here. Perseus is continuously denying his heritage as a Godling and his unbelievable protesting, especially to his daddy, the almighty Zeus is more than a little annoying. He should have overcome much of this in his firs Kracken-busting adventure. I neither believe in nor do I care for Perseus' reluctance. They are short-sighted, shallow and unbelievable (remember, this is guy that rides a flying horse). For me, it kind of takes the wind out of the sails for the character. What's more a lot has been 'taken off the table' by this film's end. No more Gods? No more Hades? Zeus and Poseidon are dead? Really? Kind of hard to conceive of–given the context. What did you think, Pontificator?

TP: It was all here, although not in equal parts. There was plenty of action, a bit of comedy and even a little drama, especially when it came to the feelings Perseus conveyed for the safety and love of his son. The constant denial of his heritage wasn’t a problem for me Vader as it struck me as sensible considering he just wanted to live a normal life with his son...and the more he wanted it, the less likely it seemed that it would come true. This is also the reason I didn’t have an issue with the resolution of the end of the Gods since it means that the life Perseus longs for is ever closer to becoming real. My only gripe is one of the same I had with the first film and it’s that Perseus never comes off as a seriously skilled fighter ala “300” or “Troy” and anyone that’s a half-god charged with saving the world should be... in my opinion.

ON SEQUELS:

AV: I smell a trilogy coming, Ponty! As this film is undeniably better than the first, I can't imagine that this movie re-upped with so much A-List Hollywood talent to stop at two. There is too much money to be made and I think we've only scratched the surface of the possibilities. While dead and diluted Gods will a be hard story to further, the end-scene where Perseus hands his mystic sword over to his son is a telling tale of things that might be. Though the storytellers in the Titans are running out of mythological beings pretty quickly, there is plenty of life, if they so chose, in the story. I think a third 'Titans' flick is not only doable but inevitable. After all, it only took them 20 months to knock this one out. 

TP: Well Vader, I would be perfectly happy if they didn’t make another film since this one ended very neatly, although the door was slightly ajar for another installment. The real question is with this film being so much better than the first, where do you go from here? With no Gods and nearly every mythological creature already met, where is the upside? I fear a third installment will fall flat and give this possible trilogy a bad taste with only one of the three films being worth watching. Only the future knows for sure.

ARTH VADER Rates Wrath of The Titans: With a slightly better story, much more impressive effects and strong box office performance, Wrath of the Titans equals a good empty-headed time at the movies. If you don't look too deep for meaningful content, you'll be pleasantly surprised–which is more than I can say for the first Titans flick. All given, I found Wrath of the Titans (barely) deserving of seven busted blocks, as the mechanical owl flies.

THE PONTIFICATOR Wrath of the Titans: I really enjoyed this film as it didn’t require me to study, analyze or contemplate in the least. All I had to do was sit back, eat my popcorn and enjoy the ride...and I enjoyed it immensely. The story flowed and seemed to race against itself keeping me engaged while the effects were stunning enough to make me notice I had been stunned. Although still somewhat struggling to reach mythological proportions, it managed to bludgeon  seven blocks.

Wrath of the Titans: 7/10 Busted Blocks

Hunger Games Eating the Box Office

One of the year's most anticipated movies delivers controversial material served with a full menu of great performances. 

ON CONTINUITY 

ARTH VADER (AV): This one was an odd one for me, Pontificator. While two of my teenagers and my girlfriend (along with countless legions of understandably loyal fans) raved about this movie adaptation of TV writer-turned-novelist Suzanne Collin's famed series of arena-of-teenage-death, I come from the unfortunate perspective of having not read this great series. Therefore my comments here (on Continuity) will be limited. Suffice it to say that I understand this movie did the book justice, but even at a run-time of better than 2 hours, the all-too-familiar "the book was better" comment comes into play. Yet, with a $78 million dollar opening weekend, this movie is definitely resonating with audiences and fans the world over!

THe PONTIFICATOR (TP): Indeed Vader... it resonated with me as well, but in a disturbing way. The movie stayed very close to the book except for a couple of minor changes that didn’t degrade the movie or detract from the enjoyment of the book. In the book, Katniss had more trouble finding water than she did in the film, and Haymitch was drunk a lot more instead of sobering up as he did. Minor changes, not a huge departure, kept this film very much in line with the original source material. 

CASTING, DIRECTING & ACTING

AV: The beautiful and super-talented, Jennifer Lawrence (known to some for her portrayal of Mystique in last year's surprisingly well-done X-Men:First Class) stole the show. Lawrence's portrayal of the reluctant heroine Katniss Everdeen was near-flawless. If anything, the film's pacing did not give us apt opportunity to truly take in her performance. I was (pleasantly) stunned by the array of A-List talent this movie tossed at us including Donald Sutherland, Lenny Kravitz and Woody Harrelson. Award-winning director Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Big, Tales of Desperaux) who displayed some funky experimental camera work that I was NOT a big fan of. That aside I gotta say, it's hard not to be star struck with Hunger Games. How say you, Ponitifcator?

TP: A very well directed film with excellent acting by all the cast members. It doesn’t take super big names in lead roles to make a great film, just actors dedicated to bringing out their best performance. Jennifer Lawrence gives a superb performance as Katniss Everdeen and the awkward chemistry between her and Peeta Mallark (Josh Hutcherson) only elevates their delivery. Woody Harrelson and Stanley Tucci deliver as expected of two very established and respected masters of their craft.

SPECIAL EFFECTS

AV: While I truly cherished this movie (mostly), special effects were not really a big component. The few effects that were worth mentioning were well handled. The chariot-of-fire and the ceremony in the city were both quite impressive. While the grander views of the city were distinctly unimpressive, the effects were all a general order of good. The pacing of this movie was off for me, Pontificator. There were points I felt the film dragged while others moved at a blistering, action-movie pace, though overall, pacing was up-tempo.

TP: There were more special effects in this film than I expected, and they were all done very well. I was sold on the world that was presented as evidenced by my lingering reaction to this film. Most of the CGI didn’t appear obvious, but I found one part to be...and I believe it was by design given the nature of what was happening. The rest of it was just like getting a glimpse of the not-so-distant future technology. 

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK

 AV: I am going to share something about this movie that I find deeply troubling, Ponty. Not since Lord of the Flies has there been such a disturbingly blatant storyline of children killing children. This story harbors the influence of a number of additional literary references, all equally repulsive. The classic American short story "The Most Dangerous Game" is the tale of blood-thirsty hunter tired of killing animal for sport so he resorts to man beings. This is the binary premise behind Hunger Games and it is ugly. The story shares a dystopian perspective that is built around a society that watches this horrific bloodshed of child-on-child aggression as a reality TV show. Why there is NO public outcry over this is so far beyond me—and the insanity behind this show being a reality TV show, mind boggling. Furthermore, the infuriating realization that those controlling the game could force desired events in the arena was somehow very uncomfortable to me as it further illustrated the preposterous nature of this "tournament." As a father with children, I can promise you, 12-year-olds have NO chance against 18-year-olds. Ridiculous.

TP: The deeper look I took didn’t have anything to do with how much comedy, drama or action there was in this film...although there was much of the latter, and a sparse bit of the former. The look I took was into the society we live in today and how it’s just a stone’s throw from the world of “Hunger Games.” Classism isn’t new and is becoming an extreme issue when thinking about the recent Occupy Movement. I was struck by the underlying apathy and decadence in the film of a society that takes pleasure and makes sport of the death of children. How far away are we from such a society should violence flourish as a last expression of the downtrodden and ultimate power is then usurped by the privileged among us? This wasn’t a horror film, but the underlying profound presentation of our flawed humanity certainly scared me.

ARTH VADER'S SPECIAL HUNGER GAMES RANT: I don't want to go too far off the deep end with this but the disturbing premise of this movie really is sickening. I realize our little fun Fanboy blog may not be the place to wax outrageous, but I will say of all the movies that have gotten flack in our specified genre here at the Boxed Office, this movie is the movie that gets a pass by the public at large? I guess if our society can stomach movies about Human Centipedes or maniacs disemboweling young people, then I guess this is where that road leads. In truth I applaud Ms. Collins for taking this reality TV show to the zenith–this is, in sorts, a cautionary tale of what course we are on as a culture if present trends continue. As ever, the human condition baffles me, and I am saddened by the public acceptance of this movie's topic, if not the movie itself. END RANT

TP: I fully agree with this rant. 

ON SEQUELS

AV: Any book that does this well–this fast–and generates the kind of media buzz this movie has, will be a franchise jackpot. This is just the beginning. With two other books (Mockingjay and Catching Fire) in the series all wildly successful, there will be no stopping this new franchise juggernaut. Evidently, I need to add this series to my already bloated MUST READ list, Ponty. I will be interested to see how this saga develops both in print and onscreen.

TP: The word is, “Catching Fire” will be released on November 22, 2013. It will be the last two novels in the trilogy rolled into one movie. Even if this film wasn’t based off of a book, I’d expect another film just because this one didn’t really bring closure and left a few doors wide open.

ARTH VADER Rates The Hunger Games: No better cast can be found for a movie in this genre. Smart, action packed, excellent film work and acting along with a highly disturbing sub-text our society, “Hunger Games” is smart, foreboding and entertaining. A disturbing look into a bloodthirsty future, “Hunger Games” is enchanting and thoughtful. In a dead run to the cornucopia, I give this movie nine disturbed busted blocks.

THE PONTIFICATOR The Hunger Games: This is a superb film filled with a little bit of something for everyone. The most striking part of this movie is the impression it leaves long after the credits have stopped rolling and the theater falls silent. Anyone really paying attention to the world we live in will see so much more in this movie than just action sequences and special effects. I saw life’s ugly reflection... and it busted nine very disturbing blocks.

The Hunger Games: 9/10 Busted Blocks