Kick-Ass 2

Released:  August 2013

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Jeff Wadlow
Writer:  Jeff Wadlow, Mark Millar
Producer:  Adam Bohling, Brad Pitt, David Reid, Matthew Vaughn
Main Actors:  Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jim Carrey

Directing:  *  *  *  
Acting:  *  *  *  * 
Plot:  *  *  *  *  
Predictability:  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  * 

I have to admit that this was better then I thought it would be.  I've seen Kick-Ass, but didn't go gaga over it, which is why I was expecting this to just be okay.  Well,  it was more than okay - it was a bit of awesomeness wrapped up into amazing.

After seeing this, I am so making my own super hero and hitting the streets to fight for justice!  Not really, but the thought did cross my mind (several times).  Even though you knew the good guys would win in the end, it was still seat gripping action as the good guys battled it out with the bad boys.

Jim Carrey was awesome.  I had NO idea he was in the movie until afterwards when my boyfriend told me.  He didn't look or sound like himself at all.  I'm still embarrassed I didn't know it was him.

I recommend seeing this.  It is just a good old "the underdog wins" movie and it's really entertaining, and, pleasantly surprisingly, funny.

Favorite Scene:  Hit Girl gets back at the evil clique girls during lunch.  Classic.

Elysium

Released:  2013

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Neill Blomkamp
Producer:  Simon Kinsberg
Writer:  Neill Blomkamp
Main Actors:  Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Alice Braga

Directing:  *  *  *  *
Acting:  *  *  *  * 
Plot:  *  *  *
Predictability:  *  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  *

I definitely recommend this movie.  It was awesome!  I liked the uniqueness of the story line and, well, it had spaceships, explosions, and fights, so of course it's fantabulous.

Seriously, I do think it was very well done.  There were a few places that slowed the flow of the movie down a wee bit, but they weren't that big of a deal.  By the time I started to think 'move on', they already had.

Matt Damon was brilliant.  I totally respect his acting abilities, although, I think if someone really was suffering from radiation poisoning, had artificial limbs put on and was stabbed in the stomach, they would not be able to do what he was doing. Minor plot detail.  ;)

Favorite Scene:  Carlyle's attempt to get away.

Hanna

Released:  April 2011

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Joe Wright
Writer:  Seth Lochhead
Producers:  Marty Adelstein, Leslie Holleran, Scott Nemes
Original Music:  The Chemical Brothers
Main Actors:  Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett

Directing:  *  *  *  * 
Plot:  *  *  *  *  
Acting:  *  *  *  * 
Predictability:  *  *  * 
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *

I really liked this movie.  I've wanted to see it since it came out.  I'm glad I have finally watched it.

The film was unique for sure.  Some of the cinematography was brilliant and the production design was well done.  One thing I especially liked is the original music used in the film.  It fit perfectly with the action on the screen.

I was impressed with the acting.  Saoirse Ronan, Hanna, was fantastic!  She mixed confusion and uncertainty with ingrained strength and intelligence very well.  I especially liked the relationship she developed with Sophie, played by Jessica Barden.

I do recommend this movie.  It is one that I would definitely watch again.  It kept me engaged and interested.

Favorite Scene:  Hanna on her 'date' describing kissing.