Movie Review: Insurgent

Disclaimer: This movie is a sequel. If you have not seen the previous movie I recommend not reading this review yet. Thanks!

The sequel to Divergent, Insurgent was actually a pretty good movie but I will admit that this has been a harder review for me to write. I chose not to read the books first because I didn’t want the book to try to spoil the movie for me.

The movie starts with a news broadcast by Jeanine, played by Kate Winslet, covering up her role in the deaths of the Abnegation faction. Her soldiers are searching and trashing buildings looking for some mysterious box. We then head over to seeing the Heroes of the story walking through the forest looking for shelter because they are fleeing from Jeanine forces. They arrive at the faction Amity and, as they are taking refuge there, they see some people at the entrance. This group gathers around the divergent and say they don’t belong, especially Tris, played by Shailene Woodley. It turns into a scene of her friend leaning over the body the friend she killed. It turns out this sequence is a dream based on the reality of them being on the run and hiding out combined with Tris’ guilt over the death of her family and friends.

What makes this movie hard for me to review is that the story line almost seems hidden among action scene after action scene. Half the movie is spent focusing on simulations. Now I like action and that is why I say it is pretty good, but I think it can be confusing if you get lost between the reality scenes and the simulation scenes.

The graphics were impressive to me and I think the actors did a good job with the script they were given.

I would rate this move 7.6 out of 10 for great acting especially by Shailene and amazing action and graphics but I feel it had a lack of story.

I would also like to say THANK-YOU!! to all the people who commented and gave me great points to improve my blog. please keep them coming.

*edited thanks to review tips March 29, 2015*

Movie Review: Disney's Cinderella 2015

Before I get into my first review I would like to say “Thank-You!” to Devin Petch and the Famous Players 6 Theater for sponsoring my new work. I look forward to working with you as I learn and grow.

The Cinderella movie is based on the Disney animated classic that I grew up with. The story takes place at the edge of a forest where Cinderella’s family lives. Cinderella’s father was a merchant and her mother took care of her while he was gone. While Cinderella is still young, her mother gets sick and utters her last words to Cinderella; “Have courage, and be kind.” Years later, her father marries the evil stepmother. This was a great pre-story to the original version and it gives context to why Cinderella puts up with so many harsh things from her family.

 Soon after, her father has to go sell things for money and Cinderella asks him for the first branch that touches his shoulder. It has emotional attachment as it represents her going with him and him coming back her. Soon after, her father dies and the farmer brings home the branch. This irritates me because I have the brothers Grimm story and the branch has purpose in that story. In this movie, this is the only time you see the branch and I would like to see it bring in what the original story had.

As we all know this is the point where the classic animation begins, Cinderella working as a servant in her own home and taking care of her Stepmother and Sisters. I have to say I liked the addition to the story where she gets so sad and upset about her treatment that she rides out to the forest on her horse. This is where I feel Disney made the story of the Prince and Cinderella have a good story beginning.

From here the story follows along the lines of the Disney classic with some great add in’s that make the story more full and real. I have to say I really enjoyed the way the writers made this story into one that could be possible and yet maintain its magic. The actor did an incredible job and I especially enjoyed Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother and Helena Bonham Carter as the fairy godmother. I also think Lily James truly brought Cinderella to life keeping true to her kindness and bringing a wonderful sense of strength.

Be prepared for new heart breaks and unexpected villains. I thoroughly enjoyed this new take on the original classic. I like the added touches of the brothers Grimm fairy tale but disappointed they didn’t bring more in.

I would also like to give props to the costuming department for their stunning work and the amazing ball dress. I wished it had been a lighter blue but it was still beautiful and magical. Little fact about the dress it included 11 thousand crystals and 3 miles of fabric.

As a bonus to the movie Cinderella, I would like to tell you that there is a Frozen short called Frozen Fever. It’s pretty funny and it takes place on Anna’s birthday. It was a great lead into the movie. Any Disney princess fan will love the combination of a classic princess combined with this latest modern princess.

I would say over all this is a really enjoyable movie and I look forward to taking my sister to it. 

I give it the rating of 8.6/10

Please share your thoughts and comments below.