Insurgent (The Divergent Series: Insurgent)

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This film is based off the second book, same title, in the Divergent Trilogy written by Veronica Roth. It is also a sequel to the film Divergent. Tris (Beatrice) Prior is on the run from the Erudite and Dauntless factions after she is branded a traitor and a threat. However, she might be the tool for saving their corrupt society.

This film was directed by Robert Schwentke. I will be honest, much of this film hits the same marks that the first film did. The only difference is that the story is more involved, and offers an expansion on the established universe. There is also more emotional depth to this film, because the characters are dealing with the aftermath of their decisions. There are several moments, at least with one character in particular, where the story becomes convenience. Unfortunately, this film feels like a filler for a potential sequel until the end. The end manages to wrap things up nicely with an unexpected twist. Yes, there is a third part to be released. I did enjoy how the film introduced the rest of the world through its cinematography. The moments when she is trying to open the box are very visually unique. Many of the secondary characters did came off as one dimensional and unimportant. Shailene Woodley returns to her role as Tris (Beatrice) Prior. Her emotional performance gave this film its missing depth. Theo James returns to his role as Four. He was a great supporting actor for Woodley.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a decent sequel, but it doesn't do much to make itself stand alone as a great film.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Julie Christie played the role of Bathsheba Everdene in the 1967 film Far From the Madding Crowd.

Que: Who directed the film Divergent?

Robert Schwentke

Neil Burger

Phillip Noyce

Francis Lawrence

Far From the Madding Crowd (2015)

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This film is an adaptation of an 1874 novel, with the same title, written by Thomas Hardy. In Victorian England, head strong farmer Bathsheba Everdene attracts three very different suitors. Gabriel Oak (a sheep farmer), Francis Troy (a soldier), and William Boldwood (a prosperous bachelor). Bathsheba struggles to find her place in a male dominated society and to understand love.

This film was directed by Thomas Vinterberg. I can't compare this film to the novel, or its other film adaptations. Okay, this film is essentially made for fans of classic literature and old fashioned romantic women. The story takes it time in establishing the characters and the setting. However, it does kind of rush through a very dramatic ending. In the beginning much of the story felt like it needed to push the various characters onto their respective paths. In many ways, the telling of the film's story feels like classic cinema. This period piece is unique in that it features a strong willed female that operates her own farm. It also shows a men working under a woman's guidance. It also shows how lust can easily distract, or trick, someone. The music that is sung by the main character was great for the film. There isn't any violence or action, but it has some great cinematography.

Carey Mulligan played the role of Bathsheba Everdene. Her demure performance created an amazing portrait of a woman who is apart from society. It is difficult to turn your attention from her. Matthias Schoenaerts played the role of Gabriel Oak. He was a great supporting actor for Mulligan. His straightforward emotion, and the chemistry he shared with Mulligan, made the film. Tom Sturridge played the role of Sergeant Francis Troy. His deeply emotional performance worked great for giving the film its dramatic tension. Michael Sheen played the role of William Boldwood. There were a few moments that he felt out of place, but he managed to pull together a great performance.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! Even though its slow in telling its story, there is enough heart and romance for audiences to enjoy.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Doris Dorrie, Cherry Blossoms, directed the film The Hairdresser.

Que: Who played Bathsheba in the 1967 version of this film?

Paloma Baeza
Florence Turner
Fiona Walker
Julie Christie

Cherry Blossoms (Kirschbluten)

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After the death of his wife, Rudi travels to Japan in order to make up for lost time and re-connect with her. While there, he meets a young impoverished dancer.

This film was directed by Doris Dorrie. This 2008 foreign film, tells a dramatic story that has some underlining tones about family values falling apart. The heart of the story is very touching even if there are a few moments when it becomes unconventional. Using the Butoh to aid in its story was very poetic. The backdrops also added to its poetic nature. However, there are a few moments when the film feels like its lingering a little too long. Elmar Wepper played the role of Rudi Angermeier. He was believable in the role even if he felt unlikable. Aya Irizuki played the role of Yu. She revealed the films heart and was a great supporting actress for Wepper.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a decent foreign film that uses creative means to show its heart.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Simon West directed Expendables 2.

Que: What other film has director Doris Dorrie directed?

The Hairdresser

The Wave

Chiko

Krabat

The Expendables 3

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This film is the third installment of The Expendables franchise. Barney Ross changes the members of his team to take down an old foe: Conrad Stonebanks. After the new team is captured, Ross must use his old team to rescue them.

This film was directed by Patrick Hughes.This film is very stereotypical classic action film; in which, everything is centered around its action and nothing is done to create a decent plot or decent characters. Fortunately, most of the old characters have been established from previous films, but it is still meant to ride on the actor's success and not the characters. It is humorous that there is a shift in following the new cast of expendables, because this film is all about glorifying the older actors to remind audiences that they're still relevant. This film is saying that the old are going out, and the new are coming in. There are also a few moments that feel a little to random and forced. The humor used in this is film is very poor. However, the action itself was great to watch. The action really managed to balance out it massive cast. Before you ask, yes there will be another sequel. Sylvester Stallone played the role of Barney Ross. His performance was what you'd expect from a film meant to make him look great. The only thing that made him stand out from the rest of the cast was the amount of screen time he got. Mel Gibson played the role of Conrad Stonebanks. His villain character could've been better established, but it worked for the films simple plot. 

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! It has some good action, but nothing else.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actor Peter Cullen voiced Optimus Prime in all of the Transformer films.

Que: Who directed the Expendables 2?

Sylvester Stallone

Simon West

Patrick Hughes

Jason Statham