21 Jump Street

"21 Jump Street"...sounds familiar doesn't it? Well if you were born in and or grew up in the 80's, it should!...here's a refresher...

Remember that? Well, that's not what this review is going to be talking about...errr...reviewing. Let's fast forward about 25 years since the TV show first premiered to 2012 where a movie has been made based on the aforementioned TV show.

Now I know what you're probably already thinking. "Great! Another TV show made into a movie?!" "Hollywood has no more originality." Unless you're a girl, then it's more like..."OMG!! Channing Tatum is so hot! I'm totes gonna watch this movie!" Okay, both points of view hold true!...Yeah, I said it! That Tatum dude ain't too shabby looking!

PEOPLE! This is a "summer movie" warm up! In other words, all the ingredients for an enjoyable movie going experience is tossed into this smorgasbord of hilarity, action, a pinch of drama, & a couple surprises!

Surprisingly, the chemistry between Tatum and Hill work really well in the movie. The dumb jock/smart kid combo seems to fit both personas to a T. Without giving the movie away, I'll just say the laughs run rampant throughout the movie. The action scenes (well shot by the way) never feel like they were placed there for the sake of an action scene. And Ice Cube's performance as Capt. Dickson holds it's own among the likes of Beverly Hills Cop's Inspector Todd, Bad Boys' Capt. Howard, & dare I say Top Gun's Stinger!

To sum it all up, 21 Jump Street is a great, must see action/comedy that I highly recommend you go watch in the theaters! I give it an "Awesome" rating!

*Caution, this is the Red Band trailer. May be NSFW (not safe for work)

The Hunger Games

When a movie is made based on a bestselling book, I can never decide whether I should read the book or watch the movie first. Some claim that books are better than movies because they are more detailed and give readers more insight of the characters. Then there are others who stand by movie adaptations because the visuals are so much greater. Either way the ending is going to be ruined for the other.

Example: I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo before seeing the film and I think it gave me a better understanding of the Swedish society that was lost within the movie. So it helped me enjoy the movie even though I knew who the killer was going to be. On the other hand, I read Jurassic Park after I saw the film and I was glad I did. It was filled with too much scientific bullshit and not enough Dinosaur action. To read or not to read? It is a toss up.

Not only did I read The Hunger Games, I finished all three books before the film was released. I knew going into the film how it ended and how the whole series will end. So how does Hollywood make a movie out of a book that told mostly in the mind of the main character? With creative flashbacks and an added reality TV show. Without giving away too much of the movie, I will just say I found this much more effective. I think if the movie had Katniss Everdeen describe everything that was happening to her instead of purely reacting, it would slow the pacing down and take away the audiences' emotional connection to her.

I loved the way it was filmed. It was gritty, raw, and intense. The camera moves as if you are there in person as events happen. Many fans will enjoy feeling as being apart of  The Hunger Games. Half way through the movie I sorta forgot I was watching a fictional story. You will get invested in the outcome as if you were watching the Amazing Race or something similar.

Jennifer Lawrence was spectacular. She was tough when she needed to be. She was highly emotional when needed. I think she will become the next big name heroine for action movies. I hope she doesn't ruin it with a fluffy chick flick. It will be interesting to see how she expands her character as the sequels are made. There will definitely be sequels. This movie had one of the biggest pre-sale of tickets. I'm certain Lionsgate is already set to push the next film to production before this post ends.

I feel a bit rusty, I just can't get to the point. Go see The Hunger Games, it is a good movie. It is fun and entertaining. If you're into reading I suggest you also pick up the book or add it to the your kindle. You may even what to read it before you see the movie. The suspense will still be in the movie. If you've already read the book, I'm sure my review is already too late.

I give The Hunger Games an E - Entertaining. I enjoyed it. I liked the intensity and pacing of the film. It really didn't feel that long even though I got out of the theater at 3 a.m.

The season is just starting. This summer looks to be epic. I hope I hit my stride before the blockbusters come out swinging.

Hoo roo!!