An engrossing sequel that cleverly sews the difficult fabric between action and emotion with a strong psychological thread.

VERDICT: ★★★★✰

 

 

I'm just going to be honest and say that I am not the biggest fan of the Twilight series. I know that there are a lot of teen-oriented fantasy epic fans out there that would probably want to scalp me for saying that but it's just the truth. Why am I talking about Twilight? Well, I have to admit that the Hunger Games franchise owes somewhat to dear Bella and co for creating the right climate. A climate that has now thanks to 'Catching Fire' even got me wanting to spend more time in some Suzzanne Collin's sunshine.

However, sunshine is probably not the best use of a word because this film is impressively anything but. It's dark, oppressive, with a psycho-analytic element and a solid balance between action and drama. Whereas the first cinematic installment takes undeniably (though unacknowledged) heavy cues from Kinju Fukasaku's  japanese hit 'Battle Royale' based on Koushun Takami's novel, this second venture really sees Collin's world come into it's own and showcases a welcomed maturity over it's predecessor. 

Stuck between a rock and a hard place in the classico-futurist totalitarian state of Panem run by a most charismatic and equally fascist leader, President Snow (Donald Sutherland), Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) just can't seem to catch a break. Having survived the horror of the the 74th Annual Hunger Games, a ration providing televised fight to the death a-la-Running Man between teenage tributes from each of the city's surrounding districts along side Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), Katniss learns that there is no such thing as freedom for citizens of the districts, even if you are an official winner of the games. 

Now a champion, mentor and stuck in a concocted crowd pleasing romance with her co-survivor, Katniss is unaware that the nature of her and Peeta's victory has sparked the flame of defiance within the districts against the state. Indeed, revolution is on the cusp with the tipping weight being Katniss herself. This is where the films main theme comes into play. As an icon that has grown beyond the boundaries of an event designed to display the futility of individual effort, Miss Everdeen poses a threat to the very fabric of Snow's society. The question that drives the film is 'How does one defeat an icon?'. To kill them would be the same as martyrdom. But if you could change their image and alter public perception...  

Cue the 75th Annual Hunger Games, designed by Snow with the help of the brilliant Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) for the sole purpose of destroying Everdeen's influence. Worried that other winners might similarly ignite the passion of revolution, it is decided that the reaping for this 'Quarter Quell' (a special version of the games, which happens every 25 years) will consist of previous champions. Can Katniss and Peeta survive another round? 

The narrative has a strong momentum and characters are drafted very well, with most if not all having enough exposure to be sufficiently developed. Lawrence especially proves a force to be admired and every bit the leading lady. Newcomer Philip Seymour Hoffman gives a solid turn as sinister new games designer Plutarch Heavensbee, whose approach to the Katniss question provides the backbone to the films tone and more extreme elements. And then of course there is Stanley Tucci's 'Presenter' whose false teeth and camera-ready smile seem to haunt you far more than any of the bloodshed that takes place. A testament to the satirical brilliance of his performance.

The token love triangle between Katniss, Peeta and Gale has a more prominent role in the film and teases much for the third installment. Although Katniss and Gale have faced life together, Katniss and Peeta have faced death together. Which will prove to forge the stronger bond? The actors succeed in portraying a real need that goes beyond physicality and touches the very realm of survival itself. Thankfully the triangle is not allowed to over-permeate the main themes of the film but is instead used as vehicle to perpetuate them.

James Newton Howard's score creates an apt sense of discord throughout, that supports the cascading nature of the film well, whilst Jo Willems' sophisticated cinematography further enhances its adult themes.  

Should you watch this film? Yes. Although it would serve you well to know the material or have watched the first film prior. Where will the Hunger Games go from here? Well a two-part finale as seems to be the custom with the genre is for certain. Another certainty is that if director Francis Lawrence continues on his trajectory, the odds will ever be in his favor. 

-N-

 

Alfonso Cuarón’s unique and chillingly affirming space drama stands apart as a visually arresting, attention absorbing, lovingly focused piece of well-made cinema. 

 

VERDICT: ★★★★★

 

Written by Cuarón and his son Jonas, the film sees it’s main character, a first-time mission specialist named Dr Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) stranded in the void of space after a chain reaction caused by a Russian satellite, destroyed by its own government severs their connection to NASA and the hi-speed debris left in its wake collides with their space shuttle Explorer.

There are few films that this spectacular portrayal of the infinite silence pays tribute to, not least of which is Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Space Odyssey’ and Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’.  Both being fantastic films and pioneers of the genre. However it is safe to say that had Kubrick been around to see Cuarón’s offering he would have been jealous. Gravity gives us one of the most realistic renditions of outer space committed to the big screen. Ironically enough gravity itself is almost entirely absent from the film. This is not a negative point however as the overall use of the phenomenon elicits the story and is highly symbolic.

Thankfully the film’s first allegiance is to the characters. Though decidedly different to begin with, the nature of their surroundings forces them to reveal deeper parts of their persona. As is expected, like space Stone is emotionally alone. Having suffered tragedy, she has become tethered to her past. But the only option for moving forward is learning to let go, which she is able to do with the help of Kowalski.

Character backstory is layered gradually as we progress through their dilemma and never over-saturates the narrative. Instead it is cleverly used as a vehicle to provide stimulus for the many decision-making moments dotted throughout the movie.

Both Bullock’s and Clooney’s performances have heart and a depth that transcends their aesthetically pleasing faces, affording the audience a real connection slightly more intimate than one would usually experience sitting on the other side of the silver screen. The roles were made for them and it is a delight to see their story unfold. Cuarón dabbles with the sentimental but never over saturates us with it as the sheer force of the films momentum never allows us to dwell in one moment for too long.

Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography is excellent and is greatly enhanced by the stereoscopic conversion. Not noticeable at first, you realise that as the characters fall through the hollow of space the conversion gives the audience a real sense of their geographical predicament. In addition to this the threat of the space debris, which is in many ways the films silent antagonist is made that much more believable. It is a subtle application that really pays off.

Another aspect to make note of is the clever use of first person perspective, especially during the extremely tense survival sequences. There were moments where I almost found myself reaching out to grab a ledge in the distance for fear that my life depended on it.

Sound is where Gravity excels in being one of those rare cinematic events - A full sensory experience. Sound echoes from all four corners of the cinema and silence pierces with its rawness. The score by Steven Price is perfectly placed. I can still hear the main theme in my head as I type.

The film succeeds in sucking the audience into the vacuum of space. Leaving them feeling just as helpless and alone as its main protagonist. And though it is a proxy sensation it feels no less real and loses none of its immediacy or impact. It is a dark and giddy ride that will take your breath away in places and give you much to muse on after it’s all said and done. One thing of which will no doubt be the fact that two actors have held up an entire film.



-N-

#AVPD #MCMExpo #London #ComicCon
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Find out more about MCM London Comic Con:http://www.mcmcomiccon.com

MCM Expo - London Comic con took place in October 2013. The second and final exhibition of the year. We decided to brave the English elements and once again find out why London Comic Con is so much fun, and just what makes cosplayers so uniquely awesome!

Huge thanks to everyone who let us film and interview them. You guys make these videos possible!

See you next time. C&N

Another Vox Pop Doc (AVPD) © Copyright Nathaniel Lendor 2013

Another great Comic Con convention in London. The dedication and talent of the Cosplayers putting together these costumes is unreal! Stay tuned for a video…

I've hardly ever shown my work on this blog and that is something that will definitely change this year, starting now actually. In my last entry I mentioned about the new webshow that I was working on with my friend Heath called THE 5YCH. What's the show about? Your just gonna have to watch and find out when it kicks off ;). Here is the graphic introduction I created for it using Adobe After Effects. It's pretty short and punchy. Hope you like it!

"THE 5YCH" Intro v3 from Nathaniel Lendor on Vimeo.

The first episiode will be out towards the end of the month. I'll be sure to keep you posted ;)

-N-

I can't believe we are in 2011 already! It's like, one second it's 2010 and the next it's not! Well actually it was exactly like that, because one second we were in 2010 and... you get the point. With the turn of the year comes the realisation that I did not live up to half of the things I said I would. This seems to be a regular occurence at this time of year and I'm starting to become well aquainted with this annual warm and fuzzy feeling of crapness ;).

This year is going to be different. There are a lot of things I need to do this year and by jove I'm gonna do them! Before I get into what it is exactly I'm going to do, I just want to point out that it's the year of the Rabbit. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

Whether you believe that or not I'll leave to you. I'm a Rooster so I don't really care :). But one thing I do care about is this super cute picture of a man holding a Tiger and Rabbit who simply just don't want to be man handled like that! I figure it's symbolic of the whole, out with the old, in with the new thing. Wait a minute if that's...then...what are they gonna do to that tiger cub?!! Excuse me for a second, I gotta make phone call...

Okay, so where was I? Oh yeah what am I gonna do this year. Well, I'm planning on starting a webshow with a good friend called 'THE 5YCH'. The what? Yeah that's right, try and get your tongue around that! Be sure to watch the first episode to find out how to say right and to find out what the heck the whole thing is about.

I'm also gonna be working on some short films that I have written (which are gonna be awesome!), find a wife (My mother wants grandchildren ;), get a better job (maybe with the same company...), be a better son, brother, friend and lover and work on my gratitude as well as the pleathora of other weaknesses I have.

On that note and in all seriousness there were and are a lot of things to be thankful for last year. I was blessed so much and was able to experience so much. I'm a religious man and without getting too heavy I have to thank God for keeping me through the year even though heaven knows I didn't always deserved to be kept :).

Okay I think that's enough for one post. Happy New Year!!

-N-

I haven't checked Freddiew's You Tube chanel in a while so I decided to hit it. They specialise in humour filled gun tooting action sequences, and I have to say that these guys are really growing from strength to strength. There are some seriously sweet vids and they have been garnering a fair bit of attention. I'm working on some short films at the moment and these guys have given me a standard to look to and hopefully exceed.

Below are a couple of my favourite Freddiew shorts. The first is an uncut version of a film they made with Shenae Grimes for an interview with NBC. I probably should point out that the main character (Freddie) can't act and It's a little gory, but jokingly so. There is a link to the toned down, televised version at the begining of the short:


The second is a retro-esque summer of love flavoured short:


-N-

I love music. If it sounds good and has a strong enough statement to make, I'm with it. The evolution of the music scene has always been an area of interest for me. It's life long struggle to challenge the established order, honestly communicate and conventionalize, whilst trying to remain popular and maintain secular security is a good example of the whole, "to know where you're going, you must first know where you've been" ideology. It's a juggling act that has lead to some interesting amalgamatic eras of music!

We all have our favourite genres and artists. I myself am partial to a little Luther Vandross from time to time. I grew up with his music playing constantly in the house, the guy was practically a member of the family. The music scene has changed a lot since then, and lately I've found myself listening to Tinie Tempah, whose experimental fusion of electro, grime, drum and bass, hip hop, rock and even indie make him a perfect representative of a child born to the 'struggle' I mentioned earlier.

A lot of people had been raving about him but I had no clue who he was until about three weeks ago! Don't get me wrong, I'm up to date with my music (at least, I think I am!), but this one seemed to slip under the radar. I began to wonder where I'd been for the last ten months! The guy's everywhere! I later realised I knew a lot of his tracks without knowing he was the artist behind them, which gave me a small measure of comfort.

Being a creative, I really like the dynamic direction Tinie has taken both in his advertising and music videos. I've gleemed a lot of ideas from them and look forward to developing some of them in my own work in the near future. Below is the music video for "Pass Out".



This post is getting kinda long, but before I jet, if you are into Tinnie Tempah, WinkBall have been following his 2010 'Disc-Overy' tour across the UK. It's a cool way to find out what the people are thinking. You can find a link to the tours main page below:

Tinie Tempah UK Tour 2010 on WinkBall


-N-

I was at the Leicester Square premiere of 'Salt' starring angelina Jolie yesterday. I went with my friend Ryan. The first thing that I noticed when I arrived at the red carpet was that it wasn't Red. It was Black. I can't profess to know Angelina, but from what I understand about her (in a good way of course ;) it made sense.

I didn't have time to get dressed up all fancy, so when we walked on the carpet I wasn't suprised to hear some London youths say, "Look at that guy acting all casual! He's strolling in as if he's just come from work!". Those young men did not know how right they were! I turned round to them and smiled. Suddenly I heard my name being called! I could not believe my ears, it was too close to be in the crowd! I recognised the voice, but had to be sure. I turned round slowly to see my ex girlfriend, Charlie stabding there smiling. We were together some years back and although we were still friends I hadn't seen her for a quite some time. She was dressed to the nines in a beautiful black number. Ryan left us and carried on walking to the theatre, no doubt thinking three was a crowd. We had a lovely catchup although it was brief. It turned out she was involved in the company organising the event. The nature of the event did not permit us to talk for long, so we said our goodbyes and I continued to walk down the Black. I flipped out my phone camera to grab some footage of what was going on, and as I did the crowd started to go crazy. I was walking past Angelina at the time who was talking to the press. She turned around, saw me, I waved and she waved. Yes, I got a wave from Jolie. You can see the video below. It all happens kinda fast so I've added a frame grab.











I'm not really into the whole idolizing movie stars thing, but I've gotta say it it did feel kinda nice. I do a lot of digital work so I understand that seeing isn't always believing, but she is actually a lot more beautiful than I thought. Here's to hoping that I can actually talk to her next time I'm so close.

I caught up with Ryan and we found our seats. Here's a vid of us chatting nonsense:


Jolie then made her entrance to introduce the movie:


Okay, so what about the film? I must confess from the off, I didn't think the film was amazing. However that being said, Jolie was committed to the character all the way, which was the production's saving grace. The plot, which sees Jolie accused of being a double agent who has been groomed since infancy to destroy the US was a little far fetched. But upon second thought aren't most plots! The film boasts an impressive cast, with the likes of Chiwetel Ejiofor and Liev Schreiber supporting. Their performances however are far from their best. If only the direction was stronger. I actually think that if the film was approached with a more serious tone and done in a more believeable manner, like the Bourne trilogy for example, Hollywood might actually of been onto something. Instead they defaulted to the the thrill-a-minute plus a few quirks blockbuster formula, which although entertaining is ultimately insulting to the intelligence of the movie-goer. The story tries to keep you guessing, but is ill-paced for the most part and consequently predictable. The action however is a different story. There is a lot of action. Jolie gives as good as she gets, and she gets to beat down on a whole lot of men. The question whether this is metaphorical I'll leave for another time ;). The scenes can get intense, the last fight scene is paticularly visceral, but this is balanced by a few light hearted action sequences sprinkled throughout. The cinematography is pure Hollywood in-house and the photography suffers from a lack of variety in locales.

Ultimately a popcorn film. Not the kind of film that will leave you desperately wanting more, but a film that will most likely spawn a sequel non the less.

-N-

I went to the the Karate kid Premiere at the Leicester Square Odeon yesterday with Linda, Ryan and his wife Dena and all I can say is wow! It seems that the Smiths really know how to put on a show for their guests and fans! I had been to Will Smith's Seven Pounds Premiere the previous year and It was quite the spectacle, but no where near this! Now, I don't consider myself as famous because... I'm not! However walking down the Red Carpet this time I had something that I never had before...fans! Yes I had fans! These people had absolutely no clue who I was or what I did. A group of girls shouted to me asking if I was with anyone. Linda prompty presented herself resulting in them giving off a huge sigh. I was actually filming with my phone at time.


Jayden has too much style for his own good, which was evident during his interviews (something he no doubt gets from dad). Jackie Chan was incredibly funny and humble as always. After all the guests had arrived and were inside the cinema, the real entertainment began.

First off they had a karate kata demonstration after which they had a Karate v Breakdance battle! It was incredible!


After that there was a traditional chinese procession in the cinema:


and them we heard from the producers, director and actors:


The film was suprisingly good. I grew up with The Karate Kid and was afraid they might murder a classic. Although not as powerful as the original, director Harald Zwart managed to get some strong and at times touching performances from his actors. The film won' t win any oscars for the screenplay, but there is a healthy balance between the action and the and character development, which helps the film arrive at it's 2 hours and 15 minutes without making you want to pass out or run for the exit. The cinematography is beautiful as is the photography, especially when they visit the provincial regions of China. Jayden Smith exhibits a cockiness and vunerability that at times is reminicent of Ralph Macchio, and is able to drop the funnies when needed just like his dad. Jackie Chan plays Mr Han who is Noriyuki "Pat" Morita's replacement. I'm glad that they decided to change the name, even if it was only because they filmed in China. There's only one Mr Miyagi! Something that got me a little was the fact that technically the filmed should of been called the Kung Fu Kid seeing as that is the art practiced in the film and it is based in China, but somehow I got over it.

On the whole a well executed remake that stays true to most of what really mattered in it's predecessor. Watch it!

-N-

Alex Boye', a friend of mine was down from the States over the weekend with his wife and baby girl (Still don't know how he produced such a good looking kid, definitely his wife's doing). A bunch of us ended up going to Zizi's restaurant on the Strand for dinner and a catchup. Alex is a singer so I kinda had the feeling that at some point the night was gonna turn into a episode of GLEE. It did. My friend Va was on hand with her WinkBall flip camera's to capture the wrongness! I'm suprised the manager didn't throw us out! In fact, all the staff really liked it! Maybe they should think about in house entertainment to accompany the fine food... that ones for free Zizi ;). What can I say, you can't take us anywhere!

Here's a clip of Alex and Richard singing "This is how we do it":


And here's embarrasing clip of me singing "If I ever fall in love":


-N-

I stumbled upon an amazing animated short film called 'Meet Meline'. What's even more amazing is that the piece was created by 2 artists (Sebastien Laban & Virginie Goyons) with no budget. No doubt years in the making.

The composition as a whole works superbly with great visuals, an engaging score and excellent animation. They really capture the spirit and curious nature that is ever present in young children and some of the facial animation is magical.

Looking at this reminds me of my nephews. It also reminds me that I've been rubbish at putting my own work on the blog, so expect to see my stuff from now on okay!

Some friends were working on a blues riff and asked my to help with the lyrics. In the process I kinda got roped into singing the song at a music appreciation night. Na, that's a lie, I secretly wanted to do it! I must warn you that I was struggling with a bad throat that week! Ha ha ha! But seriously I was... ;). Good thing all I had to do was shout. We decided to call the group HUSLA but I guess it's subject to change. Here's a vid that a friend posted on a video networking site called WinkBall.


And here's a little nonsense we spoke afterward...

I was asked to cover a small portion of a youth activity at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Walthamstow Central. I taught a small group about character creation. The kids really enjoyed it and so did I. Here are a few examples of their work:

Me and my friend Elizabeth went to 'The Production Show' Expo 2010 at Earls Court in London. It is an event aimed at those working within film, TV, commercials, music videos, drama & shorts. It was host to over fifty seminars and master classes and was supported by all the big names in production with their new, groundbreaking technology! They even had break-dancers! Here's a a quick vid that doesn't really show much but you do get to hear me chat a load of nonsense so what more could you want!

Me and some friends decided to go to watch the 2010 Winter Olympics ceremony in Trafalgar Square. The Event is taking place in Vancouver this year. Here's a quick vid done on my new Satio (a lovely piece of equipment if I do say so ;). The Blogger compression doesn't do it justice! Look out for Lindsay Singing 'Oh Canada' the national anthem and the randoms asking me to take a picture of them when I'm clearly shooting a vid! Love it!

A couple of weeks back, Myself and some friends went to an open mike night at The Blend Bar on Wandsworth High Street. I love those things! Good vibes, good crowd, good times! You can get to hear some amazing talent! This one was no exception. Here's a clip of one of the performances. (Forgive the video quality had to use night vision and took it with my C902 ;)

Where do you start when you write a blog? I can't lie and say that i'm good at this kind of thing because, i'm not! But i'm gonna do it anyway! And maybe, just maybe i'll get better! I cant believe we're in 2010! It's the year of the Tiger. Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. I guess it's safe to say that 'Tigers' aren't particularly stable individuals, but saying 'I was born in the year of the Tiger' does have a little bit of weight to it. I was actually born in the year of the Rooster, and i'm okay with that...really!
I know it sound's cliche but it only seems like yesterday we were ushering in the new millenium and now we're a decade strong...crazy! Sometimes I wonder what all those people who thought the world was gonna end back in 2k are thinking now...oh well(no disrespect intended of course)! New Years are great! They bring so much promise and give us motivation to change, to be more than we were in the year prior. I hope that all of you who read my blog will have a wonderful 2010 and that you are able to be more than you've ever been before!
Ok so now the Auld Lang Syne moment is over I should tell you that this blog links with my website so go check it out! I hope you like my work! Just so you know i'm having some problems with the blog header display in Internet Explorer, it only shows 2/3's of it (curse that IE!). It's the worse browser to write for when making any web based media! I'm working on it tho and if it can be fixed it will.