Two this week: Hunger Games and 21 Jumpstreet

The Hunger Games
(2012, Gary Ross)

Okay let's see: I liked the books but I must say the film is miscast across the board. While there are some nice filmic notes throughout-- this film fails to translate the spirit of the book. It is fairly accurate in depicting the basic events of the story but the scenic detail and convincing world-building are lost. The costumes and FX were (except for the bleak District 12 attire) fairly cheesily executed. The music is generally solid however (T-Bone Burnett producing). Jodelle Ferland (Tideland) wanted to be Katniss and I think she would have been a better choice. The story builds in the sequels, so hopefully the director will step up. . . . (4/7)

Official Site

21 Jumpstreet
(2012, Phil Lord and Chris Miller)

This will be the highest rated film that Down the Movie Hole has so far reviewed. It was a non-stop, double punch, laugh strike to the bladder. Completely winning, epic, brilliant and completely ridiculous! Genius. Cameos by the original Jumpstreet crew are a welcome addition! An hilarious romp for the GenX audience with some amazing social commentary and cultural references to and about the aloof Fakebooke generation and the social machinery of earlier generations. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are awesome with Brie Larson (Scott Pilgrim), Dave Franco (James Franco's little bro see them both on Funnyordie), awesome Ellie Kemper (The Office), and Johnny Simmons (Scott Pilgrim) in a short but hilarious appearance. Bring on the college sequel-- I'll be right up front laughing my arse off again. Music by Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh. (7/7)

Trailer