Why I Love Jimmy Fallon

It's no secret that Jimmy Fallon is a strong host for the Tonight Show; he's awkward, hilarious, and charismatic. I binge on his skits on a daily basis, and have a ton of inside jokes with my friends because of the show. But, in the past week, I've actually heard from a few of my... friends (if I can still count them as friends) that they don't think he's all that great. And, now, I have to prove, to them and to everyone else who is skeptical of him, why I think he is so amazing. Aside from all of his hilarious interviews, these are somethings I love about him and this show.

My first reason is generally because he's awkward. Like, really awkward. You would think that this is just his TV personality, but as proved in this interview with Nicole Kidman, you can see that he truly is, and probably always has been this incredibly awkward. This is a good connecting point with his audience, and it kind of shows the world that it's okay to be awkward.

Another thing I love about Jimmy Fallon is his "Ew" skits. These are a series of skits where he dresses as a teenage girl and pretends to be the "typical" teenage girl with his guests on the show.  They make fun of things that aren't "cool," make up slang and talk ridiculously, and it's actually pretty hilarious. My favourite thing about this skit is probably this "Official Music Video" featuring Will.I.Am.



My next favourite thing is definitely the lip sync battles on the show. I love seeing actors acting like they're singing. There's something about it that is more than a little hilarious. I've seen people like Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emma Stone get up on stage and become rock stars, not to mention the fact that Jimmy always puts on a amazing performance too.




Okay okay, and what about his rendition of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's theme song? It was actually amazing. What better way is there to make an audience entertained than to push fun and nostalgia into one? For me, it honestly couldn't get much better than that. With the familiar catchy tune, I was caught from the first note. Jimmy is definitely the Fresh Host of Tonight.

The next sketch I'm going to talk about is his "Box of Lies" sketch. Okay, guessing what's inside of a box is kind of basic. But, why are the things inside of these boxes so strange?? Who decides these kind of things anyway? The fact that they're so odd makes the lies that Jimmy and his guests make up that much more funny, because no matter how weird it gets, it could totally actually be inside the box.



Lastly(and honestly on top of so many other things that I wish I could list but would go on forever and ever if i did), I think his renditions of songs with classroom instruments. Not only are these songs actually done well, but they just all look like they're having so much fun. They're basically doing exactly what we want to do when we're jamming out to our own music while being an actual child.


I really think Jimmy Fallon is an amazing host, and provides quality entertainment.

Mockingjay Part 1

When you go to college, it can be hard to keep up with new movies that hit theaters. The way many films get their advertising in, is through television. Many students in college do not have cable, let alone a television. So obviously when the holiday season comes and students travel back home, they are able to catch up on what is new and what looks good. One movie that has gotten much attention is Mockingjay Part 1. Last night it premiered in theaters all around the world. After the success of the first two, audiences could not wait to see this film. The trilogy was adapted from the novels series by Suzanne Collins. Due to the large amount of length in the third novel, the decision was made to divide the third book into two movies, part 1 and part 2.

After Catching Fire premiered, audiences were left with a huge cliff hanger. The cliff hanger was so huge that it left audiences torn because they did not want to wait to see what happens next. However, for the most part, audiences have stayed loyal to see what happens next. Almost a year after the release of the first movie, filming for Mockingjay started immediately in September 2013. Once they were done shooting part 1, they instantly started shooting part 2.

The film stars Jennifer Lawrence. When the movie first premiered many audiences were not familiar with Jennifer Lawrence and her work in the film industry. Once the movie debut, people became obsessed with her on and off screen. After the first movie premiered, Jennifer Lawrence was seen in many other films such as, Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, X-Men: Days of Future's Past. Jennifer Lawrence continues to star in many films and every time gives a great performance. Without her role in The Hunger Games, things may have gone differently. Although the series is coming to a close end, it is still going to be talked about for a while. The action packed films offer a good plot line, differing characters, heart-jerking moments, and great action scenes. The movie shows characters that are able to have relatable qualities that everyday people can find themselves connecting to. I know while I am on break I will most definitely be going to see this movie and see if it is as good as it has been talked up to be. And with the great success of the first two, I'm sure it will be. Especially with the fantastic acting of Jennifer Lawrence.

The Hunger Games

For those of you who have read the books, you know why this series has become the new talk of the town, and for those who haven’t…well, lets just say you are missing out on something that will forever be one of the worlds greatest franchise’s. The writing, the themes, the characters, the actors, and the cinematography are only a few credible aspects of the film that makes it so appealing and such a universal phenomenon.

Themes

I’ve heard many people talk about the horrible message that The Hunger Games represents. They complain that it is setting a bad example for society and showing kids that it is okay to kill each one another. However, every time I hear someone say this, I can’t help but want to turn around and show them the other great, empowering things we see in these stories.  As well as point out the fact that they are books/movies and, like any other action based movies, they are based on tragedy in which we conquer and look past through the sympathy and actions of the heroic character (in this case Katniss). It’s what makes a great movie a GREAT movie. Without a set back or type of devastation or conflict, there wouldn’t be much of a film entertainment business, if any at all.  So lets push that aside and look deeper into the story and look at the more meaningful and relative themes that bring much more meaning to the story.

Beating The Odds- This, in its own, entails several themes. First is, poverty. Panem, which is described as the United States divided up into twelve districts in a post apocalyptic world, with each district based on wealth, starting from District 1/ The Capital who are extremely rich, to District 12 who are almost unbearably poor. Katniss and Peeta live in District twelve and not only struggle to find enough food to feed themselves and their families, they are at the largest disadvantage within the hierarchy since they have they option to exchange an extra ballad with their name in the ballad of potential tributes of the games for a trade of food and essentials for their loved ones.   And not only that, they are weaker and not as privileged as the other Districts who can afford food and useful weapons, yet they come out stronger and most experienced than the others because of their unprivileged situations at home where they had to fight for there food and go over and under to make ends meet.

Another is Individualism. The tragic and stressful situations each tribute is put under to save their own life, let alone take the life of another to do so is enough to draw one out of their right mind.  Yet, Peeta is determined to not let the temptations take over who he really is. He wont let the Capitals influence of murder and betrayal become his new identity. Instead he dies the opposite. He states that he doesn’t want to die as anyone but himself within the games. He doesn’t want to be a murderer, he would rather die true to himself than live as a different person.

These themes alone relate so much to real life and can be taken into context of our own lives.

Love/ Compassion- Whether real or not, love is a major theme in the story. Later in the story we find out that Peeta, unbeknownst to Katniss, is in love with her.  The results of this love façade played a major role in the life of the characters, literally and figuratively, especially with them both winning the games.  Also, we see the compassion that pours out from many of the tributes, such as Rue and Katniss who made a pact to protect eachother, and did until their fate made them part.

Characters/ Actors

Katniss/ Jennifer Lawrence- It is inevitable to say that Jennifer Lawrence is going to be the new Meryl Streep of our generation. She has already won two awards, a Golden Globe and an Oscar before the age of 25, and has captured the world with her profound talent and likable personality.  It is arguable that her role as Katniss is what sparked her career, but it is fair to say that it did and forever will be the role that made us remember who she was.    Katniss is a very strong- headed upper teenaged girl who has sacrificed her life for her sister to participate in the annual Hunger Games.  From the beginning we see her struggle on the brink of death and continue to do so throughout the movie.  She is fierce and hungry for life, yet vulnerable and very compassionate.  This, as you could imagine creates its own conflicts and Jennifer Lawrence undeniably does an amazing job with displaying both of those characteristics in a way that is believable and realistic.

Peeta/ Josh Hutcherson-  Peeta is also very compassionate yet doesn’t possess the same urge for survival as Katniss. He is more of a follower and hides from danger instead of facing it.  Josh Hutcherson also embodies his character so well and brings the character to life through his great acting and chemistry between him and Jennifer Lawrence. 

Besides Katniss and Peeta, the cast is filled with many unique and important characters. There is Gail (Liam Hemsworth), who is Katniss’ best friend and sort-of love interest that also taught her much of what she knows about hunting. Then there is Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), the escort of the tributes. And then of course the tributes themselves. All are tremendously talented and make this story come alive.

Cinematography

Directed by Gary Ross with cinematographer Tom Stern, The Hunger Games  broke records in the box office and left the audience talking. Though, unfortunately it didn’t get the best rep. as many complained about the changes they made to the story by not following the book and the unfavorable layout of the arena, the film was still very visually appealing.  Gary Ross did a great job telling the story, and Tom Stern did a wonderful job in creatively capturing all of the elements of the story.

Catching Fire has finally hit theatres and I cant wait to see what masterpiece they have created now. I expect that they kept  to the original story based on the backlash of The Hunger Games, as well as will blow all the competition out of the water, like it did the first time too!  Good luck getting a ticket, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Catching Fire

Last year I finished all three books in the series “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. When I was reading the books I couldn’t put a single one of them down for a single second. Like most teenagers, I became completely enthralled in the 12 districts that made up the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem. So last night, when I went to see “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, the second movie in the series, I had extremely high expectations about how I wanted the movie to play out. In the end, I was more than satisfied.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, from Lionsgate, opens with a scenic view of the heroine, Katniss Everdeen played by our favorite actress, Jennifer Lawrence. One of the reasons why this movie is so successful is because of the amazing and publically appealing cast involved. To start, Jennifer Lawrence is a successful Academy Award-winning actress who has appealed to many young adults with her witty speeches and her love for food and drinking before interviews. Most importantly, her ability to act as a cunning, selfless fighter has been spot on, to say the least.

The movie begins with Katniss crouching in a bush hunting for animals in the forbidden part of her district. This opening scene reminds us that Katniss is just as bad-ass as she was in the first movie. That is, until her best friend Gale (Lian Hemswirth), startles her into a nervous breakdown. Then, we see her for what she has become since the first Hunger Games, a complete emotional wreck. But what else would you expect from a girl who had been dropped into an arena forced to kill the surrounding 23 people in order to continue living?

The Hunger Games might be directed towards young adults due to it’s superficial, cliché romantic theme of a girl constantly flip-flopping between two boys, each from a different world. However, the plot itself is complex and thoughtful, including references to past films and literature as well as universal themes including government, oppression and justice. In the first “Hunger Games” we meet Katniss, who resides in District 12, 1 of the 12 Districts that now makes up what is left of the world after a revolution destroyed most of North America. In order to make the people understand and regret their actions of revolting the president, currently President Snow, holds an event known as “The Hunger Games”. “The Hunger Games” is a broadcasted event in which two tributes from each district are chosen to fight each other to the death until there is one lone victor who receives fame, wealth for themselves, wealth for their district and the ability to continue living. In the first movie, Katniss and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), are chosen to be tributes in order to participate in dramatic, horrifying, gladiatorial extremes.

The second movie tells the story of a new game that took place on an island set up as a clock to reveal a different lethal event with each new hour. The idea itself is intriguing, but on the screen it was completely engrossing. The poisoning fog, killer monkeys, raining blood, threatening lighting and more was exciting for any age.

Catching Fire has a different director than the first. This time around, Francis Lawrence replaced Gary Ross. When Ross directed the first movie, it was done in the hesitance and fear that usually fuels the adaption of a popular book onto the movie screen. But with the surprising popularity and success that followed the first movie, Lawrence was given more free range. Lawrence is known for previously directing the well-received films, “Constantine” and “I Am Legend”. There were also other details that made this movie so fascinating including the amazing costumes, designed by Trish Summerville, that were absolutely breathtaking. Other aspects that made the details of this film so detail oriented include the director of photography, Jo Willems, music by James Newton Howard, production design by Phillip Messina and producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik.

The ending may have been disappointing, but it is hard to criticize it since it had ended exactly as the book had. In fact, most of the movie had followed the book, but not in a negative or downgrading manner. Rather, the movie did not take away from the book but only expanded on its ability to tell such a fantastic and symbolic story. The script, written by Simon Beaufot and Michael DeBruyn completed the difficult feat of adapting such a popular book. Typically, movie adaptations fail at properly adapting a popular book. However, this was not the case with this big-studio, beautifully visual adaptation. Although the ending was a chest, overdone concept of displaying the main character’s facial expression as she realized the consequences to her action, the scene did fill me with anticipation and excitement for the next two movies to come.

Catching Fire

     The sequel to the The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, is going to be judged by critics and fans alike.  After Jennifer Lawrence's performance at the Academy Awards, all eyes will be on her.  The film is set to launch November 22 of this year.  The starring cast of the first movie returns with Woody Harrelson returns playing a role many have not seen him in, Stanley Tucci, Josh Hutcherson, Donald Sutherland and of course Jennifer Lawrence.

     In the second installment to a three part trilogy Katniss Everdeen and Petta Mellark return home after their win in the 74th annual hunger games.  The victors embark on a tour of all the districts and while this is happening a revolution seems to be stirring.  The cause of this revolution is none other then Katniss.

     I feel that this movie will be a big hit and that they are going to make a great sequel.  As long as the same intensity, great cinematography, costumes, and acting all stay the same or improve, the movie will be a big hit.  Jennifer Lawrence also seems to be attracting a certain type of audience to her movies and is now going to be in the next X-Men movie as well.  I am excited for this movie and can't wait to see it in theaters around Thanksgiving.

And The Oscar Goes To...

     The 85th Academy Awards was yet another one to add to the books.  Hosted by the very funny Seth MacFarlane the winners were surprising in some categories and not in others.  As always, what the celebrities wear to the awards is very important to the designers and to the public who judge the celebrities clothing; more for the women then men.  There are 24 awards to be handed out and each won has many nominees hoping to get the award.  The biggest movie names were: Skyfall, Argo, Les Miserables, Silver Linings Playbook, Life of Pi, Zero Dark Thirty and Paperman.

     Skyfall was another James Bond movie that I would regard as one of the best, definitely Daniel Craig's best Bond movie but also one of the best ever.  The new series of Bond movies captures the audience from the action movies we see today with the James Bond character we all like, except for Quantum of Solace.  The Bond series celebrated 50 years of making movies and they are preparing to release another new movie with Daniel Craig in the next James Bond film.  Skyfall won Best Sound Editing and Best Original Song.

     Les Miserables did not do as well as everyone expected but it still won Best Sound Mixing and Makeup and Hairstyling.  Silver Linings Playbook had its lead actress, Jennifer Lawrence win Best Actress.  Life of Pi won Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and best director Ang Lee.  Zero Dark Thirty left with less then expected just Best Sound Editing.  Paperman won best animated Short Film.  Finally Argo won Best Film Editing, Best Writing, and the biggest award of the night Best Picture.

     Argo was a fantastic movie that I saw opening night.  As soon as I left the theater I kowe it was going to win best picture.  The movie followed a great story that was told ver well.  The cinematography was amazing and every part of the story held meaning.  I am very happy to see Ben Affleck win, because he has been working hard on this project and he did a great job.  Congratulations cast and crew of Argo.

Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Linings Playbook a warm, fun, and emotional drama comedy. Bradley Cooper plays Patrick, a man suffering from a mental breakdown, but he’s a man with a plan, determined to get his wife back, through exercise and self-improvement. While home from the mental hospital he must contend with his loving mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro), and his father’s desire for connection through their shared love of football, all the while attempting to stick to his goal of connecting with his wife. He meets an unbalanced young widow, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) who promises to help him, in return for his help in achieving one of her dreams.

Director David O. Russell creates some of the most natural scenes I’ve ever seen and heard, while characters talk over, under and through one another. The timing of the gags is perfect, which really adds to the genuine funniness of the film. I laughed a lot during this movie, and the reason being is that there’s no reserve with the characters. The rawness of the relationships and the dialogue of each character truly made a hilarious sight to both see and hear. The script is phenomenal and brilliantly thought out. Everything came together, one way or another in the film and there were many aspects of the film that seemed almost too complex to tie together at the end.

The effects of mental illness are felt and evident throughout, rather than simply talked about or seen once. Because Patrick and Tiffany lack inhibitions or filters, the kind of genuine conversations or interactions that are available to them elevate this from the dull to full excitement. Patrick and Tiffany are in another place, and as their families struggle to be supportive, they find that their illness has removed them from their lives. They find that their problems are what make them so perfect for each other. With a not-so-perfect final dance, they realize that they are meant to be, and the silver lining is found.

More Than Just a Silver Lining

Recently nominated for 8 Academy Awards, Silver Linings Playbook tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two people recovering from mental illnesses.  Going into the theatre I had my hopes up high after friends, parents and critics praising the film.  Surely I was not disappointed.  This touching, and emotional roller coaster allows the audience to see the frustrations and struggles of people living with these disorders.  Having only seen Bradley Cooper in movies like The Hangover, and Valentines Day, I was not expecting a strong, heavy hearted, leading male performance from him.  I was surely mistaken after Bradley carried the film impressing me with his acting and his on screen chemistry with all of the characters.  He played "Pat" a man living with bi-polar disorder who was recently released out of a mental health facility into the care of his parents Pat sr. (Robert DeNiro) and Dolores (Jacki Weaver) whom also gave wonderful performances in the show.

The film really picks up once Tiffany, a recovering sex addict played by Jennifer Lawrence, steps into the picture and befriends Pat.  Her performance was stunning and even won her the Golden Globe for a leading actress in a comedy or musical.  Both Lawrence, and Coopers ability to convey so much emotional depth within their facial features, especially their eyes and their necks, is unbelievable. I could not take my eyes off of either one, when either of them were on the screen.  I think both of them have reached new heights in their acting careers.  It's impressive to any actor who can steal the show away from Robert De Niro who still have a more than perfect performance.

The film is nominated for all 4 acting awards, best editing, best adapted screenplay, best director David O. Russell (nominated in 2010 for The Fighter) and best picture at the Academy Awards.  I think this film deserves all of these accolades.  The movie was a spectacular creation and beautiful tale of unlikely friends coming together.  After seeing the film I couldn't help but think if even a few things about the movie were different it could have been just another rom-com and not this beautiful work of art.  Don't get me wrong, I love rom-coms, but change Jenifer Lawrence with Katherine Heigel, have Gary Marshal direct instead, and it could have been a very different movie.

All in all, Silver Linings Playbook was a wonderful journey, and a stepping stone for film makers everywhere to show that even the most simple of plots can have the most lasting impact on audiences.