KANSAS CITY, Mo —
1) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG-13)
Lionsgate
Hungerheads…or, should I say, Tributes…the wait is over. Katniss Everdeen is back for another round of futuristic gladiator combat in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” Fans of the books and original movie should enjoy this beautifully produced action flick that is actually a notch above the first installment.
Jennifer Lawrence carries the franchise with a fierce and confident performance that more than makes up for the movie’s sometimes sluggish pace. The combat may not be over, but Lawrence is the clear winner.
Shawn calls it, “An upgrade on the first. A thrilling adaptation that mostly gets everything right.”
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags.
2) The Book Thief (PG-13)
20th Century Fox
“The Book Thief” is a somewhat stilted adaptation of the beloved novel about a girl sent to live with a foster family in Nazi Germany. The cast and production values are fine, but the movie has the sheen of artifice that it is never quite able to shake.
Shawn calls it, “Well made but solemnly played out.”
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
3) Inside Llewyn Davis (R)
CBS Films
The Coen Brothers’ look at a 60s folk singer is beautifully produced, sharply written and the attention to detail is impeccable. But its also cold and off-putting, a movie to be greatly admired but not necessarily enjoyed.
Shawn calls it, “So expertly crafted bit so dull. Does anything happen? Nope.”
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
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