oliaryu Reviews

The Hunger Games (2012)

Could have been better!

[6/10 · 3 April 2012]

Like many of the Hunger Games trilogy book fans I waited for this movie to come out and had extremely high hopes. Although I did not hate the film, and felt it had some good moments, I felt they didn't spend the money on effects and really making this movie as grand as it deserves to be. It honestly comes off as cheap. The effects, like the fire costume were really bad! I am sorry, but there were movies made years ago that are more stunning. Over all, it was nice to see my favorite characters come to life! Haymitch is exactly as I imagined. And Rue is awesome! I will definitely see the next two films (whenever they come out, seems that they are really spreading them out.) I don't know how I would have felt if I didn't read the books…but I would still say, with an amazing story such as the Hunger Games, they should have done better!

The Magnificent Century (2011–2014)

Guilty Pleasure!!!!

[9/10 · 3 April 2012]

To say I have been obsessed with this show for the past few months is to put it mildly:) I don't speak Turkish and my husband (who is Turkish) suggested we watch the first episode for fun and he would translate. Well…I am sure he was not so happy for that suggestion for the months that followed as we would watch almost every day and he would translate for me. Now we are half way through season two and we are still hooked! I love the overall feel of the show, the costumes the stories etc…yes it can be totally cheesy at times, but I think they did an amazing job. It is totally my guilty pleasure:) Now that there are episodes with Russian subtitles (which is a language I also speak) my husband is finally able to relax:) This may not be for everyone, but if you love history and period dramas, it is certainly entertaining and a great way to learn Turkish. Although I might sound like I am from the 15th century when I go to Istanbul this summer, my Turkish is definitely better and understand a lot more on my own now.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

Not what I expected! (in a bad way)

[2/10 · 3 April 2012]

Well, this movie is certainly not what I expected. For the first hour, it is an absolute horrible experience! Thank God I did not see this in theaters, I would have walked out quite possibly. The boy, who is the main character is completely not likable! In fact, he behaves like a complete a-hole for more than 80% of the film, which makes you want to literally strangle him! This is not a good thing in a movie where you should feel bad for the kid. It might not be the fault of the actor, perhaps that was the vision of the director, I don't know, but that is how I felt and all around me. Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock are great as always, but they are not central in the film. I think the Grandfather is the best in the cast! He pulls the movie to a different level. I have to admit it does get better towards the end of the film, so its not a complete disaster. If you are willing to fast forward through the first 45 minutes you might get something out of it.