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In a post apocalyptic not so distant future what we know as North America is now a union of 12 districts collectively known as Panem. Each year one male and one female from each district is selected by a lottery to participate in The Hunger Games; essentially a game of survivor with fatal consequences for all but one contestant. One part entertainment and one part social control, The Hunger Games serve as a method for the government to oppress its citizens. Now, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) are the representatives from the fringe district 12. Considered underdogs the two a challenged with the prospects of dying young, all the while learning how to navigate a game of death that’s as much about political savy as it is being a wilderness survival expert. Adding to the difficulties, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and game master Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) have their own intentions as to how to shape the game for the greater good. But what will it take to survive the game, and at what cost? Adapted from the wildly popular children’s novels of the same name, The Hunger Games is partially written and directed by the lesser known Gary Ross (Seabiscuit); however, it’s important to point out backing him are a whole host of second unit directors including power hitter Steven Soderbergh so let’s not be too hasty in writing this one off eh? Nor should you, with the exception of a little cinematography shakiness to start with, the overall picture is strong. Cleverly weaving between live action, televised chaos, and behind the scenes political masterminding, the screenplay stays rich without compromising the original integrity of the source. Acting from the ensemble feels up to par, sometimes over the top performances from Stanley Tucci and Woody Harrelson are also much appreciated. Art direction, makeup and hair are worth noting, attention to detail here is nothing short of amazing. Musical cues from James Newton Howard blend nicely to set the scene even better. Basically, I’m saying this is a winner and worth your attention, regardless of any preconceived notions you might have about another kid’s book being translated to the silver screen, this one’s here to stay. Worth noting there is some semi-graphical violence so it may not be for the youngest audiences. The Hunger Games is rated PG-13.

An Indonesian SWAT team descends on a ruthless Indonesian mobster/druglord held up in a tenement for political reasons only to be met with greater force than expected. One by one the team is picked off by residents of the building until just one new recruit and his superior survive. Still determined to stop their original target the last remaining officers will also have to plot their escape as well. Forutnately, as fate would have it the two are assisted by an unlikely aide. But who will survive this ordeal, and who’s really calling the shots? So you were looking for a hardcore action adventure flick? One that features more punches, more kicks, more explosions, more fights and more thrills than anything we’ve seen in recent day? Can do! Director Gareth Evans delivers a ridiculously entertaining, adrenaline fueled, skull crushing, body blasting good time. Stunning choreography will keep your attention fixed for the most part; however, I must confess towards the end of the film I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and ready for the whole thing to…just…stop. Prepare for subtitles here too, then prepare for ultimate fighting action, unlike anything you’ve seen. The Raid: Redemption is rated R.

Fresh out of the police academy two new grads are sent to work in a special undercover unit designed to fight crime in high schools; officer Jenko (Channing Tatum) is the brawn while officer Schmidt (Jonah Hill) is the brains behind the duo. But, It’s been years since high school and times have changed. Now along with the challenge of trying to fit in, the two are also tasked with finding and stopping the supplier of a new designer drug known as H.F.S.. Meanwhile, as the struggle to be “in” with the cool kids becomes a big deal again a new rift between Jenko and Schmidt grows. Will the two be able to make it through high school again without destroying each other, what about prom, and who’s really behind the manufacturing of H.F.S.? Turning the traditional good cop bad cop/buddy cop genre on it’s ear I can’t think of better actors for the job than Tatum and Hill. Both products of the new breed of comedy that’s risen in the last few years the two are more than adept at poking fun at the very stereotypes they might have been typecast to represent even just 10 years ago. But on that note, the comedic hits didn’t come as fast as I would have liked providing for only a few laugh out loud moments. Of course there are plenty references to the original TV series if you keep your eyes open, but I think the main selling point overall is the cameo provided by none other than Johnny Depp (who goes uncredited mind you). Not bad entertainment, you could do worse, I’d say maybe worth a matinee
or a rental. 21 Jump Street is rated R.