Parked FILM REVIEW

A few weeks ago I watched the film Parked. It was one of those films that really stays with you even after you've finished watching. The film itself is a small, independent film, I don't even think it was in the cinemas (although I could be wrong). The cast was small and the plot simple: simple, but by no means any less intriguing.

This is a synopsis from IMDb "Fred Daly returns to Ireland with nowhere to live but his car. Then dope-smoking 21-year-old Cathal parks beside him, and brightens up his lonely world. Encouraged by Cathal, Fred meets attractive music teacher Jules. Growing closer, these three outsiders are set on a course that will change their lives forever."

In essence that is exactly the plot, there is no sidelines its just that. Cathal is played by Colin Morgan who is outstanding in the part. Not only is Colin a master of accents but he is able to convey emotions with a simple look. Colm Meaney also plays a brilliant part, he is obviously the more reserved out of the duo but he certainly can hold his own. Despite the fact that these two characters couldn't be any more different they are thrown together and have each other for company. Cathal hasn't had anyone in his life that he can look up to and I truly believe that he wanted to give up the drugs for Fred because he loved and admired Fred, but he was just too far gone.

I am going to make an effort to watch more independent/small films in the future because theres something so special about them. I think that its amazing that small films like Parked are just as brilliant (if not better) than films that have Hollywood backing. Its solely based on the actors and the storyline without all of the theatrics that comes with high budget films. The actors are also more passionate about it because they are not doing it for the money they are purely doing it because they believe in the story and film. Jennifer Lawrence once said that "I love doing independent films, I love being on that 20th hour of free overtime in the freezing cold with the rest of the crew and the only thing that’s keeping you there and motivating you is not money. It’s just the belief and a story that you love enough to do almost anything for…that’s why I do what I do." and I think thats the perfect way to sum up an actor's view on independent films.

I'd definitely recommend Parked, its and emotional and strangely heartwarming film, however do be warned that there is drug use, swearing and sexual references so don't watch if you don't like any of that, however, don't be put off because it is all done beautifully and played out extremely well. 

4/5 STARS

The Hunger Games: the book VS the film

Seeing as Catching Fire is now only months away I’m going to share with you my opinion on how I thought Lionsgate did (or did not) do justice to the world wide best seller books that is the Hunger Games trilogy. The film was released in March 2012 after much anticipation from fans and critics alike; the books benefited greatly and saw a massive increase in sales and you literally couldn't turn anywhere without being reminded that something big: something that could reach Harry Potter big was about to land on our doorsteps. As a huge fan of the books I too could hardly bare the excitement of one of my favourite books being made into a film with an all-star cast and a very promising trailer: I was not disappointed when release day came around.

Jennifer Lawrence was flawless as Katniss Everdeen the heroine in the book and really captured the character well: she was mesmerising to watch; and if her recent success is anything to go by she will be around for a very long time and Lionsgate were lucky to grab her whilst they could because I don't think that anyone could have fitted the role just as well. Josh Hutcherson who plays the smitten Peeta Melark from District 12 was fairly decent but did not have the same scene grabbing effect as Lawrence. 

In the books the relationship between Katniss and Peeta is poignant and it is clear that Peeta is in love with Katniss. However, Katniss is just playing along for the Games so that she can play off the 'star-crossed lovers' that the Capitol love and gain sponsors during the Games; this aspect of the film was disappointing. There was very little build up and almost no emotion, if you hadn't of read the book, you certainly wouldn't be hoping that Katniss would realise how much of an idiot she is being by faking her love for Peeta.

Another let down was Katniss' relationship with Rue, the small girl who reminded Katniss of her little sister Prim and who was the District 11 tribute; this was hardly developed at all, in the book their relationship and allegiance to each other goes on for several chapters and shows the vulnerable side to Everdeen which is lacking in this film. When Rue got killed, I think that in the film, it was the longest period of time that the two characters spent with each other: this should have been developed more thoroughly to get more of a reaction from the audience over the death of character that impacted Katniss’ life a lot when she was in the arena. It could have highlighted the severity and impact that these games had on normal people; it should have showed you that your innocence could be taken away from you at any moment during the Games and a child you befriended could die so very easily in your arms had the relationship been more developed.

However, apart from those two points, Gary Ross (the director) has done a pretty good job in bringing the text to life. I am somewhat curious to how Catching Fire will turn out seeing as Ross is no longer the mastermind behind it all; I do hope that the new director has taken some notes down from him so that he doesn't lose the integrity of the books that we have all grown to love. In all honesty I don't think that you can get a much better adaptation of a book than this film and if that doesn't convince you: the awards speak for themselves.