Tag: Philip Seymour Hoffman

Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)

Jamie Neish1 Comment

Mockingjay - Part 1

After the action-heavy drive of the previous instalments, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 is decidedly sober and contemplative in comparison, but no less thrilling. Bunkered down in District 13 after being saved from the Quarter Quell, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) reluctantly concedes to become the face of the rebel uprising. Her reluctance quickly turns to intensity, however, as President Snow (Donald Sutherland) continues his tight dictatorship, using Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) as bait.  Continue reading “Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)” →

Review: A Most Wanted Man (2014)

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A Most Wanted Man

Adapted from John Le Carre’s best-selling novel of the same name, and featuring one of the final performances from Philip Seymour Hoffman, A Most Wanted Man is a well-intentioned but unmistakably dreary thriller. In Hamburg, a half-Chechen illegal immigrant (Grigoriy Dobrygin) who stakes claim to his father’s fortune catches the attention of rogue intelligence officer Günther Bachmann (Hoffman), whose suspicions have been heightened since the events of 9/11. Continue reading “Review: A Most Wanted Man (2014)” →

Farewell Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967 – 2014)

Jamie Neish2 Comments

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Philip Seymour Hoffman – award-winning actor, producer and director – died today of a suspected overdose in his Manhattan apartment. Hoffman, who has been nominated for no less than four Academy Awards since his debut feature performance in Triple Bogey On A Five Par Hole opposite Robbie Coltrane, had appeared at the Sundance Film Festival only two weeks prior to his death, in support of two films: A Most Wanted Man and God’s Pocket. Continue reading “Farewell Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967 – 2014)” →

Review: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Jamie Neish4 Comments

Catching Fire

The Hunger Games managed to achieve what the entire Twilight series had tried so hard, yet failed to do: appeal to critics and audiences, while also satisfying the loyal fan base of its adored source material. It had its fair share of impediments though, and was weighed down by the fact it skimmed over many of the bigger issues in favour of displaying a sparkly fantasy tale. Thankfully, with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the second instalment in a four-part film series, those complications are been ironed out to an impeccable degree by new director Francis Lawrence. Continue reading “Review: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)” →