Cumberbatch impresses in The Imitation Game

Rebekah Gould
Staff Writer

Already nominated for five Golden Globes, including Best Actor and Best Motion Picture, The Imitation Game has fascinated audiences around the world. The film follows the largely unknown story of mathematician, Alan Turing. During World War II, Turing and a team of mathematicians and linguists collaborate to solve the German’s secret code, Enigma. The code was seemingly unbreakable, until Turing thought of building a machine, named Christopher, to decode the messages. With access to every message the Germans were sending, Christopher changed the course of the war and essentially created the first computer.

Into the theater without delay

Rebekah Gould
Staff Writer

From Broadway to the big screen, the musical Into the Woods follows the lives of Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and the Baker and his wife. They are all connected when a witch visits each of them to grant their wishes. She sends all of them into the woods to find what they’re looking for.

The phenomenal cast did an excellent job at digging deeper into their fairy tale characters that we all know and love. Anna Kendrick, who portrayed Cinderella, brought her big, bright voice to the delicate character who is in conflict about marrying the prince. Daniel Huttlestone puts a spunky and determined Jack on the screen. James Corden as the Baker brought both comedy and desperation throughout the movie with his pleasing voice. Meryl Streep is nominated for a Golden Globe Best Supporting Actress for her role as the Witch. The unpredictability of Streep excelled in this complex role. Emily Blunt is also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress for The Baker’s Wife. Her soothing voice, chemistry with Corden, and desperation for a child bring her character to life. All the characters have a wish that they desire with all their hearts, but how far are they willing to go to have their wish come true?

Director Rob Marshall had to make some tough calls in what songs to cut or shorten and how to keep all the stories aligned. Overall, this Disney film stays true to the original plot, written by James Lapaine, and the songs, written by Stephen Sondheim. Average movie goers and musical lovers are sure to enjoy the film as it takes you on a journey into the woods. Be careful what you wish for.

Into the Woods arrives in theaters everywhere Christmas Day. 

Fire is catching

Grace Fendrick
Features Editor

Mockingjay Part 1 earned only $123 million in the U.S. over opening weekend, far under the previous films which made $158 million* (Catching Fire) and $153 million (The Hunger Games).  Although the numbers were disappointing for the franchise, the film exceeded very high expectations and did achieve the highest box office numbers of the year. Fans of the books will be very pleased due to the fact the movie is split into two parts, enabling more book content than in comparison to the other two films. 

Just after the sabotaged Quarter-Quell, Katniss finds herself stricken with nightmares and medically drugged in the District 13 hospital. Throughout the course of the film, she struggles to acclimate to her life as the symbol of the rebellion. Those around her hold their breath to see what their “mockingjay” becomes.

While the movie is filled with plenty of action, there are definitely more romantic aspects than in the previous films; this time however it is not revolving around the "star crossed lovers of District 12". Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth show great chemistry while playing their characters Katniss Everdeen and Gale Hawthorne. Josh Hutcherson’s character, Peeta Mellark is not often seen in the film, but the few scenes he is in are truly powerful. Although she is not covered in over-the-top Capital clothing and makeup, Effie Trinket’s bubbly personality shines through thanks to the talented Elizabeth Banks. Woody Harrelson once again played Haymitch Abernathy, this time sober, flawlessly. Both Lawrence and Sam Claflin do an outstanding job at portraying their character’s confusion and grief from what has happened.

Lionsgate’s Mockingjay Part 1 is an outstanding production and a great movie for date night.