The Weekly Movie Watch Volume 19

This week I watched The Giver, Munich, Slap Shot.

I watch movies every week and then write down my thoughts. Read my previous reviews!
My rating is simple, Watch It, It Depends, Skip it.

The Giver - A book adapted to film that isn't that bad.

The Giver (2014)
Watch The Giver
Written by: Michael Mitnick and Robert B. Weide (screenplay), Lois Lowry (book)
Directed by: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes
Rated: PG-13

Plot:
In a utopian society violence and suffering have been eradicated at the expense of emotions. One person designated to keep all the memories of the world begins to pass them on to his successor.

Review:
The movie does a decent job of adapting the book. The ending became more action packed, losing many nuances. The themes touched upon in the beginning were lost in the end. The problem with book adaptations is that there is never enough time in a movie to accurately capture everything. The concept is intriguing and flashes of brilliance are evident in the movie, but it didn't achieve what it could have.
It depends.

Munich - The pitfalls of covert operations.

Munich (2005)
Watch Munich
Written by: Tony Kushner and Eric Roth (screenplay), George Jonas (book)
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Cirian Hinds, Geoffrey Rush, Marie-Josee Croze 
Rated: R

Plot:
Based on the true story of the Black September aftermath. Five men hunt down those responsible for murder.

Review:
In the same vain as Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, it's a subtle portrayal of characters and their emotions. They become more violent and quicker to pull the trigger, losing their humanity as the film progresses. This film doesn't rely on exposition, you have to pay attention. Are the protagonists any different from the people they are attacking? The answer becomes more blurred as the movie continues. The ending is solid, and while the film is slower than most, that isn't a complaint.
It depends.

Slap Shot - Bringing the brawl to hockey.

Slap Shot (1977) 
Watch Slap Shot
Written by: Nancy Dowd
Directed by: George Roy Hill
Starring: Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin
Rated: R

Plot:
Paul Newman coaches his hockey team to overcome the odds and find the strategy to win in this comedy. That strategy is violence and non-stop fighting.

Review:
Paul Newman does a great job. It's a serviceable comedy and a snapshot of the times, dealing with struggling mill towns and showcasing the fashion of the '70s.
It depends.