OUR SYSTEM IS DOWN

Hey there, I'm Sarah! Our System is Down is dedicated to reviewing movies and TV shows, new and old. Check out the ABOUT page and shoot us an ask if you have anything you want us to review!

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I know I haven't posted any reviews in the last few weeks and I'm sorry for that but I have my computer back so let's get it owwwnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[doctaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

that face spoke volumes to me

[mattsgifs]

[thelittleyellowdiary]

Only Emma Watson can wisp her hair right back into place…

[blvnkwvlls]

She obviously used magic. Fucking muggles.

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Mental *no spoilers*

Going into watching Mental I was slightly dubious (although fun fact: I auditioned for it when it was being cast) because Australian films are generally not that great, but Mental was actually pretty damn good. After I watched it, I was a tad confused and had to Google the ending, but it was a really good movie. 

Hollywood Heavyweights Toni Collette and Liev Schrieber star in this, as well as Aussie faves Deborah Mailman and Anthony LaPaglia and a host of newcomers who all do really well considering that for many of them this was their first role. Collette's onscreen relationship with every individual actor she shares a scene with is remarkable. 

Though the stand out actor for me in this film was Rebecca Gibney. Gibney is an outstanding performer, anyone who's ever watched her in Packed to the Rafters knows this, and her performance in Mental was no exception. 

I personally found all of the characters in Mental to be really relatable, the dialogue was well written and it captured my attention for the whole film. My only complaint would be that it got to a point where after nearly two hours I didn't really know what else they could do, but they surprised me by packing more in. 

The difference between this film and the other two that I've watched in the last week is that I waited for this to be on TV to watch it, and honestly, though I enjoyed the film I wouldn't have paid to go and see it. 

6/10 Good film, watch it (on DVD)

[mrgolightly]

[horror-movie-confessions]

"I don’t get why people are saying Chloe Moretz can’t be Carrie because she’s skinny, blonde & pretty. Well what is Sissy Spacek then? See my point? Also, to the people saying she can’t be Carrie because her characteristics aren’t what Carrie is described as in the book, when has a movie EVER GONE BY THE BOOKS?! I believe I just made 2 valid points. Carrie isn’t about what is or isn’t in the book, Carrie is about a girl standing up for herself because she was bullied. Why don’t people see that"

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Mental - Pre-Viewing Impressions

I am about to watch the 2012 Australian film "Mental" starring Toni Collette and Anthony LaPaglia. Australian films are notoriously bad but Toni Collette is an amazing actress and I have a weird crush on Anthony LaPaglia. 

I'm thinking that it will be okay, but only time will tell. 

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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire *no spoilers*

I've been watching a lot of sequels this week, and generally speaking it is widely known that sequels don't really measure up to the original film. I'm not so bold as to say that Catching Fire is necessarily better than The Hunger Games, but it most certainly measures up. This isn't the only challenge that Catching Fire faces, not only is it a sequel but it's also the adaptation of a novel whose legion of followers is, quite frankly, terrifying. 

Regardless of these challenges, Catching Fire is a remarkable film. As we follow the journey of Katniss Everdeen following the events of the 74th Hunger Games and the lead-up to the Quarter Quell, we are drawn into the lives of the people of Panem. Jennifer Lawrence delivers an outstanding performance reprising her role as the aforementioned Katniss. 

One of the best parts of The Hunger Games, in my opinion, is that although there is a "love triangle" it is not the most important part of the story. Katniss is a strong female protagonist, the likes of which haven't been seen since Hermione Granger. She has taken care of her family, hunting and providing for them, and it is only her deep love of her sister that she is even in this situation. I think that's a highly respectable trait. 

Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrleson, Josh Hutcherson and Donald Sutherland reprise their roles from The Hunger Games, while the new additions of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Claflin and Jena Malone embody the characters they were chosen to play. Also returning from the first film are Stanley Tucci and Willow Shields, who are my stand outs from this film.  9/10 GO SEE THIS MOVIE

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Thor: The Dark World *no spoilers*

Let me start off by saying that I love all of the movies set in the Marvel universe and the latest instalment has not dimmed the flame I carry for these characters. I had my hesitations considering that they're pumping out these movies, the trailer for Captain America: The Winter Soldier played while I was waiting for the movie to start. Despite this, Thor: The Dark World was an excellent addition to the franchise. 

From the moment that the movie started, I was on the edge of my seat. The action scenes were excellently executed and Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston ensured that the viewer felt like they were experiencing the same events and emotions as the characters. Hiddleston's Loki and Hemsworth's Thor interact in a way that is unmatched by any other characters on the screen. 

However, the standout for me personally was the always amazing Kat Dennings. Her dry wit and sarcastic responses added a sense of humour to the film that was not seen in any other characters. 

Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Natalie Portman and Christopher Eccleston also delivered great performances. 

8/10 Would recommend.