MOVIE REVIEW: Carriers

 

In a world where a pandemic has devastated the population, two brothers attempt to get a small group of friends to the place where they were happy as children. Along the way, they find a world of militant survivalists and infected victims.

Released in 2009, the producers of this film had no way of knowing that ten years later their predictions would come true, though to a lesser extent. Starring Chris Pine as the older of the brothers, this is a story of hopelessness and how different personalities react to it. As the movie travels through a landscape of despair, the effect finally ends up turning the people against each other, including the two brothers. Not a happy film with a happy ending, this is not recommended for family viewing, especially by young children. It is, however, a very good character study of how different philosophies can dictate who lives and who dies in nightmarish circumstances.

BOOK REVIEW: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

 

Owen Meany, son of the owner of a granite quarry, is a small, underdeveloped boy whose voice has never changed, but who ends up having a profound effect on, not only his best friend, who is the narrator of this tale, but on the entire town he grows up in. A child with an adult's understanding and perhaps the ability to see his own future, Owen's story is told with tender, and sometimes brash, honesty that is wonderful to behold. Intermixed with this is the soul of a town, a small, interwoven community that is largely gone in our day and age.

This is the story of a man's memories of his boyhood friend. Hilarious at times, tragic at others, it will draw you in and make you a part of the events in a way that other books fail to. A beautiful and poetic novel that will live on for years to come.

MOVIE REVIEW: Hitman: Agent 47

 

A young woman who has been on the run for most of her life is approached by two men. One is there to protect her and the other to kill her. But which one can she trust?

Though given a low reception by some critics upon its release, if one simply approaches this film as a pure action delight, it does not disappoint. While there is only enough background to justify the next scenes, and very little character development, it is extremely entertaining. Starring Rupert Friend (Homeland), Hannah Ware (Betrayal), and Zachary Quinto (Spock in the new Star Trek movies), this has excellent action sequences, some strong language, and plenty of violence. Though probably not a good idea for young children, this is fantastic for those seeking an extraordinarily well done action performance.