Post-Hunger Games means two big releases in the same weekend. The question is how much do they impact Hunger Games and are they any good? Should you just give in and watch Katniss and crew if you haven’t seen the film yet? Do you get your eyes assaulted with stupendous action or go for a more lively live-action fairy tale? Find out below.

Wrath of the Titans

Richelle Jackson of MovieFix says:

It’s a rollicking ride with some of the best use of 3D that I’ve seen since Avatar. Not only are you dodging boulders and logs but you’re also breathing in the dust and marvelling at the stars.

James Verniere of the Boston Herald says:

Overall, I felt like I was being pounded to death by the theater’s subwoofers and having things flung at me from the screen.

Mark Holcomb of the Village Voice says:

What it lacks are the very elements that made the first movie such a surprise: wit and nerve.

Tyler Hanley of the Palo Alto Weekly says:

And while “Wrath of the Titans” may not be escapist fantasy entertainment at its finest (that distinction belongs to “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy), the film’s strong cast and striking visuals make for a thrilling theatrical ride.

Verdict: Go see it for cinematic fun, Wait for DVD if you want a good story.

Mirror Mirror

J.R. Jones of the Chicago Reader says:

Singh is much more skilled as a visual artist than a storyteller, and his artistic fortunes seem to rise and fall with the inspiration of his screenwriters.

Stephen Whitty of the New Jersey Star-Ledger says:

However, the dwarves provide wonderful fun, Singh’s visuals have true magic and Alan Menken’s score is charming.

Mike LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle says:

All we get are scattered bits of cleverness, some hit and some miss.

Rick Groen of the Globe and Mail says:

When the dust settles, all that’s left are a few motes of lame comedy atop a few million bucks worth of overdressed sets. Call me Grumpy, but this seems less an adaptation than a random assault.

Verdict: Wait for DVD

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