THE OPTIMIST - MOVIE REVIEWS

     The prequel/sequel to 2012's "Snow White and the Huntsman" finds Chris Hemsworth once again wielding his axes in the fight against evil. "The Huntsman: Winter's War" is an oddity in that sandwiches the Snow White story from four years ago with the back story and continuing story of Eric the Huntsman. Arguably the best part of the 2012 film, Hemsworth brings his hard-to-resist charm and his knack for cool action to a film that most critics have asked whether or not it should have even been made. For me, I enjoyed "Snow White and the Huntsman", even considering Kristen Stewart's dull performance. That being said, "The Huntsman" is a much better film all around, and overshadows its predecessor.    As a war between rival queen sisters Ravenna (Charlize Theron) and Freya (Emily Blunt) escalates, Eric and fellow warrior Sara (Jessica Chastain), members of the Huntsmen army raised to protect Freya, try to conceal their forbidden lov

   Disney seems to be on a mission to adapt their classic animated films into live-action versions. They're latest version, "The Jungle Book", hits theaters this weekend and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. The 1967 animated film was the last one Walt Disney worked on. It's a classic in every right, with memorable characters, exciting moments, and unforgettable songs. Growing up, "The Jungle Book" was one of my favorite Disney movies and the moment I heard they were making a live action version, the little kid in me got excited. This movie is the perfect family film and I'd be hard pressed to think that people of all ages wouldn't like this adaptation.    This movie follows the 1967 film quite closely. The wolf-raised man-cub Mowgli (played brilliantly by young new-comer Neel Sethi) flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan, voiced by Idris Elba. Guided by Bagheera (voiced by Ben Kingsley) the panther and the bear Baloo (