If your review is too long to send as a comment, email it to me as an attachment.
The following are ideas you may want to include in your film review:
- address the specific audience for the medium that your review is intended
- catch your reader and bring him into the film quickly
- give your opinion of the film in a clear statement of thesis
- contain factual background information about the film
- provide a plot summary that does not reveal too much, that leaves the reader wanting to see the film
- use the criteria and evidence from the film that best supports your opinion
- discuss the visual aspects of the film
- be professional, credible, engaging, and enjoyable
- avoid cliches
- address the specific audience for the medium that your review is intended
- include a clearly state "bottom-line" statement of your evaluation of the film
- conclude strongly, memorably, perhaps returning full-circle to your thesis
Here are some reminders about writing film reviews:
- You may comment on the conclusion, but be careful not to say too much where it ruins the movie for those who have not seen it.
- Use plot details to support your commentary, not the reverse.
- Use past tense only when referring to historical facts.
- Use present tense when describing a scene or turn in the plot.
Review the revision checklist on page 457 as well.
The Blind Side
ReplyDeleteThe Blind Side came out in theaters in the year 2009. The movie is based on true story that had to be made into a film to impact other people’s life. It makes you realize how much impact a parent can have in a child. The story of Michael Hoer it’s great to show for all ages. The movie shows that if you are determined to do something in your life it can be done. When getting ready to watch the movie makes sure to open your mind and heart.
When you look at the cover of the movie you will find women holding a boys hand. The boy is wearing a football uniform. If you are thinking I am not a football fan remember do not judge nothing by its cover. The movie is not focused in football there is a bigger meaning to the movie. The movie shows how the adoption of Michael to the Tuohy family got him to where he is.
Michael is a teenager walking in the cold when the Tuohy family drives by and see him. Leigh Anne Tuohy tells her husband, “go back”, she gets off the car and asks Michael who for her is a stranger if he has a place to stay and offers him to stay in her house. Sounds like something a normal person will never do but their again never say never. Who would have known that this will change Michaels’ and the Touhy family life forever?
Sandra Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy but in order for her to play her role she has to get a southern accent. Bullock ends up dominating the southern accent. Quinton Aaron has to play Michael Hoer a tall African American teenager which he does really well. The Blind Side is used in the movie to express how the left tackle has to defend the right side of the quarterback. By watching the movie you will notice that there is more to the blind side. Often as adults or teenagers see things however we will like them to be. We blind our self’s to the truth.
The dipper you get into the movie you will start noticing how Michael starts changing his personality and how he grows into his new life. But Michael could not have done it by himself he needed someone to keep motivating him and that is he’s new mom Leigh Anne. Though his new brother S.J played by Jae Head is the little brother we will all wish to have. S.J is adorable and best of all funny. He gives the movie a different vibe. S.J makes the audience laugh and realize that not everything has to be boring in life.
Leigh Anne expresses herself as a strict mom. But as you keep watching the movie she starts getting softer. Leigh Anne as well as Michael both go thru a lot and start changing their character. While watching the movie you realize that Leigh Anne needs to keep her strictness in order to keep her family together and at the same time help out Michael. The movie is not about being nice to the poor it’s about lifting the blind of your eyes away. The Blind Side also is about becoming a strong family.
If you decide to watch The Blind Side I bet anything it will be eye opening and you will not want to miss a single part of it. This movie is so inspirational, though you will have to watch all of it and when you think the movie has ended stay sited a little bit longer. The credits are even more inspiring. A lot of people want to change the world for the better but in order to do that you have to change yourself first. The Blind Side is a movie no one will want to miss. Be a winner by watching The Blind Side
Movie Review over The Hunger Games
ReplyDeleteThe Story of The Hunger Games takes place several years into the future after a rebellion against the government caused a second civil war. As a form of punishment, every year one boy and one girl is chosen to compete in a battle for their lives. The book depicts the life of Katniss Everdeen from district 12, who lives a poor life and spends her days hunting and with her younger sister. When the day of harvesting comes, to pick new competitors for the game, her life is turned upside down by volunteering in place of her sister for the game. The filmmakers style and the actors truly make this film come to life.
The director of the film is Gary Ross, within the film he uses to camera styles to capture the emotion of story. In the beginning minutes of the film he uses a form of realistic camera style to present the feeling of real life action with the actors. From walking through the forest to the harvesting meeting grounds really help you feel what is going on. After they continue their journey to the capital the film style grows to a steady camera action to show the seriousness of the moments to follow. From the fun play with Gale and Katniss, to Peeta and Katniss fight for survival, the raw attitude is shown from the beginning to the end. When meeting other team mates or even when the games take place, you come into a place of taking the story serious, so there is nothing to be missed.
Another quality I truly loved about this film is how the actors make this film. They could not have picked better people for it. The Film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Jennifer Lawrence portrayal of Katniss Everdeen really comes to life in how she can bring the emotion of how she is feeling in those moments of knowing her life is in danger. To having fun with her little sister or her best friend Gale. Gale is brought to life by Liam Hemsworth, a new, up and coming actor. Gale is Katniss’ best friend since long ago. In comparison the film to the book, he has such a small part to play that it really does not show the greater companionship they have established. They are shown more in the book to have a secret love for each other, than in the film where they are just really good friends. They focus more on the romance that is Peeta and Katniss. Peeta is played by Josh Hutcherson, who is the son of the districts baker. He is again brought to life by such great emotion, from feeling unconfident about himself to rising to be a hero by the end of it all. His love for Katniss could not have been shown in a greater light and bring the two together; Josh and Jennifer really do create great acting chemistry. We do have the bit player parts by Elisabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Lenny Kravis, that make up Peeta and Katniss team of stylists, advisors and trainers. They all continue to move the movie along with humor, emotion and focus.
I would recommend this film to just about anybody. I can honestly say that this movie is going to outshine Twilight. It makes you feel the pain, the heartache, the humor, and the fight for your own life being at stake. Even the fight scenes are done so tastefully that you cannot turn away, it leaves you wanting more. I believe that book written by Suzanne Collins and the film directed by Gary Ross is very captive and very vividly matched that you can go read the book and picture all of these actors and the film style coming into play. My boyfriend had introduced me to the book and made it so exciting that we saw this movie three times and cannot wait to own it for future viewing. I give this film a 4 out of 5 stars in continuing to bring others back from movies to books. In good fashion and ending on a high note, if you’re looking for a good emotion, thrilling movie go see The Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor.
X-Men: First Class
ReplyDeleteSeeing X-Men: First Class for the first time, I had high hopes for the film. I was not sure what to expect, but I knew that it had to be entertaining. I had not seen any works by the main stars (James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Jennifer Lawrence) prior to my viewing, so I had an unbiased opinion about their acting. These three do, however, give an excellent performance as their characters.
The film centers around a group of young mutants, each with a specific power or skill. They must team together and learn about their individual powers and strengths to defeat their enemy and prevent a world war from being started. Based in the 1960’s, the costumes and music (other than the score) are relevant to the time. Boots and short skirts are not uncommon for the women, and sports coats are worn by the men.
Erik Lehnsherr, played by Fassbender, is the first character introduced. He is shown as a young boy, being forced into a concentration camp during the time of the Holocaust. He is separated from his mother, and from his anger and despair, his powers are first discovered.
Next we see Charles Xavier, McAvoy’s character, also as a young boy, sleeping in his humble abode in New York. He is awoken by what seems to be his mother, but by using his power, we realize that it is in fact not his mother, but a young shape-shifting girl named Raven, later played by Lawrence. They become friends right away because they no longer have to feel alone. Each character’s development is evident throughout the movie, whether they are learning to accept their mutation, strengthening it, or harnessing it for evil.
The film’s antagonist, Sebastian Shaw (performed by Kevin Bacon), is not entertaining to watch. He is awkward, inconsistent in his character, and just downright a pain in the ass. Overall, I was not pleased with his work in this role. He shows little development as Shaw, other than finally demonstrating his powers.
The film has an excellent soundtrack, written by Henry Jackman, and it really adds energy to each scene. Every time Fassbender is starring in a scene, a specific tune is repeated, but in slightly different variations depending on the situation. The audience always knows when he is planning something. Jackman kept a dark feel to the entire score throughout the movie.
The editing in the movie was for the most part efficient. I was not a fan however of the training sequence, where the screen would split into three or four squares so the audience could see different views of the scene. It was unnecessary and made it hard to focus. There was also an extremely poor editing job when Sebastian Shaw is talking to the group of young mutants, and is trying to convince them to join his band against the humans. He says, “My friends there’s a revolution coming…each of us will face a choice: to be enslaved, or rise up to rule.” When the line “to be enslaved” is mentioned, the camera immediately turns to the only African American in the group. I do not know if this was on purpose or just a coincidence, but it was in poor taste and extremely awkward.
The special effects were sufficient, but sometimes it was very obvious that they were computer generated. Unfortunately though, this is to be expected of a science fiction movie. Other than that, the action was believable and entertaining.
Overall, Matthew Vaughn did an excellent job at directing this movie. I have seen it four times now, which shows that I thoroughly enjoy it. On a scale of one to five, I give X-Men: First Class about a 4.5.
“Money Ball” is a baseball film based on the true story of the 2002 Oakland Athletics ‘Cinderella Story’ season. The director is Bennett Miller and the movie stars Brad Pitt, who plays Billy Beane: the General Manager of the Athletics. The movie shows how the A’s went from a playoff team with great players, to payroll cuts and one of the weakest rosters in baseball within a matter of months. The film really emphasizes that a team’s payroll doesn’t determine the number of wins or losses that a team is worthy of.
ReplyDeleteThe movie opens with Billy Beane listening on the radio to his team, the Athletics, losing to the New York Yankees in round one of the playoffs. The early playoff exit would lead to the departures of three big name players: Jason Giambi, Jason Isringhausen, and Johnny Damon. All three young players were at the end of their contract and headed off to big market teams because the Athletics simply didn’t have the money to keep them in Oakland. Frustrated and distraught, Beane flies to Cleveland to visit with the Indian’s GM to figure out some type of trade that will give the Athletics a winning team. As the trade negotiations linger on, Beane realizes that a young Harvard graduate by the name of Peter Brand is the one making the decisions on whether or not certain players should be traded. Perturbed, Billy meets with Brand after the negotiations and asks why Peter wouldn’t accept any of his trade offers. Peter explained to him that he had found a complex system of finding value in underrated players. He showed Billy that it is in fact possible to build a winning team with a short payroll and average players. Surprisingly, Beane buys Peter Brand from the Cleveland Indians and takes him to Oakland to work as his advisor.
Billy and Peter build a father son relationship. At first nobody is on board with Peter’s ideas, but Billy advises them that it’s his ball club and he will do what he wants with them. The two raise eyebrows when they go out and get several players that are old, washed up, and bad for the clubhouse. Jeremy Giambi, David Justice, and Scott Hatteberg are among the surprise acquisitions that frustrate Oakland fans and the front office executives. As the season begins, the Athletic’s manager Art Howe is not happy with the team that he has to work with. For the first months of the season Howe refuses to play Billy’s new players and it begins to start strife in the front office. Oakland began to struggle without the right players on the field until Billy Beane makes a bold move and trades several players that the manager favored, so that he would be forced to play the players that Beane acquired in the off-season. All of the sudden, Oakland began to win games left and right. In September of 2002, Oakland found themselves in first place after winning 20 games in a row! This was the third best winning streak in baseball history.
See next comment for conclusion
Moneyball review conlusion
ReplyDeleteBeane and Brand go from the most hated men in the A’s organization, to the biggest geniuses that ever coached the game of baseball. The Athletics made an early exit out of the playoffs once again in their heroic season, but they proved that winning is always possible no matter the amount of money. At the end of the film, the Boston Red Sox offer Billy Beane the biggest GM contract in sports history. They saw what Billy could do and how he had changed the game of baseball. Beane surprised everyone, including the Oakland organization, after he turns down the
offer to stay in Oakland with the small payroll and the poor fan base. Billy shows character by turning down the money for the love of his city and his team.
Overall the film is very solid. Typically sports movies are vague and leave out the small technical side of things, but Money Ball went above and beyond. This movie has a feel good ending with the loyalty Billy shows when he decides to stay in Oakland and help them out. There are many good life lessons that can be learned from this movie. The film is rated PG-13 due to some mild language. I think the language helps to portray a real picture of what the job of a GM entails at the major league level. Money Ball is a must see for any sports fan.
The War Horse
ReplyDeleteFrom director Steven Spielberg comes “War Horse,” an epic adventure for audiences of all ages. Set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War, “War Horse” begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of those entire he meets—British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man’s Land.The First World War is experienced through the journey of this horse,an odyssey of joy and sorrow, passionate friendship and high adventure. “War Horse” is one of the great stories of friendship and war.
The theatrical experience you should have will make you walk out of the theatre exhilarated. The entire set is quite abstract. The basic elements of the play, with the barebones set, the beautiful old-English folk music, the bits of multimedia strewn about in the background is just brilliantly done. The staging is dramatic, the puppets were awe inspiring.The simple idea of the pure and unconditional love that people have for animals and the spiritual bond that exists between them, set against the horrors of war, is just breaktaking.
The film is stunning to watch and powerful both in the beautiful imagery and the candid and harsh images of the battlefield. The poignant messages of bravery, loyalty and love are delivered through the movie. Regardless, the movie is targeted at a higher age group.It attacks all of your human emotions.It shows you the senselessness of war, and how love can survive even the worst of times, among other things.Through it all, it is what makes us the best of what we are inside that carries us beyond the ordinary agonies in life to the other side of its despair to reward us with the most richest of lessons.
Irene Zvaraya
ReplyDeleteThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The film is a suspenseful thriller which keeps you on the edge of your seat as the stage is set as a disgraced journalist, is hired to uncover the disappearance of a wealthy patriach’s niece 40 years ago. The film was shot in Sweden and Switzerland. It follows Stieg Larsson’s blockbuster book, Millennium Trilogy. This film is an English-language adaptation of the Swedish novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. The film was directed by David Fincher, and written by Steven Zaillian. It is about a wealthy family who owns the island of Hedestat, and the family run businesses, the Vanguard Industries. In the opening scene, the main actors Lisbeth Slander (Rooney Mara), who is in fact “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, and Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) are being interviewed by Henrik (Cristopher Plumer).
Review conclusion on next comment
Conclusion of review: The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo
ReplyDeleteLisbeth is an anti- social, weird, tattooed, computer hacker, in a weird hairdo, wearing punk clothes, large earrings, has pierced eyebrows, nose, and lips. The very dark makeup emphasizes her dark character, additionally she gives one word answers and in fact, looks like she is the interviewer. From the beginning of the film, one wonders about the plot. The music in the background is eerie, portraying the coldness of the character.
The storyline switches from Lisbeth in Stockholm, to the island of Hedestat where Mikael is based. Events in Lisbeth’s life are revealed, depicting a troubled soul struggling to survive. Mikael is asked by the wealthy industrialist, Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to write a biography of his family but is officially investigating the story of the missing niece. As the film switches from Stockholm to Hedestat the suspense builds. At first the connection between the Lisbeth and Mikael is not very clear.
It is exciting to see how the plot unfolds in this dysfunctional family, who has a lot to hide. Each family member who is introduced is a mystery, and adds to the twist. Mikael is subtly shown that he is not welcome and later is told so. Later, when Lisbeth arrives in Hedestat, no one pays any attention to her. Really with the way she dresses and acts, she looks like she is a total misfit. One needs to see the film to appreciate how the story unfolds and the richness of the storyline. The film is rated “R” as it has explicit language and erotic scenes. It is also graphic as scenes of other murdered victims are shown as flashbacks when their stories are told.
The tattoo is revealed in a scene with the social worker, and the other tattoo is revealed later. Although the story is set in Sweden, the investigators are reviewing old photos and newspapers, which are in English and not in Swedish. Mikael is seen arriving at Hedestat the second time, arriving at the small house in a taxi; it is snowing hard, but you can see lots of tire tracks in front of the house.
The plot takes many exciting twists and turns as the story builds. Who is Harriet and who murdered her, and why was her body never found? Each family member acts suspiciously and is uncomfortable with Mikael except Henrik, the industrialist. As the investigation continues, Lisbeth and Mikael uncover immense corruption beyond anything they have ever imagined. At the end when Elizabeth dresses up in a wig, high heels, a suit and is booking into a hotel; later she is with the banker; surely she looks like a lady. There is a shift in her character, but it changes quickly as soon as she is in the train, removes the wig and tosses it out of the window. What is going on in her mind?
The confession of a killer, accompanied by the eerie music in the background, rivets you to the screen. The cold bloodied nature of the killer, who is smiling, calm, cool, confidently, measuring his next move, but confesses he has never killed a man and pauses. The tension builds as the hunter becomes the hunted. First, they try to scare Mikael after the verbal threats don’t work.
Definitely a good film to watch, even when the final curtain is down, one wants it to continue, some questions have been answered and others hmnn… watch the film. The role “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” plays is intriguing. Is she the “bad guy” or the heroine? Who is the bad guy? Is she the coldhearted, mean, weird girl? She asks the social worker “What do they say I am? They say I am crazy?” Is she the very intelligent, computer savvy girl with a photographic memory who when given an address on the phone does not write it down? The girl has a few words but lots of action. She confesses about finding love, while playing chess with the old
man. Who is the old man?
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo , Director: David Fincher (2011)
Stars: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stella Skarsgard, Steven Berkoff, Robin Wright
Writers: Steven Zaillian(screenplay), Steig Larsson (novel)
http://www.IMDb.com
Neena Yi
ReplyDeletewww.screenrant.com
Warrior
“Warrior” is one of the best fighting movies of 2011. Action and drama is blended spectacularly in this climatic fight picture. Set in the violent world of mixed martial arts (MMA); viewers will follow a family filled with secrets and drama.
Tommy and Brendon are brothers estranged from each other for fourteen years. Younger brother Tommy follows his mother to California to stay away from alcoholic father Paddy. Brendon stays with his father in Pittsburg and loses all contact with his mother and younger brother. Both brothers have animosity towards their father and each other. The two brothers come from very different backgrounds, but both have the exact same goal. To win the Sparta MMA tournament and take home the five million dollar purse.
Tommy is a former marine with nowhere else to turn to except his father’s hometown. Showing up with a secret Tommy enlists his father’s help training for the MMA tournament. Paddy is a recovered alcoholic who wants to start a relationship with his son. Although Tommy is being coached by his father reconciliation is not something he is looking for. Tommy’s technique is all about brute strength and knocking out an opponent in the first round. He is entered into the competition after being discovered at a local gym. Throughout the film Tommy is very mysterious about his marine past. As Tommy’s secret is exploited his soft side is shown through his brute exterior.
Brendon is an ex MMA fighter turned into a devoted family man. Unable to keep his family afloat on his teachers salary Brendon fights in parking lots for a small cash prize. When the school gets wind of his extra activity Brendon is suspended. He reaches out to an old MMA friend and starts training for more small cage fights. When the bank decides to deny him a loan Brendon asks for a huge favor and enters the competition without the knowledge of his younger brother. Although Brendon’s wife, Tess, does not agree with his new career choice he feels there is no other way to save his family from eviction. Brendon’s technique is all about waiting for the right moment. He tires out his opponents and uses deadly jiu jitsu moves to tap them out.
Both brothers are in dire need of the five million dollar purse and neither knows that their brother is also in the competition. It is evident in the film that the two brothers will be facing off in the final showdown. Brendon tries to reconcile with his younger brother, but Tommy is very controversial. Paddy has an emotional meltdown and turns back to his old alcoholic ways. Viewers won’t know who to be rooting for in this heart wrenching drama. “Warrior” will keep you on the edge of your seats round after round, punch after punch.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJustin Cronk
ReplyDeleteEnglish 1301
Dr. Chamberlin
Movie Review
Spartans! Prepare for Glory
Graphic, gory, vile, and intense, are only a few choice words I would use if I were asked to describe the movie that goes by the simple title, 300. 300 was created by Frank Miller and directed by Zack Snyder. This film of epic proportions is based on two opposing armies that are constantly at war with one another. The vast and mighty Persian army who is ran by Xerxes(Rodrigo Santoro), who thinks of himself as a God, wish to march their battle standard across all of Greece. However, the city of Sparta opposes a powerful obstacle. The Spartans were known for their superior fighting performance on the battlefield. King Leonidas, played by Gerard Butler, defends his homeland accompanied only by 300 of his finest soldiers against King Xerxes in a bloody and brutal battle that is known today as the Battle of Thermopylae.
This movie takes place in 480 B.C. I believe that it is accurate according to stories of the events of that era. The film gives a very good impression on how much more massive the Persian army was compared to the small 300 that stand in its way. The Spartan army is portrayed as elite fighting machines. The actors playing each warrior is shown having great physiques and a powerful fighting style. The most impressive and outstanding parts of this film are the special effects. The special effects enhance the reality of battles so good, you can see the blood spray from weapons, sweat sling from the men's body, and dirt fly from every heavy footstep taken on the battlefield. Some battle scenes are so strongly portrayed such as dismembered body parts, obscene pictures, and disgusting images of facial expressions that could be hard to watch for some. The films plot revolves primarily around Spartan soldiers even though the Arcadian warriors send a small army to help.
The opening scene is very accurate according to Spartan history. Children soon after birth were discarded if they were disfigured or misshapen in any way. After being inspected, at age ten, Spartan children were sent to fight in what is called an "Agoge". The Agoge is a place in which a Spartan adolescent becomes a man while enduring painful test and very poor living conditions forcing them to either fight, steal, or kill to stay alive. The gritty camera lenses and dramatic acting is what, I think, makes this movie one of the all time greats. This movie has everything from fighting and killing, to a steamy love story. The battle scenes make you feel as if you are right there experiencing it alongside the warriors. Speeches in this film are intensely motivational and flow beautifully. Every word is spoken brilliantly and explode with passion and drama. Battles are brutally orchestrated into bloody yet satisfying scenes. The fight scenes are exciting and entertaining.
ReplyDeleteIf you are a history major, this movie might not be your cup of tea. The event was accurately portrayed, but the battles are taken a bit overboard. Towards the end of the movie the Spartans face an enemy that was rumored to be unstoppable. The army served the dark will of Persian kings for thousands of years. Teeth filed to fangs, Eyes dark as night, soul-less. The person guard to King Xerxes himself, the deadliest fighting force in all of Asia known only as "the immortals." The film portrays the immortals as masked demons when in reality they were skilled fighters from the Asian empire. They own a creature That stood over seven feet tall and had immense strength. In reality this would have been a berserker. A berserker would have been a German barbarian or maybe a deformed human being of some manner. Some issues during the film are about a father and son fighting together. After the loss of his son, the Captain of the Spartan army goes insane with rage and fights with hate towards the Persian Empire. The Spartan Army are pit against a thousand nations in the Persian army and all types of creatures. Gigantic Elephants that were very exaggerated in size, were shown getting defeated by the Spartans or slipping on the piles of Persian dead and into the ocean. The Spartans were a proud race and viewed it to be very honorable to die on the battlefield. After Leonidas sends a trusted warrior back to tell the tale of victory to Spartan families, Perhaps one of my favorite lines in the movie is belted out by King leonidas. "Spartans, tonight we dine in Hell," was said to the small handful of Spartans that remain back to fight. This was said, knowing that they would finally get what the Spartans called, "a glorious death."
This film is by no means a history lesson. This is based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller. The point was to make the graphic novel by Frank Miller come to life and it is inspired by the battle in 480 B.C. 300 Delivers what it was born to do, what it was bread to do; Entertain. Prepare to watch and exaggerated tale of the battle of thermopolaye and to stay on the edge of your seats and have fun.
Melanie Blackmon
ReplyDeleteMr. Chamberlin
English 1301-2029
4-19-2012
Titanic in 3D
The story is even more riveting in the three dimensional recreation than the original film itself. Taking us back to the classic 90's love story, audiences of all ages will feel the film’s powerful portrayal of the devastating and historic shipwreck in a more consuming way on its 100th anniversary premiere. The movie “Titanic” was inspired by the tragic shipwreck that occurred on April 15, 1912. The discovery of the dismantled “unsinkable ship” in 1985 sparked interest in a group of explorers wanting to find hidden treasures in the sunken ship wreckage. A nation-wide news report is broadcast across the country revealing the discovery of a sketch of a woman, baring all, except for “the Heart of the Ocean,” a 54-carat diamond necklace the explorers were hoping to find. Rose (Kate Winslet), now 102 years old, sees the news report and decides to take a plane ride to the precise spot where the Titanic was discovered. A very aged Rose goes back in time, 84 years ago to be exact, to re-live her experience on the Titanic.
Rose’s narration opens the movie and takes the group of explorers back to when Titanic was intact, describing exact details of the marvelous ship. As she begins her story, the decrepit Titanic shipwreck transforms back into the luxurious, high class ship it was, piece by piece, room by room, in 3-D. The three-dimensional effect of the movie has transformed the old 1990’s movie into a completely different film. The most memorable scenes from the 90’s version are reconstructed into high definition, three-dimensional magic. The dialogue is the same, but the powerful and heartbreaking scenes seem to become a different film by adding depth on a visual level as well as an emotional level.
Rose Bukater and Jack Dawson (Leonardo Dicaprio) capture the hearts of people of all ages. Their ensuing romance quickly evolves when Jack saves Rose from committing suicide. Rose, at age 17, is forced by her mother into an engagement to Cal, a very wealthy business man who will save Rose’s mother from the overwhelming financial debt her husband left when he unexpectedly died. Rose feels trapped in this high society culture that she deeply resents, and feels there is no other alternative to obviate the engagement then to throw herself overboard. As Rose is contemplating letting go of the railing, Jack approaches. Jack is a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants kind of character, winning his passage on Titanic in a game of poker and jumping on the ship with nothing but the clothes on his back and his best friend. They don’t know what they’ll do once they get to America, but his character sees through all that glitters and shines, and always soaks up his surroundings, not wasting a moment of his life. He is a traveling artist without money or a job, but captivates Rose with his access to freedom, and his philosophy, “take life as it comes at you, and make each day count.”
The romance between Rose and Jack keep viewers immersed in the forbidden love affair. Jack teaches Rose to see the world through different eyes; the emotional love scenes between the two are believable, even though it all takes place in a 48 hour time period. The most memorable scenes of Jack Dawson and Rose Bukater become even more spectacular and passionate in the 3D version. Although some viewers complain that the dialogue in the movie is “corny,” the scene where Jack Dawson and Rose are at the bow of the Titanic makes it feel like you are standing at the front of the ship with them. Their chemistry on screen is even more sensual because of the visual intensity the three dimensional photography portrays.
Rose’s fiancé, Cal, catches on very quickly to the evolving affair, and attempts to put an end to it at any cost. Rose’s mother, Ruth, also forbids her from seeing Jack again, in fear of drowning in the debt that was placed on her shoulders when her husband unexpectedly died. The romance is outlawed from the very beginning, which of course captivates viewers’ hearts until the very end of the three hour and 14 minute long movie. Rose and Jack come from two different walks of life, but despite the odds, fall in love and will stop at nothing to be together. Disregarding the warnings, they continue to engage in each other’s company, and the evolving love story becomes the focus of the film.
ReplyDeleteEach frame of the film is rich with incredible detail in the backdrop. The 3D version captures what life was like for the passengers on each level of the ship. The top deck is replete with fine china, elaborate decor, and fine dining with live orchestra playing in the background, as well as fancy clothing and aristocratic extras wearing sophisticated costumes in each background. Each level represents a step down in class, and it is captured magnificently in this recreated film. The lower third class party Jack takes Rose to sharply contrast the upper level dinner they had earlier. The scene is much louder, more rambunctious, and very different from the upper-level first class men discussing politics and money, while drinking expensive liquor and puffing lavish cigars. The differentiations in each environment are creatively captured to give viewers a sense of what life was like at each societal level.
While the love story is developing, the “unsinkable ship” approaches a massive iceberg; suddenly the movie transitions from the heartwarming love story, to focus on the pressing urgency to avoid colliding with the approaching iceberg. The suspense is amplified by the fact that the viewer knows just as much information as the crew and passengers about how severe the damage is. The action of the movie greatly increases, and panic and desperation is splashed across the screen as the camera pans through the faces of those on board. The adrenaline pumping scenes of Rose trying to save Jack, the chaos of people loading in lifeboats, and the apathetic emotions of crew members toward the trapped third class passengers are depicted in riveting 3D, revealing the horrific detail of what the sinking of the ship was like for all passengers, including the unprepared crew members.
The final hour of Titanic in 3D is fast paced and intense. The love triangle suspense between Cal, Rose, and Jack continues to build up until the very end of the movie. The drama of the sinking “Ship of Dreams” is expertly executed down to every detail of the destruction of the ship, embellished by the screams in the background and the terrified faces of the passengers hanging on for their lives. The dramatic special effect’s as the gigantic vessel slowly submerges keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats making the final scenes more memorable than ever before. This movie, reinvented in a three dimensional model revitalized the demised vessels’ memory on its 100th anniversary.
The Help
ReplyDeleteBy Alexandria Gray
The Help is an inspiring movie that takes place in Jackson, Mississippi in a era when racism was a normal day-to-day living. The movie is a very powerful, intriguing, and emotionally told story that will open the eyes of the viewer to the lives of black maids. “Separation” was not only a crime but it was a time for a change and that is what the movie brings to life.
The movie is narrated by Abilileen (Viola Davis) a passionate and secure maid working for Elizabeth (Ahna O’Reilly). In the beginning of the movie she says her mother was maid and so was her grandmother who was a house slave, in reality she really is a house slave herself which is a clarification of the life of maid. Minny (Octava Spencer) is Abilileen’s best friend and a maid herslef, is a feisty cook who takes little from anybody. Both Davis and Spencer played brilliant roles that brought the charactors on film to life. Not only is the movie about Minny and Abilileen it also captures the lives of a much different group women.
A young journalist named Skeeter (Emma Stone) is a vibrant and intelligent woman who is much different from her group of college friends. In the movie Skeeter creates a book that rocks the boat of little Jackson, Mississippi called “The Help”. The book is “a tell all” of how being a maid is really like behind closed doors: Hilly (Bryson Dallas) portrays a snotty, controlling and bridge fanatic character who is a out-of-the closet racist: Elizabeth (Ahna O’Reilly) is the girly girl with no parent nurturing qualities, and seems to have no back bone and is told what to do by Hilly a lot throughout the movie: Celia (Jessia Chasin) the wacky, untamed woman is a newbie to the Southern Mississippi life and the sophisticated uptight women who give her no time of the day, when we really she is a kind hearted person at heart but just lost.
The movie was well written and the scenery was great for the type of picture it was. Each character was fresh and alive and had a story of their own. Although the movie seemed a bit dramatic and harsh there were a few humorous scenes, one in particular is when Minny gives Hilly her so called special pie. In the end I thought the movie was well written and creative.
Megan O’Neall
DeleteDr. Chamberlin
English 1301
14-April-2012
Lifted: The Power of Music
Bring a box of tissues and fall in love with an incredibly talented young boy that is faced with a slew of unimaginable obstacles. This film, packed with corny lines and less than average acting, has the potential to surprise you. You may even enjoy it. Lifted depicts a tear-jerking story about the power of music and its ability to “lift” a young boy to a higher place than his life full of hardship and pain.
The film, written and directed by Lexi Alexander, tells a story of a boy in his early teens who is faced with having a mother that is recovering from a drug addiction and a father that has just been called for active military duty in Afghanistan. The boy, Henry Matthews, is blessed with a larger than life talent for singing and songwriting. Henry and his father passionately share a love of hip hop and rhythm and blues music. The bond between Henry and his father is portrayed when they write and sing songs together. When Henry’s mother is unable to keep up with the bills while her husband is deployed, the Matthews are forced to give up their home and move in with her father. The grandfather is racist and abusive, and he hates Henry’s music. Henry decides to spend time with a local pastor to avoid spending time at home. The pastor introduces Henry to the idea of entering a teen talent contest, which could be just what Henry needs to escape his miserable life and chase his dreams.
The acting, which includes Uriah Shelton as Henry and Dash Mihok as his father, is far less than inspiring. But one can almost become so inspired by the message portrayed in the film that the below average performances are forgotten. Of course, Henry’s unbelievable singing talent also contributes to your ability to over-look the acting.
The music of the film is inspiring and catchy. Even if you are not a hip hop or rhythm and blues fan, you may find yourself tapping your foot to the beat. Since the film depicts the power and passion of music, the music selection is obviously important. Lifted delivers on this requirement. Henry’s singing, combined with his father’s free style segments, creates an uplifting mood and re-enforces the theme of the deep and unconditional love shared by Henry and his father. From the moment Henry belts out his first chorus, you will want to hear more. Each song is loaded with passion, and the power of the music is realized as you reach for a tissue over and over again.
Mark Hafemann
ReplyDeleteTrue Grit
IMDB
True grit (2011) is an adaptation of a western novel written by Chis Portis in 1968. The film follows the story of a young girl, Mattie Ross (Hailee Stienfeld), who employs a drunk, unkempt, one-eyed U.S. Marshall named Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track down and kill a ruthless outlaw responsible for the murder of her father. The Cohen Brother`s True Grit resembles a considerably more realistic interpretation of the novel when compared to the original 1969 adaptation starring John Wayne. Jeff Bridge`s portrayal of Cogburn is dirty, repulsive, and indicative of a frontiersman living in the 1880s while John Wayne`s freshly cut, clean shaven, Cogburn depicts a traditional Hollywood representation more commonly found in the “spaghetti westerns” of the 60s and 70s. Hailee Stienfeld`s debut performance as Mattie Ross is impressively comedic as her sharp tongue and quick wit often forces Cogburn to reluctantly compromise with the 14 year old girl. An additional noteworthy character is the Texas Ranger LaBouef (Matt Damon); another good source of comedic relief, Labouef is determined to bring the killer of Mattie`s father to justice for the murder of a Texas senator but often finds himself at odds with the stubborn Marshall Cogburn and bewildered by the craftiness of young Mattie.
The films starts out with a short narrative given by Mattie, "People do not give it credence that a fourteen-year-old girl could leave home and go off in the wintertime to avenge her father's blood but it did not seem so strange then, although I will say it did not happen every day." The straightforward aggressive tone found in Mattie`s narrative is consistent with the overall feel of the movie and works well in setting up the story and developing Mattie`s character. The character of Rooster Cogburn is similarly introduced when Mattie; in search of a hired gun, is directed to the local courthouse where she witnesses Marshall Cogburn`s account of a recent altercation involving a group of outlaws. Cogburn`s rough exterior, casual attitude towards authority, and general disinterest in the customary courtroom proceedings give him a mysterious and alluring aura that maintains throughout the course of the film.
The Cohen brother`s True Grit is a fine example of true Americana and sets a new standard for American western cinema. The film is bursting with aesthetically pleasing imagery that is seldom seen in western film. True grit is a realistically portrayed western period piece that I would highly recommend to any film enthusiast.