Movies And Films - Blog Posts

Movies and Films

There are movies on here that are brilliant, movies on here that are “kids movies”, movies that are horrible and movies that I loved but left out. A lot of these I continue to enjoy and will enjoy over and over again, and some I could never see again and maybe movies referenced that I never even finished. But all for one reason or another have significance—think recent This is US scene of Randall’s school speech. 

These are the films that impact me or stick with me ro make me feel at home and the ones that make me dig down and think are at the same level as the ones that just comfort me. Separately, these are films that match the point or duty of acting, films and stories--to learn something, big or small, important or mediocre, about someone else

The King’s Speech

It has Colin Firth, it has some true-history, and it has a different type of diversity. Separate from The Big Sick and Menasche, The King’s Speech continues with the giving voices to those who are voiceless, different and put aside. Recently the film the Upside brought along the question of who should be asked, allowed or at least the ability to try for roles of those with disabilities—especially with films centered on the disability. It’s easy to say that those who have the disability should be given preference and not the role, but maybe there are parts of the role or the schedule that would put too much pressure—Jim Jefferies discussed this in regards to his show Legit—and there might be other obstacles not understood or, as is the case with most things, it’s too “difficult”. It’s a big topic to get into, but one that I couldn’t not flag as the point of this film and post is highlighting things that are difficult for some and confusing for others.

Physical disabilities are not discussed or addressed much in our world or in films and mental and non-physical disabilities are commonly ignored to the level of “they don’t exist”. While a unique situation, Colin’s character is thrust into a more public role where he must be eloquent and present. The Good Boy and frustrated he tries and eventually succeeds at lessening his speech impediments. This is a Hollywood film, with a Hollywood film ending but it still got across the point that he both (1) didn’t have to be perfect, and (2) the difficulties that come with trying to change something innate of your existence. This film does bring forward those with the more sidestepped disabilities that many overcome but are still nervous about, especially as the speech therapist in the film and real life (Lion Logue) remained with the King until he died. Imperfect, the film does stand-in for actors and actresses standing up and making political statements during award shows: they have these platforms, they have (temporarily and from a distance) experienced these journeys, and while it might not always be a true story of someone’s, anything that you can think of has having happened, has happened to someone, somewhere in the world

Wackadoo to you

So, I have some truly odd quirks. When having difficulty with fractions I could quickly practice my whenever I’d see a digital block with the time and break it down to the smallest fraction (ex. 12:15 because four-fifths) I’d practice my piano songs while sitting at my desk in school to the point where I couldn’t take real notes, and to this day I have issues with inanimate objects not having feelings as food does turn bad has been found to respond to music and toys have faces!

Some movies petrify us for life, but some just confuse or differ our thinking. Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Mary Poppins were early childhood films that I think of as somewhat wackadoo films that were colorful, fun, exciting and maybe lead to some quirky thoughts or habits. Maybe not as funky but later movies such as The Indian Cupboard and the Toy Story franchise should rank high as to reasons why children may have extended imaginations, especially considering imaginary friends or spiritual value given to inanimate objects.

While some of my quirks come from me, and some were extended by stories or films, I love these films just the same. While the magical series almost always involve “muggles” or non-magic folk who have no idea that magic exists, that provide another question I can never scientifically or purely decide on, these are the stories that show either everyone is unaware of and occur if you just pay close enough attention or just luck out in finding the right key--

giving a bit of wonder or magic into your life even as you are old and one of the best part of films.

Argo, Catch me if you can, Milk?

All stories, even documentaries, are subjected to interpretation and a point of view. We choose to dig deeper into a character, see past some flaws or ignore particular qualities because we all come from different perspectives that have been building over our entire lives. The ‘world of Hollywood’ is about dramatization, intrigue and even stories that are unbelievable all on their own get tweaked to be shown on the big screen not only because of time constraints or believability but because otherwise they’d be too hard to follow in the short run. 

While these stories based of true events should promote the idea that it is not 100% accurate, that shouldn’t give these film the license to completely discard the truth because for the stories that are based on actual events, their overall strength comes with their ability to inspire either by the actions that occur during the story and to not translate the truth would not only due a deserve to the real events and the viewers and the films potential, but also to the world that comes after this films release that could have been inspired. (shit sentence i know, I’m tired). Overall my point is that these and other stories while being entertaining and mostly meant to be entertaining and may not be accurate or may put a rosier picture on some truly horrible events or circumstances, if you feel inspired whether out of rage over an injustice or happiness by someone’s success--go with it, change the world, fight for a better society, better world, deeper understanding even in a small scope. Just dig deeper

Movies that make you think--if you let them

There are many movies that with a final scene turn the whole show on its head, make you try to figure things out as you go along, or fit so well together –these movies aren’t for the night at the end of the week where you’re tired or trying to relax, these are movies that make you think, keep your heart pounding not with action or violence but just suspense and intrigue (yeah, some of them also have those but that’s not what keeps people talking)

Gone Girl (2014)

Gone Girl was mentioned to me by one of my best friends whose really into movies and is a pretty smart guy all around. Knowing me, he also knew I’d like the question of the relationship between the married couple and the truth. While it was on my list, his recommendation pushed me to get to it sooner.

While the movie is good and has you thinking from the start, along with growing sympathy, the true story shoots up halfway thru with the wife’s reveal—something that could have but should not have been slipped in earlier (obviously). Here we delve further into the gray area, who is right, who is wrong, is there absolution for the husband and how can he get out of all this and how guilty is he really in everything that occurs.

There were many things I didn’t like about the movie, especially the character of the wife, but while it’s a movie I can’t bring myself to see again, I may one day as I still think about it.

Gattaca (1997)

Gattaca was a movie, that due to personal circumstances, I saw many, many time. Focused on how genetics shape our lives, this movie becomes more realistic every day and jumped back into my head late last year with the Chinese scientist who (may) have genetically engineered twins to be HIV resistant. A simple plot, lightly explained how genetics impact everything and how much of our DNA is everywhere—but more so it brought out the core questions related to humanity and the many levels of how our genetics should be used as decisions about our lives. The main character has been able to lead a superior life, regardless of his inferior genetic makeup, but also exceed beyond the identity his has assumed. Forget heart and effort, will and perseverance—he promotes the idea that he the genetics test provides nothing but statistical probabilities, not absolute facts (in how they are used in this film, there obviously very clear cut yes and no things with genetics).

On another level, which you may choose to explore, is the reminder that the law hardly ever is equal with society—it is always behind, and how while genetics may allow for a “higher chance” of success for the human race, it will not rid people of their human qualities. But again, the work is on you

New Instant Classics

Diversity has *sprung* into mainstream films--no, not saying there still aren’t issues there because there definitely are, but there are different people making films, starting in films, writing in films, directing films--everything that makes more diverse stories be told. Considering the large number of crap sequels and prequels that have flooded cinemas, there stories being told by film, books, thru art...even Youtube, are welcome. Two films that recently I would define as instant classics, I put here because they are films that tell a classic story and would have been long time classics had they been allowed to tell generations ago, both stories also I didn’t realize until I began to type, star male leads who are portraying their real life, personal stories: Kumail Nanjiani and Menashe Lustig.

The Big Sick is great for a lot of reasons, a modern twist on Romeo and Juliet it deals with cultural differences and inner conflict in both a light-hearted and serious way. It’s hard to go not on a twenty page rant about this film, as everyone can agree with both Kumail and Emily about their romantic relationship, but I believe what spoke to many who saw it—and what makes it an instant classic—is that we see the strength of a relationship at it’s worse, and how some people are just intertwined in who you are. I will not speak on behalf of the character of Emily or the real-life woman, but I do believe even with her annoyance that had the situation been reversed, she still would have been there for him.

Long story short, Menashe tells the story of due to cultural conditions must get remarried after his wife’s passing in order to get his son back. While I struggle to understand the BS argument that’s never made, we also watch Menashe and Menashe’s son struggle with being and not being together, both being adored (Mesashe by his son) and outsiders due to circumstance that may not be worth changing. Along with an insight to a very close-knit community, most importantly the film brings back to all the father and son bond when good, when complicated, when desperate and the inner struggle of what is most important** 

Who framed Roger Rabbit

And believe me when I say all I hope for is that you’re okay

Because there are some things we never get over,

some things we can never live without,

some things that are more of who we are that make sense--and you are one of them. 

Newsies

Ahh, Newsies. A major throwback, I’ll start by saying I loved how the broadway show and the music played was able to bring me back to remembering how much I loved this movie—so much that I ruined the VHS. There is a lot of things you can draw to be important for viewers to see: issues of children pre-foster care, the resourcefulness of children, how not to judge a book by it’s cover (from all angles: Newsie and schoolboy), and the historical significance. But the biggest feeling was the overall comradery of the film within the gangs and between the different gangs'

It was very “boys will be boys” but in the genuine way that expression should be—that boys are more likely to roughhouse, make inappropriate jokes and get dirty, not be overly aggressive or hostile towards each other. While they would mess around with each other and insult, there was no doubt in the minds of any of them that in a true need they would be there for each other, and had become their own family. That’s what truly resonated with this film, and while I cannot say why people didn’t see it in theatre, is probably what made it the cult film it became.

Remember, Remember the Titans

This is one of those movies, stories, days where I am both excited and appalled about how much and how little has changed in the world. Remember the Titans hits on a lot of topics, some that are only becoming more discussed than they were in 2000 when the film was released, and definitely not when the film took place in 1971.

There is discussion about how this story isn’t real, but of course it’s real. It might not be the day-to-day real actions and challenges faced by this specific number of obstacles but this all did happen. While the main focus of the story is racism, but it also touches upon current-hot phrase toxic masculinity and homophobia. Boys who were taught to be one thing, come to realize what they have been taught is wrong, something especially difficult when it seems that it’s almost everyone that is telling you something else. As the younger generations are showing to be more open-minded and tolerant overall there still are obstacles for them against their parents’ and sometimes friends and shown with Gary and his mother and his girlfriend who couldn’t understand what he was thinking—even though they couldn’t explain their point of view. Separate from general teasing both the players and the coaches have difficulties seeing what they have in common with people they believe are ‘different’ from them—with the players having an automatic hatred of Sunshine and the coaches missing they are both strong leaders who try to be good, equal and fair men and attentive fathers.

So whether this film accurately portrays the Titan players of 1971 of Coach Boone, it does portray the changes and struggles people dealt with once they were able to interact with each other without the rhetoric of others. One of the most important parts of this are the diner scenes once the team starts winning. Gary’s character, who at first hates Julius and is racist, homophobic and a bunch of other crap, gets confused when his girlfriend doesn’t like Julius right off the bat. Excusing the fact that just weeks ago he hated this man for no reason, he doesn’t understand why she does—because his viewpoint has now changed. Gary deals with this again because while the team is okay with black players winning games, they’re not okay with them eating at their restaurants. I think one of the best parts of this film is the constant reminder that while they were able to come together at camp, they had to refight some of their own battles once they left – because the world isn’t just how they see it.

Grown Up Girls

In the past few years, Disney has started to rise up as an avenue for equal representation for the gay community, diversity and female empowerment. While behind the times, being the powerhouse that it is, these changes are important to note as Disney is not only a powerhouse in it’s own right, but also an international platform that hits kids at a young age. 

Teen Beach Movie (2013) came out first, and in a lot of ways was a remake of Grease with the addition and explanation of feminism at different levels and circumstances. During the story, Mack (McKenzie) tries to make the point that other girls shouldn’t change for the boys in their world. Similarly, in her real world, she’s trying to figure out how to do what she wants to do when it goes against what another woman wants her to do, even if part of it is because of a boy. 

The smaller but still impactful part of the movie is her boyfriend who likes her as a person and gives a small push of how boys can be feminists. 

Invisible Sister (2015) stars Rowan Blanchard, a young warrior in the feminism and equality world. Along with her character in Girl Meets World, Cleo shows the longterm effects of -- but this story takes it a step further. While both sisters fight for visibility, this film digs deeper with getting to woman standing with each other and how different people can have similar struggles while similar people can have different struggles. Similar to Brady in Teen Beach Movie, in Invisible Sister Cleo learns not to judge a book by it’s cover and to dig a little deeper with her sister’s boyfriend who while not the brightest, is someone who is worthy of any warrior as he would love and marry her sister even if he could never see her again. 

So while you’re late, thank you for joining the table Disney--even thou you’re currently only at the beginners level. 

StepMom

Today is the third Women’s March and with a weekend of protests and discussions looking at the complexity of the issues in the United States, certain films handle them well. As it is the Women’s March, that deals with the complexity of all issues related to those marginalized, a movie that brilliantly strokes the complications of life, is Stepmom.

I don’t know how well-known this film is for sure, but I don’t believe it is. Stepmom ranks as a great film about women and life not because of the large issues of life and death and new family, but the smaller, nuanced issues that blanket the film. Susan Sarandon’s character and Julia Roberts’ both represent women at opposite ends of the spectrum in the bigger understandings of how they act and their priorities but also in how they react, how they communicate, how they think things out and how they adapt. The film reminds viewers that there is a spectrum to people and our relationships with one another. Men and women, parents, children and grandchildren.

PS-- Thou, Julia Roberts’ line about how she's afraid the daughter will want her mother with her on her wedding day is fucking ridiculous, if she’s nothing thinking about her mother, she’s psychotic. 

Unbreakable

I wanted to do this one earlier, but given the trilogy has it’s final release today, I postponed

I love this movie. Another film that I can rewatch just after finishing it’s very, very high on my list. I even bought it as a download from iTunes to my iPod Classic–that’s an extremely old sentence (JM). I think one of the things that made this story unique was that it wasn’t a teenager having a coming-of-age superhero, complex story, it was an adult. An adult with a kid, problems at home and an entire life he really had to figure out along with the great story we are figuring out with him, how and to what level of a superhero he should be. Usually, our superheroes are more established when we meet them, in this case, we really went on the discovery journey with them as we can clearly see when David stands in the crowd and tries to figure out exactly who and how he will be a hero. 

The clincher, of course, is at the end (which if you haven’t seen is already spoiled by the rest of the trilogies release) when we discover that Mr. Glass wasn’t just interested in finding someone who was a superhero, but felt it was so important—that he create the disasters to expose him. He created his superhero, and was this a line worth crossing—he believes so, when did he realize he was the villain? At least he agrees that he is one--definitely, some time has passed, but why then, had he become that obsessed, more needs to be divulged here. 

The Harry Potter film series

Harry Potter Harry Potter Harry Potter

Of course the Harry Potter films are a big deal to me, how could they not be. To get into each one could be a bit much—so I’ll just go with the highlights. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, ha, it wasn’t until just after the troll was knocked out that I stopped yelling at the screen (yes, in the movie theatre) that it had it wrong—how we didn’t get kicked out I have no idea. This is also funny because the first three films, and especially the first two, are the ones that were able to most closely represent the books before too much started happening where a good portion had to be cut.

The fourth and fifth films, the fourth being highly regarded as the WORST of the franchise, had some major issues. For starters, they cut out the most both time wise and important detail wise. The fact that Harry Potter was able to start such a feminist revolution without Hermione’s organizations of SPEW represented in the films shows just how otherwise kickass these stories were. I hope if they could go back they’d split or extend the 4th film—focusing less on the ‘action!’ of the tasks and more of the changes starting to occur as they were realizing something was going on, but not yet what. While the fourth film was the worst in the franchise by far, no one can ever rightfully deny that the scene of Harry’s return with Cedric’s body truly captured the turning point of the series, while Harry has known death and loss for a long time this year and this moment is when he really begins becoming a man and stepping up to the challenges bestowed upon him.

The 7th year of Harry Potters’ education, or what was supposed to be, split between the 7th and 8th films was done pretty well. The last two films sort of encompass all the series had to offer; drama between Ron and Hermione, the friendship between Harry and Hermione and Ron and Harry separately, the trip to Gringotts brought me back to their more youthful adventures then there are the adult aspects of Neville’s and Draco’s development and the finale of Harry and Voldemort standoff with some beloved life lost that blanketed the series.

The Presitge

I was originally going to highlight Unbreakable (2000) today, but given the ending of the trilogy is getting released on Friday, I postponed. The Prestige (2006) will always be a film marked as one of my favorites as it’s a suspense film I can handle and I love when there is a bit of thinking and question as opposed to pure terror (see Cape Fear—the most frightening moments of the film being when literally NOTHING happens but it’s 5 straight, pure minutes of agony).

I like this film because it taps into a lot, struggling for success, secrets, devotion, mystery and it’s related suspense. While we mostly follow Angier and root for him to succeed for his redemption against Borden, we also delve a bit more into Borden and want to root for him sometimes as well. It shows and tests the very complex journey of our aspirations and what may happen when things get out of hand. The fake and true deaths of Angier and Borden show both the worst that comes in us destroying ourselves and how when we lose track of ourselves we can lead others to destroy us.

PS—plus the Borden switch—damn

Instant “kids’Classics

Wall-E (2008)

I loved Wall-E, so so so much. It’s accurate portrayal of the future of planet Earth, the emotions Wall-E developed for work, the planet, it’s survival and mindset and of course for EVE. Most important to the story, that’s done in a way kids and adults can understand and see, is how Wall-Es development is all done by personal growth and kindness and effort. But this movie is overall for the benefits of kids, to see how automation can destroy them in the future both by not going out or connecting with others but also by relying too much on technology (that tries to keep the humans under their control).

Along with the overall notes to humans, I love that so much of this film has no words. The lack of words isn’t because Wall-E nor EVE speak a particular language other than robot either, but because a good portion of it is in solidarity or confusion there isn’t much we can understand by words—but we see their actions which show to be just as important as words, if not more

Up (2009)

Yo! Yoooooooooo, this film was a lot darker than expected. Forget the first few minutes of pure heartbreak, where the hell did this villain come from? I know Scar tries to kills Mufasa and Cruella De Vil captured people and pups for a coat, but still—this guy could have jumped out of the screen to get us—Ring style!

This was an instant classic for kids and adults, because it’s hysterical Carl and Russell are both funny on their own, but they also thrive together as two people who would have the same relationship regardless of their individual ages. Carl is trying to hold onto his youth and have some peace and Russell is trying to be an adult while also having an adventure. While they will usually have opposing ideas and views about things based on their own agendas they do have a similar mindset and will continue to be friends long after this adventure.

PS—Minions (2015), I love, love, love this film. It’s not particularly clever or emotional, just so funny. Even for the fact that the main food they like…is food that looks just like them—what?

To remake, or to definitely not remake

Films that just remake the original (Red Dawn 2012), I don’t see the point of, why wouldn’t I just watch the original? Yes, sometimes we get confused because we’re stuck in our modern world (when first seeing a Walk to Remember—it never made sense why the doctors gave up so easily but I figured it was just what’s “in the script”, until I learned that the original story was set in the 1950s).  Remakes that take the older film (Dial M for Murder, Rear Window) and bring it into a new time with technological or societal, or political changes (A Perfect Murder, Disturbia) are not ripping off the ideas of the original but re-creating it.

I did not see Dial M for Murder and A Perfect Murder on the same night as usual with remakes but over the same weekend, giving time to reset my mind and put the movies as their own. In Dial M for murder, the husband’s plans are set in motion because he discovers his wife’s affair and doesn’t want to lose his lifestyle as he has just retired and feels betrayed. The resolution mostly happens because the husband messes up, not because of the watch or even that the wife lives, that he clears up pretty quickly—and even confuses leads the wife into giving confusing information so she looks guilty (whether intentional or not). But with ample opportunity, he doesn’t clean up the messes he could have changed, that would have let him get away. This is the same with A Perfect Murder, where with a little more patience, the husband would have gotten away with it.

In A Perfect Murder while the affair is still an issue, the main reason for the murder for the husband is his money issues at work, not really caring about his wife’s betrayal but as a way to come off clean about the murder. An added level that I didn’t care for (thou mostly out of pity for the wife—thou I guess she doesn’t deserve it) is in A Perfect Murder, her boyfriend gets involved while in Dial M for Murder he fights and fights to clear her name. What I do like, is that while in Dial M for Murder the police mainly figure out what happened, in A Perfect Murder the wife figures it out—saving herself twice.

Neither movie would be the same without the aspect of the key as the switcheroo, as both were simple and, I believe, brilliant stories. In the remake, there were the updates and changes of cellphones, characters’ intention and how the crime was solved—but the main thrill and suspense was kept, but this doesn’t always happen. I’ve seen both Red Dawns, 1984 and 2012 and I didn’t really understand the point of a remake. It’s not updated to a modern time and while the characters have more camaraderie, there is also less story, somehow. It’s just not worthy of a remake, and many agree.

PS-- I love how we know everything, but don’t know how it will all piece together or turn out

To all the movies I've lost

There are classic movies, movies we're ashamed we love, movies we love to hate, the movies of our childhood, and movies that stick with us forever regardless of type of emotional connection we have with them. Sometimes regardless of their impact, we still lose them. For an English project I once had to watch a few horror/suspense movies and see how the story connected to events going on at the time, I ended up picking the movie The Night of the Comet, a 1980s film about how radioactive material mysteriously left my a passing comet evaporated people or left them sick and zombie-esque. I connected this to the mystery and panic occurring of the beginning of the HIV and AIDS epidemics and how people are panicked and you didn't know who you could trust. Other films I saw was The Shining, but as it took me three days to watch it once that didn't seem like a good choice to study and another film...where a woman gets remarried and starts getting harassed.

This film in random occasion will pop into my head late at night and frighten me to my core, while many claim they saw the ending coming (I agree you had ideas but the FULL twist that gets you at the end in the creepy phrase while she's fighting for her life in her own home)--I'm sorry, you didn't see those specifics coming. I'd like to see it again, either to be freaked or to help and try to get over it, but alas I can't, as I've forgotten what movie it is. I've e searched and searched with clues and facts and cannot figure out the film, so it will continue to haunt me, from a more petrifying distance of mystery, only to become clear as a nightmare

Happy January 13th

Hope in all it’s agony

The Blindside

2009 was the YEAR for Sandra Bullock movie-wise. All About Steve was hysterical and the immigration scene at the end of The Proposal was brilliant even thou the rest of the movie is a bit cliché but of course the main movie of that year was The Blind Side. While some controversy exists from real-life Michael Oar’s feeling that the book and film placed too much emphasis on the Touhy’s efforts and not enough understanding of his own (along with dumbing him down), this was still a great movie that portrayed fostering’s ups and downs both for families and children in the system, racism, adoption, family-values, Christian values, love and acceptance all in ways that didn’t come off cliché or too happily-ever-after even thou it was a real story and we got a seemingly unrealistic, but true ending.  

The campiest part of this story is how Michael is able to bring his grades up in order to get into college. While true, it is a unique situation that reminds us not everything real in life comes of real in a story. But campy and true, this small part is the overall story of Michael Oher: keep trying, find your way in and ask for help. A good overall lesson for those who feel they have fallen behind or lost their way. But if I were to pick one thing to take away from this is the scene where “Big Mike” gets called Michael, because he doesn’t actually like to be called Big Mike. A short scene, just a few lines but with a big impact and understanding if you (like Leigh Anne) are willing to be open-minded and pay attention.

Lean on Pete

Lean on Pete is another story about family and loss and heartache but—oof--does it have a different feel. While during The Blind Side we see Michael Oher slowly rise up, Charley falls, falls and falls catching every heartbreak that can occur, and how life can slowly becoming crushing, especially when it seems someone has no one.

While overall the movie crushed me and its dark it is important to look at the idea of the film and for Charley was a focus on hope. He leaned on the horse Pete and by the end, we are left with the idea that things will be alright. Now, those I saw the film with had different opinions than I did about this, to them he really will be okay while I think he’ll survive but be severely traumatized, but maybe they’re right and we're supposed to believe regardless of all the missteps and bad fortune that things can turn around if we keep believing and striving for good and how if we don’t need those people to help us up, we should be those people to help others up

Harriet the Spy

Ha, look at these youngins. So this is a movie I was obsessed with, the colors and what I remember being an active city but also quirky neighbourhood background for Harriet’s adventures. There was a lot I liked and connected to with this is film; I too had mostly been looked after by a caretaker because my parents worked, only child, high observations—thou it would be about two decades before I’d ever have mayonnaise and I don’t think it's with (baloney?—can’t remember). This film I would say has an extremely unrealistic ending and definitely not the best lessons for a kid; she’s mean to her friends and then lies to get them to be friends with her again? Thou….maybe accurate--John Mulaney: cliques

Another possible reason I hold this movie on a higher pedestal than it probably deserves the part where everyone hates her. Being bullied when I was younger and being sent to a psychiatrist to find out why I’m upset was shown as stupid in the movie and was stupid in real life (thank goodness the world is not the suburbs) but this is a small upswing, and on some level there was something wrong with Harriet—a little narcissism and grandeur, but that’s not important. The points I will focus on was while it had an unrealistic ending it was overall a film about someone quirky not necessarily a genius or a princess but someone a bit outside the box who had friends who were also a bit outside the box and looked at how being outside the box was a good thing

Eh....Anonymous

All right, I’m not clean, proud nor happy about this but facts are true when we like them and when we don’t. These three films are brilliant (in my opinion), and I love them and while I will not purchase anything related to the man behind the shadows of these films, to not have them included in my favorites would be a lie—so I crammed them all together as films I wish were associated with someone else –and that’s all I can say on the matter as my alliance for these films still struggles.

The Curse of the Jade Scorpion 

Way back when, my family (mostly my Dad and I) would watch two films on New Year’s Eve instead of just one, along with getting Chinese food for dinner. The Curse of the Jade Scorpion was one of the first ones, one we watched at least a second New Year’s Eve and is one of my favorite comedies. I have re-watched it many times and I always love it. Like its main character, it’s ridiculous and cartoon-like, perfectly matching the music that goes with it--like a live-action Bugs Bunny cartoon. Watching an investigator thump around and somehow, luckily solve the mystery—is preposterous, even more so than the romantic ending. But if you find to have similar taste as I do, which most don’t, this one will have you laugh out loud so much that your father starts to watch from another room.

Crimes and Misdemeanors

Please, please, hold the accurate screams for the stars of this film that escape from your body as if you are a stereotyped middle school girl from ten years ago that just saw Justin Bieber. Sam Waterson, Jerry Orbach (RIP) and Alan Alda—heaven and probably my main reasons for loving this film (in order) not just because it was them but because I saw a different character of them that I was more used to (thou not Alan Alda in this case, I agree he was schmucky). I would agree with other reviewers that it’s not exactly the suspense of what’s going to happen that fuels the story but what these ‘average’ people will do, how they will react and how the rest of their lives will be impacted. Except for Judah’s connection to hitman, and part of the story having a connection to the acting/film industry—the stories are all pretty common. People who are in unhappy marriages, people who have affairs; these stories are common. A lot of “coming of age” stories are about teenagers and young adults, but after 50 or so years sometimes we come to a new level of understanding of ourselves or a different realization than before and make different choices and we adapt again rising to a new challenge or falling below expectations—but which one was which

“And after the awful deed is done, he finds that he's plagued by deep-rooted guilt. Little sparks of his religious background which he'd rejected are suddenly stirred up. He hears his father's voice. He imagines that God is watching his every move. Suddenly, it's not an empty universe at all, but a just and moral one, and he's violated it.”

Match Point

Match Point really is just an extension of Crimes and Misdemeanors, the only larger change is that the ending result comes from a combination of the actions of the main character along with ‘fate’ as opposed to just dumb luck. Both main characters in Crimes and Misdemeanors and Match Point show that with real consequences, the choices you make are different than what you think they would be; but also how your worst choices show your true character because even thou both Judah and Tom both felt extreme guilt….they got over it pretty quickly

 Shout out: Melinda and Melinda a complete extreme of how perspective can shape so much

Films that I shouldn’t be so bitter about

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Finding Nemo was so long ago that I can’t remember why I was so against it for so long. I’m not anti-children’s movies as anyone who knows me can confirm, but I was very much against Finding Nemo, I just didn’t understand the hype. I hold off on seeing for at least two years and either finally saw it when I was sick one day or when a friend forced it on me. And oh my did I LOVE IT!! One of my friends who pushed it on me probably highly regretted doing so as then I became slightly obsessed with it, it’s hysterical. I could say that part of why I love this film is all the little lessons peppered throughout with Marlin and Nemo (parents—chill), the sharks in rehab (you can always change, friendship), Marlin and Dory (don’t judge someone too quickly) and even just Dory herself (don’t limit yourself and always look on the bright side). These add to what makes the movie enjoyable, but the movie is just funny. My favorite scene that I will laugh-cry just in the beginning of trying to tell it to someone is when they follow the mask down into the darker level of the sea and Dory thinks Marlin is her conscious because she’s (1) forgotten he exists and (2) can’t see him. Whoops.

Life of Pi, I really-really only have myself to blame. Partially due to not learning my lesson from Finding Nemo, even though it wasn’t the same situation. The story of Life of Pi didn’t really capture me in general, about how a boy maybe a tiger and how they survive a shipwreck, even thou it usually would be at the top of my list. Maybe it’s because the ‘twist’ at the end is what they didn’t want to talk about in advertisement and focused on the visual effects which I agree with the acclaim and enjoyed, isn’t usually enough to get me to watch a film. I still enjoy the story and will definitely watch it again (except for the murderous island part, while enjoyable is something to learn about in the daytime), I watched the film immediately after hearing the ending from a friend, where we are left to wonder if the Tiger, Richard Parker, was real or just Pi just trying to survive. Of course, my knowing it’s coming it lost all of why I wanted to watch it, but it was still great and thought-provoking. Just wish I got to experience it for myself, not thru someone else

 PS—And Finding Dory, ugh, beautiful

Best Man Down

People do not like this film, I do not know why people do not like this film. I liked this film mostly for Addison Timlin, her portrayal and the character’s story. Another film I haven’t been able to see for a while, I would agree with many complaints that it’s not a comedy in a traditional sense. It’s that difference between laughing at a joke and laughing at something, just because you laugh doesn’t mean it’s funny or fun. It’s more of a drama for the fact that Addison Timlin’s character Ramsey has a pretty shitty life, especially with Lumpy gone; and the dramatics of a best friend who you don’t really know dying on your wedding day. But again it’s not supposed to be haha funny, I think it’s more just about pushing you and reminding you to laugh at things that aren’t always funny but also aren’t always serious.

Addison Timlin in this story is remarkable. Perfectly seen as shy and scared but also understanding that she’s angry at the world and because of her life is shy and scared again. Both with her character and the “Best Man” Lumpy you’re pushed to look past a first glance and dig a little deeper. Ramsey (Addison Timlin) is torn, trying to do the right thing but maybe for the wrong reasons or the wrong thing for the right reasons and it’s overwhelmingly complicated. It’s mentioned that she should’ve told the whole story in the beginning, well not only would the movie had ended earlier but we know that she like Lumpy is one that takes a bit to warm up to and without the Bride and Groom getting to know her, they would have heard the story, felt proud to have Lumpy as their friend and left—missing the final points of Lumpy’s life and the film. While the ending wrap-ups are cliché and I could do without, I disagree that the film wasn’t funny and warm; and whether you like the film, you’re crazy if you don’t love Addison Timlin after this—because her and Lumpy are pretty typical people in your life that you love—thou they usually can’t stand each other.

PS “ But he wasn't your best friend. He was your oldest friend. There's a difference. “--Hella frickin accurate

The Prince of Egypt

I love a good “Fuck you” in a film, and for children—this one delivers.

This story of Moses was my first musical and had a soundtrack I was obsessed with and portrayed the important teachings of the story without the harshness and lack of forgiveness I expect from the Catholic Church. Along with the soundtrack, I remember the story to be about freedom, peace and the complications of doing the right thing

Living a couple blocks away from a church is the closest I am to religious, and I haven’t been in a religious building in years, but I remember the story to be about freedom, peace and the complications of doing the right thing and how opinions of what is right, can differ. Two brothers, one who didn’t know he was adopted, would still be expected have the same understanding in life but as seen more common in today’s world—family doesn’t always think or believe the same thing. Separating the aspect of power and God, a majority of the conflict is still an ability of Moses and Rameses to speak to each other and creating an understanding with each other. 

For me the “Fuck you” of the film, as with many stories of racism and elitist beginnings, is how Moses comes to his success out of opposition to the actions of those in power both with how his birth mother sent him down the river and he became part of the King’s family, and in why he flees and returns to Egypt—trying to live a righteous life and have all people be equal.

This story is also a great portrayal of a mother’s love both with the mother who has to give their child up and with the mother who adopts another’s child as their own, both sacrificed so much for their son. Along with the soundtrack, also a shout out to the art department, I too remember the beauty of this whale shot.

Four Brothers

The first movie I labelled as a “favorite” was Four Brothers with Mark Wahlberg and a very young and missed Sofia Vergara. It was extremely violent, focused on vigilante antics by underdogs, and portrayed a different part of family love. I loved it for all of these reasons, the brothers were hectic and loud but for the most part stood by each other—as with the friend saying of how you can pick up right where you left off, even after a decade. They called themselves degenerates, but really only in current US society. In past generations their take charge and gruffness would made them things; and you have to appreciate the brotherly love they gave to each other, openly, in 2005. Finally, there is the note of four siblings that when close together in age usually have a particular set of strong bonds with each other, four brothers more than four siblings or four sisters.

This movie isn’t the favorite it used to be, but for all the reasons I listed I still love it, and can still watch it from the beginning, right after just finishing it. 

A Little Princess

I first saw A Little Princess (1995 version) probably with my parents around the time of its release. With no film background, I will say, did a great job at ageing the film as I always am surprised to discover that it’s not as old I thought it was (something that has happened repeatedly). While somewhat a romantic, fairy-tale type story the core parts that stick with me are the beauty within the story, particularly when Sarah and Becky are imagining a great feast and the colors of India in the very beginning of the film.

The images created in this film are stunning and completely breathtaking on their own and an amazing job is done using the colors in the fil to show the contrast between what we want our world to be like and what we don’t, the stories are even more real. Yes, the fairy-tale elements of her father remembering her just before she’s about to be arrested (she’s a child but ok), and dramatics of him ending up next door to where she lives, and how regardless of everything she insists on being a kind princess are all good and honorable it is the story of the neighbor that hits the most. Both the bleakest, most realistic, connecting, accurate and somewhat breaking is the father next door who tries to be kind during a war and is grateful for closure when he loses his son and his surrogate son (and in a way granddaughter). I think this is why I saw it with my parents, and so frequently. While there are many stories that accurately portray war, this is one that focuses on being kind in the homefront and probably portrays what they experienced living separated, but closely connected to war and genocide. 

There was no good photo to symbolize the story of the neighbour, but part of the theme of kindness is quoted below

Another unrelated shout-out that connects to a Little Princess to me, shout out to Shirley Temple who will never be bested even by those who manage to get their pets Instagram famous

5 Flights Up

I saw this movie at home, privately probably within a year after it came out. I loved it instantly for all three stories that it told. The first story, about the older couple (played by Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton) showed an accurate couple that I enjoyed. As a couple, they were overall happy and healthy and dealing with walking up a few flights as you get older in New York is a pretty realistic problem that people often don’t think about. Also, they individually and not just as a couple were likeable people. Second, is the issue with their dog (Dorothy) who they will need to pay $10,000 for a surgery for her that *may* work. Ugh, is that not something that happens all the time, especially at that cost. A famous story of my youth is when we paid close to two hundred dollars (at a major discount) to go to an emergency clinic for my hamster/guinea pig where the veterinarian didn’t even notice one eye was reed and close to 3x the size of the other.

While both of these stories were accurate, the one that really blew this out of the water for my family was the third, albeit random, story about the truck driver and its accuracy in our world. It starts just with a truck abandoned (in grid-lock traffic at first) on a bridge. They discover that it was driven by someone who is not a white guy and reports come out before anything actually happens that they think there is a bomb (even thou rush hour has passed and there has been no explosion) and his name and face are all over the news, followed I believe by his home being investigated by the police (who the fuck signed that warrant).

As this story progress I watch, with complete real-world experience, my guess is that he might have just ran out of gas and gone to get some—because they were stuck on a bridge for hours. But then why didn’t he come back…I don’t know, maybe because within a short time he was plastered all over the news as a terrorist (white upbringing v. non-white upbringing) he’s petrified now with no ACTUAL reason or understanding he’s been labelled a terrorist and NYCs #1 to look out for. In the end, I don’t think we get the story of what actually happened from reports, but come to know that he wasn’t a terrorist—typical.

Now all of these things are random, but they are also realistic to happen in a random weekend, look at the news today, so much happens before 6am let alone over a weekend and that’s what this is, just a snapshot of their lives over a few days. Maybe more dramatic than their average weekend, but not completely out of bounds and in contrast to stories that cover years or longer events, that are also good, a story that just covers a couple of days and isn’t focused on the “big events” of getting married, or losing someone— I really loved it.

North by Northwest

I think I first saw North by Northwest when I think I was around nine or ten, I loved it instantly. Interestingly on-point with today’s Russian-US spy conspiracies with the added accuracy of the US going “eh”. Similar to soap operas, it’s a comedic-drama (more known now as dramedy) where it’s so ridiculous how things keep going so wrong (the miss-identification, the murder, the blanks). A good film on its own (and according to many) this was also my first introduction to Cary Grant, creating its own place of nostalgia for my film list.

The house at the mountain scene and the train are what I think of when I think of this film.  While I don’t particularly remember what happens where or when, constant nods to its presence in tv and other films reflect its relevance not just for me as it is an instant classic that will always be able to be enjoyed.

PS—Shout out to Rear Window, while actually released prior to North by Northwest I saw after but connect the two more than I do Rear Window’s Remake (Distubria) due to their aesthetic. I like this film as well for its suspense and alloying you to unfold the mystery with “Jeff” as opposed to just watching him

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Cure of the Black Pearl

It’s a little ridiculous, and it’s been a while so I can’t say for sure, but the original Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is one of my favourite movie stories of a romantic relationship because the relationship between Will and Elizabeth that is, actually tolerable.

While much of this might be due Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth that curses, is dominant, assertive in the film and in her own life, their relationship seemed like a better understanding than is what usually portrayed in stories (fiction and non-fiction). Friends, with a real partnership who happen to be romantically involved where neither acts better than the other and both feel the other is better than them. 

*Shout out also to Knocked-Up and This is 40 stars, Pete and Debbie

The Lion King

The Lion King is a big deal for me. The Lion King was both the first movie I saw in theatre and the first play I saw on Broadway and Lion King II: Simba’s pride was my first “new movie”. Similar to how the first Harry Potter book is my home of film, the Lion King story and series is my home of film. 

While the story is home for me and has a lot of great moments, there isn’t a particular connection to the story except for enjoyment. The opening scenes are what I remember most, the music and the visuals that the film received accurate praise on. 

The story is also good, you see Simba grow up and the characters of Rafiki, Timon and Pumbaa are original and home themselves. Rafiki, a somewhat sarcastic but also caring character, how people will choose not to listen and that it’s okay to not be seriously serious all the time. Timon and Pumbaa show that true friendship encompasses risking your life and how it’s okay to be different from your friends and also a little silly. 

The Lion King is also a movie/story that I’ve been able to look at differently as I’ve aged. While the opening sequence of music, artistical beauty and family resonate the same with me about 25 years later, I was able to have a deeper appreciation for the Broadway show when I saw it as an adult than when I was younger and my relationship and understanding with the characters has changed because while I remember the story, enough time has gone by where I don’t remember all the details and I am in some ways meeting the characters for the first time. 

Similar to The Lion King, The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride was also a film that I related to differently as I watched it. While at first Simba was just an annoying dad who didn’t understand, an older me appreciated the true fear he had for his daughter (while also wondering how he would have reacted about his son in the same situations). The biggest change for me occurs with Naku and the relationship with his mother, who learned too late how she should love all her children and how one can become broken when being considered less than by all sides and how much a sibling being there can help, as his sister Vitani was--even though she also teased him. 

Finally, The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, I remember watching it. I’m sitting on this plastic crappy desk in the tv room, I had just gotten the movie from a video store (woah), its playing a few feet away from me on this BIG tv that weighed more than I did and I got annoyed because we were leaving to go see a friend but I HAD to keep watching because I didn’t know how it ended!!! In that moment, I realized that I didn’t know how it ended. Prior to that movie every movie I had seen, I remembered seeing before and mostly remembered what happened (something I wish wasn’t the case as rewatching tv shows isn’t the same--but not important here). This was huge for me, so thank you Lion King, Lion Kin on Broadway and Lion King II: Simba’s Pride for being a great series reference points in my life so far