Upon hearing that enchanting song emanating from the other room, I found my body moving to its own accord. On the television screen, there was a snip bit of the current season of The Voice that my mother is watching religiously. Mesmerizing and haunting was not just the contestant's voice quality but the words and music of the song itself. It was familiar, so grasping. The Beatles? My first instinct. John Lennon? It had just the right amount of familiarity and mystery to be of Lennon and the boys but my conscious knew it couldn't be. I knew the Beatles like the back of my hand for the sake of my own novel.
The internet is an empowering weapon. In just minutes, the surreal song has a name and a face--Mad World by Gary Jules. I listen to the original on YouTube and everything falls into place. This song I know. Hairs stand on end and bumps spiral down my arms. How I remember it. But from where? It takes a millisecond before my weary tired eyes cross the picture to the right of the YouTube page. Frank, the rabbit.
There it was. I was falling down the rabbit hole from hearing the enchanting cover of Mad World to the writing of this very prose, grasping what I can on the way down. What did I see on my journey to the center of the earth? Cinematic memories.
Frank's terrifying image burned on that YouTube page desperately calling me to remember its connection to cinema. Donnie Darko.
I find myself away from the Mad World video to another that fully explains the plot of Donnie Darko. It has been several years since I watched the film, maybe even when in high school. Nevertheless, the memory of the dark, strange, and wonderful that is Donnie Darko came back to me. While the narrator of the video explanation spoke, Mad World in context of Donnie Darko runs through my churning mind.
On minute, I'm engulfed in the dark world of Donnie and Gary Jules and the next I find myself watching a video that smacks me right across the face. It only takes an image of Heath Ledger as the Joker to get me to click on the next phase of the rabbit hole. A video compilation of the best films ever.
The user who uploaded this video outlined several classic worthy films, most having a heavy dose of violence. Of course the compilation wasn't perfect being it missed several key films, in my opinion, as well as added some questionable selections. Moreover the video was solid and had many great films that I have never watched.
I questioned myself. Where have I been? What have I been doing? There are powerful films out there and I only scratched the surface of the tempered glass.
Then the epiphany...a mission. A mission to understand and absorb. A mission learn and grow from. A mission I need to undertake in order to even consider myself a film critic or later on as a film maker. I need to stop wasting time and watch some epic films. But where to start?
Without the guided hand of Roger Ebert (May he rest in peace) for current movies and beyond, I have to find a new trustworthy starting point for my endeavors. How about the Oscars?
It has always been my secret desire to embark on this journey but I never had the courage or time to do so. Now I do. I will watch best picture nominees starting from most recent and work my way backwards. Hopefully I can uncover some of the truth and expectations that have changed through the years and decades in cinema.
For any who read or will read, I send out a deep apology. It has been almost three years since I last posted any sign of life to this blog. I guess the movie bug wasn't really with me during that time as I raced to the finish line of graduation. Now, I find myself with more time and a deep itch to scratch to discover powerful movies. I had an epiphany that will be embellished later in another post. To sum it up, I'm back and ready to give you film reviews to the nth degree. The format might slightly change of how I did my previous reviews. Bare with me as I pop DVDs in and cramp up my fingers. (Raise glass) To cinema.
It was towards the end of finals week when I went over to my friend's place to watch Bridesmaids (excellent movie by the way; totally recommend). Anyways...she is roomates with this guy that we knew since high school and happens to be the son of our high school mentor. Everytime I seem to go over there, we always stay up late talking about the most random things. Like always, somehow this night turned from a simple two hour movie night to an eight hour disscussion on anything and almost everything in the world...yeah...didn't go to bed until four...
From this night, I took two things away from it: watch 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later (I was advised to not watch this movie alone, at night, or in the dark) and watch Baby Mama.
Both my friend and her roomate said and I quote, "Oh, if you love Bridesmaids you will love Baby Mama. It is so hilarious. Come on, it even has Tina Fey and Amy Poehler!" I put my good faith in them and watched the movie a week later....yeah.
Although not comparable to Kristen Wig and the comedy of Bridesmaids.Baby Mama providesdecent entertainment with somewhat favorable characters.
The Review
The movie begins with Kate Holbrook (Tina Fey), who has always placed her career before her personal life. basically telling her date that she wants to have a child at this point of time...which causes him to flee the restaurant in pure terror. This scene is followed by how Kate is trying to get a child through many methods including adoption and artificial insmeination. When she finds out that it may take years for her to adopt, she also discovers that her uterus is T-shaped and it would be a one in million chances for her to be able to concieve a child. How the doctor emphasizes the "one in a million chances" almost came off as a foreshadow to the rest of the film. See below what I'm talking about...
I tried to give the film the benefit of the doubt (not wanting to have figured the ending of the film at the beginning) and continued watching the rest of the movie with that thought simmering on the backburner of my mind.
When Kate discovers her infertility, she turns to a company that specializes in providing surrogate mothers for those who aren't able to concieve children. At this company, you meet the owner, Chaffee Bicknell (Sigourney Weaver).
I found everything about this character annoying. Repeated thousands of times during the film (over drastic), different characters poke fun at the fact that "how can she be old and still have kids?" and how Chaffee basically rubs it in Kate's face that she can have babies when Kate can't Of course, this "joke" became extremely old extremely fast. Also...there's that other thing... It seems like everytime she moves, breathes, talks, sighs, or whatever; her hair gives this annoying bounce. It might just be me but I just wanted to scream every time she spoke.
Kate then finds Angie (Amy Poehler) who will act as a surrogate for her fertilized eggs. The film ensues as Angie and Kate cope with living together after Angie's common law husband, Carl (Dax Shepard), kicks her out. We see the conflicting characters of both women as they go through Angie's pregnancy.
On the side of the main story, we also have Kate and her career with her boss, Barry (Steve Martin), and her developing romance with Rob (Greg Kinnear).
We soon discover towards the middle of the movie that Angie and Carl had faked the pregnancy when the fertilization failed so they could still cash in the check. It just turned out that she was pregnant after all but with Carl's baby. But it might still be Kate's baby since Angie didn't wait two weeks after the fertilization to take a home pregnancy test...Yeah confusing I know especially when you have to try and understand this plot conflict with dimwitted characters.
My big pet peeve when it comes to movies: I don't them to be predictable. When finding out that Angie was maybe pregnant with Carl's baby, that same light from earlier clicked on. One and a million chances...yeah that light. I figured "this movie will probably want to have a happy ending where both women can have their own babies" and yeah pretty much. Come on, it was totally obvious what was going to happen especially after Kate's date with Rob. They went back to his apartment to do very adult things...I was like "yeah totally gonna get knocked up!"
Another thing about this movie that didn't match the humor as the aforementioned Bridesmaids. I felt the humor was stupid, pointless, and just plain annoying. For one, the scene where Angie needed to use the toilet but it was locked with a child safety device. Instead calling for help like any normal person would have done, she peed in the sink. Maybe it just my humor but I found that scene illogical and not funny like maybe others would have found it funny. See this scene of sheer stupidity below...
Another scene that annoyed me was the court scene where they were going to read if the baby was Kate's or not. It just become this fiasco of dialogue that just didn't make sense anymore. The characters were thoroughly dimwitted providing unnecessary lawyers and statements that shouldn't have been provided. I could totally feel what the judge was feeling in that scene...
All though the intent was to be humorous in these scenes and a few others, it came out as desperate trying to scavenge the humor from the characters' stupidity which in turn come off as stale and annoying. Granted, the presence of all-star Saturday Night Live players, Tina and Amy, provided decent entertainment because they are fantastic comedians.
Also the presence of comedy veteran, Steve Martin, is a great additive to the movie. His character comes off as completely creepy and weird and is probably the only hilarious aspect of the film. Just see what I'm talking about below...
This movie didn't live up the comparisonof comedy like Bridesmaids but it had its own quirks that shouldn't be missed despite its flaws. I would only recommend this film if you really like Tina Fey or Amy Poehler and also if you are bored and don't want to laugh too much. Not the best in film but not the worst of films.
The Rating
The film had good intentions...
One film reel for Tina and Amy. A half for Steve Martin.
And NO Film Reel for you Sigourney Weaver!!!
I just wanted first to tell you all "Happy New Years!!!!"
I have very strong and good feelings about this upcoming year. I also I have a lot planned for this blog. Oh and about that...
To those of you who actually care or actually read this blog...I must apologize. It's been about three weeks or so since I've started this blog and I have only posted one review...
Due to the holidays and other factors, I haven't been able to watch a whole lot of movies like that inspirational finals week. Trust me, I have started a couple of reviews but I haven't quite finished them. Expect them to be posted by tomorrow and the following day.
I just wanted to let all of you who actually care know that I am still alive.
Best Actress-Keira Knightly
Best Original Score
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
The Circumstance
When I first watched Pride and Prejudice, I was still a senior in high school just trying to get by in my AP English class. Oh god, how I remember the turmoil I felt deep inside my soul in that class. Not that I had any problems with the class itself but the teacher would tear my literature analyses to shreds. But now being a college student writing various papers, I am a better writer because of that class. I can also write more clearer movie analyses for this blog.
Anyways, the only light I found in that class was during the second semester. We were assigned to do a project on a classic novel of our choice. Guess which one I chose?
Correcto mundo!!! Pride and Prejudice!
I was told from a friend at that time that I should read Pride and Prejudice. I was hesitant, at first, not really big on reading classic literature. But I put good faith in her recommendation and picked up a copy at the library. I do admit that, for me, it wasn't love at first read the moment I opened the book. It took some time and patience to pass the first couple of chapters. Once I did, I was in love with the book. So much so that I grabbed the most recent film adaptation and watched it. I was instantly in love with how the film portrayed the novel. I was instantly in love with the film itself.
Because I fell so in love with every aspect of Pride and Prejudice, my AP English class became a little brighter.
The Review
Having just finished reading the novel, I guess I wanted to see thosee marvelous characters come to life. As soon as I got hold of this film adaptation, I saw just that: Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy came to life.
The film begins with the arrival of a Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) in the area which causes excitement to go through the Bennet house especially Mrs. Bennet (Brenda Blethyn). Then there is the dance scene which is one of my favorite film scenes of all time. In this scene, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Jane Bennet (Rosamund Pike) are discussing men when Mr. Bingley arrives with his party which includes his sister and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). The dance instantly becomes silent as the three newcomers walk down the hall.
In probably the best moment in all romances although subtle, Mr. Darcy does a double take in Elizabeth's direction before turning away when their eyes meet. A few seconds later you can see the contemplation cross Elizabeth's face followed by a giggle. For this scene/moment, I applaud whoever made it possible. Whether it was Macfadyen's or Knightly's precise execution of their characters or Joe Wright's attention to all details in his directing, this moment could be related to all generations when a man and a woman share an intense attraction with a gaze. Just see in the clip below...
The rest of the scene is filled with witty dialogue from Mr. Bingley's nervous attraction to Jane to Mr. Darcy's and Elizabeth's conflicted personalities trying to convince themselves there is no attraction. This scene brilliantly lays out the seed for their intense relationship throughout the rest of the movie.
Another aspect of this film that transcends through time is the relationship between Elizabeth and Jane. Having a sister myself, I can relate to the scene where Elizabeth and Jane are underneath blankets gossiping about the events at the dance with Mr. Bingley.
I could feel the closeness between the two eldest Bennet girls especially when Elizabeth travels all the way to Netherfield to see her ill sister when dining with Caroline Bingley.
When Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield, you can feel the tension between Darcy and Elizabeth escalate. Macfadyen does a superb job in portraying how Mr. Darcy is totally into Elizabeth with just a look. It's extremely convincing and almost makes you want to say to the screen, "Dude, just grab and kiss her already."
When leaving Netherfield, Mr. Darcy helps Elizabeth into the carriage which causes their hands to meet. Another fine execution from Knightly and Macfadyen to express the attraction that is obvious between the two.
The Bennet household is then expecting the heir to the estate, a Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander). He comes to the Bennet household expecting to choose a bride eventually picking Elizabeth encouraged by Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Collins comes off as an extremely awkward gentleman, whether intentional or not; this provides humor in the story that even has Elizabeth trying to contain her laughter at the man during dinner.
We then come across a Mr. Wickham (Rupert Friend) whom Elizabeth meets in town and shares a lustful attraction for. Wickham explains his relationship with Mr. Darcy which puts Darcy in the wrong in Elizabeth's mind.
At the ball at Netherfield, Elizabeth searches for Wickham but dances with Mr. Darcy in the end. This is yet another scene that is masterfully written and portrayed that intensifies the relationship between the two. Just see the clip below...
After the ball at Netherfield, Mr. Collins asks for Elizabeth's hand in marriage. This is probably the most humorous scene in the movie showing Mrs. Bennet's obsessive need for her daughters to marry as well as Mr. Bennet's love for his daughters as Elizabeth watches her parents with a slight smile.
Shortly following the scene, Mr. Bingley sends a letter stating that he is leaving. Heart broken, Jane also leaves to visit her aunt and uncle to forget her jilted love with Mr. Bingley.
The rest of the scenes that follow include many moments with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth that intensifies their relationship as she visits her friend Charlotte who is now married to Mr. Collins.
This all leads to probably the most romantic scene of all times as Mr. Darcy confuses his love for Elizabeth in the rain. Macfadyen and Knightly have such a strong chemistry that the audience can believe that they are the characters they are portraying. Just see the clip below...
Without giving the rest of the movie away, the film is centered around Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth just like the novel. The actors demonstrate it in a way that we can understand because love transcends time making us connect with the heroine and hero. The moments throughout the whole movie between Elizabeth and Darcy is the main story while other events such as Charlotte marrying Mr. Collins, Lydia's elopement with Mr. Wickham, and Lady Catherine's intrusion on the Bennet house only drive the two closer together.
This movie is absolutely breathtaking with its scenery and costuming as well as it fine performances from Knightly, Macfadyen, and the rest of the cast. This adaptation of the novel is well written with witty lines coming from Elizabeth to counter Mr. Darcy and the likes. Absolutely one of my favorite films of all times.
The Analysis
When first analyzing "Pride and Prejudice," the first thing that should cross your mind is "Why is it called Pride and Prejudice?" If this didn't cross your mind, then this movie may not be for you...go and watch a movie that requires less brain work like "Dumb and Dumber" or "Animal House."
Who is the pride and who is the prejudice? Or are they both a mixture of the two? It is clear from the very beginning of the film that Elizabeth and Darcy held an attraction for each other but what causes them not to pursue that attraction? Of course, Elizabeth wouldn't have done anything since the guys were the ones to make the first move back then....wait a minute or did Elizabeth try to make the first move? I clearly remembered her asking Mr. Darcy if he would dance with her. Then why did he reject her offer if he was clearly attracted to her? The answer is simple: his pride.
Let's fast forward to the scene where Mr. Darcy makes his first proposal in the rain. He tells Elizabeth that against his better judgment, her rank, and yadda yadda he loves her. So to tie this in with the scene where they first meet, Mr. Darcy is too proud of his rank to consider associating with someone of her rank. Of course, his attraction definitely won out in the end.
As for Elizabeth, she places prejudices against Mr. Darcy without hearing his side of things. Such as Mr. Wickham's story against Mr. Darcy and hearing that Mr. Darcy was the reason that Mr. Bingley left Jane.
Although it is clear the Elizabeth represents prejudice and Mr. Darcy represents pride, they both also exhibit the other vice. Elizabeth is proud to admit that she has feelings for Mr. Darcy especially since everything that she has heard about him while Mr. Darcy places prejudice on Jane stating that she showed indifference to his friend.
Of course, both of them overcome their pride and prejudices to finally realize their everlasting love for each other especially highlighted in the last scene of the film (absolutely love that scene to my very core). There are other themes presented in the film such as love vs comfort/protection and yadda yadda but who cares about that with a hero and heroine like this?
I totally recommend this film especially if you're a girl...guys watch it to see how guys should be but maybe not with your girls (it might make you uncomfortable how they will swoon for Darcy).
Yesterday night I was stricken with a terrible illness...the common cold. This currently leaves me confined to bed feeling absolutely disgusting and (for lack of better words) bad. I have tried about three times today to watch "Pride and Prejudice" but my head is stuffy and I feel I won't be able to provide an accurate review. Please bare with me as I try to fight this enemy and get back to watching movies comfortably restored to my full health.
It's been a few days since I began this blog and I have finally decided what film to review first. It took some heavy consideration like "Should I review a movie I've seen already or something I've never seen before?" Once I had decided to review something I've seen before, I had to now take into consideration "Should I review a favorite, something I thought was ok, or something I thought was dreadful?" It finally came to me that my first review should be a movie I know really well and something that I would with no doubt enjoy watching again.
This led me with about four possibilities: The Graduate, 500 Days of Summer, The Breakfast Club, and Pride and Prejudice.
All these movies invoke different feelings in me but which one would be the one to go first on the stand in my first review? Which one did I want to watch again? Granted, I will eventually review all these movies but which one will introduce me to the world as a film critic? Which one was worthy of getting the ball rolling?
On a side note, if someone were to ask me what my favorite film is I would probably chew their head off. You just don't ask me that kind of question; there are too many excellent films I love and it also depends on what mood I am in.
So to continue...
I took my mood into consideration and finally made a choice for my first review. Not sure if I will watch it tonight but definitely tomorrow...sometime...
Drum roll please for my first movie review!
brmmmmmmm...brmmmmmmm...brmmmmmmm
I found this the perfect choice to begin my history of reviews. First, I know how to look deep and beyond for further analysis having read the book also. Second, I feel this would definitely be a good example of how The Circumstance portion of my reviews will be written. Third, I can point out aspects of this movie that you probably haven't noticed before.
My reviews will have four different sections when applicable.
The first section will be The Circumstance. -This will describe the circumstances that led me to watch the movie.
The second section will be The Review.
-This will go into the surface review of the movie critiquing actors, directing, screenplay, plot, etc.
The third section will be The Analysis. -This will go into the deeper themes of the movie as well as character analysis.
The fourth section will be The Rating.
-This will show my rating out of 4 film reel pictures like this:
That is at least how most of my reviews will be presented. Of course the movies I felt were horrible or didn't provide a deeper meaning will not have an analysis. Also, not all of the movies that I have watched will have an anecdote about how I was persuaded to watch it. But for the most part, this is what you should expect from my blogs.
