From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) Review

 

This film tells a story of both friendship and loss. Umi lost her father in the Korean War, his ship having struck a mine. As such she raises the signal flags every morning hoping that in some way she could guide her father home. She looks out at the sea from her garden, longing to once again see her fathers ship. Her flags, though, did not go unseen as she would soon learn. Umi befriends a classmate of hers named Shun. As they grew closer to each other their friendship slowly became more than that. However, a discovery that would soon come to light would complicate matters.

This film is nothing short of a masterpiece. This film having been done by Studio Ghibli is a rather obvious statement. The art style is what you would expect. Bright and colorful it almost absorbs into you. As you take in the pictures and consume their sounds you feel as though you are actually there. The music fit the scenes perfectly, they played on your heart strings and really made you care about the characters and their lives. 

The characters, too, were deep. They didn’t fall into those cliche, stereotypical tropes. They were unique and relatable. They actually felt like real people. The writing was also phenomenal. The dialogue fit the scenes like a glove. Each one unique to their respective characters. Their voices, too, fit their characters perfectly.

The story was not sad but rather emotional. Their friendship was something that you actually cared about. You wanted to see how their friendship grew and how it would evolve. What was going to become of them. It had a happy ending and this was one of the few films where I actually cared about what happened to the characters after it ended.

This is a movie that everyone should watch. It is a work of art and one that would really tug on your heart stings. Not too many films can say that.

10 out of 10

The Sand (2015) Review

 

This movie is greater than the sum of its parts. On their own the writing, acting, and overall story left a lot to be desired. However, when taken together they form something that, while definitely not a masterpiece did prove to be something rather enjoyable. 

There wasn’t much of a story but that would be expected based on the premise of the film. That premise being rather simple, a group of young people are partying on the beach who discover the sand had something (for lack of a better word) possessing it. As long as they stayed off of the sand they would live and by touching the beach you were guaranteeing your death. 

The acting, too, while not being great seemed to fit the characters well. The writing, however, could have been better. There were a few scenes in the film where they tried to be deep, playing off of everyone’s fears of death and loss but it ended up falling on its face and coming across as cliche. 

The special effects, too, were kinda on the low budget side but weren't terrible by any means. There wasn’t a lot of gore but what was in there fit the story well. None of it was over the top or overdone. They seemed to hit that sweet spot with it; just enough to freak you out a little without consuming the entire film. 

The writing wasn’t terrible by any means but it could have been better. There were a couple of scenes where they jumped to conclusions in an attempt to progress the story. It didn’t always have a natural flow to it and it came across cheesy from time to time.

Overall, though, this film was rather surprising. If you take it as a whole and try not to dissect it you will find something rather enjoyable. It is a great way to blow a couple of hours. You just probably won't want to see it again.

6.5 out of 10

Meme Monday #5 “So, You’ve Got Detention.”

 

Chris Evans' take on Captain America is on a level many other characters can only hope to achieve. While there have been many Memes in regard to this character this one is perhaps the most famous. This meme, however, does not actually come from a film where he is the star but rather just a cameo. As seen in “Spider Man: Homecoming” Captain America is in a PSA filmed for students in detention. If anyone can get troubled youths back on the straight and narrow it would be him. It is an interesting meme and one that will probably stick around for a while. 

Dude, Where's My Car (2000) Review

 

I can summarize this movie in two words: stupid fun. The writing was awful and the acting left a lot to be desired but it had a certain charm to it. Watching it kept me wanting to know what was to come and the story as a whole was greater than the sum of its parts. Yes this is just another stupid stoner film but there was substance to it. They knew that the movie was gonna suck and instead of trying to mask that and hide it from us they fully embraced it. 

The plot was simple. Two friends, Jesse and Chester are trying to figure out what they had done the night before. Stoned out of their minds they have no memory of any of it and as such have lost their car. Thus the “Dude, Where’s my Car!” title. Their search leads them to both aliens and a cult all trying to find the Continuum Transfunctioner. The story is your basic “save the universe” but they do it in a unique way. Jesse and Chester are not your typical heroes but they won out in the end.

The acting, however, was not the best. Most of it was just awful but I think that in some respects it was supposed to be. Again they were in many ways making fun of themselves. They didn’t take themselves too seriously and that ended up adding to the film more than taking from it. 

This movie, in many ways, isn’t for everybody. It is one of those, leave your brain at the door type of films. It requires very little thought and is easy to follow. The story, although not great, is memorable and the characters will stick with you. If you have a couple of hours to kill with nothing else to do then give this film a shot. You’ll probably hate it but you will get a good laugh or two.

8 out of 10

Film Theory: Willy Wonka Is A Serial Killer

 

Willy Wonka is an iconic character who has grown to having his own cult-like following. Whether it was Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp we all have a favorite. However their role as Willy Wonka may be darker than what it appears on the surface. There is a theory that states that Willy Wonka is in fact a Serial Killer who targets children.

The theory is based on the idea that Willy Wonka intentionally chooses his victims for the tour. That he intentionally tempted them with their weaknesses all which would lead to their deaths. Augustus Gloop is sucked into a chocolate river, Violet Beauregarde is turned into a human blueberry. And Veruca Salt is thrown down a garbage chute. 

The theory states that he purposefully picked these children. These children were mean and rude, who were obsessed with their own selves and just overall bad people. Wonka may have felt he was doing the world a favor by getting rid of these people. Augustus was a gluttonous young boy whose only thoughts were that of what his next meal will be. Veruca is a spoiled brat whose money and bad manners can be seen from a mile away. Wonka most likely saw these people as the adults they were going to turn into. Just plain, bad people and by killing them off he was doing the world a favor. 

Another clue to this dark side of Wonka is his attitude to the deaths of the children. He is mostly apathetic and has this persona of not really caring. He had no concern for their wellbeing.  This is corroborated by the actions of the Oompa Loompas who sing songs about the immortality of each child and are unfazed by the plight of the children. Their job was to clean up after the murders of those children and with their attitudes it appears as though they were used to it.

The question rises, though. If all these children were bad, horrible people why was Charlie invited? Charlie was a good natured, polite, humble boy who didn’t have a bad bone in his body so why was he invited? The theory states that Wonka may have wanted to see if poor children could be just as mean and greedy as wealthy ones. However this brings up the point: Charlie survived the factory and has inherited the business so does this mean that Wonka will be training him to be a serial killer, too? We will probably never know but the idea is still rather entertaining. 

Ratchet and Clank (2016) Review

 

The Ratchet and Clank film is nothing more than a shell of its former self. The film based on the popular video games of the same name lacks the charm of the games. The game's iconic humor was not reproduced here. The jokes here being mostly hollow and empty. They didn’t flow like the games and oftentimes just seemed as though they were trying too hard at being funny and so often they ended up falling flat on their face.

The story, too, was boring and predictable. Nothing came as a surprise. The characters, shallow and void of any sophistication. They fell into their assigned tropes. The arrogant Captain Qwark whose over the top antics and inflated vision of himself led (predictably) to him switching sides early in the film. If anything about the characters was good it was their voice acting. The voices of Ratchet and Clank, as well Captain Qwerk, Chairman Drek and Dr. Nefarious was perfect. They really sold their characters and played them well.

As fans of the games will tell you, one of the best things about the series was the weapons. The weapons being insane and over the top they were what really brought you into the series. And while they tried to implement the craziness of their weapons they fell flat on that, too. There were some there but they lacked the ingenuity of the ones in the games. They tried, they just didn’t try hard enough. 

In the end this film didn’t live up to its potential. It could have been so much better but instead all we got was this shallow attempt to cash in on the popularity and make a quick buck. There was no love put into this film. All they saw were dollar signs and a quick way to prophet from its fan base.  In short, just stick to the games. This movie isn’t worth your time.

4 out of 10

IT Chapter 1 (2017) Review

 

I think that most of us can agree that clowns are rather on the creepy side. Yet Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise the dancing clown takes the cake. He appears in the town of Derry, Main every 27 years where he consumes both the fears and flesh of children. Calling home to the sewers he comes out to feast. Playing off of the fears of his victims he torments them, bringing to life all those frightening things that we keep locked away in our minds just trying not to think about them.

The beginning of this film is iconic. Georgie, a young boy, chasing down a paper boat in the rain until it falls into the sewer drain. There he meets Pennywise who puts on this friendly facade who only wants to be friends. Unfortunately for Georgie this was a lie and will be the end for him. Georgie’s brother Bill refuses to accept his death and even after months he still searches and comes up with theories as to his whereabouts. 

The scares in this film are legendary. The fears being different for each of the members of the “Losers Club” playing off of their psyches and insecurities, their histories and their weaknesses. The atmosphere of this film was dark and foreboding. You could always tell something bad was just around the corner but yet you never could really predict just what was coming. The locations were as dark as they were frightening. From the sewers to the old “Well House” both in states of squalor and filth. 

The characters, too, were as good as the frights themselves. They had personality and charm. Each one unique. Each one added to the story of the film and really made it what it was. All of the characters told a story. It was a story of standing up for yourself and of friendship. How by staying together you can conquer your fears and become better people. 

9 out of 10

Meme Monday #4 You’re a Wizard, Harry

 

A lot of memes are popular because they can relate to different situations. Always applicable as a punch line or as a reference to something that we all understand. This one in particular is good as the look on Harry’s face is priceless. Something we all understand.

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Final Trailer – Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bi...

Edward Scissorhands (1990) Review

 

The story of Edward Scissorhands has always been a sad one. An outsider to society Edward never really knew his purpose in life. Living all alone in the castle-like structure at the top of the hill overlooking a small, quaint town below. A town brightly lit and full of gossiping women.

Edward ends up befriending the local Avon Lady, a woman kind in heart with a beautiful spirit. She sees past the oddity of Edward. Sees that behind the scars and the blades Edward is like everyone else, just needing someone to love him.

The people in the town, however, see Edward as something else. They see him as something that they can use. He is more of a tool than a friend. As his skills with blades became common knowledge they took advantage of it. In their mind he could give them a quick profit. 

Kim, a young teenager who at first seems apprehensive towards Edward eventually begins to see what is in his heart and that he is someone beautiful behind the blades. Their friendship grows slowly however Kim’s boyfriend proves to be annoyed by Edward and takes advantage of him. 

In the end, most of the town turns on Edward and he is forced to go back to his old life. A life alone with only his skill with his scissors to keep him company. 

This is a story of how we all need love in our lives. It is a story of friendship and how we should look past people’s scars and embrace them for who they are. Beauty goes deeper than skin level and a beautiful soul can take you more places than your physical appearance.

8.5 out of 10

The Simpsons Movie (2007) Review

 

The Simpsons Movie has everything you would expect from The Simpsons. Lots of laughs and exciting moments. Parodies of politicians and Government Agencies. All bound together in a story that actually made more sense than what you could have expected given the show’s history. It was fun and exciting. The ending of which, if I’m being honest, was rather on the corny side but it worked well for the story. 

The story revolved around Lisa getting the town together to clean up the lake in an attempt to depollute and clean the city of Springfield. Homer, as you would expect, ruins her and the town's efforts to do it, leaving Springfield the most polluted town on the planet. The Government, however, is quick to react. The EPA taking action sealed the town in a giant dome, separating Springfield from the rest of the country. The Simpsons, however, managed to escape and this is where the story really takes off.

While the movie did have environmental themes to it, it never came across as “preachy.” Those themes were there for people who wanted to see it but it was never thrown in your face. In all actuality, those themes were just the backdrop to the film. Something to project their story onto.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable film. I saw this for the first time back in 2007 at the theater and I had forgotten how funny this movie was. It is fun and will make you laugh. The story was enjoyable and even though parts were rather corny, some parts were also relatable. There is something to take from this film and that is that family is important and that sticking by them, even during the tough times is what truly makes us human.

8.5 out of 10

Zombieland (2009) Review

 

There is a certain charm to Zombieland. A film that wraps its horror in a cloak of comedy. While frightening at times, it was the moments between the violence, between the ravenous attacks of the undead that really make this movie what it is. The glue that held it together was the chemistry of the survivors, not so much the zombies themselves. Even if the story was unoriginal at times and played off of cliche and old tired tropes it still told a story, a story about friendship and what it means to have others in your life.

Columbus was your typical loner. Just trying to make it another day without being zombie food. As he travels from place to place he meets up with Tallahassee, another loner just out there trying to survive. Their relationship was cliche and predictable. Tallahassee being distant, if not a little arrogant, while Columbus sat in the passenger seat trying to be friendly even though he didn’t really know what to say.

As they traveled they met up with Wichita and Little Rock who were trying to head out west. Their relationship with Columbus and Tallahassee was strained at first. None of them trusting the other. Things changed, though, and as the film progressed they became close, more like family. 

The story of this film has been played out before. It offers little of anything original and if you’ve seen any other zombie movie before then don’t expect anything new. What it does, though, is show the power that people can have in our lives. How we need each other and how we can’t always survive on our own. 

8 out of 10

Sleepy Hollow (1999) Review

 

The residents of Sleepy Hollow are terrified. With the recent wave of murders, the victims' heads severed from their bodies Crane (played by Johnny Depp) is sent to investigate and make sense of what is going on. Superstition runs rampant. The tales of ghosts and evil spirits permeate throughout the village as Crane tries to make sense of it all through “scientific methods.”

The town is bathed in shades of gray. The trees barren and lifeless. Their corpses collecting in piles beneath them. The people keeping a watchful eye towards the woods waiting for the Headless Horseman. His presence being felt throughout the village.

One by one people began to die. Crane, confident in his methods, first went out to find a man. What he found instead was something different. What he found would change how he thought and shake his very beliefs to the core. 

The story revolves around a conspiracy. How the Headless Horseman doesn’t just kill at random, he only kills those he is told to. Someone was controlling him. Which begs the question: “Who?”

The families of Sleepy Hollow are all, in some way or another, related and there would be a few people who could benefit from these deaths. But weeding them out one by one proved to be a challenge. 

Upon reaching Sleepy Hollow, Crane meets and befriends Katrina (played by Christina Ricci). As they work together, Katrina, determined to help him, their relationship only grows stronger. It was your typical, cliché romance but it worked out well in this story. 

What I found, though, was that the story was in some ways predictable. They played off of tired tropes. Everything in this film you have probably seen before but still, It was rather entertaining even if it wasn’t entirely original. 

Tim Burton created something beautiful here. The story is a dark work of art, something in his typical “gothic” style. A story that confronts the dangers of hate and revenge and how often times the victims are sometimes ourselves. 

Biography: Quentin Tarantino

 

Quentin Tarantino was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 27th 1963, the son of aspiring actor Tony Tarantino who left the family before his son’s birth leaving him as the only child to his mother Connie McHugh. She only remained married briefly to his father, leaving Los Angeles and headed back to Knoxville where her parents lived. In 1966 they returned to Los Angeles.

At the age of 14, Tarantino wrote one of his earliest works, a screenplay called Captain Peachfuzz and the Anchovy Bandit, based off of Smokey and the Bandit. His mother, though, was of little support, ridiculing his writing when he was young. As a result he vowed to never share his wealth with her. 

At 15, Tarantino was caught shoplifting the Novel The Switch leaving him grounded by his mother. Allowing to leave only to attend the Torrance Community Theater where he played in such plays as Romeo and Juliet and Two Plus Two Makes Sex. Dropping out of High School that same year. 

In the early 90s Tarantino dated comedians Margaret Sho and Kathy Griffin. Moving on to Mira Sorvino from 95 to 98. Attending with her to the 68th Oscars ceremony where she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In March of 98 they separated, Sorvino going to say "[They] still love each other very much" but had reached a "mutual" decision to go their separate ways."

On June 30th, 2017 Tarantino became engaged to Daniella Pick, an Israeli singer who was the daughter of the musician Zvika Pick. They met in 2009 when he visited Israel to promote his movie Inglourious Basterds. In 2020 their first son was born in Israel, their second child, a girl, was born in July 2022.

Quentin Tarantino, though, hasn’t always had the best interactions with people in the entertainment industry. Oftentimes being hostile and difficult with journalists. After selling his script Natural Born Killers which ended up being rewritten giving Tarantino only story credit, Tarantino went on to disown the film leading up to the publication of a Tell All book titled Killer Instinct written by Jane Hamsher. He went on being called a “one trick pony” and becoming “famous for being famous” which led to a physical assault of Murphy in the AGO restaurant in California in October of 1997. Murphy went on to file a $5 million lawsuit against Tarantino which ended in the judge only ordering Tarantino to pay Murphy $450.

While filming Crimson Tide, Tarantino got into a feud with actor Denzel Washington over what was called "Tarantino's racist dialogue added to the script". A feud that Washington would later apologize, telling Tarantino that he “buried the hatchet.”

In 2009 Tarantino had a feud with David Letterman. A few years before appearing on his show, Letterman interviewed a former “unnamed” girlfriend of Tarantino. Letterman joking about the relationship, questioning why a "glorious movie star" would date a "little squirrelly guy" A few days later, Tarantino phoned Letterman screaming angrily, "I’m going to beat you to death! I’m going to kill you! I’m coming to New York, and I'm gonna beat the crap out of you! How can you say that about me?!" After amusing Tarantino by offering to pay for his flight and to choose the method of fighting, Tarantino chose “bats”. However, afterwards nothing became of it. Upon reappearing on the Late Show to promote his new film Letterman approached him in the make up room and demanded an apology. Tarantino, at first refused but after some urging from his publicist, Tarantino conceded and apologized. 

While promoting Django Unchained in the UK back in 2013, Tarantino was asked  if there was a link between the movie violence and real life violence. He informed the interviewer, Krishnan Guru-Muthy, that he was "shutting [his] butt down". Tarantino further defied the journalist, saying: "I refuse your question. I'm not your slave and you're not my master. You can't make me dance to your tune. I'm not a monkey."

The works of Tarantino have not been without its controversies. On the topic of gun violence he has stated that he does not believe that violence in film inspires real acts of violence. In 2012 NRA Chief Executive Wayne LaPierre accused him of being insensitive to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. In an interview with Terry Gross he went on to express “annoyance” at the suggestion of a connection between the two, saying "I think it's disrespectful to [the] memory of those who died to talk about movies ... Obviously the issue is gun control and mental health."

It is of common knowledge how Tarantino portrays his characters in his films. Being both real and dark, he isn’t shy about using words and slang that could offend people. In 1997, Spike Lee questioned the racial slurs Tarantino used in his films, particularly in Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown. In a Variety interview, Lee went on to say: "I'm not against the word ... And some people speak that way, but Quentin is infatuated with that word... I want Quentin to know that all African Americans do not think that word is trendy or slick." Tarantino went on to reply:

“As a writer, I demand the right to write any character in the world that I want to write. I demand the right to be them, I demand the right to think them and I demand the right to tell the truth as I see they are, all right? And to say that I can't do that because I'm white, but the Hughes brothers can do that because they're black, that is racist. That is the heart of racism, all right. And I do not accept that ... That is how a segment of the black community that lives in Compton, lives in Inglewood, where Jackie Brown takes place, that lives in Carson, that is how they talk. I'm telling the truth. It would not be questioned if I was black, and I resent the question because I'm white. I have the right to tell the truth. I do not have the right to lie”

Samuel L. Jackson, who appeared in both of those films, defended Tarantino. Jackson went on to say "I don't think the word is offensive in the context of this film ... Black artists think they are the only ones allowed to use the word. Well, that's bull. Jackie Brown is a wonderful homage to black exploitation films. This is a good film, and Spike hasn't made one of those in a few years."

There was also controversy in Django Unchained with its use of racial slurs and depictions of slavery. Reviewers, however, defended the use of the language by pointing out the historic context of the film and its descriptions of racial slurs and slavery in America. In an interview with Vibe Lee went on to say that he would not watch the film. "All I'm going to say is that it's disrespectful to my ancestors. That's just me ... I'm not speaking on behalf of anybody else." He later said "American slavery was not a Sergio Leone spaghetti western. It was a holocaust. My ancestors are slaves. Stolen from Africa. I will honor them.”

With the rallying behind police brutality these past few years Tarantino has not kept his opinions to himself. Speaking at an event in October 2015 in New York he made a speech saying  "I'm a human being with a conscience ... And when I see murder I cannot stand by. And I have to call the murdered the murdered and I have to call the murderers the murderers." In response to his comments, police unions across the US called for a boycott of his upcoming film The Hateful Eight. In response Patrick J. Lynch, the union president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York said "It's no surprise that someone who makes a living glorifying crime and violence is a cop-hater, too. The police officers that Quentin Tarantino calls 'murderers' aren't living in one of his depraved big screen fantasies — they're risking and sometimes sacrificing their lives to protect communities from real crime and mayhem." Charlie Beck, the Los Angeles Police Department Chief said that Tarantino "doesn't understand the nature of the violence. Mr. Tarantino lives in a fantasy world. That’s how he makes his living. His movies are extremely violent, but he doesn't understand violence. … Unfortunately, he mistakes lawful use of force for murder, and it's not.”

Tarantino went on to say "All cops are not murderers ... I never said that. I never even implied that." In an interview with Chris Hayes he said "Just because I was at an anti-police brutality protest doesn’t mean I'm anti-police." Then clarifying his comments at the protest "We were at a rally where unarmed people – mostly black and brown – who have been shot and killed or beaten or strangled by the police, and I was obviously referring to the people in those types of situations. I was referring to Eric Garner, I was referring to Sam DuBose, I was referring to Antonio Guzman Lopez, I was referring to Tamir Rice ... In those cases in particular that we're talking about, I actually do believe that they were murder."

Quentin Tarantino has had an interesting career. Both in and out of the public eye he has entertained us from the 90s all the way to today. Very few directors are of his caliber. In fact, most don’t even come close. He is in a class all of his own.

Film Theory: Titanic. Was Jack Real

 

Rose was a young girl trapped in a society that she didn’t want to be in. Caught in an engagement she didn’t want and being forced to be around superficial and shallow people her life screamed in agony in a voice that only she could hear. Having boarded the Titanic all alone in the world she finds Jack, a young man who gave her the inspiration to be herself and embrace life. As they looked out onto the sea, their dreams rolling with the gentle waves that covered the infinite expanse. An echo came back to them. Just maybe the world wasn’t quite as bad as it seemed and there was in fact some reason to be happy in this life.

This movie tells the romance between Rose and Jack. Two people from very different backgrounds. Rose coming from money and Jack having very little of it. Their relationship together grew into something beautiful. The passion they shared. Jack showing Rose what love can be. A foreign concept that almost seemed out of her comprehension. But we all know how the story ends, as heartbreaking as it may be. But there is a question. Was Jack even real at all or was he a figment of Rose’s imagination. A way to cope with life’s trouble in an attempt to once actually sport a smile and live with a measure of happiness.

Back in 2017 a theory proposed just that. That Jack in fact was just a figment of Rose’s imagination. But there is more to that than just that. The idea that Jack was a “Guardian Angel” for Rose, who felt lost and unfulfilled. Jack first appeared to Rose at a time of great turmoil. She was on the edge looking down in the the depths below. Just inches away from jumping when Jack talked her out of it. That Jack’s “sole purpose is to help Rose find the confidence to live fully on her own terms."

It is an interesting thought. One that could change how people see the movie. Turning this film from a love story to a personal journey for Rose’s character to survive the sinking of the Titanic and find it in herself to live for her own sake. To live the life she wanted to. To be her own self.

Jack saved Rose in more ways than just the sinking of the ship. He helped her achieve what she wanted in life. And whether or not Jack was real he helped her achieve it. 

When Brock told Rose that there was no trace of Jack in the records the elderly Rose said: "No, there wouldn't be, would there? He exists now only in my memory."

The love between the two was strong. It was a love that only a few get to experience and whether or not Jack was real Rose wouldn’t have become the person she was to be. In some way Jack was always with her. Just a memory of a love. A hand to hold onto as she became the woman she wanted.

Coraline (2009) Review

 

Coraline feels alone in the world. Her parents, more interested in their work neglect her. Brushing her off with an indifferent attitude and leaving her to herself all alone in their 150 year old house. Her parents' demeanor rubbing off on her as she makes friends reluctantly. Always with an attitude and a rude comment. She rarely has anything nice to say. But that is to be expected. Gone from her old friends she really only has herself. Well, her and her neighbor Wybie (voiced by Robert Bailey Jr.) who she doesn’t really like.

Her world was mostly gray. Like deep days into autumn. Trees leafless and twisted. The sky dark and the ground covered with the corpses of their brethren. Fallen limbs and broken sticks. The ground thick and soft under her feet as she walked through the woods, guided by the misguided belief that she was a Water Witch as she looked for an old well. There she met Wybie, her neighbor and a person she instantly disliked. 

The nights were lonely for her. All alone in her room, still unpacked from the move, she wished for something different. She wished that she had parents who cared, or at least acted like it. This is where the story gets interesting. As she explored the house she came across a small door locked and covered by wallpaper. Upon opening it there was just a brick wall. Just another disappointment as she went on with her life.

That night she awoke, the moon still out and the night still cold, to a mouse trying to get her attention. She got up and followed it, It leading her to the little door, once locked and sealed, to find that the brick wall was gone and now in its place was a tunnel. Curiosity got the best of her as she crawled through it. Inch by inch she went. As she arrived at the end, there she was, back in her house. Only this time it was different. 

She introduced herself as Coraline’s ‘Other Mother”. A woman with buttons for eyes and a sweet, caring personality. Her ‘Other Father” was there, too, as they sat down at the dinner table having a meal. Something was off, though. 

And then it happened. She was offered the chance to live there with them forever. The only catch? Her eyes would be taken out and replaced with buttons. Something that Coraline didn’t want to do. She then left with the intent to never come back but things beyond her control made that an impossibility as her parents were taken and she had to return to save them.

This is a story about loneliness. A story about what people will do to feel as though they matter. As though they mean something to others and how in the end family is family and even though it isn’t always perfect you should be grateful to have one. That’s more than a lot of people can say. 

Even with its gothic themes this turns out to be a happy story. The story more frightening than the visuals, something that very few movies can pull off. This film is a work of art. One telling a story of what it means to be family.

8.5 out of 10

30 Days of Night (2007) Review

 

The Town of Barrow, Alaska is the northernmost town in America. Three Hundred miles from its nearest neighbor with roadless wilderness. The only way in and out is by Plane. As the town prepares for a month of perpetual darkness a stranger arrives. A man who spoke the haunting words: “That cold ain't the weather. That's Death approaching” and with those words an attack of the town is brought on by none other than Vampires. 

The vampires in this film aren’t your typical “Twilight” . These monsters are terrifying. Their presence screams through every bone in your body. Causing your mind to go numb with fear and your very essence to tremble. I’ve seen a lot of vampire movies over the years and of them “30 Days of Night” appears to be the most realistic. Not the vampires from the “Underworld” movies or the “Blade” trilogy. Those creatures can’t even hold a candle to “30 days of night”. When I think “Vampire” this is what I think of. Them driven by their basic need to feed. “There is only hunger and pain” as said by one and their actions punctuate that statement well. 

They attack with stealth and speed. Staying in the shadows and attacking slowly at first. They were strategic. Doing everything from killing the town's dogs and shutting down their power. The town was now in a state of darkness. A state even more so frightening than the lack of sunlight. 

But what was equally as terrifying was the way they communicated. With only a few words in English spoken among them they talked in grunts and grumbled words. A language that appeared both ancient and deep. The subtleties between words were hard to pick up from English speaking ears but they were there. Every noun shook you to your very core and every verb instilled a fear in you unlike any other.

Those who were to survive would do so by staying together. But without the sacrifices of a few they would have all perished. The people had to be strong and even though the relationship between some of them were testy and on the rocks ultimately the love they had for each other came out in the end. This is a movie about sacrifice. This is a movie about love and even though it may not all be perfect their love is what won out in the in. Without it, none of them would have survived.

8.5 out of 10

Meme Monday #3 Dwayne Johnson

 

This meme surpasses the film for which it is based on. Most people probably don’t remember the film “Race to Witch Mountain” however most of us are aware of the famous look of Dwayne Johnson, a look of shock which makes this meme so memorable. What was said to him that caused it, I have no idea and honestly I don’t think knowing would add anything special to this meme. In short, it is brilliant in its simplicity. Telling a message that can be concerted to say anything the creator wants it to. 

News in Cinema Feb 4th 2023

 

Today in Torchbright FIlms Cinema News The Fast and the Furious takes us back to Japan in the latest trailer for Fast X. Tokyo Drift came out in 2006 and was a wide departure for the series. The four main characters of the Tokyo Drift, Han Lue, Sean Boswell, Twinkie, and Earl Hu, who appeared in F9 are also set to appear in Fast X. The film is directed by Transporter director Louis Leterrier. Many actors will be reprising their roles, including Diesel, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Ludacris, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, and Scott Eastwood. Along with newcomers Jason Momoa, Daniela Melchior, Brie Larson, and Alan Ritchson, with Momoa expected to be the antagonist. Fast X takes place from London to Tokyo, from Central America to Edinburgh, and from a secret bunker in Azerbaijan to the streets in Tbilisi, with old friends being reunited and old foes returning. It comes with a message of family and how to overcome being tested and focus on what really matters. 

John Wick Chapter 4, which was first announced after the record setting opening weekend of John Wick Chapter 3 which went on to make over 300 million worldwide, will feature the return of Keanu Reeves as the assassin. While talking with Total Film, Reeves mentioned that this new installment will feature a car chase scene that he promises to be “next level.” When talking about it he said “John Wick: Chapter 4 was the hardest physical role I’ve ever had in my career so far,” and  “They really trained me up to be able to have what we call the toolbox…We took the car-driving to the next level, which I really enjoy, there’s 180s, forward-into-reverse 180s, reverse-into-forward 270s, drifting… So it was really fun to get a chance to learn those skills, and to play.”

The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which is set to release on April 7th, has officially received a poster of the video game film. The film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike. The film is being directed by Aaron Horvath and Micheal Jelenic who worked together on Teen Titans Go! To the Movies.

The release date for the Gladiator 2 has been announced. The sequel to Ridley Scott’s hit 2000 film starring Russell Crowe. The film will be led by Paul Mescal, a Best Actor nominee and is set to be released on November 22, 2024. The film will not be focusing on Maximus, played by Russell Crowe and instead will be about Lucius, the son of Lucilla. This sequel has been hinted at for over a decade but it wasn’t until 2018 when Paramount announced the project. 

Check back next Saturday for the latest Cinema News and until then, have an awesome day!

Pulp Fiction (1994) Review

 

This masterpiece of a film can be summed up in one sentence: Pulp Fiction is the very definition of the word “cool.” Quentin Tarantino weaves its stories into a tapestry, telling a tale across its nineties nostalgia trip. Jules and Vincent, played by Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta, are hired goons for Marsellus Wallace, a Crime Boss dealing with guns, drugs, and gambling frauds. Set out in the beginning to simply do a job it ends up going south. Yet, how their story weaves into that of the films beginning, where Pumpkin, (played by Tim Roth) and Honey Bunny, (played by Amanda Plummer) set out to rob a Diner. Their paths colliding and their futures left unsure.

The dialogue in this film just screamed character. Each actor seeming unique and one of a kind yet fitting into the larger picture like a puzzle piece. Every character in the film was strong and could very well have taken the lead. From the likes of Jules, Vincent and Butch, a boxer who got on the wrong side of Wallace (played by Bruce Willis) to Trudi and Lance the drug dealers. Not to mention Mr. Wolf (played by Harvey Keitel). They all had their strengths and they all played off of them. Truly becoming believably lifelike.

Uma Thurman played Mia Wallice, the wife of said Crime Boss who spent her time in the film with Vincent. The chemistry between these two actors was electrifying. Literal sparks as they danced at Jack Rabbits Slim. However, the evening they shared together did not end well. The only positive coming out of it was tainted by the idea of “It could have been worse.”

Butch was supposed to take a dive. Having been paid by Wallice to do so in the fifth round he instead took matters into his own hands, winning that fight and enough money from it to flee the country with his girl, Fabienne, played by Maria de Medeiros. Before they could leave the country Butch crossed paths with Wallice and it was not a pleasant reunion. In the end, though, Butch saved the life of Wallice and because of this Wallice let him go. Free to leave providing that he never comes back again.

Jules and Vincent were faced with another problem before the day was over. The accidental shooting of Marvin left the inside of their car drenched in blood and brains. At the house of someone “sympathetic to their situation” Jimmie Dimmick (played by Quentin Tarantino himself) with the help of Mr. Wolf  are able to (somewhat) take care of it. Jules and Vincent they ditching the body and moving on like nothing had happened.

This film is a work of art. It is on a scale that few other movies can even dream of achieving. Tarantino plays a game with words. Telling a story more through the characters voices than their actions. This is something unique to Tarantino. It is a skill that he has mastered and it is a skill that he shows off. Very few can even come to his level.

10 out of 10

Biography: Christina Ricci

 

Christina Ricci was born in 1980 to a family in Santa Monica, California. Her mother being a Ford Agency model during the 1960s who later turned to being a Real Estate agent. Her father worked many different jobs. Everything from a gym teacher to a lawyer. She is the youngest of four children.

At the age of eight, Ricci was in a school production of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” during which a local theater critic took notice. Ricci wasn’t the original pick for the role but devised a plan to get it anyways. She taunted her rival for the role so much so that the young man literally punched her. An act that cost him the part and gave the role over to Ricci. Upon talking about it, Ricci said: "I've always been a really ambitious person. I guess that's the first time it really reared its ugly head" Not long after that she was on “Saturday Night Live” playing a role in several spoof commercials. The role in these landed her an SAG-AFTRA card.

In 1990, Ricci hit the big screen in the movie “Mermaids” as the youngest daughter to Cher’s character. A young woman named Kate. She also worked alongside Cher and Winona Ryder in Cher’s music video for “The Shoop Shoop Song” which was featured on the movie’s soundtrack. Following this, in 1991 she played Wednesday Addams in the “Addams Family” movie. Then in 1993 she reprised her role in the sequel “Addams Family Values”. Both of which being commercial successes. Ricci’s performance being highlighted by critics.

Up next, in 1995, she was the lead role in “Casper” a live adaptation of the cartoon. Also, in 1995, she starred in “Gold Diggers: The Secret of Bear Mountain” and then in the coming of age drama “Now and Then”. A film gaining a cult following since its release. In 1997, Ricci had a lead role in “That Darn Cat” which received moderate success in theaters.

Later that year she shifted into more adult roles. Her portrayal of Wendy Hood in, “The Ice Storm” a troubled and sexually curious young lady. The role was originally cast to Natalie Portman who ended up pulling out. Then in 1998s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” had her first collaboration with actor Johnny Depp. Also, in 1998 she starred in three independent films. For these roles she gained critical acclaim and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

Ricci starred again with actor Johnny Depp in TIm Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow” a film that was a commercial and critical success, awarding her a Saturn Award. Ricci then appeared as the guest host on “Saturday Night Live” during which she accidentally pouches actress Ana Gasteyer in the face.

She then went on to play roles in “200 Cigarettes” in 1999 and “Bless the Child” and “The Man Who Cried” both in 1999 as well. This one being her third time working with Johnny Depp. In 2003 she took the role in a British horror film “The Gathering” where she performed as a young girl wandering through Europe. Then, in “Monster” (also from 2003) she starred opposite Charlize Theron. Speaking of the part she said that it posed a challenge as it "goes completely against who I am [as a person]" and described the filming experience as "dark and depressing"

Ricci (in 2005) was in Beck’s album Guero where she provided vocals for the song “Hell Yes”. In 2006 she played opposite Samuel L Jackson in the drama “Black Snake Moan” which was well received. In 2009 she guest starred in Three episodes of TNT’s “Saving Grace”. Also in 2009 she made her Broadway Theater debut as Mandy in “TIme Stands Still”, her first public performance being in September of 2010.

In “Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star” (2011) she played a kindhearted waitress. The film was written by Adam Sandler. The movie being generally hated by critics. In Variety, Andrew Barker called it "one of the most astonishingly unfunny films of this or any other year", but commended Ricci, who he felt gave her role "more than it deserves"

In 2018 she played in “Distorted” alongside John Cusack as a woman suffering from bipolar disorder. While the film received mixed reviews from critics Ricci’s performance was noted as a highlight. Then in 2022 she was back with the Addams Family. This time as Marilyn Thornhill.

Christina Ricci suffered both with anxiety and anorexia. To add to that her relationship with James Heerdegen, who she had met while working on the series “Pan Am” in 2012 was abusive and after almost seven years of marriage she filed for divorce. In the filing Ricci stated that she was subjected to "severe physical and emotional abuse" by Heerdegen and that "many of these acts of abuse" took place in front of their son. The Los Angeles Police Department had even been called to the home they shared back in June of 2020. Ricci was granted a domestic violence restraining order against her former husband. In April of 2021 she was granted full custody of their son.

In August of 2021 she announced that her and her boyfriend, hairstylist Mark Hampton were expecting her second child. Two months later she announced her marriage to him, announcing their first daughter together in December of 2021.

Christina Ricci  also is a national spokesperson for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). She also later announced that she would no longer wear fur products after backlash from PETA who named Ricci on their Worst Dressed List.

Christina Ricci has quite the history with cinema. An actress worth her weight in gold with a talent that most people can only dream of. What is she going to do next? I can only dream but what I can promise is that whatever it is her performance will be breathtaking.

Film Theory: Ted "Theodore" Logan and John Wick

 

Ted “Theodore” Logan had a problem. He never took up much interest in school and was failing History. His father, a rather militant man, was pissed. Wanting to see his son succeed and watching him fail in his studies and focus too much time on his band with Bill called “The Wyld Stallyns” Ted’s father felt as though he was wasting his life. The only life he was going to get. Something had to be done. And it had to be done now. In response to Ted’s lack of enthusiasm and half assed attempts with his studies, Ted’s father put forth a condition. If Ted were to fail history he would be pulled out of public school and be sent to a Military School off somewhere in Alaska. In short, if Ted didn’t pick up his game then his life would take a turn that he didn’t want to make.

Now, as fans of the movie will remember, Ted did in fact pass history and was never sent to Alaska. That was due to the interference of Rufus. A man from the future traveling through time in a Phone Booth (straight from the nineties,) Rufus was sent to help Ted as the music Ted and Bill were to make was going to change the world. But this brings up an interesting point. If Rufus could travel back in time and change history then that would make time fluid and that alternate realities could in fact exist where Ted did in fact fail and was sent to Military School. So, let’s explore one of those possibilities as the connection between these two characters, who, on the surface couldn’t seem farther apart actually share more in common than we may realize.

We all know John Wick. The assassin with Military training who now works in the private sector going for revenge after his car was stolen and his dog was killed. Now other than the obvious of both Ted and John Wick being played by the same actor (Keanu Reeves) there are other little hints to this connection. If Ted had been sent to Military School he would have started it at an early age. And with the character of John Wick we know that he started his training at a very young age. Also there are other subtle hints. John Wick’s car is a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1. And what is a Mustang? It is nothing more than a wild stallion (think their band name.) Not only, however, Ted was born in 1969. The same year as the model of John Wicks car.

I have to admit here that there isn’t really much more evidence than this. Just a few little conformities, sharing similarities and a few weak connections. However, it is rather interesting and really makes you think. If there is a possibility of Ted and John being the same person then what else may be? What other connections could be made. Not just with Ted and John but in other franchises as well? It is fun to hunt for these as they only bring us deeper into the films and characters that we love.