The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

If you’ve ever been or still are chronically prudent in your demeanor, taking quite some time to spread your wings and take the chances you thought were wrong or questionable for so many reasons, this movie is a must see for you. You’ll find yourself exploring the many facets of being a “wallflower” and of course all the perks of being one, realizing that these rare species of people are who they are for so many reasons and really could be the standouts of the party even if they weren’t really trying. All it takes is one dip into the pond, but the ripples you make may be felt far and wide by others and even yourself.

Charlie (Logan Lerman) is a social recluse and outcast wherever life takes him and he’s  just about to start high school, hoping with all his heart that everything will be different after the loss of his best friend, who took his own life over a year ago and left Charlie all alone. Charlie seems to have a healthy, happy relationship with his family but he seems to have and odd attachment to his deceased Aunt Helen (Melanie Lynskey) who he considers to be his favorite person in the world. He has recurring flashbacks about the day she died which have haunted him ever since her death but he doesn’t understand why these flashbacks are popping up in his head and what detail of their relationship he either can’t discern or chooses not to. On his first day of high school, the only friend Charlie manages to make is his English teacher, Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd) who subsequently gives him some of his personal favorite books to read and write essays about. Charlie finds Mr. Anderson’s actions incredibly endearing and really takes a liking to completing essays and learning something new about life from the literature he devours. Lucky for him, he won’t be lonely for too long and on a day like any other while at his high school’s football game, Charlie meets Sam (Emma Watson) and her step-brother Patrick (Ezra Miller) who invite him to sit with them and happen to be the first to not scold him for being a freshman or any of his other attributes despite being seniors themselves. Soon enough, Charlie finds himself taking part in the experiences of any other high-schooler and really gets to experience the world outside his bedroom window and take in all the quintessential elements of a clique, from the drama and adrenaline to the relationships and heartaches. However, as each precious day passes, Charlie becomes more and more aware that the days he spends with his new-found friends are numbered, especially after the incessant conversations between the seniors about their plans for college as well as past it. It starts to grow on him that this isn’t an everlasting friendship and after their departure, he’ll just be the same introverted kid who no one seems to notice. But as the flashbacks come back time and time again, we are left wondering what is the secret Charlie harbors deep down inside and if it will ultimately destroy him or serve as yet another revelation to be learned from and taken into account for the future; for there’s no way to turn back time but a definite need to peel away the layers which taint your soul and inhibit you from liberating yourself and showing the world the wonder that you are.

Never was a movie set in high school so sincerely produced and exposed to the naked eye. Wildly entertaining and profound, the movie was moving along at a comfortable pace and I never found myself shifting my focus from the screen. As a big fan of the book, I thought that the movie was very much near perfect in adaptation and staunch in the overall purpose and effect it chose to achieve on the screen. I did think that the scene between Charlie and Sam near the end probably should’ve been extended to match the revelatory status and conviction that it served in the novel, but I do understand that it’s impossible to adapt all the details and events of a novel into a film and Stephen Chbosky did a great job in preserving the substance and gist of the story to the maximum extent.

Compelling in every way, from the story to the characters, I thought the starring cast could not have been any better and every single thespian was mind-blowing in their respective roles and dramatic performances. The stand-out role was without a doubt played by the incandescent and wonderfully audacious Ezra Miller; his interpretation of Patrick was dead-on and I found his character to be an uplifting presence in a film which is so emotionally profound and haunting underneath it all. It is a coming-of-age story with a distinct twist to it which has probably never been shown from this particular angle, and each and every character including the central focus, Charlie, can be relatable on many different levels even if neither of us had to go through what Charlie experienced in his short life.

I was overly impressed by the shooting techniques used for the production in order to induce a vividly nostalgic feel to the film, such as the lighting technique which could be described as a candle lit effect given to each and every frame, which in turn gives an impression of an aged film strip or photograph like one you might find in your parents’ old photo albums. Beautiful, reminiscent and slightly melancholic in taste is exactly the kind of flavor this picture needed to accomplish its goal of appeal to the adolescents of today and yesterday. A touch of haziness was also present in the party scenes and the scenes where the bunch would all get together for whatever adventure they took on, and I thought that to be a necessity and a warm touch overall, considering the sensations we have all felt at any party or event in our youth, reflecting quite closely the realistic quality of an experience as perceived by a young individual who is looking for that rush of adrenaline and a sense of rebellion and self-expression whether it is caused by peer pressure or free will.

Taking into account that this story is immensely jarring on an emotional level and stirs up a cauldron of emotion deep in your heart, it does have many morals and lessons to be learned from and no, taking drugs doesn’t have to be the solution to loosening up in a social setting and becoming accepted. Just be yourself… there’s your first piece of wisdom. From the very first moment of Charlie’s inclusion in Sam and Patrick’s group of friends, he has always conformed to the rules and did what was expected of him and as Sam pointed out to him just before she left for college, this was his biggest mistake during the entire time she’s known him. Charlie had a tendency to overthink situations and did what he thought was right instead of being unforgiving for once and actually doing something he has longed to do for a very long time which was asking Sam out on a date. He wasn’t being himself and as a result, Sam didn’t think he was the guy for her because he wasn’t showing his true colors or the different quirks and qualities that made him who he is today. She on the other hand is an open book and isn’t afraid to speak her mind despite the many problems and regrets she has from her freshman year which could have defined her for the rest of her high school career if she didn’t step up and change her life around. Be in charge of yourself and what you want and need, but try not to be a stuck up snob while you’re at it and turn all your friends away just because their thought processes are miles apart from yours. That is what makes each of us so unique and captivating to our peers. We mustn’t be afraid to confide our troubles or fears in others because that is how we grow closer and develop a long-lasting friendship. We must be not only be able, but determined to accept others for who they are without further judgment and try to learn from their mistakes, reaching out a helping hand to the people who we love the most if they are in need of our help and support at a critical point in their lives. Your actions will be returned to you later on if those you help are truly your friends, which makes this an effective and brilliant way to weed out those who aren’t worthy of your company or effort; which moves us on to the next point: the vulnerability of the growing mind.

This film is a great reminder of the volatile nature of an adolescent mind where mood swings, peer pressure and reckless behavior is at its peak psychologically, not to mention if the individual has had a difficult childhood and not but one friend who left them in the most horrific of circumstances. A mind like that is bound to have thoughts which might seem incomprehensible to adults and as a result do not get addressed properly, pushing those kids to the edge of their sanity and left wondering if anyone will ever understand them or offer them some helpful advice or support during a miserable or stressful period in their life. And no adult ever explains to their pre-teens or teenagers what self harm means and how to avoid this before it gets out of hand and tragedy strikes. During this stage in a human’s development, the mind can’t really weigh all of the consequences of a certain action and the negative influence of peers also may prompt that individual into making the wrong choices which lead to regret in the near future. Of course every one of us makes mistakes but the best way to protect ourselves from harm’s way and prevent others from going down the same road is to educate people about the issues and incidents which happen around us, from the cause to the cure, and really push forward the notion that it is alright to tell an adult if something is bothering you because in so many cases it just leads to suffering and even demise.

Overall, it’s a magical film of self-discovery, self-revelation and liberation, which no doubt will have relevancy for many more generations and could be considered a timeless classic upon its release. I loved it from the first moment to the last and I hope you will too. Life is a rollercoaster but if we prepare ourselves for it, we will have one hell of a time while it lasts. Stay infinite everyone and remember that it’s never too late to enjoy life and cherish every moment of your existence and those who you love and who love you in return.

Looper (2012)

Time stands still for a while and everything that you’ve ever feared is put in front of your very eyes and challenges you to defy your urge for self-gratification and complacency in your life and society as a whole. Looper is one of those rare delicacies in the action category of films which does incite our inner seed of sympathy and sentimentality, forcing us to realize what deserves and demands our attention most of all.

The year is 2044 and our hero’s story takes place in a city in the state of Kansas where violence, murder, drugs and sex are abundantly distributed and somewhat of a necessity. There exists a latent organization of assassins who are hired to kill those who have been sent back from the future, in order to rid the earth of them but nobody ever questions what their purpose is in this scheme; they just do what they’re told and receive their daily fee for their dirty work. In thirty years time, time travel will have been invented and immediately outlawed by a man called the “Rainmaker” who runs the mob of the future and severs the present day assassins contract by sending their future selves to their death at the hands of their younger selves. They receive their final paycheck in the form of gold bars and are given thirty years of life as a form of retirement until their imminent death. Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is one of the youngest assassins on the squad and is living the “good” life but at the same time is indistinguishable from anyone else in the city because of his conformity to the standards of society and his lust for a good time at the club and constant intake of drugs. Everyday is as sordid and squalid as the next, with his only form of redemption lying in his dedication to learning the French language. One by one, Joe watches his colleagues being discharged from their services but is somewhat dreading the day when he will have to pull the trigger on himself. One night, unlike any other, Joe gets a visit from his closest friend and colleague Seth (Paul Dano), who is absolutely agitated and daunted by what the mob will do to him for his inability to kill his older self and letting him escape in the process. Joe reluctantly agrees to harbor Seth until his trace has gone cold but he’s immediately targeted and brought to Abe (Jeff Daniels), the head of the mob who was sent back from the future to run the operation. After a short conference with Abe, Joe agrees to give up Seth for a reasonable amount of money but little does he know that his contract will be concluded in the coming days. After arriving for his next killing at an empty field, his next target is late by a few minutes causing Joe to become unsettled at the thought of what is to come. He recognizes his next victim but doesn’t pull the trigger, letting his older self (Bruce Willis) get the upper hand and escape death. Knowing what will be his fate after learning of Seth’s demise, Joe is on the run to find himself and convince the mob to keep their cool and let him deal with the situation he has dealt for himself. His older self, however, is on an entirely different mission and lets Joe know of his personal vendetta against the mob who gave him a purpose, yet who’ve taken away the one person who he has truly loved. Joe has to hustle to put the pieces together but gets caught up in the lives of a single mother Sara (Emily Blunt) and her unconventionally intelligent son, who might have something to do with the impending storm of trouble the world is heading towards. Will Joe get to the bottom of this conspiracy before it’s too late?

On an opening note I think the concept and overall production of this film despite its B-movie status were superb and astounding to say the least. I enjoyed it from the first moment to the last and its message was immensely meaningful and pertinent to our generation and the direction this country could be heading in. Extremely suspenseful and gripping, each moment of the film sustains its ability to evoke emotion and a keen sense of understanding of each of the character’s motives and inner turmoil behind their each and every action. Although the story is set in the future, its futuristic visuals aren’t as lurid and tawdry as you might expect probably because of how desolate and barren our country has become, but it does add to our greedy nature and neglectful attitude towards our surroundings which is amplified and taken to a whole new level in this film. The film does have an air of confidence and a strong sense of conviction concerning what goal it chooses to achieve and how it comes across to the audience. And despite the glum and hopeless atmosphere which was filmed to the peak of perfection, there is a ray of hope and a positive outlook on the future in the end. It truly is an ingenious piece of motion art which was expertly written and easy to follow despite the slightly elaborate chain of events which transpired and the choice of narrative which kept our brain cells on their toes as we were made to separate memories and fate from reality in order to keep up. I praise the writing abilities of Rian Johnson as well as his directing skills and spirit to present us with one of the most sincere sci-fi thrillers of all time in my opinion.

It was very ambitious and clever, I admit, to transform Joseph Gordon-Levitt into the younger version of Willis and it worked wonders without a doubt. As was stated by him in a recent interview, Gordon-Levitt did spend some time with Willis in order to study his mannerisms and physiognomy in order to catch and convey similar expressions and vocal patterns of his co-star on the screen. It was a necessary measure to make the actors look more alike for the sake of the story but then it’s the actor’s job to really sell it to us and keep us intrigued in their characters because they are playing one and the same person. Without a shadow of a doubt, both actors did a phenomenal job balancing their roles with one another while also having to tell their own individual stories through their characters. I was a little flustered and distracted at the beginning of the film seeing Gordon-Levitt look like a completely different person — although you could expect anything from a sci-fi film — but as I kept watching, all my concentration and focus shifted seamlessly onto the story and its symbolic significance in our world, emphasizing our human propensity for self-gratification at the expense of others and our will to find any means necessary to sustain our acquisition of objects or experiences which give us pleasure or indulgence in return.

One theme which did startle me and stay with me for a while, was our constant tendency to do what we think is right according to our views on life and what we want out of it, without thinking how it would affect those around us and if our actions will lead to a series of events which might devastate our entire existence and the surrounding environment. We’ve seen it all before in the history pages of our school books and how world leaders, past and present, with their actions have spurred some of the most horrific events that rattle our world till this day. Don’t be afraid to think something over before you act on it because any task which is carried out with a minimum amount of thought, planning or research behind it will lead to regret and anguish on your part or colossal dismay on the part of those surrounding you, whether it be your friends and relatives or your entire community. The more I think of it, the more I realize that this world consists of nothing but choices being made and the ramification that follow. Just a massive chain reaction which affects all our lives whether we like it or not. Frightening as it may sound, you should still enjoy the simple things in life, but when making decisions which could be life altering, use caution at all time and never give in to an arbitrary state of mind which seems to still get the better of us and exposes our primitive nature despite how far we’ve come in terms of knowledge and technological advancements. Social decay and desensitization isn’t far off on our society’s to-do list so what are you gonna do about it?

Another shocker which is relevant in its entirety for American society is gun use. In the film there are many instances where guns are used brazenly even if a person did so much as step close to someone’s personal property without their approval of it. People who are living out on the streets shoot anyone who they see steal their belongings without even calling the police, using their apparent right of self-appointed vigilantism to carry out their self-righteous deeds for justice. In a way it mirrors how our country’s laws protect those who shoot others just on the basis of their life being threatened. It really puts into perspective what these laws could lead to and how these murders can become the norm and there would be nothing which could protect us from our inevitable deaths. This film serves as a warning of what this country could become one day and urges us to voice our disagreements to our government and rally in unity solidarity for our voices to be heard when it comes to our protection. Imagine how terse and tense our discussions would be with each other if everyone could carry a weapon in this country. Do you see a brighter future?

Overall, this has got to be a re-defining moment for the genre of sci-fi and the direction it can take in the future. With a relatively small budget, this film speaks volumes and in context is larger in magnitude than you ever could’ve imagined. I admire Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s initiative and determination to make this story into a film for all to revere and marvel at on the big screen, and more importantly in their own home, with his contribution to the project as an executive producer. I hope everyone in the production staff is proud of their finished product and knows of the effect it will have on the public and their perception of the world and its inhabitants. Well done.

The Forger (2012)

After developing an interest in the acting abilities of Josh Hutcherson, following his performance in the blockbuster hit The Hunger Games, I stumbled upon this film and thought it might be of some worth because of the supporting cast and premise of the film. As it turns out, you can’t win them all, and no matter how promising it seemed, this film is a vapidly senseless product which only spawns interest because of its featured cast and nothing more.

The story takes place in the historically artistic town of Carmel, California where a fifteen year-old boy named Josh (Josh Hutcherson) has been abandoned by his mother and forced to fend for himself in these harsh and heartless times. Josh, however, happens to possess a rare talent which is his ability to project what he has seen and experienced in life onto a canvas. Art is what keeps him sane and his ability to recreate and complete unfinished artwork is astounding at the least. With nowhere to go and only memories and hope to hold on to, Josh stumbles into a mansion on the cliff overlooking the ocean and finds an art studio in the basement with an unfinished painting displayed on the stand. Josh decides to finish the painting which is modeled on another but as soon as the owner finds the completed product, he is absolutely dumbfounded by the attention to detail and how Josh has captured the essence of the original and maybe even enhanced the effect to some extent. The owner of the mansion happens to be an art dealer called Everly (Alfred Molina), who produces forgeries of famous works and sells them to high-profile figures for an ample amount of money, while simultaneously bringing more exposure to his gallery. He decides to take Josh under his wing and teach him the process of forging a painting from the initial stroke to the aging technique, promising him a future filled with anything he would ever need and much more if he proceeds to take on this profession. Meanwhile Josh has met a girl by the name of Amber (Hayden Panettiere), who is a resident of Carmel and the one person who attempts to understand Josh’s predicament and teach him about behaving himself and learning the town’s history and culture. He falls for her but she sees how immature he is and is more inclined to be his friend while he sorts out his inner turmoil, rather than develop a romance. Josh however is haunted by his past, using it as inspiration for his artwork and constantly enveloping his thoughts with memories of the dark days which cannot be erased. Concerned about Josh’s well-being, his acquaintances in Carmel try everything to take his mind off his miserable past, but will Josh be able to overcome the truth that he tries so hard to avoid and eventually realize his potential to be happy and successful in life?

Eager to see which other projects Josh Hutcherson has proudly graced this year, this has got to be a major pitfall although it is a dramatic piece and is supposed to evoke sympathy towards its characters. Despite its genre, the film seemed overworked and a scrambled mess from the confusing screenplay to the overly dramatic score which didn’t contribute any more emotion than it already had. The storyline felt edited to the point of exhaustion in order to fit the time frame of the film, eventually cutting the ending to a simple solution without contemplating and elaborating about what happened to Josh’s mother and the connection between Anne-Marie — played by the legendary Lauren Bacall — and the business of art forgery. Instead, the film takes a severe turn into the clichéd happy ending where the leading actor ends up with the girl who caught his attention from the beginning. I don’t hold anything against an ending like that, but the filmmakers should at least make an effort to put together the rest of the puzzle for their audience and present a well-rounded story with a minimum amount of plot holes before concluding their story. Contrived and made to look like a cheap television movie, The Forger fails to make a connection with the viewer and loses its essence midway through the film with its lack of chemistry between actors, and shaky production values.

The only part of the film which was pleasant to watch would have to be the breathtaking scenery of Carmel which somehow felt refreshing and diverting — to my relief — from the disastrous storyline that just dragged on and on. Of course you could see and experience the same beauty by visiting the town itself or just flicking through photos or documentaries about it, but at least that way there’s no need to sit through the mediocrity of this film for about an hour and a half when you could be watching something so much better.

I also don’t understand why such high-profile actors would take part in this indie flick. Possibly, they might’ve considered this project as an opportunity to exhibit the history of Carmel while playing characters that seemed to have a depth to them, but on-screen it didn’t quite pan out. I then found out that this film was actually shot in 2009 and was only distributed and publicized this year possibly due to the other blockbusters that Josh Hutcherson has taken part in. I admit that it’s a clever way to market your film, but it’s also a noticeable weakness on the part of the whole crew since it sheds light on the three-year gap that put the film on hold, presumably because of how little substance and value it possesses among the wide variety of indie films which want to claim their publicity based on the meaning of their story and the strength of their overall production, despite their small budget. It’s incredibly sad to see that a film like this could be put into the spotlight due to Hutcherson’s recent success in other mainstream films, when there are so many other films which are way more satisfactory and entertaining for both the mind and spirit.

On account of these numerous flaws, it was rather difficult to find a worthy message in the jumbled mess of relationships, unrealistic emotion, and overall plot. There was a splinter of a message about the struggles of belonging and our lifelong journey to find a place which makes us feel comfortable and safe despite all the outside chaos and calamity which shake up our world. Carmel is a picturesque example of serenity, but even in paradise you’ll find the presence of peaks and valleys in the land as well as its inhabitants. It can also be said that the environment and community we choose to inhabit, can also determine and give character to our personalities and treatment of others, as well as our appreciation and attention to details and the things we possess and hold so dear.

The Forger may be considered as a worthy resort on its initial preview, but I warn you that the title is extremely fitting in this film’s case. An absolute ruse in the presence of other genuinely heartfelt and though out pictures, it not only robs us blind, but also sabotages the reputation of the leading actors and actresses who no doubt can perform roles that are so much more challenging and fueled by a cause greater than themselves. Revealing its true colors, The Forger is one big fraud that is unforgivable without a shadow of a doubt because of its arrogance and pretentious nature; if it were an exhibit, I’d want my money back.

Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012)

Our favorite herd of incongruous species are back yet again for another wild adventure; this time the tides are changing and the land is shifting to form into a more modern version of planet Earth. Putting the prehistoric animals in danger, they have to race and outrun their limited time constraint in order to survive, but will their adventure be as fresh and exciting as the previous sequels and leave us wanting more? A wisp of doubt is starting to nibble at my heels about the future of the Ice Age franchise and the studio’s lack of ability to produce a screenplay and script that can compete with the bigger and more reliable studios like Pixar and Dreamworks.

After the events of the previous installment, this film is set quite a few years later with Manny (voiced by Ray Romano) and Ellie’s (voiced by Queen Latifah) daughter Peaches (voiced by Keke Palmer), who is now a teenager, looking to find a possible boyfriend for herself, but at the same time nervous about what her father will think of their relationship. Furtively sneaking out to hang out with other mammoths her age, she immediately falls for a mammoth named Ethan (voiced by Drake) and is willing to do anything to fit in with the others so he would take notice of her. Once her father finds out about her sneaky plans, he does what any father would do: intervene. Embarrassed about her father barging in on their party like that, Peaches condemns her father and wishes that he wasn’t her dad. Obviously hurt by Peaches’ remarks, Manny gets a small briefing from Ellie that Peaches is not a little girl anymore and she now has the right to experience things on her own and find out what is right and what is wrong if she is to become as wise and smart as her parents. Ellie also tells Manny that Peaches doesn’t actually mean what she said and that it’s all impulse and in-the-heat-of-the-moment. Just then, the Earth starts to shift quite drastically, forcing the herd to move fast if they are to get to safety before their land is crushed and covered by the approaching cliffs. During the mass hysteria taking place among the herd, Manny, Diego (voiced by Denis Leary), and Sid (voiced by John Leguizamo) are stranded on a fractured iceberg and have slowly floated out to sea but Manny is determined to get back to his family no matter what they have to do, and starts to scheme together a plan to make that happen. Just then, a band of pirates have caught up with them and taken them prisoner but Manny refuses to join their crew provoking the wicked Captain Gutt (voiced by Peter Dinklage) to take measures into his own hands and go after the ones who mean the most to him. After crippling and ultimately destroying the pirate ship, the trio and Sid’s grandma (voiced by Wanda Sykes)  have to move quickly and swiftly if they want to get back in time and save their loved ones from an even greater force which threatens to wipe out the animals and the habitat which they have grown accustomed to.

At first, I really had hoped that this movie would be as energetic and entertaining as I expect this series to be, but after about halfway through the movie, it dawned on me that the plot is so banal and mundane that you realize just how doomed this series has become over the years. The subplot of Scrat the prehistoric squirrel was more exciting to watch than the continuing journey of the unconventional friendship which we have fallen in love with from the first film, and I can see why they had to bring in a few notable singers such as Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj and other new characters to spice things up a little and deliver some surprisingly funny lines as a diversion from the jaded characters who made the series what it is in their previous adventures. There is a tenuous importance about the story and its message but otherwise it was just all over the place and didn’t have enough of a punch to be a memorable addition to the series which only redeems itself because of the first film which was so simple in animation and screenplay yet spoke volumes because it was so heartfelt and poignant in the intent and emotional journey of the characters. If they do indeed wish to continue making further development in the realms of this series, I hope they take a look back at how this story began and pull something from it to produce another great and pungent film which will make the people forgive and forget about the past mistakes of their previous sequels. Highly unlikely, I know, but at least we can still hope and voice our opinions about it.

Like the previous films in the series, it doesn’t depart from the formulaic consensus that centers around keeping family and friends as your first priority. Despite the group’s goal to help rescue the family that are stranded back home, they do make room for other animals like Shira the Smilodon, not only because Diego takes a liking to her, but because of empathy from the entire group and the ability to accept and welcome outsiders who don’t mean any harm and are trying to do the right thing even if they’ve been loyal to some of the most despicable creatures out there. The makers also manage to half-handedly present a breach in communication and the culminating reconciliation of the father-daughter relationship between Manny and Peaches which seems like it’s been under-dramatized to a certain extent and presented in a very benign and simple manner. It was as if Peaches realized her fault in pushing her father away, so quickly, that the film didn’t even take us through the journey of her mental transformation and maturity, but rather shifting the focus to her realizing that it isn’t necessary to change yourself in order to fit in with your peers, because all those that really matter are the ones that have been there for her throughout her entire life, during the peaks and valleys. A little childish in delivery, I admit, but still rather easy to follow for the children in the audience, and you can’t forget that this is in fact aimed at children, for the most.

Definitely not as good as the first film, but which of the sequels are? Implementing the use of more colors and layers in its animation while cunningly diverting our attention from the central focus of the film for a more enjoyable viewing experience, the highlights of the film are in no way associated with the three main characters, and that speaks volumes about the direction of the series and where its heart lies from now on. Drifting further and further from the characters who we’ve fallen in love with from the very beginning, you are left wondering why the spotlight and the charisma has fallen on the shoulders of the supporting and newly introduced ones.

Brave (2012)

After quite some time, Pixar has finally acknowledged the powerful force of a woman and their desire for freedom and choice in a world ruled by men. A Scottish tale set in ancient times is a promising premise to tell a story of a princess who wants more out of her life than conformity and docility.

Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) is a Scottish princess who has been trained and guided her whole life by her mother, Queen Elinor (voiced by Emma Thompson), to become the successor to the throne and that undeniably implies getting married. Merida however is particularly opposed to the idea of marriage and wishes to build her own life instead of following tradition and letting it determine the path her life will take. She longs for freedom and the ability to make choices for herself and of course mistakes if need be but her mother doesn’t flinch at her request to deviate from tradition and goes on to prep her for the arrival of the leaders of the other tribes and their young sons, who will be tested to see which is worthy of the honor to become the next King — after the departure of Merida’s father, Fergus (voiced by Billy Connolly) — and suitor to Merida. The big day has come and the three other Scottish tribes have arrived to perform the crucial step in their land’s subsequent history. Merida is still defiant of her mother’s wishes of conformity to tradition, but is willing to test each suitor in the skill she is positively proficient in – archery. After one of the young men unintentionally shoots the arrow at its designated target, Merida takes matters into her own hands and vies for her own hand and no doubt embarrasses the other tribes by succeeding. Her mother is the only one who seems to see her action as an unacceptable and childish attempt at defiance of their country’s long and uniform history so after an altercation with Merida, the princess storms out on her loyal steed to be alone in the only place she can be herself and exercise her free will – the woods. After running into some wisps that she saw earlier in her childhood, she chooses to follow them and see where they lead her as legend foretells. She meets a legitimate witch who offers her a magic spell which would change her mother’s mind about the betrothal, but as one thing leads to the other, it turns out to be something which Merida didn’t expect and wishes she would have apprehended prior to her purchase of the spell. Everything is turned upside down from then on and Merida is forced to not only come to terms with her mother’s transformation and current vulnerability, but also her role in the kingdom and the choices she makes, which in turn affect everyone else around her whether she likes it or not.

The animation style of this feature film is quite superb indeed; from the beautifully crafted scenery of the land and forests to the main heroines audacious hair, Pixar has done a wonderful job of creating a balance between the aesthetic qualities of the film and the characteristics of the characters presented. It could have easily been turned into a circus if only one aspect of a character — such as Merida — was over-emphasized and interpreted garishly, but Pixar was able to avoid that fate by sticking to what they do best – a poignant message and powerful characters that bring a human quality to any story they produce. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the film and its basis, I did think that at times the film deviated from its intended path and concentrated a bit too much on its humor and slapstick comedy. This was a bit of a pitfall for me and easily the main let down of the movie, which could have been so much more if only the story was a little more objective in its screenplay. Nonetheless, it does keep younger children interested and lets them have a laugh instead of just stumbling along with the characters’ struggles and goals. I commend Pixar’s dedication to the plot by involving actors from the Scotland area such as Billy Connolly, Kelly Macdonald and Craig Ferguson. I think it keeps the story genuine and leaves out the cheesiness of involving actors that can perform a Scottish accent; plus it gives those who come from Scotland a chance to showcase their oral talents by incorporating their Scottish spirit into the characters they are hired to portray.

An important message that was drawn from this film is the feistiness, courage, and overall independence of the main heroine, Princess Merida. Disney is widely known for their animated features about young women who need a handsome prince to come and sweep them off their feet or save them from a wicked protagonist which seeks to destroy them, but Merida is to date, the only princess who is in charge of her own destiny and able to fight for her freedom, seeking happiness and satisfaction from her ability to take care of herself without a man making her feel vulnerable and weak. It is definitely a breath of fresh air and strongly aimed at younger girls who need a bit of a boost and an overall change of perspective, that they are strong and able to achieve their dreams and make decisions for themselves without succumbing to the influence of men because of their history in dominating the many areas, whether it be work, sports, or societies ideals about marriage. Life is short and it is ultimately about making yourself happy and being able to say that you have followed your instincts and persevered despite the obstacles that society or family upbringing has thrown at you. Girls need to understand that now more than ever, is the chance for them to shine and excel in the fields which they feel passionate about; and there’s nothing wrong with making an early start. Of course there is a difference between exerting yourself and pushing away those who you think hinder your progress at succeeding, so don’t get the idea that it’s alright to act like a conceited jerk who only cares about their pursuits. Life is more than just a road to fulfill your dreams, it’s also the opportunity to enjoy yourself and spend time with those who love you and those who you love in return. Sometimes those relationships and experiences will make you or break you, but it is up to you to make those mistakes and learn from them as best as you can to make sure that your future is bright and hopeful. Family and friends have to be the things that ground you from flying too high above the ground, so please never neglect or forget those who taught you right from wrong and those who lived through those tough moments by your side. Never forget who your true friends are and you’ll be alright as long as you have something to reach for in this world.

Groundbreaking and unique in every way, Brave is great fun for the whole family and breathtaking in its presentation of setting and historical background. Determination will prevail in the end, and this film is a great pointer to our young viewers about how we perceive our lives and who is really in charge of our fate and destiny.

Simon’s Cat (Web Series)

You’ve probably heard about the YouTube sensation about the misadventures of a cat and his lenient owner Simon, but even if you haven’t, I’m here to break it down for you.

The series consists of the various escapades and capers that a cat gets caught up in, with the aftermath often gone unnoticed by the cat because of his oblivious nature and relentless desire to get fed. His owner however is not amused by the cat’s behavior but is quite mild in his response to his naughtiness.

The series was created by British animator Simon Tofield in 2008 and was inspired by his very own cats. The animation is very simple, with absolutely no color, just simple drawings of the cat, Simon, their surroundings, and other supporting characters. Basically, it’s a minimalist sketch. Although the approach to the animation and the set-ups for each episode are very simple and commonplace, I could see the appeal of it to many people around the world: it’s pure entertainment! It makes you smile and laugh at the cat’s curiosity and feral nature that make it cause so much trouble for the owner, while at the same time knowing its motivation behind some of its antics. Some would argue that the series doesn’t deserve the recognition it’s getting, but it’s a perfect link for cat lovers around the world and really brings out the essence of the screenplay because it is so stripped down in style. One of its main artistic accomplishments are the sound effects. From the movement of the objects, to the actual use of robin’s chirping, the sound department of the series is top notch and quite extraordinary in its own particular way. I believe it’s a very honest, but at times absurd depiction of a cat’s day-to-day needs and wants that keep its owner on their toes and provide a life which is full of surprises. Those who own cats themselves, are those who will fully appreciate the production of this series and the various stories that Simon’s cat creates for our enjoyment and benefit. It helps every now and then to realize the simple pleasures in life that a cat demands, and then in turn apply it to our own lives (without any damages of course).

The series continues to air on YouTube at this address: https://www.youtube.com/user/simonscat/featured; enjoy it with your family and friends, or on an individual basis. Folks of all ages are welcome to see the groundbreaking web series that keeps everyone happy and unable to fully condemn the pussycat that happens to be its star.

Ted (2012)

Who would’ve thought that a cuddly teddy bear could unleash so much chaos and filthy commentary? Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy, brings his talents to the big screen with a giant dose of unimaginable fun and blatant irreverence. Whatever he was on when he came up with this concept… I’ll take two.

John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) was not the most popular kid in school and never had any friends during his childhood. At 8 years old, John made a wish on Christmas Eve for his teddy bear to come to life. This wish coincided with a falling star and the next morning, Ted (Seth MacFarlane) was born. After a shocking introduction of Ted to John’s parents, Ted has a brief stint as a celebrity and went on to receive much attention in the press for his miraculous sentient abilities and charisma. But his flame petered out soon enough after he got caught with possession of drugs and soon enough, he was a sensation that was only a fleeting memory. It is now 2012, and John is in a 4-year relationship with his girlfriend Lori (Mila Kunis). Getting wasted with Ted almost everyday and working at a job he can’t stand, John is thinking about proposing to Lori but doesn’t have the means to do it and doesn’t want to disappoint her. Lori is very understanding of John’s situation and still loves him no matter what, but thinks that it’s time for Ted to move out if they want to have a smooth transition and a more grown up approach to life for John. Seeing that Ted is holding John back from his true potential and responsibilities, Lori convinces John that it won’t be so bad living apart, when they could still see each other and have a good time on a more toned down level. Ted then unwillingly gets a job at a grocery store to support himself and is adapting to his new life quite effortlessly; John on the other hand can’t seem to let their bond go away and looks for any given chance to hang out with Ted despite Lori’s best efforts to separate their clutches on each other. After a few unfavorable situations that John gets caught up in with Ted, Lori questions her commitment to John and thinks that maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Ted on the other hand has a few other problems to take care of such as a deranged stalker with an insidious agenda, and the mending of John and Lori’s lives if they choose to stay together. Will you be rooting for the little guy?

In a comedy film, you usually don’t expect many high-end special effects but as you may well know, Ted is not a real plush teddy bear but a computer graphic aided by the motion capture technology which was featured in films like Avatar and Happy Feet. When such a grand and rare piece of technology in the film industry happens to be in use, there is always pressure to deliver the most natural and realistic appearance to the characters portrayed on-screen. And let me just say that the on-screen presence of the risqué children’s toy in this film is seamless. From the lighting to the movements and the physical and verbal contact he has with the human characters in the film, it could not have been done better. Never once did I catch myself trying to find any flaws or speculating about the effect Ted has on his surroundings. He really does look like a teddy bear that can have a conversation with humans and Seth MacFarlane was in the driver’s seat the whole time, getting the exact effect he wanted to achieve that wasn’t overpowering in relation to the other characters but at the same time, was a scene-stealer in every way. Another incredible feat achieved by Seth MacFarlane was the interpolation of Ted into a Johnny Carson interview. It is an astounding achievement for a comedy film and was almost as epic as Forrest Gump’s montage of meetings with prominent figures of his time, which in turn garners that much more respect and appreciation for MacFarlane and his relentless efforts to make this film look like nothing we have ever seen.

The soundtrack consisted of many upbeat tunes from the Sinatra era and it does bring a nostalgic vibe to the production especially because the character John, seems to still be stuck in the past and has a childlike demeanor. Evident from his fanboy status for Flash the comic book character, his gentle nature towards his girlfriend, and his intolerance at hearing the c-word, John still exudes the same spirit he had when he was eight and Seth did a wonderful job writing this character while balancing and incorporating his own zest and flavor to the personality of the story and its supporting characters.

When it came to the jokes and social commentary, I thought that some were dead-on-the-nose but others were a bit amiss. I praise the satirical angle that MacFarlane was going for and the wry, straightforward manner that Ted delivered his lines. Most of the jokes, whether they were funny or not, were delivered by Ted but I didn’t know that Mark Wahlberg could be such a great actor when it came to the comedy genre and I really enjoyed his scene when he lists girls’ names only to fail at guessing Ted’s new girlfriend’s name. Pure comedy gold without any flinching from the actor who was previously known for his specialty in action and dramatic plots.

Surprisingly, there was space for a pertinent message that we could all relate to even though the script was filled to the rim with comedic gags and snide satirical references to stereotypes in our pop culture and issues which the country finds sensitive in content to this day. One of the points that stood out the most was obviously friendship and the disability that many men have when it comes to balance and fair treatment of their guy friends and their girlfriend. John is torn by leaving his one true friend Ted behind because of their tightly knitted bond since childhood but at the same time wants to move on in his life and live together with Lori. He can’t stand being detached from Ted for so long and maybe still wonders if Lori will be able to love him for who he is even if he is still in constant contact with Ted. Lori has proved that after four years, she still loves John but wants to improve his liability towards his work and the strengthening of their bond. She knows she can’t keep him away from Ted forever and makes compromises that would make everyone happy for their own sake. Although John and Ted are already buddies for life and there’s no getting around it, I feel like the film’s main focus shifts to Lori’s acceptance and development of cordial kinship towards Ted because she is seeking that equilibrium between the three of them in order to coexist peacefully and pleasantly. Without compromise, generosity and compassion, this world would crumble to the ground because none of us would be able to get along so why doesn’t everyone incorporate these three things into their daily lifestyle?

As this review comes to an end, I’d just like to say that this is an absolute joy ride which can get anyone with a sense of humor to grin and laugh. Not only is it a worthy contribution to the comedy genre and a must watch for the fans of MacFarlane’s other work, but Ted breathes life, soul and exuberance into our otherwise ordinary lives. For that little bit of magic with a touch of adult humor, this would be the film to see. Don’t be fooled by his adorable appearance, because underneath the facade is an animal that’s out of this world.

Prometheus (2012)

Swimming with questions that are yet to be answered, Prometheus is one of the most significant contributions to the sci-fi genre in recent years and a comeback for Ridley Scott into the genre that first led him to stardom.

In the year 2089, archaeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) find a cave mural in Scotland where the same star map that adorns many other ancient pieces of art in several ancient civilizations is featured. They think of it as an invitation to meet their creators and so are set on a journey to find them. In the year 2093, after over two years of travelling, they arrive on a moon called LV-223 which was the only one in the star map to contain the same kind of atmosphere as Earth. Exuberant and eager to finally meet their makers, the two scientists, along with a few others, set out to explore a structure they believe to house clues about the whereabouts of these humanoids or maybe even the humanoids themselves. Upon entering the structure, they set off trackers to create a map of the pathways and chambers that constitute the dome and are led to a sealed wall that houses something truly remarkable on the other side. They find the body of one of these humanoids and once David (Michael Fassbender), their android assistant, opens the door, they find the missing head that the door decapitated. They decide to take the head back to the spaceship, “Prometheus”, but not until they notice an array of strange-looking vases that seem to emit a layer of precipitation because of the change in atmospheric structure. The murals on the ceiling of the chamber also seem to change as a result of the team’s presence and Shaw insists that they leave the structure at once for fear of contamination. Meanwhile, David furtively packs one of these vases into his backpack to take it back on board the ship for further investigation. Because two members of the expedition got lost in the maze of tunnels of the dome, they are forced to spend the night because of a storm. They encounter a fatal blow that impacts the entire crew later on with Charlie being poisoned by the slime from one of the vases. It all starts spiralling down from there, and what they thought would be a peaceful reunion with their makers turns out to be a hostile trip to their supposed deaths. Will they be able to escape before all hope is lost, and what is really in the substance of those vases?

First of all, I just want to say that the movie is visually gorgeous with remarkably shot settings of mountains and rivers that are absolutely breathtaking. I was surprised to hear that all of the sets were actually built by hand instead of using a green screen to animate it. I don’t think there are many directors these days who are willing to keep their vision authentic and palpable but, all the sets including the ship and the chambers of the dome were epic in every proportion and were surprisingly tactile and wonderful especially brought out by the 3D format that the movie was originally shot in. Not only were the sets unfathomable to the senses but the characters were more so. My favorite character would have to be David played by the expertly rigid Michael Fassbender. When you have to play such a soulless character it is always a challenge to get it just right because the actors are just people and we have human emotions that need to be tamed in order to portray the right kind of mindset that a robot would have. But then again it is an infinite variety of paths which could be explored because we don’t fully know what it would be like to be a robot so it is most crucial to have the legendary direction of Ridley Scott to guide you in the role of such an enigmatic and unpredictable character. We all knew the potential of Noomi Rapace as an acclaimed actress due to her performance in the international “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” series and I think Scott made the right choice in casting her as the vehicle of this film. Her character displayed probably the most heart and kindness in a crew filled with stone cold intentions and just the need to fulfill their mission whereas she had a real purpose that tied in with her past and her search for answers for which she had questions when she was just a little girl. It was rather traumatic seeing her character suffer so much during the span of the film, but powerful in the sense that she still was willing to go further despite the cracks that adorn her soul. Another fantastic performance was shown by the ravishing Charlize Theron. Her character, Vickers, lurking in the shadows and being the puzzle that you try to solve without success was the cherry on the cake in this production. Although her screen presence could be seen as a minor influence in the plot, it was a triumphant moment in her career to play a character with so many layers although you get the feeling that she is a nuisance without a soul. Almost robotic in a sense.

The plot I thought was fascinating and compelling while viewing the film, but once you exit the theater, it starts to dawn on you that there are many plot holes or flaws that arise in the story. It may be a good reason to go back and watch it again and again, but there are so many points where you realize that you’re questioning the complexities of the characters’ actions and why a certain event happened and how did this happen in the first place. It all fits in with the occult theory of sci-fi and how we are bedazzled by the many unanswered questions of a story created with the future in mind. Thought-provoking and provocative in many ways, the pacing is what makes it go by so quickly, making us just appreciate the spectacle and the main message of the movie that probably prods at our mind every once in a while.

There are many strong pointers and messages which have been the spotlight of countless other films in recent years and one of them is a strong female protagonist who leads the way. The character Elizabeth Shaw is a perfect example of female fragility and vulnerability while still possessing a steadfast and decisive nature which emanates like a light source to every corner of the theater. A force to be reckoned with, she knows what is right and what is wrong, and is understanding of even those who are treated indifferently by others. I felt that the scene where she runs to get the c-section is her most powerful scene in the film; where she is looking out for herself despite all the precautions and inhibitions that the head of the crew have imposed upon her. It has an effective outreach to the American viewers because of the way abortions are seen by many in this country and that most women only get them because they fear for their life or their future because of some frightening instances that they have experienced in the past. It begs the question if you should actually look at the situation from the point of view of a person who is actually carrying a life-form inside of them, instead of judging them about potentially killing it when it could lead to a life of misery if not removed. Just to clear something up, a cell which grows inside a woman cannot be considered a life form with its own rights. Logically, it is the mother who should be looked out for and listened to instead of a hypothetical being which might be born one day. It can be argues that it was an alien and not a human being which she had in her stomach, but the parallels are in many ways obvious when it comes to what’s going on in this country.

Another particularly fascinating aspect of the story is of course humanity’s fascination with outer space and if we’re not alone in the Universe. We constantly strive to further our technological advancements in order to get closer to the truth, with some disputing that God is the ultimate deity who created us, while others stating that it was evolution which might have been influenced by creatures outside of our galaxy countless years ago. Fighting to prove who’s right, the battle has gotten out of hand countless times during this world’s history all because our egoistic, self-righteous nature to come out on top. And the movie does bring up the dispute of science against faith in the unproven presence of a God. But what some don’t understand is, whether it is a God or not that you believe in, we should be the writers of our own history and not leave fate to decide how our life will turn out. Yes, Christianity has taught us to be kind to others, but it has also been perverted to fit the agenda of those who run it. We must take charge of our own destiny while striving to move forward and claim the upper hand in knowledge and self-fulfillment. This also accentuates the title, “Prometheus”, and the legend of his crime against the gods for the good of mankind, which ties in with the development of the story and what you choose to learn from it.

There are too many other intricacies which will take a while to list and discuss, so I’ll leave you guys to figure it our for yourselves and take what you find meaningful from this film. Although this film is said to be a stand alone picture from the Alien series, I definitely think of it as a prequel when you think of the ending and the details scattered throughout. From the various theories about what the movie truly hold as its backbone, to the depth of the characters and their motivations, Prometheus is as tactile as the sets that were built to portray it and is worthy of the legacy which Ridley Scott has built from the ground up.

The Hunger Games (2012)

I’ve never heard of the Hunger Games stories before the announcement of this film’s release, but after seeing it in motion, this is the film that fans of the series as well as newcomers will be talking about for a long time after its initial release. Filled with fantastical visuals and bits of drama in between, The Hunger Games exceeded my expectations and sent me on a quest to know more about the series that I was once oblivious towards.

The premise of the film is an annual event called “The Hunger Games”, where one male and female who are 12-18 years old, are chosen from one of twelve districts that America– or as they call it in the story, Panem– is made up of. This event is the cause of a rebellion that the people of the country staged seventy-four years ago against the Capitol (government). As a result, they take away people’s children who fall into that age group to keep them grounded and exceedingly scared of the power that the Capitol holds over them. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is a sixteen year old girl who lives in District 12 of Panem. She hunts animals for food as well as for trading and selling in case they need any extra supplies. After the death of her father in a mine explosion, she becomes the head of the family since her mother has been shell-shocked ever since and her younger sister Prim is depending on her for her care and support. This year, Prim can also become one of the chosen Tributes to compete in the “Games” but Katniss reassures her that her chances are very slim and she has nothing to worry about. Subsequently, Prim is drawn as one of the Tributes and is in utter shock from these unexpected turn of events. Katniss can’t just let her go, and so she volunteers as Tribute to save Prim’s life. It is then the boys’ turn to be drawn and Peeta Mellark, (Josh Hutcherson) who is the baker’s son is thrust into the “Games” alongside Katniss. Katniss immediately recalls the time Peeta threw her a loaf of bread after he saw her starving in the rain, but is still uncertain inside about the burden she carries of trying to repay him for his kindness. She feels that once someone has done a kind deed for her, it is her obligation to pay them back for it. They then travel to the Capitol to start their training for the competition. Greeted by the many wealthy people of the Capitol as heroes, Peeta thrives in the spotlight while Katniss recedes inside herself from the people that she feels aren’t trustworthy. Upon meeting their mentor Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) who is a former winner of the “Games”, Peeta tries to get on his side if he’s to receive some life saving tips and strategies while Katniss displays aggressive behavior and a difficult attitude in regards to their mentor’s demeanor. Bearing an enormous responsibility to her family back home and a defiant mindset towards all those who stage this brutal event, Katniss doesn’t release her grip from any of their throats and is doubtful of Peeta’s intentions when he publicly reveals his feelings for Katniss. The games are about to begin but is Katniss’s determination, skill and slyness alone, enough to keep her alive and ticking in the race for her life? And is she able to trust Peeta despite his smooth-talking nature and the possibility of his love for her being only a gimmick to gain favor with the crowd?

The movie is definitely a fascinating study of society as well as the amount of control the government can impose on its people. The film incites us to think of ourselves as the audience of the many reality television shows that swarm the networks these days and question our principles and purposes of watching people running their lives as well as seeing them in many mortifying situations that we think of as entertainment. The film shows us the extremes these reality shows can include if something like this ever happens, and gives us a wake up call about the many horrible things that we choose not to see people part-take in while blinding ourselves with their glamorous appearances and how grand they seem to be on TV. But what we don’t want to see when we watch reality television, is how normal these people are and that they have just as many problems if not more as regular people do. The average joe has to always concoct a fantasy for themselves to dream of when they want to escape the ordinary lives they lead, but what they don’t realize is that they have to lead their life in a way that makes it enjoyable and worthwhile. Only then will people realize that they are living the dream and their limits are sky-high. Katniss is the one who doesn’t conform to the regularities and finds ways to gain an advantage no matter what situation she’s in, showing us that outside-the-box thinking is truly necessary for survival even if you’re not fighting till the death in a televised battle.

The film also provokes us to challenge the views of the government or governing bodies that cause us to think and act the way they would want. Reminding us of the many riots and protests that take place today even within the student body, it shows us how oppressing the government could get if we don’t speak up and raise a wave in our communities. The ripples that these waves cause will eventually reach national attention and prompt others in the same situation to get up and fight for what they believe in. Katniss’s defiance towards the government and all those who live the easy life, sends out a signal of hope to all those who are continuously fighting to have their voices heard and to reach a decision which should unfold in their favor. If we are to be self-governed and not let the government decide our fate, we need to cause riots and protests towards the events and announcements that violate our way of living and the opportunities that we could lose as a result. If we would let go of everything we care about and our viewpoints, the government would indeed tighten their grip and realize that we are puppets who are willing to be pushed around and be told what to do. So now you see that this film is not a just a vehicle for crazy fans to swoon over and gush about. It is a truly effective piece about people’s rights that serves to empower our beliefs and pass it on to the government that should help keep our principles alive other than greedily hoarding their power and resources for the bourgeoisie population. Disturbing acts aren’t only committed in the arena where “The Hunger Games” take place, but also where you wouldn’t initially look for them.

The acting job done by Jennifer Lawrence is truly wonderful but might also be considered as a continuation of her role in the film that earned her first Oscar nomination. From her many nuances in the film, it definitely shows you how dedicated she is to portraying Katniss to the fullest extent. She shows us many shades of her acting that reflect towards our interpretation of Katniss, and it’s anything from a little smile to the feeling of sheer agony that prove her to be a breakthrough actress in the field of the many rising starlets that make up the industry. Josh Hutcherson also did a solid job capturing the essence of Peeta and luridly putting across his rendition of a supporting character that gives Katniss any glimpses of hope while trying to survive in the darkest of moments. Of course he will be branded as a heart-throb the moment the girls see him, but that’s also a part of spawning interest in the already ignited flame that is the franchise. His eyes are kind and it’s ultimately through them that he reveals Peeta’s true nature even if Katniss is at a loss for words while trying to figure him out. Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Elizabeth Banks get to show their pompous, self-satisfied inner egos while portraying the characters that come from the wealthy population of the Capitol. From the garish hair and squeaky voices to the ridiculously voluminous outfits and large white teeth, both Tucci and Banks really set the bar high for the most pretentious characters in the series that ultimately humors the shallowness of the rich and powerful.

Overall, it’s a film that gets younger viewers involved in the much more mature themes of power and independence at a young age as well as letting them choose who to root for on the basis of those who are fighting to bend the rules they are given. It’s an important step in cinema not only because of the hype surrounding it, but also the kind of messages you can get across to the masses if you are basing it on an established and highly successful piece of writing. View at your own risk and may the odds be ever in your favor.

The Woman in Black (2012)

Marking Daniel Radcliffe’s first film since finishing the Harry Potter series, The Woman in Black is one of the most chilling ghost stories to hit theatres in recent years. Filled with scares, thrills and chills; it’s sure to make you believe in the vengeful spirit of those that moved on and the frightening stories behind them.

A young lawyer from London named Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) is sent on a trip to a remote village in England to recover the paperwork of a deceased owner who lived in a house that the locals believe to be haunted. Arthur hopes to be able to finish his duty without any delay, prompting him to move briskly in his search of the house. He has plans for his son to come visit him at the village for a short vacation, in search of finding happiness after the death of his beloved wife. After visiting the house for the first time, he sees a black figure of a woman on the property and becomes curious about the history of the manor. The village residents urge him to leave the place urgently so as not to upset her spirit. After witnessing the death of two children, and a couple of disturbed parents whose children have died some time ago, he decides to fall deeper down the rabbit hole and help the woman in black recover what she is looking for. Will his efforts anger her or please her, only God knows; but maybe it will make him realize the most important things in his life and the need to let go of the past in hopes of a better future. Their stories intertwine, but are they ready to let go of the past just yet?

Many horror films that came out in recent years required gore and violence to please the audience, but this film is one of the more unconventional horror releases of the 21st century that stick to the art of storytelling. Replacing gore and violence, for chilling apparitions and the horrifying stories behind their grudges is an admirable step in the outlying minority of horror films. Taking a risk has always been a perpetual part of making movies, and the persistence of everyone taking part in this production has not been done in vain. When it all comes down to what we think about horror, pictures of blood and raw violence pop into our heads; but this film chose to take on a story set in the early 20th century about the spine tingling mystery of a woman who has lost something that was precious to her, and never receiving any recognition from it, even in death. That is what fascinates me most about her past. It’s a jab at our constant fascination with death and the constant thoughts we have about the afterlife and if it in fact exists.

The cinematography was presented luridly but at the same time neutrally, with the harsh juxtaposition of stark whites and blacks being mixed together in montage to create an eerie feel of a portending spirit and the relentless task she has pursued for so long. It comes down ultimately to the score to pull off a one-two punch and send us on a trip to hell and back. The unwanted silence and the fear that builds up to any moment of fright, is never truly relieved by the feeble murmurs and wailing sounds of music. The tension is everlasting and makes the film so much more compelling and captivating to watch.

Daniel’s acting was surprisingly impressive and very daring. I especially liked the part where it’s just him walking around the house and there is no dialogue whatsoever. The only downturn for me was probably the ending, because it seemed so abrupt and almost like it was cut short. You expect a happy ending and in a way it probably was, but it didn’t seem that way at all. The woman in black will still continue haunting children and brutally killing them because of her continued belligerence and grudging mindset. She will ultimately never be at peace and she has herself to blame for the devastation she caused to the residents of the town who did nothing wrong. Besides all the gloominess and ghastly surroundings, there is a point that is conveyed in this story. First of all, you must let go of the past and live in the present and for the future. The woman in black and Arthur’s situations correlate and ultimately define their actions. Except Arthur chose to live for the benefit of his son, while the ghost chose to make other people’s lives miserable because of her green-eyed jealousy and agro towards the death of her long lost son. Everyone has a choice when they are dealt a loss, and unfortunately some can’t handle it as well as others. The most important thing is to not let yourself wallow in your pity for too long, letting the loss devour you whole. It’s a bit of a cautionary notice, but something we can all relate to nonetheless.

Overall, it’s a surprise hit that’s sure to be popular with horror fans all over the world even if it doesn’t include the quintessential attributes of a typical horror. Expect your eyes to be wide open for even the most shocking revelations, and squinting in the quietest of moments because that’s when she will strike. Adrenaline will rush through your veins when dead silence approaches, and that’s when you know the film has achieved its desired effect. Your senses will guide you on the journey ahead, and stop you dead in your tracks during the last minutes of it. Classical in tone, but revolutionary in genre and the current movie scene.