Mulan

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This film is based of the Hua Mulan legend from ancient China. Mulan is a young woman who decides to take her ailing father's place in the army. Through the war, Mulan discovers more about herself, her family, and honor than she ever anticipated. 

This film was directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook. Surprisingly, this film did not create much controversy. This film un-expectantly hints at several adult themes. It brought to question the roles of feminism and the culture of China. This film is a great animated film. It created an very new artistic style that remained true to the feel of China. The story is kept basic, but powerful and heartfelt. The story implies several important themes without delving too deeply into them. There is a lot of action through the film, but there is no real violence. There are small details that are not true to Ancient China, but it does not hinder the story. The story is original to Disney animated films. The songs in this film did hinder the film in that it hurt its pace. However, the music was familiar of the disney style.

The cast worked great together in creating unique characters. Lea Salonga voiced the role of Mulan. She was great in her role. She create a new image for women in Disney. Still beautiful and charming, yet strong and brave. Eddie Murphy voiced the role of Mushu. He was great in his role. He added tons of humour to the film. Donny Osmond voiced the role of Shang. He was great in his role.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a refreshing film to come from Disney. Even if its does openly express very unique ideals.

Answer to last blog: Actress Geena Davis, Beetlejuice, also starred in the film Thelma and Louise.

Que: Which Hayao Miyazaki film did actress Lea Salonga star in?

Kiki's Delivery Service
Spirited Away
Castle in the Sky
My Neighbor Tortoro

Beetlejuice (1988)

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Adam and Barbra Maitland find themselves struggling to understand the afterlife. The Maitland's find themselves trapped in their old home after their death. After a new family (Delia, Charles, and Lydia Deetz) move into their house, and cause a stir. The Maitland's hire a "Bio-Exorcist" known as Beetlejuice to try to remove the Deetz from their home.

This film was directed by Tim Burton. This film carries all the usual goth imagery and quirky humor of a Burton film. However, this film established Burton's artist style in a full length feature film. This film mixed the genres of horror and comedy with a portion of fantasy. This mix of genres opened to its animated series a year later. The films story was unique to Hollywood. The story is very heartwarming and melodramatic. It provided a different view of the afterlife that wasn't entirely depressing. It provided some goth entertainment for open families. The Deetz world is goth and unnatural. The otherside is very goth and equally unnatural. Although, there is a difference between these two worlds. Naturally, this film is not for all audiences. There is violence, but no gore. 

The cast worked great together. Alec Baldwin played the role of Adam Maitland. Geena Davis played the role of Barbra Maitland. They were great in their roles. They gave the film a romantic edge. Michael Keaton played the role of Beetlejuice (There are several spellings for his name). He was great in his role. He created a very unique character that unfortunately didn't receive enough screen time. Winona Ryder played the role of Lydia Deetz. She was great in her role. Catherine O'Hara played the role of Delia Deetz. Jeffrey Jones played the role of Charles Deetz. They were great in their role. They provided a modern family image. Glenn Shadix played the role of Otho. He was great in his role. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! I'm one of the strange ones who grew up with this film. It is a great unique film that all audiences can watch.

Answer to last blog: Actor Ben Affleck, Argo, starred and wrote the film Good Will Hunting.

Que: Actress Geena Davis also starred in the film... ?

Thelma & Louise

The Addams Family

The Silence of the Lambs

Hook

Argo (2012)

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This film is an adapted dramatization from The Master of Disguise written by CIA operative Tony Mendez, and "The Great Escape" (Wired) written by Joshuah Berman. CIA operative goes into Tehran, Iran to rescue six refugees from Iranian protestors. This takes place during the 1979  Iran Hostage Crisis. 

This film was directed by Ben Affleck. This film has stirred some conflict in it's poor portrayal of the Iranian people. It also has a dark, and non-descriptive, image of the Hostage Crisis. This film went a lot of lengths to get historical accuracy, and it shows through the course of the film. Naturally, this film is not going to be 100% accurate history. The story does offer a feeling of dark tension and hope. It is very predictable-especially if you know your history. This film doesn't keep the ending a big mystery for those who know, but it keeps it secretive for those who don't. There is a lot of violence, but there isn't any real gore. This film also isn't much of an action film. A lot of the cinematography is taken from old photographs. There are also a ton of references of the 1970's era through out the film. The music also adds to the 1970's feel.

This film hails a lot of familiar actors from older Hollywood films. There are a lot of characters that could've been opened in the story, but weren't. Ben Affleck played the role of Tony Mendez. He was great in his role (especially for being a director and producer). He kept his character blank, but managed to place hints of emotion into it. Bryan Cranston played the role of Jack O'Donnell. He was great in his limited role. John Goodman played the role of John Chambers. He was great in his limited role. Alan Arkin played the role of Lester Siegel. He brought a great energy to the film. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! This is a great film for this age. It has a heartwarming story that gives some light to the American government. 

Answer to last blog: Actress Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty, also starred in the film Mama.

Que: Actor Ben Affleck wrote and starred in the film...?

Pearl Harbor

Good Will Hunting

The Town

The Sum of All Fears

Zero Dark Thirty

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This film is a chronicle dramatized retelling of the famous operation (manhunt) that found al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama (Usama) bin Laden. This occurs after the 911 attacks, and presents an image for the NAVY S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May 2011.

This film was directed by Kathryn Bigelow. This film has faced much criticisms and allegations. Some of the bigest might the mishandeling of information and its images of American soldiers torturing prisoners. There is no denying that this film has a purpose, a message, and some untold misdoings. This film does open with a ton of information, and takes its time explaining all this required information. This film is not an action film, it is more an intelligence CIA film than anything else. This film's story does rise of increasing tension and apprehension. The story also blurs the small details of truth to add dramatization to the film. Do not expect the full truth from this film. The opening sequences of torture are fitting to a military/CIA/Manhunt film. This does do its job in creating a stir and making audiences think about our roles in global society. The cinematography was great for this film. It added to militarized desperation feel. 

The cast worked great together in this film. Unfortunately  the script did allow for much open individual characterization. However, it worked to give the film a classified feel. Jessica Chastain played the role of Maya. She was great in her role. She created the ideal image for this film. Jennifer Ehle played the role of Jessica. She was great in her limited role. Jason Clarke played the role of Dan. He was great in his limited role.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It a good film to watch that marks an important moment in our nation's history.

Answer to last blog: Director Hitchcock's last film was Family Plot in 1976.

Que: What other film did actress Jessica Chastain star in?

Jack the Giant Slayer
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
Mama
A Good Day to Die Hard

Hitchcock

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This film is based off the novel Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho written by Stephen Rebello. This film is a biographical drama about the film producer/director Alfred Hitchcock. In 1959, Hitchcock stumbles upon his most controversial, and greatest, film-Psycho. However, creating this film he is forced to face himself.

This film was directed by Sacha Gervasi. I was disappointed to not be able to see this film in theaters. This film is a great biographical film. The story creates a humorous and dark portrait of the silhouetted man. This films plays with cinematography to add to the various emotions Hitchcock is facing. There are also several nods to Hitchcock's other films and works. It also presents a different image to the filmmaking process. This film also creates varied portrayals of the women involved in Hitchcock's life. This film has several great sequences that go from humour, to horror, and to poetic joy. This film only has one song-the Psycho theme. This worked greatly for the film. 

The cast worked wonderfully together. Anthony Hopkins played the role of Alfred Hitchcock. He was great in his role. He was unrecognizable in this role-except for his infamous piercing stare. Helen Mirren played the role of Alma Reville. She was great in her role. She was able to stand opposite Hopkins with talent and poise. Jessica Biel played the role of Vera Miles. She was great in her role. She pulled off the softer image of the Hollywood actress. Scarlett Johansson played the role of Janet Leigh. She was great in her role. Toni Collette played the role of Peggy Robertson. She was also great in her role. Michael Wincott played the role of Ed Gein. He was great in his role. He created a new image for the murderer. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great biographical film. It creates a unique portrait of the infamous Alfred Hitchcock.

Answer to last blog: The Ring created the nightmare that inspired the film Sinister.

Que: What was Alfred Hitchcock's last film?

Family Plot

The Birds

Vertigo

North by Northwest

Sinister

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Ellison Oswalt is a true crime novelist looking for his next big novel seller. He begins researching a new case about a murdered family by moving into their old house. He discovers a box of 8MM films that contain various family murders. Oswalt, unable to stop, begins to realize that there is something more sinister behind these murders.

This film was directed by Scott Derrickson. This film is genuinely scary. The story combines familiar forms of horror, and adds several new twists into the story. The story contains several unexpected moments of squirm in your seat, and jump in your seat. The story also does a great job in revealing the necessary details until it is needed. The opening sequences is unexpectedly volatile, because it feels like an invasion of some dark family secret. It continues to keep that feeling that your invading someone's darkest secrets, but you are unable to look away. It is unique to combine both handheld camera visuals with haunted house visuals. The lack of music is great until the end is great. It keeps the film audience in suspense. It is surprising that this film does not have a ton of gore. The only real gore is in the end with a lot of blood. However, this film does hint at it. The villain was also great in this film. He was different from other films, but also familiar to the genre. Not bad for a film based off a nightmare.

T he cast worked great together. Ethan Hawke played the role of Ellison Oswalt. He was great in his role. You could feel him slipping into an obsession. James Ransone played the role of the Deputy. He was great in his role. Juliet Rylance played the role of Tracy. She was good in her small role. She played the familiar role of a wife/mother. Clare Foley played the role of Ashley. She was great in her role. She gave the film an unexpected creepiness. Michael Hall D'Addario played the role of Trevor. He was good in his role. He added to the films sense of horror.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great horror film made to terrify its audiences.

Answer to last blog: Actress Rachel Weisz, Oz the Great and Powerful, also stared in the film The Fountain.

Que: What ghost horror film inspired this film?

The Grudge
The Ring
Gothika
House on Haunted Hill

Oz the Great and Powerful

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This film is based off L. Frank Baum's characters from the Oz novels. It is also a prequel to the 1939 MGM Film The Wizard of Oz, and the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Oscar Diggs, Oz, works as a carnival magician. He escapes into a tornado that transports him into the land of Oz. He meets three witches, Theodora, Evanora, and Glinda. Oz is soon faced with a choice of destroying the wicked witch and saving the land of Oz, or finding a way back home.

This film was directed by Sam Raimi. This film isn't based directly off a novel. Instead it acts as a prequel to the novels, and establishes the characters in a different light. It also offers an explanation as to how the characters become who they became. The story becomes predictable, but it is full of childlike charm. The unfortunate part is that any mystery is discovered by knowing the character names. It can be hard to enjoy the movie since the characters aren't entirely likable. Unfortunately  this does keep true to the characters. There are also several cheesy over the top moments. It can be frightening to some children with moments that could make you jump, but it is family friendly. There are several adorable characters, and there is plenty of references to the original Wizard of Oz. It was unique to watch the screen go from standard to widescreen. It was also interesting to watch it begin in black and white and transfer to color like the 1939 film. There is a ton of computer animation in this film. It could have done well with less, but it does offer plenty of visual eye candy to audiences.

The cast worked well together. James Franco played the role of Oscar Diggs/Oz. He was good in his role. He did go over the top at moments, but he fit the character. Mila Kunis played the role of Theodora. She was over the top-especially when she turned into the Wicked witch. She tried too hard to imitate Margaret Hamilton-even in cackle. Rachel Weisz played the role of Evanora. She was good in her role, but she was obvious about her deception. Michelle Williams played the role of Glinda/Annie. She was good in her role. She kept true the over the top goodly character. Zach Braff voiced the character Frank. He was great in his role. He gave the film an unexpected humour. Joey King played and voiced the roles of China Girl/Girl in Wheelchair. She was great in her roles. She did appear slightly creepy as the girl in the wheelchair, but that was because of being over done with make-up. As the China Girl she was adorable.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! The characters might be unlikable, and it may be over the top, but it works. It is an entertaining film to watch.

Answer to last blog: Actor Nicholas Hoult, Jack the Giant Slayer, played the role of Hank McCoy/Beast in the film X-Men: First Class.

Que: What other film did actress Rachel Weisz also star in?

Casino Royale
Babel
The Fountain
Inside Man

Jack the Giant Slayer

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This film is based off the fairytales "Jack the Giant Killer" and "Jack and the beanstalk". An ancient war between giants and humans has faded into legend. Years later, Jack (a farm boy) is caught within the mystical story when a monk hands him some mysterious beans. Isabelle (a princess) arrives at his home one fateful night. The two are thrown into an adventure as a giant beanstalk grows through Jack's home and lifts it to a land between heaven and earth; a land inhabited by giants with a taste for human blood.

"Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum." This film was directed by Bryan Singer. This film is following the trend of classic fairytale stories becoming modernized for newer audiences. This film is much lighter than recent adaptations. The story is very adventures and predictable. The characters lead the familiar story of a hero rescuing a princess and a kingdom from monsters. However, this story is fun and entertaining to watch. Some children may get frightened, but its suitable for children-no real gore. There is, however, some violence. The computer animation was well done for the backdrop of the giant's floating island. The floating island was great to watch, because it felt ancient and mythical. The computer animation for the giants was slightly unusual to watch. It did keep an animated feature to them.

The cast worked good together, but they spent too much time acting for children that it appeared lackluster. Nicholas Hoult played the role of Jack. He was great in his role. He created a likable character who relies on luck and intelligence instead of strength. He is really beginning to open up as a leading actor. This film introduces him into a new genre. Eleanor Tomlinson played the role of Isabelle. She was good in her role. She played the popular generic role, and did not bring anything new to the role. Ewan McGregor played the role of Elmont. He was good in his role of a generic hero. There was enough in this role to make acceptable. Stanley Tucci played the role of Roderick. He was good in his role. He was a very cheesy villain with no explanation as to why. Ian McShane played the role of King Brahmwell. He was good in his role. He brought a sense of childlike nobility to the film.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! This film is predictable and cheesy, but it is a good family adventure film.

Answer to last blog: Actress Eliza "Hope" Bennett, Inkheart, also starred in the film The Prince and Me.

Que: Director Bryan Singer wrote and produced X-Men: First Class that starred actor Nicholas Hoult. What character did Nicholas Hoult play?

Janos Quested/Riptide
Alex Summers/Havok
Armando Munoz/Darwin
Hank McCoy/Beast

Inkheart

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This is based off the novel, of the same name, written by Cornelia (Caroline) Funke. Meggie, discovers that her father has a gift to bring storybook characters to life by reading it aloud (also known as Silvertongue). Meggie quickly discovers that her mother, Resa, was pulled into a story as the stories villains (Capricorn and Basta) and the stories main protagonist (Dustfinger) were brought into their world. Meggie must help her father to restore order. 

This film was directed by Iain Softley. I cannot tell how truthful this film is to the novels. This film is unique with its story. However, since this is the start of the series, it is held back by its need to explain everything and convey the appropriate story. The story is very heartfelt and light spirited-even if it is predictable. There are a lot of character and story cliches typical for films of this genre. It is a great fantasy adventure that'll get some children to read more. The computer animation was well done and kept moderately limited. It was great seeing the character Farid (a new variation of Aladdin) along with a few other familiars in this film. The backdrop was well done using old style Europe, and Capricorn's castle, really worked for the film. 

The cast worked great together. Even though this film is a children's story, it focus' more on the father than the daughter. Brendan Fraser played the role of Mo (Meggie's father). He was great in his role. He created a heartfelt character driven to save his family. Eliza "Hope" Bennett played the role of Meggie. She was great in her general role. More could've done with her character to make her stand out better. Paul Bettany played the role of Dustfinger. He was great in his role. He created an amazing fictional character. Helen Mirren played the role of Elinor. She was great in her small role. Andy Serkis played the role of Capricorn. He was great as the villain. Jim Broadbent played the role of Fenoglio. He was great in his small role. He created the image of an author. Sienna Guillory played the role of Resa (Meggie's mother). She was also great in her small role. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a great family film that get some children reading. It is full of character and story cliches though.

Answer to last blog: Actor Jeremy Irons, Beautiful Creatures, also starred in the novel/film adaptation of Eargon.

Que: What film did actress Eliza "Hope" Bennett also star in?

Mean Girls
The Incredibles
The Prince and Me
The Butterfly Effect

Beautiful Creatures (2013)

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This film is based off a novel, written by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, with the same title in the Caster Chronicles. Ethan meets the girl from his dreams, Lena. He soon learns that Lena is a caster (witch) that is about to face her upcoming fate of becoming a dark, or light, caster. 

This film was directed by Richard LaGravenese. I can not tell how truthful this film is to the novel. Unfortunately, this film falls after the Twilight craze has ended. This causes the film to be doomed to be compared to the Twilight franchise. However, this film does involve a young paranormal romance, but youth does not play deeply into the story. This film feels like it could apply to most audiences. The story is dark, emotional, and heartfelt. Its taking place in a southern religious small town is common, but is fitting for the story.  The use of visual affects were well done. The magic had a feeling of power, but believable power. The costumes were very well done. They really presented each characters different dark personalities. There are some moments when the film can be unnerving, but it is not a horror film. 

The cast worked great together. Even though many of the characters were typical for this genre. Aiden Ehrenreich played the role of Ethan Wate. He was great in his role. He created a smart mouthed romantic. It can be tiring after a while, but the film shifts gears before it does. Alice Englert played the role of Lena Duchannes. She was great in her role. She create the usual super powered outcast. Jeremy Irons played the role of Macon Ravenwood. He was great in his role. He created someone who appeared protective and frightening. Emmy Rossum played the role of Ridley Duchannes. She was great in her role. She created a hell of a 'siren'. Emma Thompson played the role of Mrs. Lincoln/Sarafine Duchannes. She was great in her dual roles. She created an usual unnerving character.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is the newest in paranormal romance, but it does stand out. The films story and familiar characters carry it into the new year.

Answer to last blog: Writer/director/voice actor Seth MacFarlane, Ted, also lent his voice to the character Johann in Hellboy II: The Golden Army.

Que: What other novel adaptation did actor Jeremy Irons star in?

Twilight

Percy Jackson

Eargon

Harry Potter

Ted (2012)

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John Bennett was a lonely child who made a Christmas wish for a best friend. His wish came true bringing to life his teddy bear-Ted. Years later, Ted and John remain best friends for better or worse. Their friendship is tested with John's love for Lori Collins.

This film was written and directed by Seth MacFarlane. This film in many ways feels like a continuation to Family Guy. It recycles much of the same jokes from the animated series, and brings them into a new light. The story is very heartfelt, but the script contains a ton of adult humor. It makes fun of commonplace people and everyday life. Even if the humor feels recycled it is still fun to watch. There are a few over the top moments where the joke gets lost, or bundled by overuse. I was slightly surprised by ending, but it wasn't wholly unique for these types of films. The story kept a serious tone but kept it light with comedy. There was a sub-plot that accomplished a lot for the ending, but it felt out of place. The film also brings back several old time nerd features that might have been forgotten. The computer animation for Ted was well done. There were a few moments when it was kind of obvious, but it did not hinder the film. Often times, its awkwardness added to the humor. Using Boston as the backdrop was great. It gave the film its comedic-serious tone. 

The cast worked great together. Mark Wahlberg played the role of John Bennett. He was great in his role. He created a Boston nerd with a child complex very well. Seth MacFlarlane voiced the character Ted. Apart from reminding me of Peter Griffin he was great. He created a likably flawed character. Mila Kunis played the role of Lori Collins. She was good in her role. She was there as the girlfriend, but she felt to limited to this role. Joel McHale played the role of Rex. He was good in his small role.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! The humor is there, and the story is there. However, this film feels like a recycle of Family Guy. 

Answer to last blog: Director Darren Lynn Bousman, Repo! The Genetic Opera, did not direct Saw. 

Que: What character in Hellboy II: The Golden Army did director/writer/voice actor Seth MacFarlane lend his voice to?

Hellboy

Prince Nuada

Abe Sapien

Johann