Lizzie Borden Took An Axe

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is a biopic based on Lizzie Borden. In 1892 Fall River, Massachusetts, young Lizzie Borden was tried for the brutal murder of her father and step mother. 

This film was directed by Nick Gomez. This made for television film was created for the Lifetime network. Like most other networks, they are looking for modern dark stories to reach new audiences. Apparently, this film was so popular that it spurned Lifetime to recreate it as a short series. This film places more of its focus around the murders and around the court case; which is cool to watch. The story implies heavily that she is guilty, but it does offer some room for doubt. I can not tell how accurate the film is to actual history. There is some blood and nudity in this film. The cinematography does offer a subtle unnerving feeling. The only thing that stands out is that this film takes place in the late 1880's, and they play rock music. It is fitting, but it ruins the atmosphere of the film. Christina Ricci played the role of Lizzie Borden. She was great in the role of Lizzie Borden. She was able to not only make this character sympathetic, but also unsettling. Clea DuVall played the role of Emma Borden. She was great supporting Ricci.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a good dark film without being over the top gory. 

Answer to last blog: James Franco, Child of God, directed the film As I Lay Dying that featured actors Scott Haze and Tim Blake Nelson.

Que: What other made for television movie featured both actresses Christina Ricci and Clea DuVall?

How To Make A Monster

Helter Skelter

The Laramie Project

Ricochet

Child of God

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based of the novel, with the same title, written by Cormac McCarthy. In 1960's Sevier County, Tennessee, Lester Ballard lives outside of modern society. Lester's feeble mind turns to crime and degradation as he starts descending into a cave dweller.  

This film was directed by James Franco. This little off the beaten path film is based off a popular dark author's work. The story focuses around some very dark subject matter that gets darker as the story progresses. The very hick story shows what happens to an insane man who, instead of receiving the help he needed, is banished from society. It is good to have a story that shows how ignorance about mental illness can destroy a society. There is a lot of adult material in this story such as necrophilia; so not for children. The ending was rather surprising-showing that there is never a true happy, or sad, end. The film is told like you are reading the story; which kind of throws off the pace but it works. The main song used was good, because it gave the film its full feeling. Director James Franco does make a small appearance in the film, but nothing over the top. Scott Haze played the role of Lester Ballard. He was amazing in this very dark role. Strangely, there was way too much snot coming out this man's nose! Tim Blake Nelson played the role of Sheriff Fate. For his limited time on screen, he was great at supporting Haze. His role didn't stand out much, but it suited the film.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It has a good basis, but it feels like it could've been more. As I said before, this isn't a film for all audiences.

Answer to last blog: Director David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook, directed the film American Hustle which featured both Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.

Que: What other film has James Franco directed that stared Scott Haze and Tim Blake Nelson?

As I Lay Dying

Tunnel Vision

Sal

Big Miracle

Silver Linings Playbook

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film was adapted from the novel The Silver Linings Playbook written by Matthew Quick. Pat is taken from a mental hospital and forced to fix his life. As he struggles to fix his broken marriage, he meets Tiffany (a girl with her own mental problems). Pat begins to discover how to find his life's silver lining.

This film was directed by David O. Russell. The plot of this film seems to be a joke on the modern concept of marriage. It is also frequently pokes fun of humanity itself. It also shows that everyone, even the insane, can find happiness. The story is full of dark comedy and romantic hope. It is a new way to tell a love story without being too familiar or too cliched. Since the story is not only about two insane people, but also situated in Pennsylvania, nearly every line is shouted. This film has an amazing supporting cast; fortunately the supporting cast did not outshine the leading cast. Bradley Cooper played the role of Pat. He managed to present his character's illness in a likable and sympathetic way. Jennifer Lawrence played the role of Tiffany. She was a great supporting actor for Cooper. She created a unique character that audiences could feel for.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a great dark romantic film that couples can enjoy. 

Answer to last blog: Director Francis Lawrence, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, directed the film I Am Legend.

Que: What other film did director David O. Russell direct that featured both Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence?

Hustle & Flow

Serena

American Hustle

Guardian's of the Galaxy

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This is based off the novel The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, and is the third sequel of the film series. Katniss Everdeen has been taken to the remains of District thirteen with fellow victor Beetee and Finnick Odair. Peeta Mellark is still held captive by the Capitol. The other districts have begun protesting the Capitol in any method that is possible, but are loosing faith. President Alma Coin convinces Katniss to become a propaganda for the rebellion. Through this, Katniss begins to witness the damage this rebellion has caused. Katniss also struggles to rescue Peeta from the Capitol.

This film was directed by Francis Lawrence. Fortunately, this film remains as true to the novels as it possibly can. Like most modern popular novel recreations, the finale has been split into two parts. A lot of recent films have done this by forcing more unnecessary material into a completed story. However, this film takes what the other films have been unable to show and use it as its filler material-which works amazingly for this film. Since this film is part 1 of 2, it does feel like it's missing an ending; which audience's will have to wait another year for. This story has taken a much emotionally darker turn than its predecessors. There isn't a lot of gore, but there is morbidity. It's the prequel to the rebellion war, so there is naturally a lot of suggested violence. Surprisingly, it still received a PG-13 rating. The story offers the perfect political and emotional build-up to the upcoming part 2 film. There is some action, but not a ton of it. This film focuses more on the character emotions and the politics that led to this rebellion. It also takes its time showing how this war is affecting the people, and how either side has lost their ethics. Jennifer Lawrence returned to the role of Katniss Everdeen. She has really grown into this role. She was able to fully offer this character the extreme emotional loss that it deserved. Liam Hemsworth Returned to the role of Gale Hawthorne. For the first time in this series, he had more than a brief appearance. He was a great supporting actor for Lawrence. Julianne Moore played the role of President Alma Coin. She was capable of giving a very dry character an unsetting appearance. Philip Seymour Hoffman returned to the role of Plutarch Heavensbee. He was able to continue his role in this film-it is not entirely certain how much he will appear in part 2. Either way, it was nice to watch him for a final time.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great build-up for the next film. It also offers audiences a chance to better understand these familiar character.

Answer to last blog: Actor Alexander Sidding, Cairo Time, stared in the film Clash of the Titans.

Que: What other film has director Francis Lawrence directed?

I Am Legend

Serena

I, Robot

Juno

Cairo Time

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

Juliette Grant, a magazine editor, travels to Cairo in hopes of visiting her husband (who works for the U.N.). However, her husbands sends Tareq Khalifa to watch over her because he is unable to meet her. During her stay, Juliette begins falling in love with Tareq and starts questioning her relationship with her husband.

This film was directed by Ruba Nadda. So much of this film is told through subtle gestures and with maturity. It pays a great respect to the environment that it is based in. It also show small hints of the troubles that people living in Cairo are facing without taking away from the heart of the film's story-the romance. It also spends a lot of time making the audience ask the question: what if? With this question, the ending comes as a surprise twist. The parts the of Cairo that the film shows are very beautiful on screen. Patricia Clarkson played the role of Juliette Grant. Her poise on screen stood out like a jewel in the desert landscape. It was hard to feel for this character-even in its smallest form. Alexander Sidding played the role of Tareq Khalifa. He was great working alongside Clarkson. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a great romance film for a mature audience.

Answer to last blog: Director Steven Knight, Locke, directed the film Redemption.

Que: What other film has Alexander Sidding stared in?

Clash of the Titans

Argo

Wrath of the Titans

Inception

Locke

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

On the eve of huge construction project, Ivan Locke decides to try and repair the damage he caused. In doing so, he is forced to listen as his life crumbles around him.

This film was directed by Steven Knight. This film tells the familiar story of a man's single night affair being revealed and how it affects his life. However, the story is told entirely through telephone calls as he is traveling down a highway. In its form of telling, the familiar story is freshly told. It does work better for the small screen, and a small audience. The cinematography was great for keeping the film interesting. The entire film is shown from his vehicle, so there aren't any special effects or other actors. Tom Hardy played the role of Ivan Locke. Since he was the only performer through this entire film, it depended heavily on his performance. Fortunately, he was able to give the film its purpose and his emotional performance was entertaining to watch.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a good film that tells a familiar dramatic story through a new method.

Answer to last blog: Director Alexander Payne, Nebraska, directed the film About Schmidt.

Que: What other film has Steven Knight directed?

Parker

Redemption

The Hundred Foot Journey

Warrior

Nebraska

Caution:This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

David Grant decides to take his father Woody Grant from Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska to claim a reward that Woody believes is real. Along the way, David learns more about his Woody's past and about his family.

This film was directed by Alexander Payne. First off, the entire film is shown in black and white. It works artistically for the film, but some audiences may have trouble with it. This choice and with the way the story is told makes the film feel like a reminder of old classic films. However, that means that this film was not made for the general audience. It was made for critics, awards, and for art. The acting is good for the film, but it is very bland. The story itself is also told in a very bland manner. After the first few minutes of the film, the story does pick up in a terrific way. The story is a representation of an average modern family facing some of their greatest tribulations. It is also a representation of longing for a past, but accepting the current. That being said, this film does film like your watching an excerpt from a real family. Surprisingly, this film has an R rating that was too harsh. The film does have a lot of crude language, but nothing you wouldn't find outside of a normal dysfunctional family function. There isn't any sexuality in it, nor is there a ton of violence. Will Forte played the role of David Grant. His character does not have much appeal, and his acting does not make the character stand out as much as it should. However, he really pulls it together during the ending sequences. Bruce Dern played the role of Woody Grant. He was the main driving force that gave the film its purpose and sentiment. He is a man of little words, but a lot of emotion.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is an enjoyable film for a select audience. The film begins very blandly, but it improves. 

Answer to last blog: Actress Blythe Auffarth played the retelling of Sylvia Likens in the film The Girl Next Door.

Que: What other film has Director Alexander Payne directed?

About a Boy
The Pianists
About Schmidt
The Magdalene Sisters

An American Crime

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based on the true story of the murder and torture of Sylvia Likens in Indianapolis, in 1965. Sylvia and Jennie Likens stay with Gertrude Baniszewski and her family while their parents travel with the circus. After a while, Gertrude begins tormenting Sylvia Likens. Within weeks, the neighborhood children become involved with this horrific crime.

This film was directed by Tommy O'Haver. This film was one two films that focused on this crime; only this film premiered on television. Unlike The Girl Next Door, this film turns everyone into a villain without a hero. This film also uses the actual people involved to recreate actual events, instead of creating a fully fictionalized version of this story. The films does respectfully tell a lot of truth about the incident, but there have been some alterations. The film is a statement about unknown human cruelty and people's refusal to speak against it. It is difficult to fully know who the narrator is. It mainly appears to come from Sylvia, but it also speaks from the people in the court hearing. Fortunately, the two narratives work together to create a great psychological story. A lot of this film's horror doesn't come from the gruesome torture. Instead, it comes from the human character's psychology. Ellen Page played the role of Sylvia Likens. A familiar actress to these types of dark films, she was finally able to put more emotion into her role. Catherine Keener played the role of Gertrude Baniszewski. She was amazing in her role. There was so much subtlety and complexity to this character that it made the film stand out.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a great psychological horror film even with its low budget. 

Answer to last blog: Actors Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, The Fault in Our Stars, co-starred in the film Divergent. 

Que: Which actress played the character recreation of Sylvia Likens in The Girl Next Door?

Hayley McFarland

Blythe Auffarth
Jodelle Ferland
Elle Fanning

The Fault in Our Stars

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This film is based of the novel, of the same title, written by John Green. Hazel Grace Lancaster had a terminal thyroid cancer that spread into her lungs. During her recovery, her mother insists on sending her to a group therapy meeting to cure her depression. In one of these meetings, Hazel meets Gus. Through Gus' unusual behavior, Grace falls in love and discovers a new meaning for life.

This film was directed by Josh Boone. This new teenage sensation, is a very dark and depressing film. It is depressing because, unlike other teenage films, this story tries to keep a realistic focus. It's realistic focus being that life often disappoints. Despite what Christian reviewers are claiming, this film is not meant have religious symbolism. If anything, religion is only viewed as a cooping mechanism. One of the many methods to finding some meaning in a dying life. Which is what each of these characters struggles to discover. Even though the central character is highly saddening, the secondary characters keep the film an entirely bleak experience. The wit mixed into the heart also assists in keeping it from being to overwhelmingly bleak. The foreshadowing and awkward moments made it feel like a teenage flick. It gave it the feeling that modern teenage films must follow. There is a ton of focus on the characters, but not as much on the cancer. The film feels like it made the cancer more into a plot device than being about surviving the disease. The characters do often talk poetically, but they do not talk Shakespearian. I did find it comical that these teenagers were pretty much given the freedom to do anything they wanted at any time. The novel and its author mention in the story, are meant to be a plot device; therefore it does not exist. I know this upset a lot of people, but it is still fitting. It cinematography gave the film is true feeling of understated happiness. Shailene Woodley played the role of Hazel Grace Lancaster. Her depressing performance was great for this film. She presented the dark reality without sugar coating anything. Ansel Elgort played the role of Gus. He offers the film its driving heart. His character offers others the chance to remain positive, no matter how dark the situation is. Nat Wolff played the role of Isaac. He gave the film much of its dark humor. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great teenager survival love story. It is easy to see why this story has captivated the hearts of millions.

Answer to last blog: Director Uli Edel, Houdini, recreated the historical character Grigori Rasputin for television.

Que: What film featured both actors Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort?

Carrie
Divergent
Mr. Sherman and Peabody
The Descendants

Houdini (2014)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

If you enjoy my blog, you may enjoy my facebook page!

Film Code Link!

This miniseries is based the novel Houdini: A Mind in Chains: A Psychoanalytic Portrait written by Bernard C. Meyer. Erik Weisz (Ehrich Weiss/Harry Weiss) enters the world of vaudeville entertainment to avoid becoming forgotten like his rabbi father. As the years progress, he starts to adopt a new name-Harry Houdini. After his marriage, he finds success by pushing his magician's career to its limits. 

This miniseries was directed by Uli Edel. I do not know the history very well, so I can not comment on how accurate it was. I will tell you that this mini-series is done in two-parts and last for a total of roughly four hours. The story, and the cinematography, keep focus on the spectacle of his life and his career. There are references to his personal life, but they tend to be neglected with its direction. Naturally this isn't the first feature to re-enact his life, but with its focus on his career and the secrets that made his career special it offers newer audiences a peek into his world. It also does a great job in keeping this fragment of history relevant and fresh. What makes this series even more unique, is that it offers some glimpses into other moments in history. Adrien Brody played the role of Harry Houdini. His performance was great on screen. It breathed life into the series. Kristen Connolly played the role of Bess Houdini. She was great in supporting Brody's performance. Evan Jones played the role of Jim Collins. For the brief time that he was on screen, he gave the series its humorous touch.

I give this television series 4 out of 5 stars! It does a great job in keeping history fresh and entertaining. 

Answer to last blog: Actor Edgar Ramirez, Deliver us from Evil, stared in the film Wrath of the Titans.

Que: What other historical character did director Uli Edel create for television?

Mark Twain

Grigori Rasputin

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Anastasia Romanov