Assignment 3 - Being a Critic

My Critique of Coraline

While viewing this particular film, I was overwhelmed with a sense of mixed emotions. I am a true fan of the book, however Coraline the film did not live up to my expectations. I found Coraline to be creepy, pointless and predictable.  However, the story is very unique in and of itself.

Based on the book, Coraline, written by Neil Gaiman, Coraline depicts the story of a young girl who has been forced to move into a dilapidated, old, pink Victorian house with her parents in the Pacific Northwest.  Her parents are very involved in their work and have little time to spend with their only child, Coraline.  One day Coraline runs into her young neighbor, Wybie Lovat, who gives her a rag doll that looks exactly like her.  After receiving this doll Coraline witnesses a strange plethora of events including being sent into an alternative world, finding lost souls of forgotten children, and getting buttons sewed on her eyes.  These elements are not only scary in nature but also very upsetting to young audiences.

Upon deciding to see this movie, I was told that it was very scary, even for adults.  After viewing it, I understood what this meant. Coraline touches upon issues that are very mature for young audiences and can even be somewhat terrifying to an adult. However, as the movie progresses one prematurely understands the ending of the plot which, for me, took out most of the frightening elements.  

All in all, however, Coraline was a relatively enjoyable film for those who are not too scared to see it and the 3D element of the movie was executed perfectly, giving the creepy element a boost.  Although the film is not flawless, it is a nice effort and I commend the makers on their wonderful animation.

Assignment 2 - What Film We Should Watch

I believe that we should watch The Godfather 1 and 2 in this class. The Godfather 1 and 2 are both classic movies that many would argue to be the two best movies ever made. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, these movies combined earned 11 Oscar nominations and 9 wins.  

The Godfather part 1 tells the story of young Michael Corleone and his struggle to decide what is right and what is expected. The film begins on the day of Don Vito Corleone's (Michael's father) daughter Connie's wedding.  Michael realizes that upon his return from the war, he will be expected to take over the family business, however he is uncertain if he has the moral capacity to do so. Over the years Michael has discovered that his family business is less than honorable, and is unsure if he wants to be involved.  Michael is thrust into a world that he neither wants nor supports all for the sake of his 'family'.  When a new family comes to the Corleone's asking for support, Don Vito is torn between the ways of the past and the future.  The Corleone family is pushed to the edge as they struggle between choices that they all must make.

The analogy about being the head of the business and the head of the family is prominent throughout this movie and gives the film a deep underlying meaning.

The Godfather part 2 is mainly comprised of stories about a young Vito Corleone and his childhood growing up in Italy and New York in the early 1900's.  It is contrasted by the present day Michael Corleone expanding the family business to different parts of the world.

Both films have achieved an iconic status and I believe that both would be beneficial to any film class.

Assignment 1 - My Top Ten

My Top 10 Favorite Movies

1. Pulp Fiction - The lives of several seemingly unrelated characters are woven together throughout this film as a series of funny and bizarre incidents are portrayed.  Jules and Vincent Vega are hit men trying to obtain a briefcase for their mob boss. After failing to get said briefcase, mob boss, Marsellus Wallace, asks Vincent to take his wife out to dinner while he is out of town.  Meanwhile, Marsellus pays Butch Coolidge, an aging boxer, to lose his next fight. I love this movie because of the artistic editing and the vintage feel.

 

2. Almost Famous -  The story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a rock journalist is shown in this film. It depicts him going on the road with one of his favorite bands, Stillwater, and dealing with all the trials and tribulations being a rock star has to offer, including betrayal, forbidden love and frustration. Almost famous is a story about a young boy trying to find himself and I appreciate this movie because most teenagers can relate.

3. Donnie Darko - A troubled teenager, Donnie Darko, follows a giant rabbit named Frank outside and escapes death when a jet engine crashes through his bedroom. The rabbit then tells him that his life will end in 28 days and as his final days draw to a close a series of bizarre events unfold. I love Donnie Darko as a film because it depicts the emptiness one can feel when they are misunderstood.

4. This Is Spinal Tap - A mock rockumentary depicting the lives of aging rock stars. The film candidly follows the group throughout their struggles and includes an infamous scene in which an 18 inch stonehenge prop is used. Spinal Tap is a clever movie and one that almost anyone would enjoy.

5. Fight Club - A lonely, isolated young professional seeks an escape from his mundane existence with the help of a devious soap salesman.  They seek release through underground fight clubs, where men can be what the world now denies them.   Their boxing matches and harmless pranks soon lead to an out-of-control spiral towards oblivion.  Fight Club is a powerful movie because it deals with very deep issues in a very comical way. I love black humor movies because more often than not, they are also very important to society and deal with very intense issues.

6. Annie Hall -  This film traces the first meeting of neurotic Alvy Singer and bashful Annie Hall and follows through to the end of their odd relationship. Annie Hall is an enjoyable movie about people who are struggling to make a relationship work, and this is something that anyone can relate too.  Also Woody Allen has a very enjoyable stage persona and is always entertaining to watch

7. Wall-E - Pixar animation film that shows the life of a cleaning robot from the future.  Wall-E is left alone on planet earth until a spaceship comes down with another robot, Eva (EVE).  The film follows Wall-E and Eva while they try to save the planet.  I love Wall-E because of the impressive animation and cute story about a sweet little robot.  

8. Marie Antoinette - A retelling of the life of France's iconic queen, Marie Antoinette. Follows her life from the time she enters the Palace of Versailles to her death.  Marie Antoinette is one of my favorite movies because it is artistically made with beautiful colors and a very clear vision.  Also I  love the way that the film deals with a very important and historical figure in a very light manor.

9. Dazed and Confused - Shows what life is like for Texas teenager in 1976 on the last day of school. Includes freshman hazing and several party sequences.  This is one of my favorite movies because I love the way that the film really lets you experience life for these teenagers in the 70's. Also it lets the viewer understand the similarities between teens now, and then.

10. Rear Window -  Story of a man who sees several suspicious goings-on through his window while on bed rest from a bad broken leg.  Several mysteries unfold before the wheelchair bound Mr. Jeffries and it is up to him to stop them. Alfred Hitchcock is one of my favorite directors and I think that Rear Window is my favorite film by him. I love this movie because it is suspenseful and scary without being too frightening and still very clever.