Assignment 14 - Prestige

Christopher Nolan's suspenseful film is full of twists.  This movie follows in the same spirit as Momento, Nolan's 2000 film.  

The Prestige goes through the lives of two rival magicians trying to discover the secrets of each others tricks. However, in typical Nolan style, the film jumps around from different perspectives and times from past to present to future.  This can to be confusing at times but always draws the viewer in, leading you on a wild goose chase that eventually ties together beautifully in the end. 

Each character does an amazing job at playing several different characters at the same time and constantly keeps the viewer unaware and wanting to know more.  Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman play off each other in a very realistic way and seem to really be living in their characters heads.  The supporting cast is phenomenal as well, including prestigious members such as Michael Caine, Scarlett Johanson and David Bowie.

The only complaint I might have about this film would be that the big 'twist' in the end is not as impressive as it could have been, there could have been a more likely, yet still as unique answer for these magic tricks if the writers had put a little more thought into it.  Still, overall, there were plenty of other twists and turns to keep the viewer occupied. 

Christopher Nolan is somehow able to tie every twisted aspect of the movie together but the viewer never really knows how until the end. This is a movie that one needs to see twice in order to fully grasp.

Assignment 13 - Rushmore

Rushmore is a delightful movie with a quirky twist.

This endearing tale is about Max Fisher (Jason Schwartzman), a 15 year old student at Rushmore Academy who falls in love with a teacher at the school (Olivia Williams).  Along the way we realize that Max, although a devoted Rushmore lover, is a terrible student. However, we also see Max's love for extracurricular activities.  Max meets Miss Cross (Williams) and decides to build her an aquarium, with the help of the strange Mr. Herman Blume (Bill Murray).  The story progresses and Max is betrayed by his new, weird friend, Mr. Bloom, when he too falls for Miss Cross. Things really aren't going Max's way when he gets expelled from Rushmore and is forced to go to public school. Also he loses all of his friends because of a nasty rumor spread around campus.

This film is an interesting adaptation of a high school student.  It covers the role of Max from a completely unique perspective.  Mr. Blume and Miss Cross's relationship is also unique because Bill Murray and Olivia William's strange chemistry is prevalent throughout.  Also, one cannot help but love the quirky Max and all of his antics.  The supporting cast holds up splendidly as well and really delivers.

The comedic timing in this film is something to be admired, every moment is perfectly delivered and no line is forgotten.  After viewing this movie, one will have a tough time deciding which moment was their favorite, for their are just too many to choose.

Another thing that this movie excels in is it's unique plot.  It is not a run-of-the-mill dramedy, it is a new story filled with ingenuity and creativity. Something else interesting throughout this film is the recreation of Jacques Lartigue's photographs throughout the story, one in particular, Max sitting on a go-kart during a race behind him. This iconic image is subliminal in nature, but really helps tie the film together nicely.  As a long time fan of his work, I was very impressed to see it used so creatively in this movie.

This film will keep you laughing ironically at many of its beautifully crafted comical moments.  One will come away from this film wishing they knew a student like Max or wishing they could have been more like him in their youth.  This film really has something for everyone and never fails to deliver.  Though wildly unknown, the films semi-cult following prove its enduring qualities.  It is also a tribute to the film community because it accomplishes things that other films cannot; a beautiful sense of irony and endearment.  

Assignment 12 - Top Gun Critical Review

Top Gun leaves something to be desired.  

This movie it about Lt. Maverick (Tom Cruise) and his job as a pilot.  He is promoted after the number one pilot has a panic attack during flight. Maverick is sent to Top Gun Naval Flying School where he meets other pilots with bad attitudes and competitive spirits.  Maverick struggles to deal with his past and also to win over the flight instructor Charlie, a woman who he has had his eye on since their dramatic meeting in a bar. 

Top Gun is a cheesy story that is very flat, yet widely known.  This is the film that really launched Tom Cruises career and gave him the famous name that continues today.  This overly cliched film stays true to its cheesy and almost comical nature through and through.  It is the pinnacle 80's movie, and the romantic relationship between Maverick and Charlie (Kelly McGillis) is portrayed well through both characters, though very generic and impersonal.

The acting in the film in generally good, but the film really lacks anything to be remembered.  The actors do well at playing simple and generic parts that have been done much better and much to often before. Something interesting about this film is Meg Ryan's cameo performance. Though rarely recognized for this film, she plays a part very unlike any other she has since then. She pulls off the part well and comes off as the perfect girl for this film.

I guess if you're interested in seeing a cheesy 80's movie, with cheesy 80's acting and an equally cheesy soundtrack, then Top Gun is the perfect film for you. However if you long for something more profound, you could probably do better.

Assignment 11 - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This beautiful splendor is as captivating as it is endearing. 

Benjamin Button is a heartfelt love story that follows the unique life of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) through his backwards aging process.  The film spans about eighty years, beginning with Benjamin's birth as an old man, continuing on to his meeting of the lovely Daisy (Cate Blanchett) and their deep and eternal love for each other, ending with Benjamin's death as an infant. The entire story is being told by Benjamin's estranged daughter, Caroline (Julia Ormond) who reads this tragic and interesting story out of Benjamin's diary to her sick and ailing mother, Daisy.

David Fincher, the director, has certainly proved to audiences that he knows how to make a name for himself. Everything he touches turns to gold. Whether it be the thrilling Panic Room or the inspiring Fight Club, Fincher understands the meaning of a good movie.  He also is an excellent judge of character, casting wonderful and memorable actors for each character in his films.  

In Benjamin Button, Fincher proves his knowledge for good acting by casting Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett side by side. Their chemistry is something not often seen on screen. They aren't the most passionate or intense on screen couple, however their respect and attitude towards each other shows how devoted to their films they can be.  

Another one of Fincher's miracles is his unique visual outlook. Each shot of Benjamin Button is a beautiful scene that captures the soft feeling of New Orleans throughout history.  Another lovely attribute to this film is the excellent special effects/ make up to make the same actor look completely different based on his age at that part of the film. The interesting contrast he creates between Pitt getting younger and Blanchett aging is superb.

This film is bound to live on forever as one of the most interesting and unique love stories ever told and is certain to solidify Pitt, Blanchett and Fincher's already steadfast careers.