Assignment 18 - New Top Ten

My Top Ten list of favorite movies didn't really change, however over the course of the trimester I have seen some movies that come dangerously close to bumping some of them out of place.

Some of those movies are:

1. Up - I saw this movie in theaters recently and I loved it. I thought it was sweet and adorable and funnier than some of the other Pixar movies to date.  I am a huge fan of all the Pixar films and I loved this one very much.  I think it is definitely one of my top 20 films.

2. Rushmore - I have seen and own this movie, however I haven't seen it in a long time before watching it in film class and I forgot how much I loved it.  It's quirky and funny and overall one of the most enjoyable movies I have seen.  

3. The Prestige -  I watched this movie and was very intrigued. I am surprised to have never seen it before this class and wish that I had because it is very enjoyable.  I will probably watch it again soon. 

All of these movies are very close to entering my Top Ten list, however, I still love all the movies in my original Top Ten list a little bit more than these newer ones.

Assignment 17 - The Bourne Identity

This action/thriller will have you on the edge of your seat.

The Bourne Identity is the film adaption of the Robert Ludlum novel.  Although the two stories are similar, they are also very different.  

Jason Bourne is an assassin who suffers from amnesia. While trying to rediscover who he is he meets Marie and together they travel around Europe trying to understand his past.  Unfortunately for them, the government that was Jason's previous employer doesn't want him to stay alive. 

The action scenes in this film are unparalleled by most movies and truly Doug Liman (director) has outdone himself.  Every sequence has a certain feel or emotion brought out by the unique setting, lighting, backdrop, sound effects and characters that give this film something that others often times seem to lack.  Every fight in the film makes to audience cling to the edge of their seat waiting to see what will happen and the subtle suspense created through anticipation is undeniable.  

Matt Damon portrays the role of Jason Bourne like he was born to do it, he adds an element of strength that few actors could procure to the character.  Also, the sultry chemistry between Matt and Franka Potente (Marie) keeps the story alive with emotional drama. 

This film can be slightly confusing the first time you watch it, but it is also intriguing, which will make every audience member want to know more.  This story line is interesting and unique and it deals with the very serious moral issue of human life throughout.  This film will have viewer coming away understanding the intricacy of is message. 

Every angle of this film has the audience suspense-fully waiting for what will happen next throughout the movie. The film ties everything together and causes every viewer to want to watch it again and again.  

Assignment 16 - Meet the Parents

Meet the Parents is a comedic horror story. 

Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) dreams of proposing to his girlfriend, Pam Byrnes (Teri Polo) but first he must gain approval from her father Jack Byrnes (Robert de Niro).  When the couple goes back to Pam's home, Greg realizes he is in way over his head after a series of horribly awkward events occur.  This movie tells the story of every persons worst nightmare: terrible in-laws.  

Ben Stiller gives a classic performance as an awkward, funny man that constantly is put in the wrong situation at the wrong time.  This movie is also graced with Robert de Niro who gives a very intimidating performance as Jack Byrnes.  The strange situations that arise between these two characters will keep the audience chuckling all the way through.  Owen Wilson also makes a brief appearance as Pam's ex-boyfriend that is clearly favored by Pam's entire family over Greg.  Each person involved in this film brings something different to each scene and creates a very real atmosphere.

Each awful event that occurs to poor Greg has the audience twisting in their seats. Everything from Greg's ridiculous name (Gaylord Focker) to Jack Byrnes obsession with his sneaky cat, Mr. Jinks causes the audience to personally relate to this family on a real level.

This unfortunate weekend for Greg luckily makes a hysterical film for all who watch. Although not one of my most favorite movies, this is definitely a film that brings a lot to the table.

Assignment 15 - Juno

This quirky endearing tale touches everyone's heart. 

Juno is a sweet story about a unique teenage girl who becomes pregnant. Throughout the story we are able to see the relationships between Juno and her parents, friends, and the future adoptive parents of her unborn child. This insight leaves viewers wishing they knew someone like Juno to brighten their day.  

Ellen Page (Juno) does a phenomenal job at playing this funny but odd teenager, so well in fact that we have to wonder if perhaps this character is maybe a bit of Ellen Page herself.  The rest of the cast (including such gems as J.K. Simmons, Allison Janey, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman) do not falter either.  Each character seems to fit the actor (or perhaps the other way around) superbly. The younger generation of cast members includes Michael Cera and Olivia Thrilby who also hold up in their acting abilities despite having such big shoes to fill.

This sweet story is unique unto itself for no other reason than the interesting array of characters assembled. Although the plot is relatively traditional, there are twists that only Juno could pull off throughout this film.  Also, director Jason Reitman does a wonderful job at interweaving several different thematic issues together flawlessly. 

Another spectacular element to Juno's success is the lovely soundtrack created to perfectly match the films themes and tones.  Music is really the center of the film, weaving in and out of each characters dialogue subjects and through each viewers mind.  This somewhat subliminal theme helps tie the film together while at the same time gives the viewer an audible delight.

Juno is a terrific movie that each viewer will want to watch over and over again.