It is useless for me to describe to you how terrible Violet, Klaus, and even Sunny felt in the time that followed. If you have ever lost someone very important to you, then you already know how it feels, and if you haven’t, you cannot possibly imagine it.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning – Lemony Snicket
True love, princesses, magic, funny animal sidekicks and fantastic music. These are the ingredients we expect from a film like Frozen, and it delivers on all of them. But Frozen is different than anything we’ve seen in the genre from Disney before. Inspired by the Hans Christian Anderson story, The Snow Queen, it’s fun, funny, emotional and romantic, but it’s also deeper, more interesting and more complex than what we’re used to seeing. From its top notch cast, to its gorgeous visuals, its outstanding music and its empowering message, Frozen is a must-see for everyone.
Despite World War II being one of the most frequently depicted events onscreen, and those films spanning a range of genres, from epic war pictures to intimate, tightly-focused narratives and from drama to action to comedy, there have been surprisingly few films released here in the US that tell stories of life for German civilians during the war. And while The Book Thief, based on the novel by Markus Zusak, may be fictional, it paints a believable picture of what life might have been like in Nazi Germany for the characters. From the air raids to the pressures of conforming to the Nazi Party, The Book Thief told a story that felt, if not unique, at least outside of the norm. If in the end it plays things fairly safe, it’s still a beautiful and heart wrenching film with some wonderful performances.
Anna: Don’t know if I’m elated or gassy
But I’m somewhere in that zone..,
Frozen – “For the First Time in Forever”
Disclaimer: I feel like everyone has a right to be informed about Orson Scott Card’s views before they decide whether or not to see a film based on his book. You can read about his statements here. Considering that the film reflects none of his controversial viewpoints, I personally have no issue with people deciding to see the film, though I also completely understand those who prefer to boycott. Judging on the box office performance of the film, it doesn’t seem like a decision either way will make much of a difference at this point. However, it is always good for people to be informed.
I read Orson Scott Card’s 1985 novel, Ender’s Game when I was a kid and I remember loving it. It was darker and more interesting than most books aimed at my age bracket at the time (I was probably in late elementary or early middle school), and though I never read any of the book’s sequels, prequels or spinoffs the story still stuck strongly in my mind. The story’s violence, its interesting moral code, its creative universe where kids are destined to be saviors and its surprise ending were thought provoking and entertaining to my younger self. The new film adaptation is a faithful, well-crafted one, with some gorgeous effects and an outstanding cast, but it fails to capture the excitement or depth of what I remember from the book. Whether that’s because I’m incorrectly remembering the novel or because I’m older and have different tastes is up for debate. Continue reading
Odo: It has been my observation that one of the prices of giving people freedom of choice… is that sometimes, they make the wrong choice.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Season 3: Episode 24 – “Shakaar”
Welcome to “Trailer Tuesday” where I talk about trailers for upcoming movies, since I’ve always found trailers to be endlessly fascinating.
It’s usually never a good sign when a film that was originally scheduled for release during Oscar season gets postponed into the next year, but I feel like it might be a good choice for The Monuments Men. While the film seemed like Oscar bait, the way the awards season is shaping up it’s pretty clear that it doesn’t have a chance against the likes of 12 Years a Slave, Captain Phillips, Gravity and others, despite the fact that World War II movies do well and the cast they rounded up for this film is phenomenal. Instead of competing for this year’s Oscars (it will of course be eligible for next year’s, but movies released in February are forgotten by the time December rolls around) it will instead release in the doldrums with little competition and can be a much bigger box office hit. The tactic worked for The Great Gatsby, so why not here? Take a look at the trailer and read on for my thoughts:
(Note: This is a fictional creative writing exercise, inspired by hours of contemplation of which animated performances have been most worthy of attention over the years. This feature imagines that a Best Voice Performance category was added to the Oscars following Beauty and the Beast’s nomination for Best Picture at the 64th Academy Awards. Each week I’ll cover the hypothetical nominees and winner from one year of animated performances.)
Following what many considered to be a huge upset at the 72nd Academy Awards, at which Vin Diesel beat out Tom Hanks for the Best Voice Performance Oscar, the category gained a reputation for being one of the most unpredictable of the Academy Awards. Since its inception the award occasionally went to the obvious frontrunner, but just as often to a different, more unusual performance, making for interesting viewing but frustrating the odds-makers. The slate of animated films for 2000 offered up no clear smash hits, making prediction even murkier. Continue reading
“Harry, I’ve left a letter telling your aunt and uncle not to worry –”
“They won’t,” said Harry.
“That you’re safe –”
“That’ll just depress them.”
“– and you’ll see them next summer.”
“Do I have to?”
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – J.K. Rowling
Elphaba: So much of me is made from what I’ve learned from you. You’ll be with me like a hand print on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend.
Wicked – “For Good”
The Love Pirate 