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Reviews
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
See Will Clap!
I was moved my the trailer. I went to see Big Willie clap. I had to know what that scene meant. I had to wait until the end, after enduring everything the lead went through. Will Smith was a man that showed strength and weakness with flawless sincerity. This movie unforgivably show the rage, depression, and anxieties of a single father trying to bring about happiness, overcoming circumstances that show an enemy is not always person, but a system. There not many movies where the single dad is the hero or have the nerve to show a single mom walking out the door because she's selfish.This is a great father-son story and acting. The Douglas men have nothing on the Smiths. It's a shame that they took some liberties with the true account, which does change some of the emotional connection I built with a few of the scenes - but the film does say BASED, not IS the true story Chris Gardner.
Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari (1920)
art and society are the cabinet of Dr. Caligari
The first time I saw this film in a world cinema class, I thought "Tim Burton could have made this film." I thought this was the inspiration for Edward Scissorhands - he is a Cesare-type. The film is a flashback starting at an asylum, taking place mostly at a carnival, then ends at the asylum. An inmate is telling his story to the doctor. Sometimes, it gets a little weird and it's hard to tell what just happened. I recommend watching it with friends that like movies that don't need everything spelled out from them - this film won't give you the clues you missed along the way. It's more philosophical, not a mystery. It's hard to say who is the monster in this film. All the audience knows for sure are the innocent - even some of them, like the townspeople, they don't seem really guilt-free. This is an essential piece of film. Granted, it was the mother of a genre and it's an excellent example of German Expressionism in film but that's not why it's still relevant to present day audience. All students of art (all mediums), culture (including history and philosophy), and psychology should watch this movie. The film is highly imaginative, original, provocative, and disturbing. From beginning to end, not matter how many times I've seen it since that day in class, I am tremble - not in fear so much as awe. This is the movie I would show the kids at Halloween and discuss with them when they got much older.
Love Actually (2003)
It's simply pleasant
The movie is cute. And there's nothing wrong with that. People don't make good, cute movies anymore. It's well written thanks to Richard Curtis. Everyone's favorite British actors are here. It was nice how well all the different characters' and their stories meshed well without seeming too hooky or set-up. I am not a fan of Keira Knightly in this film. I can't see how two guys are in love with her. That seemed too fantastic. The music fit well. I was especially touched by the song "Both Sides Now" moment with Emma Thompson. I think the public sold it short because it was one of those films that leave you warm after watching it, not high or dumb like watching a million dollar action packed crazed adventure.
A Midsummer Night's Dream (1981)
Helen Mirren and The Dream
This is the second time I've seen her in this play, first as Titania. The first time she was in a movie version of the Dream she was Hermia, one of the lovers. This is a good version for a class room viewing. It lacks the nudity and innuendos that Hall's and Hoffman's exhibited. This is also the one I know of where Puck is a punk. I love this version because it doesn't cut out any of the dialogue. It heightens the tension and passion Mirren's character had in the section about the environmental affects her feud with her husband has had. The costumes do not blend well with one another. It makes it hard to date and does not give the story a sense of timelessness. Also, you can get this on video. It's hard to find but it can be located at a library near you. Blockbuster will not carry it for whatever reason. PBS is a good source too but don't hold out for it.