There's no movie review here, just a Christmas message:
“Lord, with the angels we too would rejoice.” So begins the third verse of John Menzies Macfarlane’s Christmas hymn “Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains.” Have you ever wondered why he chose “would rejoice”? He could have penned “can rejoice” or “shall rejoice” or even “will rejoice.” Instead he chose “would.” Could it be because even in 1869, Macfarlane recognized that it isn’t always easy to rejoice?
Christmas is a busy time of year. We would rejoice, but first we need to finish trimming the tree and hanging the lights. We’ll rejoice once the shopping is done and the presents are wrapped. Or maybe once the driveway is shoveled and the cookies are baked and the cards are sent and the parties are planned and the dinner is cooked and the chestnuts are roasted and the stockings are hung and the fruitcake’s re-gifted and Tiny Tim is all better and there’s Christmas in Whoville and the partridge is in the pear tree ... and ... and ... [insert a much needed cup of hot cocoa].
Or maybe we are hindered by a different kind of “would.” We would rejoice, but we can’t sing like Celine Dion or Michael Bublé. We can’t perform music like The Piano Guys or compose like Handel. We can’t write stories like Dickens or Dr. Seuss. We can’t decorate like Martha Stewart. And all our best efforts look nothing like the perfect crafts and goodies on Pinterest.
As Christmas nears, do we find ourselves lost in the “woulds” of busyness or inadequacy? It is easy to do. Perhaps that is why the very next line in the hymn is the plea, “Help us to sing with the heart and voice.” Christ, Who gave us the reason for the season, also stands waiting to empower us with the hope and joy of the season. Then, with rejoicing in our hearts, the To Do list becomes a Get To Do list and none of our best efforts—however feeble—will ever fall flat.
May we all rejoice with the angels in the “message of mercy,” even “Glory to God in the highest!”
ISFS
06 December 2014
Mockingjay - Part 1
Credible Credits
Year: 2014
Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Julianne Moore
Tagline: Fire burns brighter in the darkness.
Synopsis: Having destroyed the Hunger Games, Katniss finds herself in District 13 where a rebellion is fomenting and she is sought for as the symbol of their cause: the Mockingjay.
Tagline: Fire burns brighter in the darkness.
Synopsis: Having destroyed the Hunger Games, Katniss finds herself in District 13 where a rebellion is fomenting and she is sought for as the symbol of their cause: the Mockingjay.
Review
Nope, I still haven't read the books. Nor do I intend to. But I do know the gist of how everything will end up, so I didn't go into Mockingjay - Part 1 completely unprepared.
I still have a hard time liking Katniss as a character. She's just so myopic and prickly. And in this go round she spends more time being a pawn or Mockingjay puppet than active agent within the story. There's nothing wrong with that, and Jennifer Lawrence does an excellent job (again) portraying a conflicted young woman caught up in a firestorm. But she isn't as appealing a character to me, so I have a hard time getting very excited about these films.
Unlike its predecessors, Mockingjay - Part 1 is low on action. Katniss fires one arrow during the entire film. This is the (relative) calm before the storm and is more along the lines of a political thriller than anything else. "Moves and counter-moves" as President Snow dryly observes. At this point it is a war of propaganda. What action there is is well paced and you never get bored. At the same time, it can feel a bit slow, as it painstakingly lays the foundation for Part 2 next year.
Where the film shines is in the emotions. The song, "The Hanging Tree" is beautiful and perfect for the story. And even though she apparently hated having to sing it, Jennifer Lawrence does a spot-on job. Her voice has just the right unpolished depth that the song and the moment need.
Although Katniss is the Mockingjay and the center of the propaganda, also impressive were the times when she was not the center of attention. Gale's regret-filled narrative of the destruction of District 12 is powerful. And it was terrific to see Finnick rise above his shell-shocked depression to recount the life he was forced to live and the secrets he subsequently learned. All of this lays the foundation that Part 2 will build upon.
Apparently, Effie Trinket doesn't play any role in Mockingjay the book. I'm quite glad they decided to bring her into the film. It works to have her in District 13. And it especially works to have her help prep Katniss for her role as Mockingjay. I can't imagine anyone other than Effie filling that role.
Pretty much if you saw the first two Hunger Games movies, you're going to see this one. It is what it is: a sort of transition from Hunger Games to open rebellion and war. And if the film does nothing else, it gets you all ready for next year's (hopefully) epic conclusion.
*** Spoiler Section ***
When President Snow warns Katniss that it is the things we love that destroy us, I didn't know he intended it quite so literally. That was both clever and devious. And harsh. It did make for a pretty powerful cliffhanger ending.
I still have a hard time liking Katniss as a character. She's just so myopic and prickly. And in this go round she spends more time being a pawn or Mockingjay puppet than active agent within the story. There's nothing wrong with that, and Jennifer Lawrence does an excellent job (again) portraying a conflicted young woman caught up in a firestorm. But she isn't as appealing a character to me, so I have a hard time getting very excited about these films.
Unlike its predecessors, Mockingjay - Part 1 is low on action. Katniss fires one arrow during the entire film. This is the (relative) calm before the storm and is more along the lines of a political thriller than anything else. "Moves and counter-moves" as President Snow dryly observes. At this point it is a war of propaganda. What action there is is well paced and you never get bored. At the same time, it can feel a bit slow, as it painstakingly lays the foundation for Part 2 next year.
Where the film shines is in the emotions. The song, "The Hanging Tree" is beautiful and perfect for the story. And even though she apparently hated having to sing it, Jennifer Lawrence does a spot-on job. Her voice has just the right unpolished depth that the song and the moment need.
Although Katniss is the Mockingjay and the center of the propaganda, also impressive were the times when she was not the center of attention. Gale's regret-filled narrative of the destruction of District 12 is powerful. And it was terrific to see Finnick rise above his shell-shocked depression to recount the life he was forced to live and the secrets he subsequently learned. All of this lays the foundation that Part 2 will build upon.
Apparently, Effie Trinket doesn't play any role in Mockingjay the book. I'm quite glad they decided to bring her into the film. It works to have her in District 13. And it especially works to have her help prep Katniss for her role as Mockingjay. I can't imagine anyone other than Effie filling that role.
Pretty much if you saw the first two Hunger Games movies, you're going to see this one. It is what it is: a sort of transition from Hunger Games to open rebellion and war. And if the film does nothing else, it gets you all ready for next year's (hopefully) epic conclusion.
*** Spoiler Section ***
When President Snow warns Katniss that it is the things we love that destroy us, I didn't know he intended it quite so literally. That was both clever and devious. And harsh. It did make for a pretty powerful cliffhanger ending.
Quotable Quotes
- "Any other conditions?" "My sister gets to keep her cat." -- President Coin and Katniss
- "They'll either want to kill you, kiss you, or be you." -- Effie to Katniss
- "And what if you're killed?" "Make sure to get it on camera." -- President Coin and Katniss
- "Miss Everdeen, it is the things we love most that destroy us." -- President Snow
ISFS
24 November 2014
Interstellar
Credible Credits
Year: 2014
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Ann Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, and Topher Grace
Tagline: Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here.
Synopsis: When Earth becomes increasingly uninhabitable, a group of scientists journey beyond the solar system to find a new home for humanity.
Tagline: Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here.
Synopsis: When Earth becomes increasingly uninhabitable, a group of scientists journey beyond the solar system to find a new home for humanity.
Review
This is one of those very rare movies that I'm totally glad I saw, but really don't feel the need to see again. So while I recommend seeing it because it is beautiful and thought-provoking, I have no idea if you'll actually like it. Interstellar does a number of things right, but it does have its flaws.
If I could sum up the movie in one word, it would be "ambitious." Wow, it is an ambitious film. I love Christopher Nolan's stuff (primarily the Batman trilogy and Inception). He has such an incredible vision. His films are original and imaginative. And even though they are filled with special effects, Nolan does as many as possible as practical effects (i.e., without the use of CGI). Because of all that, the worlds he creates are so immersive, and Interstellar is no different.
Another strength of Interstellar is that it is so original. For the entire movie, I had absolutely no idea where it was going or how it was going to get wherever it was going. I had no clue how it would end until it actually ended. You don't find that in many movies these days. Most films have some element of predictability. And while some degree of predictability isn't bad, it is refreshing to watch a film where you just aren't sure what's going to happen.
Another signature element of Nolan's movies is his subtle humor. His films don't try to be funny. But there is humor because it comes naturally from the character or the situation. Given that the fate of humanity rests on these scientists and the people back on Earth are struggling to survive, the human characters don't provide a whole lot of humor in the film. Thankfully, there is TARS, a robot with an adjustable humor setting who serves to lighten the mood from time to time. And just to make sure his human coworkers know when he is joking, he has a cue light. Nice.
Interstellar is certainly a film that demands your attention. A lot of science is thrown about, and the filmmakers did their homework to be as accurate as possible. Still, unless you are a physics major, most of the science can be a bit much. I found it was simplest to just suspend my disbelief and accept whatever science they spouted as accurate for this cinematic universe.
All the actors do a terrific job in their various roles. Matthew McConaughey shows a lot of depth in his role as absentee father. Ann Hathaway is also great, as always. And it never gets old hearing Michael Caine recite lines from Dylan Thomas' famous poem, "Do not go gentle into that good night."
My criticisms all involve spoilers. Suffice it to say here, Interstellar is a fascinating and beautiful movie that is certainly worth at least one viewing.
*** Spoiler Section ***
I really loved the idea of some cosmic "Them" who was helping to save humanity. I wish the film had left it as that: mysterious benefactors. The film lost me when Cooper "realizes" that all this time it has just been future humans reaching back through time. Time travel, even when you have time become a dimension, is tricky. It just seemed like the film created a time travel paradox. Humans can't reach back and save themselves from extinction. They have to survive into the "future" in the first place.
My biggest peeve with the movie comes at the very end. The entire movie has been about the importance of love and family. So much importance is placed on Cooper's love for his son and daughter and how much he wants to get back to his family. And then he does. But by that point, Murphy is old and has a family of her own ... but nobody seems to care. Cooper enters a room filled with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and possibly great great grandchildren. But he doesn't acknowledge them and they don't acknowledge him. What kind of family reunion is that? And what happened to Tom and his family? It's sad that the film seems to say "family" and "love" only apply to the people you know, not the generations you don't.
This is just a nitpick, but how is it Cooper and TARS are able to simply commandeer a spaceship and take off with it? Worst security ever.
After the film, I found myself wanting one more scene, maybe a post-credits scene. I wanted to see Cooper reach Brand and then she gives him a slap to the face A) for lying to her about his plan to get sucked into the black hole, and B) as an "I told you so" when she said they should go to Edmunds' planet instead of Mann's. Her woman's intuition and desire to follow her heart were right.
Oh, and how the heck did Edmunds die? If that is truly a viable planet for life, it would be good to know why the first person didn't survive.
If I could sum up the movie in one word, it would be "ambitious." Wow, it is an ambitious film. I love Christopher Nolan's stuff (primarily the Batman trilogy and Inception). He has such an incredible vision. His films are original and imaginative. And even though they are filled with special effects, Nolan does as many as possible as practical effects (i.e., without the use of CGI). Because of all that, the worlds he creates are so immersive, and Interstellar is no different.
Another strength of Interstellar is that it is so original. For the entire movie, I had absolutely no idea where it was going or how it was going to get wherever it was going. I had no clue how it would end until it actually ended. You don't find that in many movies these days. Most films have some element of predictability. And while some degree of predictability isn't bad, it is refreshing to watch a film where you just aren't sure what's going to happen.
Another signature element of Nolan's movies is his subtle humor. His films don't try to be funny. But there is humor because it comes naturally from the character or the situation. Given that the fate of humanity rests on these scientists and the people back on Earth are struggling to survive, the human characters don't provide a whole lot of humor in the film. Thankfully, there is TARS, a robot with an adjustable humor setting who serves to lighten the mood from time to time. And just to make sure his human coworkers know when he is joking, he has a cue light. Nice.
Interstellar is certainly a film that demands your attention. A lot of science is thrown about, and the filmmakers did their homework to be as accurate as possible. Still, unless you are a physics major, most of the science can be a bit much. I found it was simplest to just suspend my disbelief and accept whatever science they spouted as accurate for this cinematic universe.
All the actors do a terrific job in their various roles. Matthew McConaughey shows a lot of depth in his role as absentee father. Ann Hathaway is also great, as always. And it never gets old hearing Michael Caine recite lines from Dylan Thomas' famous poem, "Do not go gentle into that good night."
My criticisms all involve spoilers. Suffice it to say here, Interstellar is a fascinating and beautiful movie that is certainly worth at least one viewing.
*** Spoiler Section ***
I really loved the idea of some cosmic "Them" who was helping to save humanity. I wish the film had left it as that: mysterious benefactors. The film lost me when Cooper "realizes" that all this time it has just been future humans reaching back through time. Time travel, even when you have time become a dimension, is tricky. It just seemed like the film created a time travel paradox. Humans can't reach back and save themselves from extinction. They have to survive into the "future" in the first place.
My biggest peeve with the movie comes at the very end. The entire movie has been about the importance of love and family. So much importance is placed on Cooper's love for his son and daughter and how much he wants to get back to his family. And then he does. But by that point, Murphy is old and has a family of her own ... but nobody seems to care. Cooper enters a room filled with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and possibly great great grandchildren. But he doesn't acknowledge them and they don't acknowledge him. What kind of family reunion is that? And what happened to Tom and his family? It's sad that the film seems to say "family" and "love" only apply to the people you know, not the generations you don't.
This is just a nitpick, but how is it Cooper and TARS are able to simply commandeer a spaceship and take off with it? Worst security ever.
After the film, I found myself wanting one more scene, maybe a post-credits scene. I wanted to see Cooper reach Brand and then she gives him a slap to the face A) for lying to her about his plan to get sucked into the black hole, and B) as an "I told you so" when she said they should go to Edmunds' planet instead of Mann's. Her woman's intuition and desire to follow her heart were right.
Oh, and how the heck did Edmunds die? If that is truly a viable planet for life, it would be good to know why the first person didn't survive.
Quotable Quotes
- "We used to look up at the sky and wonder at our place in the stars. Now we just look down and worry about our place in the dirt." -- Cooper
- "Love is the one thing that transcends time and space." -- Brand
- "What's your trust setting, TARS?" "Lower than yours, apparently." -- Cooper and TARS
- "Do not go gentle into that good night." -- Dr. Brand
ISFS
13 November 2014
Big Hero 6
Credible Credits
Year: 2014
Director: Don Hall and Chris Williams
Starring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Daniel Henney, and Maya Rudolph
Synopsis: When a mysterious supervillain threatens San Fransokyo, five science nerds and an inflatable healthcare robot transform themselves into high-tech heroes.
Synopsis: When a mysterious supervillain threatens San Fransokyo, five science nerds and an inflatable healthcare robot transform themselves into high-tech heroes.
Review
Before I get to the feature film, let me just mention the short that preceded it. It's called Feast and is about a dog, his owner, and the food they share. In true Disney form, it is a beautiful little short that is also quite charming. I grinned the whole time.
In case you don't know, Big Hero 6 is loosely based on a relatively obscure Marvel comic book series. As such, it is a fun crossover of the Marvel and Disney brands, bringing the best of both into a family-friendly action romp.
First off, Big Hero 6 is gorgeously animated. The fictional city of San Fransokyo is beautifully and richly imagined. It is a slightly futuristic metropolis that still feels grounded and relatable, just full of possibilities. The city is so fun to admire, you almost want Baymax to do another flyby just to take more in.
The story basically comes down to a superhero origin story. That is not always the easiest thing to tackle. Fortunately, these characters are unknown, so their story manages to be both fresh and familiar. Rather than shy away from what it is, the film is self-aware enough that it acknowledges and pokes fun at its being an origin story.
While the story starts out strong and engaging, it loses a little of that power toward the end. To borrow a fitting thought from a review I saw, it kind of turns into an episode of Scooby Doo by the end. It's just Scooby Doo with superheros and an inflatable robot instead of a Great Dane. The problem is the villain. I can't say much without getting into spoilers. But the villain went from menacing to bland. It's terrific that the villain in the kabuki mask is completely no nonsense. He is both mysterious and menacing as he immediately goes after our heroes once they are on his trail. He says nothing. They are in his way, so he tries to get rid of them. That's awesome. But then he's unmasked and it really does feel a bit like Scooby Doo with a bunch of meddling kids foiling an elaborate plot.
Aside from the villain, all the other characters are fun, quirky, and endearing. You can't not love Baymax. His gentle naivete is refreshing. And he gives the best fist bumps ever. Hiro (the main character) and his older brother have a great, believable relationship and both are characters you just want to root for. But it's the other members of the team that are so fun. Go Go is the no nonsense adrenaline junkie. Honey Lemon is the unflappable optimist. Wasabi is the down-to-earth neat-freak. And Fred is the uber-excited fanboy. Each is just so fun. And rather than super powers, they are all super nerds, in the science sense (well, except Fred). They each use their specialized science skills to become high-tech heroes. Science has never seemed so cool.
How all those characters come together and work together is one of the charms of the movie. And it's really funny to watch them interact. And because each character is so different, there's someone relatable for almost everyone. I personally liked Wasabi best, especially when Go Go disrupted his meticulously organized tool set.
True to the Disney brand, Big Hero 6 is not only funny, it also has a lot of heart. For a movie geared toward kids, it does a good job dealing with some of the weightier emotions that drive the plot. You care about the characters. It's a pleasure to spend time with them.
While it is not without its flaws, I highly recommend Big Hero 6. It's beautiful, funny, heart-warming, and action-packed. You could see it for Baymax alone and get your money's worth.
*** Spoiler Section ***
A good villain is crucial. What would The Avengers be without Loki? Or Batman without the Joker? Or the Incredibles without Syndrome? This kind of movie needs a strong villain who is not only menacing but engrossing and/or unexpected. When Hans revealed himself as the villain in Frozen I was blown away. I did not see that coming. But the moment Professor Callaghan was introduced I thought, "Well, there's the villain." And as soon as Alistair Krei was introduced I knew he was the decoy we were supposed to think was the villain. That right there is a fairly classic Scooby Doo misdirect.
Now I'm not saying revenge isn't a good motivation for a villain. It works. It has worked hundreds, even thousands of times. But this time it just wasn't believable. Callaghan is introduced as a kind, attentive professor who shows interest in his students. For him to turn around and be completely callous at Tadashi's death just doesn't fit. Nor does it fit that in his grief he would now seek to kill his former students. Yes, grief can do terrible things to a person. But I found it hard to believe. If he was so grief-stricken and consumed with thoughts of revenge, how has nobody noticed? And all it takes is one cool science project to push him over the edge into a homicidal supervillain? I'm sure there were easier ways Callaghan could have gotten revenge on Krei.
To me it felt like Callaghan would want to kidnap Krei and force him to resume work on the teleportation technology in the fragile hope that his daughter might somehow be alive, trapped in the realm between the portals. That would have fit the character better.
I loved the film, but Callaghan as a supervillain was a major disappointment. If he hadn't been so worried about his daughter, I really would have expected him to utter the familiar, "And I would've gotten away with it, if it weren't for those meddling kids."
In case you don't know, Big Hero 6 is loosely based on a relatively obscure Marvel comic book series. As such, it is a fun crossover of the Marvel and Disney brands, bringing the best of both into a family-friendly action romp.
First off, Big Hero 6 is gorgeously animated. The fictional city of San Fransokyo is beautifully and richly imagined. It is a slightly futuristic metropolis that still feels grounded and relatable, just full of possibilities. The city is so fun to admire, you almost want Baymax to do another flyby just to take more in.
The story basically comes down to a superhero origin story. That is not always the easiest thing to tackle. Fortunately, these characters are unknown, so their story manages to be both fresh and familiar. Rather than shy away from what it is, the film is self-aware enough that it acknowledges and pokes fun at its being an origin story.
While the story starts out strong and engaging, it loses a little of that power toward the end. To borrow a fitting thought from a review I saw, it kind of turns into an episode of Scooby Doo by the end. It's just Scooby Doo with superheros and an inflatable robot instead of a Great Dane. The problem is the villain. I can't say much without getting into spoilers. But the villain went from menacing to bland. It's terrific that the villain in the kabuki mask is completely no nonsense. He is both mysterious and menacing as he immediately goes after our heroes once they are on his trail. He says nothing. They are in his way, so he tries to get rid of them. That's awesome. But then he's unmasked and it really does feel a bit like Scooby Doo with a bunch of meddling kids foiling an elaborate plot.
Aside from the villain, all the other characters are fun, quirky, and endearing. You can't not love Baymax. His gentle naivete is refreshing. And he gives the best fist bumps ever. Hiro (the main character) and his older brother have a great, believable relationship and both are characters you just want to root for. But it's the other members of the team that are so fun. Go Go is the no nonsense adrenaline junkie. Honey Lemon is the unflappable optimist. Wasabi is the down-to-earth neat-freak. And Fred is the uber-excited fanboy. Each is just so fun. And rather than super powers, they are all super nerds, in the science sense (well, except Fred). They each use their specialized science skills to become high-tech heroes. Science has never seemed so cool.
How all those characters come together and work together is one of the charms of the movie. And it's really funny to watch them interact. And because each character is so different, there's someone relatable for almost everyone. I personally liked Wasabi best, especially when Go Go disrupted his meticulously organized tool set.
True to the Disney brand, Big Hero 6 is not only funny, it also has a lot of heart. For a movie geared toward kids, it does a good job dealing with some of the weightier emotions that drive the plot. You care about the characters. It's a pleasure to spend time with them.
While it is not without its flaws, I highly recommend Big Hero 6. It's beautiful, funny, heart-warming, and action-packed. You could see it for Baymax alone and get your money's worth.
*** Spoiler Section ***
A good villain is crucial. What would The Avengers be without Loki? Or Batman without the Joker? Or the Incredibles without Syndrome? This kind of movie needs a strong villain who is not only menacing but engrossing and/or unexpected. When Hans revealed himself as the villain in Frozen I was blown away. I did not see that coming. But the moment Professor Callaghan was introduced I thought, "Well, there's the villain." And as soon as Alistair Krei was introduced I knew he was the decoy we were supposed to think was the villain. That right there is a fairly classic Scooby Doo misdirect.
Now I'm not saying revenge isn't a good motivation for a villain. It works. It has worked hundreds, even thousands of times. But this time it just wasn't believable. Callaghan is introduced as a kind, attentive professor who shows interest in his students. For him to turn around and be completely callous at Tadashi's death just doesn't fit. Nor does it fit that in his grief he would now seek to kill his former students. Yes, grief can do terrible things to a person. But I found it hard to believe. If he was so grief-stricken and consumed with thoughts of revenge, how has nobody noticed? And all it takes is one cool science project to push him over the edge into a homicidal supervillain? I'm sure there were easier ways Callaghan could have gotten revenge on Krei.
To me it felt like Callaghan would want to kidnap Krei and force him to resume work on the teleportation technology in the fragile hope that his daughter might somehow be alive, trapped in the realm between the portals. That would have fit the character better.
I loved the film, but Callaghan as a supervillain was a major disappointment. If he hadn't been so worried about his daughter, I really would have expected him to utter the familiar, "And I would've gotten away with it, if it weren't for those meddling kids."
Quotable Quotes
- "This is like our origin story!" -- Fred
- "Why are you stopping?" "The light's red." "There are no red lights in car chases!" Go Go and Wasabi
- "Flying makes me a better healthcare companion." -- Baymax
ISFS
07 November 2014
Toy Story of Terror!
Credible Credits
Year: 2013
Director: Angus MacLane
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Carl Weathers, Timothy Dalton, Wallace Shaw, and Don Rickles
Synopsis: During a road trip with their owner, Bonnie, the Toy Story gang get stuck at a roadside motel where strange things begin to happen.
Review
Like my last post, this is a bit of a departure from the norm. Instead of a feature film, Toy Story of Terror! is a TV special that came out last year. But that doesn't make it any less terrific. I actually really enjoy where Pixar has gone with its beloved Toy Story franchise. The shorts and this special provide opportunities to spend time with the lovable characters without having to come up with a contrived, drawn out plot. That said, it was just announced that Toy Story 4 is happening. Here's hoping they have a good plot ... but that's beside the point right now.
While it may not be feature length, Toy Story of Terror! is still made with all the skill and artistry we've come to expect from Pixar. It looks fantastic, just as good as any of their movies. And all the original voice actors are back to do their part. While the story is relatively simple, that's what you want in a 21 minute show. Simple is not boring, and the show keeps you engaged (and laughing) the entire time. Plus the story has a nice message and a good little character arc for our favorite yodeling cowgirl, Jessie.
Like most things Pixar, the film is filled with subtle gags you can only pick up on repeat viewings. One of my favorites is when Mr. Pricklepants (a hedgehog) is erroneously referred to as a "German beaver." Also fun is the rubber bat (with a visible wire no less) in the horror movie the toys are watching from the start.
The Blu-ray (and I assume DVD) is also filled with terrific extras that add to the fun. You can watch a special version of the show that has "commercials" where the TV breaks are. The commercials are specially made for the video release and are for a few of the new characters in the story. Also included are the three Toy Story Toons that have been released: Hawaiian Vacation, Small Fry, and Partysaurus Rex. Each is a fun little jaunt back through the Toy Story world. Plus there are deleted scenes and a little behind-the-scenes documentary.
I highly recommend Toy Story of Terror! It's fun, clever, and populated with familiar friends. If you can, check it out on TV. Or go ahead and buy the Blu-ray (or DVD). If you love the Toy Story gang, you won't regret it.
While it may not be feature length, Toy Story of Terror! is still made with all the skill and artistry we've come to expect from Pixar. It looks fantastic, just as good as any of their movies. And all the original voice actors are back to do their part. While the story is relatively simple, that's what you want in a 21 minute show. Simple is not boring, and the show keeps you engaged (and laughing) the entire time. Plus the story has a nice message and a good little character arc for our favorite yodeling cowgirl, Jessie.
Like most things Pixar, the film is filled with subtle gags you can only pick up on repeat viewings. One of my favorites is when Mr. Pricklepants (a hedgehog) is erroneously referred to as a "German beaver." Also fun is the rubber bat (with a visible wire no less) in the horror movie the toys are watching from the start.
The Blu-ray (and I assume DVD) is also filled with terrific extras that add to the fun. You can watch a special version of the show that has "commercials" where the TV breaks are. The commercials are specially made for the video release and are for a few of the new characters in the story. Also included are the three Toy Story Toons that have been released: Hawaiian Vacation, Small Fry, and Partysaurus Rex. Each is a fun little jaunt back through the Toy Story world. Plus there are deleted scenes and a little behind-the-scenes documentary.
I highly recommend Toy Story of Terror! It's fun, clever, and populated with familiar friends. If you can, check it out on TV. Or go ahead and buy the Blu-ray (or DVD). If you love the Toy Story gang, you won't regret it.
Quotable Quotes
- "Only a kitty cat. Classic misdirection." -- Mr. Pricklepants.
- "We're gonna stay here all night?" "Dun dun duuuun." -- Rex and Mr. Pricklepants
- "Combat Carl never gives up. Combat Carl finds a way." "Are you 'Combat Carl'?" -- Combat Carl and Jessie
ISFS
14 October 2014
Meet the Mormons
Credible Credits
Year: 2014
Director: Blair Treu
Tagline: Six ordinary individuals. Six extraordinary stories.
Synopsis: Get a glimpse at the lives of six individuals from around the country and around the world, all united by faith.
Review
This isn't a review like my other reviews. Partly because this film isn't like the films I usually review. I have no criticism to offer. The closest thing I've got is wishing the film had been a little longer so it could have gone a bit more in depth.
First off, let me point out the documentary is called Meet the Mormons, not LDS Theology 101. The film is not meant to be an introduction to Church doctrine. Of course you can't discuss the lives of members without discussing some of what we believe. After all, what we believe is inextricably intertwined into who we are. The focus of the film shines on living our beliefs as well as finding common ground with all religious traditions, whether it be Baptist, Catholic, or Hindu.
Primarily, this is an introduction to us as a people. The clear intent being to dispel the prejudices and misconceptions others have about us. The film even begins by acknowledging the most common stereotypes and misunderstandings. With each subsequent segment, the film basically says: "You think you know who Mormons are, think again." The growing diversity within the Church is emphasized and celebrated throughout.
For those who haven't seen it yet, I'm not going to spoil any of the stories. Suffice it to say, the first few stories are nice, lighter fare. For me at least, the stories got more gripping as the film went on, with the last story being the most compelling of all. That was the story of the single mother whose entire life was changed by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Beautiful stories would have been enough, but the film itself is also absolutely beautiful. At times the cinematography is just breathtaking. One segment is in Nepal. We see pictures of the Himalayas quite often. We don't often see the Himalayas as someone's backyard view. Stunning. And I clearly need to go ziplining in Costa Rica.
Just as a fun last tidbit, I'd like to point out that the film's editor was Wynn Hougaard, one of my professors when I was a film student at BYU. Neat.
My final assessment is simply to go see Meet the Mormons. It's 100% worth your time and 100% worth your money (which is being donated to the American Red Cross).
First off, let me point out the documentary is called Meet the Mormons, not LDS Theology 101. The film is not meant to be an introduction to Church doctrine. Of course you can't discuss the lives of members without discussing some of what we believe. After all, what we believe is inextricably intertwined into who we are. The focus of the film shines on living our beliefs as well as finding common ground with all religious traditions, whether it be Baptist, Catholic, or Hindu.
Primarily, this is an introduction to us as a people. The clear intent being to dispel the prejudices and misconceptions others have about us. The film even begins by acknowledging the most common stereotypes and misunderstandings. With each subsequent segment, the film basically says: "You think you know who Mormons are, think again." The growing diversity within the Church is emphasized and celebrated throughout.
For those who haven't seen it yet, I'm not going to spoil any of the stories. Suffice it to say, the first few stories are nice, lighter fare. For me at least, the stories got more gripping as the film went on, with the last story being the most compelling of all. That was the story of the single mother whose entire life was changed by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Beautiful stories would have been enough, but the film itself is also absolutely beautiful. At times the cinematography is just breathtaking. One segment is in Nepal. We see pictures of the Himalayas quite often. We don't often see the Himalayas as someone's backyard view. Stunning. And I clearly need to go ziplining in Costa Rica.
Just as a fun last tidbit, I'd like to point out that the film's editor was Wynn Hougaard, one of my professors when I was a film student at BYU. Neat.
My final assessment is simply to go see Meet the Mormons. It's 100% worth your time and 100% worth your money (which is being donated to the American Red Cross).
Quotable Quotes
- "God is the author of diversity." -- The Bishop
- "I'm not close to perfection, but I'm perfect in one thing: I'm perfect in trying." -- The Humanitarian
- "One choice can change everything." -- The Single Mother
ISFS
23 September 2014
The Giver
Credible Credits
Year: 2014
Director: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, and Alexander Skarsgard
Tagline: You Can Make Things Better
Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect world, one young man learns what it truly means to live.
Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect world, one young man learns what it truly means to live.
Review
Yes, I have read the book for this one. But it has been a few years and I don't remember all the details that were different. I never read this as a young adult. Somehow I just missed it I guess. So I don't have the eye-opening attachment to the story that perhaps others do.
In terms of the movie, I was on the fence about seeing it. But having gone in with fairly low expectations, I was rather pleasantly surprised.
For starters, the movie is quite beautifully composed. The world of the "Community" feels very real, and very sterile. Which is exactly how it is supposed to feel to the audience. The film makes excellent use of color. It's not simply black and white versus color. Depending on which characters we are with, the hues have differing saturation. It helps set the tone and feel of the movie. And it is just fun to watch the colors gradually unfold.
Another thing the film did quite well was not shying away from the darker themes the book addressed. It tackled those ideas head on but also with the proper delicacy. While I don't remember many of the details of the book, the themes are what have stuck with me. So it was nice to see the film try to embrace them. The film is both earnest and genuine about its themes of learning what it means to live and being willing to accept pain and heartache in order to know joy and love.
Jeff Bridges does an excellent job as the Giver. He's enjoyable throughout. After seeing him, I can't imagine anyone else in the role. Meryl Streep also completely fits her role as the Chief Elder.
While the film was enjoyable and certainly had the best of intentions, it still had some problems that left me disappointed. First of all, the pacing was problematic. It wasn't a very long movie. But it felt rushed in some areas and sluggish in others. We needed more time easing into the memories with Jonas. When he gets the memory of war all I could think was, "What, already?" Receiving those memories is supposed to be a long, somewhat jarring process. Brenton Thwaites did a good job of embracing the joy of color and music, laughter and dancing. But it felt like he should have been much more conflicted by the contrast of the world he lives in and the memories he's gaining.
The Giver (as a novel) predates nearly all the young adult fare that is so popular these days. And yet it seemed to try to fit in with that crowd. In the book, Jonas and his friends are 12. In the movie they are 18. Much of the tension between Jonas and his friends, Fiona and Asher, is invented for the film. The same goes for most of the climax. The Community is all about "sameness," so it is a pity the film falls prey to the same trap. It felt far too anxious to "fit in" with all the other dystopian, young adult movies. It needed to dare to be unique.
The bigger problem was heavy-handedness. The film didn't trust the audience as much as it should have (and as much as I remember the book did). By the film's climax (the part completely invented for the film), the Giver and the Chief Elder are practically just spouting ideological quotes at each other. Certainly it is straightforward, rather than manipulative, which is good. But it is also simply telling rather than showing. I was told what to think, rather than allowed the time to discover it for myself.
I wanted the film to trust that if it presented me with the "facts" and the "truth" that I would choose for myself which world was better. More than just watching Jonas' journey of discovering joy, music, color, and love, I wanted to go on the same journey. And the film only kind of allowed that. Given that the movie is about the power to choose, that was a major blunder.
The choice presented in both the novel and film is of fundamental importance. It is whether we will taste the bitter to know the sweet; will we endure pain to know joy; will we allow hate in order to embrace love. It is the same choice made by Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden, the first choice made on earth. While we may not be confronted with the choice to the degree Eve or Jonas was, it is a choice every human must come to terms with. Otherwise they'll hop from pleasure to pleasure, never finding joy.
The film had an opportunity to really show how lost humanity would be without the power to choose or the power to truly live. It tried to. It had good intentions about an excellent theme and message. And it partially succeeded. It was an enjoyable film that I'm glad I saw. But I'm more glad I read the book. I want to read it again now.
In terms of the movie, I was on the fence about seeing it. But having gone in with fairly low expectations, I was rather pleasantly surprised.
For starters, the movie is quite beautifully composed. The world of the "Community" feels very real, and very sterile. Which is exactly how it is supposed to feel to the audience. The film makes excellent use of color. It's not simply black and white versus color. Depending on which characters we are with, the hues have differing saturation. It helps set the tone and feel of the movie. And it is just fun to watch the colors gradually unfold.
Another thing the film did quite well was not shying away from the darker themes the book addressed. It tackled those ideas head on but also with the proper delicacy. While I don't remember many of the details of the book, the themes are what have stuck with me. So it was nice to see the film try to embrace them. The film is both earnest and genuine about its themes of learning what it means to live and being willing to accept pain and heartache in order to know joy and love.
Jeff Bridges does an excellent job as the Giver. He's enjoyable throughout. After seeing him, I can't imagine anyone else in the role. Meryl Streep also completely fits her role as the Chief Elder.
While the film was enjoyable and certainly had the best of intentions, it still had some problems that left me disappointed. First of all, the pacing was problematic. It wasn't a very long movie. But it felt rushed in some areas and sluggish in others. We needed more time easing into the memories with Jonas. When he gets the memory of war all I could think was, "What, already?" Receiving those memories is supposed to be a long, somewhat jarring process. Brenton Thwaites did a good job of embracing the joy of color and music, laughter and dancing. But it felt like he should have been much more conflicted by the contrast of the world he lives in and the memories he's gaining.
The Giver (as a novel) predates nearly all the young adult fare that is so popular these days. And yet it seemed to try to fit in with that crowd. In the book, Jonas and his friends are 12. In the movie they are 18. Much of the tension between Jonas and his friends, Fiona and Asher, is invented for the film. The same goes for most of the climax. The Community is all about "sameness," so it is a pity the film falls prey to the same trap. It felt far too anxious to "fit in" with all the other dystopian, young adult movies. It needed to dare to be unique.
The bigger problem was heavy-handedness. The film didn't trust the audience as much as it should have (and as much as I remember the book did). By the film's climax (the part completely invented for the film), the Giver and the Chief Elder are practically just spouting ideological quotes at each other. Certainly it is straightforward, rather than manipulative, which is good. But it is also simply telling rather than showing. I was told what to think, rather than allowed the time to discover it for myself.
I wanted the film to trust that if it presented me with the "facts" and the "truth" that I would choose for myself which world was better. More than just watching Jonas' journey of discovering joy, music, color, and love, I wanted to go on the same journey. And the film only kind of allowed that. Given that the movie is about the power to choose, that was a major blunder.
The choice presented in both the novel and film is of fundamental importance. It is whether we will taste the bitter to know the sweet; will we endure pain to know joy; will we allow hate in order to embrace love. It is the same choice made by Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden, the first choice made on earth. While we may not be confronted with the choice to the degree Eve or Jonas was, it is a choice every human must come to terms with. Otherwise they'll hop from pleasure to pleasure, never finding joy.
The film had an opportunity to really show how lost humanity would be without the power to choose or the power to truly live. It tried to. It had good intentions about an excellent theme and message. And it partially succeeded. It was an enjoyable film that I'm glad I saw. But I'm more glad I read the book. I want to read it again now.
Quotable Quotes
- "A dwelling is not a home. A home is more." -- The Giver
- "Is that the pain everyone talks about?" "Not even close." -- Jonas (after getting the memory of being stung by a bee) and the Giver
- "I apologize." "I accept your apology." -- Pretty much everyone except the Giver
- "We are living a life of shadows, of echoes." -- The Giver
- "I loved her." "Precision of language!" "Couldn't have been more precise." -- The Giver and the Chief Elder
ISFS
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