Author: srupnow2

2006

Director:  Guillermo del Toro

Writer: Guillermo del Toro

Lead Actors:Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López

Pan’s Labyrinth written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, is a gruesome twist on your average fairy tale.

This southern gothic film features violence, lack of emotion, the supernatural and the typical ‘southern gothic’ family tree. 

The story follows the journey of a young girl who gets transported to a mystical world after entering a labyrinth. She’s faced with tasks from both the real world, such as her sadistic step father and the war ridden world she lives in, as well as the mystical tasks to save her mother and get out of the world. 

I love this movie. Partly because one of my favorite classes I’ve taken here at Texas State was southern gothic story telling. My professor loved this movie and after watching for the second time I understand why. Before, I watched for analysis of the story line but this time I tried to sit and enjoy it. 

Although this story seems to be a kid friendly film, It is quite the opposite. I loved the raw emotionless violence (but don’t advocate for it lol). This kind of emotionless character seen in this film, and many others like The Lobster, Killing Of A Scared Deer, is one I find to absolutely love. 

This is one of those movies you watch but never forget. The visuals are so raw and shocking that they are almost implanted into your consciousness. 

I loved the set design. The tunnel for the tree especially. 

Two things that stood out to me were the sound design in the quiet scenes, like when she was getting chased by her step dad, and the storyline (obviously). 

Of course, I give it 5 stars honestly across the board. 

1995

Director: Ron Howard

Writer: Jim Lovell, Jeffrey Kluger

Lead Actors: Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon

Apollo 13 is an American space expedition story that leaves viewers with a sense of optimism and knowledge but overall disappointment. 

The story follows a group of men who begin training to head to the moon after the initial space landing. After take-off, they run into a series of problems that cause the mission to be in jeopardy. 

The movie is pretty slow, I couldn’t stay focused on it, to say the least. As much as I admire space movies, Apollo 13, is not one I’d recommend. 

With the title implying something aggressively wrong take place, this movie was ultimately a big letdown. 

In my opinion, I would recommend watching either 2001: A Space Oddessy or Interstellar to get your space mission fixes.

 This movie seems lacking, like an empty docudrama. I had higher expectations than what my peers expressed disappointment in, thinking it may be better. 

Lately, I’ve been trying to wake movies more as an entertainment aspect rather than a critical aspect because I want to enjoy them more. But this movie definitely fell into the trap of me disconnecting and looking for distractions.

Online school is hard and watching movies that haven’t been piquing my interest has run me down quite a bit. Which in turn, makes me lose my motivation for the craft. 

Hopefully, my interests will be relit after from free time during the break. 

Anyways, I stand by my statement about watching something other than this movie, if you’re looking for a space-themed night.

2014

Director: Lasse Hallstrom

Writer: Steve Knight, Richard Morais

Lead Actors: Helen Miren,  Om Puri, Manish Dayal

The Hundred-Foot Journey is a heartwarming story about a family pursuing their passion for running a restaurant, which leaves viewers optimistic.

The story follows the Kadam family as they leave India and settle in France to start a new life across the street from a famous restaurant. As they begin the process of opening and maintaining the restaurant, they are faced with discrimination and setbacks. 

Overall, I liked this movie. I’ve never really watched any culinary movies, other than Ratatouille, which also was based in France. I liked the diversity and the realistic stance it had as well. It was heart-warming especially in comparison to last week’s movie. 

The storyline was alright. It was entertaining for the most part but, I thought it lacked zest. It was obscenely predictable and way too long for my taste. Some aspects we not needed to produce the full story in my opinion. 

I felt like I knew every step that was going to happen next and the development of every character before I even knew them.

On that note though, I really loved the set design. It showed the true differences between Indian and French culture and values. While doing so, also showed how they can converge to work together.

The additional bonus this movie gets is for the French. I love the language so I normally have a hard time dissing anything that has to do with it. 

As for the actors and actresses throughout the movie, I thought they were perfect for each character portrayed. 

With that being said, If you’re in need of a good pick-me-up and something to inspire you in the kitchen, this is definitely the movie for you. But, I can’t say I’d rewatch it again just because of the length and predictability. It’s more of a one-and-done type of movie if you ask me. 

1987

Director: Paul Verhoeven

Writer: Edward Neumeier, Micheal Miner

Lead Actors: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O’Herlihy

RoboCop is an action-packed 80’s movie with the perfect mix of adrenaline and comedy, which leaves viewers ready to take down bad guys. 

In all honesty, I liked this movie but didn’t keep my attention from beginning to end. I watched and listened mostly as background noise but wasn’t disappointed in the long run. Mainly because I’m not one to sit down and watch an action movie but I found myself stopping whatever task I was doing to watch parts that caught my interest. 

Overall it was good but I would probably prefer to rewatch and pay constant attention along with friends- alone it was a struggle. It felt too long almost. 

As for the technical aspects of the movie, it was super intriguing. The costume design and effects were crazy good and seemed way ahead of the time yet a perfect fit for the ’80s. The high-tech, action-packed vibe meshes well along with other movies from the decade including Terminator and Die Hard. 

I see little to no critique of this movie and have a hard time evaluating it because I’m not well versed in the action genre. With that being said though, I think it’s a great movie to point out disability and how detrimental it can be. Obviously, this is an unrealistic version of dealing with a disability but could be a superhero-esc example to kids with them. 

I was surprised by how many of my friends have already seen this movie too. I had heard of it but never watched or really knew the details until this year but I’m definitely glad to be introduced to it. In addition, I love the fact it takes place in Detroit because that’s my hometown and it felt like the perfect setting for such a movie. 

1917

2019

Director: Sam Mendes

Writer: Sam Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns

Lead Actors: Dean Charles-Chapman, George Mckay, Daniel Mays 

1917 is an intense, heart-racing, tragic story following the journey of two soldiers in World War I that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the whole movie. 

The story follows two soldiers tasked with the mission to withhold troops from moving forward into a deadly trap set deep in enemy territory. Along the journey, the soldiers are faced with multiple setbacks, including loss, injury, and combat, as they race against the clock to deliver the message in time. 

Although I don’t know too many details of the war itself, other than basic knowledge, I loved this movie. And I’m not the type to watch historical war movies. As for the screenplay, it is exceptional, I was astounded by it honestly. This in turn has now been a movie that I come back to frequently and am never disappointed when re-watching. 

One of my favorite aspects of this movie is the fact that it was shot to look like one complete sequence. This then results in almost a perfectly seamless storyline with little to no lag time and creates the feeling of living out the journey with the soldiers. Watching this movie for the first time, it felt as if thousands of lives depended on me, not the main characters. 

The action scenes were constructed brilliantly, putting the viewer directly in the crosshairs of combat, while the quieter scenes highlighted the human, more emotional turmoil of war. 

I don’t have much to add about costume design, but it seemed to be historically accurate as far as I know. As for set design and destination, it was pretty outstanding. The depiction of the trenches and otherwise untouched countryside really showed the drastic effects of war. It helped put the perspective of battle and serenity in such a seemingly destructive plot.  

When discussing sound design, this movie takes the cake for me. It almost goes hand-in-hand with the diverse setting. The polarizing differences between still, calm quiet, and explosive, gunfire, and bombs are probably the most unnerving part of this whole movie for me. 

Overall, this movie will always be a favorite of mine and one that I return to no matter the day or feeling. If you need something solemn yet uplifting this would be a good option and I highly recommend it to anyone who has not yet seen it. 

Selma

2014

Director: Ava DuVernay

Writer: Paul Webb

Lead Actors: David Oyelowe, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey

Selma is an intense, emotional movie about the Civil Rights Act Movement that leaves viewers feeling raw and motivated. 

The storyline follows Martin Luther King Jr. on his journey to end discrimination against black American people in the south. While on this journey to create and execute the non-violent protest march from Selma to Montgomery, the people involved are faced with violence from the white people of the towns. 

This story is incredibly emotional and one I would watch in order to better educate myself on the discrimination that black Americans have faced throughout our countries lifespan. And continue to face. It truly breaks my heart. 

The opening of this movie was terrifying and I think it was an incredible idea to start off like that. My only stipulation was the pacing. It seemed a bit of a roller coaster, high intensity to calm and back again. This may have been my user error though since I paused on occasion. 

As for the casting, perfect. Each character was extremely well played but, for some reason seeing Oprah kind of took me out of the movie. Don’t get me wrong, she a cool gal but her presence is almost distracting. 

It was directed well, and I have little to criticize honestly. Ava DuVernay did an amazing job. As with all the actors/actresses in the film. 

Nothing shocking or out of place in the set/costume department- although, every time I see a confederate flag I gag a little. Which has nothing to do with the movie in any aspect, just my own side comment. 

Overall, I think this movie is definitely worth watching at least once and in honor of Black History Month, even more so. Understand your privileges and be aware of others’ hardships. Educate yourself and others’. 

1985

Director: Peter Masterson

Writer: Horton Foote 

Lead Actors: Gerald Page, John Heard, Carlin Glynn

The Trip to Bountiful is yet another heart-warming, feel-good road trip movie that leaves viewers with a sense of longing. 

The story follows an old woman’s journey to revisit her small, rural Texas hometown after living with her son and his wife in Houston. After “running away”, the woman meets several people who help make the trip happen in order to fulfill her last wish before she dies. 

I must say this isn’t the kind of movie I’d pick to watch on any given night but it was pretty sweet. The storyline was pretty straightforward. Nothing too special. And the characters made the story progress. 

As for the feeling provoked throughout the movie, longingness for the past was the most prevalent. This is an emotion everyone is accustomed to and this movie really hits the nail on the head with it. And with death approaching for the woman, Mrs. Watts, it creates a dire need to regress to the past. 

Overall, I found the characters slightly annoying and over-emotional. It was to the point where, instead of feeling heartfelt, it seemed a bit more comedic. That being said, I don’t think the acting was bad, maybe just not my tempo but I can understand why it won the best actress at the Academy’s. Just in my opinion-was not my favorite. 

As for the set design and costume, both aspects fit the time and didn’t create any substantial feelings for me. Which like I said before in my review of Little Miss Sunshine, is a good thing. 

After watching and looking at all the nominations/awards this movie was given, I honestly cannot see where the hype is coming from. It was good, don’t get me wrong, but not astonishing. I think this just calls for me to rewatch it at a later date.

2006

Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Writer: Micheal Arndt 

Lead Actors: Greg Kinner, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin, Alan Arklin, and Bryan Cranston 

Little Miss Sunshine is a heart-warming, thought-provoking family road trip film that will leave you with a slightly confusing mix of emotions.  

The story follows the journey of the Hoover family on a road trip from New Mexico to California for a beauty pageant, for seven-year-old Olive. The dysfunctional family is faced with a series of problems or “bumps in the road” along the drive, all with the dedication of getting Olive to the beauty pageant on time. Along for the ride is Richard and Sheryl, an argumentative divorcing couple, with childern Dwayne and Olive, Richard’s straightforward father Edwin, and Sheryl’s suicidal brother, Frank. Throughout the trip the family learns of not only the difficulty of the journey itself but also the difficulty of life. 

As for the technical details, nothing really jumped out at me. Which is entirely a good thing, I wasn’t taken out of the world in which the film created and remained entertained the entire time. The acting was top notch and each character had their own quirks to them, which worked well with everyone else- I mean who’s really going to doubt Steve Carell and Toni Collete’s talent in the first place. That being said the characters wouldn’t be anywhere without the writing. Throughout the course of the movie, watchers are faced with suicide, divorce, teenage rebellion, bankrupcey and a plethora of other relatable problem, which in-turn creates for a hilarious yet emotional roller coaster. It seems as if while the characters are growing, the viewer grows with them, creating the perfect attachment which flows smoothly from scene to scene. Cinematography and sound went unnoticed compared to the writing, as I didn’t find myself being taken back by anything in particular, which often happens to me when watching film. Set design and costumes went unnoticed as well, aside for the obvious fact that Olive was the most “real” looking seven-year-old in the pageant and the bright yellow bus, which you would think hold only the happiest of people, holds a group of mix-matched indiviuals. Although, the majority of this film was not extrvogent, it was real. Which is why it was so easy to watch and follow along with. 

Overall, the movie is pretty adorable and I really enjoyed it but, I was left with a weird mix of optimism and melancholy. The harsh reality of how precious life is and not to take it for granted is really pushed forward throughout the plot and forces me to walk away with an odd feeling of empty happiness. 

With everything going on in our world right now, remembering to take time to yourself is a good idea. Movies can be a great escape! Sometimes planning it out like this can make things seem a bit less hectic.

Step 1: Find a movie buddy. Or don’t! Movies are good either way.

Step 2: Scavenge for snacks. You can make something or order delivery, but remember try to go to the store only for essentials!

Step 3: Choose the vibe! This also means you’ll have to decide how many movies you are willing to watch. Maybe make a list of potential ones!

Another fun thing you could do is, a movie roulette, like this one here. I just looked up “movie roulette” on google. You can find different ones though!

I suggest American Ultra, Call Me by Your Name, Parasite, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or Isle of Dogs!

Step 4: Get comfy! Maybe build a fort, snuggle in bed, or just chill on the couch!

Final and easiest step: Watch!

I hope this inspires you to do a movie night! Remember to male time for little things right now. We all know things are hectic!

The embark into the world of film can be scary, but it can be especially scary when its in another language!

With the publicity from the award winning movie Parasite, you may now be curious in the deep of dive foreign films. Which may seem daunting at first but trust me, its a lot easier and not as scary as it seems!

There is two “routes” you can go with them; dub or sub. Dub means that the language is doubled over in your choice. The only issue with this is that the sound sometimes doesn’t match up with the video. Sub is the movie with the subtitles in your language. Issues with this are, obviously, having to read what is happening.

In my opinion, I prefer subtitles.

But, no matter what way you prefer to enjoy them, they are all equally as interesting. When looking into movies from other nations, it’s interesting to see different styles, plots and character interaction compared to ones you regularly see.

The best way to “get into” them is to start watching and what a better time than quarantine to start!

Some of my all time favorite movies are in other languages. Here’s a list of a few!

• Amelie
• Parasite
• Climax
• Daisies