SPOILERS for: Lore

          

  To any enthusiasts of World War Two films this movie's focus is on the post war effects on Germany, especially in relation to children.
                  This is the story of Lore and her four other siblings. Who are traveling to there Grandmother's house hoping for refuge while there Mother and Father enter prison. Lore must then carry her Baby brother Peter while she watches over her sister and other two brothers who have a knack for running off in unfamiliar territory. This is how Lore first meets Thomas, a man who is posing as a Jew. Now, Lore's younger siblings are unaware of Lore's animosity towards him, but sense her unease around him. Since he is a rather stone cold character who more then once attempts to touch Lore. Although when she solicits an invitation he is repulsed and refuses. What is curious is how much she hates him, but once he tries to leave she has become so dependent on his charity that she convinces him to stay. Its not until her brother steals his wallet and his papers that he is forced to flee. Leaving Lore to her own devices. Her brother then shows her the papers and she is consumed by a frustration at learning that he had never told her the truth, after she had told him to stop lying since she saw them all. Except for his identity.
             

  What I found most interesting story wise was the moments which focused on Lore's relationship to the other characters. To see her struggle with caring for a newborn baby where she has to find a nursing woman and pay her to feed him. Then the constant panic of losing Gunter, when they were in an abandoned town riddled with Russian or American military.
                Personally I had expected a much different story then what I saw and it wasn't riveting, but still interesting and though

provoking. What was superb though was the cinematography and acting. Most of the dialogue between characters was told through hand gestures and scowls, which still got the point across about the mood of the situation. Especially from the main two actors who created this silent chemistry that just transformed throughout the entire film. Which I have to hand it to the cinematographers who created this delicate, but bold style.  Since there was this deep blue tinge added to the entire film that added this very sullen sensation. The locations where everything was shot was phenomenal and gorgeous. From the bombed village that wreaked of tar and disease, to the meadows and rivers that radiated an underlying threat which was masked in a cheery atmosphere.  Also the scene where the burnt pictures of Hitler were falling from the sky in the deep misty forest was breath taking. Might I also add the attention spent on the details was immaculate. Lore's lips appeared so chapped that they looked like an open scab. Plus her hair styles showed her progression from child to forced adulthood, then reborn to finally a true adult. I also enjoyed how each time we were shown a dead body it became more mutilated and rotten.

              All in all this film is an excellent example for how distraught Germany was after WW2 especially for children. Its beautiful to look at and pays so much attention to detail, that it is still intriguing even with a slightly understated story line.

SPOILERS for: Standing Up

         
 The life changing adventure for eleven and twelve years old's Grace and Howie. Who rock big square glasses and low self esteem. When they become "goats' a tradition at this summer camp where they are staying that has a tradition where a boy and girl are outcasted onto an island in the middle of the lake stripped and left alone all night long. While Grace weeps in a corner clutching around a blanket, Howie decides that they should swim to shore. Where they will then run away together.
           This leads the dynamic duo to breaking into an abandon cabin, stealing clothes from teenagers and spending the night in a hotel where they pretend to be Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick's. As you can imagine Grace's mother is absolutely frantic, leaving her corporate job in order to search for her. Its a wonder how she didn't go raving mad while the camp leader blamed her for her Daughter's lack of confidence that made her an easy target. Thankfully after this escapade Grace and Howie end up alright and become pen pals.

             So when I saw the trailer for this movie I was expecting something a bit less relatable. And my favorite aspect about this entire film was how realistic it was in showing dangers that kids are told to avoid. Like getting into someone's care even if they claim to be a police officer and how they promise to pay everyone back who they stole from (and they do). Which is something I rarely see exhibited in these films. Plus the two main actors were exquisite and I feel in love with there characters. Who were shown as two people who were lonely and seeking friendship, you didn't really view them as possible love interests. That sends an amazing message out to me. Another aspect that was included was in one scene Grace was being felt up by another boy, Howie put him in his place then later befriended him. Of course after he apologized to Grace for his behavior. Plus I love how the only indicator that this film took place in the eighties was because of the music.
       
 The only message that was a bit odd was that for more then half of the movie the kids don't know each other's names. they are already bonded so closely with out the exchange of names, sort of making them meaning less since the majority of all the characters are also unnamed, at least the important ones. a rather interesting detail that I can't quite make out yet.
             This movie is available on Netflix and is a great watch with your kids or by yourself. Its relatable to all ages! And appropriate. With its witty humor and poetic script.

Trailer Tracking: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

                      A movie that is suppose to come out on August 8th, 2014 according to IMDB! When I first heard the news that Michael Bay was going to make this movie, I though that it was a joke. I am astounded that it is actually a real thing. With Megan Fox as April O'neil. Who is suppose to have hair brighter then an orange, not black.

                      Now, thankfully from what can be gathered from this first trailer Michael Bay is thankfully not having the Turtles come from space. Instead the are pulling an "Amazing Spider-Man" and make a connection between April's father being the creator of the turtles. Justifying that he was "creating a hero".  Since they don't just come out of the swearers for no reason. That would be following the original plot line. Hey they even make the father's ex-partner the evil dude!
                       I used to get up at seven o'clock each saturday in order to watch the original TV series and from recent films like Turtles Forever, and  the 2007 TMNT my expectations are really, really low. Not to say that I won't go see it, I will just go in with one million things to find wrong with the film. But in the end Michael Bay still wins, since he gets me to see it.
                       Though what is gnawing at my nerd bone, is maybe the angle which Bay decided to take may be instead following the comics grittier plot. That could actually make this movie a blockbuster. Possibly seeing Raphael with guns would be pretty dang sweet. And looking at this trailer a bit closer that may be the case. Who knows until more information in released.

Quicky Review of: The Grand Budapest Hotel

           

  I made it this week! Almost right after school and theater practice, but I indeed made it to the film. Now, right off the bat I went into this film with rather high expectations, since I have been anticipating this film for months now. Wes Anderson films are always very funny and just so beautiful to watch.
                 Although with the Grand Budapest Hotel, in some ways I was rather let down. It was this inconsistent beginning of a girl reading a book about a guy filming his story of how he met this man who told him, his Life's story. And I found it unneeded. The message that great stories do not come from the mind, but instead great stories go to great minds. Something which I though was going to be important, but wasn't. Another issue I had that was many scenes were a bit to predictable and I became a little withdrawn. Though at many, consistent, moments I would be brought back into the film. The use of repetition was used superbly, and I noticed a lot of old character tropes that I haven't seen for quite a long time. And if you know a bit about Italian Comedies and Harlequins, you will love these characters. Each character was a card and created excellently. Although I believed that the all-star cast, would cause a fight for screen time, but it was subdued. Something to be applauded.
                 The leading characters and the actors who portrayed them were simply marvelous, they were witty and kind. Three dimensional. While one supporting character fell a bit flat.

                  Okay, now let me draw attention to Wes Anderson signature that is cinematic symmetry. Which during the outages that weren't directly related to the story, were shot a bit more traditionally. Though during the actual plot sequence everything was a master piece of symmetry and detailed to perfection. The colors were radiant and over exaggerated, making it a pleasure to watch. Don't get me started on the fabulous costumes tailored perfectly to each character.

            All in all I was expecting something a bit more attention grabbing, but I was laughing consistently throughout the film. Its beautiful with characters to die for. So I suggest seeing this as a matinée. Though if you are a fan of Wes Anderson and historical theatrics you were surely find this enraptured with fun little tidbits of his famous style and a test of trivia.

SPOILERS for: Tim's Vermeer

             
        Now, none of you should know this, but I am a huge fan of documentaries. Me and my Dad are always ecstatic to see what new things we can learn. A few of my personal favorites being; Discovery's Colossal Squid and The Science of Sexual Attraction. While several other history and discovery shows spliced in there. Although I love documentaries, I never see them in the theater. Due to that documentaries are rarely offered in theaters close by, and usually you don't think, "Wow I wish that I could have seen this on the big screen!"
                  Until Penn and Teller decided to follow a close friend's experiment into the technology that would have been required for Vermeer to create his magnificent pieces. Now, this movie I could have seen on the small screen. Yet I still throughly enjoyed it in the theater. Penn and Teller were constantly adding in comedic narration and Tim was quite the comedian himself. With a quote from his blog saying how much his experiment, "Better fucking work!" Which it did. It fucking worked. Tim was able to fully recreate "The Music Room." After reinventing the instrument that is similar to a camera obscura , the basis for modern cameras today. Then totally recreating the room that was to be painted. Tim traveled the world in order to learn the skills which he would need to know in order to pint in the renaissance style, then conversing with several people who have theorized similar things that helped inspire Tim.

             Just from the camera that was recording the whole process of 121 days of painting. That included snippets of swearing and cursing, but most "Dots." And after it was all done Tim was in tears he was so utterly proud of himself. Penn and Teller incorporated a really powerful message that technology and art are not polar opposites, but in fact go together hand in hand. Since from what we were led to believe is that Tim had no prior experience in oil painting. That this device could allow anyone with great patience to paint something that so closely resembles a photographic image. Yet Tim isn't saying that art is not a simple thing, its tedious and difficult. Like everything else. Which is what we see in this film, Tim has to under go several lessons in order to hone new skills that would allow him to pursue this experiment. Which I admire. Tim was very inspirational and was able to record his hobby that was more then creating a very plausible theory, or recreating a piece that has been done over several hundred times. It was the process and his personal satisfaction which he received from this endeavor.
              So bravo Tim, Penn and Teller for a phenomenal film.

Quicky Review on: Muppets Most Wanted

                  Funny story there. I was planning on going to see The Grand Budapest Hotel, but it sold out. So my friends and I went to see Muppets Most Wanted instead, a film we all wanted to see. A golly was it the best squeal to ever grace a cinema screen. With the first musical number that broke the fourth wall and lower your expectations while sining about how ludicrous squeals are. Then bragging about how many Muppets squeals there have been! (seven)

               So the basic plot is the Dominic Badguy has proposed to the newly reunited Muppet Crew that they go on a world tour in order to become popular on an international level. Which obviously they agree to, but Kermit is arrested! Yet, nobody knows that besides animal. Although he and Tina Fey have a wonderful number together! Oh, by the way this movie is not only longer then the last, but has way more musical numbers that are catchy and really clever. So if you are not into musicals, I suggest against going to this film straight away. Now, since this film is made for younger audiences and is a muppet movie -making it known for plots that are handed over to you on a silver platter in the very beginning- some may find it a tad bit non absorbing at times. Though heres a fun game, count how many cameos there are! since there is a load, 29 to be exact.
And HUGE FLIPPING SPOILER HERE, but the sole reason why this film was made so that the could have Usher be The Usher. The pun was perfect and everyone practically suffocated from laughter. The only real thing that I found a bit bamboozling was to see most of the Muppets walking and even dancing. It took me out sometimes since it looked really odd and I'd even say awkward.

             Now, since the Grand Budapest Hotel is such a hit I totally suggest this movie as an alternative. Its light hearted and funny, with little quirky details that just keep you giggling. Now, be sure to bring friends. Since this is defiantly one of those movies you would want to whisper into there ear. Most of mine consisting of, "I love this song!" or "I love him/her!" and "That pun!" Plus the sub plots were adorable and just a blast.
              So race to the theater everybody!

Trailer Tracking: Maleficent

              A live action retelling of the famed "Sleeping Beauty".  Yet from the perspective of Maleficent played by the glorious Angelina Jolie.

               Now my thoughts on these most recent trailers are mixed. First, Lana Del Ray's version of "Once Upon A Dream" is rather haunting. In a very catchy way, but takes the happiness and spring out of it. also the CGI monsters are quite magnificent, really detailed.
              But, then things get confusing. From what I can collect from the "Dream" and "Legacy" trailers is that Maleficent is not trying to seek revenge upon the kingdom out of jealousy for not being invited to the christening of Aurora. that would be following the plot line in tow of the first film. Instead she is trying to protect her from some great force, by killing her? Or at least kidnapping her. Where they then bond over some crazy prophecy and influential/inspirational dialogue. Attempting to seize empathy from the intended audience. Though for this historic villain who is shrouded in mystery, it seems like quite a stretch. Since in the original cartoon film, Maleficent is a rather obscure and shallow character. Filling an evil witch troupe, very well. Now by expanding on her back story and reasoning for cursing Aurora reminds me of the new fad of; "If their's a tragic backstory all crimes are forgiven!" (ahem Loki ahem) Which is annoying once you realize it, but so utterly effective!

               Obviously I won't know anything for sure until I see this film, looking for this explanation. And I will be expecting one, plus a marvelous performance by Angelina Jolie. From Elle fanning not as much. Though props are due to casting and costuming for picking Aurora and Prince Phillip then making them look like the intended young age from the Grimm tale.

SPOILERS for: The Producers

       

   So I have been on a bit of a binge. Which is consisting of Space Balls, Rocky Horror and Monty Pathoon marathons. Non of which I have written a review on since I have been very lazy, but I though that The Producers deserves one. Especially since this is my first time watching the film. Though it should be noted that I am watching the 2005 remake with Will Ferrel and that guy from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I have heard that the original is better, but this all I could find on Netflix.
           For those of you who do not know what The Producers is all about, you should really go change that. But, if you couldn't guess, this film we are following the musical tale of two producers. One a Broadway know-it-all who sleeps with old women to fund him and an ex-accountant who still seeks comfort from his baby blanket. They are on the quest to make the biggest musical blunder in all of history! This way they can make two million dollars and move to Rio!  So they find the worst play in all of history, "Spring Time For Hitler" which is noted to insult every gender, race and religion known to man! But sadly falls flat in that respect, its more of just a neo-nazi's tribute to Hitler.
            Leo and AlexEven going to the lengths of hiring the worst Director with his song, "Keep it Gay" that is currently stuck in my head. Which I can only imagine that in the 1968 version had a totally different meaning, then in this remake. Also Ulla has an amazing number about if a woman's got it, flaunt it!

          Obviously this plan doesn't go accordingly. And it seems that Ulla and Leo are able to movie to Rio leaving Alex behind for jail time, that incorporates a fabulous dance number recounting the whole of the movie until that exact point. But don't fear friendship saves the day! The dup get off practically Scott free with five years at "Sing Sing" Prison. before they return to there lives as the producers!
          Totally worth a watch you guys!