SPOILERS for: G.B.F.

           

 Which is an acronym for Gay Best Friend, a trendy film the is focused around the objectification of Gay men. Which is done in such a heart warming and fun manner. Full with lovable and diverse characters that you really become attached to.
               So it begins with closeted Tanner who downloads an app called, "Gaydar" which functions like the hook-up app Hot or Not, but targeted towards gay men. Although this app is download by members of the GSA that is on the hunt for their first gay member. Thus outing Tanner, he blames his best friend Brent who pressured him into downloading the app. Giving the excuse that since he doesn't have a smart phone so he can't download it. Even though later in the fill he is using an I phone, so continuity slip up there. Which results in Tanner outing Brent to his mother, which he was planning to do in a more fabulous manner.
                  The next few days at school tanner is bullied and beaten up until the queens of the school take him under their wings so that they can become prom Queen. Or at least have him decide who deserves it. During these next few scene every possible stereotype is addressed and made fun of. We see a range of peoples reasoning to like or dislike Tanner for his sexual identify. Which reflects back onto tanner's character as he tries to fit into these social constructs that he just doesn't feel comfortable with. Leading to him being pressured into having sex with a Mormon boy who wants release before he settles down, then getting drunk at a party and making out with his best friend turned enemy.

                   In the end there is a LGBTQA inclusive prom that crowns Tanner as the first gay Prom King. He even makes up with his best friend, and they just hug it out.
                   Now I must draw attention to the amazing soundtrack that perfectly set every scene. It was fun and light, yet so fitting into today's music standards.
                    Something which I sadly find a bit rare in movies that emphasize character development is that the story seems a bit inconsistent. But G.B.F was not like that; this film feature a strong story line with a few subplots and phenomenal characters. Which sent out the message, "Yeah some people do fit within their stereotypes, but that still means that they are who they are, which is not an object." then goes, "A person is a person and not defined by there sexual identity or stereotypes surrounding them." A very powerful message that is back with characters such as Tanner the gay who doesn't fit into his social norms and Brent who does fit within such stereotypes.

                   This movie is available on Netflix and I highly suggest that you watch this film. It features so many great themes and details that you have to see to believe. Afterwards consider the reasons why this film had been given an R rating when I doesn't use any R-rated language, sex, or violence. You maybe surprised with what you find.

SPOILERS for: Abduction of Eden

               
An intense film that follows 19-year-old Hyun Jae as she is abducted and sold into human trafficking. Supposedly this is a true account of a woman who was in a brothel out in Las Vegas for two years. We witness her abduction at a gas station, first doctors appointment that extracted her braces and her first job that was starring in a porno.
               Although Eden, as she is renamed, only understood the gravity of her situation on her first attempt to escape. Where she runs into a yard where women are having a party, she is shoved onto the ground by her handler then taken away. The women did not even attempt to help her. Thats when she began to comply, through smiles and an act where she would pretend to be a Chinese girl who very little english. Aside from "I like you." and "Do you want to take control or me." She works at fraternity parties, private calls and even auctions. And when they weren't working they would usually clean houses. Her room mate is 15 and has been at the facility since she was 11 and warns Eden of the horrors of being old merchandise. There friendship blossoms and brings great comfort to Eden until she test positive on the routine pregnancy check-up. Then she is spirited away and not seen for quite some time.

               Leaving Eden to her own devices she decided to take back her graduation ring from the favorited prostitute who got it. This is when Eden and Vaughn's relationship beings to change. he threatens her and she gladly accepts the threat since she was old merchandise, preferring death over what would be in store for her as she got older. But then she offers to begin doing the books and counting money for the facility, since its something she is very talented at. Pushing of Vaughn's buttons by saying how he was losing respect from the prostitutes. So at an event Eden proves herself by calculating just how much money is owed and then finding two runaway girls. Then over the next nine months Eden is working in the office to decode orders over the phone, count the amount of money and be Vaughn's pet. Who he takes on outside jobs to deliver/receive drugs, pick up new girls, sell children and clean up after mishaps. There trust between each other changes when Vaughn teaches Eden how to drive while she is high on meth.

             Her escape is a true triumph and stroke of good luck. She answers a phone call one day and the parton asks for a price, a red flag that the person is a fed. She accepts the request and the next day they have to ship out. During the flurry Eden is taken to Vaughn's house where she takes the opportunity to spray his blunt with pest killer. Just before he takes a whiff he confides in Eden that he is proud of her stamina and thankful to have her trust. He actually seems excited to be starting his own brothel with her as his right hand. The she betrays him unwaveringly. As he chokes and cough she doesn't move to hell him or even stirs as he suffers. Eden the returns to her friend who had just given birth and rescues her.
           This movie in astonishing and eye opening into the underground crime world. One that is unforgiving and simply riddled with corruption. And yet Eden and a few other victim have been able to escape it. Which is captured so beautifully in this film, the power of perseverance. Some scenes are glossed over, but others are amplified. Allowing the actors to project their raw emotions, especially  Jamie Chung who showed so much fear, confusion, guilt, but still staid strong. Perfectly putting herself into a position that would benefit her escape. Since she wasn't expecting anyone to save her, she knew that she would have to do it herself. Which sort of makes you pity Vaughn who cherished her acquaintance and was so easily swindled by this girl. Seriously he was a veteran turned junkie and pimp, he knew that Eden would eventually try to betray him, but ignored the fact. And you couldn't say that Eden's actions we out of revenge, but done in order to save herself and her friend Janine. So if you haven't watch Abduction of Eden I highly recommend changing that.

SPOILERS for: Tomboy

             

   An excellent film that must been shown in all sex education classes! Tomboy is a French film about a transgender fourth grader who moves into a new town. When he goes out to play he introduces himself as Mikeal, instead of her given name Laure. Who plays soccer, capture the flag, water fights and even swims as a boy. Going to great lengths to act in a feminine way which would trigger the other kids to question the gender of their knew friend. From taking off her skirt when it gets hot to making a clay roll to stuff her cut up swim suit. Its quite amazing to see just how masculine this child appears and is so sure that Laure is not who she truly sees herself.
                  It appears that Laure's parents are alright with the fact that their first born dresses and acts in a masculine manner. Although his Father doesn't really give us an exact opinion. Making the climax all the more intriguing and unexpected. Since when we see the Mother's discomfort to her daughter's gender identity you would that this film would focus on parental acceptance, when we are left hanging.

The true climax is when Mikeal's mother finds out about the lie, making Mikeal wear a dress and then apologize to the boy who she had beat up and Lisa his female friend who had a crush on him. Who then tell all the other kids who chase him down to truly find out if the rumor was true. Lisa was given the honor to do so as she was forced to say that girls kissing was a disgusting act. Leaving us with the resolution of Mikeal reintroducing himself to Lisa, but saying Laure instead. So we never see the outcome, but are left to wonder how Laure's life will continue on from this point forward.

                  I could go on and on about all the different aspect which are capture about everyday struggles in transgender adults being caught in a child. Especially with the allusion to the abuse that is a constant fear for most Transgender and queer people. Although I liked when Mikeal was posed with the question of why she wants to be a boy he doesn't really think about it and just says thats what he wants. Since with every transgender, gender fluid and queer people I have met they don't have reason aside from "that just feels right." This film is sex positive and a must watch for anyone who doesn't know that much on transgender people. Most misconceptions and questions will be addressed. Honestly I am surprised that this isn't mandatory in school for sex education.

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.