Anonymous

     As of late, I haven't been feeling entirely certain of myself. I feel as if I have lost some of confidence. I can't explain why or how this has happened. The important part is that it did and I need to figure out how to undo it. It didn't happen all at once either, it sort of occurred slowly and not unexpectedly. I don't really know who I am or who I want to be. Is it an identity crisis? Maybe... I get up everyday and I go through my day completing various tasks that I know must be done. I try my best to maintain a decent level of living and project an image of a person I've meticulously crafted over the years. The problem is, when I look into a mirror, or am left to my own devices for too long, I begin to question the decisions I have made. I start doubting the person that I have led most people to believe that I am. At what point does the facade stop being a facade and become reality? Once a shroud has woven itself within very fibers of your being, can it still be cast off? And if so, what would be left behind?

     Alas, I did not intend on discussing the tempest of thoughts that have been vexing me. My intentions were to merely allude to how easily a person can be forced into circumstances that inevitably lead to great personal misgivings. Anonymous is a highly imaginative film that toys with the notion that William Shakespeare did not write any of his plays, poems, or sonnets. Primarily set in the time of Queen Elizabeth 1, Anonymous is a riveting political thriller involving forbidden love, attempts to succeed the crown, and suppression of free speech. Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill & Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1), Vanessa Redgrave, and David Thewlis (Harry Potter) all lead an ensemble cast through complex English politics and how the greatest playwright to have ever put pen to paper came to be. It is a perilous time for writers and politicians alike.

     The film opens with a brilliant prologue performed by Derek Jacobi. He literally sets the stage for a great tale that even I would love to see performed in a theater or opera house. It rapidly progresses from the prologue to a series of elaborate set pieces and time jumps. At first the timelines are a little confusing, but as the film progresses it entrenches you in a battle of wits and subterfuge that spans decades.

     The central plot of Anonymous surrounds the Earl of Oxford and his personal identity crisis. He struggles with his great imagination and fails to balance it with even a modicum of pragmatism. The choices he makes are merely to satisfy those around him. When he attempts to make decisions for himself, they lead him to great tragedy and sorrow. What is a life worth living if you have not been allowed to live the life you like? I must applaud director Roland Emmerich and writer John Orloff for putting together this unbelievably creative film. From beginning to the very bitter end, you have sit in awe of the fantastic tale that was woven to spark debate and conversations across the globe.

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5) - Anonymous is a captivating emotional thrill ride that will leave you salivating for more.

A Jarring Remake... Straw Dogs

     It is not often that a film can emotionally shake me to my core. In recent memory the last film to affect me to the point where I had to leave the theater was Precious a film based of of the novel "Push" by Sapphire. It's difficult for me to discuss why films whose prominent themes center on abuse and rape. Abuse and rape are touchy topics, and often difficult to film without crossing boundaries and/or offending people. In my opinion, the acts of physically invading a person's body and battering their mind is a capital offense. Being subject to any form of abuse can mar a person for years. Often altering their social & physical development beyond repair. Speaking from experience, it can take monumental events or years of therapy in order for a person to recover from any form of abuse. Even a once in a lifetime opportunity to speak candidly with a positive role model is all it takes for a person to shed their dark cloak of pain and move on with their life (See my Reflections post).
     Things like rape and abuse can often be avoided. Fear, cowardice, naivety, selfishness, and lack of foresight all play a role in creating bad situations for yourself and others. These are also some of the main themes in Straw Dogs. Straw Dogs is a remake of 1971's dramatic thriller that starred Dustin Hoffman. The remake is helmed by James Marsden (X-Men Trilogy), Kate Bosworth (Superman Returns), and Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood). Unlike the original, Straw Dogs (2011) is set in the deep American south and the professions of the protagonists are changed and vastly improved. The story is essentially about a writer and his wife that move from L.A. to her hometown. Once there they face conflict with the locals, which culminate in a violent showdown of unparalleled intensity.
    James Marsden is perfect as a naive L.A. screenwriter David Sumner. Accustomed to the hustle and bustle of city life and the luxuries afforded by city living is the inevitable downfall of this shortsighted writer. Overly confident in the moral fortitude of his new neighbors, David allows himself and his wife to become targets of advantageous hounds disguised as old friends and honest townsfolk. Kate Bosworth's Amy Sumner is guilty of the same shortsightedness. Only Mrs. Sumner chooses to agitate the situation with her brash actions and immaturity. Together these characters lead us knowingly and painfully to an event that is both graphic and terrible. As biblical references are tossed around, good faith between men become nothing more than an elaborate rouse. Seduction, rape, murder, and even racism bring this film to a terrifying close. Not a single moment is wasted in this gripping portrayal of human indecency.
    

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5) - Straw Dogs is a well cast, well written, beautifully set menagerie of bigotry and evil deeds.

Action Films! (Killer Elite & Abduction)

     This long overdue post has been unfortunately delayed by a great many things. I had succumbed to an end of summer cold, end of season allergies, a busy schedule, and the realization that I'm not getting paid to do this. Simply put, in the face of everyday life this blog is an indulgence and an often expensive one as well. Now here's the good news, for the next month or so I will be posting much more frequently.
     Moving along, since my last post I have seen quite a few films. Killer Elite, Abduction, Straw Dogs, and Dream House. Seeing as most of these have been out for a while, I'm not sure if it would be worthwhile to write solitary blogs on each film. Besides, Killer Elite and Abduction are barely worth my time to discuss. they are ordinary action films with very little achievements of note. Killer Elite is an attempt at an all-star cast action film starring Clive Owen, Robert DeNiro, and Jason Statham. This film is about a special-ops agent that goes into retirement only to be lured out to rescue his mentor. I never give plot spoilers, so all I have to say further about this movie is that it's mediocre. The action is great but the script hardly delivers. Statham is mono-toned and mostly expressionless. I think he's fumbled his way through one too many Transporter films. As for Robert DeNiro, his character felt fake and insincere. DeNiro is more memorable as a gay air pirate in 2007's Stardust. Clive Owen is the only actor in this movie who delivers his lines with color and emotion. It is films like this that make me avoid the action film genre in general.

     Next is Abduction, an action film starring Taylor Lautner that's unfortunately aimed at underage teenagers. Sigourney Weaver's presence in this film is what initially drew me and her talents are greatly wasted and untapped in this dry extremely corny film. The story centers on Nathan (Taylor Lautner), a young man who's life is sent spiraling out of control once he finds a childhood photo of himself on a missing persons website. The film initially shows great potential by immersing us in the nearly perfect life of Nathan and allowing us to see it unravel at alarming rates. The downside to this is that the film seems to have been written and shot for teenage girls. Awkward moments, cheesy lines, and toned down violence abound in a movie that could have been a great platform for Lautner to shed his Twilight identity. Don't get me wrong, the film is still enjoyable but it clearly intended for a Disney Channel audience.
     Unlike the Killer Elite and Abduction, I have a lot to say about Straw Dogs and Dream House. Both Straw Dogs and Dream House will get individual posts.

Killer Elite - Rating: 2.5 (Maximum of 5) - Clive Owen is the saving grace of this movie that is otherwise just another testosterone fest with no substance
Abduction - Rating: 2 (Maximum of 5) - A witless film with lots of untapped potential

Lion King 3D

     17 years ago Walt Disney released a film that would permanently ingrain itself in the minds of millions of people across the globe. That film would be The Lion King, it went on to win two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes including Best Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical. Now it's 2011 and The Lion King is back for a limited release and remastered for 3D.
     The Lion King for it's time was unprecedented. It's liquid animation and vivid color palette make it one of a kind. Boasting an award winning score from Hans Zimmer (Inception, Dark Knight) and playful dialogue, Lion King set itself aside as an instant classic. It's actually surprising that Lion King did not garner a Best Picture nod from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Beauty & the Beast was nominated a few years prior, but faced lesser competition (Best Picture nominees from 1995 were Apollo 13, Braveheart, Babe, Sense & Sensibility, and Il Postino).
     Now for those who remain skeptical of the 3D format, film conversions such as this {The Lion King} are a glimmering bastion of hope. While most 3D conversion comes across as a cheap parlor tricks aimed at pillaging the consumer's wallet, Lion King was obviously transformed with tender love & care. The opening sequence in which the animal kingdom pays their tribute to the newly born Simba is absolutely breathtaking. The contrast between background to foreground imagery is striking. The 3D conversion along with the digital remastering, gives The Lion King the truly vibrant life it deserves. I hope that learning from the smash success that The Lion King 3D experienced during it's opening weekend, that Disney will continue this trend and release it's other classics in 3D as they come out of those cavernous vaults. I will be impatiently awaiting The Little Mermaid 3D for next year.

Rating: 5 Stars (Maximum of 5) - A truly beloved film, remastered to perfection and bolstered by 3D reanimation.

Reflections - Story of a World Wide Woman

    Everyone who knows me also knows that I am the veritable definition of a Beyoncé fan. But not many people know why... I was feeling unusually reminiscent today, and decided to share an old post from a blog I no longer utilize. Because of the intensely personal experience I had during the following event, I omitted several details that I do not feel necessary to share. Long story short, Beyoncé Knowles inspired me to continue living my life. Through all of her accomplishments and refusal to let people get in the way of her own success, she unwittingly shaped the goal oriented out-going person I am today. The following post chronicles my very first encounter with her...

      It was a Saturday night on the 18th day of August in the year 2007. The destination was 1901 W Madison St. Chicago, IL otherwise known as the United Center. The purpose was an experience of a lifetime; more specifically it was The Beyoncé Experience. It was to be one of those moments that most people don't even get a chance to have. She (Beyoncé) is world renowned for her riveting performances, stellar voice and overall ability to entertain the masses regardless of race, language, sex or orientation. Breaking world records since the age of 22 she has set the bar for modern artists and even challenged the precedents set by the greatest artists/performers of all time.
     What was so special about this concert? What was so special about this night? This was the night I was destined to meet the woman of my dreams. This was a night that I had longed for, dreamed about and anticipated more than anything in my life to this date. I was going to meet Beyoncé Knowles, forget about getting her autograph or taking a picture with her; I was going to meet her. I had spent months saving for this event and spent even longer after the purchase for the date to finally arrive. When it came down to the point where I was standing outside of her dressing room it suddenly seemed as if time was moving all too fast and I feared more than anything that this moment would soon be just a fleeting memory.
     Upon arrival to the United Center I was instantly greeted by the other ticket holders who were blessed enough to share in the same experience as I. After a 2 hour wait and a presentation of rules and regulations I was greeted by Matthew Knowles (Beyoncé’s father). He gave a brief speech and told us that the moment we had all been waiting for would soon be at hand. Meanwhile, Robin Thicke was performing somewhere in the distance but I could care less, I was here for one person. Within moments my name was called and I was standing in front of Beyoncé's dressing room. Without warning my heart felt as if it were trying to escape from my chest, my head was spinning and my breaths were all too short. Then my name was called once more and I walked into her room where I saw her mother (Tina Knowles) sitting in a nonchalant manner and Beyoncé standing looking directly at me. With her hand extended, she greeted me with a simple but dizzying statement..."Hello, don't you look handsome in your (Beyoncé) t-shirt".
     Beyond all belief, all I could think about was the fact that Beyoncé thought I was handsome! I shook her hand lightly; nervous about whether I would squeeze it too hard. I gave her a polite but obviously nervous hug while quietly relishing the fact that she smelled like summer and springtime combined. She was everything I had expected and more. She was unnervingly and surprisingly more beautiful in person than she appears to be on television or in any photograph. She was tall, slender and soft...the word soft doesn't even do her justice. When people speak of how a woman should feel, how soft she should be; Beyoncé is all that and more. After that slightly awkward moment we smiled and the photographer took our picture. As we finished taking the photo she turned and looked at me and told me how nice it was to meet me and thanked me for coming. Within an instant I wanted do whatever it took to make that moment last longer and all I managed to say was "No, it was truly wonderful meeting you, you have no idea what this means to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me and everyone else this opportunity." With that I turned and left the dressing room on a cosmic cloud that even the Hubble telescope couldn’t find. My face would have put a Cheshire cat to shame.

     I made my way back into the arena and to my seat on the main floor just as Robin Thicke said his thank you’s and left the stage. I was seated in the 4th row, dead center from the stage. It was there that I remained while reflecting on my experience and awaiting the start of the show. Within several moments, the arena grew dark and the voices of the fans were united in a thunderous chorus as Beyoncé rose from beneath the stage. She was fabulous, graceful and beautiful. Her body moved with power and determination, much like her voice crossed vocal ranges rising and falling with calculated precision. It almost seemed as if she was enjoying performing for us more than we enjoyed her. She spoke with sincerity and bit of girlish flavor. The show was a work of art and fun, she covered many songs from her debut album Dangerously in Love including the title track, Crazy in Love, Baby Boy, Naughty Girl, Me, Myself and I, and Speechless. There were other flashback tracks and classics from her Destiny's Child days such as Independent Woman pt. 1, Survivor, Jumpin Jumpin, No No No pt. 2, Bug a Boo, Say My Name, Bills Bills Bills, Soldier, and Cater 2 U. Along with those she also performed 9 tracks from her B'Day album which included the Get Me Bodied Extended Remix. She also had several surprises in store such as a brilliant cover of Gnarls Barkley's Crazy, a rendition of the title track Dreamgirls and much more.
     Beyoncé and team delivered a tour de force of songs, choreography, passionate vocals and genuine fun. There was never a dull moment we were dazzled by the splendid talents of her all female band and diverse range of back up dancers. Most notably during one of her 4 costume changes we were presented with a smart and genuinely original performance (by Beyoncé's team of back up dancers) of the He Had It Coming Suite from the Broadway play and major motion picture Chicago. From smooth grooves in Green Light to a teary eyed and emotional performance of her ballad Flaws and All, Beyoncé met, challenged and went above and beyond the expectations of millions of fans around the world. I can say without a doubt that she is not only a stellar performer, accomplished singer/songwriter and a budding actress. She is a phenomenally gifted and extremely blessed young black woman who is continuing to make history with every stride she makes. From English to Spanish, this world wide woman is transcends stardom in every nation, every language and every color. The Beyoncé Experience is truly one to behold for a lifetime.

Contagion

    We've seen it before with films like 1995's Outbreak. A deadly virus is contracted by an unknowing civilian and eventually leads to the greatest medical crisis the world has ever seen. Contagion follows a similar pattern with efficiency and terrifyingly realistic scenarios. In a time where American Health Care is at the forefront of heated political debates, lobbyists pushing even harder to make profits, and H1N1 was big news only two years ago, Contagion serves as a cautionary tale grounded in reality.
    Boasting an star-studded cast Contagion is masterfully directed by Steven Soderbergh (Ocean's Eleven, Traffic). Throughout the film, we are presented with scenarios that are all too familiar and common in today's world. When faced with an epidemic who can we trust? Will the local news tell us what we really need to know? Or will it be the guy that blogs about government and pharmaceutical conspiracies that will win our attention and allegiance? Is Facebook a trusted medium for hearsay and international crisis information? When racked with fear of the unknown, who will the public turn to? Contagion these issues with unprecedented ease and style.  We are privy to the horrors of how quickly and wittingly a global tragedy can escalate.
    I remember when H1N1 or more commonly known as the "Swine Flu" was a massive concern for everyone here in the US. Schools were closed, children died, and decisive measures implemented by the CDC probably prevented mass hysteria. Being overly pro-active is better than not doing anything at all (Where was FEMA during Hurricane Katrina?). Contagion captures all of this and delivers it an well written, beautifully shot, surreal, and epically performed package and delivers it to us in theaters and IMAX screens around the world. A must see event that will leave you breathless till the very end.

Rating: 4 (Maximum of 5) - Not an original work, but modernized, updated, and up-classed

Don't Be Afraid of The Dark

    If there is one thing that all people regardless of race, ethnic or cultural background share, it would be a child's fear of the dark. There is something foreboding about dark spaces and the things that may dwell within them. Famed director Guillermo Del Torro presents Don't Be Afraid of the Dark a horror/thriller remake directed by Troy Nixey (no film credits of mention).
    Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is the story of Sally, a young girl girl sent to live with her father and his girlfriend. Sally becomes the target horrendous creatures that hunt her for their own purpose. While this film is NOT directed by Guillermo Del Torro, it bears his trademark affinity for fairy tale creatures and their lust for blood and children. I can't really say that this movie is scary, I spent the entire time waiting for something truly terrifying to occur. The only moment that I found startling was shown during the trailers for the film.
    Horror isn't what it used to be and probably never will. While I have not seen the original Don't Be Afraid of the Dark I am told by others that this one does not compare. Why is it that filmmakers feel that good movies need to be redone? Why cast actors like Katie Holmes, that do little justice or credit to the original works ? In a day and age where ingenuity and breaking the mold will take a film very far, I feel that producers are sticking to tried and true formulas too closely and leaving very little space for free thought. Take James Wan's Insidious for example, it's a simple yet extremely effective horror film that spoils nothing. Unexpected terror lurks in virtually every scene of this small budget box office hit. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark fails to hit that tenor of terror required to cause buzz. Altogether it is disappointing and Del Toro's name does nothing but draw in the masses for what is an inevitable let down.

Rating: 1 Star (Maximum of 5