Blackfish

5/5

Hands down the most compelling documentary I have seen since The Cove was released in 2009. This is the first critically acclaimed film to come from director Gabriela Cowperthwaite. This environmental film shares similar messages as that of The Cove but introduces them to us in an entirely new perspective. Blackfish delves into the true story behind the lives of whales in captivity at theme parks. Specifically, this film follows the life of Tilikum, one of the largest whales to ever be held in captivity. We follow the events of Tilikum’s life from when he is first captured to his time spent at multiple animal entertainment parks to where he is now permanently living in SeaWorld Orlando.  The story is narrated by previous Sea World animal trainers who had to quit due to their disgust with the treatment of animals and employees alike. These narratives provide a first-hand account of the deaths and injuries of multiple animal trainers that occurred as a result of the gross mistreatment of the large orca whales. Many of these incidences had since gone unpublicized due to Sea World’s intense legal team keeping the stories out of the public’s eye. This film has given passed animal trainers the opportunity to share their experiences and expose the poor treatment of animals at these parks in an attempt to save future trainers and orca whales alike from further injury or death. Blackfish is a gripping documentary from minute one and continues to keep your interest far beyond the credits of the film.

Stuck in Love

Released on DVD October 2013

4/5

Stuck in Love is director Josh Boone’s directorial debut. This romantic film pays homage to every classic romantic film before its time both in both the comedy and drama genres alike. However, Stuck in Love is able to differentiate itself from the rom-com machine of films churned out every year. This film not only utilizes its many well-cast actors but also, very smoothly, ties in each of their romantic stories in a provoking way that leaves you feeling fulfilled by the end of the film as opposed to feeling empty like many romantic films of today do. The impeccably cast Greg Kinnear shines in his starring role alongside Jennifer Connelly and upcoming actress Lily Collins. Kinnear plays the father to Collins and divorcee of Connelly. He represents both of these roles with spot-on character and charisma. Kristen Bell and Logan Lerman play strong supporting roles but the star that shined brightest in this film would be up and comer Nat Wolff who plays son to Kinnear and Connelly. Much like Kinnear, Wolff brings a certain grounded charisma and character that the film otherwise lacked. His realistic portrayal of a teenage boy in love gave the film the heart and sincerity it needed. Thanks to Wolff’s performance the film didn't succumb to floating away from its lightheartedness and instead grasped on to the realism and down-to-earth aspects that allowed the film to prevail and thus keep it from being clumped together with all the other romantic films of the year.

Only God Forgives

Released on DVD October 2013

1.5/5

Only God Forgives stars Ryan Gosling and is directed and written by Nicolas Winding Refn who is most well known for his debut film Drive released in 2011 also starring Gosling. Unfortunately, his newest film does not showcase his true talents as a writer. While Only God Forgives is extremely stylistic and artistically compelling; the characters lack any personality or portrayal of growth throughout the film which makes it difficult for the audience to care about the turmoil that the characters are facing. Julian (played by Ryan Gosling) runs a drug ring helmed by his mother in Bangkok and when Julian's older brother is murdered a gang war ensues.

            Each and every frame is photograph worthy and obviously meticulously thought out. However, the ultra-gore and lack of narrative results in an immediate disinterest in the progress of the story. The only aspect of the film keeping our attention is the vivid images that simultaneously astound and repulse the audience. Furthermore, the electric soundtrack paired to the film is notorious for Refn's style but provides no purpose to creating any specific mood in the film. Overall, I would recommend to skip this film. If you are one who hopes to see a similar triumph such as Drive then you will be surely disappointed.  

The Way Way Back

Released on DVD October 2013

4/5

Everyone remembers those hot, sweaty summers when you're stuck with your parents in some small town with nothing to do. Well, this film shows the growth and special relationships that can happen during a summer such as this. Although cliché The Way Way Back brings a new perspective on the over told story. While Steve Carrell does disappoint with his performance of the evil step-parent (very uncharacteristic for him); Allison Janney shines as the hyperactive sister who hilariously tries to raise her two children. An even greater performance comes from the quick, witty, and overall spot-on Sam Rockwell whose role makes the film memorable and worth watching more than once. He easily plays the grown-up child with charisma and style while producing witty remarks that you'll be quoting for weeks. Overall, this film is a great homage to teen summer films without falling into the numerous clichés that so many coming-of-age films often do.

My Relationship with Movies and a Review

I have been watching movies since I can remember. Nothing brings me more joy than a well-done film. I spent many years trying to enhance my knowledge of film by watching as many movies as I possibly could from multiple genres. Once I had become well-versed with filming techniques and different types of film in general I began to realize what made a good film and what made a bad film. This realization, along with my love of writing, compelled me to start writing movie reviews. I initially started with the classics but eventually found myself wanting to review the newest films to be released which is what I will be doing on this blog. My first review for this blog can be found below. Enjoy!

The Internship

Released on DVD October 2013

3.5/5

The charismatic duo that brought you the hilarious antics of Wedding Crashers is back! Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson team up, once again, to bring hilarious laughs to a new generation of viewers. Tackling the dynamic between technology and decreasing amount of employment Vaughn and Wilson decide to try their luck at Google by working at an internship for the summer. This internship is unlike any other with the smartest young adults from across the country literally competing for the few available positions to work at Google. Strong performances from the supporting cast perfectly compliment the hilarious performances from Vaughn and Wilson who produce unforgettable one-liners and laugh out loud performances. There chemistry on the screen is undeniable and keeps the film from falling flat due to its predictable, campy plot. Vaughn's straight-faced one-liners mixed with Wilson's child-like sincerity along with great supporting performances from Will Ferrell, Olivia Wilde, and Dylan O'Brien, create an outright entertaining film. Although, this movie isn't as raunchy as the humour we are used to from these guys this movie is still worth watching even for the geek references and easily quotable one-liners.

My Writing Experience

     Writing, to me, is a therapeutic practice. I enjoy feeling the gentle glide of a pen or pencil in between the tips of my fingers. This is a calming sensation that we don't often get experience in the present age of technology where most of our writing is done on computers.
     Although computers are quicker for writing; I greatly prefer writing by hand than on a computer. Writing on a computer is loud due to the constant clicking of the keys. The bright screen shining at you takes away the organic feel that comes with using a pen and paper. Lastly, there is very little personality in the aesthetic computer written pieces compared to that of ones own unique handwriting scrawled across the page giving the words personality. Unfortunately, Helen Keller was never able to experience handwriting and was confined to using a typewriter which came with its own positive and negative traits. Helen Keller was never able to feel the glide of a pen or pencil on paper. However, I would like to think that her therapy would come from the sensation of the keys vibrating in the machine as she pounds down the key of each letter against the paper. On the other hand, Helen Keller gets to experience the same joyful silence that comes with handwriting despite the fact that she uses a typewriter. In this way, I can relate to the joy she feels while writing.
     Ultimately, it still saddens me that she could never see her own words and ideas written out in her own unique printing. The sight of a completed page of writing is comparable to that of an artist proudly admiring their finished painting. This experience, I am lucky to have, is something Helen Keller can never truly have but merely imagine.

Don't Let Trolls Rule the Internet

When going online one would not immediately think which races of people will I encounter today on the internet? However, this very question may dictate how one experiences the internet and their communication with other people online both negatively and positively. It is by asking yourself these questions that act as a reminder to take caution when exposing your race or gender to the anonymous voices on the internet.

Anonymity on the internet plays a key role in the negative outcomes of disclosing your race to the public. There are people online who will specifically cause arguments and write mean things just to create conversation, or merely just for laughs. These people are known as trolls. They are difficult to evade and even more difficult to get rid of. A person on this question forum asked how one can avoid trolls on the internet when disclosing their race and also asks whether the subject of race attracts internet trolls. Unfortunately, personal subjects such as race attract more possible controversy and thus, draw the attention of trolls across the internet. Does it make it fair that if one wishes to tell the world your race then you must expect hurtful communication on the internet? No. Unfortunately though, this is a common occurrence among those who communicate anonymously on the internet. Anonymity gives these trolls the shield they need to say hurtful things without bearing the consequences. Therefore, those who wish to disclose their race online must prepare to face the hurtful words of the trolls that will be attracted to one's openness.

Furthermore, this article recognizes that revealing your race will attract more arguments among the online community. However, the author feels that this is welcomed as long as the argument isn't stemming from the superficiality of bias due to the race of the poster online. Argument and discussion online is an important part of internet communication. Although, if these arguments are bias and offensive based on one's race then that is unacceptable. The author of this article proposes legal action to those who commit this racial bias. However, it is unrealistic to think implementing a law to prevent this online behaviour would stop such incidences from occurring. The internet is much too large to implement and carry out, effectively, such a law. Regardless, a law like this would infringe on people's rights of free speech. If a threat to someone's safety is made then legal action can be considered, but in any other circumstance one must simply be aware that posting their race or gender online creates the possibility for trolls to surface or racist arguments to occur.

This is why, as an online presence in the 21st century, one must protect themselves and be aware of the consequences of revealing personal information online. Due to anonymity, there are far more fearless people out there with prominent negative voices and lack of regard for others. As a result, one must prepare for the worst reactions when making public any personal information including race or gender.