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.