Hitchcock

I figured if this film was filmed in only 36 days, I can take some time and give it a quick review.

Directed By: Sacha Gervasi 

Released: 2012

Rated: PG-13

Staring: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, & Danny Huston 

  Well my dears it's October once again, my favorite time of the year! Horror films shall soon be filling up my schedule but before they do I thought I'd give you all a review of a movie I caught earlier this summer, Hitchcock. Released in 2012 this quick, well acted piece tells the tale of cinema's master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma during the filming and production of his most iconic film Psycho. Labeled a suspense thriller, Psycho has been terrifying audience goers for generations.
  The 60's saw a boom in the psychological horror genre with hits like Rosemary's Baby, Psycho was no exception. Hitchcock revealed the true horror that a brutal killer could be ANYONE. The real monsters are the ones right down the street. Hitchcock reflects this thought and portrays some top notch creepy scenes delving into the psychology of both the story behind the movie and the man brining it to life.

 
  That being said, the movie confuses it's protagonist flitting between Hitchcock, his brief decent into  madness, and his wife Alma; self conscious, dealing with an inattentive husband and her own career. The movie tries to show us what's going on in Hitch's mind, but also tell the story of the woman behind the man and how much she attributed to his success. This is where it becomes muddled and a question of WHO'S movie is this? Hitchcock feels like two films; one about Hitchcock and one about his wife.  On their own they'd be good, but lacking in impact for the silver screen. The story of the director and the story of his wife both seem fit for an HBO movie or mini series. Putting them together made sense for a feature film but not enough for the film to garner any attention from the Academy.

Anthony Hopkins & Michael Wincott have a little chat about murder
as Hitchcock and serial killer Ed Gein. 

The always lovely Helen Mirren, although I don't remember her
smiling this much... 

   All that may give the impression that I didn't care for the movie, but I actually did! Despite it's somewhat confused center, Hitchcock is a charming, witty, and bright film...enough so that some of the more morbid scenes featuring a grizzly Ed Gein popping up in Hitch's subconscious don't bring the film too far south. As a period piece, costumes and hair and make-up especially were spot on! Hitchcock retains a light atmosphere regardless of the unsettling movie that it's characters are producing {referring to Psycho} Hitchcock simply looks clean and features a strong leading, as well as ensemble cast. My concerns expressed above, while valid, didn't produce a negative effect upon my final opinion.  I quite enjoyed this film and I think movie lovers, especially Hitchcock fans will too! 

Jessica Beil reenacts an iconic scene as Vera Miles 

  If you're not a huge film history junky like myself, it's fun to see for the first time just how secretive Hitchcock was during the production and release of Psycho. From buying all copies of the book, to enforcing his rule of no one entering the theater after the movie had started all to preserve the secrecy of the final plot twist!
   
  Pros like Hopkins and Mirren are bound to get the job done and in Hitchcock they did just that, in only 36 days no less! To Hitchcock's benefit, it' running time concludes a few minutes over an hour and a half. Great for a casual watch or popcorn movie marathons, it doesn't depress and it doesn't condescend. Had it been any longer the material would have stretched too thin and turn melodramatic but it ends nicely and with a bit of a humor as well.
 
  There are periods of darkness in the film where we see Hitchcock imagine himself performing grizzly murders accompanied by Ed Gein (the inspiration for Norman Bates for those who didn't know) and dramatic sections featuring Alma wrestling with fidelity to her husband and her own work, but when the two sides come together to produce the final cut of Psycho it's a fun and entertaining insight.
 
Don't let the title fool you, this is Helen Mirren's movie; creating a believable and relatable character. Mirren tops the bill followed closely by Hopkins who's Hitchcock is good (with the help of make-up crew) but never comes to a definitive portrayal of the Master of Suspense. Scarlett Johansson surprised me with her fresh performance of Janet Lee; I feel she, as an actress, is finally coming into her own.

The Remake & Television

  Gus Van Sant, an undeniably talented director, fell short in 1998 when he directed a shot for shot remake of Hitchcock's original. This film is one where we cross ourselves and whisper "God save the Cinema" He produces compelling work, but why would you waste time, money, and talent on such a project? Reason escapes me...

 
  2013 brought us another in a long line of horror movie prequel T.V. shows. Bates Model on paper was a brilliant idea and had so much promise. All the Mommy issues and back story on the characters of Norman Bates and his mother rooted in the book give writers so much to work with...but then, as with almost all made for television prequels, it *excuse me* got it's head stuck too far up it's backside and became ridiculous and outlandish on the verge of a joke. I can honestly say I think Hitchcock would turn over in his grave if he saw what they did with such solid source material. Initially I looked forward to the series but dropped it half way through due to increased head shaking and face palms I implied after every episode. Vera Farmiga's talent alone can't carry this sinking ship.

Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

  Sometimes I wonder what the movie industry would become if it didn't have an endless supply of teen fantasy novels to act as screenplay material...

Directed By: Harald Zwart
Released: 2013
Staring: Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan, Adrian Turner, Kevin Zegers, Jemima West, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, & Lena Headey
Rated: PG-13,

  Vampires, werewolves, and witches; staples in Hollywood cinema are normally figureheads for Halloween themed horror flicks. From Max Sherck to Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr. and even Jack Nicholson, these actors are known for their roles within the supernatural realm. The classic era of Hollywood produced THEE images audiences associate with fantastical and horrific creatures. Looking The Wolfman and Frankenstein in particular, the monster's were terrifying yes, but sympathetic emotions were injected into the story and performances. I myself still want nothing more than to wrap my arms around poor Larry Talbot aka Lon Chaney Jr.and tell him everything will be alright.

Above: The sad and adorable Lon Chaney Jr. & the scary and irresistible Bela Lugosi
Bottom Lon Chaney Jr. & Evelyn Ankers in The Wolfman (1941) 

  March 40 some years in the future and the 80's resurrected horror and it would never be the same. The blood was redder, the girls were hotter, and the villains unforgiving. 80's horror has become it's own genre, generating  countless cult classic that today still have movie goers covering their eyes and jumping out of their seats. The image transformed from sympathetic beast to blood-lusting killer; directors and make-up artists pushed the envelope as well as the fake blood supply. 

David Naughton in American Werewolf in London (1981) 

Keifer Sutherland in The Lost Boys (1987)

  Horror, one of my favorite genres of film, has transformed medieval monsters of folk lore into house hold, revenue-generating assets. Transformation included the jump from horror to other genres; largely fantasy and even more surprisingly romance. Not to say furry monsters, scaly creatures, and charming blood-suckers haven't been the subject of their fair share of amour, just never to the extent of our modern film and more importantly modern literature. 

  New authors create their own rules within their own worlds, generating an endless flow of fresh material for Hollywood to manipulate and market.  I read both Bram Stoker's iconic vampire novel and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein before I finished 5th grade. I read the Twilight series in middle school and despised the film which lead me to question why and how I had enjoyed the books...final conclusion, I enjoyed them out of secret love I had (and still do) harbor for Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. Despite the complete failure that was the entire franchise, I continually read fantasy, teen-romance series. While every other girl buried themselves in Nicholas Sparks, Sarah Dessen I attached myself to authors like Melisa Marr and Holly Black. Lots of fae fantasy...{note: J.K. Rowling & J.R.R Tolkien were my first a favorite as far as fantasy literature goes.} 

  But holy cats I need to get back to the movie in question

  Long story short, being a fan of fantasy/romance a friend suggested I check out The Mortal Instrument  series and I HAVE READ THE FIRST ONE, CITY OF BONES...that took much longer than it should have...apologies. The reason I wrote that 4 paragraph exposé was just to give you a little insight on the genre crossing that is so common in not only writing, but in film making. The majority, if not all of the dark fantasy romances with vampires, werewolves, witches, and now demons have come from the flood of cross genre, young adult novels that have captivated readers all over the world. Tolkien was the first, followed by Rowling to create a HUGELY successful franchise off of a fantasy series. It's only a matter of time until YOUR favorite series gets an adaption and you can love or loath how the film industry interprets it. 

FINALLY TO THE ACTUAL MOVIE REVIEW!

 I read City of Bones my junior year I believe and thought it was a solid enjoyable start to a series; I feel the same way about the film. That being said, had I not read the book (no matter how long ago it was) I think I may have been marginally confused by the film. I love vampires, werewolves, fae, and demon hunters so this series is right up my ally; however, for the average movie goer City of Bones may just be a jumbled piles of monsters, angels, demons, and young, angsty romance. 

  

 From what I remember of the book, all major plot points, action sequences, and back stories are present to provide a fun and thrilling movie going experience for audiences but that comes from someone who has read the books and understands that world in which it takes place. I don't know...I've heard mixed reactions from viewers... it IS easy to understand...it ISN'T easy to understand...As one who has read the book it's difficult to be objective. I'll do my best...

City of Bones flows nicely with well choreographed action sequences and features a relatively solid cast. 

  I say relatively solid because let's be honest, this is a young cast in an action/fantasy/romance film, I'm not expecting any Oscar worthy performances but most, save Godfrey Gao as Magnus Bane, were on character and correctly cast. For this reason I'm not going to dissect any of the main cast, just two of the supporting male characters.

  

  The first is Jared Harris as Hodge. His performance less than what I had expected primarily because there was less of his character than you'd think. Where WAS he? I honestly think the character of Hodge was present on screen for less than 10 minutes, making his character nothing more than a story telling device, leading to minimum to no audience connect and therefore reaction when something actually happens to his character. I felt a bit uncomfortable with his character, at first I attributed it to miscasting but the more I think about it that wasn't the problem. The problem was he was just NEVER in the film and was never give a strong character. Hodge is described as this great leader and he was reduced to a shivering coward...I feel screen writers could have done much more with his character, giving poor Jared Harris more to work with.

He does have a nice face...

  Next I want to discuss Jonathan Rhys Meyers...perpetually confusing as a human being, I've never come to a firm like or dislike of him as an actor. Is he fantastic? Not particularly. Is he dreadful? No. He just IS. Soulless seems the appropriate descriptive...Perhaps this is why I so enjoyed Rhys Meyers as Valentine. Soulless yet filled with emotion, is this too contradictory a statement? Well if it is you understand how I feel about him. He has these empty eyes...empty eyes filled with tears, a man totally consumed with power and passion it has destroyed him. Rhys Meyers will next be appearing as the title character in NBC's adaption of Dracula...So far I'm not necessarily thrilled about this BUT one must remember I felt the same way about Hannibal which has become one of my favorite network television series...only time will tell.

The special effects were nothing special...somewhat generic, but I thought they were used well when it came to the werewolf transformations and some of the fire demons featured near the end of the film.

As I wrote earlier, the action sequences were very well choreographed with various weapons and fighting methods used, it kept the fights interesting. I particularly enjoyed the battle with the Vampires. These are no Twilight, hopeless romantic vegetarians, they're an underground bloodsucking gang; taking prisoners and ensuring fear. In this series, the author has returned to the vampires natural core, evil and hungry. The make-up used made them appear a bit zombie-ish but I'll take ripped clothes and dirty skin over diamond sparkles any day. 

Adrian Turner sports some Sweeney Todd esque hair as alpha werewolf Luke

  The troop of werewolves are a bit generic and stereotypical...a bunch of scruffy, motorcycle driving, car fixing guys...but hey, Adrian Turner looked the part and was a good choice for the part. Also, let us rejoice that the werewolves weren't a click of young, hot, hairless teenage bros but older, rough and tough gents I can picture a hard hearted Lon Chaney Jr. joining...as long as he grew a beard. 

  The movie was not without it's corny bits but it's a teen based film so what can you expect...All in all I enjoyed watching City of Bones. It not exceptional, but I think they did quite well taking the source material and putting it on the big screen. It's no Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings and doesn't have the support like the Twilight fandom, but I feel badly that this film didn't do better. Earlier this summer I watched another fantasy teen romance series turned film franchise Beautiful Creatures. I hadn't read the books but my feeling toward that film were almost equal to City of Bones. Nice. I had a good time, I enjoyed it. Many, many critics say these films are "misfires", I disagree. They're just good enough to possibly make a sequel. I mean you have to consider the MATERIAL you're working with...

My final reaction to City of Bones, surprisingly positive.
 

Frankenweenie

The story of a boy, his dog, and every classic horror movie reference imaginable. I loved it. 

Directed by: Tim Burton

Released: 2012

Staring: The voice talents of- Charlie Tahan, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, & Winona Ryder.

Rated: PG

Times viewed: 1

The answer is yes. Yes I am one of those crazed, obsessed Tim Burton fans. Yes, I USUALLY love anything that has is name tied to it in any way, shape, or form...except for Dark Shadows, I'm still trying to forget Dark Shadows. That movie brings up an interesting point. Tim Burton used to be one of those Directors that did basically whatever the hell he felt like, not really concerned if it gained him commercial success or not; however, the past couple years have been, in my opinion, on and off for Burton. First of all Dark Shadows. I did, sort of, enjoy the movie (I'm just going to say, there will never be a Tim Burton film I will not enjoy, he's just ingrained too deeply in my cinematic roots), it was what Burton does well, dark macabre romance as well as comedy, then then last 20 or so minutes was complete..ugh..I don't even know...just BAD. Special effects were bad, story was bad, just BAD. Maybe it was just Chloe Moretz character turning into that sad excuse for a werewolf. Not sure, but at some point it went wrong. Then there was Alice in Wonderland. I loved Alice in Wonderland, but it felt more like a Burton imitation, or perhaps one of his produced films...not a project that was SOLEY his. Sometimes I feel like Disney has a yoke on Burton and doesn't let him express his crazy, beautiful, deadly worlds in full force. The movie I'm going to discuss in this post, Frankenweenie is a perfect example of this restrainment.
  The 2012 stop motion horror nostalgia flick, as many now know, is not the only Frankenweenie. In 1984, Tim Burton was working for Disney as an animator and had the chance to make his own short, live action film. The product, Frankenweenie resulted in the firing of Burton from Disney due to his "wasting" of their  resources. The film tested poorly with young children and was not released until after Burtons rise to fame in early/mid 90's. Typical, way to go Disney.
Come 2010/2011 Disney released Burton's hugely successful take on Alice in Wonderland. The film won 2 Ocars: Costuming (Colleen Atwood) and Art Direction (Karen O'Hera & Robert Stromberg) and is currently the 13th highest grossing film of all time. (world wide) With this HUGE commerical success as well as his cult following, I think this is when Disney decided they should stop trying to control Burton because let's face it, whatever he does will make major dollars.
At this point I envision Tim saying, "Hey Disney! Remember that short you fired me for making back in the 80's because it was too scary for kids? ...Before I was a world wide phenomenon? Yey I'm gonna make it AGAIN! And I'm gonna make it MY WAY! (more death, more monsters, more horror references, MORE MONEY!" ...and that's basically what happened...now that he's made them millions and MILLIONS of dollars Disney's removed Burton's collar and pretty much lets him do whatever the hell he wants. Even create a MONSTER!!

Sparky(Frankenweenie) Who could be afraid of that face? He is ADORABLE!

  For those of us who love the Classic Universal horror films of the 30s/40s this film is jam packed with all kinds of references, easter eggs, and the same beautiful high contrast black and white cinematography we loved from movies like Frankenstein/The Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Invisible Man, The Wolfman, The Mummy, and The Creature from the Black Lagood. Having seen all of these films quite a few times, I found myself inwardly screaming "Oh my gosh! It's the same lighting they used on Boris Karloff's face! Vincent Price-like Character! Elsa Van Helsing, as in Van Helsing the vampire hunter!" ect. ect. #FilmGeekProbs There is even a GREMLINS reference in there if you're paying attention. Hint, just add water ;) 

  All the nostalgia references is without a doubt the a sizable reason I had such an exceptionally positive reaction to this film. Burton's original live action short is good, but the time limit didn't allow him to put in all those great, little details and characters that propel Frankenweenie from average animated movie to the ultimate Horror tribute film...Come to think of it, Burton should have made this film for Universal...they would have gotten a lot more out of it...especially with the re-release/restoration of 8 of their greatest Monster classics see HERE! If I had $100+ that set would be MINE...jumping trains and getting back on track now. 

"Frankenstein" is the name of the doctor who creates The Monster...the monster itself is not Frankenstein...it's just The Monster....incase you didn't know. Basic plot, Victor Frankenstein is a shy, quiet boy who lacks many friends, but possesses a fantasmic imagination and a passion for directing monster movies...huh, who does that sound like? His only real friend is his loyal dog Sparky, who is horribly killed after chasing a home run baseball into the street. *Note to all fathers, never force your child into joining a baseball team in return for your signature allowing him to participate in the science fair.* Asshole. Your child is a scientific protégée and you want him swinging at balls (he clearly does not want to) when he could be curing cancer, just to make friends? He has a dog, leave him alone!

Victor Frankenstein voiced by Charlie Tahan

.......Anyway......after the death of his best friend Victor receives a jolt of inspiration via his Vincent Price-like science teacher, and plans to bring Sparky back through means of electricity and SCIENCE!

Victor's "lab" set up is truly wonderful! In order to conduct the massive amounts of lightening generated by New Hollands nearly constant night storms, Victor utilizes his mothers pots and pans, the christmas reindeer, hair driers, bicycles, every appliance in the kitchen (including the toaster and blender)  and a swing set. These tools radiating with electricity and the resounding snaps and zaps illuminate the same Frankenstein we saw in James Whale's 1931 version. This scene is truly fantastic and heartbreaking as much of the film proves to be. Losing any pet is hard, especially when that pet is your best friend; I think so many people now a days forget how strong a bond between a human and a pet can become over the years. Frankenweenie reminds us, weather we want to or not, the pain of loosing that best friend as well as the desperation of wanting, needing them back. Kenneth Branagh portrayed this beautifully in his 1994 adaption of the classic, a plot line emitted from the 1931 production. The Monster in lonely despair, kills Frankenstein's new bride in order for the doctor to bring her back for himself (The Monster). In 2012, ABC's hit fantasy show "Once Upon A Time" also took on the theme of lost love and resurrection with it's own interpretation of Frankenstein. In the episode The Doctor, Frankenstein does not reanimate any old corpse, The Monster turns out to be that of his recently deceased brother. 

Not magic, but science. David Anders portrays Victor Frankenstein on this season's Halloween episode of Once Upon A Time 

Inevitably, Victor's secret is discovered and everyone wants a piece of his project. The things these children are will to do to win a science fair is quite terrifying....or perhaps it's just the children themselves who are (hilariously) terrifying. First to try to steal the secret is Edgar 'E' Gore. A hunchback little creep with an infinity for wringing his disproportioned, skeleton-like hands. You'd think that he (being Egore in a sense) and Victor would be friends right? Not really the case.

Edgar 'E' Gore voiced by Atticus Shepard

  As in any Tim Burton film, there must always be one fat boy in a stripped shirt. In Frankenweenie that boy is Bob, faithful friend but more like experimental subject of Toshiaki. The creepy asian who rivals Victor in scientific study and throws a mean curve ball. Not racist at all...

Bob. Voiced by Robert Capron

Toshiaki. Voiced by James Hiroyuki Liao

Next in the group of Victors..."Friends" is Nassor. Who basically IS Frankenstein's Monster. Quite obviously. I was a bit surprised they used this design for a competing character when it's very clear from the title and story that Victor is ...Victor Frankenstein and Sparky is "The Monster." Having a character inspired by another horror monster, say Dracula, would have added to the diversity of the characters and references. In the end it proved not to be a very big deal and the character was still very Monster-like.

Huge applause to Martin Short for voicing 3 different characters, Nessor included.

The ghostly "Weird Girl" and her cat Mr. Whiskers, to me, are the scariest things in Frankenweenie. Not only scary but quite funny. The girl reading Mr. Whiskers poop is hilarious and her freaked out face is reminiscent of The White Zombie or perhaps The Daughter of Dracula. Another great reference character. 

Again, cheers to Catherine O' Hara for voicing "Weird Girl" as well as 2 other characters. 

 The Final counterpart and possibly Victors only real friend not to mention possible love interest is Elsa Van Helsing. Not only is she VAN HELSING, Elsa is voiced by Winona freakin' Rider who hasn't worked with Burton since Edward Scissorhands. What's up with that!? Get back together! Elsa's poodle is fabulous not only because she, later in the film, sports some hot Bride of Frankenstein hair, but is also named Persephone. Greek demi godess wife of Hades lord of the underworld. Mythology spasm!

Elsa Van Helsing and Sparky's love Persephone.

  After discovering his secret to creating life beyond the grave, Victor's science fair competitors plan to electrify their own deceased pets and take first prize. This is were more classic horror monster madness ensues! All but Elsa resurect the likes of Shelly (a nod to Mary Shelly) the Godzilla like turtle, Nessor's dead hamster turned into the creeping incarnation of The Mummy...poor thing doesn't get far, The furry werewolf from Nightmare Before Christmas makes an appearance as Edgar's Wererat, and Bob creates an uncontrollable army of sea monkeys (Think Creature from the Black Lagoon meets Gremlins) Annnd the weird girl...well Mr. Whiskers is simultaniously incineracted and conjointed with the likes of a vampire bat. Creating......The emaciated version of Richard Roxburgh's Dracula from the 2004 film Van Helsing.

Well that's uncanny!

  Destroying these monsters one at a time leads to the 3rd tear inducing scene where, mirroring the 1931 flim, Victor is almost killed in a fiery windmill death. Sparky rescues him at his own cost. I'm NOT going to tell you weather the folks of New Holland find it in their hearts to save Sparky or if they choose to let him die; teaching Victor a lesson on life, death, loss, and love. Let me just tell you this scene had me BAWLING! Not just tear, tear, I mean rivers of salt water pouring onto my chest.

 I lost my own best friend when I was in 9th grade and let me tell you that was not easy. Indy had been there basically my whole life. We got her when she was a pup and I was two; we grew up together. She was beautiful, a black lab-huskey mix. She loved to be outside, hunting, running around on my neighbors porch when she wasn't suppose to, and being a ham! Just like Victor, I loved playing scenes with my dog. I would dress Indy up in the most ridiculous costumes and that poor dog put up with it! I wish I was at home because I have a whole album of photo shoots I did with her. I thought she would always be there, so when she got sick and had to be put down my freshman year I didn't take it very well. As I've said in previous posts, I didn't have many friends 5th-8th grade so I'd go home and talked to my dog. Sounds dumb but honesty, she was my best friend in my pre-teen years. Here are some pictures of Indy...I think should would have made a good Frankenweenie. She's got the color scheme and a bit of the creepy look.

Queen of the castle! Always watchful

Look at that face! What a beauty! 

Well, maybe not always...but she had personality! 

This was about a month or two before she died :( Even when she got really fat, and turned orange she was my favorite.

  Tim Burton has expressed in interviews that he wrote this story was because he himself lost a dog when he was younger and had problems coping. I believe this to be a big reason why the movie works so well emotionally. I mean let's face it, this basically IS Tim Burton loosing his dog and doing what couldn't be done. Heartbreaking and glorious.

  This movie was FANTASTIC! It was what Tim Burton does best. BEING TIM BURTON. By drawing inspiration from Hollywood's past, he creates a league of lovable misfits and their monsters. As there must be in all Disney movies, there are life lessons about love, loss, parents accepting their children, misunderstanding science and so on, but no to the point where it's overly cheesy and ridiculous. What else can I say? This is a MUST watch for children and adults of all ages. The older generation will love it for is humorous, accurate reference of the classics, and kids will love it because of it's ADORABLE leading dog and goofy characters. I can say some smaller children might be a bit off put by some of the monsters and the kids, but nothing a good rewatch can't solve.
  I truly PRAY this film ignites a whole new generation's interest and passion for those classic movies that have shaped horror movies, monsters, heroes, and villains into what they are today. Men like Burton, who hold true to the classics and attempt to bring them to light in darkly unoriginal days like this, continue to inspire me. And if that can be done through a "children's film, then bravo. Bravo sir. The greatest original creates spawn from somewhere, an ever evolving chain that links our present to our past. Corporations like Disney must be careful about the talents they choose to support or not support. A missed window of opportunity can change not only the future of cinema, but culture as a whole. Don't believe me? Think of Hot Topic, now imagine Hot Topic WITHOUT any Tim Burton merchandise. This is a small trivial example but to think that an entire sub group of pop culture has been created by ONE man's work is extraordinary.

Enjoying some Valentines chocolate with my own Sparky! ...And Johnny Depp? Well this is a Tim Burton post!

Hugo

-"If you've ever wondered where your dreams come from look around."

There is one sentence in the whole spoken word language that I may never understand...

"I don't really like movies."

  Let me tell you a bit about myself, I was a bit odd (at least to some people) when I was younger. 5th -8th grade, I didn't really have any GOOD/BEST friends that I would go out with. I mean I had friends that I hung out with at school, but any Friday or weekend I stayed home. And I was/am perfectly fine with that! It was staying home all those weekends that turned me into the raving movie maniac I am now, I and couldn't be happier. Movies, are without a doubt my favorite past time. Movies are those magical things that can take you away from your hum drum lives for a few hours and transport you wherever you'd like to go. At least that's what they did for me when I was in my ugly middle school days; and still do today. Never fear, I'll have you know that I am now happily blessed with a very large, wondrous, and diverse group of friends...and what do we love to do when we all spend time together? 

WATCH MOVIES!!!

  So for me to be told or to overhear "I don't really like movies" just breaks my heart because if you just sit down and truly let yourself enjoy a film there are endless opportunities for discussion, discover, and dreaming! 

Which brings me to the first official Miss Morgan Review. Tonight I'll be taking you through the magical modern masterpiece of Hugo. 

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Released: 2011 

Staring: Ben Kingsley, Sarah Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee, and Jude Law.

  When the trailer was first released, I wasn't really sure what I should be expecting from this movie. A "children's" movie directed by one of the foulest mouthed, violent, and most loved director, Martin Scorsese. Ladies and Gents, this is the man who brought us Raging Bull, Gangs of New York, and Taxi Driver. None really appropriate for any viewer under 13; however, he remains one of the greatest directors of our generation. I should have known right away I was in for many pleasant and unexpected historical film treats, touching moments, and great visuals. Not to mention as truly FANTASTIC story line. 

 Hugo Cabret is a young boy, living in a Parisian train station after the untimely death of his father. Hugo scurries around the station, working the clocks and discretely following the on goings of the station and it's patrons; as always making the life of an orphan appear to be the grandest adventure one could have. Way to go Hollywood. When Hugo is not busy winding clocks or being chased by the always comical Sarah Baron Cohen's Station Inspector and his Doberman Maximus, he strives to finish his fathers last project. Yes that creepy, creepy little doll, man, robot...thing. Try as he might, Hugo cannot coax life into the little man of metal.  Through a series of happened meets and circumstances, Hugo discover the origins of the mysterious Automaton as well as resurrects a forgotten legend. This is where I truly fell in love with the film. 

  Hugo develops a strained relationship with the owner of the train station's toy store. A cold unforgiving man who forces Hugo to work for him in order to repay him for the tools and gears Hugo's stolen from him. During this time Hugo also meets and befriends the toy maker's goddaughter and ward Isabelle. Isabelle longs for adventure and is more than thrilled when Hugo sneaks her into a movie theater to see a picture; something Papa George (Her godfather) never allows. Through some good old fashion book reading and investigation, Hugo and Isabelle discover the reason for his resentment. Papa George is the long lost film maker George Méliès. An artist who lost his life's work due to war and the declining interest in the magic of movies.

George Méliès was firstly a magician and one of the most amazing and inventive film makers of all time. The role is play spectacularly by Ben Kingsley. Kingsley manages to capture the bitter, cold regret of an old man who has had everything he loved and worked for taken away; as well as the vibrant and passionate artist and film maker that Méliès was in his youth. Make-up assisted the performance greatly by not being over bearing as almost all Hollywood make-up is. It was subtle and bright, not caked on and heavy. Other films take note. I suppose the story of Méliès rise and fall was thing I enjoyed most about the film because I LOVE the history of film. Film tells us so much about ourselves and serve as a place where your dreams come alive. Exactly what is illustrated in the last hour of Hugo.

 In creating the story of Méliès lost work along with the story of the lost boy, Scorsese brings to light a cause he himself has rigorously campaigned for. Film preservation. 

You may have seen him in AFI commercials on film preservation in several dvd releases. Scorsese is a founding father of The Film Foundation-film makers for film preservation, an organization that will be getting a large donation after I'm dead and gone. http://www.film-foundation.org/common/11004/default.cfm?clientID=11004&thispage=homepage

Why you ask? They're just films...there will always be new ones. The fact is, I personally believe film is one of the most important historical documents as well as artistic pieces we as humans have created in this last century. Film can tell you so much not only about a time and place in history, but HOW that film was created truly shows how we as humans and artist view our past. Films made today will show later generations what kind of society we live in. Values, beliefs, lifestyles, music, politics, religions, relationships, all of these can be told through the story of film which is why it's so important we preserve it now and restore what could potentially be lost. 

http://www.film-foundation.org/common/11004/preservedFilms.cfm?MovieID=968&clientID=11004&sid=2

  Beautiful examples of the preservation work that The Film Foundation has done. Another reason I have such appreciation for this film is because this is the era of film we're currently studying in Film class and here's one thing I've noticed. The Lumière Brothers created the first real moving picture and used their invention to capture everyday life. The Edison Company of the US exploited it (as we Americans do with all beautiful things) and used it as source of revenue (Dancing girls, cockfights, act.) But Méliès was the first to discover the power that film had to tell a story. To connect people, make them laugh and gasp...as a good magician should. 

  Apologies this has become more of a rant on film preservation and history but that really is the underlying story of this film is. But I might say, this film is never dull or slow. It keeps the viewer engaged at all times with a colorful pallet and equally colorful characters. As I said before, Sarah Baron Cohen and Ben Kingsley are the stand out performers in this piece and wonderful to watch. Hugo is a fantastic film for all ages, which shows what a truly versatile director Martin Scorsese is. I highly recommend you to seek out this gem if you haven't already. It will undoubtedly put a smile on your face and an appreciation for films and the magicians that create them.

Sarah Baron Cohen as the Station Inspector and Maximus.
Cohen has one of the more humorous roles physically as well as some of the best lines.

Ben Kingsley portrays a man of forgotten dreams.

Asa Butterfield's Hugo discovers that Chloe Grace Moretz's character Isabelle
may possess the key to his fathers final project.

"This book was intended for my grandson. I believe it is now meant for you Monsieur Cabret."
Christopher Lee as the all knowing train station librarian