Classics: A Review of Scarface By Lauren Ennis

 "The world is yours" Cuban refugee Tony Montana reads on an advertisement. The ad promises a world in which the sky is the limit and anything is possible. In short, it is selling the American Dream, something Tony and millions like him are eager to buy no matter what the cost. At once a thrilling tale of one criminal's rise and fall and a nightmarish exploration of the American Dream gone wrong Scarface is more than a cinematic classic, its iconic. As the immigration debates rages and the war on drugs has devolved into a war of attrition Scarface remains as visceral and relevant now as it was over forty years ago. Seize your piece of the American pie with Tony in Scarface.

The film begins in 1980 Miami as Cuban refugee Tony Montana arrives at US customs as part of the Mariel boat lift. Despite his criminal past he is able to secure a green card after agreeing to assassinate a former member of Castro's government. He soon discovers that America's streets are not paved with gold, however, and becomes dissatisfied with his new life. In an effort to accelerate his climb up the ladder to success he take a job purchasing cocaine for a local drug lord. Although the deal goes horribly wrong Tony proves his worth to Frank, earning him a permanent position in Frank's operation. The film then follows his meteoric rise and inevitable fall as he ultimately becomes a casualty of his own ambition.

Since its inception, cinema has showcased an array of gangland dramas. While innumerable films before it chronicled the rise and fall of the American gangster few did so with the scathing social commentary of Scarface. Instead of merely following Tony's life of crime the film uses his story to explore deeper issues surrounding the American Dream in an era of modern excess. While he believes that he is pursuing a new life in America it soon becomes apparent that he is still striving for the same wealth, power, and respect that have always eluded him. This point is further emphasized by the fact that he pursues his supposed new life using the same violent criminal means that he always has. Thus his American Dream proves to be little more than a more high-end version of the nightmarish existence that he has always known. The film also offers a scathing criticism of 80's excess. Released during the height of the 1980's economic boom, the film aptly portrays the life of easy money, fast cars, and loose morals that defined a decade. Rather than glamorize life in the fast lane, however, the film condemns these same excesses as each of the characters find themselves more isolated, unsatisfied, and ultimately empty as attain their materialistic goals. Descend into the dark side of the American Dream with Tony in Scarface.

The film transports viewers to the grit, glamour, and excess of 1980's Miami thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Robert Loggia and F. Murray Abraham are equal parts smooth and sleaze as drug lords Frank and Omar. Michelle Pfeiffer blends biting wit with icy charisma as Frank's cynical trophy wife, Elvira. Steven Bauer infuses Tony's best friend and right-hand man Manny with humor, charm, and surprising complexity. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio sizzles as Tony's sultry but stifled younger sister, Gina. Even in the midst of excellent supporting performances, however, Al Pacino dominates the film as Tony. In Pacino's hands Tony is more than just another criminal and is instead a personification of the American Dream gone tragically wrong.

In its exploration of both the gritty underbelly of 1980's excess and the dark side of the American Dream Scarface remains as startling and startlingly relevant as it was upon its initial release. The biting script offers a gangland saga in the tradition of the Prohibition-era classics while serving up scathing social critiques that have proven nothing short of prophetic. The electrifying performances transport viewers to the by turns glittering and gruesome world of the modern drug trade. Take on the world with Tony in Scarface.

Classics: A Review of Tuck Everlasting By Lauren Ennis

 Which is more devastating; death or a life never fully lived? This is the question that lies at the heart of the 2002 fantasy drama Tuck Everlasting. Adapted from the beloved 1975 novel the film blends adventure, romance, and surprisingly weighty themes to relate a truly timeless tale. In its exploration of growing up and growing old Tuck Everlasting offers a bittersweet story of love and loss that will resonate with old souls and the young at heart alike.

"You can't have living without dying"

The story begins in 1914 as the US stands at the edge of World War I. Wealthy Winnie Foster seems to have every privilege and luxury that a teenage girl could want. In reality, what she wants most is the one thing that is forbidden to her; the freedom to choose her own path. When her overbearing mother announces her plan to send Winnie to a strict boarding school she rebels and retreats into the nearby woods. There, she encounters the mysterious Tuck family. In spire of their initial misunderstandings and mistrust of each other Winnie finds herself drawn to the unusual family. she soon learns the clan's quaint, old-fashioned, lifestyle masks a terrible secret; the Tucks are immortal. A century earlier the family were pioneers exploring the then unsettled frontier. Along the way, they unknowingly encountered a spring that was actually the fountain of youth. It was only after drinking from the spring's mythic waters that the family learned of its power. In the one-hundred years since they have never aged and remain unable to die. Winnie's respite from reality is soon disturbed when her new friends are threatened by the arrival of a local con-man searching for the spring. Both Winnie and the Tucks are then forced to make decisions that will impact the rest of their lives and far beyond.

Although marketed as a teen romance, Tuck Everlasting is instead a beautifully melancholic meditation upon death and what it means to truly live. At first glance, Winnie and the Tucks could not appear to be more different. Upon closer observation, however, it becomes apparent that they both are facing the same struggle to lead meaningful lives in an unfulfilling world. Winnie's life is subject to a seemingly endless series of restraints forced upon her by both her domineering mother and society. Her mother does her best to ensure that Winnie stays her "little girl" while societal expectations demand that she maintain a childlike docility and dependence upon the men in her life. As a result, her life is one in which she is prevented from fully growing or maturing. 

Similarly, the Tucks are forced to live cast out from society under the constant threat of being discovered. The ever present threat of the outside world forces them to base their entire existence upon their ability to stay safely hidden. In this way, the Tucks find their lives just as controlled as Winnie's. Their isolated existence also leaves them emotionally stunted in much the same that Winnie is as they remain cut off from new experiences, people, and ideas. As a result, despite their endless time the Tucks are just as incapable of living their lives to their fullest potential as Winnie. In our youth-obsessed culture the film's emphasis upon the vital need to grow up and even grow old serves as a poignant reminder of what it truly means to be alive. Dare to live life to the fullest with Winnie and the Tucks in Tuck Everlasting.

The film transports viewers to the magical world of the Tucks thanks to the stellar performances of its cast. Ben Kingsley blends sinister and sleaze as the mysterious villain known only as 'the man in the yellow suit'. William Hurt aptly conveys Angus Tuck's world weariness and wisdom. Sissy Spacek infuses Mae Tuck with warmth and charm. Scott Bairstow captures Miles Tuck's bitterness and regret. Jonathan Jackson combines roguish charisma with boy next door sweetness as Jesse Tuck. Alexis Bledel imbues Winnie with a winning combination of innocence, independence, and intelligence, that will keep viewers rooting for her until the film's final frame.

Tuck Everlasting is a film for the ages. The script balances youthful adventure with mature meditations about life and death without missing a beat. The stellar performances of the cast transport viewers to the magical world of Natalie Babbitt's novel. Join Winnie and discover the timeless magic of Tuck Everlasting.

Classics: A Review of The Great Mouse Detective By Lauren Ennis

 The 1980's are commonly referred to as Walt Disney Studios' 'dark age'. In the years between the death of its founder in 1966 and its 'renaissance' in the 1990's the studio nearly lost its status as an animation juggernaut amidst a series of lackluster films and even disappointing box office returns. Even in its darkest moments, however, the studio managed to maintain some of its original spark and release a few precious diamonds amidst its rougher output. One such film is the 1986 mystery The Great Mouse Detective. The film cleverly parodies the classic Sherlock Holmes novels and introduced the genius detective to a new generation. For a mystery that will keep the whole family guessing follow the case of The Great Mouse Detective.

The story begins in Victorian-era London as young mouse Olivia Flaversham is celebrating her birthday with her widowed father, toymaker Mr. Flaversham. In the midst of their festivities a vicious bat breaks into their apartment and kidnaps Mr. Flaversham. Olivia narrowly escapes and seeks out the help of Basil of Baker Street, the famous great mouse detective. Basil realizes that the bat who kidnapped Mr. Flaversham was Fidget, the henchman of his arch-nemesis, Professor Rattigan. The unlikely duo enlist the aid of surgeon Dr. Dawson and Toby the pet basset hound of none other than Sherlock Holmes himself. Together, the ragtag sleuths discover that Professor Rattigan is forcing Mr. Flaversham to create a robot replica of the Queen of England as part of his plan to launch a political coup. Its up to Basil and his unlikely allies to stop the plot and save both Mr. Flaversham and the queen before its too late.

Upon its initial release The Great Mouse Detective was deemed a middling effort at best. The film was considered too much of a deviation from Disney's standard formula for contemporary audiences. Yet it is this very break with studio tradition that has earned the film a devoted following today. The film breaks with Disney's tried and true fairytale formula to instead relate a decidedly darker tale that appeals to a wider audience. All too often the perfect princesses and noble heroes of Disney's fairytales are admirable but not relatable. Rather than these idealized archetypes The Great Mouse Detective follows a diverse cast of decent but entirely human characters in the face of insurmountable odds. Basil in particular might surprisingly be the most realistic and relatable protagonist in the studio's history. Much like his literary counterpart, Basil allows his singlemindedness and success cloud his judgment. While such traits might make a character unlikeable it is these very flaws that ensure Basil is not an infallible, unattainable, genius. Similarly, he also begins the film with a decided lack of empathy, which makes his growing bond with Olivia and Dawson all the more impactful. The film also sets itself apart through its incorporation of darker themes. For example, the film begins with an all too real crime in the form of Mr. Flaversham's kidnapping. Rather than being jarring, however, this opening aptly serves to set the tone for all that follows. Similarly, the villains' plot is not some wacky scheme to take over the world, but instead a plot to stage a political coup. One look at a history book will remind viewers of just how surpringly realistic Rattigan's seemingly fantastic plot actually is. Even at its most serious, however, the film still manages to make room for plenty of dark, dry, wit that will appeal to parents and children alike. Solve the mystery of masterful storytelling with Basil, The Great Mouse Detective.

The film transports viewers to Victorian London thanks to the work of its exceedingly entertaining vocal performers. Candy Candido balances slapstick and sinister as Rattigan's bumbling henchman, Fidget. Val Bettin conveys kindness and intelligence as Dr. Dawon. Susanne Pollatschek turns in a surprisingly mature performance as plucky Olivia. Barrie Ingham captures the beloved combination of intellect, confidence, and charm hat has endeared audiences to Sherlock Holmes for generations as Basil. The film is easily stolen, however, by Vincent Price in a performance that oozes villainy in every syllable as Rattigan.

Blending high-flying adventure with classic mystery The Great Mouse Detective might be one of the greatest adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. The script balances comic hijinks, action, and mystery to expert effect. The voice performances bring the cast of colorful characters to vibrant life. Its no mystery why The Great Mouse Detective has become a cult classic.

Classics: A Review of The Leopard by Lauren Ennis

"A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man" Don Vito Corleone famously declared in The Godfather. It is this same sentiment that lies at the heart of another tale of a Sicilian patriarch; The Leopard. Much like The Godfather, The Leopard follows Don Fabrizio Corbera as he struggles to guide his family through political unrest, personal turmoil, and sweeping change. At once an ode to a bygone era and a timeless story of family The Leopard is a series you cannot refuse.

The story begins in 1860 as Giuseppe Garibaldi and his redshirts enter Sicily in a political coup against the local monarchy. As members of the local aristocracy the Corbera family find their status, wealth, and very way of life upended. As head of the family Don Fabrizio struggles to keep the Corbera clan together even as their entire world threatens to crumble around them. Amidst this upheaval the family also faces threats from within as they struggle to come to terms with personal rivalries and romantic entanglements all while striving to find their place in a rapidly changing Italy.

This sweeping historic tale continues to resonate today largely through its depiction of the paradox of parenthood. Throughout the series Don Fabrizio struggles to do what he believes is best for his family. In this depiction of a father trying to do his best the series ensures that Don Fabrizio is a relatable character viewers rather than a distant elite from an even more distant era. As the series progresses, however, it becomes apparent that father does not always know best. Ultimately, it is his meddling in his daughter's love life, his intercession in his nephew's legal troubles, and his neglect of his wife and son incur irreparable consequences. This depiction of his misguided but well-meaning efforts make him a tragic figure as it is his very attempts to guide and help his family which hurt them the most. Despite his many mistakes, however, it is the lessons that he imparts in and example that he provides to his family that allow them to move forward and find their place in the new Italy. For some fatherly love Italian style, join the Corbera family in The Leopard.

Daddy's home!

The series brings Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel to brilliant life thanks to the work of its cast. Saul Nanni perfectly balances callousness and charm as Don Fabrizio's reckless nephew, Tancredi. Benedetta Porcaroli infuses Don Fabrizio's oldest daughter and right-hand woman, Concetta, with a winning combination of intelligence, warmth, and girl next door charm. Deva Cassel showcases all the smoldering sultriness of a 1940's femme fatale as ambitious socialite, and Concetta's romantic rival, Angelica. Alessandro Sperduti personifies decency as Concetta's idealistic suitor, Colonel Bombello.Roberta Procida infuses Don Fabrizio's mistress, Mariannina with world weariness, wit, and sass. Alberto Rossi captures the passion and frustration of Don Fabrizio's overlooked son, Paulo. Astrid Meloni conveys warmth and wisdom as Don Fabrizio's devoted wife, Stella. Francesco Colella blends humor and cunning as opportunistic politician, Don Calogero. Even in the midst of superior supporting performances, however, the series belongs to Kim Rossi Stuart as Don Fabrizio. In Stuart's hands Don Fabrizio is more than a symbol of a fading era and is instead a complicated man struggling to hold onto his dignity, his family, and his way of life even as they threaten to disappear.

Even as it captures the sweep of Italian history The Leopard is a timeless story of family and fatherhood. The intelligent script transports viewers to the tumult of Risorgimento-era Italy. The dynamic performances bring di Lampedusa's novel to vibrant life. This Father's Day celebrate family and fatherhood with The Leopard.

Like father, like daughter

Classics: A Review of Secondhand Lions By Lauren Ennis

 "Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things that a man needs to believe in", aging adventurer Hub McCann instructs his nephew. It is this sentiment that lies at the heart of 2003's coming of age dramedy Secondhand Lions. The film follows a young boy as he learns lessons in life, love, loss, and growing up over the course of one fateful summer. At once a classic coming of age story and a heartwarming family friendly adventure Secondhand Lions is a film the likes of which they just don't make 'em like anymore.

The story begins in 1960's rural Texas with awkward adolescent Walter arriving at the ramshackle farm of his curmudgeonly uncles, the McCann brothers. Despite the brothers' less than warm welcome, Walter's mother, Mae, leaves him with the two aging eccentrics for the summer. When he learns that his mother is not actually at the beauty school she claimed to be attending he realizes that she has abandoned him to pursue her latest boyfriend. Fortunately for Walter, his uncles gradually warm to him and over the course of the summer the unlikely trio become more of a family than Walter and his mother ever were. Their newfound family is soon threatened, however, when Mae returns with her boyfriend in search of the fortune rumored to be hidden somewhere on the farm. Its then up to Walter to put his uncles' lessons into action to keep his new family together.

Secondhand Lions is the rare family film that grows up with its audience. For the youngest viewers the film offers up some of the best swashbuckling action this side of Errol Flynn. For teens the story of Walter's efforts to find his place in an adult world is poignant without becoming overly sentimental. The film captures the experience of growing up with an honesty and bittersweetness that only those who have come of age can fully appreciate. The film also offers a surprisingly mature meditation upon such weighty topics as aging, loss, and regret. Even at is most somber, however, the film maintains a joie de vivre that is nothing short of infectious. For a summer to remember join Walter in Secondhand Lions.

The film brings the whimsical world of the McCann's to vibrant life thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Kyra Sedgewick expertly blends charm and callousness as Walter's absent mother, Mae. Nicky Katt personifies sleaze as Mae's latest boyfriend, Stan. Emmanuelle Vaugier conveys warmth, wit, and strength in her brief turn as Hub's late wife, Jasmine. Robert Duvall conveys Hub's outward curmudgeonly exterior and inner torment with equal skill. Michael Caine brings his usual wry humor and charm to his role as Garth. Haley Joel Osment proves that he is more than just another one-note child performer as he portrays Walter's journey from awkward, insecure, boy to thoughtful, confident, young man. 

Few films capture the magic, confusion, tragedy, and triumph of growing up with the charm of Secondhand Lions. The script blends warmth, humor, adventure, and emotion to relate a tale the whole family will love. The performances bring each member of the colorful cast of characters to memorable life. Remember what it means to believe with Walter, Hub, and Garth in Secondhand Lions.

Classics: A Review of The Last Dragon By Lauren Ennis

 From cinema's inception audiences have been enthralled by on-screen action and few films pack the punch of martial arts movies. During the 1970's Hong Kong cinema introduced the world to the films of such film makers and the Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest and starts like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. and a new movie genre was born. By the 1980's Hollywood took notice and started making martial arts movies of their own. While dozens of these films were released in the ensuing decades, none were quite as unique or outrageously entertaining as 1985's The Last Dragon. Merging Kung Fu action with Hollywood blaxploitation The Last Dragon is an all-American original.

He's got the glow

The story begins in New York with martial artist Leroy Green (who insists upon going by Bruce Leroy) ending his training and earning the title of "the last dragon". His master then gives him half of a medallion and instructs him to seek out Master Sum Dum Goy to learn to harness the mystical technique known as "the glow". Unfortunately for Leroy, local master, and self-proclaimed 'shogun of Harlem', Sho 'Nuff also covets the title of last dragon and will stop at nothing to gain it. What follows is a by turns thrilling and hysterical love letter to all things martial arts with a decidedly Motown flare.

The film blends Eastern action with Hollywood hijinks to create an all-American cult classic. The film merges the thrills and mysticism of classic Hong Kong action films with Hollywood humor to relate a classic coming of age story. While the plot showcases an array of villains, Leroy's ultimate enemy is his own insecurity. While he demonstrates formidable martial arts skills in his dojo he fails to apply the principles of those arts into other aspects of his life. As a result, he is regularly pushed around by everyone from his younger brother, to local toughs, to Sho 'Nuff. His lack of self-confidence also prevents him from pursuing a romance with glamorous DJ Laura despite her obvious attraction to him. Through its depiction of Leroy's journey to overcome his insecurities the film acts as an inspiring lesson in the importance of believing in yourself. In this way, the story transcends its roots to relate a universal underdog story that audiences from all walks of life can relate to. For an inspirational and kick-ass-pirational viewing experience get the glow with Leroy in The Last Dragon.

The film brings Leroy's action-packed world to life thanks to the work of its cast. Christopher Murney personifies sleaze as local mob boss Eddie Arkadian. Faith Prince blends slapstick humor and ditzy charm as Eddie's unwitting moll, Angela. Leo O'Brien showcases street-wise swag as Leroy's smooth-talking younger brother, Richie. Glen Eaton lends likability and laughs to his role as Leroy's hapless student, Johnny Yu. Vanity offers up sultriness and sass as Leroy's love interest, Laura. Julius Carry is the perfect mix of slapstick and sinister as Sho 'Nuff, leaving little wonder as to how he became the 'shogun of Harlem'. Taimak Guarriello aptly captures Leroy's martial arts prowess and personal insecurity while still showing off boy next door charm.

While it is far from a perfect film The Last Dragon, much like its hero, has heart. The film blends action and humor to create an outrageous adventure like no other. The performances bring the world of Leroy Green to thrilling and uproarious life. For comedy, adventure, and plenty of kick, enter the ring with The Last Dragon.

Classics: A Review of Changeling By Lauren Ennis

 "Never start a fight but always finish it. I didn't start this fight, but by God I'm going to finish it", Christine Collins declares. The 2008 drama Changeling follows Christine as she fights to find he truth about her son's disappearance. At once a gripping piece of true crime and a gut-wrenching testament to the power of a mother's love the film is one  that will haunt viewers long after its final credits fade. Witness the devastating true story of one mother's journey to Hell and back for her child in Changeling.

The story begins in 1928 Los Angeles with Christine Collins struggling to raise her son as a divorced mother. When Walter fails to return home after an afternoon at the local cinema she becomes panicked and reports him missing. Five months pass and the police face increasing public scrutiny when each lead in the case proves to be a dead end. When a young boy arrives at the police station claiming to be Walter the police seize upon the opportunity to redeem themselves in the public's eyes. They then stage an elaborate press conference reuniting Christine and her supposed son. Much to the police and the press' dismay, she immediately recognizes that the boy is not Walter. The police then force her to bring the boy home to "try him out". Weeks pass and she returns to the police with dental and medical records and witnesses proving that the boy is not Walter. Rather than reopen the case the police instead opt to have Christine deemed an unfit mother and committed to a local mental institution as retaliation for her defiance. With the help of a dogged attorney and a muck-racking preacher she sets out to clear her name and find Walter. What she learns is a truth so devastating that it has the power to shake Los Angeles to its very core.

Changeling makes for powerful, vital, if not pleasant or easy viewing. The film uses one of the darkest footnotes in American history as an indictment of the corruption of our institutions. Even as the film draws rightful outrage at the abuse that Los Angeles' institutions inflict upon its citizens, however, it is the image of Christine, resolute in the face of unfathomable loss that will haunt viewers. In its depiction of her relentless efforts to find her son the film showcases the agony that a mother will endure for her child. While it may not top most Mothers' Day viewing lists few film have depicted the devotion, strength, selflessness, and dedication contained in a mother's love with the unflinching honesty and raw emotion of Changeling.

The film transports viewers to the gritty streets of Jazz Age Los Angeles thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Jason Butler Harner looms over the film in his brief, unnerving, turn as podophile and child killer Gordon Northcott. Geoff Pierson blends a litigator's charm with steely resolve as Christine's attorney, S. S. Hahn. John Malkovich stelas each scene in which he appears as a preacher who uses his pulpit to crusade against the city's corruption. Angelina Jolie proves that she is more than a pretty face. In Jolie's hands Christine is more than a wronged woman or grieving mother and is instead the personification of righteous outrage.

In its depictions of devastating real life events Changeling serves as a searing indictment of corruption and a powerful testament to the power of a mother's love. The script relates its tale with unflinching honesty while still honoring the gravity of the events it is portraying. The performances bring Christine and Walter's story to an aching, visceral, life that will resonate for viewers long after its final frame. Discover the depths of one city's corruption and the even deeper depth of a mother's love in Changeling.