An Exciting Announcement!

 Hello readers,

I just wanted to share my podcast debut with all of you on The Wandering Scribe in which I discuss historical fiction and history. I hope that you enjoy!

The Historians Lounge Season 4 Ep 1: History & Historical Fiction with Author Lauren Ennis

Classics: A Review of The Chipmunk Adventure By Lauren Ennis

 What would you do for $100,000? That is the question posed to the Chipmunks and Chippettes. So begins the wild, zany, and surprisingly heartfelt caper that is the Chipmunk adventure. Blending the Chipmunks signature charm with Jules Verne style globetrotting. The film takes viewers on an adventure they won't soon forget. Join Alvin, Simon, and Theodore for the adventure of a lifetime in the Chipmunk Adventure. 

Off to see the world

The story begins with Chipmunks' guardian, Dave, leaving for a business trip to Europe. The boys are left in the care of scatter-brained babysitter, Miss Miller. While playing a competitive arcade game against the Chippette's they are approached by wealthy and mysterious siblings Claus and Claudia. The pair propose a wager that the Chipmunks and Chippettes race around the world for a $100,000 prize. Despite Simon and Jeannette's misgivings, Alvin and Britney sign their siblings up for an adventure that neither the Chipmunks nor Chippettes will soon forget.

The film takes viewers on an adventure the likes of which only the 1980's could offer. Much like the best family films of the era The Chipmunk Adventure explores dark themes, moral dilemmas, and genuine peril in a way that is still family friendly. For example, the film sheds light on the dark realities of child exploitation through Claus and Claudia's manipulation of the Chipmunks and Chippettes. The rocking rodents soon learn that stranger danger is all too real when they realize that the sinister siblings are actually using their race as a cover for a diamond smuggling operation. Similarly, they are faced with moral questions in the form of Claus and Claudia's initial offer and later when they realize that they have been acting as inadvertent smugglers. The ultimate lessons to e wary of strangers and admit to your mistakes are vital truths that the film presents without resorting to lecturing or pandering. The film also tests its young viewers by placing its heroes in terrifyingly real peril in the form of child marriage, hungry sharks, and even human sacrifice. Even as it puts its pint-sized protagonists to the ultimate test, however, the madcap musical never misses a comedic beat. See the world with the Chipmunks and Chippettes in The Chipmunk Adventure.

Culture shock

The film transports viewers on a trip around the world thanks to the vocal performances of its cast. Ross Bagdasarian Jr. More than lives up to his family legacy as rebellious Alvin, worry-wart Simon, and kind but overwhelmed single father, Dave. Janice Krman seamlessly shifts from naive Theodore to feisty Britney, to strait-laced Jeannette, to good-hearted Eleanor. Dody Goodman is an utter hoot as the Chipmunks' daffy but well-meaning babysitter, Miss Miller. Susan Tyrell makes for an apt femme fatale as equal parts sultry and sinister Claudia. Anthony De Long oozes sleaze as Claudia's partner in crime, entitled and smarmy Claus.

At once a loving homage to classic adventures and an awesomely 80's caper. The Chipmunk Adventure is a rocking good time. The script delivers thrills, tunes, and a even lesson or two without missing a beat. The vocal performances bring the colorful cast of characters to whimsical life. Take on the world with the Chipmunks and Chippettes in The Chipmunk Adventure.

Rock and roll!

Classics: A Review of Bad Santa By Lauren Ennis

 The holidays are a time for joy, family, good will, and laughter. For con-man Willy Stokes, however, its seasons scammings. 2003's hit comedy Bad Santa follows Willy as he attempts to pull off the greatest scheme of his criminal career, all while in the guise of a department store Santa Claus. Along the way, he discovers found family, redemption, and just maybe something resembling the holiday spirit. This Christmas, discover how fun it is to be on the naughty list with Bad Santa.

The story begins with Willy and his partner in crime, Marcus, robbing a department store while under cover as Santa and an elf. One year later Willy has wasted most of his share of the loot, leaving him unable to refuse Marcus offer of one last job. The pair go about arranging their usual scam with Willy taking a job as a department store Santa while Marcus is again cast as Santa's elf. The job is soon complicated, however, by the store's suspicious manager and conniving security chief. Just as the duo's scheme threatens to unravel a Christmas miracle arrives in the form of gullible, dim-witted, customer Thurman Merman. Believing that Willy really is Santa, the boy offers him the family car and access to the family safe. What begins as a convenient arrangement grows into something more as Willy begrudgingly takes on the role of Thurman's mentor, protector, and father-figure. What follows is a madcap caper that will have even the hardest humbugs chuckling 'ho, ho, ho'.

Bad Santa is the perfect blend of humor and heart. The film makes the most of its absurd premise by juxtaposing Willy and Marcus' crudeness and criminality with the supposed wholesomeness of their department store roles. In this way, the film speaks to the Grinch in all of us as it follows the duo through a endless lines of screaming children, nagging mothers, and cheery coworkers that would leave mana a Santa begging for New Year's. Beyond its most obvious gags, the film relates an all too human tale of hard times, regrets, and redemption. With the arrival of Thurman the film does more than give Willy a dupe to pull one over on, it gives him a reason to keep going. Despite his blatant efforts to manipulate and use the naive boy, Willy finds himself increasingly looking out for Thurman's best interests. By the film's finale the pair's unlikely friendship inspires Willy to a selflessness worthy of St. Nick. Laugh all the way this Christmas with Bad Santa.

The film brings it off beat tale of yuletide larceny to uproarious life thanks to the work of its cast. Lauren Graham blends sultriness and sweetness as local bartender turned Willy's love interest, Sue. John Ritter turns in a hilariously neurotic turn worthy of Gene Wilder as store manager, Bob. Bernie Mac balances smooth and sinister as the store's unscrupulous security guard, Gin. Tony Cos steals each scene in which he appears as Willy's sharp-witted partner, Marcus. Brett Kelly lends the film its heart as innocence and wonder of Christmas personified, Thurman. Billy Bob Thorton is nothing short of iconic as Willy. In his hands, what easily could have been a one-note caricature is instead a by turns tragic, hilarious, and surprisingly touching portrait of a man in desperate need of redemption.

At once a pitch-black comedy and a heartfelt tribute to the holiday spirit Bad Santa is a modern Christmas classic. The script balances black humor with yuletide sentiment to expert effect. The performances bring each of the characters to uproarious, unforgettable, life. This Christmas sike your eggnog and embark upon some holiday hijinks with Bad Santa.

Classics: A Review of Edward Scissorhands By Lauren Ennis

"No matter what, Edward will always be special" Peg Buggs proudly declares of her young protege, Edward. Thirty-five years after its release, Edward Scissorhands remains as special to generations of viewers. Blending the gothic with the modern the film serves as an ode to the individual in a conformist world. Carve your own path with Edward Scissorhands.

The story begins with an eccentric inventor creating a living young man whom he names Edward. Unfortunately, the inventor dies of a sudden heart attack before completing Edward's hands, leaving the boy with scissors where his hands should be. Under-socialized Edward is then left to fend for himself until Peg Boggs arrives selling Avon. Kind and optimistic Peg welcomes the young man into her home and invites him to become part of her family. Life with the Boggs' has a profound effect on Edward as he slowly begins to assimilate into their suburban neighborhood. His newfound happiness is soon threatened, however, when several of the locals exploit his trusting nature and threaten to drive him out of town when he tries to defend himself. It is his budding love for Peg's teenage daughter, Kim, that ultimately gives him the strength to remain true to himself amidst the onslaught of duplicity and conformity. What ensues is an ode to the eccentric in us all that is certain to soften even the hardest of hearts.

Inspired by Burton's own experiences as an awkward, artistic, teen in Burbank, California Edward Scissorhands is a testament to the power of art and the artist's vital place in society. Through its depiction of Edward's efforts to fit in the film aptly captures the artist's eternal struggle between originality and belonging. Upon his initial arrival he is treated as a local curiosity and his talents are welcomed by bemused neighbors. As the novelty inevitably wears thin, however, his eccentricities devolve from endearing to odd. While he struggles to navigate his new life his missteps begin to garner scorn and suspicion rather than sympathy. Edward's journey from unwitting local celebrity to social pariah mirrors the all too familiar rise and fall of many artists. Much like Edward, many artists are initially embraced for their originality. When familiarity breeds fatigue, however, the very admirers who catapulted the artist to fame will then tear that same artist's work to the ground. Similarly, Edward's struggle between his desperate need to belong and his inability to conform is directly reminiscent of the artist's need and desire for acceptance even as their artistic nature prevents them ever truly fitting in. Even as the town turns on its unusual hero, Edward's legacy lives on through the hearts he inspired, minds he changed, and the unique, inimitable beauty of the snowflakes he created. In this way, the film serves as a heartening reminder of the vital, lasting, importance of art even if it is underappreciated or misunderstood. Fall in love with the artistry of Edward Scissorhands.

The film brings Tim Burton's whimsical vision to unforgettable life thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Vincent Price blends heart and humor in his brief scene-stealing performance as the inventor. Alan Arkin infuses Boggs family patriarch, Bill, with dry wit and down to earth charm. Diane Weist is a delight as selfless, optimistic, Peg. Anthony Michael Hall is a villain you'll love to hate as Kim's callous boyfriend, Jim. Kathy Baker makes for an apt would-be femme fatale in her by turns sultry and desperate turn as Joyce. O-Lan Jones is hilarious in her hellish performance as religious zealot Esmeralda. Winona Ryder expertly captures Kim's evolution from selfish and impressionable teen to courageous young woman. Johnny Depp turns in arguably the best performance of his iconic career. In his hands, Edward is more than a novelty eccentric or fish out of water and instead that most rare of wonders, a pure-hearted soul.  

Thirty-five years after its release Edward Scissorhands remains every bit as original, tender, and inspiring as it's title hero. The script casts a magical spell as it weaves a mesmerizing modern fairytale. The cast bring Burton's vision to heartfelt, unforgettable, life. The film's tagline said "Edward's story will touch you, even if he can't"; nearly forty years later it still does.

Classics: A Review of Citizen X By Lauren Ennis

"There are no serial killers in the Soviet Union; it is a decadent Western phenomenon" Colonel Bondarchuk tells forensic pathologist Viktor Burakov. This official position of the Soviet government is soon proven false, however, when a series of mutilated corpses are uncovered in the Rostov region. 1995's HBO crime drama Citizen X follows the true story of the team who, after eight years and over fifty murders finally apprehended one of Russia's most notorious serial killers. At once  taut police procedural and an engrossing character study Citizen X might just be the best drama never to be released in theaters.

The story begins in 1982 when a body is discovered on a collective farm in the Rostov region. The ensuing search uncovers six more mutilated bodies in various states of decay. Local forensic pathologist Viktor Burakov quickly deduces that the killings are the work of a serial killer. He brings his findings to his superiors only to be scorned for even suggesting that there could be a serial killer at work in the USSR. AS his requests for resources continue to be ignored bodies continue to pile up. While the official party position remains unchanged, Burakov eventually finds an unlikely ally in his shrewd and politically savvy commanding officer, Colonel Mikhail Fetisov. Together, the duo set out to bring a killer to justice whether the party wants them to or not.

In an era riddled with exploitative and inaccurate "true" crime dramas, Citizen X stands out for its understated portrait not of a killer, but of the ordinary men who brought him to justice in the face of a system that allowed him to thrive. By shifting the focus from Chikatilo to the police force pursuing him the film avoids either overly humanizing him or making him into a larger than life villain. By focusing on the obstacles the police face in their pursuit the film shows that Chikatilo was not some mastermind but instead a common criminal reaping the benefits of a corrupt and incompetent justice system. The film's depiction of the state's refusal to acknowledge the presence of a serial killer, even at the expense of its own children is nothing short of chilling. Similarly, the blunt portrayal of the state's efforts to blame the crimes on such 'undesirables' as Romani minorities, homosexuals, and the cognitively impaired highlights the ways in which the state attempted to utilize the crisis for its own ends even at the cost of allowing a killer to go free. Even as it offers a damning indictment of the callousness of the Soviet state, however, the film still provides hope in its depiction of Burakov and Fetisov's dogged pursuit of the killer. The duo act as an apt reminder of the human decency that continues to exist even in the midst of the most oppressive systems and the darkest of times. For a crime drama that they just don't make them like anymore follow Burakov and Fetisov on the trail of Citizen X.

"To be a psychiatrist in this country is to be an expert on paranoia; whether you meant to be or not"

The film transports viewers to the desperate final years of the Soviet Union thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Imelda Staunton brings much needed warmth and compassion to her role as Burakov's devoted wife. Joss Ackland personifies the bluster and obstinance of state bureaucracy as Colonel Bondarchuk. Max von Sydow infuses his brief turn as psychiatrist Alexander Bukhanovsky with wit and awkward charm. Jeffrey Demunn turns in a masterful performance as the killer, Andrei Chikatilo. Demunn avoids the usual cliches so common in serial killer dramas by presenting Chikatilo not as either a genius mastermind or a misunderstood figure but instead as a pathetic, cowardly, parasite. Even in the midst of apt supporting performances the film belongs to Stephen Rea and Donald Sutherland as Burakov and Fetisov. Sutherland blends cool charisma with pathos as he portrays Fetisov's evolution from cynical bureaucrat to man of principal. Rea's performance is nothing short of wrenching as he portrays Burakov's passion for justice and the psychological toll that the case takes on him. Bonus points to all for the added effort of using Eastern European accents.

At once a harrowing depiction of a single case and a damning indictment of the system that prolonged it, Citizen X is easily one of the most compelling crime dramas ever put to screen. The script portrays the facts of the case while still putting a human face on this dark chapter in Russian history. The performances bring the key player in the case to vivid, and at times visceral, life. In an era dominated by gratuitous and glamorized "true" crime dramas Citizen X continues to set itself apart for its unflinching portrayal of a series of heinous crimes and the system that allowed them to occur.

For more Russian history be sure to check out my debut novel A Boy's Best Comrade available now on Amazon and wherever books are sold

"Together you make a wonderful person"

Classics: A Review of Isle of Dogs By Lauren Ennis

 A mysterious virus. A secretive government lab. Forced quarantines. Mass hysteria. Long before 2020 Wes Anderson explored the impact of pandemic panic in Isle of Dogs. At once a scathing political satire and a madcap adventure, Isle of Dogs serves as an apt reminder that animation is not just for kids. For animation with just enough bite escape to the Isle of Dogs.

The story begins with a mysterious canine flu spreading through the fictional Japanese city of Megasaki. The city's dictatorial, cat-loving, mayor seizes upon the crisis and decrees that all dogs be seized and quarantined on a floating landfill known as 'trash island'. Even his nephew, Atari's beloved service dog, Spots, is not spared from the decree. After Spots is quarantined, Atari hijacks a plan and flies to trash island in search of his furry friend. Upon landing he does not find Spots, but he does find a group of displaced dogs. Together, the boy and the dogs set off on an adventure to find Spots and liberate the Isle of Dogs before it is too late.

Through its depiction of a city in crisis the film sends up modern politics and explores the consequences of group think. Throughout the film, Mayor Kobayashi and his administration utilize the virus for their own gain. For example, when the citizens panic, the administration immediately positions itself as a beacon of safety. They then use their newly elevated status to implement controlling measures against citizens and their pets. They then smear their political rivals and silence dissenting voices, who they deride as reckless and dangerous to the public. In this way, they manipulate public opinion in their favor just in time for the upcoming elections. At the film's conclusion, it is revealed that not only did the administration take advantage of the crisis but they also caused it by deliberately leaking the virus from a state lab. This absurd premise would be laughable if not for the eerie way in which it parallels the events of 2020. The film extends its criticism beyond the mayor's administration to the citizens of Megasaki as they blindly follow the administration's orders. While they are hesitant to abandon their furry friends they ultimately obey the outrageous decree out of fear for their own safety. Similarly, the majority of citizens do not dare speak out against the mayor's policies and ostracize those who dare to do so. It is only after two children, Atari and his classmate, have the courage to stand up for what is right that the city finally sees reason. Through its critique of propaganda, panic, and group think, the film offers a warning for the future while recalling tragedies of the past. Even as it explores weighty topics the film never takes itself too seriously and maintains a madcap charm from start to finish. For an animated adventure for the four and two legged members of the family book a stay at the Isle of Dogs.

The film is brough to whimsical life thanks to the stellar work of its star-studded cast. Liev Schreiber infuses Spots with intelligence and loyalty. Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, Bill Murray, and Jeff Goldblum lend plenty of wit as a group of hapless house pets struggling to survive life on their own. Scarlett Johannsen blends sultry with savvy as surprisingly street-smart ex-show dog, Nutmeg. Greta Gerwig imbues abrasive activist Tracy with endearing earnestness. Koyo Ranking crosses the cultural divide in a heartwarming performance as Atari that is entirely in subtitled Japanese. Bryan Cranston steals the film as the world-weary stray turned reluctant pack-leader, Chief.

At once a satire, adventure, absurd comedy, and heartfelt drama, Isle of Dogs defies definition but is every bit as lovable as its four-legged heroes. the script blends biting satire with earnest emotion to expert effect. The versatile vocal cast bring the canine and human cast to colorful life. Discover an animated wonder on the Isle of Dogs.

Classics: A Review of Shadow of the Vampire By Lauren Ennis

 Since the advent of cinema there have always been monster movies. These films allow filmmakers to explore dark, complex, and socially sensitive topics while still keeping audiences entertained. But what if the monster wasn't just a performance? What would happen if a movie monster became real? 2000's horror satire Shadow of the Vampire asks those very questions. At once a Valentine to classic horror and a scathing critique of the entertainment industry Shadow of the Vampire is truly a viewing experience to die for.

Dead and loving it

The story begins in Weimar-era Berlin as director F. W. Murnau sets out to film his masterpiece, Nosferatu. Filming starts well enough, minus the occasional spats between the director and his tempestuous ex-lover turned leading lady, Greta. What begins as a backstage drama quickly takes a dark turn when Murnau moves filming to a remote location in Romania. While he insists that the location shooting is essential to maintain the film's authenticity, the cast and crew remain unconvinced. The eerie atmosphere is exacerbated by the arrival of the film's main monster, the mysterious Max Schreck. Murnau introduces Schreck as a dedicated method actor and instructs the cast and crew to leave him to his craft. As mysterious and terrifying events begin to occur Schreck's identity is called into question. Over the course of filming the cast and crew realize that the film, their careers, and their very lives are at stake. What ensues is a true production from hell that requires all of the cast and crew's blood, sweat, and tears, especially their blood.

Shadow of the Vampire pumps fresh blood into a tired genre. Rather than bringing viewers into the mysterious and monstrous world of vampires the film instead brings the legend into our world. In this way, the film offers a uniquely terrifying twist on the genre as it asks what would happen if we actually were confronted with the undead in our midst. This unique take lends itself to deadpan humor as the cast and crew react to their costar's increasingly bizarre behavior. Rather than relating a simple fish out of water story, however, the film uses its premise to explore the all too real blood suckers in the arts and entertainment industries. Over the course of the film, Murnau sacrifices the safety of his cast and crew in an effort to realize his artistic vision. This exaggerated depiction aptly highlights the extent to which many artists will go to fulfill their creative pursuits. In its depiction of Murnau's deal with the devilish Schreck the film offers a scathing critique of an industry willing to sacrifice anything and anyone for a chance at immortality. For a bloody good time spend your Halloween in the Shadow of the Vampire.

Just another day at work...

The film transports viewers to the hedonism of Weimar-era Berlin and the eerie beauty of the Romanian countryside thanks to the work of its cast. Eddie Izzard is endearing as Nosferatu's naive leading man, Gustav. Cary Elwes infuses matinee idol charm into his turn as cinematographer, Fritz. Ronan Vibert lends pathos to his role as the crew's doomed voice of reason, Wolgang. Catherine McCormack is electric as Nosferatu's by turns seductive and shrill leading lady, Greta. Even in the midst of superb supporting performances the film belongs to John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe as Murnau and Schreck. Malkovich utilizes his unique blend of charisma and calculation to the fullest, portraying Murnau as at once monstrous and uncomfortably relatable in his single-minded pursuit of his artistic vision. Dafoe immerses himself so fully into his role that he nearly disappears into the equal parts grotesque and tragic Schreck.

At once an homage to the classic monster movie and a biting industry satire, Shadow of the Vampire proves that there's still fresh blood in the old vampire legend. The script scathingly sends up the callousness of the entertainment industry while still offering an array of classic thrills and chills. The cast perfectly balance between deadpan humor and deadly terror. For Halloween viewing with plenty of bite tune in to Shadow of the Vampire.

Happy Halloween!