Exciting news! The graphic novel adaptation of my screenplay, Daughters of Attrition, will be available next week. The story follows two young girls as they find solace in friendship and imagination amidst the turmoil of the 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Hello readers,
Be sure to check out my latest podcast appearance on Books, Brews, and Dogs' Indie Author Spotlight in which I discuss my debut novel, A Boy's Best Comrade!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrC36CgyIHM
Over the course of more than a century Walt Disney Studios has become a media juggernaut synonymous with Western animation. Even as it has turned out decades of classics, however, the studio has not been without its struggles. One of its most dire moments came in the aftermath of its infamous flop The Black Cauldron. Infamous for being "the movie that almost killed Disney, film's blend of mature themes, relatable characters, and timeless lessons have earned it a cult following in the decades since its release. For a journey into the dark side of Disney, gaze into The Black Cauldron...if you dare.
While the film proved to be a critical and commercial failure upon its release, it has since gone on to gain a cult following, and it is easy to see why. In spite of its medieval setting populated with princesses and monsters, The Black Cauldron actually marks a stark departure from Disney's tried and true formula. The film features surprisingly mature themes including loss, self-sacrifice, and the pain of growing up. The film also sets itself apart from its contemporaries through its depiction of characters who are flawed, complex, and relatable. Rather than a noble hero, Taran is every bit as reckless self-involved, and stubborn as any other preteen. Through its focus upon a refreshingly realistic protagonist the film ensures that viewers will relate to Taran, and invest in his struggles. Similarly, the grounded foundation of his character makes his eventual evolution into a selfless friend and capable leader both believable and satisfying. The film also deviates from studio standards in its portrayal of plucky Princess Eilonwy. While Disney princesses are often criticized as helpless damsels, Eilonwy proves herself to be more than capable. For example, upon their first meeting it is Eilonwy who rescues a captured Taran and later acts as their group's co-leader. Perhaps the film's greatest surprise is the ultimate reveal of its true hero, the frightened, unassuming, but ultimately noble Gurgi. Through its depiction of Gurgi's heroism the film serves as an apt reminder that even the most seemingly insignificant amongst us cam make a difference. The film brings its innovative adventure to dazzling life thanks to some of the most intricate, ominous, and vibrant animation that the studio ever set to film. Follow the call to adventure with Taran with The Black Cauldron.
Hello readers,
I just wanted to share my podcast debut with all of you on The Wandering Scribe in which I discuss my debut novel, A Boy's Best Comrade, and my writing process. I hope that you enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr5O2LYfdJQ&t=187s
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
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.
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| Off to see the world |
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.
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| 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.
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| Rock and roll! |
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.
