Classics: A Review of Lost in Translation By Lauren Ennis

The 1990's sitcom Seinfeld proudly described itself as "a show about nothing". In many ways, this same description could apply to the 2003 hit drama Lost in Translation. This deceptively simple tale follows the brief acquaintance of two travelers and not much else. It is a film devoid of action with minimal stakes in which all of the drama is strictly internal. In spite of its simplicity, however, the film remains one of the most poignant films in modern cinema. Find the hidden meaning Lost in Translation.

The story begins with aging Hollywood star Bob Harris arriving in Japan to shoot a whiskey commercial. He experiences a series of comic misunderstandings as he struggles to adjust to culture shock and jet lag. Simultaneously, his brief calls home offer insight into the deteriorating marriage and floundering career that have left in in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Meanwhile, newlywed American tourist Charlotte arrives at the same hotel Bob is staying in with her photographer husband. Despite her youth and new marriage she is revealed to be in the midst of an existential crisis of her own that has her questioning her relationship and her life's direction. After a series of chance meetings the two travelers embark upon an unlikely friendship that will leave them both changed for the better.

Despite its minimalistic plot the film tackles such heady topics as the longing for connection, the search for meaning, and the inevitable approach of mortality with depth and nuance. Through its depiction of Bob's distant relationship with his wife and Charlotte's mismatched marriage, the film aptly demonstrates the importance of making meaningful connections. While both characters are checking the societal boxes of being married neither are fulfilled by their relationships. Ironically, both find greater connection in their brief interactions with each other than in their marriages. In this way, the film highlights the importance of true connection in its portrait of two people who are at their loneliest when they are around others. Similarly, the film explores the vital need for meaning by focusing upon the lack of meaning in its characters' lives. While both Bob and Charlotte are leading existences that are successful on paper, neither feels any passion or sense of purpose. As a result, while both are alive neither is truly living. The need to live a purposeful existence while we can is further emphasized by the film's depiction of Bob's struggle to overcome his mid-life crisis and Charlotte's efforts to come to terms with entering adulthood. Eve as it meditates upon these weighty topics the film still offers laughs and what just might be love along the way. Lose yourself in the magnetic melancholy of Lost in Translation.

The film is brilliantly brough to life thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Anna Faris is hilariously vapid as Charlotte's husband's celebrity client, Kelly. Catherine Lambert is equal parts sultry and pathetic as the unnamed lounge singer with whom Bob has a one-night-stand. Giovanni Ribisi perfectly captures Charlotte's husband, John's, desperate need to belong. Even in the midst of adept supporting performances the film belongs to Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson as Bob and Charlotte. Murray showcases his signature dry humor but infuses with with just enough melancholy to hint at Bob's inner turmoil. Similarly, Johansson perfectly conveys the naivete, confusion, frustration, and anxiety of young adulthood with intelligence and charm. Together, the two share a surprising chemistry and make for a compelling, if unusual, pairing.

At once a unique slice of life and a universal meditation upon life and love Lost in Translation continues to stir the mind and heart. The script aptly blends humor with raw emotion to relate a poignant tale that anyone who has ever felt lost will relate to. The performances bring the characters to aching life. Lose yourself in the beauty of Lost in Translation.

Classics: A Review of Oliver & Company By Lauren Ennis

 Following the death of its visionary founder in 1966 the Walt Disney Company entered what is commonly known as "the Disney Dark Age". In this era the studio's reputation and industry dominance faltered as a result of lowered animation standards and lack luster scripts. While the majority of the studio's effort at this time proved middling at best, there were a select few film released during this time that still held he sparkle of Disney magic. One such film is the 1988 animated adventure Oliver & Company. This modern take on the classic Dickens novel Oliver Twist. is sure to leave viewers saying, "I want some more".

The story begins on New York City's 5th Avenue as a litter of kittens are being offered to passerby. All of the kittens quickly find new homes except for one, Oliver. After a rain storm washes away the cardboard box he was living in he finds himself alone in the big city. While searching for food he meets street wise terrier, Dodger, who proposes hat they work together to steal from a local street vendor. After Dodger double crosses him, Oliver follows the dog back to the abandoned barge where Dodger makes his home with homeless Fagin and his gang of stray dogs. Orphaned Oliver soon finds himself at the center of the strays' makeshift gamily and part of their gang of furry thieves. When one of the gang's schemes goes awry he's separated from them and welcomed into the luxurious home of a wealthy and lonely little girl named Jenny. When Fagin is threatened by a ruthless loan shark he concocts a scheme that will place Oliver's new life and the gang's future in danger. It's up to Oliver and both of his found families to save the day with a bit of street savoir faire.

While contemporary critics offered middling reviews, audiences have fallen in love with Oliver and Dodger in the decades since the film's release. The film was a stark departure from the fairytale formula that marked the successes of Disney's so-called Golden Age and the Disney Renaissance of the 1990's. Rather than focusing upon fantastical adventures in a far away land the film explored the exploits of stray animals in urban America. As a result, the characters and world in which they live made for more relatable viewing. Similarly, the film used its modern setting to explore such real world issues homelessness, crime, and abandonment. In this way, the film offered apt insight into complex issues that society continues to grapple with today. Even as it delves into the difficult subjects, however, the film's clever use of animals as stand-ins for their human counterparts keeps the story from becoming too dark for younger audiences. The film additionally deviates from Disney's earlier efforts by exploring such universal themes as the value of family, the importance of friendship, and the courage of everyday people. In this way the film continues to resonate with audiences of all ages by reminding us all of what is most important in our own world and the ways in which we can work to make it a better place. For family fun with some big city soul leave your worries behind with Dodger and Oliver & Company.

The film brings the hustle and bustle of the big apple to life thanks to the work of its star studded vocal cast. Taurean Blacque and Carl Weintraub perfectly capture the arrogance and aggression of loan shark Sykes' Dobermans, Roscoe and Desoto. Robert Loggin conveys quiet menace as Sykes. Sheryl Lee Ralph offers an equal parts sultry and sassy turn as street smart Saluki, Rita. Roscoe Lee Brown turns in a hilariously pretentious performance worthy of Frasier Crane as cultured Bulldog, Francis. Richard Mulligan is a loveable lunkhead as the dim-witted but big-hearted Great Dane, Einstein. Cheech Marin steals each scene in which he appears as little Chihuahua with a big attitude, Tito. Bette Midler is a villain who viewers will love to hate as Jenny's haughty show-Poodle, Georgette. Dom DeLuise balances heart and hilarity at the hapless Fagin. Natalie Gregory imbues Jenny with sweetness and sincerity. William Glover infuses Jenny's overwhelmed butler, Winston, with warmth and charm. Joey Lawrence captures Oliver's courage, tenacity, and vulnerability in a mature performance that belies his young years. Even in a supporting role the film belongs to the effortless cool and finesse of Billy Joel as Dodger. Joel brings his signature bravura and charisma to the film in a way that ensures that Dodger, and the film as a whole, truly rock.

At once an homage to Dickens, a tribute to classic Disney, and a fresh tale of modern city life, this film will have you wanting to join Oliver & Company. The script offers an action-packed adventure that the whole family will love. The animation, music, and vocal performances bring the dog-eat-dog world of the big city to vibrant life. For fun for the whole family, hit the streets with Oliver & Company.

Why should we worry, why should we care?

Classics: A Review of The Nun's Story By Lauren Ennis

Can we mere mortals ever fully give ourselves over to God? Does God want our collective obedience or individual fulfillment? Can we maintain faith in an all seeing, all powerful, God in a world rife with suffering and tragedy? These are just some of the difficult questions explored in the 1959 drama The Nun's Story. Offering neither answers nor judgment, this film presents arguably the most complex and nuanced depiction of religion ever put to celluloid. At once ahead of its time and timeless, The Nun's Story is essential Easter viewing.

The story begins in late 1920's Belgium with willful teen and aspiring nun Gabrielle entering an order of sisters at a local convent. While she is a Catholic, her choice is more inspired by her desire to offer medical care to the local population in Belgian occupied Congo than her devotion to God. This lack of religious devotion, combined with the intellect and independence encouraged by her surgeon father, make her adjustment to convent life especially difficult. Despite her best efforts towards obedience and humility, she is continually forced to contend with arbitrary rules and unreasonable demands. As a result, she is faced with the dilemma of choosing between  her own individuality and the collective of the sisters and what they insist is the will of God.

The film's exploration of vital religious and existential questions make it a must see for the faithful and non-believers alike. The film depicts Gabrielle's struggles with an empathy and humanity that will leave viewers rooting for her on every step of her journey. Even as it sympathizes with its heroine's plight the film refuses to offer easy answers by condemning the sisters whom she continually finds herself at odds with. Instead, the film allows viewers to understand the motives and reasoning of both sides. In this way, the film allows viewers to grapple with the same questions as Gabrielle and come to their own conclusions. As a result, the film explores religion with an emotional complexity and intellectual curiosity rarely seen in modern religious discourse, let alone that of the culturally conservative 1950s. In a world of economic, political, and cultural tumult Gabrielle's struggles and the questions that propel them are more timely than ever. This Easter, join Gabrielle through the reality of religious life in The Nun's Story.

The film brings Kathryn Hulme's best selling novel to compelling life thanks to the work of its cast. Dean Jagger portrays Gabrielle's surgeon father with warmth and understanding. Edith Evans perfectly captures the single-mindedness and rigidity of the convent's Mother Superior. Peter Finch portrays Gabrielle's colleague in Congo, Dr. Fortunati, with an apt blend of cynicism, intelligence, and charm. Even in the midst of excellent supporting performances the film belongs to Audrey Hepburn as the title nun. In a stark departure from the romantic comedies that made her a star, Hepburn turns in the performance of a lifetime in a portrayal that captures Gabrielle's journey with complexity, maturity, and empathy along with her signature charm. 

At once a deeply personal depiction of one woman's experiences in religious life and a universal meditation upon faith The Nun's Story remains one of the most compelling religious tales ever put to the screen. Through its emotionally raw and intellectually honest depiction of its heroine's journey the film relates a gripping story while raising thought provoking questions. As a result, the film manages to do the impossible; tell an essentially Catholic story that even non-believers will be moved by. The cast transports viewers to twentieth century Europe and Africa through a series of rich and complex performances. Put aside the chocolate bunnies and chew on the questions presented by The Nun's Story.

Classics: A Review of Wolfwalkers By Lauren Ennis

 In an era dominated by predictable plots, personal politics, and corporate conformity, the magic of animation seems all but lost. The unfortunate state of modern animation makes the discovery of those rare films that still inspire child-like wonder that much more previous. One such film is the 2020 Celtic fantasy Wolfwalkers. Blending werewolf legends with Irish history and folklore the film relates an adventure that is refreshingly original and visually stunning. This St. Patrick's Day discover the magic of the Emerald Isle with the Wolfwalkers.

The story begins in 1650 Kilkenny, Ireland. The city has fallen to British occupation, leaving its citizens under the oppressive rule of the cruel Lord Protector. In the midst of their struggle against the Lord Protector's regime the people are also engaged in an ongoing battle against the wolves who live just outside of the city gates. As the city expands it has begun to encroach on the wolves' territory, leading them to lash out in a series of attacks. These attacks have served to add to the existing public unrest, leading the Lord Protector to enlist the aid of top wolf hunter, Bill Goodfellowe. Goodfellow arrives in Kilkenny with his rebellious daughter, Robyn, in tow. Determined to become an accomplished wolf hunter like her father, Robyn breaks the city's law explores the woods. There, she meets the mysterious Mebh, a feral girl who claims to be one of the legendary wolfwalkers, who live as humans in their waking hours but transform into wolves when they sleep. the two form a fast friendship that is put to the test when Mebh's mother is captured by the Lord Protector. What ensues is an epic battle that pits wolf against human, friend against friend, and father against daughter.

Wolfwalkers sets itself apart from most modern Western animated films by abandoning formulas in favor of originality. While the film explores such familiar themes as friendship, prejudice, war, and redemption, it does so in the context of a mythology and history that has rarely been depicted on screen. As a result, the film is able to relay universal truths and vital lessons in a way that still makes for a fresh viewing experience. The inclusion of the wolfwalker myth in particular is sure to spark viewers interest as it inverts the conventions of both fairy tales and horror. In this way, the film is able to ensure that viewers will invest in the story while keeping them on the edge of their seats. The film also succeeds through its refusal to talk down to young viewers. Rather than playing it safe with a tried and true formula the film trusts its young viewers to engage with an unfamiliar mythology. The inclusion of such historical allusions as the thinly veiled depiction of Oliver Cromwell in the form of the Lord Protector also offers a more adult perspective to the proceedings. Through its inclusion of this historical context the film lends the story gravitas and provides viewers with the opportunity to learn about a culture and history they may be unfamiliar with. For viewing that the whole family can sink their teeth into take a bite out of Wolfwalkers.

The film's combination of lush animation and haunting musical score transports viewers to 17th century Ireland. Like Cartoon Saloon's previous projects the film is lovingly made in traditional 2D animation. Even as the film utilizes traditional animation techniques it showcases an entirely innovative style which recalls woodblock painting and storybook art. the soundtrack firmly places viewers in the world of Celtic lore a series of ethereal tracks that perfectly underscore the characters' emotions. Combined, the film's score and visuals immerse viewers in its world of magic and mystery for an experience that is a feast for the ears and eyes alike.

At once a celebration of tradition and a bold foray in animated innovation Wolfwalkers is more than just family entertainment. The script aptly blends history, Celtic lore, and human drama to relate one of the most original tales to grace Western animation in years. The dazzling visuals and hypnotic score cast a spell viewers will be hard-pressed to wake up from. Take a walk on the wild side with the Wolfwalkers.

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship

Classics: A Review of The Color Purple By Lauren Ennis

 "I think it pisses God off if someone walks by The Color Purple in a field somewhere and don't notice" free spirited blues singer Shug Avery tells her friend, Celie. Over the course of forty years Celie learns to find her own bit of purple amidst the tangled weeds of abuse, poverty, and tragedy that make up the field of her life. Nearly forty years after its release The Color Purple remains one of the most visceral, compelling, and inspiring films in modern cinema. Join Celie and discover the beauty of The Color Purple.

The story begins in 1910 Georgia with teen sisters Celie and Nettie playing in a field of purple flowers. The heartwarming tone is abruptly shifts when it is revealed that the girls lives are marked by poverty and abuse. In a letter to God Celie confesses that she is pregnant for the second time after years of suffering sexual abuse at the hands of her step-father. In an effort to conceal his guilt, when Celie's second child is born her step-father arranges for the bay to be adopted and Celie to be married to a neighboring farmer. She soon finds herself in even more dire circumstances when her husband subjects her to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. In what is perhaps his greatest act of cruelty, her husband goes on to forbid her from seeing the one person who has ever shown her any real love; Nettie. Over the ensuing years Celie endures abuse and tragedy against the backdrop of a changing South. What follows is a tale of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity and a testament to the human spirit.

The Color Purple brings Alice Walker's 1985 novel to visceral life. While the film approaches the novel's difficult subject matter with sensitivity it does so without flinching from the brutal reality of Celie's existence. In this way, the film challenges viewers to confront the all too real horrors of sexual abuse, domestic violence, poverty, and prejudice without resorting to heavy handed messages or lecturing. Perhaps the films greatest success is its ability to put a human face on these issues in a way that will leave viewers contemplating their full impact long after the final credits fade. Despite its harsh subject matter, however, the film is infused with a hope, humor, and humanity that ensure the story avoids becoming offputtingly bleak without reducing its power. As a result, the film manages to be gritty without becoming gratuitous and empathetic rather than exploitative as it treats viewers to one of the most compelling experiences in modern cinema. Follow Celie for the journey of a lifetime as she discovers the meaning of The Color Purple.

The film transports viewers to the gritty reality of the turn of the century South thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Danny Glover perfectly conveys the cruelty of Celie's husband, known only as Mister, while still infusing him with insecurity and immaturity. Oprah Winfrey is a force of nature as Celie's outspoken daughter-in-law, Sophia. Willard Pugh lends an apt comic turn as Celie's hapless step-son, Harpo. Akosua Busia infuses Nettie with warmth and quiet strength. Margaret Avery proves to be a scene stealer as Mister's former mistress turned Celie's love interest, sultry singer Shug. Whoopie Goldberg turns in the performance of her career in her portrayal of Celie's transformation from battered victim to independent and resilient survivor.

All of the most inspiringly bright and devastatingly dark shades of the human experience can be found in The Color Purple. The script brings Walker's novel to visceral life as it unflinchingly depicts Celie's tragedies and triumphs. The stellar work of the cast brings each of the characters to screen with complexity and humanity. Witness the power of cinema in the beauty of The Color Purple.

I'm not crying, you're crying!

Classics: A Review of Don Juan Demarco By Lauren Ennis

 What does it mean to love a woman? This is the mystery that Don Juan DeMarco dedicates his life to solving. In 1994's romantic comedy Don Juan DeMarco a psychiatrist attempts to treat a patient with an unusual delusion; he has fallen head over heels in love with love. What ensures is an unorthodox treatment that ultimately heals doctor and patient alike and leaves the entire hospital looking for love. This Valentine's Day fall under the spell of Don Juan DeMarco.

The story begins with a young man dressed suspiciously like Zorro approaching a woman at a hotel. Although she's waiting for another man she gives in to the Latin lover's charms and spends the night with him. After this final conquest, he immediately sets out on his plan to commit suicide. He is next seen poised to jump of a billboard  featuring a photo of his lost love, the centerfold model he calls Dona Ana. Following this stunt he is promptly admitted to a mental institution and placed under the care of Dr. Jack Mickler. Over the course of his ten day evaluation he regals the doctor with tales of his conquests and his rejection by his one true love, the mysterious Dona Ana. Even though he is sure that the don is actually a young man from Queens suffering from grandiose delusions the doctor is charmed by his stories. Over the course of the evaluation, however, the doctor begins to wonder if there might be some truth to the legend of Don Juan after all.

The film mixes comedy and romance to create a love letter to all things love. The script makes the most of the story's outrageous premise by relating Don Juan's full story in a series of flashbacks that are charged as much by comedy as by eroticism. Despite its sensual subject the film wisely leaves the full details of its hero's exploits largely to the imagination. In this way, the film is in keeping with his insistence that it is love and not lust that he is seeking, and is all the sexier for it. Even as it follows its hero from one conquest to the next the film's beating heart lies in the bond between its two leads. Though he is tasked with curing Don Juan, it is Dr. Mickler who is left profoundly changed by their time together. While he remains skeptical of the young man's stories, the doctor sees that there is beauty and truth within them. It is through this shift in his perspective that he regains his passion for both his profession and his marriage. As a result, both men learn the value in recognizing the world for what it is while still seeing it for what it could be. Through its elusive blend of fact and fiction the film relates a fantasy that viewers will be hard pressed not to fall for.

The legend of Don Juan is brought to vibrant life thanks to the work of its cast. Geraldine Pailhas infuses Dona Ana with warmth, mystique, and sensuality. Faye Dunaway shows off a welcome wit as Dr. Mickler's wife, Marilyn. Marlon Brando turns in an infectiously fun performance in his depiction of Dr. Mickler's transformation from staid psychiatrist to passionate lover. Johnny Depp reminds viewers that he is far more than a mere pretty face in a turn that blends roguish charm, vulnerability, and comedic skill.

In its blend of fantasy and fact and comedy and romance Don Juan DeMarco reminds us of what a romantic comedy should be. The script pays affectionate homage to the romance genre while offering a loving send-up of its inherent absurdities. As a result, the script balances unabashed romance with uproarious humor to expert effect. The performances of the cast sparkle with effervescent charm as they bring the world of Don Juan to outlandish life. This Valentine's Day surrender to the charms of Don Juan DeMarco.

Classics: A Review of Blue Eye Samurai By Lauren Ennis

 "Under the law revenge is a luxury for men" street-wise brothel madam Madame Kanji notes. For outcast orphan turned master swordswoman Mizu, however, revenge is the purpose for her entire existence. The 2023 Netflix series Blue Eye Samurai follows Mizu as she seeks the four white men who could be her father and discovers difficult truths about herself and the world around her along the way. Blending Japanese history, classic cinema, and cutting edge animation the series takes viewers on a pulse pounding journey through Japan and into the darkest depths of the human soul. For a bloody good time set yourself on the path of revenge with the Blue Eye Samurai.

Move over, Mulan

The story begins in 1600's Japan, in what is known as the country's Edo Period. At this time Japan's borders have been closed to the outside world for decades and all foreigners are forbidden from stepping foot on Japanese soil. As a result, any mixed race children left behind by foreign fathers are viewed as less than human. In this restrictive world mixed race orphan Mizu embarks upon her quest for revenge. As retribution for her mother's rape and her own resulting outcast existence, she sets out to find and kill the four white men who were in Japan at the time of her conception. Her vendetta pits her against the ruthless Irish gun-runner Abijah Fowler, who is in pursuit of his own retribution against the Japanese government. What ensues is a blood soaked journey across Japan littered with formidable foes, unlikely allies, and a trail of bodies.

 

Animated but still adult, eastern with a wild west edge, Blue Eye Samurai is every bit as unique as its heroine. The series shatters the stereotype that animation is for children by relaying a gritty story that is strictly for adults. While the series features plenty of sex and violence it is its exploration of such complex themes as trauma, social ostracism, politics, and corruption that make it stand out as mature viewing. Even as Mizu slices and stabs her way towards her goal the story never loses sight of the greater battle she faces within herself. As a result, the series acts as both a character study and an action drama, ensuring that viewers remain invested in Mizu's journey even when she puts down her blade. Similarly, the series' supporting characters are all multifaceted and complex, with everyone from comic relief Ringo to villain Fowler possessing logical motives and compelling backstories. In this way the series elevates itself from action drama to historical epic as it showcases the struggles of an array of characters from across the spectrum of Edo society. For viewing that is a cut above take a thrill ride through feudal Japan with Mizu in Blue Eye Samurai.

The series transports viewers to Edo era Japan in all of its beauty and brutality thanks to its stunning animation and brilliant cast. The series blends two dimensional animation techniques with three dimensional technology to seamless effect. As a result, the animation is something akin to a moving painting in which there is poetry in every flake of snow and each drop of blood. The vocal performances bring each of the series' characters to vivid life. Masi Oka infuses Mizu's unlikely apprentice, disabled chef Ringo, with warmth, humor, and decency. Darren Barnett turns in a complex and charismatic performance as Mizu's childhood enemy turned reluctant ally, Taigen. Brenda Song balances a charm, sensuality, and resilience worthy of Scarlett O'Hara as princess Akemi. Ming Na Wen doles out wisdom and wit in equal measure as world weary Madame Kanji. Even in the midst of its outstanding ensemble cast the series is dominated by the portrayal of its titular samurai. Maya Erskine delivers a powerhouse performance that combines intelligence, cynicism, torment, vulnerability, and steely resolve as Mizu.

Fusing the best of East and West and classic and contemporary, Blue Eye Samurai pushes animation and television to new heights. The script takes viewers on a non-stop thrill ride all while showcasing an array of complex characters. Even at its most bloody the animation is never less than breathtaking and the vocal performances imbue each of the characters with depth and complexity. For an unforgettable viewing experience follow the bloody trail of the Blue Eye Samurai.

"You have murder in your eyes"