Classics: A Review of My Girl By Lauren Ennis

 "Life isn't just death. Don't ignore the living"; that is the lesson that lies at the heart of 1991's My Girl. At once a quirky slice of life story and a compelling coming of age drama My Girl captures the joys and pain of growing up with a wit, warmth, and honesty that is too often missing in family films. The film relates vital lessons for young viewers with a nostalgia that will leave adults longing for the lazy summers of childhood. Soak up some sunshine on a cloudy day with My Girl.

The story begins with eleven year old Vada Sultenfuss living with her widowed father, Harry, and ailing grandmother.  The absence of her deceased mother, her grandmother's mental deterioration, and her experiences growing up above her father's funeral parlor leave Vada living in the constant shadow of death. As a coping mechanism, she develops hypochondria and a morbid sensibility that makes it difficult for her to relate to children her own age. She finds solace in her friendship with neighbor Thomas J Sennett and a crush on her teacher, Mr. Bixler. In the summer of 1972, however, change arrives in the form of her father's new mortician, sultry cosmetologist Shelley. While Harry and Shelley embark upon a tentative romance, Vada struggles with growing pains. As the summer unfolds she learns painful lessons in love and loss as she makes the difficult journey from childhood to adolescence.

My Girl relates a familiar tale of the trials and triumphs of growing up with an originality and authenticity that sets it apart from other coming of age dramas. The film follows in the footsteps of such classics as Stand By Me through its depiction of childhood friendship, first crushes, and creative passions. The film adds a twist, however, by relating these milestones of life through the lens of mortality. As a result, the film highlights the importance of savoring each step of life's journey and bracing every moment with those you love. Through its depiction of loss the film teaches young viewers about death and offers vital lessons in coping that will resonate with viewers of any age. Even as it tackles difficult topics, the film maintains a warmth, humor, and hope that amplify its central message that life is for the living and is meant to be truly lived. Relive the laughter, love, and loss of growing up with My Girl.

The film brilliantly brings the by turns offbeat, heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story to life thanks to the work of its cast. Griffin Dunne conveys intellect and charm as Vada's crush and teacher, Mr. Bixler. Ann Nelson uncannily portrays the ravaging impact of Alzheimer's Disease as Vada's ill grandmother, Gramoo. Richard Masur provides vital comic relief as Vada's womanizing uncle, Phil. Dan Aykroyd shows his full acting range as he brings overworked and world weary Harry to life. Jamie Lee Curtis is a delight as she infuses Shelley with warmth and quirky charm. Maculey Culkin reminds viewers that he's more than just Kevin McCallister and turns in a performance as Vada's devoted best friend Thomas J. that is certain to leave viewers reaching for their tissues. Even in the midst of an outstanding ensemble cast the film belongs to Anna Chlumsky in what is easily one of the most complex, believable, and ultimately memorable children's performances in modern cinema.

At once refreshingly original and entirely universal this coming of age story will resonate with all who are familiar with the pain and beauty of growing up. Through its intelligent and heartfelt script the film relates difficult lessons in love and loss with gentle humor and offbeat charm. The excellent performances bring each of the film's characters to unique and vibrant life. Join Vada and Thomas J for a summer to remember in My Girl.

Classics: A Review of Vanilla Sky By Lauren Ennis

 The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. This is the essential truth that lies at the heart of the 2001 film Vanilla Sky. At once a morality play, a futuristic thriller, and a meditation upon the timeless themes of love, memory, regret, and mortality the film remains one of the most original films of the new millenium. Dismissed by critics at the time of its release, this complex puzzle of a film has proved to be eerily prescient in its exploration of questions that have become more urgent with each passing year. Open your eyes to the bittersweet beauty of Vanilla Sky.

The film begins with publishing heir David Aames living a seemingly perfect existence surrounded by wealth, yes-men, and beautiful women. After meeting the alluring Sofia, however, he realizes how unfulfilling his privileged existence actually is. Inspired by his flirtation with Sofia, he becomes determined to to 'turn it all around' and sets about trying to change his life for the better. He begins by trying to break off what he thought was a 'no strings' relationship with aspiring singer Julie, only to learn how deadly serious her attraction to him actually is. Rather than accept that the relationship is over, she lures him into her car for one final drive and then proceeds to careen over a bridge in an attempted murder-suicide. Miraculously, David survives but is left badly disfigured. He then falls into a deep depression until he crosses paths with Sofia and rekindles their relationship. Just as his dreams appear to finally be within reach, however, a series of haunting visions lead him into what is nothing short of a nightmare.

Spanning multiple genres and interlocking timelines Vanilla Sky is a film that offers something new with each viewing. At its start, the film relays a simple tale of love lost and then found. As the story continues, however, the plot integrates elements of mystery, philosophy, popular culture and science fiction to create twists that will have some viewers guessing even after the final credits fade. While contemporary audiences dismissed the film as confusing and uneven, upon closer observation it is apparent that the film is disjointed by design. While unsettling, the film's structure mirrors both the fractured state of David's psyche following the accident and the fragmented nature of modern society. In this way the film raises vital questions about the meaning of love, memory, and meaning in an era dominated by instant gratification and digital interactions. The film's shocking final reveal is also eerily resonant in an age in which people will sacrifice their freedoms, engage in questionable scientific research, and pay exorbitant sums all in an effort to extend or preserve what little time they have on earth. As a result, the film acts as a thought provoking meditation upon our fractured present and uncertain future while offering plenty of thrills along the way. At once universal and wholly original Vanilla Sky remains one of the new millenium's most provocative, fascinating, perplexing and ultimately haunting films. For a viewing experience that is anything but vanilla follow David into his Vanilla Sky.

The film brings director Cameron Crowe's vision to visceral life thanks to the work of its stellar cast. Kurt Russell is the personification of integrity as David's understanding psychiatrist, Dr. McCabe. Jason Lee steals each scene in which he appears in his comical turn as David's best friend, Brian. Cameron Diaz turns in one of the best performances of her career as the tormented Julie. Penelope Cruz aptly reprises her role (she starred in the original Spanish version of the film) as Sofia, and infuses Sofia with an ethereal charm that leaves no wonder as to why David is instantly smitten with her. Tom Cruise dominates the film in one of his best performances as he captures David's devastating downward spiral with a fascinating combination of smug charm, naked vulnerability, and steely determination.

Through its mind-bending plot and haunting performances Vanilla Sky takes viewers onto an unforgettable journey through time, space, and the depths of the human soul. The film takes viewers onto a twisting thrill ride that is certain to leave them guessing while raising apt questions about love, memory, regret, and mortality. The star studded cast brings each of the film's twists and turns to brilliant life with performances that will linger with viewers long after the final credits fade. Embark upon a lucid dream that you won't soon forget with David and Sofia in Vanilla Sky.

Classics: A Review of Enemy at the Gates By Lauren Ennis

 War is hell and few moments in history personify this fact as well as the bloody Battle of Stalingrad. 2001's drama Enemy at the Gates relates the real life story of the Battle of Stalingrad and one of its most legendary heroes, sniper Vassili Zaitsev. At once a fascinating portrayal of one of the lesser known aspects of World War II and an exploration of the power of propaganda the film offers historical lessons that carry eerie relevance today. Step into one of the most harrowing chapters of modern history in Enemy at the Gates.

I've got my sights set on you

The story begins in 1942 as Hitler's army advances towards Stalingrad. The film begins with a harrowing battle sequence that recalls the infamous Normandy landing in Saving Private Ryan before focusing in on real life Soviet sniper Vassisli Zaitsev. When commissar Danilov witnesses Vassili kill five German soldiers with ease he devises a propaganda campaign using Vassili's heroic image to boost Soviet morale. The publicity brings Vassili to the attention of the Germans and prompts the Third Reich to enlist their own top marksman, Major Erwin Konig, to kill the sharpshooter and end the propaganda surrounding him. The film then becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse with Vassili and Konig matching bullets and wits in equal measure. What follows is a fascinating exploration of the conflicts between government and country and truth and propaganda, set against the epic battle two men and the regimes that they serve.

The film stands out amongst countless other war dramas by depicting a battle on World War II's eastern front and highlighting the impact of state propaganda. While Hollywood typically focuses upon the war's impact in France, England, and Germany, Enemy at the Gates portrays the war's devastating impact upon the Soviet Union. In its portrayal of the Battle of Stalingrad the film offers a unique perspective on WWII and highlights the ways in which it pitted ideologies as well as nations and people against one another. Through its portrayal of the central duel between Vassili and Konig the film offers a more complex view of the war as its two central characters are forced to represent the equally abhorrent ideologies of communism and fascism. Through its portrayal of Soviet propaganda the film also highlights the ways in which our understanding of current and historical events are all too often shaped by crafted narratives.  Donolov's propaganda portrays talented sniper and and apolitical Russian Vassili as a Soviet superman and symbol of communist might. While this depiction strays from the truth it serve's the regime's purpose of boosting Soviet morale and intimidating the enemy. Despite its strategic advantages, this narrative proves personally disastrous for Vassili as it places him personally under German scrutiny, putting him and everyone he cares for directly in harm's way. By showing the deadly consequences of Donolov's propaganda the film offers a scathing indictment of the ways in which government and media utilize propaganda to their advantage regardless of its impact upon everyday citizens. In this way, the film pits Vassili against two enemies as he struggles to survive his showdown with Konig while navigating the deadly channels of Soviet politics. As a result, he truly is a hero for our times as we ourselves are forced to navigate an increasingly uncertain economic and geopolitical future all while struggling in our own information war at home. For a war drama that is certain to satisfy history buffs and casual viewers alike step into battle with Vassili Zaitsev in Enemy at the Gates.

I always feel like somebody's watching me

The film transports viewers to the bloody battle of Stalingrad thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Bob Hoskins brings Soviet General and eventual Premier Nikita Kruschev to the screen in a bombastic performance that is nothing short of uncanny. Ron Perlman personifies grit as Vassili's world weary comrade, Koulikov. Gabriel Marshall Thomson's performance as Vassili's young neighbor, Sacha, belies his years in an unsentimental turn that captures the toll of war. Joseph Fiennes perfectly counters Law's boyish innocence in his cynical depiction of intellectual and propagandist Danilov. Rachel Weisz lights up the screen with a captivating combination of strength, intelligence, and charm as the object of both Danilov and Vassili's affections, Tania. Ed Harris blends cool professionalism with quiet menace to turn in a performance that is nothing short of chilling as Konig. Even in the midst of expert supporting performances the film belongs to Jude Law in one of the most mesmerizing performances of his career as reluctant hero Vassili. 

In it's unflinching portrayal of World War II's Eastern front Enemy at the Gates provides viewers with one of the most original and engrossing films in the war drama genre. Through its expert blend of historical sweep and personal drama the film brings the Battle of Stalingrad to visceral life. The uniformly superb performances infuse the characters with humanity and lend the story a beating heart even at its most brutal. The film's depiction of characters over caricature ensures that it rises above the propaganda that surrounds its characters, which all too many war dramas are reduced to. For an explosively engaging view of World War II join the battle with Vassili, Tania, and Donolov in Enemy at the Gates.

Moscow girls make me sing and shout