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.

Classics: A Review of Jesus Christ Superstar By Lauren Ennis

 In 1971 Broadway rocked by the arrival of Jesus Christ Superstar. The rock opera utilized contemporary rock music to relate the events leading up the Christ's crucifixion. The show set Broadway on fire and introduced a new generation to the power of theater. Just two years later Hollywood came calling and the movie musical was transformed. This Easter rock out with Jesus Christ Superstar.

The film begins with the framing device of a group of traveling players preparing for a performance. The story then transports viewers to ancient Israel as Jesus' disciple, Judas, reflects upon his friend's rise and both popularity and polarity. He expresses his fear that Jesus' teachings have become too radical and could draw the ire of both the local high priests and occupying forces from Rome. The film then follows Judas and Jesus as both men find their faith tested and face their inevitable fates. What ensues is a powerful retelling of Christ's final week that will appeal to the faithful and non-believers alike.

Over fifty years after its release Jesus Christ Superstar remains one of the most unique and compelling depictions of the passion in all of cinema. The film blends a classic rock score and dynamic performances to take the passion beyond religious dogma to timeless universality. The film's humanist approach allows viewers to actively engage with the story by raising vital questions about faith, forgiveness, and redemption that hold true in our own lives. While firmly set first century Jerusalem, the film depicts personal conflicts, political machinations, and existential questions could be at home in any time or place. As a a result, while the story remains a tale of Christ it not strictly a Christian film. If you've ever wondered what if God was one of us experience the power, passion, and star quality of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The film brings the story of the passion to rocking life thanks to the work of its cast. Philip Toubus captures the conflict of Jesus' disciple turned denier, Peter. Kurt Yaghijan makes for a villain viewers will love to hate as High Priest Annas. Larry Marshall personified political fervor s Simon. Josh Mostel serves up flamboyant fun worthy of Liberace himself as King Herod. Bob Bingham infuses high priest Caiaphas with the perfect blend of the sinister and the self-righteous. Barry Dennen aptly conveys Pilate's inner conflict in the face of the power of the mob. Yvonne Elliman blends sultriness and sincerity to expert effect as reformed prostitute Mary Magdalene. Carl Anderson nearly steals the show in his charismatic turn as Jesus' self-described right-hand man turned betrayer, Judas. Ted Neeley takes on arguably the most iconic and difficult role in all of cinema as the son of God himself. Neeley proves himself more than up to the task as he portrays not as a distant deity but instead a complex, conflicted, relatable, and all too human man.

Jesus Christ Superstar maintains its star quality through what is easily one of the most human portrayals of Jesus ever put to celluloid. The film maintains the counter-culture influence of the original show while relating a timeless tale of betrayal and redemption. The performances bring every note of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's score to by turns infections, soaring, and gut-wrenching life. This Easter find out what is so super about Jesus Christ Superstar.