Classics: A Review of The Great Mouse Detective By Lauren Ennis

 The 1980's are commonly referred to as Walt Disney Studios' 'dark age'. In the years between the death of its founder in 1966 and its 'renaissance' in the 1990's the studio nearly lost its status as an animation juggernaut amidst a series of lackluster films and even disappointing box office returns. Even in its darkest moments, however, the studio managed to maintain some of its original spark and release a few precious diamonds amidst its rougher output. One such film is the 1986 mystery The Great Mouse Detective. The film cleverly parodies the classic Sherlock Holmes novels and introduced the genius detective to a new generation. For a mystery that will keep the whole family guessing follow the case of The Great Mouse Detective.

The story begins in Victorian-era London as young mouse Olivia Flaversham is celebrating her birthday with her widowed father, toymaker Mr. Flaversham. In the midst of their festivities a vicious bat breaks into their apartment and kidnaps Mr. Flaversham. Olivia narrowly escapes and seeks out the help of Basil of Baker Street, the famous great mouse detective. Basil realizes that the bat who kidnapped Mr. Flaversham was Fidget, the henchman of his arch-nemesis, Professor Rattigan. The unlikely duo enlist the aid of surgeon Dr. Dawson and Toby the pet basset hound of none other than Sherlock Holmes himself. Together, the ragtag sleuths discover that Professor Rattigan is forcing Mr. Flaversham to create a robot replica of the Queen of England as part of his plan to launch a political coup. Its up to Basil and his unlikely allies to stop the plot and save both Mr. Flaversham and the queen before its too late.

Upon its initial release The Great Mouse Detective was deemed a middling effort at best. The film was considered too much of a deviation from Disney's standard formula for contemporary audiences. Yet it is this very break with studio tradition that has earned the film a devoted following today. The film breaks with Disney's tried and true fairytale formula to instead relate a decidedly darker tale that appeals to a wider audience. All too often the perfect princesses and noble heroes of Disney's fairytales are admirable but not relatable. Rather than these idealized archetypes The Great Mouse Detective follows a diverse cast of decent but entirely human characters in the face of insurmountable odds. Basil in particular might surprisingly be the most realistic and relatable protagonist in the studio's history. Much like his literary counterpart, Basil allows his singlemindedness and success cloud his judgment. While such traits might make a character unlikeable it is these very flaws that ensure Basil is not an infallible, unattainable, genius. Similarly, he also begins the film with a decided lack of empathy, which makes his growing bond with Olivia and Dawson all the more impactful. The film also sets itself apart through its incorporation of darker themes. For example, the film begins with an all too real crime in the form of Mr. Flaversham's kidnapping. Rather than being jarring, however, this opening aptly serves to set the tone for all that follows. Similarly, the villains' plot is not some wacky scheme to take over the world, but instead a plot to stage a political coup. One look at a history book will remind viewers of just how surpringly realistic Rattigan's seemingly fantastic plot actually is. Even at its most serious, however, the film still manages to make room for plenty of dark, dry, wit that will appeal to parents and children alike. Solve the mystery of masterful storytelling with Basil, The Great Mouse Detective.

The film transports viewers to Victorian London thanks to the work of its exceedingly entertaining vocal performers. Candy Candido balances slapstick and sinister as Rattigan's bumbling henchman, Fidget. Val Bettin conveys kindness and intelligence as Dr. Dawon. Susanne Pollatschek turns in a surprisingly mature performance as plucky Olivia. Barrie Ingham captures the beloved combination of intellect, confidence, and charm hat has endeared audiences to Sherlock Holmes for generations as Basil. The film is easily stolen, however, by Vincent Price in a performance that oozes villainy in every syllable as Rattigan.

Blending high-flying adventure with classic mystery The Great Mouse Detective might be one of the greatest adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. The script balances comic hijinks, action, and mystery to expert effect. The voice performances bring the cast of colorful characters to vibrant life. Its no mystery why The Great Mouse Detective has become a cult classic.

Classics: A Review of The Leopard by Lauren Ennis

"A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man" Don Vito Corleone famously declared in The Godfather. It is this same sentiment that lies at the heart of another tale of a Sicilian patriarch; The Leopard. Much like The Godfather, The Leopard follows Don Fabrizio Corbera as he struggles to guide his family through political unrest, personal turmoil, and sweeping change. At once an ode to a bygone era and a timeless story of family The Leopard is a series you cannot refuse.

The story begins in 1860 as Giuseppe Garibaldi and his redshirts enter Sicily in a political coup against the local monarchy. As members of the local aristocracy the Corbera family find their status, wealth, and very way of life upended. As head of the family Don Fabrizio struggles to keep the Corbera clan together even as their entire world threatens to crumble around them. Amidst this upheaval the family also faces threats from within as they struggle to come to terms with personal rivalries and romantic entanglements all while striving to find their place in a rapidly changing Italy.

This sweeping historic tale continues to resonate today largely through its depiction of the paradox of parenthood. Throughout the series Don Fabrizio struggles to do what he believes is best for his family. In this depiction of a father trying to do his best the series ensures that Don Fabrizio is a relatable character viewers rather than a distant elite from an even more distant era. As the series progresses, however, it becomes apparent that father does not always know best. Ultimately, it is his meddling in his daughter's love life, his intercession in his nephew's legal troubles, and his neglect of his wife and son incur irreparable consequences. This depiction of his misguided but well-meaning efforts make him a tragic figure as it is his very attempts to guide and help his family which hurt them the most. Despite his many mistakes, however, it is the lessons that he imparts in and example that he provides to his family that allow them to move forward and find their place in the new Italy. For some fatherly love Italian style, join the Corbera family in The Leopard.

Daddy's home!

The series brings Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel to brilliant life thanks to the work of its cast. Saul Nanni perfectly balances callousness and charm as Don Fabrizio's reckless nephew, Tancredi. Benedetta Porcaroli infuses Don Fabrizio's oldest daughter and right-hand woman, Concetta, with a winning combination of intelligence, warmth, and girl next door charm. Deva Cassel showcases all the smoldering sultriness of a 1940's femme fatale as ambitious socialite, and Concetta's romantic rival, Angelica. Alessandro Sperduti personifies decency as Concetta's idealistic suitor, Colonel Bombello.Roberta Procida infuses Don Fabrizio's mistress, Mariannina with world weariness, wit, and sass. Alberto Rossi captures the passion and frustration of Don Fabrizio's overlooked son, Paulo. Astrid Meloni conveys warmth and wisdom as Don Fabrizio's devoted wife, Stella. Francesco Colella blends humor and cunning as opportunistic politician, Don Calogero. Even in the midst of superior supporting performances, however, the series belongs to Kim Rossi Stuart as Don Fabrizio. In Stuart's hands Don Fabrizio is more than a symbol of a fading era and is instead a complicated man struggling to hold onto his dignity, his family, and his way of life even as they threaten to disappear.

Even as it captures the sweep of Italian history The Leopard is a timeless story of family and fatherhood. The intelligent script transports viewers to the tumult of Risorgimento-era Italy. The dynamic performances bring di Lampedusa's novel to vibrant life. This Father's Day celebrate family and fatherhood with The Leopard.

Like father, like daughter

Classics: A Review of Secondhand Lions By Lauren Ennis

 "Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things that a man needs to believe in", aging adventurer Hub McCann instructs his nephew. It is this sentiment that lies at the heart of 2003's coming of age dramedy Secondhand Lions. The film follows a young boy as he learns lessons in life, love, loss, and growing up over the course of one fateful summer. At once a classic coming of age story and a heartwarming family friendly adventure Secondhand Lions is a film the likes of which they just don't make 'em like anymore.

The story begins in 1960's rural Texas with awkward adolescent Walter arriving at the ramshackle farm of his curmudgeonly uncles, the McCann brothers. Despite the brothers' less than warm welcome, Walter's mother, Mae, leaves him with the two aging eccentrics for the summer. When he learns that his mother is not actually at the beauty school she claimed to be attending he realizes that she has abandoned him to pursue her latest boyfriend. Fortunately for Walter, his uncles gradually warm to him and over the course of the summer the unlikely trio become more of a family than Walter and his mother ever were. Their newfound family is soon threatened, however, when Mae returns with her boyfriend in search of the fortune rumored to be hidden somewhere on the farm. Its then up to Walter to put his uncles' lessons into action to keep his new family together.

Secondhand Lions is the rare family film that grows up with its audience. For the youngest viewers the film offers up some of the best swashbuckling action this side of Errol Flynn. For teens the story of Walter's efforts to find his place in an adult world is poignant without becoming overly sentimental. The film captures the experience of growing up with an honesty and bittersweetness that only those who have come of age can fully appreciate. The film also offers a surprisingly mature meditation upon such weighty topics as aging, loss, and regret. Even at is most somber, however, the film maintains a joie de vivre that is nothing short of infectious. For a summer to remember join Walter in Secondhand Lions.

The film brings the whimsical world of the McCann's to vibrant life thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Kyra Sedgewick expertly blends charm and callousness as Walter's absent mother, Mae. Nicky Katt personifies sleaze as Mae's latest boyfriend, Stan. Emmanuelle Vaugier conveys warmth, wit, and strength in her brief turn as Hub's late wife, Jasmine. Robert Duvall conveys Hub's outward curmudgeonly exterior and inner torment with equal skill. Michael Caine brings his usual wry humor and charm to his role as Garth. Haley Joel Osment proves that he is more than just another one-note child performer as he portrays Walter's journey from awkward, insecure, boy to thoughtful, confident, young man. 

Few films capture the magic, confusion, tragedy, and triumph of growing up with the charm of Secondhand Lions. The script blends warmth, humor, adventure, and emotion to relate a tale the whole family will love. The performances bring each member of the colorful cast of characters to memorable life. Remember what it means to believe with Walter, Hub, and Garth in Secondhand Lions.

Classics: A Review of The Last Dragon By Lauren Ennis

 From cinema's inception audiences have been enthralled by on-screen action and few films pack the punch of martial arts movies. During the 1970's Hong Kong cinema introduced the world to the films of such film makers and the Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest and starts like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. and a new movie genre was born. By the 1980's Hollywood took notice and started making martial arts movies of their own. While dozens of these films were released in the ensuing decades, none were quite as unique or outrageously entertaining as 1985's The Last Dragon. Merging Kung Fu action with Hollywood blaxploitation The Last Dragon is an all-American original.

He's got the glow

The story begins in New York with martial artist Leroy Green (who insists upon going by Bruce Leroy) ending his training and earning the title of "the last dragon". His master then gives him half of a medallion and instructs him to seek out Master Sum Dum Goy to learn to harness the mystical technique known as "the glow". Unfortunately for Leroy, local master, and self-proclaimed 'shogun of Harlem', Sho 'Nuff also covets the title of last dragon and will stop at nothing to gain it. What follows is a by turns thrilling and hysterical love letter to all things martial arts with a decidedly Motown flare.

The film blends Eastern action with Hollywood hijinks to create an all-American cult classic. The film merges the thrills and mysticism of classic Hong Kong action films with Hollywood humor to relate a classic coming of age story. While the plot showcases an array of villains, Leroy's ultimate enemy is his own insecurity. While he demonstrates formidable martial arts skills in his dojo he fails to apply the principles of those arts into other aspects of his life. As a result, he is regularly pushed around by everyone from his younger brother, to local toughs, to Sho 'Nuff. His lack of self-confidence also prevents him from pursuing a romance with glamorous DJ Laura despite her obvious attraction to him. Through its depiction of Leroy's journey to overcome his insecurities the film acts as an inspiring lesson in the importance of believing in yourself. In this way, the story transcends its roots to relate a universal underdog story that audiences from all walks of life can relate to. For an inspirational and kick-ass-pirational viewing experience get the glow with Leroy in The Last Dragon.

The film brings Leroy's action-packed world to life thanks to the work of its cast. Christopher Murney personifies sleaze as local mob boss Eddie Arkadian. Faith Prince blends slapstick humor and ditzy charm as Eddie's unwitting moll, Angela. Leo O'Brien showcases street-wise swag as Leroy's smooth-talking younger brother, Richie. Glen Eaton lends likability and laughs to his role as Leroy's hapless student, Johnny Yu. Vanity offers up sultriness and sass as Leroy's love interest, Laura. Julius Carry is the perfect mix of slapstick and sinister as Sho 'Nuff, leaving little wonder as to how he became the 'shogun of Harlem'. Taimak Guarriello aptly captures Leroy's martial arts prowess and personal insecurity while still showing off boy next door charm.

While it is far from a perfect film The Last Dragon, much like its hero, has heart. The film blends action and humor to create an outrageous adventure like no other. The performances bring the world of Leroy Green to thrilling and uproarious life. For comedy, adventure, and plenty of kick, enter the ring with The Last Dragon.

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.

Classics: A Review of My Brilliant Friend: The Story of the Lost Child By Lauren Ennis

 In 2018 HBO introduced viewers to Lila Cerullo and Elena Greco in its first season of My Brilliant Friend. Over the course of four seasons viewers witnessed the two girls come of age amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing Naples. The series spanned six decades in the paris' life, treating viewers to reach of their trials and triumphs. The series concluded in 2024 with what might be its most brilliant season yet. Return to Naples with Lila and Lenu in My Brilliant Friend :The Story of the Lost Child.

The series continues where its third season left off in the months following Lenu leaving her husband and two daughters to pursue an affair with her married lover, Nino. Her romantic flight of fancy is soon grounded, however, when she is faced with the inevitable consequences of her affair. As she struggles to adjust to life as a divorced single mother Lenu finds solace in her friendship with Lila. In Lenu's absence Lila has built a successful business while working to undermine the Solara crime family's iron grip over their neighborhood. The series then follows the friends as their lives intersect once again amidst the turmoil, tragedy, and change of modern Italy.

The series' final season succeeds through its ability to explore and build upon the themes explored in prior seasons. For example, this season begins with Lila and Lenu finally seeming to escape the poverty and violence of their childhoods only to be haunted by the ghosts of their pasts. While Lenu's literary success has brough her wealth, celebrity, and freedom she remains a prisoner of her own insecurities. Similarly, Lila's business and efforts to improve the neighborhood only serve to draw her back into the neighborhood's web of corruption and violence. Viewers also witness both women grapple with the tangled family dynamics of a rapidly changing society, even as they struggle to make peace with their own childhood traumas. This season also delves even deeper into the series' extensive cast of characters as they each come to terms with the flaws and strengths that marked them from the series' very first episode. As a result, each of the expansive tale's interlocking storylines reaches a bittersweet, inevitable, conclusion that while ranging from inspiring to devastating is never less than satisfying. Rediscover the power of friendship and the brilliance of My Brilliant Friend.

The film transports viewers back to the gritty streets of twentieth century Naples thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Anna Rita Vitolo returns for a formidable turn as Lenu's gruff but loving mother, Immacolata. Pier Giorgio Bellocchio aptly captures the pain and bitterness of Lenu's husband, Pietro. Renato Desimone lends a heartbreaking turn as Lila's gender bending brother in law, Alphonso. Pio Stellaccio is a portrait of decency as Lila's business and romantic partner, Enzo. Fabrizio Gifuni adeptly blends sleaze and charm as lothario Nino. Lino Musella and Eduardo Pesce make for compelling villains as the ruthless Solara brothers. Alba Rohrwacher picks up right where Margarita Mazzucco left off as Lenu. Rohrwacher captures Lenu in all of her contradictions and frustrations to create a compelling portrait of the artist as a modern woman. Irene Maiorino inhabits Lila with such a fierce authenticity that she could easily be mistaken for an older version of Gaia Girace who portrayed Lila in the series prior three seasons. Maiorino walks away with the entire season in her by turns inspiring, heartbreaking, and never less than mesmerizing performance as Lila.

My Brilliant Friend began as a simple story of tow girls living in twentieth century Naples. Over the course of four seasons and six decades in its heroine's lives, however, the series evolved into a rich, complex, and uncannily real portrait of female friendship. The script brings Elena Ferrante's novel to visceral life, leaving viewers enthralled until its final frame. The performances bring each of the characters to vivid, bold, life. Follow Lenu and Lila for the final chapters of their unforgettable story in My Brilliant Friend: The Story of the Lost Child.