Classics: A Review of A Hunting Accident By Lauren Ennis

 Can innocence survive in a corrupted society? Can love remain pure in a tainted world? These are the questions that lie that the heart of the 1978 Soviet drama A Hunting Accident. Set against the backdrop of Imperial Russia the film captures the twilight of the czarist empire in all of its splendor and decay. Adapted from Anton Chekov's only full length novel this deceptively simple tale of love, lust, and ambition makes for both a compelling tragedy and a cautionary that continues to resonate today. Experience the passion, tragedy, and triumph of Russian drama in A Hunting Accident.

It's like rain on your wedding day...

The story begins in late 19th century Russia. Investigator Kamyshev retreats to the countryside to visit his friend, amiable but debauched Count Karneev. During their visit Kamyshev meets Karneev's neighbor, honest but humorless landowner Urbenin. Karneev reveals that he ahs been diagnosed with a terminal case of cirrhosis and told that he has mere months left to live. Rather than prepare for the inevitable, Karneev uses his illness as an excuse to treat Kamyshev to a series of parties, each more decadent than the last. In the midst of their revelry the trio come upon Olga, the daughter of Karneev's groundskeeper. Kamyshev is immediately struck by what he perceives as her innocence. To his dismay, he later learns that Olga is engaged to Urbenin. When he confronts her she admits that her impending marriage is one of convenience which she hopes will lift her out of poverty. Despite his warnings she goes through with the wedding as planned only to realize that her affections lie elsewhere. So begins a tumultuous love triangle that will set all three on a date with both destiny and disaster.

The film defies the stereotypes of Soviet cinema to relate a tale of love, loss, and desperation that transcends cultures. The love quadrangle between Olga and her suitors offers a timeless portrayal of the lengths to which we will go to pursue personal happiness regardless of the cost. The foibles of each character are all too human and remain startlingly relatable today. The film makes pointed critiques against the decadence and inequality of the czarist regime through its depiction of Karneev and Kamyshev's hedonism and Olga's increasingly desperate efforts to escape poverty. Even as it makes these critiques, however, the film never veers into propaganda. As a result, the story remains one that can be enjoyed around the world. The cinematography utilizes real life locations in rural Russia to breathtaking effect. The soundtrack transports viewers to a lost era, and its signature waltz by Eugen Doga more than earns its international acclaim. Together, the score and cinematography create a dream like atmosphere that leaves viewers with the sense that they are witnessing a modern fairy tale. Let yourself be swept off of your feet and fall under the tragic spell of A Hunting Accident.

So many suitors and so little time

The film transports viewers to Imperial Russia thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Leonid Markov infuses the thankless role of Urbenin with surprising humanity. Kirill Lavrov is delightfully debauched in his irreverent turn as Karneev. Oleg Yankovsky perfectly captures the downward spiral of Kamyshev from upstanding gentleman to ruthless criminal. Even in the midst of an outstanding cast Galina Belyayeva dominates the film in her dynamic turn as Olga in which she blends the innocence of Audrey Hepburn with the reckless abandon of Louise Brooks. Her performance is guaranteed to leave viewers every bit as beguiled, frustrated, and captivated as Olga's three suitors.

At once a scathing indictment of Czarist Russia and a universal tale of doomed love, A Hunting Accident continues to resonate across cultures and decades. The script brings Chekov's novel to vivid life as it takes viewers on a journey through the Russian countryside into the the darkest corners of the human heart. The stellar cast bring each of the characters to vibrant life in all of their complexity and contradictions. Lose yourself in the dance of love, loss, and tragedy that is A Hunting Accident.

The stuff that foreshadowing is made of

Classics: A Review of The Bridge to Terabithia By Lauren Ennis

School is where we learn many of our earliest lessons in life. It is where we first learn the academic and social skills that prepare us for the world beyond the classroom. School is also where we learn some of the most difficult lessons that shape our lives long after graduation. In 2007's family drama The Bridge to Terabithia eleven year old Jess learns vital lessons in friendship, imagination, and loss. For essential family viewing follow The Bridge to Terabithia.

The story begins in the rural Midwest, where Jess Aarons lives with his stern father, stressed mother, and four sisters. His artistic interests make him an outcast amongst his struggling family and he faces even more difficulty fitting in at school where he is regularly bullied. A burst of color enters his gray life in the form of his new neighbor, Leslie. Leslie is Jess' polar opposite in that where he struggles to fit in she relishes standing out. Through their shared outsider status the pair for an unlikely friendship. Together they create an elaborate fictional world in which they embark upon adventures of the imagination. Through the power of storytelling and the encouraging influence of Leslie he finds the courage to face his fears and accept himself. The magic of Terabithia is put to the ultimate test, however, when a tragedy occurs that shatters his view of the world and his place within it.

The film faithfully brings Katherine Patterson's beloved 1977 novel to inspiring and heartbreaking life. The script expertly balances between Jess and Leslie's daily lives the the fantasy world that they create to relate a compelling tale of the power of friendship and imagination. The ways in which the film deftly segues from events in the characters; real lives to the fantastic stories that those events inspire are particularly notable for their ability to highlight the film's themes while still advancing the plot. the film stands apart from most modern family films for its willingness to explore weighty themes such as isolation, guilt, and loss with unflinching honesty. By delving into Jess' grief the film allows young viewers a safe avenue through which to understand the concept of loss and/or process their own grief. As a result, the film offers young audiences lessons in love and loss that will continue to resonate as they grow up while still remaining family friendly. Even as it ventures into difficult topics the film still manages to offer entertaining adventures and inspiring lessons that will keep the whole family returning to Terabithia. 

The film brings both the American Midwest and the fantasy world of Terabithia to life thanks to stellar work of its cast. Bailee Madison is a delight as Jess' devoted younger sister, Maybelle. Lauren Clinton captures the outer brutality and inner wounded vulnerability of bully Janice Avery with subtle believability. Robert Patrick conveys the caring beneath the gruff exterior of Jess' stern father. Zooey Deschanel gives Michelle Pfeiffer a run for her money as Jess' inspiring music teacher, Miss Edmonds. Anna Sophia Robb infuses Leslie with a whimsy, charm, and daring that are nothing short of infectious. Josh Hutcherson portrays Jess' coming of age with a raw emotion and subtlety that belie his young hears. Together, Robb and Hutcherson invoke an optimism, innocence, and sense of wonder that will have viewers longing to return to their own childhood adventures.

At once a heartbreaking coming of age story and a testament to the creative spirit The Bridge to Terabithia captures both the magic of childhood and the pain of growing up. The script brilliantly adapts the tragedy of Patterson's novel without sacrificing its message of hope and resilience. The characters leap from the page to the screen thanks to the compelling work of the cast. Relive the adventure of growing up The Bridge to Terabithia.

If you enjoy this story of  imagination and friendship be sure to check out my screenplay Daughters of Attrition published by Off the Wall Plays 

https://offthewallplays.com/product/daughters-of-attrition-a-screenplay-about-a-girl-from-afghanistan/

Classics: A Review of The Count of Monte Cristo By Lauren Ennis

Is vengeance ever truly justified? Can justice ever really be attained? These are the questions that lie at the heart of 2002's The Count of Monte Cristo. The film brings Alexander Dumas' 1844  novel to vibrant life, transporting viewers into the heart of an epic saga of injustice, vengeance, and redemption.  For classic adventure swing into swashbuckling action with The Count of Monte Cristo.

The story begins in 1815 when sailors Edmund Dantes and Fernand Mondego are forced to seek medical aid for their ill captain. The pair make the desperate choice to come ashore on the heavily guarded island of Elba. In an twist of fate exiled emperor Napoleon Bonaparte convinces his guards to spare the pair and aid their captain. The crafty general then persuades illiterate Edmund to deliver a letter off of the island, promising that its contents are 'entirely innocent'. Edmund naively takes Bonaparte at his word and unbeknownst to him the conversation is overheard by Fernand. Upon returning home Edmund is promoted and becomes engaged to the beautiful Mercedes. Jealous of his friend's happiness, Fernand then goes to the police and informs them that Edmund delivered the letter for Bonaparte. When it is revealed that the letter contained plans for a coup to return Napoleon to power Edmund is imprisoned for treason. His friends and family are then forced to pick up the pieces of their lives, unaware that the supposed end of Edmund Dantes is just the beginning of the Count of Monte Cristo.

Upon the film's 2002 release critics and audiences agreed that it was an adventure the likes of which the phrase, 'they don't make 'em like that anymore' was made. Over twenty years later this sentiment has grown only more strong. In an era in which cinema is dominated by subverted expectations and self-aware irony The Count of Monte Cristo's old-fashioned sincerity is nothing short of refreshing. Rather than using this classic tale of injustice, revenge, and redemption to comment on modern life the film leaves the story to offer commentary on the issues of the day the film instead leaves the source material to speak for itself. In this way the film allows the story to revel in its universal appeal rather than limit it to a niche critique of our own world. The film's refusal to use its script to lecture at audience provides viewers with the opportunity to make their own connections to the work, ensuring a more personal and enriching viewing experience. The film also sets itself apart from its modern counterparts in its refusal to shy away from the emotion of Dumas' original novel. Whereas many modern movies makes their characters' emotions behind self-referential quips and ironic humor The Count of Monte Cristo wears its heart on its sleeve. In exploring Edmund's anguish, longing, and regret the film ensures that viewers will experience these emotions along with him. As a result, his ultimate triumph is that much more inspiring. The film additionally stands out for its expert use of filming locations and practical effects. Rather than relying upon green screen, the film instead utilizes period appropriate location shots. These  sets and locations immerse viewers into the world of nineteenth century France from its squalid prisons to its most opulent chateaus. Similarly, the inclusion of dazzling stunt work ensures that Edmund's journey is never less than thrilling. Combines, the effects and locations create a vibrant world of action and adventure which viewers will be hard-pressed to leave. Through its old-fashioned spirit of adventure The Count of Monte Cristo reminds modern viewers of what it means to be a classic.

The film transports viewers to the grit and glamor of nineteenth century France thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. James Frain personifies corruption as compromised prosecutor Villefort. Richard Harris is the mentor we all wish we could have had as Edmund's fellow prisoner, Abbe Faria. Luis Guzman steals each scene in which he appears as pirate turned ally Jacopo. Dagmara Dominczyck aptly blends charm, anguish, and resilience as Edmund's fiancée, Mercedes. Henry Cavill infuses Mercedes and Fernand's son, Albert, with youthful passion and boyish naivete. Guy Pearce is a villain that viewers will love to hate as envious and ruthless Fernand. Jim Cavezial turns in one of the best performances of his career as he takes viewers on Edmund's journey from naive boy to hardened, vengeful, man without missing a single step.

Over twenty years after its release The Count of Monte Cristo continues to dazzle with its epic tale the likes of which cinema was made for. Through its expertly written script the film remains true to the spirit of the original novel while still keeping modern audiences engaged. The stellar cast turn in performances that bring each of Dumas' characters to vibrant life. For an adventure the likes of which dreams, and the movies, were made for set sail with The Count of Monte Cristo. 

An Announcement

 Dear readers, thank you all for your continued support! I'm excited to share my latest project with all of you, my full length screenplay Daughters of Attrition which was just published with Off the Wall Plays. The screenplay's summary is as follows:

Ten year old Noor finds her world shattered after her father is killed while assisting in American operations against the Taliban. In the wake of her father’s death her mother is forced to send her to a Kabul orphanage until the family can secure a visa to the West. At the orphanage she finds solace in an unlikely friendship with artistic rebel Laila, and together the two discover the power of friendship and imagination. The harsh reality of the outside world soon finds its way into the orphanage as the Taliban enters the city changing the fate of the girls and Afghanistan forever. 

I look forward to continuing to share in the love of storytelling with you all.

https://offthewallplays.com/product/daughters-of-attrition-a-screenplay-about-a-girl-from-afghanistan/

Miss E.

Classics: A Review of Balto By Lauren Ennis

Few bonds are as profound as that which exists between humans and dogs. Few relationships can equal the loyalty, love, and trust that exists between a dog and its person. Perhaps no story exemplifies this bond better than the real life story of Balto and his heroic team of fellow sled dogs. Inspired by Nome, Alaska's 1925 serum run, 1995's animated cult classic Balto relates a timeless tale of sacrifice, self-acceptance, and the eternal bond between human and canine. For viewing even the furry members of the family will love curl up with Balto. 

The story begins with an elderly woman showing her granddaughter Central Park's statue of sled dog Balto. The woman then relates the story behind the statue, launching the film into an animated flashback which transports viewers to 1925 Nome Alaska. The city is eagerly awaiting try outs for the annual Iditarod race Since the local team led by arrogant thoroughbred Steele is heavily favored spectators are shocked when half-wolf stray Balto wins the race. Despite his skill, the city's residents distrust Balto because of his wild heritage and reject him from the team. He faces similar rejection from the local dogs with the exception of his crush, kind-hearted husky Jenna. When a diphtheria outbreak sweeps into Nome the young daughter of Jenna's owners becomes deathly ill. Weather conditions prevent supplies of antitoxin serum from reaching the isolated city, leaving the city's children at the mercy of a devastating epidemic. The only hope for transporting the serum is Steele and his team. When the team disappears in a storm, however, Balto finds himself in a race against time that no dog can win, but just maybe a wolf can.

Released in the midst of the so-called 'Disney Renaissance' Balto entered a market saturated with fairy tale characters on fantastic adventures. Rather than adhere to the trends of the time the film instead struck out on its own path, allowing it to stand out from its contemporaries decades later. Rather than a fairy tale kingdom filled with larger than life obstacles the film instead opts for a historical setting subject to real world struggles. In place of a quest to save a fictional world the film instead explores the horrors of epidemic diseases and the efforts of real people to combat them. As a result, the stakes of the story are all too real and devastatingly high. The film also sets itself apart by choosing to focus upon society's unsung heroes in the form of Balto and his team. Through its exploration of Balto's efforts to help the children of Nome the film recalls the work of first responders and pays apt tribute to them. The film's depiction of his struggles to accept his mixed heritage acts as a clever metaphor for real world prejudice without becoming heavy handed or lecturing viewers. The portrayal of his journey towards self-acceptance also lends complexity to his character while making him relatable to viewers. The depiction of the loyalty and selflessness of dogs is guaranteed to warm the heart of dog lovers and may even win over a few cat owners. For family entertainment that is truly a breed of its own follow the path of the lone wolf with Balto.

The film transports viewers to the snowy streets of 1920's Nome Alaska thanks to its stunning animation and excellent voice cast. The traditional animation brings the Alaskan wilderness to vivid life in all of its brutality and beauty. The character designs infuse each character with an emotion and expressiveness that is sure to endear them to viewers. The dazzling animation works in perfect tandem with the vocal performances. Juliette Brewer is cute but never cloying as Jenna's tomboy owner, Rosy. Phil Collins lends apt comedic support in dual roles as Balto's unlikely allies, hapless polar bears Muk and Luk. Bob Hoskins steals each scene in which he appears in his by turns witty and wise portrayal of Balto's best friend, expat Russian snow goose Boris. Jim Cummings perfectly captures the arrogance, callousness, and hidden insecurities of lead sled dog Steele. Bridget Fonda conveys girl next door charm, intelligence, and warmth as Balto's love interest, Jenna. Kevin Bacon once again proves that he is leading man material as he brings Balto's journey from underdog to heroic life. 

At once a unique retelling of a historical event and a universal underdog story Balto is every bit as inspiring as its namesake. The script brings a fascinating piece of history to life while still offering enough humor, drama, and emotion to entertain audiences of all ages. The animation is never less than gorgeous as it recreates the beauty of Alaska and brings an ensemble cast of various species to vibrant life. The vocal performances imbue each member of the ensemble cast with a broad range of distinct distinct personalities. For adventure for the young and young at heart explore the Alaskan wilderness with Balto.

Classics: A Review of Chinatown By Lauren Ennis

Dark alleys, darker secrets, corruption and murder are just another day in Chinatown. This 1974 classic perfectly blends the tragedy of Old Hollywood noir with the gritty edge of the emerging New Hollywood to create one of the most iconic works in all of cinema. At once a chilling portrait of Depression-era America an a damning indictment of 1970's malaise, Chinatown is more relevant than ever. Take a walk on the dark side in Chinatown.

The story begins in 1930's Los Angeles with cop turned private investigator Jake Gittes taking on a new case. In typical noir fashion his potential client is a mysterious woman asking for him to investigate her prominent husband, Hollis Mulwray. While he fails to discover any evidence of Mulwray's supposed affair, he does discover evidence of a scheme to monopolize the drought-beleaguered city's water supply. Eventually Mulwray  turns up dead and Gittes learns that the woman who hired him was not actually Mrs. Mulwray. The private detective is then launched on a journey through the darkest corners of Los Angeles and the bleakest depths of the human soul the likes of which still has cinemagoers talking.

Although it is an atmospheric period piece Chinatown offers a scathing critique of America's institutions that continues to resonate today. The film depicts a society devastated by economic depression with a grit worthy of John Steinbeck. Even as it evokes the 1930's, however, it simultaneously echoes the economic and social malaise of the 1970's which in turn eerily parallels today's economic and social upheaval. The film explores the institutional rot that led to the Great Depression and the corruption of those who profited from it with unflinching honesty. In this way, he film serves as an indictment of the excesses of both the 1920's and the 1960's and a reminder of how such excess inevitably leads to eventual devastation. The film delves even deeper into haunting portrait of a nation on the brink through its depiction of political and corporate corruption. The film's portrayal of Noah Cross' elaborate scheme to defraud and exploit the citizens of Los Angeles is damning and its resemblance to the scandals lining today's headlines is nothing short of devastating. The depiction of Cross' personal corruption, while shocking in its time, resonates even more so today in light of modern scandals involving the exploitation of innocence at the hands of society's respected and powerful. Perhaps most resonant of all is the film's bleak conclusion in which Jake resigns himself to his own powerlessness against an all-powerful and thoroughly corrupt system echoing the powerlessness and cynicism that all too many experience when faced with society's eternal corruption. For an unforgettable journey through cinematic history follow Jake through the mean streets of Chinatown.

The film transports viewers to Depression-era Los Angeles thanks to the work of its iconic cast. Roman Polanski is chillingly sinister in his brief turn as an unnamed local thug whose attack leaves Gittes marked for the remainder of the film. Perry Lopez aptly captures the cynicism of Gittes' former colleague, Sgt. Escobar. John Huston personifies corruption as tycoon Noah Cross. Faye Dunaway turns in one of the most memorable performances of her lengthy career in her by turns intelligent, sultry, and anguished portrayal of the real Evelyn Mulwray. Jack Nicholson is nothing short of iconic in his magnetic turn as reluctant hero Jake. Together, Dunaway and Nicholson share a chemistry that is never less than smoldering.

Hailed by audiences and critics alike, Chinatown is the stuff that the magic of the movies is made of. The script's blend of intricate mystery and aching tragedy makes for some of the most compelling viewing in all of cinema. The star-studded cast are all in tip form as they deliver the performances of their careers. Witness cinematic mastery and join Jake for a visit to Chinatown.

Classics: A Review of The Emperor's New Groove By Lauren Ennis

 With the arrival of the new millennium came new trends in media and the end of the "Disney Renaissance".  In an effort to compete with emerging rivals and changing tastes Disney entered an experimental phase which produced some its most original but underrated works. One of those efforts is The Emperor's New Groove. Functioning as both an amiable buddy comedy and a clever spoof of Disney's own fairytale fare the film is easily one of the most inventive, rewatchable, and un-Disney films that the studio ever produced. Get the whole family into the groove with Pacha and Kuzco in The Emperor's New Groove.

The story begins with spoiled young emperor Kuzco going about his privileged life in an unnamed Mezoamerican kingdom. During a meeting with local farmer Pacha he reveals his plans to seize Pacha's land in order to build himself a summer palace. The callous Kuzco is unmoved by Pacha's pleas and insists on moving forward with his plan even though it would displace Pacha's family. Kuzco's carefree existence is thrown into chaos, however, when he is poisoned by his adviser in retaliation for his firing her. The attempted assassination is foiled, however, by the fact that Yzma's hapless henchman, Kronk, gave Kuzco the wrong poison, leaving the emperor alive but transformed into a llama. After Kronk abandons him in a nearby jungle, Kuzco is left to fend for himself for the first time in his life. Deprived of his power, wealth, and human body, he is rendered utterly helpless. When he crosses paths with Pacha the two set out on an adventure to restore Kuzco to his throne with plenty of hijinks along the way. 

Although critics and audiences were unsure to make of it upon it release The Emperor's New Groove has since gained a cult following. The studio not only abandoned its tried and true fairy tale formula but actually spoofed it. While the films of the Disney Renaissance often portrayed cursed princes and princesses in distress The Emperor's New Groove explores these elements only to slyly subvert them. Whereas viewers are meant to empathize with and root for the cursed prince in Beauty and the beast Kuzco is presented as deserving his curse. Similarly, while viewers yearn to see The Lion King's Simba restored to his throne viewers will cringe at even the thought of Kuzco holding a position of power. Through its depiction of a blatantly flawed protagonist the film offers a more realistic and ultimately memorable character who will challenge viewers as much as he entertains them. The film's slapstick humor also marks a stark departure from the studio' ususal fare. In this way, the film offers an edgier, alternative that will appeal to children and adults alike. Even as it ventures into Looney Toons territory the film maintains plenty of heart and relates valuable lessons in friendship, self-sacrifice, and empathy that will  resonate long after the film's final credits roll.

The film transports viewers to its madcap world thanks to the comedic gold that is the vocal cast. Wendi Malick serves up plenty of sass as Pacha's Alice Kramden-esque wife, Chica. Patrick Warburton manages to make Kronk one of cinema's most entertaining and surprisingly likeable villains. Eartha Kitt's magnetic turn as snarkily sinister Yzma is criminally underrated. John Goodman blends gentle humor with decency to expert effect as put upon farmer, Pacha. David Spade offers up one of the most complex protagonists in all of Disney's history as the by turns callous and comical Kuzco.

The Emperor's New Groove is easily one of Disney's riskiest efforts Disney ever made, and it more than pays off. The script serves up LooneyToons-style shenanigans while simultaneously satirizing Disney's own fairy tale formula. Even at its zaniest, the film offers plenty of heart and valuable lessons. The work of the vocal cast brilliantly brings each of the characters to whimsical, endearing, and endlessly rewatcheable life. Get your groove back  in the Emperor's Groove.