Classics: A Review of The Devil Wears Prada By Lauren Ennis

How far would you go to climb the corporate ladder? Is a staying at a toxic job today worth the opportunities it may bring tomorrow? Are you defined by your job? These are the questions that plague the modern professional and lie at the heart of the 2006 dramedy The Devil Wears Prada. Through its depiction of one employee's efforts to survive a hellish boss the film raises vital questions surrounding the modern workforce and the meaning of success. For devilish fun clock in with Andy and Miranda in The Devil Wears Prada.

 

The story begins with recent college grad Andy searching for her first job in journalism. While she dreams of writing hard-hitting exposes she reluctantly takes a job at high-end fashion magazine Runway. While she initially dismisses her position as a temporary resume builder, she soon finds herself swept into the ruthless world of high-fashion and under the influence of her manipulative boss, Miranda. What begins as a mere day job soon spirals into an all-consuming lifestyle as one by one each of Andy's personal relationships and passions are put aside in the name of meeting Miranda's impossible standards. Andy is ultimately forced to face her own demons and decide if she's willing to make a devilish deal with Miranda.

For a film about the elite world of high-fashion, The Devil Wears Prada continues to delight viewers across the work force and it's little wonder why. Andy's increasingly outrageous efforts to survive her toxic job lend themselves to plenty of laughs while still being all too relatable. Even as the film keeps the jokes coming, the script does not shy away from the darker truths about Andy's situation. For example, the film expertly depicts the ways in which a lack of work-life-balance can negatively impact our relationships as Andy prioritizes her job over her family, friendships, and love life. Over time, her dedication to her job becomes so extreme that she alters her appearance, personal hobbies, and interests all in an effort to be the best representative of Runway that she can be. While her efforts do allow her to advance at the magazine, they also force her to compromise her values and relinquish her original goals. the film's portrayal of her ultimately hollow victory perfectly demonstrates the ways in which all too many of us reach the top of the corporate ladder only to realize that the most important things were the ones that we gave up along the way. For a comedy that will keep you working for the weekend, strut your stuff with Andy and Miranda in The Devil Wears Prada.

The film brings the world of high-fashion to colorful life thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Adrian Grenier infuses Andy's boyfriend, Nate, with warmth and boy next door charm. Emily Blunt masterfully balances loyal assistant Emily's outward arrogance and inner desperation. Stanley Tucci infuses fashion director Nigel with biting wit and surprising heart. Anne Hathaway makes for an ideal everywoman as she channels Andy's inner journey from innocent new hire to hardened veteran employee. Meryl Streep turns in a tour de force performance as she perfectly blends cool charisma with cold calculation as Miranda.

Twenty years later The Devil Wears Prada remains every bit as biting and relevant as it was upon its release. The script pokes hilarious fun at the fashion industry while still being relatable for anyone convinced that they're working the job from Hell. The performances blend high-fashion hijinx with biting social commentary to expert effect. For a devilishly good time open the pages of Runway with Andy and Miranda in The Devil Wears Prada.

Classics: A Review of Heidi By Lauren Ennis

They say that home is where the heart is and that quote has rarely rang more true than when applied to the character of Heidi. The 1880 children's novel remains a beloved classic over a century after its initial publication and has gone on to inspire dozens of adaptations film adaptations. One of the lesser known, but arguably one of the best, of these adaptations of the novel is Disney's 1993 television miniseries. This adaptation faithfully recounts the beloved tale of one girl's journey to find her home with an authenticity, sincerity, and beauty that ensure it more than earns it's place on the shelf and in the hearts of the whole family.

"It is good to be on the mountain; body and soul get well there"

The story begins with infant Heidi's parents storming off following a heated argument with her grandfather. Shortly after, she is orphaned when her parents are killed in a tragic accident. The story then flashes ahead five years and reveals that Heidi has been living with her cousin Dete while her grandfather has lived in seclusion in the mountains. When she is offered a lucrative position in the city, Dete decides that she has shouldered the burden of Heidi's care long enough. She brings the little girl to the Alps to live with her grandfather, despite his reputation as a reclusive madman. Her grandfather is initially resentful of Heidi and sees her presence as a painful reminder of his own guilt and bitterness. Over time, however, the child's innocence and kindness prove infectious not just to her grandfather but to their entire community. Similarly, the liberation and inspiration of the mountains work their own magic and heal Heidi's loss and loneliness. Just as the unlikely duo begin to build a new life for themselves, however, Dete returns and upends Heidi's life yet again. She forces her young cousin to take a position working as a companion to a disabled young girl in Frankfurt. The confines of city living soon take a toll on Heidi and leave her a quiet, conventional, shadow of her former self. Will Heidi ever return to her beloved mountain and if she does will it still be the home that she remembers?

Disney's adaptation of Heidi sets itself apart from other adaptations ironically by being the least 'Disney-ified' telling of the classic tale. While other adaptations have resorted to a sugary sweetness that has made Heidi pop-culture shorthand for sentimentality, the miniseries refuses to shy away from the darker aspects of the original novel. Rather than an plucky orphan in the style of Annie or Pollyanna, Heidi is instead a kind, but still frightened and wounded, child struggling with loss and repeated abandonment. As a result, she is a heroine young viewers will relate to as well as root for. Similarly, rather than just a grouch, her grandfather is a man tormented by a guilt, bitterness, and regret that have driven him into a deep depression. The journey that both undergo as they learn to open themselves up to not just one another but also the wider world is nothing short of inspiring. Even the supporting characters undergo emotional transformations as Klara is forced to confront her insecurities and possessiveness and Peter must come to terms with the wider world beyond the safe familiarity of his isolated village. As a result this Heidi is less a moralistic aspirational tale than a complex coming of age story. Discover the beauty and wonder of the Alps and maybe even yourself along the way with Heidi.

"The happiest of all things is when an old friend comes and greets us"

The miniseries transports viewers to the majesty of the Alps thanks to the work of its cast. Jane Hazelgrove perfectly captures the callousness of Heidi's selfish cousin, Dete. Jane Seymour makes for a formidable, but all too human, villain as Klara's overly protective governess, Fraulein Rottenmeier. Sian Phillips infuses Klara's grandmother, Frau Sesemann with gentleness and warmth. Benjamin Brazier personifies boy next door charm as Heidi's best friend, Peter. Patricia Neal lends humor and wit to her turn as Peter's grandmother. Lexi Randall aptly portrays Klara's loneliness and insecurity. Jason Robards is the ultimate curmudgeon with a heart of gold as Heidi's gruff but loving grandfather. Noely Thornton shines in a portrayal of Heidi that avoids becoming saccharine through a unique blend of earnestness, quiet strength, and empathy.

1993's Heidi is certain to delight fans of the original novel and newcomers to the Alpine adventure alike. The script relates Johanna Spyri's beloved novel with sincerity and authenticity without veering into sugary sentimentality. The performances bring the familiar characters to colorful life and the filming locations in the Austrian Alps are nothing short of majestic. Escape the hustle and bustle of modern living with Heidi.

The hills are alive...

International Readership!

 Hello Readers,

Just shout-out to the Dubai Public Library, Gail Borden Public Library, and Black Gold Library Cooperative for sharing A Boy's Best Comrade with readers around the world!

Classics: A Review of A League of Their Own By Lauren Ennis

 "There's no crying in baseball!" curmudgeonly coach Jimmy Duggan declares in the 1992 crowd-pleaser A League of Their Own. The irony is that by the end of this historical sports drama even the most hardened of viewers will have a lump in their throat. Blending comedy, drama, and heart the film pays apt homage to the great American pass time and the people who love it most. For a sports film that continues to score big hit the field with the ladies of the Rockford Peaches with A League of Their Own.

The story begins in 1988 with elderly Dottie Hinson attending the opening of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame. The film then flashes back to 1943 when the nation was embroiled in World War II and professional sports were all but over. In an effort to revive the dying professional sports industry and boost national morale several MLB team owners band together to form a women's league. Ace catcher Dottie is spotted at a local softball game by scout Ernie Capadino. While Dottie is content in her marriage to a local soldier and work at a dairy her sister Kit is desperate to escape their small town. Ernie then reveals that he will only allow Kit to try out as pitcher if Dottie agrees to try out as well. Both sisters are then recruited for the Rockford Peaches along with a colorful cast of misfits worthy of the Bad News Bears. The team soon enlists the services of alcoholic former Cubs star Jimmy Duggan as manager. So begins a season that makes for the ultimate Cinderella story and an enduring tribute to the great American pass time.

Over thirty years after its release this feel good sports dramedy remains in a league of its own. The film sheds light upon a fascinating but largely forgotten moment in history, while relating an all-American tale of opportunity and teamwork. Despite its often light-hearted tone, the film wisely does not shy away from the sexism and limitations that the players faced. Instead, the film uses those obstacles to relate a tale of the American Dream as the women use a combination of individual skill and grit along with teamwork to overcome that adversity. The film also highlights the ways in which baseball provides the women the opportunity to overcome their personal struggles as each of the players uses their success on the field to build a better future off of it. For a sports movie that is sure to get you cheering run the bases with the Rockford Peaches in A League of Their Own.

The story comes to bey turns heartfelt and hilarious life thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Jon Lovitz is bitingly funny as talent scout Ernie. Megan Cavanagh lends heart and humor to "homely" tomboy Marla. Rosie O'Donnell blends wisdom with wisecracks as street-wise Doris. Madonna infuses what could have easily have been a one-note-role as sexy taxi dancer Mae with world-weariness and humor. Lori Petty infuses Kit with a scrappiness and charm that ensures viewers will sympathize with her desperate desire to escape her sister's shadow. Tom Hanks turns in one of the most entertaining performances of his career as hard drinking tough talking manager. Jimmy. Geena Davis makes for a compelling leading lady as she blends intelligence, grit, and warmth, as team team captain, Dottie.

Through its expert blend of fact, fiction, comedy, and drama, A League of Their Own makes for a delightful slice of American pie. The script brings history to life while still maintaining a human heart. The cast ensure that viewers will be rooting for the Peaches just as hard as the teams' fans. Celebrate the great American pass time and step up to the plate with the Peaches in A League of Their Own.

Classics: A Review of Fried Green Tomatoes By Lauren Ennis

 "I found out what the secret to life is: friends. Best friends" Ninny Threadgoode declares. 1991's crowd pleaser Friend Green Tomatoes follows two friendships between four very different women in two drastically different eras. In spite of their differences each of the women have one thing in common; their lives have been forever changed by the love of a friend. In its one hundred-thirty minute run time the film explores the tragedies and triumphs that bond women together and the power of that bond even in the most adverse of circumstances. For a taste of the sweet when life is at its most sour cook up some Fried Green Tomatoes.

The story begins with recent empty-nester Evelyn Couch accompanying her husband while he visits his ailing aunt at a nursing home. While in the waiting room of the nursing home's residents, Ninny Threadgoode. Over the course of several visits Ninny shares the story of the friendship between her cousin, rebellious tomboy Idgie, and strait-laced beauty, Ruth. The pair first meet in the 1920's when Ruth is dating Idgies older brother, Buddy. Both girls are devastated when Buddy is struck and killed by a train in front of them. Years later, Ruth has resigned herself to a loveless engagement to Frank Bennett and Idgie is channels her grief into teenage rebellion. In an effort to curb Idgie's angst, her family recruits Ruth to act as her mentor for the summer. The two form a fast and deep friendship. Their bond is soon tested, however, when Ruth's marriage to Frank becomes abusive, sparking a series of events that put their friendship, freedom, and even their very lives at risk. Meanwhile in the present Evelyn's friendship with Ninny inspires her to follow Ruth and Idgie's example and reclaim her own life. By the film's heartfelt conclusion, all four women's lives will have been changed for the better.

In just over two hours Fried Green Tomatoes captures the ways in which through the simple act of friendship we can bring out the best in each other and ourselves. At the start of the film Ruth is bright but conventional and Idgie is original but destructive. Through their friendship, Ruth gains confidence and dares to pursue her own passions. Similarly, Ruth's calming influence inspires Idgie to use her rebelliousness in service of others rather than merely as a means of acting out. By the film's conclusion, their relationship has allowed both to grow from damaged girls to capabale, resilient, women. While less dramatic the friendship between Ninny and Evelyn is no less inspiring. Through their visits Ninny finds a renewed sense of purpose and finds the courage to finally move on from her past and live in the present. Similarly, Ninny's independence and tales of Idgie and Ruth inspire Evelyn to take control of her life. Under Ninny's influence she finally begins to stand up for herself and demands that her husband be an active participant in their marriage. Both relationships show the power, beauty, and sweetness that friendships brings to our lives even when life throws us sour green tomatoes.

The film brings Fannie Flagg's 1987 novel, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe to exuberant life thanks to the work of its cast. Jessica Tandy is the grandmother everyone wishes they could have as equal parts warm and witty Ninny. Chris O'Donnell conveys boy next door charm in his brief turn as Buddy. Nick Searcy makes for an apt villain in his menacing portrayal of Frank. Gailard Sartain is hilariously unaware as Evelyn's well-meaning but oblivious husband, Ed. Kathy Bates nearly runs away with the movie in her by turns hilarious and heartfelt performance as Evelyn. Mary Louise Parker captures Ruth's journey from repressed girl to resilient woman with nuance and depth. Mary Stuart Masterson is a force of nature as outspoken, unconventional, Idgie.

Fried Green Tomatoes captures the enduring power of friendship with a zest that more than lives up to its name. The script brings Fannie Flagg's novel to colorful life. The performances of the cast transport viewers to the comforts and dangers of 1920's Alabama. Taste the bittersweet power of friendship with a helping of Fried Green Tomatoes.

Classics: A Review of Taken By Lauren Ennis

 "I have a very particular set of skills. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you" former CIA operative Brian Mills warns the human traffickers who have kidnapped his daughter. Armed with just those skills and a father's love, Brian sets off to rescue his daughter and kicks off an entire action film franchise along the way in Taken. Nearly twenty years after its release this thriller still packs a punch. For a testament to the badassery of fatherly love brush up on your skills with Liam Neeson in Taken.

The story begins with Brian on assignment providing security for a young pop star. After successfully preventing an attack he visits his daughter, Kim in an effort to mend their strained relationship. He is dismayed to learn that his ex-wife has agreed to allow Kim to book a trip to Paris without consulting with him. Despite his misgivings he allows her to make the trip. He regrets his decision almost immediately, however, when Kim and her friend are kidnapped by human traffickers soon after arriving. He then vows to rescue them at any cost. So begins an epic chase across Paris that still has the internet memeing. 

Taken is a simple story with a familiar premise. The film sets itself apart from its contemporaries, however, through its all too human heart. While many action films feature butt-kicking operatives dragged back into the field few do so in such a way as to make audiences actually care about more than the action. By focusing on a father's search for his daughter the film makes its story personal. In its depiction of Brian's search for Kim the film raises the stakes by appealing to viewers' devotion to their own families and asking how far would you go to protect the ones you love. Fortunately for action fans, Brian's answer is to deadly and explosive lengths. Witness the full power of skill of fatherhood in Taken.

The film's cast elevate the story beyond its simple premise. Maggie Grace and Katie Cassidy convey innocence and girlish charm as Kim and her friend, Amanda. Famke Janssen aptly captures the anguish of Brian's ex-wife, Leni. Olivier Rabord, Gerard Watkins, and Arben Bajrak-Taraj are appropriately menacing as the film's criminal masterminds. Liam Neeson dominates the film in a performance that blends steely resolve, inner torment, and plenty of heart.

Taken may not be the most complex film, but it remains a thrilling ode to the power of a father's love. The script blends action and emotion to expert effect, ensuring that viewers will root for Brian on every step of his pursuit. The cast bring the shadowy world of forgotten organized crime to dangerous life. This Father's Day, treat Dad to an action-packed thrill ride in Taken.

Going for Gold with the Literary Titan Gold Book Award!

 Hello Readers,

I'm so stoked to share with all of you that A Boy's Best Comrade is a recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award! Thank you so much to all of you for your continued support!

Lauren