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

Classics: A Review of Straight to Hell By Lauren Ennis

How far would you go to get what you want? For impoverished child of war turned media sensation Kazuko Hosiki the answer is "straight to Hell". Over the course of nine riveting episodes that span six decades Netflix's Straight to Hell follows Japan's infamous fortune-teller as she rises and falls only to claw her way up once again. At once a testament to the power of resiliency and a warning against the consuming lure of ambition, the series is every bit as complicated and fascinating as its leading lady. For a devilishly good time follow Kazuko Straight to Hell.

"My life story is interesting"

The story begins in 2005 Tokyo with fortune teller Kazuko Hosiki living a life of luxury as the reigning queen of daytime television. Famous for her blunt advice and dire predictions, Kazuko enthralls audiences seeking answers in an increasingly fraught society. She commissions a biography and relates her story to struggling author Minori. The story then flashes back to Kazuko's childhood in post-war Tokyo as her mother struggles to support Kazuko and her siblings in the wake of their father's death. The devastation and desperation of post-war society leaves its mark on young Kazuko and she becomes determined to pull herself out of poverty at any cost. Eventually, she works her way up from hostess club darling to successful entrepreneur with several clubs of her own before reinventing herself as the media sensation we meet at the start of the series. Along the way she faces loss and betrayal and nearly returns to the poverty of her youth only to rise again stronger and more formidable than ever. As she continues to delve into Kazuko's story, Minori soon realizes that there may be something darker lurking behind the fortune-teller's inspiring rags to riches tale. What follows is a reckoning that will bring both women to Hell and back.

In it's portrayal of Kazuko's tumultuous life Straight to Hell acts as both a compelling character study and an apt depiction of the cost of ambition. Kazuko's childhood in which she was reduced to surviving on stolen goods and insects sets the course for the rest of her life. Like a Japanese Scarlett O'Hara she vows never to be hungry again and spends the rest of her life living up to that promise. Her many rises and falls eerily parallel those of Japan itself, as the nation struggles to find its place on a rapidly changing world stage. What begins as a modern Cinderella story takes a darker turn, however, as she follows her promise of success at any cost to it's logical, devastating, conclusion. The series then evolves from aspirational to cautionary as Kazuko's star continues to rise, but only at the expense of others. By the series' conclusion she has achieved all that she hoped for and more, but in doing so has left herself isolated, embittered, and relegated to her own personal hell. For storytelling with an old-fashioned sweep and biting, modern, edge see Kazuko rise and fall Straight to Hell.

"I'd follow you anywhere, even if it's straight to Hell"

The story transports viewers to a rapidly changing Tokyo thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Sairi Ito imbues Minori with a blend of warmth and earnestness that makes her an ideal everywoman. Toko Miura turns in a heartbreaking performance, as she infuses exploited singer Chiyoko with innocence and girlish charm. Gaku Hosokawa lends humor as Kazuoko's younger brother and business partner, Hisao. Toma Ikuta could give Al Pacino tough competition in his expert turn as Michael Corleone-esque Yakuza boss Masaya Hotta. Even in the midst of superb supporting performances the series belongs to Erika Toda as Kazuko. Over the course of nine episodes she follows Kazuko's journey from exploited innocent to ruthless exploiter with an intelligence, complexity, and charisma worthy of the real Kazuko Hosiki.

At once an inspiring story of one woman's rise in the face of adversity and a cautionary tale of the dangerous power of ambition, Straight to Hell is is every bit as hypnotizing as the woman who inspired it. The script brilliantly relates Kazuko's biography in all of its complexity without either championing or condemning her. The cast transport viewers to the grit and glamour of 20th century Tokyo as they bring each of the colorful characters in Kazuko's past to life. Give in to temptation and join Kazuko for a thrilling trip Straight to Hell.

"We trick others before being tricked"

Interview with Literary Titan

 Hello Readers,

If you're interested here's my latest author interview with Literary Titan!

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

May 17

Posted by Literary Titan

Lauren Ennis Author Interview

A Boy’s Best Comrade follows a loyal dog in Stalin-era Moscow, as she protects the boy she loves through arrest, hunger, homelessness, and betrayal in a world where devotion itself becomes an act of courage. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I’ve always adored animals and possess a fascination with history, particularly Russian history. When I read about the packs of stray dogs that have taught themselves to navigate Moscow’s subway system, I saw a way to combine my love of animals and passion for history. Once I started writing I looked to my favorite childhood books and movies, especially Don Bluth’s animated movies, for even more inspiration.

How did you balance Sasha’s animal instincts with the emotional depth needed to carry the novel?​

Sasha is based off and named for my dog. When writing Sasha’s character, I imbued her with my Sasha’s personality and mannerisms to lend her authenticity and make her feel like a ‘real’ dog. To ensure that she was humanized in the story I turned to Mrs. Brisby from The Secret of NIMH and other characters who possessed the nurturing, maternal, characteristics that I wanted Sasha to possess for inspiration. Throughout the novel I tried to maintain a balance between conveying human emotions through Sasha while ensuring that she still behaved like a dog.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The most crucial themes in the book are resilience in the face of adversity, the horrors of authoritarianism, and the importance of loyalty in a world of distrust. While these themes were particularly relevant in Stalinist Russia, I believe that they are universal and would resonate with readers across generations and cultures.

What kind of research shaped your portrayal of Moscow’s streets, metro stations, and stray-dog packs?​

The research was absolutely the most difficult aspect of writing A Boy’s Best Comrade. I was fortunate enough to be able to view documentaries about the real-life Moscow subway dogs and strays in general. The research about the streets and metro was more difficult due to all the changes to the city over the course of several decades and the language barrier. I used a combination of written sources from the 1930’s along with maps and photos of the city and metro to try and create an accurate depiction of 1930’s Moscow.

A Boy's Best Comrade Trailer!

 Lights, camera, and action!

Classics: A Review of Smokey and the Bandit By Lauren Ennis

 Two truckers, a runaway bride, a vengeful sheriff and four-hundred cases of Coors adds up to one of the wildest rides in cinema. Blending thrilling stunts with slapstick humor 1977's Smokey and the Bandit took a simple premise and turned it into cinematic gold. At once a loving homage to the American road-trip and a glimpse into the gritty 1970's the film is certain to leave viewers riding on the edge of their seats. For the trip of a lifetime hit the road with Smokey and the Bandit.

The story begins with father and son Texas businessmen "Big Enos" and "Little Enos" Burdette arriving at a local truck rodeo. They then place a bet on local trucking legends Bo "the Bandit" Darville and Cledus "the Snowman" to illegally deliver 400 cases of Coors from Texas to Atlanta in 28 hours. While Cledus is hesitant the Bandit happily accepts. The two then set off with Cledus transporting the beer in his truck while the Bandit acts as a decoy in his Pontiac Trans Am. Along the way the Bandit encounters exotic dancer turned runaway bride Carrie. He picks the stranded would-be newly-wed up, and soon finds himself targeted by her scorned fiancée and his father, Texas sheriff Buford T. Justus. The film then launches into a madcap trip across the South the likes of which many have imitated but none have replicated.

Smokey and the Bandit captures the anarchic spirit of both the 1970's and the all-American road trip like no other. While the plot seemingly rests upon the transport of Coors over state lines the real heart of the story is the liberation of the open road and the free spirits of those who call it home. Through its depiction of the Bandit's carefree pursuit of the latest thrill, the camaraderie of his fellow truckers, and his blatant, "complete lack of respect for the law" the film offers loving tribute to the outsiders who populate America's highways. Through its depiction of an array of very different characters the film also playfully explores the rapid social changes of the 1970's. For example, the film offers a decidedly complex and modern depiction of womanhood in its portrayal of witty dancer Carrie's refusal to resign herself to a traditional, married, life. Similarly, the film's portrayal of old fashioned lawman Sheriff Justus' flailing efforts to keep up in a modern world is nothing short of side-splitting. Through its loving depiction of the misadventures of America's misfits, bandits, and everyone in between Smokey and the Bandit remains a loving tribute to the open road and all-American fun.

The film brings its whimsical world of wacky characters to life thanks the stellar work of its cast. Pat McCormick and Paul Williams lend plenty of deadpan humor to their brief turns as Big Enos and Little Enos. Jerry Reed infuses Cledus with boy next door charm. Sally Field shows off her comedic chops in her hilarious turn as neurotic dancer, Carrie. Jackie Gleason steals each scene in which he appears as the hapless Sheriff Justus. Burt Reynolds turns in arguably the best performance of his career with a winning blend of comedy and roguish charm that ensures that the Bandit is nothing short of iconic.

In its ninety-six minute run time Smokey and the Bandit perfectly captures the anarchic spirit of the 1970's. The script balances stunts with slapstick to maximum effect for a viewing experience that is never less than thrilling. The performances bring what easily could have been one-note characters to hilarious, infectious life. For ninety-six minutes of good old American life, glory, and fun get behind the wheel with Smokey and the Bandit.