Classics: Three Modern Movies to Cure Your Classic Film Craving By Lauren Ennis

Over the course of the last century cinema has become one of the surest signs of the times through its ability to act as a visual chronicle of changes in fashion, technology, and social norms. Films have related stories that explore a myriad of social and political issues as well as all of the conflicts and emotions of the human experience. In spite of the ways in which cinema brings people together, film fans remain divided as many movie buffs maintain a firm focus upon modern releases while others cling to the classics. Fortunately for film fans everywhere, a number of recent releases have combined the magic of movies past and present to create a uniquely universal viewing experiences that truly have something for everyone.

Move over Fred and Ginger

La La Land: After experiencing a decline in popularity during the 1960's, movie musicals were back on the cinematic map starting in the early 2000's. While the majority of these modern musical films subverted and added twists to the genre, 2016's La La Land used classic musical conventions to tell a thoroughly modern tale. the story follows an aspiring actress and struggling jazz musician (Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling) as they follow the road to both romance and stardom in modern L.A. Even as the couple navigate the pitfalls of life and love in contemporary Tinseltown, they still sing and dance their way into audiences' hearts in a style befitting Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Whether they are sharing a fantasy dance sequence worthy of Gene Kelly or singing jazzy tunes that would be at home in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, the film's leading couple exude classic cool. The film even includes references to a diverse array of classic films ranging from Funny Face to Jules and Jim. Wile the film pays apt tribute to cinema history, La La Land remains firmly planted in the fast paced and fickle world of modern showbiz. In this way, the film tells a universal tale of the struggle to find love and success that will resonate with audiences of any generation. For a timeless story tat is guaranteed to get your toes tapping pay a visit to La La Land.

Sometimes words just get in the way

The Artist: Cinema's silent era reached its end with the rise of talking pictures in the late 1920's...or did it? In 2012 moviegoers partied like it was 1929 with the release of the surprise critical and commercial hit The Artist. Filmed in glorious black and white with just one line of dialogue, The Artist that a picture is worth a thousand words even in the new millennium. The film chronicles the parallel careers of a fading silent star (Jean Dujardin) and the budding 'talkie' starlet who loves him (Berenice Bejo). The film poignantly explores the struggles of silent stars at the dawn of the sound era with an eye towards the fleeting nature of fame in an industry that is always on the lookout for the next big thing. The vintage cinematography combined with eye-catching costumes and sets transports viewers to the razzle dazzle of the roaring twenties. Simultaneously the intelligent script and nuanced performance ensure that the film has just enough of a modern feel to engage today's viewers. At once a contemporary commentary on aging and celebrity and a celebration of classic cinema The Artist is a silent film with a lot to say.

Round up the usual suspects!

The Good German: Film noir is a genre that while difficult to define is easy to recognize and tempting to imitate. Decades after the genre's heyday in the 1940's and 1950's, studios around the glob have continued to release films that showcase a dark sensibility and grim charm that is directly reminiscent of classic noir. The 2006 film The Good German takes its homage to noir a step further and relates its gritty post-war tale of greed, corruption, and betrayal using authentic post-war production values. The film follows a Humphrey Bogart-esque American war correspondent (George Clooney) as he searches for a former flame (Cate Blanchett) amidst the wreckage of post-war Berlin. The closer that he comes to reuniting with his lost love, however, the further that he is drawn into a convoluted web of state secrets, war crimes, and murder. The film accurately portrays the desperation of a haunted post-war Europe with an added grit that would have been strictly verboten under the restrictions of noir era censors. As a result, the film is able to explore such issues as sexual exploitation, post-war poverty, and the horrors of Nazi Germany with a frankness that films like Casablanca and The Third Man could only hint at. In this way, the film captures both the dark spirit of noir and the bleak reality that fueled it. For a Valentine to vintage noir guaranteed to thrill modern audiences, make a date with The Good German.

Classics: A Review of Camille By Lauren Ennis

What is love worth? Is its value so great that it can compensate for the loss of one's social standing, family, friends, and even one's physical well-being? Or is it just one more thing to be measured in dollars and cents? These are the questions that lie at the heart of the 1937 romantic drama Camille. Adapted from the play of the same name, which was in turn adapted from the novel La Dame Aux Camelias, the film chronicles the doomed romance between a consumptive courtesan and her naive young suitor. After numerous retellings this film remains the best remembered and one of the best renditions of the timeless tale of love, loss, and redemption.

Positively swoon worthy

The story begins in 1800's Paris as the always generous and ever in debt courtesan Marguerite Gautier (Greta Garbo)searches for a new patron. While at the opera a fellow courtesan arranges for Marguerite to meet Baron de Varville (Henry Daniell), whose fortune could easily finance her mounting debts and medical bills. Fate intervenes, however, when she mistakes handsome young Armand Duvall for the Baron. Although the two are immediately drawn to one another, she refuses Armand's attentions and begins an affair with the more financially stable Baron. The pair are eventually reunited, however, and Marguerite realizes that the Baron's wealth cannot fill the void in her life. She then retreats the the country with Armand for an idyllic summer during which happiness finally appears within her reach. The couple are not able to hold reality at bay forever, however, and soon find themselves haunted by the same social pressures and threat of illness that they had fled in Paris. Events are then set in motion that determine the fates of both Marguerite and Armand.

The film sets itself apart from many other romantic dramas through its realistic portrayal of romance. while many romances present flawless couples overcoming overwhelming odds, Camille idealizes neither its protagonists nor the circumstances surrounding their relationship. From the outset, Marguerite and Armand are faced with such hazards as jealousy, financial difficulties, to insecurity, and physical illness; all of which are problems which couples continue to face today. both are also shown to be grappling with their own flaws as Marguerite struggles to overcome her bitter cynicism while Armand tries to conquer his jealousy. As a result, the pair, while likeable, are also all too relateable. The film also makes no attempt to glamorize Marguerite's profession, instead focusing upon the emotional, social, and physical toll that life as a courtesan has taken upon her. The story even extends its realism a step further by showing the ways in which her past threaten not only her own hopes for the future but Armand's as well.  As a result, the film presents a balanced view of its romance which, while idealistic and passionate, remains firmly grounded in a less than ideal reality. It is this same realism that elevates Camille beyond the confines of a standard period romance to the universal tale of self-sacrifice, and redemption that continues to resonate today.

The by turns glittering and gritty world of nineteenth century Paris is vividly brought to life by the exemplary work of the cast. Lenore Ulric perfectly captures the spitefulness of Marguerite's chief rival, viperish courtesan Olympe. Laura Hope Crews, in a stark departure from her more famous role as prudish Aunt Pittypatt in Gone With the Wind, is hilariously vulgar in her performance as aging courtesan Prudence. Jessie Ralph and Rex O'Malley are endearing in their roles as Marguerite's dedicated maid, Nanine, and Armand's playboy best friend, Gaston. Lionel Barrymore and Henry Daniell turn in complex performances as the calculating Baron and Armand's disapproving father. Contemporary reviews called Greta Garbo the greatest Camille since Sarah Bernhardt and it is easy to see why. Garbo brings the Marguerite of the original novel to the screen with all of her contradictions fully intact. Throughout her layered performance she shifts from Marguerite's carefree and mercenary persona to her damaged but still idealistic true self without striking a false note. Similarly, Robert Taylor turns in a performance that equals his leading lady's as he conveys Armand's naivete and devotion without allowing himself to be reduced to a secondary love interest or plot device. Together, the two light up the screen with a dazzling chemistry and raw emotion that places them among the most memorable pairings in cinematic history.

Greta Garbo's first talking picture, Anna Christie, was released with the tagline "Garbo Talks!"; Camille could have been billed with the tagline "Garbo Transcends". Through the performances of Garbo, Taylor, and the rest of the stellar cast and an intelligent script Camille puts the classic in classic Hollywood. Join Greta Garbo and Robert Taylor for an affair to remember in Camille.

Classics: A Review of Vice Principals By Lauren Ennis

The backpacks are out and the buses are in gear; it must be that back to school time of year. To commemorate this bane to teachers and students everywhere I'll be turning the spotlight not on teachers or students but school administrations. To honor those unsung hallway heroes I'll be reviewing the hit HBO comedy series Vice Principals. Easily one of the most outrageously funny things on television the series sends up all things high school with enough shenanigans of its own to ensure that it more than makes the grade.

Setting an example

The story begins with vice principals and polar opposites Neal Gamby (Danny McBride) and Lee Russell (Walton Goggins) vying for the position of principal following the retirement of their boss. Misanthropic Gamby assumes that his years of experience will guarantee him the position while charismatic Russell relies upon his con-man's charm to lead him to victory. Both are shocked, however, when they learn that neither of them will become principal, and the school board instead hired district outsider Doctor Belinda Brown (Kimberly Hebert Gregory). Confronted with an adversary that neither can conquer alone Gamby and Russell form an unholy alliance that marks the beginning of a hilarious if not exactly beautiful friendship.

After decades of draining high school dramas, Vice Principals' darkly comedic approach earns the series an 'A' for originality. Through the over the top hijinks of Gamby, Russell, and company the series aptly captures the modern public school system at its most absurd. From the inefficiencies of PBIS, to easily outmaneuvered standardized tests, to school spirit run amok, nothing in the school system is safe from the script's scathing wit. even in the midst of its wonderfully warped plot the series greatest strength lies within its characters which allow the script to subvert such tired stock types as the overzealous dean, the charismatic 'cool' teacher, and out of touch Vice Principal and transform them into the stuff of comedy gold. With an anarchic spirit that gleefully tramples over every rule of political correctness the series breathes new life into dusty classroom cliches and sets a new standard for school comedy.

Through two seasons the series delivers countless laughs thanks to the expert work of its cast. Susan Park earns sympathy in her role as Russell's put upon wife, Christine, while Busy Philipps is appropriately snarky as Gamby's ex-wife. Maya G Love and Shea Wigham are endearing in their portrayals of Gamby's awkward teen daughter and his ex-wife's too good to be true new husband. Georgia King personifies the girl next door as idealistic English teacher Amanda Snodgrass. June Kyoto Lu is a force of nature as Russell's viscous mother-in-law, Mi-Cha. Edi Patterson is pure dynamite as unstable math teacher, Miss Abbott. Kimberly Hebert Gregory portrays Doctor Brown with a charisma and comedic timing that ensure she is every bit Gamby and Russell's match. Even in the midst of stellar supporting performances, the series belongs to Danny McBride and Walton Goggins as Gamby and Russell. McBride is riotous in his turn as socially inept curmudgeon Gamby and the perfect foil to Goggins' hilarious performance as charming sociopath Russell. Together, the two form a pairing to rival the greatest of comedy duos.

Part buddy comedy and part school satire, Vice Principals is one hundred percent wickedly witty. Through its uproarious script and expertly comedic performances the series is guaranteed to have students and teachers laughing their way into a new school year. For a lesson in comedy join Gamby and Russell in Vice Principals.