Classics: A Review of An Education By Lauren Ennis

After a summer of fun in the sun school is back in session For many students the start of the school year means the start of three hundred sixty five days in the classroom. Life offers another education, however, outside of the classroom, which is found in new experiences rather than books. In the 2009 hit An Education, sixteen year old Jenny finds herself torn between her formal education and the school of life when a handsome stranger upends her staid existence. By the film's conclusion, she has learned lessons both in and out of the classroom that ultimately prepare her to cross the threshold between childhood and all that lays beyond.

The story begins with Jenny (Carey Mulligan) enjoying the life of an average teen in early '60's London. She spends her days following her parents strict regimen of school, studying, and music lessons all while pursuing their dream for her to attend Oxford University. She becomes inevitably stifled by this repressed existence until life intervenes in the form of suave and worldly David. Although thirty something David (Peter Sarsgaard) is over twice her age the two begin a whirlwind romance that seems to promise all of the passion and excitement that she had been seeking. All is not as it seems, however, and she soon finds herself learning difficult lessons that call her relationship with David, her education, and her future into question.

This deceptively simple story proves itself to be one of the most unique and effective films about the value of education. Rather than resort to the familiar teacher movie trope of focusing upon a  students' inspiring time in the classroom, An Education highlights the importance of Jenny's education by showing her what her life would be like without it. At first she sees a school-free existence with her older beau to be an ideal. As time wears on, however, she realizes that the jet-set lifestyle that David and his friends enjoy is an entertaining but ultimately empty way of life. The vapid quality of Jenny's new lifestyle is perfectly personified in the character of David's friend, Helen, who relies upon the men in her life to finance her lavish spending while relegating herself to the role of a mere ornament. In this way, Helen acts as a bookend to Jenny's mother, Marjorie, who is also forced to rely upon the man in her life due to social constraints and her own lack of an education. These dual examples, combined with the inspiring influence of her self-sufficient single teacher, Miss Stubbs, show Jenny that a life without an education all too often means a life without independence. This basic truth is further highlighted when Jenny makes the painful discovery that David is a married man whose career is a series of con schemes, rather than the stable provider that he presented himself as. When their engagement ends she finds herself faced with the harsh reality that despite how 'hard and boring' she thought school was, a life without an education is infinitely more difficult. Through its poignant exploration of one teen's journey, An Education serves as an apt reminder that you're never too cool for school and a degree is the key to opening doors far beyond the classroom.

Lynne Barber's memoir is vividly brought to life by the film's talented cast. Cara Seymour aptly portrays Marjorie in a performance that captures her maternal desire to provider her daughter with a better life while hinting at the dreams she put aside along the away. Alfred Molina steals each scene in which he appears as Jenny's comically conservative father, Jack. Rosamund Pike exudes a girlish charm worthy of Marilyn Monroe as Helen. Dominic Cooper is magnetic in his grittily charming turn as David's friend and business partner, Danny. Emma Thompson personifies schoolmarm in her role as Jenny's brittle headmistress. Olivia Williams is nothing short of inspiring in her understated performance as Miss Stubbs. Peter Sarsgaard lends a dynamic and layered turn as the mysterious David, exuding con man charm even as he reveals David's darker side. Even in the midst of the film's stellar performances the film belongs to Cary Mulligan as Jenny as she strikes the ideal balance between maturity and naivete.

For its unusual approach to the school drama An Education earns a definite 'A'. Through its nuanced script the film relates a compelling tale of one girls' lessons in life and love while highlighting universal truths about the necessity and value of an education. The talented cast brings the story to vibrant life in a way that ensures that viewers remain invested and guessing until its final frame. Start this school year right; hit the books with Jenny in An Education.

Classics: A Review of Pretty in Pink By Lauren Ennis

'Do you want to go to the prom?' is a deceptively simple question that has been a source of anxiety, anticipation, hope, and heartbreak for generations of adolescents. Unsurprisingly, this same question lies at the heart of many a teen film. Few films, however, capture the full drama of prom season and adolescence at large with the depth and authenticity of 1986's Pretty in Pink. A retro hit that continues to resonate today, Pretty in Pink is a must see for anyone who ever felt like an outsider, and everyone who remembers their high school prom.

Who says redheads can't wear pink?!

This suburban Cinderella story begins with artsy outsider Andie (Molly Ringwald) determined that she will not attend her senior prom. When she begins an unlikely romance with her graduating class' answer to Prince Charming, Blane (Andrew McCarthy), however, she begins to rethink her stance on this 'stupid school tradition'. Complications ensue, however, when insecurities, miscommunications, and classroom cliques collide to threaten the couple's budding romance just as it begins.

Pretty in Pink was released in an era when teen film topped the box office, but unlike its awesomely '80's counterparts remains relevant and resonant today. The film has aged surprisingly well by avoiding genre cliches that have left other films of its era badly dated. Most significantly, the film seems to begin with an all-too familiar love triangle between underdog Andie, popular Blane, and Andie's geeky best friend, Duckie, but then subverts this cliche set-up by infusing the characters with complexity and offering fresh plot twists. Rather than simply waiting to see which beau Andie will choose, audiences are treated to three individual character arcs that see all three leads learning and growing over the course of prom season. As a result, what easily could have been a by the numbers teen romance is elevated to a poignant coming of age story. The film earns particular note for the way in which it presents each of its three leads as three-dimensional people with weaknesses as well as strengths. For example, while Andie's confidence, maturity, and creativity make her an excellent role model her vulnerability and bitterness towards the school's entitled elites make her both relateable and realistic. Similarly, although Blane possesses the requisite looks, charm, and wealth expected of a the 'in-crowd', he is revealed to be just as insecure as overcompensating Duckie. Blane's struggle to overcome his weaknesses and stand up to the toxic peer pressure surrounding him proves to be one of the film's most satisfying elements which lends emotional weight to the central love triangle and ultimately results in a more satisfying ending. Duckie undergoes an equally engaging transformation as he struggles to come to terms with Andie's rejection of his affections. At the film's start, his adoration of her is innocent and endearing. As the story progresses, however, he attempts to act on his feelings in all of the wrong ways including pettily insulting and attempting to manipulate her when she dares to date someone else. When he finally opts for an 'all or nothing' mentality and ends their friendship the film takes a surprising turn as it becomes apparent that the geek won't get the girl unless he does some serious growing up. Duckie's journey, while bittersweet, proves to be a scene stealer as he learns to put Andie's happiness before his own and finally sees the value of the friendship that never seemed to be enough. While the film concludes with an overall happy ending, the growth that each character undergoes ensures that it is a satisfying and earned resolution rather than an instance of idealized wish fulfillment. Pretty in Pink has earned its place sitting pretty as a modern classic not because it is a story of who gets the girl, but because it is a tale of discovering who we are and who we want to be, earning it a place

The film expertly captures the angst, awkwardness, and drama of the high school experience thanks to the work of its talented cast. James Spader oozes entitles smarm as Blane's scheming friend, Steff. Jon Cryer puts a fresh twist on the '80's nerd cliche by portraying Andie's friend Duckie with a mix of endearing earnestness and a desperation that hints at something darker. Annie Potts is a comedic delight as Andie's eccentric employer, Iona. Harry Dean Stanton lends humanity to his performance as Andie's beleaguered father and aptly portrays his struggle to cope with his divorce from Andie's mother. Andrew McCarthy personifies boyish charm while still lending intelligence and depth to conflicted golden boy Blane. Molly Ringwald is at her peak in her multifaceted turn as Andie, in which she exudes a maturity and nuance that surpasses her more famous performances in The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles. 

Through its nuanced script and mature performances Pretty in Pink takes the 'brat' out of the 'brat pack'. The film captures the chaos that is adolescence in all of its awkwardness, exhilaration, hope, and heartbreak with aching realism. The film's combination of romantic drama, slapstick comedy, and coming of age story ensure that it is far more than mere kids' stuff. For more than just another teen movie turn on the VHS player and tune into Pretty in Pink.

Classics: A Review of The Help By Lauren Ennis

It is often said that the pen is mightier than the sword. In the 2011 hit drama The Help, a group of Mississippi women learn just how powerful the pen can be when they take up their pens in the fight for civil rights. At once an indictment of the prejudices that tear us apart and a celebration of the bonds that unite us, The Help lends viewers an apt view into American history while relaying vital lessons that continue to resonate today. With its empowering script, inspiring characters, and engaging performances, it is little wonder that this film has become a crowd pleasing audience favorite.

The story begins in 1960's Jackson, Mississippi in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. Recent college graduate Eugenia 'Skeeter' Phelan (Emma Stone) experiences culture shock upon returning home as she struggles to reconcile the modern ideas regarding racial and gender equality that she learned in school with the oppression that continues to dominate much of the American south. She eventually finds work writing a housekeeping column for a local paper, but longs to write something meaningful. In order to lend authenticity to her column she enlists the aid of local housekeeper, Aibileen (Viola Davis), and as the two get to know one another Skeeter realizes that the 'big story' she's been looking for has been right in front of her all along. She then sets out on an assignment of a very different sort; compiling a collection of the personal stories of the unique women whom those around her dismiss as 'the help'. Through this project, each of the women ultimately finds their voice as they use the power of storytelling to speak out against the injustice surrounding them.

While The Help is firmly set in 1960's Mississippi, its messages concerning the power of self-expression and community transcend both time and place. Throughout the film, characters from all walks of life struggle to find their own voice in a culture dominated by discrimination and conformity. Most obviously, the city's African American population are prohibited from exercising even their most basic of civil rights and are marginalized as second-class citizens. This discrimination is aptly shown in the depiction of long suffering Aibileen who poignantly states that "no one ever asked what it's like to be me". The film also highlights the consequences faced by those who spoke out against segregation in its depiction of Minnie, who is fired and blacklisted after defying her racist employer. Minnie's story also emphasizes the gender inequality that dominated the era as she struggles to escape her abusive marriage. Even such seemingly privileged characters as Skeeter and wealthy housewife Celia struggle against class and social barriers that leave them ostracized by their own community. While many films have depicted injustices past and present The Help stands out for its emphasis upon the ways in which its characters find and embrace their respective voices in order to rise above the various prejudices surrounding them. By focusing upon the characters' triumphs over bigotry and hatred the film presents a message of help and aptly reminds viewers that every effort, no matter how seemingly small, does make a difference. the film's depiction of its diverse heroines serves as an equally poignant reminder of the bonds that bring people together and the power that even the most seemingly powerless hold when they unite in a common cause. Even in the midst of portraying historical events The Help offers powerful messages that remain every bit as relevant, resonant, and helpful today as they would have been during the Civil Rights Movement.

The film transports viewers into the heart of the Civil Rights movement era south thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Bryce Dallas Howard is wonderfully wicked as local mean girl turned society maven Hilly. Jessica Chastain conveys an infectious charm and aching vulnerability worth of Marilyn Monroe as wrongfully maligned town bombshell Celia. Viola Davis personified dignity and resilience in her portrayal of persevering Aibileen. Octavia Spencer is at once inspiring and uproarious as Aibileen's best friend, straight-talking Minnie. Emma Stone makes for a heroine that viewers can relate to as well as root for as she portrays Skeeter's journey of self-discovery with depth, intelligence, and sincere emotion.

At the film's conclusion Aibileen notes, "God says that we have to love our enemies. It's hard, but we can start by telling the truth'. At its heart, The Help is a story about the truth; both facing it and sharing it with others. Through its intelligent script and engaging performances the film reminds viewers of some of the most difficult truths in our nation's past while also sharing how those truths continue to apply to us today. For a film that will have you laughing, crying, and maybe even reaching for your own pen, ring for The Help.