Classics: A Review of the Secret Garden By Lauren Ennis

"If you look at it the right way, all the world is a garden" says young Mary Lennox. In Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1911 novel The Secret Garden two damaged children learn that with love, nurturing, and the light of a better tomorrow any life can thrive. This garden has been a source of healing and inspiration for generations and one viewing of the 1993 adaptation will leave you without any doubt as to why. Part coming of age story and part childhood fable The Secret Garden is guaranteed to have viewers returning again and again to the solace, friendship, and hope that await just beyond its walls.

Rainy days and Mondays won't get these two down

The story begins in British India circa 1911 as ten year old Mary Lennox grows up surrounded by every luxury that money can buy. Despite her privileged lifestyle, what she wants most, the love and attention of her distant parents, remains beyond her reach. Tragedy strikes when a massive earthquake occurs and she emerges from the rubble to find herself both homeless and orphaned. She is then sent to England to live with her widower uncle, Lord Craven. Her elusive uncle almost immediately abandons her, leaving her in the care of his servants as he travels the country to escape all reminders of his late wife. Servants Martha and Mrs. Medlock instill much needed independence and self-sufficiency in spoiled Mary, but she finds herself just as lacking in love and attention as she had been in India. One day, she chances upon a locked and abandoned garden that had belonged to her aunt. Although the groundskeeper warns her that the garden has fallen into decay, she identifies with the abandoned land that seems as unwanted and neglected as she feels. She eventually forms unlikely friendships with Martha's younger brother, Dickon and her invalid cousin, Collin, and together the trio set to work restoring the garden. As the garden begins to blossom the children begin to flourish along with it.

Since its publication in 1911 The Secret Garden has become synonymous with classic family entertainment. Even in the midst of numerous successful adaptations, however, Agnieszka Holland's 1993 film remains one of the most powerful tellings of the familiar tale. This is largely due to the film's refusal to shy away from the fact that at its heart this is a tale of grief and coping. Each of the film's central characters has been touched by death and the story's central conflict lies within their separate struggles to find a way to cope with their respective losses. The film follows the characters as they navigate through their individual grieving processes and even uses them as apt symbols for the stages of grief. As a result, this deceptively simple tale of children restoring a garden serves as an astute guide for reviving our own lives in the face of loss. Through its honest portrayal of the characters' grief the film shows its young viewers that grief is a normal and natural process which they have no need to hide or be ashamed of. For children coping with loss the film also serves as a welcome reminder that they are not alone and that with patience and nurturing even the most broken of hearts can heal. While the film may be aimed at young audiences its universal lessons in life and loss carry greater resonance with time as we experience our own inevitable losses. Through its intelligent script and mature performances the relates its time honored tale with a poignancy and depth that are every bit as surprising and inspiring as any of its titular garden's secrets.

Mary is quite contrary

The film brings all of the magic of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel to vibrant life thanks to the work of its talented cast. Maggie Smith is a t ehr sharp witted best as Lord Craven's no-nonsense housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock. Laura Crossley and Andrew Knott are delightful in their sprightly turns as Mary's maid, Martha, and her nature loving brother, Dickon. John Lynch's turn as the anguished Lord Craven is nothing short of haunting. Heydon Prowse nearly steals each scene in which he appears as tormented Collin. Kate Maberly displays a depth, subtlety, and raw emotion that surpasses even most adult actresses as she portrays Mary's healing journey.

For over a century The Secret Garden has inspired generations of children and families. Through its by turns haunting and heartening rendition the 1993 adaptation breathes refreshingly new life into the familiar story while remaining true to its source material. Through its equally mature script and performances the film ensures that Mary, Colin, Dickon, and their garden will continue to inspire viewers both young and young at heart for generations. Join Mary on an unforgettable journey into The Secret Garden.

Classics: A Review of Bridesmaids By Lauren Ennis

The moment that a friend asks you to be part of her bridal party is an honor. In this moment she is asking you to represent some of the best moments from her past while celebrating her future. This same moment is also one of horror as you brace yourself to boldly go where many women have gone before. In the uproarious 2011 comedy Bridesmaids one woman finds herself driven to the brink of sanity and back again all in preparation for her best friend's wedding. When Lillian asks Annie to be her maid of honor Annie happily accepts, blissfully unaware of just what she has signed herself up for. And so begins the epic journey of outrageous dresses, depleted bank accounts, and broken hearts that is the bridal party experience.

The story begins with Annie struggling to rebuild her life after losing her business and boyfriend all in one fell blow. Despite her setbacks, she does her best to carry on even as her dead end job and rent-skipping roommates threaten to hold her back. Her fragile existence is quickly upended, however, when her best friend, Lillian, announces her engagement and asks Annie to be her maid of honor. As if the ordinary stress of a planning a shower and bachelorette party weren't enough, she soon finds herself in direct competition with Lillian's seemingly perfect new friend, Helen.Even as she struggles to lead the perfect bridal party, Annie's best efforts are thwarted as Helen undermines her at every turn and transforms her modest but heartfelt plans into a catalog worthy monstrosity. It's up to Annie to reclaim her career, her love life, her best friend, and the coveted title of maid of honor before the big day. Along the way, Lillian, Helen, and Annie each learn valuable lessons in the true meaning of both success and friendship and discover that the 'perfect wedding' just might be overrated.

Upon its release, Bridesmaids was an instant hit and its little wonder why. The film manages to combine the most hilarious elements of slapstick comedy with time honored chick flick tropes to create a sharp witted, warm hearted, and side splitting comedy. Wedding films have long been a cinema staple, but rarely has a film so aptly or comically captured the mayhem that makes the big day possible. Annie could easily be dismissed as the 'maid of honor from Hell' as she leads the bridal party from one misadventure to the next, but thanks to the sympathetic script and Kristen Wiig's endearing performance, she is so much more. In Wiig's hands, she is the maid of honor that every woman is afraid of being, but all too often is as she struggles beneath the overwhelming pressure of her duties. Similarly, Rose Byrne's ice queen take on Helen captures the dark side of planning a 'perfect' wedding as she sabotages Annie's every idea, all in the name of perfection. The battle between the two highlights the impossibility of keeping up with increasingly outrageous wedding trends in the age of bridezilla. The duo's slapstick sparring also sheds light upon the ways in which today's competitive culture can lead even the most secure among us feeling unmoored.

Even at its most outrageous, however, Bridesmaids remains a tale of friendship. Annie struggles to come to terms with Lillian's impending marriage, not out out of jealousy, but our of fear that Lillian's new life may no longer have room for her in it. It is this fear that drives her from one misadventure to another as she misguidedly attempts to prove herself worthy of being Lillian's best friend and maid of honor. Through its portrayal of Annie's attempts to remain a relevant force in Lillian's changing life the film aptly portrays the ways in which time and all of the changes that it brings can threaten even the closest of friendships. By the film's conclusion you'll laugh, ugly cry, and even sing right along with Annie, Lillian, and Helen as they make the picture perfect comedy in Bridesmaids.

The film's funny script becomes the stuff of comedic gold in the hands of its talented cast. Ellie Kemper is endearingly naive without resorting to cutesiness as newlywed Becca. Wendi McLendon-Covey is the definition of desperate housewife in her caustically comic turn as frustrated Rita. Melissa McCarthy is boisterously bawdy in her riotous role as Lillian's unfiltered soon to be sister-in-law, Megan. Conniving has never looked so charming as in Rose Byrne's performance as controlling Helen. Chris O'Dowd conveys boyish charm as Annie's love interest, Officer Rhodes. Maya Rudolph brings a grounded realism to her relateable turn as bride to be Lillian. Even in the midst of stellar supporting performances, however, Kristen Wiig dominates her every scene with a physicality worthy of Lucille Ball and a dose of self-deprecation in the style of Carol Burnett.

At the time of its release Bridesmaids was marketed as 'a gross out comedy for girls', but the film is so much more. Even in the midst of its most broad humor the film offers sharp insight into female friendships, the ways in which society pits women against each other, and the toxic effects of society's obsession with 'the perfect wedding'. Through its spot-on script and expert comedic cast the film effectively sends up modern wedding mania with hilarious results. For a guaranteed laugh, get your girls together and raise a glass along with Annie, Lillian, and Helen in Bridesmaids.

What I Did For Love: A Valentine's Review By Lauren Ennis

Since the advent of cinema no topic has been explored as often or in as many ways as love. few things can inspire, fulfill, torment, and transform us as profoundly as love. On screen it is a force so consuming, so passionate, and so powerful that it can conquer all; in short, it is the stuff of movie magic. What is too often left off screen, however, is the sacrifice and selflessness are needed to keep the magic in any relationship alive. This week, I'll be turning the spotlight on three films that explore what happens after happily ever after and pay homage to love at its most trying and triumphant. This Valentine's Day curl up with your best chocolates, a box of tissues, and fall in love with some of cinema's most poignant love stories.

Yea...about that...

The Danish Girl: Gerda Wegener had it all, a chic bohemian lifestyle, a successful career as an artist, and a loving marriage to the man of her dreams. All of that changed, however, when the man of her dreams decided to become a woman. Based upon the biography of transgender pioneer Einer Wegener/Lili Elbe The Danish Girl explores the ways in which one woman's love survived the ultimate test. When one of her models cancels a sitting at the last minute Gerda is relieved to have her husband dress up and pose in the model's place. When the resulting painting becomes a surprise hit, she's thrilled to suddenly have an in demand model at her disposal free of charge. She even goes so far as to use this unusual development to promote her work by having Einer appear at her exhibition dressed as her mysterious model 'Lili' for a publicity stunt. As Lili is called upon to make increasing appearances, however, the line between male and female is blurred as Einer finds himself identifying as his female alter-ego. When Einer reveals his gender identity crisis Gerda is understandably devastated, but refuses to give up on a marriage that most women even today would have considered to be over. Instead, she defies all expectations and remains firmly at her husband's side. When medical experts deem him mentally disturbed she dismisses their diagnoses and continues to advocate for him. As their financial resources dwindle she tirelessly works to secure the funds needed for his treatment. She even resists temptation and remains a faithful wife after the physical aspect of her marriage ends. In short, Gerda repeatedly proves herself to be Einer's greatest confidante, ally, and champion. All of this she does for the sake of a love which, although profoundly changed, remains as strong as ever. Throughout the film, she continually puts her husband's needs above her own as she helps him to pursue a new life, all the while aware that this new life may be one without her. Many films remind us of the importance of putting our own happiness aside for those we love, but rarely has a film shown how agonizingly difficult it can be to do so. This timely and topical story garnered viewers and critics' notice with its unusual premise, but earned their admiration through its poignant portrayal of two truly remarkable women.

I can't decide if that sounds romantic or just exhausting

The Notebook: Can love survive once its been forgotten? That is the question that lies at the heart of this 2004 crowd-pleaser. The deceptively simple tale follows an elderly man as he visits a nursing home patient and reads her the story of two star-crossed lovers in 1940's South Carolina. The man's tale of love lost and found features all of the expected obstacles (family interference, war, and temptation), which are ultimately overcome in a fairy tale worthy conclusion. Despite the young couple's seemingly happy ending, however, it becomes obvious that happily ever isn't the whole story. Early on, the film reveals that the young man in the story, Noah is the elderly man reading the story and that the woman in the story, Ally, is the woman to whom he reads each day. Although their young love was able to withstand every obstacle in its path neither Ally nor Noah can do anything to slow or cure the Alzheimer's Disease from which she is suffering. As a result, Noah,is forced to helplessly watch as the love of his life forgets the life that they built together. Despite the impossibility of its success he carries out a quixotic mission by moving into the nursing home with her and reading the story of their romance to her every day in hopes that she'll become lucid enough to recognize him, even if only for a moment. When their children visit and beg him to return home he dismisses their pleas without hesitation saying, "That's my sweetheart in there. Wherever she is, that's where my home is". For Noah, there is no point in returning to his home or resuming his former life because without Ally both are empty. At first glance the tale of a man watching his wife succumb to Alzheimer's Disease is a depressing reality that is far from the stuff of movie magic. Upon closer observation, however, this story actually personifies what love is all about. Ally and Noah's youthful passion captures all of the exhilaration of young love at its most romantic. Similarly, Noah's quiet devotion, invokes the less glamorous, but ultimately deeper, love that comes from years of shared struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs. These combined narratives weave a compelling emotional tapestry that sets apart what easily could have been just another tale of summer love. For a true love story for the ages take a page from The Notebook.

You're never too old for a new adventure

Up: An animated children's film is probably the last thing that most audiences think of when they hear the word 'romantic'. Yet, within its opening minutes this Pixar hit brings to the screen one of the most achingly poignant love stories ever put to celluloid. The film begins with shy young Carl meeting the tomboy next door, Ellie. While the two could not be more different they form a fast friendship, which blossoms into something more when they grow up. The film then treats viewers to the highlights of the couple's life together with a masterful montage that shows them facing marriage's many triumphs and struggles together. Throughout this series of scenes the film shows the couple planning for their future family and their 'bucket list' trip to the lost land of Paradise Falls. Unfortunately, by the montage's conclusion it is revealed that they were unable to have children and that by the time they were finally able to save for the trip of their dreams Ellie had become ill. When the story begins in the present day she has succumbed to her illness, leaving Carl to pick up the shattered pieces of the life that they had built together. Although Ellie is afforded precious little screen time her presence is felt throughout the film. At the story's start, Carl is hardened by grief and has given up on both the outside world and everyone in it. While his neighborhood is steadily torn down and replaced by new flashy skyscrapers he insists on remaining in his home and keeping everything it exactly the same as when Ellie was alive. After he accidentally injures a construction worker he is deemed a 'public menace' and ordered to move to a retirement home. Rather than relinquish what was his late wife's 'dream house' Carl opts to pursue her childhood fantasy of living on a house at the edge of Paradise Falls. He then uses thousands of balloons (he used to be a balloon salesman) to make the house into an improvised airship, sets off into the sky, and sets his course for Paradise Falls. Along the way, he makes a host of new friends, faces a surprising foe, and finally begins to feel alive again. Even as he starts to move forward with his life, Ellie's memory remains with him provides him with a guiding light as he comes to term with his grief. When all seems lost and he contemplates giving up it is her indomitable example along with her final message urging him to go and have a new adventure that gives him the strength to carry on. Carl and Ellie's story shows that love need not be only till death do us part, because we are never truly parted from those we love as long as we keep their memory within our hearts. Carl's continued devotion to Ellie's memory serves as an apt reminder of the ways that love can continue to influence and transform our lives, even after death. For a love story that is guaranteed to have you looking up, join Carl and Ellie for the adventure of a lifetime in Up.