Classics: A Review of The Haunting of Bly Manor By Lauren Ennis

When couples marry they agree to be united 'til death do us part'; a romantic notion that takes an ominous turn in The Haunting of Bly Manor. This gothic romance explores the lengths at which we will go to be with those we love, even when that means staring into the ghostly face of death itself. Adapted from the works of Henry James, this series weaves a tapestry of interlocking tales of love, loss, regret, and redemption that is guaranteed to make your spine tingle and your heart ache. Blending real life fears with supernatural frights  The Haunting of Bly Manor crafts an intricate puzzle that is certain to haunt audiences long after its final episode is viewed.

There's no place like home...

The story begins in 1987 London as American teacher Dani Clayton accepts a job working as a nanny to two young children at a sprawling country estate. In spite of the staff's warm welcome, Dani immediately senses that all is not as it appears at Bly Manor. While the children, Miles and Flora, are every bit as clever and talented as their uncle described they are also in the throes of grief after the recent loss of both their parents and their former nanny. Although the staff dismisses the siblings' unsettling behaviors as harmless coping mechanisms, Dani quickly begins to suspect that something more sinister is at play. Centuries of tragedy and trauma collide forcing each of the estate's residents to confront the darkness lurking within both the walls of Bly Manor and the confines of their own souls. 

Critics and fans alike have lamented that The Haunting of Bly Manor is not as scary as its 2018 predecessor, The Haunting of Hill House, but in my estimation, it is in many ways even scarier. While the halls of Bly Manor may not contain the obvious thrills and jump scares that seemed to wait around every corner of Hill House they do reveal something altogether more terrifying. Whereas The Haunting of Hill House used a host of gruesome ghouls as apt metaphors for childhood trauma, The Haunting of Bly Manor explores the all too real psychological horrors that we inflict upon ourselves and those we love. The series then adds another layer of terror to its proceedings by highlighting the ways in which that same pain and suffering can live on even after we die. Even as it captures the foreboding spirit of classic gothic literature The Haunting of Bly Manor pushes beyond genre limitations to explore existential questions surrounding memory, mortality, and isolation that will leave even the most self-assured of viewers pondering the ghosts in their own lives  As the series' central mystery unfolds each of its clues proves more unnerving than the last as it gradually builds to a conclusion that is nothing short of devastating. For a ghost story which is sure to haunt you long after its final credits roll be sure to pay a visit to Bly Manor.

The haunted happenings at Bly Manor come to eerie life thanks to the expert work of the series' cast. The Haunting of Hill House alums Victoria Pedretti and Oliver Jackson-Cohen return in roles that could not be more different than their turns as tortured twins Nell and Luke. Pedretti infuses her performance as Dani with warmth and strength in equal measure. Jackson-Cohen conveys con-man charm and an underlying menace in his magnetic turn as valet Peter Quint. Henry Thomas also returns and outshines his performance in The Haunting of Hill House in his tormented portrayal of the children's uncle, Henry Wingrave. Tahira Sharif is nothing short of hypnotizing as the children's first nanny, Rebecca Jessel and portrays Rebecca's downward spiral with heartbreaking realism. T'Nia Miller steals each scene in which she appears as the manor's loving but haunted housekeeper, Hannah Grosse. Rahul Kohli is endlessly endearing as the manor's good natured chef, Owen Sharma. Amelia Eve infuses gruff gardener Jaime with a wit and charm that is nothing short of infectious. Amelie Bea Smith and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth both turn in star-making performances that belie their years as Flora and Miles.

Throughout the series the characters describe Bly Manor as 'a great, good, place', a description that applies equally well to the series that bears its name. Through its maze of plot twists and emotional turns of the screw the series weaves a spell which will keep viewers captivated long after they leave the grounds of Bly behind. Thanks to the expert work of its cast the series pays a heartbreaking homage to classic horror while still offering plenty of fresh chills. For viewing to die for, treat yourself to a perfectly splendid stay in The Haunting of Bly Manor.

What, me creepy?!

Classics: A Review of Frankenweenie By Lauren Ennis

 

Few directors' work is as unique or instantly recognizable as that of Tim Burton. Over the course of his lengthy career his name has become synonymous with his innate ability to fuse a gothic sensibility with an infectious sense of child-like wonder. His 2012 film Frankenweenie uses the director's signature offbeat charm to relay a unique story of love, loss, and hope that is guaranteed to soften even the hardest of hearts. This Halloween curl up with your favorite furry friend and enjoy viewing that is every bit as sweet and spooky as a night of trick-or-treating with Frankenweenie.

It's alive!!

The story begins with young Victor showing his parents his latest labor of love; a home made monster movie starring his dog, Sparky. While introverted Victor is all too happy to devote his time to Sparky and his hobbies, his parents become concerned that he needs to spend more time with his classmates. In an effort to help him make friends, Victor's parents encourage him to play baseball with the neighborhood kids. Tragedy strikes, however, when Victor hits a home run only for Sparky to chase the ball into the street and in front of an oncoming car. Sparky is killed instantly, and devastated Victor spirals into a deep depression. Fate intervenes, however, when Victor's science teacher gives a lesson on electricity's ability to reanimate muscles. He then takes inspiration from his famous namesake and conducts an experiment that revives Sparky. The duo's happy reunion is threatened, however, when Victor's classmates discover Sparky's resurrection and scheme to use his discovery to conduct their own experiments at the upcoming school science fair. When his classmates' experiments go dangerously awry its up to Victor to save the day all while keeping Sparky's secret safe.

This classic tale of a boy and his dog showcases a goodhearted ghoulishness that is guaranteed to appeal to kids and adults alike. The film's off-kilter visuals place Burton's penchant for the weird and whimsical on full display while the sincere script ensures that viewers will be rooting for its oddball heroes every step of the way. The film's blend of style and substance strikes an ideal balance with enough quirky visuals and gothic references to satisfy even the most devoted of the director's fans while the universal tale of love and loss is sure to win over even the most skeptical of critics. Despite its macabre atmosphere and abundance of PG chills Frankenweenie is a film with a tender and beating heart that sets it apart from Burton's more recent, lackluster, efforts. At one point Victor's teacher says that experiments have the best results when there is love behind them; it's evident with every frame that Frankenweenie was created as a labor of love and the film is all the better for it.

Is there a vet in the house?!

The surreal story rampages off of the screen thanks to the film's dazzling animation and engaging voice performances. The black and white cinematography adds to the eerie atmosphere and the expert use of light and shadow lends a spooky quality to the shadows lurking around every corner. The character designs recall the illustrations of Burton favorite Edward Gorey and nods to such horror classics as Frankenstein, Godzilla, and Nosferatu. The voice performances bring the film's array of offbeat characters to life with humor, emotion, and depth. Standout performances include Charlie Tahan as grief stricken Victor, Winona Ryder as his morbid neighbor, Elsa, Martin Landau as his eccentric science teacher, and Catherine O'Hara in dual roles as Victor's mother and his unusual classmate known only as 'Weird Girl'.

Equal parts creepy and cuddly Frankenweenie is must see Halloween viewing. The animation is a feast for the eyes and the script is certain to break your heart only to stitch it back together again. The film combines the best elements of vintage Burton to create an original masterpiece that will appeal to the whole family. For viewing that is simply to die for join Victor and Sparky in Frankenweenie.

Now that is what I call chemistry!

Classics: Miyagi Knows Best: Three Life Lessons From The Karate Kid By Lauren Ennis

 In the summer of 1984 a kid from New Jersey met a handyman from Okinawa and movie magic was made. Much like its unassuming hero, the deceptively simple coming of age tale The Karate Kid is one of cinema's greatest underdogs. With two film sequels, one Oscar nomination, endless quotable lines and now a hit Netflix spinoff this surprise hit remains the best around thirty-six years after its initial release. While the film is best remembered for launching Ralph Macchio's status as an 80's icon and popularizing karate in the United States, it is the film's characters that ensure its continued resonance. By far the most memorable and inspiring of the film's characters is Mr. Miyagi, whose lessons proved vital not only in karate, but also in life. This week I'll be turning the spotlight on Mr. Miyagi and three of his greatest lessons.

                                

Balance is Key: Mr. Miyagi's first lesson for Daniel is "Learn balance. Balance good, karate good, everything good. Balance bad might as well pack up, go home". Given the fact that balance is the foundation of martial arts and many other sports, Mr. Miyagi's advice seems fairly straightforward. As the story progresses, however, it becomes apparent that the balance that he is referring to is not merely physical but also an emotional, spiritual, and philosophical state of being. At the film's start Daniel's entire being is thrown out of balance when he moves across the country and is forced to start a new life in California. Despite his best efforts to adjust to his new school he quickly finds himself targeted by bullies led by Cobra Kai's top karate student, Johnny. The constant harassment leads Daniel to retreat from his social life and avoid his classmates as his existence becomes reduced to a struggle to survive one day to the next. It is only when he begins training with Mr. Miyagi and reevaluating his perspective that Daniel finally begins to regain his sense of balance as he steadily gains confidence and reclaims his sense of self. By the film's conclusion Daniel has finally achieved a balanced life after making a true friend, embarking upon a healthy romantic relationship, and finding a lifelong passion. It is this achievement rather than his famous crane kick that ensures that he is already a winner even before he steps onto the tournament mat. Next time that you feel like life's throwing you off of your game take a deep breath and remember, "Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance. Everything be better"

More Mercy: The motto of the notoriously ruthless Cobra Kai dojo is "Strike hard, strike fast, no mercy". While this philosophy may ensure that Cobra Kai's students are victorious on the mat Mr. Miyagi reminds Daniel that such a victory is hollow at best. At the start of The Karate Kid II Daniel and Mr. Miyagi witness Johnny's sensei, John Kreese, viciously beating Johnny as punishment for only earning second place in the tournament. After Mr. Miyagi intervenes on Johnny's behalf Kreese attacks Mr. Miyagi only to realize that he is outmatched. Before he can deliver a lethal blow, however, Mr. Miyagi releases Kreese with a warning. When Daniel asks why Mr. Miyagi let Kreese go Mr. Miyagi replies, "For person with no forgiveness in heart living worse punishment than death". This quote accurately summarizes how Kreese's 'no mercy' philosophy has destroyed his humanity and reduced him to an existence defined by anger and bitterness. This is further highlighted in The Karate Kid III when Kreese is later revealed to have become consumed by a vengeful obsession with Daniel and Mr. Miyagi after he loses his students, business, and reputation following his attack on Johnny.

The value of forgiveness is shown in The Karate Kid II when Daniel and Mr. Miyagi travel to Japan and encounter Mr. Miyagi's best friend turned embittered enemy, Sato. After Sato's betrothed, Yukea, ended their engagement to pursue a relationship with Mr. Miyagi Sato refused to forgive either of them, and lost two of the most important people in his life. Despite achieving wealth and power decades later, Sato continues to dwell upon his past and has become a hardened shell of a man. When Sato is injured during a typhoon Mr. Miyagi sets their differences aside and risks his own life to rescue his former friend. This selfless act allows both men to make peace with their pasts and transforms Sato, who is finally able to move forward with his life. The next time that someone deals you a low blow choose the higher path; in a world full of Sato's and Kreese's be a Miyagi.  

Never Let Your Fears Defeat You: Over the course of the franchise Daniel faces an array of opponents, but none of those opponents is more dangerous than his own fear. In The Karate Kid III, Kreese enlists the aid of ruthless karate champion Mike Barnes in finally exacting his revenge upon Daniel. After enduring Mike's relentless tormenting Daniel loses his confidence both on and off of the mat. During their final tournament fight Mike viciously attacks Daniel both physically and mentally. After suffering an injury Daniel nearly surrenders and tells Mr. Miyagi, "I just want to go home...I'm afraid of him, okay. I'm afraid". Mr. Miyagi then reminds Daniel that while he will inevitably lose to some opponents he must never lose to his own fear. It is then that Daniel regains his confidence just in time to win the match.

Mr. Miyagi's advice echoes Franklin Delano Roosevelt's famous speech upon his election at the height of the Great Depression in which he advised the American people that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself". When President Roosevelt made this speech he was not denying the reality of the Depression, but instead reminding the country of the importance of continuing to fight even in the face of unprecedented adversity. Whether facing a national crisis, entering a sports tournament, conducting a job interview, or asking out a crush the surest ways to guarantee that we do not succeed are quitting and failing to try in the first place. In life we will inevitably face adversaries and obstacles that will defeat us, but we are only defeated by fear if we allow ourselves to be. Bravery does not mean never being scared, it means carrying on even we are at our most intimidated. Whenever you find yourself confronted with your own fear face it head on and remember that whether you win or lose you'll still have earned a victory just by trying.