Classics: A Review of White Nights By Lauren Ennis

 Two global super powers, a worldwide disinformation campaign, and a coveted defector all add up to....a real toe tapper. The 1985 drama White Nights combines political intrigue with the power of dance to relate a unique thriller that never misses a beat. Through its original approach the film breathes fresh life into the Cold War drama while offering insights that remain sharply relevant today. For a thrill ride that will have you humming along with its heroes hit the dance floor with White Nights.

You can dance if you want to you can leave your friends behind

The story begins with Soviet defector and ballet sensation Nikolai Rodchenko touring the globe in his latest production. When his flight to Japan is forced to make an emergency landing in the USSR he suddenly finds himself stranded in the country that he vowed never to return to. Rather than executing him as a traitor, the KGB becomes determined to repatriate him and use him as part of a propaganda campaign against the West. They then enlist Nikolai's former lover, Galina, to tempt him into remaining in Russia and blackmail American dancer turned defector Raymond into spying on him. Over time the two dancers form an unlikely friendship and resolve to put on one final show that will keep even the KGB guessing. The duo are then pitted in a race against time as they struggle to find a way past their handlers and beyond the Iron Curtain.

Through its focus upon defection both to and from the U.S. the film explores vital questions surrounding the meaning of freedom, patriotism, and equality. While numerous films have chronicled the defection of Soviets to the West the reverse has rarely been explored. Through its depiction of Raymond's journey from self-described 'American patriot' and military veteran to defector the film explores the meaning of patriotism and whether it is possible to feel pride in and loyalty to a nation that you disagree with. The portrayal of his disillusionment in the face of discrimination and trauma also highlights the racial and political divisions in American society, which the U.S. continues to grapple with today. One of the film's greatest successes is its contrasting depiction of the lure of the equality and prosperity that Marxism promises and the oppressive, poverty-stricken, reality that dominates Marxist societies. While the film's depiction of Raymond's past offers insight into what draws people toward Marxism, its portrayal of both Raymond and Nikolai's present paints a stark portrait of why people flee Marxist nations. Through its exploration of Nikolai's efforts to reconcile with the past and country that he left behind the film poignantly depicts both the oppression of life under communist rule and the cost of freedom. In an era in which Marxist teachings are creeping into American schools, workplaces, and even the U.S. government the film offers a vital warning for patriots and dissidents across the nation and serves as an apt call to action. For a retro thriller that remains both refreshing and relevant put on your dance shoes and get into step with Raymond and Nikolai in White Nights.

I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore...

The film transports viewers to the heart of Soviet Russia thanks to the exemplary work of its cast. Jerzy Skolimowski personifies the menace and brutality of the KGB as the brutal Colonel Chaiko. Helen Mirren infuses  Galina with grit, cynicism, elegance, and moral courage in a performance that leaps off of the screen. Isabella Rossellini adds depth and nuance to her luminous portrayal of Raymond's devoted Russian wife, Darya. Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov dominate the screen in their roles as dueling defectors Raymond and Nikolai. Hines captures the volatility and torment of disillusioned Raymond, while still conveying warmth and humor. Baryshnikov proves himself to be as magnetic on the screen as the stage in a tour de force performance that eerily mirrors his own story. Together the two make for a winning team sure to get your toes tapping.

White Nights serves up white hot thrills and electrifying choreography that could heat up even the coldest Russian night. Through its refreshingly original script the film brings the political and personal conflicts that marked the Cold War to vivid life while offering a vital warning for the present. The uniformly engaging performances are infused with a depth and emotion that is certain to leave viewers rooting for its heroes on both sides of the Iron Curtain. For a show-stopping thriller join Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov in White Nights.

I've got those happy feet give them a low down beat and they begin dancing

Classics: A Review of Big Daddy By Lauren Ennis

Fatherhood is simultaneously one of life's greatest joys and one of its most daunting responsibilities. From tossing us our first baseball to walking us down the aisle our fathers play an integral role in shaping who we are and who we want to become. The 1999 comedy drama Big Daddy pays apt homage to fatherhood at its most overwhelming, outrageous, and ultimately inspiring. This Father's Day treat yourself to laughs and lessons courtesy of Adam Sandler in Big Daddy.

The story begins with thirty-something slacker Sonny enjoying a life of ease working at a dead end job at a New York City toll booth while supplementing his income with a personal injury settlement. All of that is quickly derailed, however, when his roommate becomes engaged and his girlfriend leaves him for another man. Further complicating matters, a little boy named Julian arrives on his doorstep claiming to be the long lost son of Sonny's roommate, Kevin. Since Kevin is away on an extended business trip Sonny takes it upon himself to look after the boy until Kevin returns. He is then treated to a crash course in fatherhood that sees him learning lessons in life, love, and what it means to be a family.

Through its winning combination of laughs and love Big Daddy pays an apt homage to fatherhood that will have the whole family smiling. The film serves equally well as a slapstick fish out of water comedy and an emotionally engaging coming of age story. The film begins as a simple slice of slacker life, but with the arrival of Julian enters unchartered territory. The film then chronicles the increasingly outlandish ways in which Sonny attempts to make a home for Julian. Through its depiction of Sonny's hilariously misguided efforts at parenting the film highlights the ways in which all parents struggle through the challenges of child rearing. Beneath its broad humor, however, the film is at its heart a story about the relationships between fathers and sons and the lifetime impact of those relationships. At the film's start Sonny struggles with what he perceives to be his father's rejection and makes every effort to raise Julian differently than the strict manner in which he was raised. As the story continues however, he realizes that as valuable as his friendship might be to Julian what the boy really needs is a father. He then becomes determined to be the father that Julian needs rather than the playmate that he wants and does some growing up of his own along the way. It is only when the threat of losing custody of Julian forces him to reconcile with his own father, however, that Sonny is finally able to make peace with his childhood grievances and become the man and father that he was always meant to be. For big laughs the likes of which only Adam Sandler can deliver spend your Father's Day with Big Daddy.

The film is brought to uproarious life thanks to the by turns hilarious and heartfelt performances of its cast. Jon Stewart showcases his trademark wit as Sonny's responsible roommate, Kevin. Leslie Mann is equal parts sultry and snarky as Kevin's fiancée, Corinne. Joey Lauren Adams is delightful in her infectiously charming portrayal of Corinne's sister and Sonny's love interest, Layla. Rob Schneider steals each scene in which he appears as Sonny's delivery man turned friend, Nazo. Dylan Sprouse and Cole Sprouse more than prove that they can hang with the grown-ups as they perfectly blend drama, comedy, and sentiment in their performances as Julian. Adam Sandler leads the colorful cast of characters in what is easily one of his most memorable roles. He transcends his trademark gross out humor to relay Sonny's journey from slacker to father with a warmth, wit, and sincerity that delivers laughs and life lessons with equal skill.

Big Daddy portrays the trials and triumphs of fatherhood with an earnestness and humor that is guaranteed to leave you smiling as the credits roll. The script marks one of Sandler's most mature efforts as it grapples with difficult topics without missing a single comedic beat. The cast demonstrates expert comedic skill as they bring Sonny's story to equal  parts slapstick and sentimental life. Celebrate the big guy in your life with Sonny and Julian in Big Daddy.

"Don't be scared about me being a dad because I will not fail. I love this kid too much"

Classics: A Review of World on Fire By Lauren Ennis

War is often described as hell on earth and perhaps no modern conflict is as synonymous with the hellish horror of war as the Second World War. The 2020 series World on Fire follows an eclectic cast of characters as they  cope with the brutal reality of life in wartime Europe. Through its diverse array of interweaving stories the series lends a panoramic view of the devastation that was World War II Europe, while paying homage to the everyday heroes who did not make it into the history books. For an explosively engaging glimpse into the lives of ordinary people navigating extraordinary times tune in to World on Fire.

It's still the same old story, a fight for love and glory...

The story begins in 1939 Manchester, England with star-crossed teens Lois and Harry arrested after protesting a fascist rally. The pair are quickly released, but the incident leads Lois' working class veteran father and Harry's wealthy mother to intervene. The series then shifts to Poland as Harry takes a translator job in Warsaw and begins a relationship with local waitress Kasia. When Poland is invaded by the Nazis the couple are separated and Kasia becomes determined to combat the oppressive regime, even as she and her family struggle to stay alive. Meanwhile, Harry's colleague, American broadcast reporter Nancy, witnesses the atrocities of the Third Reich while stationed in Berlin. The series follows these characters and many more as they each embark upon their own harrowing journey through a world on fire.

World on Fire masterfully balances between the epic tide of history and the ordinary lives caught within its grasp. The series unflinchingly portrays such milestones as the evacuation of Dunkirk and the invasion of Poland in a way that highlights both their historical significance and their personal impact. Similarly, the series' emphasis upon individual efforts on both the home front and the battle field aptly demonstrates the ways in which personal actions impact the sweep of history. Through its ability to deftly alternate between the personal and the political the series captures the full scope of war at its most harrowing. Perhaps the series' greatest strength lies in its ability to transcend expectations by finding new stories to tell within the context of its historical setting. For example, rather than strictly focusing upon the horrors inflicted upon Jews during the Holocaust, the series also sheds light upon the Nazis' persecution of homosexuals, Catholics, and the disabled. Similarly, the depiction of occupied Poland also highlights a chapter of history that is all too often ignored in film. In this way, the series travels between countries, events, and characters without a single misstep. Through its multi-faceted approach World on Fire successfully wages a war on many fronts that is guaranteed to leave viewers eagerly awaiting its next skirmish.

When you're going through hell, keep going

The series transports viewers to the heart of World War II Europe thanks to the uniformly superb work of its cast. Helen Hunt makes a welcome return to the screen in a performance worthy of Rosalind Russell as equal parts wit and grit Nancy. Lesley Manville is a British battle-axe to rival Maggie Smith as Harry's sharp tongued mother, Robina. Sean Bean turns in a mesmerizing performance as Lois' tormented veteran father, Douglas. Julia Brown blends girl next door charm with steely resolve as aspiring singer Lois. Jonah Hauer-King is a modern matinee idol as he portrays Harry's journey from carefree playboy to hardened officer. Zofia Wichlacz lends a break-out performance and personifies the toll of war as soft-spoken but steely Kasia. There is neither a false note in the performances nor a missed opportunity in the rich characterizations of the series' ample ensemble cast.

At once intimate and epic World on Fire captures the chaos of a world at war and the shattering impact upon those struggling to live in it. Through its tapestry of interlocking tales the series relates the immeasurable effects of war upon citizens of every walk of life with wrenching emotion and compelling drama. The stellar work of the cast recalls the very best of war-time Hollywood while still maintaining a modern edge. For viewing that is guaranteed to leave you burning for its next installment join Harry, Lois, and Kasia as they maneuver a World on Fire.

Watch out Berlin, she has a microphone and she's not afraid to use it!