Classics: A Review of Goodbye Christopher Robin By Lauren Ennis

 For nearly a century Winnie the Pooh has enchanted generations of the young and young at heart. While readers around the world know the adventures of Pooh and his friends, less well known is the story of the father and son who inspired it. 2017's Goodbye Christopher Robin explores the story behind the beloved classic in an homage to the power of storytelling and the bond between fathers and sons. This Father's Day take a stroll in the Hundred Acre Wood with A. A. Milne and Christopher Robin.

We didn't realize we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun.

The story begins in 1941 with author A. A. Milne and his wife receiving a telegram telling them that their son, Christopher Robin, is missing in action. The film then flashes back decades earlier  and reveals the horrors that Milne witnessed while fighting in World War I. When the war ends he returns home to his socialite wife, Daphne, and struggles to readjust to civilian life. Despite his best efforts, however, he continues to suffer from 'shell shock', or what is now known as PTSD. In an effort to exorcize the demons of his past he becomes determined to write a compelling anti-war drama, much to the dismay of Daphne, who maintains that an anti-war piece will never sell enough to maintain their lavish lifestyle. While he struggles to resume writing she gives birth to their only child, Christopher Robin. Unfortunately, she spends more time partying than parenting and Milne's trauma leaves him unable to connect with his son. As a result, Christopher Robin develops distant relationships with both of his parents. When Christopher's nanny is forced to leave to care for her sick mother and Daphne is called away for a social engagement Milne is left alone with his son for the first time. Over the course of the ensuing weeks the two spend an idyllic summer playing with Christopher's stuffed animals and crafting the imaginative adventures that will become the basis for beloved best seller Winnie the Pooh. Just as father and son finally develop the bond that they both desperately need, however, they find their relationship threatened by the media frenzy surrounding the very story that had brought them together.

Through its portrayal of A. A. Milne's professional triumphs and personal trials the film offers a bittersweet portrayal of fathers and sons. Through its dual story arcs of Milne's attempts to overcome his wartime trauma and Christopher Robin's efforts to cope with the fallout from his unwanted fame the film offers a stark portrait of innocence lost. In its flashbacks to Milne's wartime experiences and its depiction of the war's lingering impact the film highlights the ways in which World War I shattered an entire generation. Similarly, the film's portrayal of Christopher's experiences bombarded by media and tormented by bullies relates the impact of personal trauma. Despite their distant relationship both find solace in their all too brief moments of bonding. It is during their summer together that Milne is finally able to relax enough to work through his writer's block and begin to leave the ghosts of his past behind. Similarly during this holiday Christopher gains confidence expands his imagination. When Milne allows his newfound success to consume his life, however, both he and his son suffer the consequences. It is only years later when both are finally able to come to terms with their pasts and forgive both themselves and each other that they begin to move forward with their lives. For a father-son outing that is guaranteed to not leave a dry eye in the house say Goodbye Christopher Robin.

As soon as I saw you I knew a grand adventure was about to happen

The film transports viewers from the desolate battlefields of France to the bustle of London, to the magic of the Hundred Acre Wood thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Stephen Campbell Moore infuses his performance as Milne's fellow veteran and dedicated friend, illustrator Edward H. Shepherd with wit, understanding, and decency. Kelly MacDonald personifies loveliness in her warm portrayal of Christopher's devoted nanny, Olive. Margot Robbie perfectly balances effervescent charm with flightiness as self-absorbed Daphne. In the midst of stellar supporting performances the film belongs to Domhnall Gleeson and Will Tilston as Milne and Christopher Robin. Gleeson captures the dual nature of the outwardly cold and inwardly tormented Milne with depth, nuance, and a vital humanity. Similarly, Tilston is a portrait of childhood innocence as eight year old Christopher, while Alex Lawther expertly conveys teenage Christopher's desperation to escape the shadow of both his father and Winnie the Pooh.

Goodbye Christopher Robin is at once a unique story behind the story of a beloved children's classic and a universal tale of family, fame, and lost innocence. Through its deftly written script the film brilliantly relates the tale of how Winnie the Pooh came to be and the terrible cost to the boy who inspired it. The uniformly superb performances bring both the life and times of A. A. Milne and the adventures of Winnie the Pooh to vibrant life. This father's day join Milne and Christopher Robin for a visit to Pooh Corner in Goodbye Christopher Robin.

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard

Classics: A Review of Black Book By Lauren Ennis

 Cinema is rife with movies set during World War II. Few films, however, have portrayed the war with the unflinching grit of 2006's Black Book. Set against the backdrop of the German occupation of Holland this film offers none of the war time glory, home front heroism, or easy answers viewers have come to expect from World War II dramas. Instead, the film presents viewers with a morally murky, emotionally conflicting, and visceral view of war that is nothing short of haunting. For a war drama that is equally provocative and thought provoking take a page from Black Book.

The story begins in 1944 Holland with Jewish singer Rachel Stein hiding from the occupying Germans in a local farmhouse. She is forced to flee when the farmhouse is destroyed by an Allied bombing. She then reunites with her family and arranges to book passage with other refugees out of occupied territory. Before they can make their escape, however, their boat is ambushed in an attack by the SS that leaves Rachel the only survivor. Following the attack she abandons her plans to flee and becomes determined to exact revenge upon the regime that murdered her family. With the help of a family friend she contacts the Dutch resistance and sets out to join their ranks. Soon after joining the resistance several members of her cell are captured, and she is tasked with seducing the local SD Commander in order to learn their fate. As her mission unfolds, however, she starts falling for her intended target and finds herself at war with her own heart as well as with the Nazis. As the war draws to a close she's pitted against the Nazis, her fellow resistance fighters, and her own countrymen in a harrowing struggle for survival. 

Through its portrayal of ordinary people attempting to survive extraordinary times Black Book sets itself apart as an espionage drama that raises as many moral questions as it does thrills. Rather than a black and white tale of villains and heroes the film offers a complex tale of deeply flawed and compromised individuals forced to navigate devastating decisions. In its portrayal of Rachel as a Jewish woman infiltrating the upper echelons of the Third Reich the film inverts the conventions of Holocaust dramas and raises a series of ethical questions. By showing the story from Rachel's perspective the film places viewers in the uncomfortable position of wondering what they would do if they were in her compromised shoes. Her relationship with SD Commander Ludwig Muntze is particularly precarious as it shows characters from opposite sides of a genocide finding humanity, understanding, and even romance with the enemy. In this way the film reminds viewers of the individuals behind the flags in every war and forces viewers to confront the reality that even the most seemingly black and white conflicts contain shades of grey. The film's depiction of betrayal within the ranks of the resistance also offers a complex take on the all too human people behind even the most noble of causes. Similarly, the depiction of the anti-Semitism rampant across war-time Europe (both several resistance fighters and the family hiding Rachel display blatant anti-semitism) highlights the attitudes that made it all too easy for the Nazis to rise to power. Join Rachel on a journey into the darkest chapters of recent history and the murkiest corners of the human heart in Black Book.

The films transports viewers to occupied Holland thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Helene Reijin is a saucy delight worthy of Mae West as Rachel's unlikely ally, SD secretary and SS Officer's mistress Ronnie. Thom Hoffman alternates between roguish charm and menace in his performance as resistance member Hans Akkerman. Waldemar Kobus makes for an ideal villain in his brutal turn as sadistic SS officer Gunther Franken. Derek de Lint is a portrait of tortured grief as resistance leader Gerben Kuipers. Sebastian Koch infuses Rachel's conflicted target turned love interest, Ludwig Muntze, with a humility, depth, and humanity that leave little question as to why she falls for him. Carice van Houten is a revelation in a performance that is at once seductive, witty, steely, tormented, and never less than compelling as Rachel.

At once a rollicking thriller and a harrowing portrait of the horror of war Black Book is not your parents' spy drama. Through its intricately plotted and emotionally raw script the film takes viewers on a devastating journey into the abyss that is war. The uniformly superb performances bring the film's cast of compromised characters to life with a subtlety and humanity that elevates the film beyond just another tale of heroes and villains. For a war-time thriller that will linger in your memory long after the closing credits fade flip through Rachel's little Black Book.

Classics: A Review of Mermaids By Lauren Ennis

The bond between mothers and daughters has been explored on screen since cinema's inception. The majority of these films showcase the ways in which mothers mold their daughters as they navigate life's trials and triumphs. One film, however, features a mother who has just has much growing up to do as her daughter. 1990's Mermaids introduces viewers to an unforgettably outrageous pair in the form of rigid Charlotte and spontaneous Rachel, both of whom have a lot to learn. At once a heartfelt drama and a quirky comedy this coming of age film is the perfect cinematic treat to dive into this Mother's Day. 

Just another all-American family

The story begins in 1963 with fifteen year old Charlotte leading a chaotic existence with her free spirited single mother, Rachel, and her younger half sister, Katie. The trio leads a nomadic existence with the family relocating every time that Rachel's latest relationship ends. At the film's start, the family is preparing to leave Oklahoma for Massachusetts following the end of her latest affair with her married employer. The constant changes lead Charlotte to become resentful of her mother and determined to shape herself into Rachel's polar opposite. As a result, she begins the film bent on becoming a Catholic nun in an effort to rebel against her mother's Jewish heritage and promiscuous lifestyle. The family's new home next to a New England convent seems like a perfect fit for her ambitions until she finds herself besotted by the convent's handsome young caretaker, Joe. While Charlotte struggles to make sense of her attraction to Joe, Rachel embarks upon an unlikely romance with divorced shoe store owner, Lou. A fateful series of events eventually forces mother and daughter to accept each other and themselves.

Expertly balancing between surreal comedy and domestic drama Mermaids celebrates mothers and daughters in all of their complex glory. Through its portrayal of two unique women grappling with everyday problems the film offers a take on motherhood that is at once refreshingly original and reassuringly universal. For example, Charlotte's dueling obsessions with her dream of becoming a nun and her fantasies of Joe make for a conflict that is rife with comedic potential. Simultaneously, however, this same conflict highlights Charlotte's resentment towards her mother and yearning for the stability and structure that she was always denied. In this way the film uses off beat humor to explore the darker side of mother-daughter relationships and the ways in which our parents shape who we don't want to be as much as who we are.  The film's narration from Charlotte's at once world weary and painfully naïve perspective also offers quirky humor, even as it relates her all too familiar struggles with growing up. Similarly, the film's depiction of Rachel's defiant nonconformity offers plenty of laughs as she raises eyebrows everywhere she goes, including at home with her own children. As the film delves into her backstory, however, it becomes apparent that there is a painful past behind her endearing eccentricity. Through its loving portrayal of its flawed heroines' efforts to accept themselves and each other the film serves as an apt reminder of the importance of family and shows that it is never too late to grow up. For a film that offers up laughter, tears, and plenty of mama make waves with Charlotte and Rachel in Mermaids.

The film transports viewers to 1960's New England thanks to the mesmerizing work of its cast. Michael Schoeffling infuses strong silent type Joe with an alluring blend of mystique and vulnerability. Christina Richie is delightfully deadpan as swimming obsessed Katie. Bob Hoskins conveys warmth, humor, and charm as Rachel's surprising suitor, Lou. Wynona Ryder and Cher dominate the film as indomitable duo Charlotte and Rachel. Ryder is a portrait of adolescent angst, yet manages to imbue her performance with a sincerity, wit, and intelligence that ensure that Charlotte is more than just another mopey teen. Cher steals each scene in which she appears as the vampish Rachel in a performance that perfectly blends her signature charisma with comedy, restlessness, and vulnerability.

At once a poignant family drama and an off beat coming of age story Mermaids is every bit as magical as the creature it is named for. Through its winning combination of quirky comedy, domestic drama, and vital life lessons the film proves itself to be one of the most memorable mother-daughter films to grace the silver screen. The superb performances of the stellar cast bring each of the film's endearingly eccentric characters to vibrant life. Make a splash this Mother's Day with Rachel and Charlotte in Mermaids.