Classics: A Review of Kubo and the Two Strings By Lauren Ennis

 "If you must blink, do it now..." so begins the epic tale that is Kubo and the Two Strings. Over the course of its one hour forty minute run time viewers will be hard pressed to look away from this visual and storytelling marvel, even to blink. This 2016 animated adventure marks some of Laika studios'  most moving and dazzling work to date and showcases stop-motion animation at its most vibrant. For an adventure that the entire family won't be able to take their eyes off of strum along with Kubo and the Two Strings.

The story begins in feudal Japan with Sariatu attempting to escape the supernatural wrath of her tyrannical father, the Moon King. After a visually stunning battle in which she suffers a head injury, Sariatu and her infant son, Kubo, narrowly escape. Years later, Kubo cares for his mother, whose trauma has left her catatonic during the day and suffering increasing memory loss. In order to support himself and his ailing mother he works as a street performer, entertaining crowds with his magical shamisen and regaling them with the tales that his mother tells to him each night. Before he can finish his stories he must return home each night by nightfall, when the Moon King is at his most powerful. During the annual Obon festival Kubo pays tribute to and attempts to communicate with his deceased father, legendary samurai Hanzo. Before he can make contact with his father's spirit, however, the sun sets and he is ambushed by his two witchlike aunts Karasu and Washi. His mother arrives just in time to rescue him, but gives her life in the process. He then finds himself on a journey to complete his father's quest, avenge his parents, and finally defeat the Moon King.

Kubo and the Two Strings combines tradition and innovation to relate an epic tale that is at once universal and unique. Through its portrayal of Kubo's quest the film depicts the time honored hero's journey to tell a coming of age story that young viewers will continue to draw lessons from as they grow older. The film explores such mature themes as life, death, memory, and what it means to be human in a way that will resonate with parents and older children alike. Simultaneously, the film offers plenty of action, adventure, and humor to ensure that younger children will be entertained. The film draws upon Japanese mythology to create a sense of authenticity and combines it with standard fairytale conventions to create an experience that is at once comfortingly familiar and entirely original. Perhaps the film's greatest strength lies in its refusal to talk down to its young audiences. The film thankfully avoids the formulaic plot, forced moral messaging, and low brow humor that family entertainment is too often relegated to. Instead, the film provides a more mature movie going experience that acknowledges such harsh truths as the existence of evil and the inevitability of death. In this way the film offers vital insight that will help young viewers cope with grief and trauma. Similarly, the film's deeper questions will keep young viewers returning for more as they grow up alongside Kubo. Hit the road with  Kubo and the Two Strings for the adventure that is nothing short of cinema magic.

The film transports viewers to feudal Japan thanks to its sweeping score, engaging voice performances, and brilliant animation. The voice performances ensure that audiences will empathize with Kubo, Monkey, and Beetle and root for them along every step of their fantastic journey. Roomey Mara is nothing short of haunting as Sariatu's wicked sisters, Karasu and Washi. Ralph Fiennes makes for a cunning, manipulative, and larger than life villain as Matthew Mcconaughey imbues Beetle with his signature charm and steals each scene in which he appears. Charlize Theron particularly shines in her dual roles as Kubo's warm and courageous mother, Sariatu, and his no-nonsense sardonic mentor, Monkey. Art Parkinson more than holds his own amongst the star-studded cast as he turns in a performance that balances humor, innocence, and raw emotion in a way that could eclipse many live action performances. The film's score makes ample use of its setting by utilizing authentic Japanese instruments to maximum thematic effect. Even as its script and performances take viewers on an unforgettable adventure the film's greatest strength remains its dazzling animation. The film's lush setting, expressive characters, and thrilling action sequences showcase stop motion animation at its most breathtaking. 

At once a traditional epic and an innovative piece of modern storytelling Kubo and the Two Strings is a is must see viewing for the whole family. Through its thought provoking script the film explores such complex themes as death, rebirth, memory, and the power of storytelling in a way that will resonate with adults. Simultaneously, the film offers plenty of action, humor, and adventure that is sure to satisfy young audiences. The film's voice performances, score, and animation combine to take viewers on a mesmerizing journey through Japanese mythology. For a film that will leave the whole family begging for an encore set out for the adventure of a lifetime with Kubo and the Two Strings.

Classics: A Review of Mr. Holland's Opus By Lauren Ennis

 As the bell signals the start of another school year many of us will be recalling memories of the classmates and teachers who defined our educational experience. Since the dawn of cinema Hollywood has produced innumerable movies relating the inspiring tales of teachers and the vital impact that teachers have upon their students' lives. One movie stands apart from the genre, however, through the depth, complexity, and honesty with which it depicts teachers and the teaching profession; 1995's Mr. Holland's Opus. Through its unflinching portrayal of one man's journey through the teaching profession the film relates a tale of life and learning that is truly a cinematic opus.

The story begins in 1964 as financial difficulties force musician and aspiring composer Glenn Holland to find more stable work. He then reluctantly takes a position as a music teacher at a local high school, which he hopes will allow him to pay his bills while still affording him time to work on his symphony. What begins as a temporary detour proves to be a fateful decision, however, as he finds himself inspiring and being inspired by his students in equal measure. Over the course of thirty years he endures tragedy and triumph with his students and the music that he shares with them guiding him through every note in the symphony of his life.

The film sets itself apart from other inspiring education dramas by refusing to idealize either its titular teacher or his profession. Rather than devoting himself to a lifelong calling Holland instead enters teaching as a temporary solution to his financial problems. Similarly, he is employed by a local suburban school rather than a struggling inner city school. As a result, Holland is an entirely practical and relatable protagonist who is doing his best to get through the work day rather than a savior devoting himself to rescuing at risk youths. The film particularly succeeds in its portrayal of his evolving feelings towards his profession and his students as he slowly stops seeing his work as a 'day job' that is an obstacle to his real work and begins to view it as his true calling. In one of the film's most moving story arcs it depicts the ways in which his dedication to his work threatens both his marriage and his relationship with his son. It is this storyline that  highlights his humanity by exploring his flaws as well as his failure to invest in his family the same way that he invests in his class. As a result, viewers are presented with an all too human protagonist in the form of Glenn Holland rather than just another unattainable Hollywood inspirational teacher. This inversion of the genre's cliches provides viewers with insight into both the realities of life as a teacher and a glimpse of the subtle ways in which students and teachers influence one another. The script lends the film further realism by showing Holland's interactions with a diverse array of colleagues as well as generations of students. In this way the film highlights both the ways in which he changes in response to the lessons that he learns and the ways in which those around him are impacted through the lessons that he teaches. At once heartbreaking, heart warming, and all too true to life Mr. Holland's Opus might just be the magnum opus of the inspirational teacher genre.

"You love music and you made us kids love it with you"

The film brings Mr. Holland's career to brilliant life thanks to the outstanding work of its cast. Alicia Witt is achingly vulnerable as Holland's awkward but earnest student, Gertrude. Olympia Dukakis conveys steely resolve and affable charm as his no nonsense boss, Principal Jacobs. Terrance Howard is a delight as tone-deaf but determined student, Louis. Jay Thomas personifies laid back likability as Holland's friend and colleague, Coach Meister. William H Macy makes for an excellent foil to Holland's passion for education as tyrannical bureaucrat Vice Principal Wolters. Jean Louisa Kelly balances charm and naivete as dedicated student and aspiring Broadway actress, Rowena. Anthony Natale and Joseph Anderson expertly portrays Holland's deaf son, Cole's, yearning for his his father's acceptance at varying ages. Glenne Headley imbues her performance as his long suffering wife, Iris, with intelligence, warmth, and vulnerability. Even in the midst of superb supporting performances the film belongs to Richard Dreyfuss as Glenn Holland. In Dreyfuss' hands Holland is not just a formulaic ideal that so many teachers are relegated to in cinema. Instead, his depiction of Holland presents a portrait of a complicated man in moments triumph, trials, and tragedy that is a once heartbreaking, humorous, frustrating, and ultimately inspiring.

At once a portrait of one teacher's career and a tribute to the entire teaching profession Mr. Holland's Opus is a film that remains at the head of its class. Through its intelligent and emotionally engaging script the film portrays the life of a teacher with a nuance and complexity that are rarely found in inspirational teacher films. The film's superior performances ensure that it never misses an emotional beat and keep viewers rooting for Mr. Holland and his students until his final performance. As school gets back in session hit the books with Mr. Holland's Opus.

"We are your symphony"