Classics: A Review of Metropolitan By Lauren Ennis

 When Tom Townsend is confronted with the reality of his favorite philosopher's failed utopia he retorts 'Everyone ceases to exist. Doesn't mean everyone's a failure'. Over the course of one debutante season Tom and his friends in Manhattan's elite struggle with the inevitable end to the existence of their childhoods, their youthful illusions, and their entire way of life. At once a love letter to a not so distant time and place and a timeless commentary on the agony and exhilaration of growing up, 1990's Metropolitan is sure to resonate with viewers across the social spectrum. Start your New Year with the smart set in Metropolitan.

The story begins between Christmas and New Year's 'not so long ago' with a group of young debutantes and their escorts en route to a seasonal gala. When they mistakenly think that they have stolen a cab ride from passerby Tom the group eagerly attempt to make amends. The group, known as the 'Sally Fowler Rat Pack' proceed take the college freshman under their wing and introduce him to the perks of high society. Despite his vocal objection to everything that his new friends represent, he quickly finds himself caught up in the intrigue and pageantry of the debutante season. The film then follows the group as they maneuver the trials and triumphs of friendship, romance, and growing up with all of the discreet charm of the bourgeoisie.

Through its deceptively simple story this slice of life brilliantly brings that all too brief interlude between adolescence and adulthood to the silver screen. In its efforts to follow the foibles and flirtations of its characters the film offers fascinating insight into the mores and manners that defined the upper crust not so long ago. In this way, the film acts as a love letter to a time and place gone by while still offering gentle critiques of its failings. Simultaneously, even as it explores  a specific time and place the film offers a universal portrait of the young adult experience. Through its unusual blend of heady intellect and petty gossip the script perfectly captures the exchanges between college students first experiencing wider concepts and trying out new belief systems. The depiction of characters' after-party exchanges aptly highlights the ways in which young adults seek to distinguish themselves from their peers all while struggling to fit in with them. As we witness the characters maneuver  fast friendships, unrequited love, existential anxiety, and the looming presence of an uncertain future its impossible not to be drawn in to their daily dramas and remember our own youth. Relive sweep, melodrama, and comedy of growing up in style in Metropolitan.

The film transports viewers to the exclusive salons of New York's elite thanks to the compelling work of its cast of unknowns. Bryan Leder lends comic charm in his turn as ever inebriated Fred. Taylor Nichols conveys insecurity, sincerity, intellect, and humor in his affable turn as Charlie. Ellia Thompson infuses Tom's ex-girlfriend Serena with the perfect blend of sophistication and callousness. Isabel Gillies perfectly captures group adventurer Cynthia's reckless restlessness. Will Kempe makes for an ideal villain as the equal parts alluring and loathsome lothario Rick. Dylan Hundley exudes cool charisma as group leader and namesake Sally. Christopher Eigerman steals each scene in which he appears as wickedly witty cynic Nick. Edward Clements makes for an insider's outsider who would make F. Scott Fitzgerald himself proud as Tom. Carolyn Farina personifies loveliness as bookish but charming wallflower Audrey.

Even as it follows its characters from one penthouse to the next Metropolitan remains a film that will appeal to anyone who remembers the promise, urgency, and sense of possibility of early adulthood. Through its brilliantly witty script the film perfectly captures the earnestness, vulnerability, and intensity that mark the end of adolescence and the beginning of all that lay beyond. The inexperienced cast turn in surprisingly nuanced and compelling performances and bring the world of New York's high society to vibrant life. Keep it classy with the Sally Fowler Rat Pack in Metropolitan

Classics: A Review of True Detective By Lauren Ennis

In 2014 two detectives found a woman's posed corpse in the backwoods of Louisiana and television greatness was born. In the years since its release HBO's first season of its crime drama True Detective has set a standard for television drama that few series have been able to meet, let alone surpass. At once a twisting mystery of mayhem and murder, an in depth character study, and a meditation on the state of modern society True Detective remains nothing short of hypnotic. For some of the best viewing of the new millennium join Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson into the darkest depths of the human soul in True Detective.

The story begins in 2012 Louisiana with former detectives Marty Hart and Rust Cohle undergoing an interrogation about one of the most brutal cases of their careers. The story then flashes back to 1995 when the two are working as partners on a local police force. Their uneasy alliance is put to the test when they investigate the ritualistic murder of drug addict and prostitute Dora Lange. Long after the duo seemingly solve the case, however, new evidence leads them to question whether Lange's killer may still be at large. As they follow each lead they are led ever further down a disturbing trail of murder, abuse, and corruption that seems to spread across the entire state. 

In the years since its release True Detective has become synonymous with television's 'golden age' of the 2010's, and for good reason. With its atmosphere of existential dread, endlessly quotable dialogue, and twisting plot the series contains some of the most intelligent and memorable writing to ever grace the small screen. What easily could have been just another police procedural is instead a study of two flawed men as they search for meaning and hope in a seemingly hopeless world. As a result, the series leads viewers on a winding journey of loss, disillusionment, and ultimately redemption that will resonate long after the closing credits on its stellar finale fade. Similarly, the acting brings each character to such visceral life that even the briefest of roles seems to leap off of the screen. Through its rich writing and powerhouse performances the series weaves a tapestry of mystery as unique as its two leads that continues to leave viewers mesmerized nearly a decade after its release. For a masterclass in modern television follow Marty and Rust through the deepest depths of the bayou and into the darkest corners of the human heart in True Detective.

The series is brought to brilliant life thanks to the work of its star studded cast. Alexandria Daddario makes for a beguiling bad girl as Marty's mistress, court stenographer Lisa. Michelle Monaghan exudes warmth, compassion, and vulnerability as Marty's long suffering wife, Maggie. Erin Moriarty perfectly captures the angst, rebelliousness, and torment of Marty's troubled daughter, Audrey. Glenn Fleshler and Ann Dowd lend by turns pathetic and chilling performance as the disturbed Errol and Betty Childress. Even in the midst of expert supporting performances the series belongs to Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as Marty and Rust. Harrelson expertly infuses hard drinking, womanizing Marty with humor, humanity, and likeability. McConaughey turns in the performance of his career in his understated portrayal of the tormented Rust, lending power to every syllable of Rust's many nihilistic soliloquies and unflinching emotion in his every glance. Together, the pair form one of the unlikeliest and most iconic teams in all of crime fiction.

Over the course of its eight episodes True Detective treats viewers to some of the most thrilling and thought provoking drama ever to grace the small screen. Through its biting dialogue and enthralling plot the series brilliantly brings its tale of lost innocence, broken communities, and true detective work to vivid life. The cast go beyond merely portraying their roles to fully embodying each and every character. Follow Rust and Marty on the trail of the Yellow King in True Detective.

Classics: A Review of Batman Returns By Lauren Ennis

 Rampant crime, political corruption, corporate greed, and an alienated public; welcome to Gotham City. Following the success of their collaboration in 1989's Batman the dynamic duo of Tim Burton and Michael Keaton reunited for 1992's Batman Returns. Rather than acting as a mere return to form, the film ventured even further into the shadows that haunt Gotham's streets than its predecessor, and is all the better for it. Despite courting controversy amongst audiences and earning the ire of critics, the film has gone on to become a cult classic and set the standard for modern superhero movies along the way. Return to the gritty streets of Gotham City in all of their macabre wonder with Batman Returns.

The story picks up where 1989's Batman ended. In the wake of his break-up with love interest Vickie Vale, Bruce Wayne has fully immersed himself in his alter ego, living for the moment when the bat signal appears in the sky. At the film's start Gotham remains in the grips of a crime wave while its residents are on the lookout for the mysterious penguin-man rumored to be lurking in the city's sewers. Even as Batman attempts to reclaim Gotham's streets, Bruce is left to face its even more sinister threat in form of corrupt tycoon Max Schreck. Schreck has devised a plan to use a power plant to drain the city of its power and then resell it to residents at a higher price. After his plot is accidentally discovered by his secretary, Selina Kyle, he throws her from a window in an effort to ensure his secret remains safe. In a twist of fate his efforts lead to the creation of his own worst nightmare when Selina is resurrected as revenge bent vigilante Catwoman. When Schreck schemes to buy a place in city hall by launching the Penguin as a political candidate, Batman finds himself crossing paths with the Penguin and Catwoman just in time for some holiday hijinks.

At the time of its release Batman Returns was derided as 'a Tim Burton movie that Batman just happens to be in'. In some ways this assertion is true, and its this very fact that sets Batman Returns apart from the rest of the Batman franchise in all of the best ways. Burton uses his trademark visual style to bring Gotham to vibrant and visceral life with an atmosphere and scope that no other Batman film has. As a result, the film makes viewers feel as though they have been transported to the world of the comic books. Similarly, his use of German Expressionism in his lighting and sets perfectly sets the tone for the bleak world which the characters inhabit.

Perhaps what makes this film stand out the most is its focus upon its characters. While most superhero films are dedicated to action packed plots, Batman Returns acts as a character study of both its hero and its villains. The film follows Bruce as he struggles to come to terms with his double life and highlights the ways in which Batman threatens to fully consume him. Even as it portrays him at his most brooding, the film offers insight into the Bruce that might have been by showing him engage in moments of humor, charm, and vulnerability over the course of his relationship with Selina. Similarly, the film manages to offer up not one but two morally complex villains in the form of the Penguin and Catwoman. While the Penguin engages in truly reprehensible behavior, his tragic backstory of physical deformity, abandonment, and isolation make him both fascinating and sympathetic. As a result, viewers can easily understand his efforts to return to the city and his desire for vengeance on a society that rejected him. The film's depiction of Selina's story is nothing short of a revelation as it takes viewers on a journey that will have them hard pressed not to route for its anti-heroine. The film's depiction of her unfulfilled life that is marked by broken relationships, domineering relatives, and a toxic job is both heartbreaking and relatable. This glimpse into the person she begins as makes her near death at the hands of her abusive boss and subsequent psychotic break all the more devastating. Additionally, her justifiable need for revenge and morally murky actions make her an engaging anti-heroine who will test viewers' own moral gauges. The film even offers a twist in arguably its most straight forward villain, Max, by reminding viewers that all too often the most dangerous villains are not those who reside on society's margins but instead those who hold its levers of power. The film also doubles as an alternative take on the Christmas movie genre by exploring its tale of alienation and moral ambiguity against the backdrop of the holiday season. In this way, the film explores the sense of regret and inadequacy that many feel at the approach of a new year as its characters each struggle with the broken hopes of their pasts and their failed attempts to find their place in the present. Additionally, each of the characters is forced to confront their lost innocence and shattered illusions in the midst of what should be the most innocent and magical time of the year. This Christmas take a walk on the naughty list with Catwoman and Penguin in Batman Returns.

The film transports viewers to the gritty streets of Gotham City thanks to the mesmerizing work of its cast. Michael Gough reprises his role as Alfred and continues to serve as the franchise's conscience in his endearing turn. Christopher Walken is chilling in his performance as the equal parts magnetic and malicious tycoon Max Schreck. Danny Devito is electrifying in his larger than life portrayal of the Penguin and manages to infuse the grotesque villain with wounded humanity. Michelle Pfeiffer defines the role of Catwoman as she slinks through her scenes with an alluring mix of sensuality, steely resolve, and razor sharp wit. Simultaneously, she brilliantly portrays Selina's transformation from insecure, meek, and repressed good girl to assertive, seductive, but hardened woman with nuance and believability. Michael Keaton reminds us all why he was the face of Batman for a generation of moviegoers. In this outing he remains an imposing caped crusader, but lends a refreshing combination of humor, charm, and vulnerability to his depiction of Bruce Wayne. Together, Keaton and Pfeiffer exhibit a chemistry that is nothing short of smoldering.

In his second visit to Gotham City Tim Burton puts the 'dark' in the dark knight. Through his signature wicked sense of whimsy Burton offers up one of the most iconic entries in the entire Batman franchise. The script's blend of emotionally rich characters, moral conflict, and high flying action helped set the standard for adult super hero movies over twenty years before Christopher Nolan's infamously brooding Batman films. The film's star studded cast breathes fresh life into Gotham's infamous rogues' gallery and lends its hero a beating heart. This Christmas steal a kiss under the mistletoe with the caped crusader in Batman Returns. 

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