Classics: A Review of Ghost in the Shell By Lauren Ennis

 What does it mean to be human? This is the question that lies at the heart of 1995's animated drama Ghost in the Shell. Part heart pounding action thriller and part philosophical medication on the nature of existence this film is a total masterpiece. In the decades since its release the film remains startlingly resonant and is even more relevant today that it was upon its release. Even as anime has gained a popular following in Western media the film continues to be considered the gold standard for the medium amongst aficionados and newcomers alike. Discover the haunting beauty of Ghost in the Shell.

The story begins in the year 2029 in a world in which cybernetic technology dominates society. People routinely augment or even replace their body parts with cybernetic parts to enhance their appearance and abilities. These technological advances have led to the rise of a new type of criminal in the form of sophisticated hackers. Rather than merely hacking into a computer these criminals use cybernetics to hack into people's augmented bodies and minds. In response to this cyber crimewave the state employs a team of cyborgs who act as elite security agents. One of these cyborgs is the film's enigmatic heroine, Major Matoko Kusanagi. After successfully completing an assassination she learns that a criminal mastermind known as the Puppet Master has been hacking into the minds of highly placed individuals in order to spy upon and assassinate government officials. Motoko and her partner, Batou, embark upon a dangerous mission to find the Puppet Master and bring him into state custody. Unbeknownst to her, however, the Puppet Master has plans of his own in which she plays an integral part. What ensures is a game of cat and mouse that will lead Motoko to question her mission and even her very existence.

Decades after its release Ghost in the Shell remains one of the most complex and original stories ever put to animation. The film's futuristic flash and thrilling action sequences still draw viewers in, but it is the film's weighty themes that keep audiences returning to its dystopian vision. Much like 1986's Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell takes viewers on a thrill ride through the crime ridden streets of the not so distant future. Like its predecessor, the film then goes on to invert the conventions of its police procedural to relate a much more poignant and personal tale of the search for meaning. Through its exploration of cyborg Matoko's existential crisis the film raises vital questions about memory, individuality, and what it means to be human. The film refuses to offer definitive answers and instead allows viewers to see themselves in its so nearly human heroine as we contemplate our own existence. Beyond its philosophical musings the film also offers warnings for the future against technological dependence, the dangers of artificial intelligence, and the dehumanization that inevitably occurs in an isolated populace. Given the current state of modern technology and its impact upon our society the film's warnings are nothing short of prophetic. Glimpse into the future with Major Matoko in Ghost in the Shell.

The film's animation brings its dystopia to vivid life. The scenery transports viewers to a futuristic world that is at once familiar and entirely alien. Following in the tradition of Blade Runner and Soylent Green the film showcases a world that has surpassed our own technologically even as it has regressed in all other aspects. Despite its many advancements the film's world is crowded and dirty and everything in it is shown to be disposable. This sense of a future in decay immerses audiences in the characters' world while highlighting Motoko's fears that she too will one day be deemed obsolete and discarded. The character designs aptly reflect each of the characters' distinct personalities and strike an ideal balance between futuristic fantasy and contemporary reality. The action sequences seamlessly blend traditional animation and CGI to dazzling effect.

Nearly thirty years after its release Ghost in the Shell remains one of the most well known and well loved films in all of anime and it is little wonder why. The film's philosophical themes challenge viewers, even as its action packed plot ensures that audiences remain entertained. The animation takes viewers on a journey into a future that is at once thrilling, fascinating, and frightening. Follow the haunting whisper of Ghost in the Shell.

Classics: A Review of Labyrinth By Lauren Ennis

Growing up is a difficult journey rife with confusion, danger, and wonder. Few films capture the magic, mystery, and mayhem that define the coming of age experience with the originality and allure of 1986's Labyrinth. The film blends real life struggles with fantastic adventure to relate a dark fairytale that has cast a spell over audiences for a generation. Lose yourself in the mystique, magic, and adventure of the Labyrinth.

The story begins with teenage Sarah rehearsing for a play. when her rehearsal is interrupted by a thunderstorm she is forced to return home to the reality of responsibility and family discord that awaits her. Upon her return home she immediately clashes with her stepmother and is infuriated to learn that her parents expect her to spend the night in babysitting her infant half-brother, Toby. When the baby starts crying inconsolably she is unable to contain her resentment towards her family any longer. She then says an incantation, begging the Goblin King from her play to take her brother away to his kingdom. To her horror the incantation works and Goblin King Jareth arrives with his minions in tow and kidnaps Toby. Sarah begs for her brother's safe return and Jareth agrees to release Toby if she can solve his Labyrinth in thirteen hours. If she fails to solve the labyrinth Toby will be doomed to become a goblin. So begins Sarah's fantastic journey in which she will learn about friendship, responsibility, and the true meaning of growing up.

Even as it follows in the tradition of such classics as The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland Labyrinth remains one of the most original and unforgettable fantasies in modern cinema. The film showcases a world of wonders that could only come from the boundless imagination of Jim Henson. Through its use of equal parts bizarre and endearing characters the film immerses viewers in the characters' world and ensures that they become invested in the story. Similarly, the dazzling set designs transport viewers to another world from which they will be hard pressed to return. The deceptively simple story acts as an apt allegory for growing up. Over the course of her journey, Sarah is forced to learn such difficult lessons as the need to accept responsibility and the importance of self-sacrifice. She also comes to terms with her changing family and her own budding sexuality. Most poignantly she learns to reconcile her childhood imagination with her increasingly adult reality in a way that allows her to grow up without growing old.

The film brings its wonderful world to life thanks to the stellar work of its stars and the expert team of puppeteers at Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Jennifer Connolly perfectly captures Sarah's adolescent angst while displaying the maturity and charm that would define her adult acting career. David Bowie proves that he is a born performer whether on stage or on screen as he turn in a performance that is seductive, sinister, and never less than iconic as magnetic Jareth. The film's team of puppeteers and voice actors offer a masterclass in world building and story telling as they bring an array of colorful characters to vibrant life.

At once a modern fantasy and a timeless coming of age story Labyrinth takes viewers on an unforgettable journey with all of the twists and turns that its name would suggest. The film's inventive script offers an adventure through the perils of adolescence that continues to thrill. The performances still rock just as hard now as they did upon the film's release. Fall under the spell of Jareth and his Labyrinth.

Classics: A Review of Curse of the Cat People By Lauren Ennis

Childhood is a wondrous time in which magic and danger seem to be waiting around every corner. But what happens when the whimsy of childhood fantasy begins to consume every day reality. It is this question that lies at the heart of 1944's The Curse of the Cat People. Much like its cult classic predecessor, the film explores the difficulties of being different and the dark side of the imagination, albeit from a child's perspective. The film abandons the supernatural thrills that made Cat People a hit in favor of the real life horrors of familial discord and social alienation, making it one of Hollywood's most original and polarizing sequels. Fall under the spell of The Curse of the Cat People.

The story begins several years after the events of Cat People. Oliver and Alice seem to be leading an idyllic existence in the suburbs with their young daughter, Amy. Despite their happy life together, however, they remain haunted by the memory of Oliver's tormented first wife, Irena. The ghosts of the past become disturbingly present when dreamy Amy reveals that her imaginary friend to be none other than Irena. Unnerved by this revelation, Oliver becomes determined that Amy abandon all of her fantasies for fear that she might share in Irena's tragic fate. What ensues is a battle of wills that will put past against present and imagination against reality in its father-daughter conflict. 

At once a stark departure from its predecessor and an apt tribute to all of the qualities that made it a classic, The Curse of the Cat People is an animal all its own. In its blatant break from the sensuality and thrills that made Cat People a fan favorite The Curse of the Cat People earned the derision of contemporary audiences. Yet it is these same changes that endeared the film to contemporary critics and modern audiences alike. While most sequels are merely rehashes of existing films that serve as little more than imitations of their predecessors, The Curse of the Cat People acts equally well as a sequel or a standalone film. While the film abandons its exploration of sexual repression and the immigrant experience it leans even further into the original film's themes of mental illness, social alienation, and conformity. As a result, the film expands upon the themes of the first film while still telling an original story. Similarly, the film manages to recapture the familiar eerie atmosphere of the original, even as it places the characters in a fresh scenario. In this way, the film manages to strike a surprising balance between making its own mark and honoring that which came before. Beyond comparisons to its predecessor The Curse of the Cat People remains notable for its accurate portrayal of children and child psychology. In fact, the script's depiction of child psychology was so highly regarded that UCLA would show the film as part of their sociology curriculum. At once eerily familiar and entirely unique The Curse of the Cat People makes for purrfect viewing.

The film brings the legend of the cat people back to life thanks to the work of its cast. Jane Randolph lends warmth to her portrayal of working girl turned wife and mother, Alice. Kent Smith offers a darker take on Oliver, which highlights how his own closed mindedness and emotional neglect contributed to Irena's downfall. Simone Simon infuses Irena with an ethereal melancholy that makes her the most sympathetic ghost since Casper. Ann Carter portrays Amy with an intelligence, depth, and maturity that makes the premature end of her career (after contracting polio) all the more poignant. Julia Dean's depiction of dementia ravaged neighbor, Mrs. Farren, is nothing short of harrowing. Elizabeth Russell is equal parts frightening and heartbreaking as Mrs. Farren's daughter, Barbara. 

The Curse of the Cat People is the ultimate cinematic unicorn; a sequel that meets and even exceeds the standard set by its predecessor. Through its equal parts eerie and insightful script the film successfully transports viewers back to the world of its characters and into the depths of the human mind. The cast revive their roles in a way that both honors and expands upon the original film. Experience the magic and mystery of the movies with The Curse of the Cat People.

Classics: A Review of Eyes Without a Face By Lauren Ennis

 How far would you go to right a wrong that you had committed? Can even the most noble of ends ever truly justify the means to achieving them? These are the questions that drive the 1960 macabre masterpiece Eyes Without a Face. combining classic gothic horror with elements of modern slasher flicks the film continues to mystify, hypnotize, and ultimately horrify viewers over sixty years after its release. This Halloween, meet the shocking gaze of Eyes Without a Face...if you dare.

The story begins with alluring Louise disposing of the body of a young woman on a riverbank in the outskirts of Paris. When police recover the body, local physician Dr. Genessier identifies the victim as his missing daughter, Christiane. It is then revealed that Christine went missing shortly after she was disfigured in a car accident in which her father was the driver. The doctor returns home from his daughter's funeral with the mysterious Louise in tow. It is then revealed that Christiane is actually living hidden in Genessier's mansion waiting for her father to restore her former beauty. The film then explains that the dead woman had been kidnapped by Louise as part of Genessier's scheme to graft another woman's face onto Christiane. The film then follows the doctor and his assistant as they descend ever deeper into madness in their single minded pursuit of the perfect donor. Meanwhile, their supposed beneficiary, Christiane, is driven further into isolation, guilt, and despair by the crimes being committed in her name. When Christiane's fiancé and the police become suspicious of the doctor, Genessier, Louise, and Christiane are all forced to finally face the devastation left in their wake.

While it remains notorious for its visceral visuals the true horror of Eyes Without a Face lies in its bleak vision of humanity. While many horror films feature supernatural villains and otherworldly monsters Eyes Without a Face's antagonists are all ordinary people. Instead of featuring the faceless psychos of modern slasher movies the film takes viewers into the hearts and minds of its villains. In this way, audiences are forced to confront the all too human motives behind their inhumane actions and wonder what we would do if we were in the same position. The film's depiction of human experimentation also echoes the real life horrors of both the Nazi regime and the eugenics movement. As a result, the often  fantastic plot remains disturbingly grounded in reality. Get your chills this Halloween by staring into the cold, calculating, vision of Eyes Without a Face.

The film is brought to eerire, skin crawling, life thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Beatrice Altariba infuses police decoy Paulette with street smart sass. Alexander Rignault aptly captures the world weariness of dogged policeman Inspector Parot. Francois Guerin aptly portrays the loss and longing of Christiane's fiancé, Jacques. Smoldering Alida Valli is nothing short of chilling as Genessier's fatally devoted assistant, Louise. Pierre Brasseur finds the humanity in Gennesier as he showcases the guilt, devotion, and desperation driving his monstrous behavior. Even as she utters minimal dialogue Edit Scob haunts the film in her ethereal turn as the tragic Christiane.

When a French journalist described Eyes Without a Face as a horror movie the film's director, Georges Franju aptly corrected him saying that the film was actually something worse, "a terror movie". Over sixty years after its release the terror of this film remains as deep as ever as it forces viewers to come face to face with the all too real terrors of loss, guilt, insecurity, and our own arrogance. With writing as precise as a surgeon's scalpel the film relates its harrowing tale without a single misstep. The brilliant performances bring each of the characters to all too human life. This Halloween stare into the terror behind Eyes Without a Face.

Classics: A Review of Forgetting Sarah Marshall By Lauren Ennis

 Breaking up is hard to do. The grief for what once was and longing for what might have been make for an agonizing experience the likes of which has inspired art for time immemorial. For Peter Bretter, that agony is made all the more excruciating by the fact that he finds himself bombarded with constant reminders of his colleague and ex-girlfriend. In 2008's hit comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall Peter embarks upon a series of uproarious misadventures that will teach him about life, love, and how to move on. For a comedy well worth remembering join Peter in his attempt at Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

The film begins with television composer Peter enjoying a five year relationship with rising starlet Sarah Marshall. He is seemingly living the dream as he manages to remain an immature slacker while still reaping the benefits of a long term relationship. His dream soon turns into a nightmare, however, when Sarah informs him that she's breaking up with him. Despite his best efforts to move on, his job composing for the series that she is starring in forces him to be constantly reminded of her. In an effort to escape his woes at home he takes a trip to Hawaii only to find that Sarah is staying at the same resort he is with her new boyfriend, rock star Aldous Snow, in tow. Things finally start to look up for Peter, however, when he begins a flirtation with hotel concierge Rachel. 

The film takes the familiar slacker comedy and elevates it to relate a poignant tale that is every bit as heart warming as it is hilarious. Rather than limiting itself to either celebrating or condemning its slacker hero the film instead follows him on a journey of self-realization and self-improvement with plenty of laughs along the way. As a result, the film remains relatable and grounded even at its most outrageous. The focus upon Peter's growth also lends emotional weight to the proceedings which ensures that viewers will invest in the story. As a result, viewers will laugh with rather than at the characters and root for them through every misadventure. The film also succeeds in its refusal to relegate any of the characters to stereotypes. While Sarah easily could have been reduced to either a scheming starlet or angelic heroine she is instead portrayed as a complex woman struggling to come to terms with the fleeting nature of fame. Similarly, Rachel is far more than a free spirited flake and her personal journey is every bit as engaging and satisfying as Peter's. Finally, even the larger than life lothario Aldous is never reduced to caricature as he reveals himself to be not the devious villain Peter envisions, but instead brutally honest and entirely likeable. Despite slating itself as a slacker story Forgetting Sarah Marshall proves itself to be a surprisingly ambitious and utterly satisfying romantic comedy.

Peter's adventures in life and love come to hilarious life thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Jonah Hill shows his versatility in his endearing turn as waiter and aspiring musician, Chuck. Kristen Bell portrays Sarah with allure and ambition. Mila Kunis shines in her delightful turn as Rachel. Russell Brand expertly spoofs his own persona in his charismatic turn as new age hedonist Aldous. Jason Segel proves himself to be a worthy, if unconventional, leading ma in his depiction of Peter's journey from immature but well intentioned man-child to self-aware and mature man.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall ranks as one of the few romantic comedies to truly balance romance and humor. Through its by turns sentimental and slapstick script the film offers one of the most original and satisfying viewing experiences in recent years. The brilliant work of the cast brings each of the characters to whimsical life. After one viewing you'll be hard pressed to try Forgetting Sarah Marshall.