Classics: A Review of Wolf Children By Lauren Ennis

 As Mother's Day approaches we reflect upon the mothers and mother figures in our lives who have shaped who we are and will continue to guide who we become. Few films capture the trials and triumphs, love and loss, of motherhood with the poignancy of 2012's animated family fantasy Wolf Children. This Mother's Day take a walk on the wild side with Wolf Children.

The story begins in late 1990's Tokyo. Shy college student Hana falls for an unnamed classmate who seems to be the man of her dreams. Her dream threatens to turn into a nightmare, however, when her love interest reveals that he is a werewolf. Hana accepts him without hesitation and the two eventually marry. The couple soon have two children, Yuki and Ame, who both inherit their father's lycanthropy. Soon after their second child is born, tragedy strikes when he is killed in an accident while hunting for the family's food. The grief of Hana's loss and struggle of single motherhood are further complicated by her children's unusual abilities. Despite their best efforts both Yuki and Ame struggle to control their wolf form, prompting their mother to hide them from the outside world. When their reclusive lifestyle raises the suspicions of social services she opts to move the family into the countryside, away from prying eyes. The film then follows Hana's efforts to build a life for herself and her children as all three navigate the confusion of growing up and confront the pain of letting go.

The film expertly utilizes its unique premise to explore universal themes. Hana's realization that he has fallen in love with a werewolf adds a supernatural intrigue to what begins as a straight forward love story. While this twist recalls classic horror and trendy teen romances alike the film focuses upon the ramifications of this realization rather than its initial shock. In this way, the film is able to use Hana's unusual dilemma as a stand-in for real life complications including disabilities, mental illness, and cultural differences. In this way, the film allows viewers to not only sympathize but empathize with its central couple, making their eventual parting all the more impactful. Similarly, the film cleverly uses the children's mixed identity to symbolize their outsider status. The children's abilities and their struggles to control them additionally act as apt stand-ins for a variety of unique real-life challenges while mirroring the universal growing pains that all children face. In its depiction of Hana's efforts to guide her children the film expertly captures the hardships and sacrifice that define motherhood while reminding viewers of the love and fulfillment that make it all worthwhile. As a result, this modern fairytale relates one of the most surprisingly grounded depictions of motherhood in all of cinema. This Mother's Day join the pack with Hana and her Wolf Children.

The world of Wolf Children is brought to enchanting life thanks to its animation. The film utilizes both traditional 2D and computerized 3D CGI to highlight the story's fairytale atmosphere. The depictions of the city hold a severe modern beauty while the portrayal of the countryside is lush and vibrant. This setting design perfectly illustrates the film's central conflict between the children's civilized, human,  and  feral, wolf, halves. The character designs infuse each of the characters with expression and individuality. The dual wolf and human designs of the children and their father particularly stand out for the way in which they each capture the characters' unique personalities regardless of which form they are in. Experience the animated beauty and wonder of the wild world of Wolf Children.

At once refreshingly unique and universally relatable Wolf Children is a film for parents and children alike. The script explores the joys and sorrows of motherhood with tenderness without veering into sugary sentimentality. The gorgeous animation transports viewers to a lush world that they will be hard-pressed to leave. Celebrate the mothers in your life with a viewing of Wolf Children.

Classics: A Review of Lost in Translation By Lauren Ennis

The 1990's sitcom Seinfeld proudly described itself as "a show about nothing". In many ways, this same description could apply to the 2003 hit drama Lost in Translation. This deceptively simple tale follows the brief acquaintance of two travelers and not much else. It is a film devoid of action with minimal stakes in which all of the drama is strictly internal. In spite of its simplicity, however, the film remains one of the most poignant films in modern cinema. Find the hidden meaning Lost in Translation.

The story begins with aging Hollywood star Bob Harris arriving in Japan to shoot a whiskey commercial. He experiences a series of comic misunderstandings as he struggles to adjust to culture shock and jet lag. Simultaneously, his brief calls home offer insight into the deteriorating marriage and floundering career that have left in in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Meanwhile, newlywed American tourist Charlotte arrives at the same hotel Bob is staying in with her photographer husband. Despite her youth and new marriage she is revealed to be in the midst of an existential crisis of her own that has her questioning her relationship and her life's direction. After a series of chance meetings the two travelers embark upon an unlikely friendship that will leave them both changed for the better.

Despite its minimalistic plot the film tackles such heady topics as the longing for connection, the search for meaning, and the inevitable approach of mortality with depth and nuance. Through its depiction of Bob's distant relationship with his wife and Charlotte's mismatched marriage, the film aptly demonstrates the importance of making meaningful connections. While both characters are checking the societal boxes of being married neither are fulfilled by their relationships. Ironically, both find greater connection in their brief interactions with each other than in their marriages. In this way, the film highlights the importance of true connection in its portrait of two people who are at their loneliest when they are around others. Similarly, the film explores the vital need for meaning by focusing upon the lack of meaning in its characters' lives. While both Bob and Charlotte are leading existences that are successful on paper, neither feels any passion or sense of purpose. As a result, while both are alive neither is truly living. The need to live a purposeful existence while we can is further emphasized by the film's depiction of Bob's struggle to overcome his mid-life crisis and Charlotte's efforts to come to terms with entering adulthood. Eve as it meditates upon these weighty topics the film still offers laughs and what just might be love along the way. Lose yourself in the magnetic melancholy of Lost in Translation.

The film is brilliantly brough to life thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Anna Faris is hilariously vapid as Charlotte's husband's celebrity client, Kelly. Catherine Lambert is equal parts sultry and pathetic as the unnamed lounge singer with whom Bob has a one-night-stand. Giovanni Ribisi perfectly captures Charlotte's husband, John's, desperate need to belong. Even in the midst of adept supporting performances the film belongs to Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson as Bob and Charlotte. Murray showcases his signature dry humor but infuses with with just enough melancholy to hint at Bob's inner turmoil. Similarly, Johansson perfectly conveys the naivete, confusion, frustration, and anxiety of young adulthood with intelligence and charm. Together, the two share a surprising chemistry and make for a compelling, if unusual, pairing.

At once a unique slice of life and a universal meditation upon life and love Lost in Translation continues to stir the mind and heart. The script aptly blends humor with raw emotion to relate a poignant tale that anyone who has ever felt lost will relate to. The performances bring the characters to aching life. Lose yourself in the beauty of Lost in Translation.

Classics: A Review of Oliver & Company By Lauren Ennis

 Following the death of its visionary founder in 1966 the Walt Disney Company entered what is commonly known as "the Disney Dark Age". In this era the studio's reputation and industry dominance faltered as a result of lowered animation standards and lack luster scripts. While the majority of the studio's effort at this time proved middling at best, there were a select few film released during this time that still held he sparkle of Disney magic. One such film is the 1988 animated adventure Oliver & Company. This modern take on the classic Dickens novel Oliver Twist. is sure to leave viewers saying, "I want some more".

The story begins on New York City's 5th Avenue as a litter of kittens are being offered to passerby. All of the kittens quickly find new homes except for one, Oliver. After a rain storm washes away the cardboard box he was living in he finds himself alone in the big city. While searching for food he meets street wise terrier, Dodger, who proposes hat they work together to steal from a local street vendor. After Dodger double crosses him, Oliver follows the dog back to the abandoned barge where Dodger makes his home with homeless Fagin and his gang of stray dogs. Orphaned Oliver soon finds himself at the center of the strays' makeshift gamily and part of their gang of furry thieves. When one of the gang's schemes goes awry he's separated from them and welcomed into the luxurious home of a wealthy and lonely little girl named Jenny. When Fagin is threatened by a ruthless loan shark he concocts a scheme that will place Oliver's new life and the gang's future in danger. It's up to Oliver and both of his found families to save the day with a bit of street savoir faire.

While contemporary critics offered middling reviews, audiences have fallen in love with Oliver and Dodger in the decades since the film's release. The film was a stark departure from the fairytale formula that marked the successes of Disney's so-called Golden Age and the Disney Renaissance of the 1990's. Rather than focusing upon fantastical adventures in a far away land the film explored the exploits of stray animals in urban America. As a result, the characters and world in which they live made for more relatable viewing. Similarly, the film used its modern setting to explore such real world issues homelessness, crime, and abandonment. In this way, the film offered apt insight into complex issues that society continues to grapple with today. Even as it delves into the difficult subjects, however, the film's clever use of animals as stand-ins for their human counterparts keeps the story from becoming too dark for younger audiences. The film additionally deviates from Disney's earlier efforts by exploring such universal themes as the value of family, the importance of friendship, and the courage of everyday people. In this way the film continues to resonate with audiences of all ages by reminding us all of what is most important in our own world and the ways in which we can work to make it a better place. For family fun with some big city soul leave your worries behind with Dodger and Oliver & Company.

The film brings the hustle and bustle of the big apple to life thanks to the work of its star studded vocal cast. Taurean Blacque and Carl Weintraub perfectly capture the arrogance and aggression of loan shark Sykes' Dobermans, Roscoe and Desoto. Robert Loggin conveys quiet menace as Sykes. Sheryl Lee Ralph offers an equal parts sultry and sassy turn as street smart Saluki, Rita. Roscoe Lee Brown turns in a hilariously pretentious performance worthy of Frasier Crane as cultured Bulldog, Francis. Richard Mulligan is a loveable lunkhead as the dim-witted but big-hearted Great Dane, Einstein. Cheech Marin steals each scene in which he appears as little Chihuahua with a big attitude, Tito. Bette Midler is a villain who viewers will love to hate as Jenny's haughty show-Poodle, Georgette. Dom DeLuise balances heart and hilarity at the hapless Fagin. Natalie Gregory imbues Jenny with sweetness and sincerity. William Glover infuses Jenny's overwhelmed butler, Winston, with warmth and charm. Joey Lawrence captures Oliver's courage, tenacity, and vulnerability in a mature performance that belies his young years. Even in a supporting role the film belongs to the effortless cool and finesse of Billy Joel as Dodger. Joel brings his signature bravura and charisma to the film in a way that ensures that Dodger, and the film as a whole, truly rock.

At once an homage to Dickens, a tribute to classic Disney, and a fresh tale of modern city life, this film will have you wanting to join Oliver & Company. The script offers an action-packed adventure that the whole family will love. The animation, music, and vocal performances bring the dog-eat-dog world of the big city to vibrant life. For fun for the whole family, hit the streets with Oliver & Company.

Why should we worry, why should we care?