Classics: A Review of Balto By Lauren Ennis

Few bonds are as profound as that which exists between humans and dogs. Few relationships can equal the loyalty, love, and trust that exists between a dog and its person. Perhaps no story exemplifies this bond better than the real life story of Balto and his heroic team of fellow sled dogs. Inspired by Nome, Alaska's 1925 serum run, 1995's animated cult classic Balto relates a timeless tale of sacrifice, self-acceptance, and the eternal bond between human and canine. For viewing even the furry members of the family will love curl up with Balto. 

The story begins with an elderly woman showing her granddaughter Central Park's statue of sled dog Balto. The woman then relates the story behind the statue, launching the film into an animated flashback which transports viewers to 1925 Nome Alaska. The city is eagerly awaiting try outs for the annual Iditarod race Since the local team led by arrogant thoroughbred Steele is heavily favored spectators are shocked when half-wolf stray Balto wins the race. Despite his skill, the city's residents distrust Balto because of his wild heritage and reject him from the team. He faces similar rejection from the local dogs with the exception of his crush, kind-hearted husky Jenna. When a diphtheria outbreak sweeps into Nome the young daughter of Jenna's owners becomes deathly ill. Weather conditions prevent supplies of antitoxin serum from reaching the isolated city, leaving the city's children at the mercy of a devastating epidemic. The only hope for transporting the serum is Steele and his team. When the team disappears in a storm, however, Balto finds himself in a race against time that no dog can win, but just maybe a wolf can.

Released in the midst of the so-called 'Disney Renaissance' Balto entered a market saturated with fairy tale characters on fantastic adventures. Rather than adhere to the trends of the time the film instead struck out on its own path, allowing it to stand out from its contemporaries decades later. Rather than a fairy tale kingdom filled with larger than life obstacles the film instead opts for a historical setting subject to real world struggles. In place of a quest to save a fictional world the film instead explores the horrors of epidemic diseases and the efforts of real people to combat them. As a result, the stakes of the story are all too real and devastatingly high. The film also sets itself apart by choosing to focus upon society's unsung heroes in the form of Balto and his team. Through its exploration of Balto's efforts to help the children of Nome the film recalls the work of first responders and pays apt tribute to them. The film's depiction of his struggles to accept his mixed heritage acts as a clever metaphor for real world prejudice without becoming heavy handed or lecturing viewers. The portrayal of his journey towards self-acceptance also lends complexity to his character while making him relatable to viewers. The depiction of the loyalty and selflessness of dogs is guaranteed to warm the heart of dog lovers and may even win over a few cat owners. For family entertainment that is truly a breed of its own follow the path of the lone wolf with Balto.

The film transports viewers to the snowy streets of 1920's Nome Alaska thanks to its stunning animation and excellent voice cast. The traditional animation brings the Alaskan wilderness to vivid life in all of its brutality and beauty. The character designs infuse each character with an emotion and expressiveness that is sure to endear them to viewers. The dazzling animation works in perfect tandem with the vocal performances. Juliette Brewer is cute but never cloying as Jenna's tomboy owner, Rosy. Phil Collins lends apt comedic support in dual roles as Balto's unlikely allies, hapless polar bears Muk and Luk. Bob Hoskins steals each scene in which he appears in his by turns witty and wise portrayal of Balto's best friend, expat Russian snow goose Boris. Jim Cummings perfectly captures the arrogance, callousness, and hidden insecurities of lead sled dog Steele. Bridget Fonda conveys girl next door charm, intelligence, and warmth as Balto's love interest, Jenna. Kevin Bacon once again proves that he is leading man material as he brings Balto's journey from underdog to heroic life. 

At once a unique retelling of a historical event and a universal underdog story Balto is every bit as inspiring as its namesake. The script brings a fascinating piece of history to life while still offering enough humor, drama, and emotion to entertain audiences of all ages. The animation is never less than gorgeous as it recreates the beauty of Alaska and brings an ensemble cast of various species to vibrant life. The vocal performances imbue each member of the ensemble cast with a broad range of distinct distinct personalities. For adventure for the young and young at heart explore the Alaskan wilderness with Balto.

Classics: A Review of Chinatown By Lauren Ennis

Dark alleys, darker secrets, corruption and murder are just another day in Chinatown. This 1974 classic perfectly blends the tragedy of Old Hollywood noir with the gritty edge of the emerging New Hollywood to create one of the most iconic works in all of cinema. At once a chilling portrait of Depression-era America an a damning indictment of 1970's malaise, Chinatown is more relevant than ever. Take a walk on the dark side in Chinatown.

The story begins in 1930's Los Angeles with cop turned private investigator Jake Gittes taking on a new case. In typical noir fashion his potential client is a mysterious woman asking for him to investigate her prominent husband, Hollis Mulwray. While he fails to discover any evidence of Mulwray's supposed affair, he does discover evidence of a scheme to monopolize the drought-beleaguered city's water supply. Eventually Mulwray  turns up dead and Gittes learns that the woman who hired him was not actually Mrs. Mulwray. The private detective is then launched on a journey through the darkest corners of Los Angeles and the bleakest depths of the human soul the likes of which still has cinemagoers talking.

Although it is an atmospheric period piece Chinatown offers a scathing critique of America's institutions that continues to resonate today. The film depicts a society devastated by economic depression with a grit worthy of John Steinbeck. Even as it evokes the 1930's, however, it simultaneously echoes the economic and social malaise of the 1970's which in turn eerily parallels today's economic and social upheaval. The film explores the institutional rot that led to the Great Depression and the corruption of those who profited from it with unflinching honesty. In this way, he film serves as an indictment of the excesses of both the 1920's and the 1960's and a reminder of how such excess inevitably leads to eventual devastation. The film delves even deeper into haunting portrait of a nation on the brink through its depiction of political and corporate corruption. The film's portrayal of Noah Cross' elaborate scheme to defraud and exploit the citizens of Los Angeles is damning and its resemblance to the scandals lining today's headlines is nothing short of devastating. The depiction of Cross' personal corruption, while shocking in its time, resonates even more so today in light of modern scandals involving the exploitation of innocence at the hands of society's respected and powerful. Perhaps most resonant of all is the film's bleak conclusion in which Jake resigns himself to his own powerlessness against an all-powerful and thoroughly corrupt system echoing the powerlessness and cynicism that all too many experience when faced with society's eternal corruption. For an unforgettable journey through cinematic history follow Jake through the mean streets of Chinatown.

The film transports viewers to Depression-era Los Angeles thanks to the work of its iconic cast. Roman Polanski is chillingly sinister in his brief turn as an unnamed local thug whose attack leaves Gittes marked for the remainder of the film. Perry Lopez aptly captures the cynicism of Gittes' former colleague, Sgt. Escobar. John Huston personifies corruption as tycoon Noah Cross. Faye Dunaway turns in one of the most memorable performances of her lengthy career in her by turns intelligent, sultry, and anguished portrayal of the real Evelyn Mulwray. Jack Nicholson is nothing short of iconic in his magnetic turn as reluctant hero Jake. Together, Dunaway and Nicholson share a chemistry that is never less than smoldering.

Hailed by audiences and critics alike, Chinatown is the stuff that the magic of the movies is made of. The script's blend of intricate mystery and aching tragedy makes for some of the most compelling viewing in all of cinema. The star-studded cast are all in tip form as they deliver the performances of their careers. Witness cinematic mastery and join Jake for a visit to Chinatown.