Classics: A Review of The Bridge to Terabithia By Lauren Ennis

School is where we learn many of our earliest lessons in life. It is where we first learn the academic and social skills that prepare us for the world beyond the classroom. School is also where we learn some of the most difficult lessons that shape our lives long after graduation. In 2007's family drama The Bridge to Terabithia eleven year old Jess learns vital lessons in friendship, imagination, and loss. For essential family viewing follow The Bridge to Terabithia.

The story begins in the rural Midwest, where Jess Aarons lives with his stern father, stressed mother, and four sisters. His artistic interests make him an outcast amongst his struggling family and he faces even more difficulty fitting in at school where he is regularly bullied. A burst of color enters his gray life in the form of his new neighbor, Leslie. Leslie is Jess' polar opposite in that where he struggles to fit in she relishes standing out. Through their shared outsider status the pair for an unlikely friendship. Together they create an elaborate fictional world in which they embark upon adventures of the imagination. Through the power of storytelling and the encouraging influence of Leslie he finds the courage to face his fears and accept himself. The magic of Terabithia is put to the ultimate test, however, when a tragedy occurs that shatters his view of the world and his place within it.

The film faithfully brings Katherine Patterson's beloved 1977 novel to inspiring and heartbreaking life. The script expertly balances between Jess and Leslie's daily lives the the fantasy world that they create to relate a compelling tale of the power of friendship and imagination. The ways in which the film deftly segues from events in the characters; real lives to the fantastic stories that those events inspire are particularly notable for their ability to highlight the film's themes while still advancing the plot. the film stands apart from most modern family films for its willingness to explore weighty themes such as isolation, guilt, and loss with unflinching honesty. By delving into Jess' grief the film allows young viewers a safe avenue through which to understand the concept of loss and/or process their own grief. As a result, the film offers young audiences lessons in love and loss that will continue to resonate as they grow up while still remaining family friendly. Even as it ventures into difficult topics the film still manages to offer entertaining adventures and inspiring lessons that will keep the whole family returning to Terabithia. 

The film brings both the American Midwest and the fantasy world of Terabithia to life thanks to stellar work of its cast. Bailee Madison is a delight as Jess' devoted younger sister, Maybelle. Lauren Clinton captures the outer brutality and inner wounded vulnerability of bully Janice Avery with subtle believability. Robert Patrick conveys the caring beneath the gruff exterior of Jess' stern father. Zooey Deschanel gives Michelle Pfeiffer a run for her money as Jess' inspiring music teacher, Miss Edmonds. Anna Sophia Robb infuses Leslie with a whimsy, charm, and daring that are nothing short of infectious. Josh Hutcherson portrays Jess' coming of age with a raw emotion and subtlety that belie his young hears. Together, Robb and Hutcherson invoke an optimism, innocence, and sense of wonder that will have viewers longing to return to their own childhood adventures.

At once a heartbreaking coming of age story and a testament to the creative spirit The Bridge to Terabithia captures both the magic of childhood and the pain of growing up. The script brilliantly adapts the tragedy of Patterson's novel without sacrificing its message of hope and resilience. The characters leap from the page to the screen thanks to the compelling work of the cast. Relive the adventure of growing up The Bridge to Terabithia.

If you enjoy this story of  imagination and friendship be sure to check out my screenplay Daughters of Attrition published by Off the Wall Plays 

https://offthewallplays.com/product/daughters-of-attrition-a-screenplay-about-a-girl-from-afghanistan/

Classics: A Review of The Count of Monte Cristo By Lauren Ennis

Is vengeance ever truly justified? Can justice ever really be attained? These are the questions that lie at the heart of 2002's The Count of Monte Cristo. The film brings Alexander Dumas' 1844  novel to vibrant life, transporting viewers into the heart of an epic saga of injustice, vengeance, and redemption.  For classic adventure swing into swashbuckling action with The Count of Monte Cristo.

The story begins in 1815 when sailors Edmund Dantes and Fernand Mondego are forced to seek medical aid for their ill captain. The pair make the desperate choice to come ashore on the heavily guarded island of Elba. In an twist of fate exiled emperor Napoleon Bonaparte convinces his guards to spare the pair and aid their captain. The crafty general then persuades illiterate Edmund to deliver a letter off of the island, promising that its contents are 'entirely innocent'. Edmund naively takes Bonaparte at his word and unbeknownst to him the conversation is overheard by Fernand. Upon returning home Edmund is promoted and becomes engaged to the beautiful Mercedes. Jealous of his friend's happiness, Fernand then goes to the police and informs them that Edmund delivered the letter for Bonaparte. When it is revealed that the letter contained plans for a coup to return Napoleon to power Edmund is imprisoned for treason. His friends and family are then forced to pick up the pieces of their lives, unaware that the supposed end of Edmund Dantes is just the beginning of the Count of Monte Cristo.

Upon the film's 2002 release critics and audiences agreed that it was an adventure the likes of which the phrase, 'they don't make 'em like that anymore' was made. Over twenty years later this sentiment has grown only more strong. In an era in which cinema is dominated by subverted expectations and self-aware irony The Count of Monte Cristo's old-fashioned sincerity is nothing short of refreshing. Rather than using this classic tale of injustice, revenge, and redemption to comment on modern life the film leaves the story to offer commentary on the issues of the day the film instead leaves the source material to speak for itself. In this way the film allows the story to revel in its universal appeal rather than limit it to a niche critique of our own world. The film's refusal to use its script to lecture at audience provides viewers with the opportunity to make their own connections to the work, ensuring a more personal and enriching viewing experience. The film also sets itself apart from its modern counterparts in its refusal to shy away from the emotion of Dumas' original novel. Whereas many modern movies makes their characters' emotions behind self-referential quips and ironic humor The Count of Monte Cristo wears its heart on its sleeve. In exploring Edmund's anguish, longing, and regret the film ensures that viewers will experience these emotions along with him. As a result, his ultimate triumph is that much more inspiring. The film additionally stands out for its expert use of filming locations and practical effects. Rather than relying upon green screen, the film instead utilizes period appropriate location shots. These  sets and locations immerse viewers into the world of nineteenth century France from its squalid prisons to its most opulent chateaus. Similarly, the inclusion of dazzling stunt work ensures that Edmund's journey is never less than thrilling. Combines, the effects and locations create a vibrant world of action and adventure which viewers will be hard-pressed to leave. Through its old-fashioned spirit of adventure The Count of Monte Cristo reminds modern viewers of what it means to be a classic.

The film transports viewers to the grit and glamor of nineteenth century France thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. James Frain personifies corruption as compromised prosecutor Villefort. Richard Harris is the mentor we all wish we could have had as Edmund's fellow prisoner, Abbe Faria. Luis Guzman steals each scene in which he appears as pirate turned ally Jacopo. Dagmara Dominczyck aptly blends charm, anguish, and resilience as Edmund's fiancée, Mercedes. Henry Cavill infuses Mercedes and Fernand's son, Albert, with youthful passion and boyish naivete. Guy Pearce is a villain that viewers will love to hate as envious and ruthless Fernand. Jim Cavezial turns in one of the best performances of his career as he takes viewers on Edmund's journey from naive boy to hardened, vengeful, man without missing a single step.

Over twenty years after its release The Count of Monte Cristo continues to dazzle with its epic tale the likes of which cinema was made for. Through its expertly written script the film remains true to the spirit of the original novel while still keeping modern audiences engaged. The stellar cast turn in performances that bring each of Dumas' characters to vibrant life. For an adventure the likes of which dreams, and the movies, were made for set sail with The Count of Monte Cristo. 

An Announcement

 Dear readers, thank you all for your continued support! I'm excited to share my latest project with all of you, my full length screenplay Daughters of Attrition which was just published with Off the Wall Plays. The screenplay's summary is as follows:

Ten year old Noor finds her world shattered after her father is killed while assisting in American operations against the Taliban. In the wake of her father’s death her mother is forced to send her to a Kabul orphanage until the family can secure a visa to the West. At the orphanage she finds solace in an unlikely friendship with artistic rebel Laila, and together the two discover the power of friendship and imagination. The harsh reality of the outside world soon finds its way into the orphanage as the Taliban enters the city changing the fate of the girls and Afghanistan forever. 

I look forward to continuing to share in the love of storytelling with you all.

https://offthewallplays.com/product/daughters-of-attrition-a-screenplay-about-a-girl-from-afghanistan/

Miss E.