Classics: A Review of The Rescuers By Lauren Ennis

 Following the death of Walt Disney in 1966 Walt Disney Studios entered what is commonly referred to as its 'dark age'. Without its founder's influence the studio's output fell into a state of decay with each release seemingly featuring weaker stories and more lackluster animation than the last. Fortunately, even in the dark days the studio still saw some bright spots, one of which is 1977's animated adventure The Rescuers. Blending fresh storytelling with classic animation the often overlooked film holds its own even when compared to the studio's more celebrated works. For viewing that is guaranteed to charm the young and young at heart alike answer the call to adventure with The Rescuers.

The story begins in the Louisiana bayou with a young girl sending a message in a bottle. The film then shifts to New York City as the Rescue Aid Society, a global charity organization entirely made up of mice, hold their annual meeting. During the meeting it is revealed that the society has been alerted to the bottle and read its message begging for help. The society discusses how the message was written by a kidnapped orphan girl named Penny and agree to send out a team to rescue her. The society's most popular member, glamorous socialite Bianca, is unsurprisingly their first choice for the assignment. To their surprise, however, she chooses anxious, unassuming, janitor Bernard rather than an actual society member to accompany her. The unlikely pair then set off of an adventure the likes of which animation was made for.

The Rescuers abandons Disney's tried and true formula and is all the better for it. Rather than telling an epic fairytale the film instead relates the story of a group of underdogs trying to help others. Through its straight-forward approach the film ensures that the story remains grounded in reality in spite of its animated animal cast. Similarly, the characters' unassuming personalities make them and their struggles endearingly relatable. Bernard and Bianca's motives particularly stand out amongst the studio's larger than life heroes as they risk everything to help Penny not for glory or to fulfill some grand purpose, but simply because it is the right thing to do. In its depiction of the duo's efforts to save Penny the film serves as an apt reminder that even the most seemingly insignificant amongst us has the power to make a difference in the world. As a result, the film lends young viewers a vital lesson in selflessness while offering them fictional role models to aspire to. The film also sets itself apart from its fairytale counterparts through its willingness to explore real life dangers that children around the world face. Rather than being locked in a dungeon or placed under a curse, Penny is lured from her orphanage, kidnapped, and forced into slave labor mining diamonds for Medusa. This decidedly dark plot sheds light on the all too real horrors of child trafficking and offers young viewers a view into the real life dangers that lie in the outside world. The darker elements are tempered, however, with the characters' steadfast optimism and resolve in the face of adversity, reminding viewers that with determination, ingenuity, and a helping hand we can overcome any obstacles that we face. In an era in which Disney increasingly relies upon formulas, sequels, and remakes, The Rescuers serves as a vital reminder of the originality that the studio was once known for. For a glimpse of the creativity, imagination, and beauty that family entertainment was once synonymous with, join Bernard and Bianca in The Rescuers.

The film brings its story to whimsical life thanks to the work of its star studded cast. Jim Jordan lends apt comic relief as hapless albatross and pilot, Orville. John McIntire conveys grandfatherly warmth and wisdom as Penny's elderly cat, Rufus. Joe Flynn blends smarmy with slapstick as inept henchman Snoops. Michelle Stacy more than holds her own against her adult costars in a performance that is at once humorous, heartfelt, and heartbreaking as Penny. In Geraldine Page's hands Medusa is one of the most deliciously wicked villains in all of Disney. Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor make for a winning team as Bernard and Bianca. Newhart plays up his neurotic persona to full effect while still approaching credibility to Bernard's journey from reluctant rescuer to hero. Similarly, Gabor earns plenty of laughs in a turn that recalls her work in Green Acres but still infuses Bianca with warmth and quiet strength. Together, the two make for one of the most wholesome and wholly lovable pairings in all of animation.

At once a refreshing break from Disney's tired fairytale formula and a return to the studio's classic animation, The Rescuers is easily one of its most underrated works. The script expertly balances thrilling adventure and heartfelt lessons to create a story that truly is for the whole family. The voice performances and animation bring the story to daring and dazzling life. Seize the day with Bernard and Bianca in The Rescuers.

Classics: A Review of The Neverending Story By Lauren Ennis

 Since humanity began we have relied upon the power of storytelling. It is through stories that we make sense of our present, learn about our past, and contemplate our future. Even in our darkest moments stories light up our imagination with the hope and inspiration to go on. Few films capture the wonder of storytelling with the power of The Neverending Story. This 1984 adventure takes viewers on a fantastic journey to a faraway land into the depths of the human soul. Let your imagination soar with The Neverending Story.

The film begins with ten year-old Sebastian attempting to come to terms with the recent death of his mother. Rather than supporting the grieving boy, his father chastises him for his falling grades and daydreaming in class. On his way to school he is harassed by bullies who demand his lunch money. In the ensuing struggle he hides in a nearby bookstore. He then sees the store owner reading a mysterious book called The Neverending Story. After the store owner says that the book is not for sale because it is 'too dangerous' Sebastian waits for him to be distracted by a phone call and steals the book. He then cuts class, retreats to his school's attic, and begins reading, unlocking a world of fantasy and adventure. So begins a his quest to defeat the misery and despair that are engulfing the magical land of Fantasia and maybe even confront his own demons along the way.

The film sets itself apart from other fantasy movies of its era by using the adventures of its fantastic world to explore real life issues and the ways in which stories help us cope with them. The film begins with Sebastian confronted with his cold father and hostile classmates. Rather than face his problems, however, he retreats further into his fantasy, further feeding into his isolation and depression. Simultaneously, the land of Fantasia is slowly disappearing as its citizens give in to apathy and despair until the finally vanish. It is only through the efforts of optimistic and brave Atreyu that hope and life return to both Sebastian's world and Fantasia. Each time that Atreyu defeats a monster or comes to terms with a personal loss Sebastian becomes more inspired to face the adversity in his own life. In this way the film highlights the ways in which stories can motivate us to keep going even in our darkest moments. In the ultimate meta twist it is revealed that all of Atreyu's accomplishments will not be enough to revive Fantasia, and it is only through the inner strength, courage, and resilience of Sebastian that the land will survive. As a result, the film demonstrates how the powerful lessons and inspiration that we find in stories are not enough to change our lives if we do not act upon that inspiration. Through its dual depictions of Atreyu and Sebastian's stories The Neverending Story acts as a meditation upon the power of storytelling while reminding viewers that with courage, hope, and inspiration we can overcome anything.

The film brings the world of Fantasia to magical life thanks to the work of its cast. Tami Stronach perfectly captures the ethereal mystique of Fantasia's ailing empress. Thomas Hill aptly conveys the curmudgeonly exterior and inner warmth of bookstore owner Carl Conrad Coreander. Alan Oppenheimer steals the show in unforgettable voice performances as the dim-witted Rockbiter, the benevolent luck dragon Falkor, and the menacing monster Gmork. Noah Hathaway personifies heroism as the fearless and self-sacrificing warrior Atreyu. Barrett Oliver turns in a mature performance that belies his young years as  he portrays Sebastian's loneliness and grief while still maintaining a childlike innocence and sense of wonder.

Easily one of the most awesomely iconic films of the 1980's The Neverending Story continues to enthrall the young young at heart. The script strikes an impressive balance between introspection and adventure through its parallel quests against the fictional threat of 'the nothing' and the real world devastation of grief. The performances bring Michael Ende's novel in all of its magic to life. Reach the stars, fly a fantasy, and dream a dream in The Neverending Story.

Classics: A Review of Dolores Claiborne By Lauren Ennis

 Are some secrets best left hidden? Can we ever really escape out past? What does it take to survive in an unforgiving world? These are the questions that lie at the heart of the 1995 drama Dolores Claiborne. Part twisting whodunnit and part gritty character study Dolores Claiborne is wholly gripping viewing. Exploring such weighty topics as domestic violence, trauma, and the meaning of justice the film remains as resonant and relevant now as it was upon its release. Join Dolores Claiborne for a mystery in which who done it is just one of its devastating secrets. 

The film begins in 1990's Bangor Maine with elderly Vera Donovan being found dead at the bottom of her staircase. Complicating matters is the fact that Vera's caretaker and housekeeper, Dolores was found hovering over her dead body wielding a rolling pin.  After failing to indict Dolores in the suspicious death of her husband decades earlier lead investigator Detective Mackey makes it his personal mission to see her charged for Vera's murder. Meanwhile, Dolores' estranged daughter, professionally successful but personally tormented journalist Selina, returns home after fifteen years. In the ensuing days mother and daughter are confronted with long buried secrets and ghosts of their pasts, all leading up to a final reveal that is nothing short of devastating.

Dolores Claiborne may begin as a straight-forward mystery, but it soon becomes apparent that the film is every bit as complicated as its titular heroine. The film starts as as standard whodunit, but then uses that premise to explore deeper questions surrounding truth, justice, and trauma. While the story's two deaths give viewers plenty of questions to ponder it is the characters' efforts to grapple with those deaths that lead to the story's greatest revelations. In this way, the film functions as more of a 'why done it' than a 'whodunnit'. Through this subversion of genre expectations the film offers an unflinching portrait of two very different women and the tragedies that shaped them. In this way the film places audiences in each of its heroines' minds and forces us to consider what we would do in their position. As a result, the film raises vital questions that will haunt viewers long after its final mystery is solved, making it one of the most provocative, poignant, and engrossing entries in the thriller genre. 

The film transports viewers into the dark world of Stephen King thanks to the stellar performances of its star-studded cast. Christopher Plummer makes for a worthy adversary as dogged Detective Mackey. David Strathairn portrays Dolores' abusive husband, Joe, with the ideal blend of sinister and pathetic. Judith Parfitt proves to be a scene stealer as Dolores' formidable employer, Vera. Ellen Muth turns in a mature and nuanced performance in which she aptly captures childhood Selina's torment. Jennifer Jason Leigh personifies repressed trauma in her by turns gruff, cold, and ultimately gut-wrenching performance as Selina. Kathy Bates manages to outdo her iconic performance in Misery in her portrayal of Dolores' journey from helpless battered wife to self-proclaimed "high-riding bitch" in a role that King specifically wrote for her.

Even as it forgoes the scares and gore of horror Dolores Claiborne is easily one of the darkest and most haunting films adapted from the work of Stephen King. The script bring the novel's wrenching reveals and twisting plot to visceral life. The cast bring each of the characters to the screen with raw emotion and New England grit. Discover the cold hard truth with Dolores Claiborne.