My Star Wars Rant

A blog post I wrote, but didn't publish before the release of The Force Awakens. Still as relevant now as ever (though I admit I loved both Rogue One and The Force Awakens)



If I could pick one movie or movie franchise that made up my childhood, it would be Star Wars. I, like many other kids, was transfixed by this universe that George Lucas had so lovingly crafted. Dare I say that even the prequels were a treat to watch as a young child. Sadly, I didn't grow up in the 70's and 80's and didn't get to see them on a movie theatre screen in all their glory. But the little TV in our living room was enough for me and I watched them with a never ending awe and I enjoyed not just the movies, but the merchandise along with it such as books, toys, video games, etc. After Revenge of the Sith was released in 2005, I never anticipated an Episode VII and even after The Clone Wars film was released in 2008, I never thought I would see another live-action Star Wars film. There was even less of a chance that the original cast would return, I thought. Of course I wanted one, but because I didn't think it at all likely, I learned to be satisfied with what George Lucas had given us. So you can imagine my surprise and excitement, along with thousands of other fans, when I learned that Episode VII was in development with none other than the likes of Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford. Also, it was a shock to me that George Lucas had let go of the reigns and given them over to Disney. I know to a lot of fans, this was a relief due to what he had done to the prequels and what he had gone back and "fixed" in the original trilogy. I, however, had mixed feelings. What was Disney gonna do with my beloved childhood? I know this may sound dramatic, but really that was the question I was asking. I know I wasn't alone in this. Now, I had followed the Expanded Universe to an extent and did think of it as canon. So, one of my other first thoughts was what is gonna happen to all of this other story we haven't yet seen on the screen? What, indeed. Disney had an answer for that too. They were going to disregard what we knew, place it in an alternate timeline, and write an original story, much like J.J. Abrams had done with the recent Star Trek films. Although this has been done before, it, to me, is still brilliant. However, this caused a discrepancy among fans because their beloved expanded universe was "taken away from them". However, let me ask the fans this: "What started the expanded universe?". The films, obviously. So rather than focusing on the work of people who helped build the expanded universe, let us return to where it came from, the films themselves. Disney made the existing 6 films canon, along with the Clone Wars and Rebels TV shows. This was a wise decision because it gave them a mostly fresh slate to create an original story for the fans of the films. J.J. Abrams was hired as the director and definitely earned it. He made a Trekkie out of me with his films, and I believe he can do the same to any person who is not yet a Star Wars fan. I could not be more satisfied with what Disney and J.J. Abrams are doing with Episode IVV.

Whew, okay.

Now, with the rest of the Star Wars franchise, there are some problems. Let's take a look at what Disney has done first with Marvel superheroes. What began as The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man, has now become one of Disney's biggest markets, along with their Pixar films. Is this a good thing? Maybe. Maybe not. Every year since 2008, at least one Marvel movie has been released (save for the year 2009), and they have scheduled releases every year henceforth until 2019. Now, that is all fine and dandy but this means that superhero movies are no longer special occasion. It is not the gift that it used to be. In 1989, when Tim Burton made one of the first superhero movies, Batman, people were excited because it was not done often. Now, it is the norm and no one blinks an eye when they see one advertised. The same could be said for Star Wars. In 1977, when Star Wars was originally released, we saw a Star Wars film every 3 years until 1983. Then we saw a 16 year absence. Then, another three, made three years apart. Then a 10 year absence, which brings us to now, 2015, when we are going to see Episode IVV. Disney plans to release a Star Wars movie about every year from now on, in one way or another. And not just following the chronological order of the episodes. Disney plans to release Star Wars "Stories". The first one due out for release is called Rogue One, and it is about rebels who go on a quest to steal the plans for the Death Star. You see, Star Wars is no longer just about the Skywalker family. In the original trilogy, Luke Skywalker was the main character and in the prequels his father, Anakin, is the focus. So, excluding the expanded universe (which doesn't apply anymore anyway, due to Disney), the Star Wars franchise is primarily about the Skywalkers, thus far. Disney, however, believes that the appeal of Star Wars is the universe itself, not the characters that make up Skywalker family. Although there may be some truth to that, I can't help but think, without Luke Skywalker, Star Wars wouldn't exist in the first place. You see, my fear of expanding the universe on screen is that it will become like the Marvel franchise and superhero movies in general. Yes, they are still good, but they are no longer as special. They are no longer a rare gift.

"Whiplash" Movie Review

Whiplash is rightly named. Just like a piece of music, a film has many components that must come together for it to work. You can't have a film without actors, without a script, or without a director. For this particular piece of music, all you need is a drummer and a teacher who will do anything to for a successful performance. I believe that is what Damien Chazelle has done here. He has pushed his actors as well as his audience to their limits and then some. The question this movie asks is: how far is too far? And the beautiful thing is that it never answers it and that was precisely Damien Chazelle's intention when he wrote the ending. We, as the audience, must decide for ourselves. I didn't enjoy sitting through this movie, but that doesn't make it bad. It made me think and ultimately it did what it set out to do. For that, I applaud it.

9/10

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"Saving Mr. Banks" Movie Review

"Winds in the east, mist coming in. Like something is brewing, about to begin. Can't put my finger on what lies in store. But I fear what's to happen, all happened before." We hear these iconic words over the first notes of the first song from Mary Poppins, and as the camera panned through the clouds (just like in "Mary Poppins"), I began to grin. And, between a few tears, that grin stayed on my face until the very end. I have never in my life fallen in love with a movie so quickly.

For those of you unfamiliar with the plot, "Saving Mr. Banks" is about the "Mary Poppins" author P.L. Travers, played here by Emma Thompson in a brilliant performance. It is about her childhood, her inspiration, and her difficulties as an adult with her haunting memories of an alcoholic father. She published her famous childrens' novel in 1934 and 30 years later was released as a movie. What audiences of that time did not know, was the struggles it took for that to happen. Walt Disney was adamant that he wanted the rights, but Mrs. Travers simply refused to give them to him. For 20 years, he pushed and for 20 years, she denied. 

There are a select few movies that cannot be described in words. My favorite movie, the 2012 musical adaptation of "Les Miserables" is one. "The Mosquito Coast" is another. The power of these films is something that needs to be experienced, not told, but I am giving my best effort here. Every single performance is a gem. Emma Thompson is incredible. I honestly can say I have never seen a a more convincing portrayal of a real human being than hers. Tom Hanks does not look or sound like Walt Disney, but he captures his charisma and spirit perfectly. Very similar to Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock last year. Jason Schwartzman and BJ Novak are delightful as the Sherman Brothers and it gives me real comfort in knowing that Robert Sherman himself (Jason Schwartzman's character) was on set ensuring that the story be told right and the performances be accurate. Ralph Giamatti is a subtle wonder as the very American chauffeur. But I have perhaps saved the best for last. Colin Farrell portrays his character so accurately that it is almost painful to watch. 

Disney Studios has done a horrible job marketing this movie because, contrary to what the commercials imply, it is NOT a family movie. If you want a family movie, watch "Mary Poppins". The themes are so mature and powerful here, a child would not enjoy or understand this movie at all. However, for those of us who have grown up with "Mary Poppins", this movie is beyond anything I could possibly say. The transitions between Travers' childhood in Australia, and the present in Los Angeles were so smooth you never felt you were taken out of either story, as is sometimes the fault with that idea. The script is excellent. So many beautiful monologues and quotes, I couldn't even count. The music is excellent. Thomas Newman's score very much captures the style and essence of the 60's while slipping in bits of the "Mary Poppins" repertoire, all in all making it practically perfect in every way. Also, what I found particularly effective, was their use of a few "Mary Poppins" scenes. I am so thankful Disney Studios made this film because they have the rights to the original material and used it well and sparingly. One of the best films of the year and of all time. Every expectation and hope I had was completely blown out of the water and topped, a feat which I thought impossible, because I set the bar very very high. I could go on, but it seems to be time for my evening tea. Milk in first.

10/10

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"Terminator Salvation" Movie Review

I'm back. And I'm upset. I thoroughly enjoyed all three of the first Terminator films. The first two few told the story and the third was just plain fun. This however, was an unnecessary mess. The minute the movie started, I could tell something wasn't right. This installment takes place after Judgement Day. First of all, they brought in an entire new cast. They could have easily brought back Nick Stahl for John Conner and Claire Danes as Kate Brewster but they replaced both. Christian Bale is an ideal John Conner, I suppose, but I his performance was so emotionless that I didn't care about him at all. And Bryce Dallas Howard as Kate chose not to continue the the feisty personality that made so fun to watch. She feels like a completely different person here. The script is poorly written and so instead, the movie is filled with scene after scene of meaningless war and battle sequences. It is very average, cliche, mainstream, Hollywood entertainment (I wouldn't even go so far to say it's entertainment) I don't know how any fan of the originals could enjoy this movie. We learned and saw all we needed to know of the future and Judgement Day from the flash forwards in the first three films. The scenes that worked the best were with Helena Bonham Carter and Arnold Schwarzenegger but, unfortunately for us, those were few. I highly recommend to skip this "Terminator" film if you are a fan, as it adds nothing important to the series. I hope the new reboot will be better.

My ratings of the series:
"The Terminator"- 8/10
"Terminator 2: Judgment Day"- 10/10
"Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines"- 7/10
"Terminator Salvation"- 4/10

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"Life's like a movie, write your own ending"

This last year has been an extraordinary one. The experiences, and friendships, and knowledge I've gained is something that the more I think about, the more in awe I am. On August 16, 2012, about a year ago, something hit me. An idea. It is the kind of idea that makes the Grinch smile, that makes Hannibal Lecter hungry, and makes Spock wish he could show his happiness. It was the kind of idea that once it hits you, there is no turning back. Ok, maybe I am making this sound greater than it really was, but I decided to start a blog. And not just any blog, a blog about something that I had been passionate about for a long time. Movies! What greater thing is there to discuss with the world than this thing that has speaks to everybody. Film addresses issues and ideas like no other art form. It brings out emotions and feelings in people that they couldn't do themselves. It can make us laugh and cry and feel and even change the way we think. Since I started my blog, I have watched more movies than ever before. I have also come out of my shell as an actor. I starred in two high school productions and one local production, which include Seussical the Musical and The Secret Garden. This start of my acting career has given me a new appreciation for the hard work and effort that actors on stage and screen have to put in to give a convincing and satisfying performance. This has been a big year for movie fans as the beloved critic Roger Ebert passed away. He will always be my favorite critic and I still miss reading his thoughts. Life for me has alao been busy and therefore as you can see, I have not reviewed any movies since April. Also my pen ran out. But that's beside the point because come soon I will be started up my reviews again and I am believe and hope that I will have new readers and that my writing and reviewing abilities have grown and improved in the last year. I have a few ideas on how to change up my blog but I am not going to make it official yet because I don't know if I will have the time and I don't think my fan base is big enough yet. So if you like what I'm doing, please subscribe! I would love to hear feedback. So for now, I'm going to continue my blog like before but I just wanted to put down my thoughts and talk about life a bit. Thanks for reading!

"Oliver!" 1968 Movie Review

Even as a young child, I had an interest in Charles Dickens. My grandmother knew that, and she took me to a production of the musical "Oliver!" at a local theatre. I remember it started and becoming instantly perplexed and enthralled. The first scene I can picture quite distinctly: the orphans running around the stage, singing "food, glorious food!". However, I had forgotten that this indeed was that musical; until I started watching. When I heard the song, it brought me back to that theatre and I became all the more excited about watching this movie. What is better than a movie adaptation of a Broadway musical based on a Charles Dickens novel that I saw as a child? Not much, in my opinion, although I was hoping for more recollections similar to that first one. What a shame. You probably know the plot of this tale but I will tell it anyway: After young orphan Oliver Twist dares to ask for more gruel at an English workhouse, he is punished, runs away, and finds himself among young pickpockets in the great city of London. They are all cared for by a jolly man named Fagin. But Fagin's boss, Bill Sikes, is not so jolly. His whole goal seems to be making the lives of the boys, his wife, and Fagin more difficult. The musical is a fun and enchanting way to tell this otherwise dark tale. The songs are upbeat, though, in my opinion, not super memorable or catchy. The highlight was Ron Moody as the peacemaker Fagin. All in all, a fun way to experience the Dickens classic.

8/10

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"Clue" Movie Review

I grew up playing Clue, Jr. It was probably my favorite board game as a kid. Figuring out who did what (of course, it was quite a bit different than the adult version, as all we were figuring out was who ate the cake), was so much fun, I remember. So naturally, I have wanted to see this film for quite a while. And I finally got around to it. As far as I remember, all of the characters are here: Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White, Professor Plum, Mr. Green, Colonel Mustard, and Miss Scarlet. And, the idea is the same: who did it, where, and with what. All of the actors do a fine job playing their characters, particularly Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, and Eileen Brennan. The movie is a fun blend of comedy and suspense; nothing too special or perfect but it serves its purpose. I like the choice of 3 endings.

6/10

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