Let Me In (Directed by Matt Reeves)

This film is gory, interesting, and breaks free from the usual vampire genre. I already knew that going into it. I’ve read the book by John Ajvide Lindqvist that it’s based of off, and the original Swedish film Let the Right One In (Directed by Tomas Alfredson).

The part I was most interested in through watching Let Me In (Directed by Matt Reeves) was whether it would be a copy of the previous works or would follow the basic themes and plots of the previous works, but be able to stand alone and still be a good film.

I think Let Me In  was able to accomplish that.

Let Me In movie poster

Let Me In is a Horror and Coming of Age film. Odd combination, right?

Well, the story of the film follows Owen (played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, from The Road), a boy who is constantly picked on by all the other boys in his class. He fantasizes about killing them, even buying a pocket knife and acting as if a tree near his apartment complex is the boys who bully him. A girl named Abby (Chloe Moretz, from Kick-Ass) sees him doing this, and tells him they cannot be friends. But the two eventually do.

Scene from Let Me In, starring Kodi Smit-McPhee as Owen & Chloe Moretz as Abby

While the two kids become closer, there are murders being committed in their town. It’s eventually revealed that Abby’s “father” (played by Richard Jenkins, from The Visitor) is the one committing them, and he is not actually her father. He is actually a boy she met a long time ago, and while he has grown old, she has stayed the same. He asks her not to see Owen anymore, but she does so anyways.

Owen eventually finds out that Abby is indeed a vampire, and that her “father” has been killing people for her to have their blood, and she’s been murdering innocent people throughout the town.

Scene from Let Me In, starring Kodi Smit-McPhee as Owen & Chloe Moretz as Abby

Kodi Smit-McPhee plays an excellent leading character, capturing the soft-spoken personality of Owen. But Chloe Moretz truly shines with the role she is given. It’s not every day an actress Moretz’s age gets to play a murderous vampire with a soft side. Not any young actress could pull it off, but Moretz does.

Even Stephen King has become a fan of the film, stating that it is “the best American horror film in the last 20 years.”

I’m among the fans. Let Me In was able to take a Swedish story and keep the principle plot while making it work for an American setting.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

10 Funny TV Character Quotes

I got finals coming up next week, and I’m starting to try to figure out my schedule for next semester. When I’m stressed or feel a bit overloaded, I like to watch a couple of TV shows that are going to make me laugh and forget about the mood I’m in. In the spirit of stressed college students everywhere, I channeled my negative energy into something good. I made a list of funny tv character quotes that have made me laugh so hard, there were tears in my eyes. I tried to keep the list PG-13, so not all of my favorites made the cut. I recommend that if any of these quotes make you laugh, you check out the show that the quote came from.

“I don’t give a flying fuck if you do have cancer, put your tits away in front of my kid.”

Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin in Weeds

—Nancy Botwin, Weeds (Showtime)

*

“You’re not going to Annie’s party?”

” I have a conflict. It conflicts with the enjoyment of my life.”

Joel McHale & Gillian Jacobs as Jeff & Britta in Community

—Brita & Jeff, Community (NBC)

*

“When I’m done eating a Mulligan’s meal, for weeks afterwards, there are flecks of meat in my mustache. And I refuse to clean it because every now and then a piece of meat will fall into my mouth.”

Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation

–Ron, Parks and Recreation (NBC)

“Your boos are not scaring me. I know most of you are not ghosts.”

Tracy Morgan as Tracy Jordan in 30 Rock

—Tracy Jordan, 30 Rock  (NBC)

” What exactly does that expression mean, ‘friends with benefits?’ Does he provide her with health insurance?”

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory

—Sheldon, Big Bang Theory (CBS)

*

“Guess what? I have flaws. What are they? Oh I donno, I sing in the shower? Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I’ll hit somebody with my car. So sue me– no, don’t sue me. That is opposite the point I’m trying to make.”

Steve Carell as Michael Scott in The Office

–Michael Scott, The Office (NBC)

*

“I’ve been here since 1st period. I have a cold, I took my antibiotics at the same time, and now I can’t remember how to leave.”

Heather Morris as Brittany from Glee

—Brittany, Glee (Fox)

*

“Luke, I am your father. That’s what I said to you when you were coming out of your mom’s lady parts.”

Ty Burrell as Phil from Modern Family

–Phil to his son Luke, Modern Family (ABC)

*

“There’s only one thing young ladies should be inserting in themselves …and that’s knowledge.”

Robert Sheehan as Nathan from Misfits

–Nathan, Misfits (E4)

“Can somebody call me an ambulance? Because I’m in trouble. Time is moving really, really slowly, and everything is flat. I need you to call me an ambulance, or failing that, my mummy. I really want my mummy because, and I’m not being dramatic, but I think I might be dead. Is that clear? Mummy or ambulance.”

Simon Bird as Will McKenzie in The Inbetweeners

—Will, The Inbetweeners (E4)

Hanna (Directed by Joe Wright)

There’s no way I can write about Hanna without discussing the female perspective of the film. Over dinner with my mother and sister before viewing this film, my mom said, “I heard that Hanna is what Sucker Punch was supposed to be for a strong female lead role.” As a female myself, it does get annoying when you watch action movies with the typical gender roles; male lead kicking ass, female lead maybe able to somewhat defend herself, but in the end getting saved by the male lead. In my opinion, action heroines are highly undeveloped in the area of film making. It seems that Hanna is one film that’s making a change.

Hanna is Directed by Joe Wright, starring Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, & Cate Blanchett

Hanna tells the story of a 16 year old girl who is trained her whole life in the Arctic by her father to be the perfect assassin. She memorizes a fake name and back story to tell the people she comes across, knows various languages, and is equipped with remarkable fighting skills. Hanna uses what many would see as physical weaknesses to her advantage. There are people who want her and her father dead, for reasons that she is never told until further along in the film. The story is very fast paced, with constant questions popping up around every corner.

Eric Bana plays Hanna's father Erik, who trains his daughter to be the perfect assassin.

Joe Wright (director of films such as Atonement, The Soloist, & Pride & Prejudice) executes this story the right way, putting emphasis not just on the action, but also exploring the emotional side. He presents Hanna’s appreciation for normal everyday things that she never had, while also showcasing the skills she now has because of not having those things. Eric Bana was pretty amazing as Hanna’s father, kicking ass and leading his daughter towards the truth. Saoirse Ronan delivers an excellent acting ability in playing Hanna, teaming up with Joe Wright again after her role in Atonement.  Cate Blanchett is insane in her role as the antagonist who is in ruthless pursuit of Hanna. I found it interesting that two women were chosen both as protagonist and antagonist, definitely switching things up a bit. This is the first film to be written by both Seth Lochhead & David Farr, with Lochhead writing the original screenplay on spec while in film school. This film makes me curious about what else Seth Lochhead is going to come up with as his next potential piece.

A scene from Hanna, with Soairse Ronan

Hanna was an action film with a story. So many action films seem to be made now for the sole purpose of action, which can sometimes be disappointing for the story-teller in me who wants to be enthralled. When it came to this film, I was definitely enthralled. One problem I had with the film was the lack of resolution, with still many questions going unanswered. There are already talks about a possible sequel, if the numbers go the right way. I would be one person interested in seeing it.

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Exit Through the Gift Shop (Directed by Banksy)

The allure of this documentary started with a conversation with a good friend of mine. He seemed incredibly fascinated with street art after viewing the film, which is directed by our modern generation’s iconic artist Banksy. All I can say is that after watching this documentary, which is currently up for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Film, I am just as deeply enamored as my friend.

Movie Poster for Banksy's debut film & documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop

Exit Through the Gift Shop documents the unexpected rise of French immigrant Thierry Guetta as he follows infamous street artists with his camera. Guetta discovers the world of street art after his cousin, who is known to the art world as Space Invader, comes to LA to visit. Guetta tags along with Space Invader, filming his cousin as he works on projects and illegally displays them on buildings and other public areas. He later meets more street artists and follows them once his cousin returns to France. Guetta later meets many known artists such as Monsieur André, Neckface, Sweet Toof, Borf, Zevs, and eventually Shepard Pairey (known best as the guy who created the iconic image of Obama in his election campaign). Most of the street artists questioned whether they wanted Guetta filming as they committed vandalism, and felt uncomfortable around the weird, quirky Frenchman. But after Guetta told them he was working on a documentary about street art, they accepted him into their world.

But unknown to all of these artists, Guetta was filming  an ungodly amount of footage with no intention of making a film. He was an inexperienced filmmaker, with little knowledge of how to create a documentary.

Banksy is the British street artist that Guetta considered to be the ultimate subject to follow. He creates three dimensional street art and often makes people question the morals of society. The only problem for Guetta was that Banksy’s identity has always been unknown. After almost giving up, Banksy eventually met Guetta, after needing a place to crash and a person to show him around Los Angelos. The two became very close friends. Banksy had his first official art show in the US, and became an in-demand artist. Knowing that street art was his true passion, he wanted Guetta to get the documentary out with all the footage he had captured over the years. But after Guetta gave him a film that Banksy claimed was unwatchable, Banksy took over as documentary filmmaker and advised Guetta to go out and make street art. Guetta did just this, becoming Mr. Brain Wash and opening a sold out debut art show in Los Angelos

The film pushes the audience to question how we’re influenced by media to give our attention to certain artists. Banksy stresses in the film that street art is all about bringing issues to the forefront in society and showing that most artists want their work to be seen, regardless of whether they are paid. After watching Exit Through the Gift Shop, I suddenly realized that there was a history behind the graffiti in the parking garages and buildings in East Lansing, where I am currently going to university. Many of the iconic images of the street artists in the film are used in the street art in East Lansing, and I’m sure it’s not just here either. Banksy and Mr. Brain Wash influenced an entire art generation and inspired them to promote what I like to think of as “think art.”

People are speculating at whether the whole film is a hoax and a mockery of our culture’s way of following the hype of the media towards an artist. Did Banksy create Mr. Brain Wash? Who knows. What I do know is that this film is worth watching, regardless.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5.

10 Independent Films I’d Love to See

It isn’t really a secret amongst my friends and family that I’m a cinephile that enjoys the low budget independent films. Every year it seems, I make a list of independent films that are either in limited release or yet to be released to remind myself that I must make an effort to find a theater that is showing one of them or wait for the release of the dvd.

Today I decided that I wanted to share with you the films I’ve yet to see, but am looking forward to having the opportunity to view soon. These independent films are a wide range of genres, most of which are very character driven. There’s many actors and directors you may have heard of involved in these films, and some you may not. This list is not any any order of preference, and each appeals differently to various people. But I encourage that if you do get the opportunity to see any of these films to give these films a chance, because they may surprise you.

Somewhere (Directed by Sofia Coppola)

Movie Poster for Somewhere Directed by Sofia Coppola, starring Stephen Doriff & Elle Fanning

This film was written and directed by Sofia Coppola, whose father is Francis Ford Coppola (director of The Godfather & Apocalypse Now). She loosely based the film off of her childhood relationship with her father, who is considered an accomplished and respected director in Hollywood. Somewhere follows Johnny Marco (Stephen Doriff), a star actor, who hits somewhat of a life crisis, struggling to find meaning in his rising career. After her mother has an unexpected breakdown, Johnny is given the responsibility to take care of his 11 year old daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning). Over the time of having Cleo follow him through his busy celebrity schedule, he realizes more about his identity, life and the meaning of being a father. The trailer can be viewed here: Somewhere

I’m very fascinated by this film for multiple reasons. Sofia Copolla is also such an interesting director, having directed 3 other films that have all been given high praise. (Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides, Marie Antoinette) Also, some part of me wants to see if Elle Fanning has the same acting chops as her older sister, Dakota.

All Good Things (Directed by Andrew Jarecki)

Movie poster for All Good Things Directed by Andrew Jarecki, starring Ryan Gosling & Kirsten Dunst

All Good Things was written by Marcus Hinchey & Marc Smerling, basing the screenplay off of the real-life missing person case of real estate heir Robert Durst’s wife, Kathleen McCormick. The film depicts the lives of David Marks (Ryan Gosling) & Katie Marks (Kirsten Dunst), as they meet in college and soon get married, much to the disproval of Marks’ wealthy family. Their marriage takes a dark turn as David’s relationship with Katie becomes obsessive and controlling, along with the realization that David is not the person he seemed to be. Katie disappears and becomes a missing person, but her case eventually goes cold after finding no leads. But after the death of David’s best friend 20 years later, the spotlight is put back on David and the Marks’ family. The trailer can be viewed here: All Good Things

Ryan Gosling and Frank Langella star in this movie as the two main suspects in the Marks’ family, both of which have earned such a respect with me that every film they star in, I must see. Andrew Jarecki took this as his first feature-length fiction film to direct, after his Academy nominated documentary Capturing the Friedmans, which is leaving many curious how he will take on a narrative film. Although the basic plot of this movie makes me think of Lifetime, I’m intrigued because so many respected people in film are involved with it.

Wild Target (Directed by Jonathan Lynn)

Wild Target film poster Directed by Jonathan Lynn, Starring Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt & Rupert Grint

Wild Target was directed by Jonathan Lynn, with remake elements from the french film Cible Emouvante. This dark action comedy follows Victor Maynord (Billy Nighy) is an aging hitman who decides to help Rose (Emily Blunt), a girl who has a target on her head after conning wealthy gangster Ferguson. Witnessing Victor shoot a man, Tony (Rupert Grint) decides to tag along as a hopeful apprentice, under the belief that Victor is a private detective. The three avoid Ferguson’s other hired assassins while Victor finds a way to stop Ferguson’s murderous intentions. The trailer can be viewed here: Wild Target.

This film appeals to me more for the actors and the plot than the director. Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt, and Rupert Grint working as a team together sounds interesting enough. Of the Harry Potter trio, Rupert Grint has always stood out to me as the most talented. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in Driving Lessons and Cherrybomb, both films were obvious attempts to distance himself from the squeaky clean Harry Potter franchise and to display his range of acting ability. This is a different role for him, and I’m curious how he’ll do.

Peacock (Directed by Michael Lander)

Peacock, Directed by Michael Lander, Starring Cillian Murphy, Susan Saradon & Ellen Page

Peacock is a psychological thriller directed by Michael Lander, starring Cillian Murphy, Susan Saradon and Ellen Page. John Skillpa (Cillian Murphy) has lived in a small rural town in Nebraska for quite some time, where everyone knows everyone by name. John lives a simple life as a banker, and the people of the town do not bother him much. But after a train accident, the town discovers that John has not been living alone all these years.  He’s been living with his other personality, Emma. The trailer can be viewed here: Peacock.

The overall plot of this film fascinates me, as most psychological themes do. Characters with personality disorders always present a great opportunity for actors to show a wide range of acting ability, and Cillian Murphy is given a challenging one. Playing both male and female personalities, Murphy is going to have to display quick emotional and personal quirk changes. Susan Saradon and Ellen Page are also supporting actors the film, with Ellen Page playing a young single mother who gets too close to finding out the truth about Murphy’s characters.

Flickan (The Girl)

Flickan, a Swedish film directed by Fredrik Edfeldt & starring Blanca Engström.

While preparing this list, I had not planned on having a foreign film as one of my choices. But Flickan brings an undeniably interesting story, that Swedish director Fredrik Edfeldt creates with young actress Blanca Engström, as a young 9 year old girl who is left behind for the summer to live with her mentally unstable aunt. Tricking her aunt by sending her a fake letter from a lost love, her aunt leaves and the girl gets to live in the house by herself. The girl gets herself into some pretty intense predicaments while learning some life lessons. The trailer can be viewed here: Flickan.

Flickan appeals to me because of the story, which I suppose is really what has to appeal to you with foreign films. It is hard to judge the acting abilities when they are speaking a language you do not speak. But from what I’ve heard from movie critics, the film has a lot to offer.

Tiny Furniture (Directed by Lena Dunham)

Tiny Furniture, Directed by & Starring Lena Dunham

I was watching The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson when an unfamiliar guest came on. Her name was Lena Dunham. At first I was skeptical of the little lady with arm tattoos, but after the initial impression, I found her hilarious and endearing. Dunham is somewhat well-known on the indie circuit, with her feature length film Creative Nonfiction and short film Dealing.  In her latest film, Tiny Furniture, Lena Dunham takes on both director and actress. Dunham plays a recent college graduate who returns moves back in with her mother and younger teenage sister after not finding a job to support herself. She allows a homeless youtube star to move in with them, and struggles with discovering where she wants to go in life. The trailer can be viewed here: Tiny Furniture

Personally, I want to see this movie because Dunham seems like an interesting personality. Her comedic timing is perfect, and I’m curious how she does on film. I have yet to see any of her work, but word is that Dunham brings something unique to comedic film. Sarcasm is one of the foundations of the film, so be sure to catch it.

Blue Valentine (Directed by Starring Ryan Gosling & Michelle )

Blue Valentine Poster, Directed by Derek Cianfrance, Starring Ryan Gosling & Michelle Williams

Director Derek Cianfrance wrote this film after hearing about his parents’ divorce. He wanted to write something that was about relationships as they are, and not how we romanticize them to be. Ryan Gosling described this film as a bad day in a relationship. Others have described it as a breakup of a couple. The ultimate description would have to be that it shows a relationship without the roles the audience expects them to play. Ryan Gosling & Michelle Williams play a married couple that looks back on their relationship during an argument. The trailer can be viewed here: Blue Valentine

There’s already whispers about both Ryan Gosling & Michelle Williams getting Oscar nominations. The film has been getting positive reviews, with each one describing it to be quite realistic and excellently performed.

Life During Wartime (Directed by Todd Solondz)

Life During Wartime, Directed by Todd Solondz

Anytime director Todd Solondz is mentioned, all I can think of is Welcome to the Dollhouse. Solondz captured comedy in a film that would have otherwise been depressing. In Life During Wartime, he seems to be returning with that same type of comedy. With talented actresses Shirley Anderson, Ally Sheedy, and Allison Janny playing three sisters in white suburbia, Solondz explores the superficiality of suburban life in florida.

Todd Solondz has always been brilliant when it comes to satire and suburbia. Usually the backdrop of his movies take place in his home state of New Jersey. In Life During Wartime, the backdrop changes to Florida, which is considered a vacation from suburbia. Solondz explores the concept of escaping suburban life through the always sunny and warm state of Florida. Usually Solondz avoids superficial places because it takes away the realism of suburbia, but this time I believe he is trying to embrace that superficiality and find satire in it. The trailer can be viewed here: Life During Wartime

Rabbit Hole (Directed by John Cameron Mitchell)

Rabbit Hole was directed by John Cameron Mitchell, Starring Nicole Kidman, Aaron Ekhart, Miles Teller & Diane West

Rabbit Hole is a drama that follows a couple who loses their son in an accident, and the couples relationship with each other and the boy who killed their son. The film was based off of a theatrical play. Nicole Kidman and Aaron Ekhart star as the mourning couple, with newcomer Miles Teller starring as the boy who caused the accident that killed their son.

The main reason this film attracted my attention was that Nicole Kidman and Aaron Ekhart are acting together. Even separately, I probably would have been interested, but the combined talents of the two creates more of an allure. There’s been a lot of talk at Sundance about Miles Teller and his acting ability, so I’m also curious to see how well he does. The play was pretty successful getting a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, so I have no doubt the plot of the film will hold up well. The trailer can be viewed here: Rabbit Hole

A Little Help (Directed by Matthew J. Weithorn)

A Little Help was directed by Matthew J. Weithorn, starring Jenna Fischer, Rob Benedict, Chris O'Donnell & Kim Coates

A Little Help is a mostly unknown film, with many actors  that have been regulars on hit television shows. Jenna Fischer (best known for her role of Pam on The Office) and Rob Beneict (known for his recurring role on Supernatural) star in this film about a woman who’s unhappy marriage ends when she becomes a widow. Her son (played by Daniel Yelsky) lies to the kids at school that his father died in 9/11, which after much begging, she goes along with. Soon the parents at the school consider her a 9/11 widow, and she finds herself in a tangle of lies. The trailer can be viewed here: A Little Help

The creator of King of Queens, Michael J. Weithorn, wrote the screenplay and directed the A Little Help, which generates my inquisitiveness about how well his writing will do for a feature film. Many of the actors have done majorly television roles, so it should be interesting to see how they do in a prospective film role.

There you have it. 10 films independent films I would like to see. Keep in mind, these are films I cannot give you an opinion on because I have not yet seen them. But I encourage you to check them out, and maybe let me know what you think.

Review: Tramps by Stamps (Album)

Hearing that one of my favorite bands, The Hush Sound, had broken up pretty much crushed me a year ago. They were the band I listened to the most frequently, the one that I could listen to regardless of the mood I was in. I follow Bob Morris on twitter @therobertmorris, and hearing that he had a new band called Stamps and the EP Tramps was dropping soon, I was a little cautious about listening to it. After all, The Hush Sound had a very distinct sound, and Morris was only one of the singers in a band with two leads. Also, I worried that maybe the band would be too alike to Morris’ original band.

Stamps stands on its own two feet. The band members include Bob Morris, Ian Crawford, Ren Patrick, and Adam James. Much like The Hush Sound, Stamps has two lead singers, one male and one female, Bob Morris & Ren Patrick. The band was formed after Morris was disappointed with the major label industry’s treatment of The Hush Sound and Ian Crawford offered to write music with Morris, looking for something new after leaving the band The Cab.  Ren Patrick and Adam James joined soon after, and thus the band Stamps was created.

Stamps band members: Drummer Adam James, Vocalist/Guitarist Bob Morris,Guitarist Ian Crawford, & Vocalist/Organist Ren Patrick.

The EP Tramps debuts Stamps’ sound, which is laid-back, folk bluesy rock. The combination of Morris’ and Patrick’s vocals gives the tracks unique harmonies, with fun guitar solos bringing something new to the sound.  The two lead singers switch on who takes lead on songs, which is enjoyable for me because the first time listening I had no clue whether a song would be sung from a girl’s point of view or a boy’s.

The lyrical content of the songs dabble in love, distance, and lack of sleep. The songs are easy to catch on to, my favorite upbeat song to sing along to on the EP being “ATL to LA to Me.” Morris speaks of being reunited after being in a long distance relationship. “Things You Do To Me” is the stand-out ballod of the EP, with Patrick taking lead vocals. The song plays much like a lullaby, a song that easily could be listened to before bed.

The most interesting part of purchasing Stamps’ new EP, Tramps, is that the band gives you the choice of how much you are willing to pay for the album. This was a risky move on their part, allowing for listeners to buy the album for nothing if that is what the buyer felt the album would be worth. So if you aren’t sure after reading this review whether you would like the album, don’t worry. You can name the price of how much you want to pay for it. If you are interested in the EP, check out this link: Tramps by Stamps.

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review: 127 Hours (Directed by Danny Boyle)

Alright, I’ll be straight with you. At first, the idea of watching a movie where a guy has his hand stuck under a rock for 75% of the whole film really turned me off. I was uncertain to say the least. Being a film based on a true story where the main character is set in a very dull location for the majority of the film, I thought of Open Water. That was a movie that definitely fell short in the entertainment factor, and overall was just boring. But seeing that this film was directed by one of my all time favorite directors, Oscar winning Danny Boyle, I could not pass it up.

127 Hours, directed by Danny Boyle starring James Franco

127 Hours surpassed any expectations I had going in to viewing this film. The first quarter of the film is spent with us following Aron Ralston as he leaves his home spontaneously to go rock climbing and spend time with the great outdoors. He lives his life very independently, and thus does not tell anyone where he is going, or that he is leaving at all. He takes off on his bike through the canyons of Blue John and begins rock climbing around the area. A rock falls while he’s climbing through one of the canyons and he falls through, surprisingly surviving the fall. Unfortunately, his hand is stuck under a rock, immobilizing him and also leaving him without circulation in his arm.

The rest of the film is spent with Aron as he tries to free himself from the rock. He spends a span of 5 days immobilized, dehydrated and nearly starved. While the idea of the majority of the film being spent on this seems rather off-putting, it is actually very fascinating. One of the factors for why this might be is because the musical score helps the audience feel many of Aron’s emotions. Danny Boyle was genius in his decision to use A.R. Rahman as the musical arranger again after the success of the music in Slumdog Millionaire. When the final day comes, and the decision to cut off his own arm is Aron’s final choice, the scene is graphic. But oddly enough, the graphic nature of the scene is not what makes the audience cringe. It is the musical score in the background, with high ear piercing notes that emphasize Aron’s pain that causes you to recoil.

Scene from 127 Hours, starring James Franco as Aron Ralston.

The film is based off Aron Ralston’s memoir book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place. The book has been described as inspirational and life changing, which is definitely what Boyle captures in the film adaptation. Aron Ralston’s strength in cutting off his own arm with a dull knife is admirable. It makes you wonder whether you’d have the strength to do the same thing under the circumstances. The ending of the film leaves you thinking about your own life decisions and how allowing others inside of it is essential. Aron Ralston is now still an adventurous rock climber, and seeks adrenaline thrills in life. He is missing an arm, but has not let it be a draw back. He is now married and his wife recently gave birth to their son early this year.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Review: Freakonomics by Steven Levitt & Stephen J Dubner

In my AP Economics class in high school, my teacher had us read a couple chapters of Freakonomics. I picked up the book once again because I had been thinking a lot about life. I am one of those people who is constantly wondering why people do the things they do. For instance, in what circumstances are we more likely to steal, cheat, or murder? What are some of the factors that lead people to crime? If no one were looking, would we cheat the system?

#1 New York Times Best Seller Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven Levitt & Stephen J Dubner

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven Levitt & Stephen J Dubner answers these questions using economics and public information given by the government. With chapters titled Why Do Drug Dealers Live With Their Mom? What Do Teachers and Sumo Wrestlers Have in Common? Where Have All the Criminals Gone? The reader is given information and statistics about the likelihood of a child becoming a criminal, how people on executive floors are more likely to steal than their subordinates, and how children are 100 times more likely to die from a household owning a swimming pool than a gun.

Levitt & Dubner make what some might would call morally questionable statements. Their research shows that the drop in crime in the last 20 years was caused by the legalization of abortion. They discuss how the choice of a name reflects their socioeconomic status. The book shows how black children’s grades were catching up to white children’s grades after intergration went into effect in the public school system, but then declined after the explosion of crack cocaine.

So I leave you with these questions: How is the Klu Klux Klan Like a Group of Real Estate Agents? What Makes a Perfect Parent? Would a Roshanda by Any Other Name Smell  as Sweet? If these questions have made you curious, I recommend you read Freakonomics. By the end of the first chapter, you’ll be both surprised and amused.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Review: Misfits Series 2 Premiere (Thurs @10 on E4)

Misfits Series 2 Premiered Thursday, November 11. The show stars the amazing acting talents of Antonia Thomas, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Lauren Socha, Robert Sheehan & Iwan Rheon.

About a year ago, my friend recommended a new British tv show to me called Misfits. I was skeptical at first, she had described it as a cross between Heroes and Skins. The summary sounded quite ridiculous too, about a group of teenagers on probation who get struck by lightning in a storm and get super powers. Even as she explained the show to me, she laughed at how outrageous the whole scenario was. But she kept telling me, “I swear, it’s addicting and so funny!”

A year later, I’m currently a Misfit addict. I’ve seen every episode at least 5 times each. The first season was only 6 episodes, but somehow after the first episode I was hooked. Within the first episode, our leading characters have murdered their probation worker and burying his body. By the last episode of series 1, one of our favorite misfits has been buried alive. Ironic maybe?

Last week, the first episode of the second series premiered. Moments before I watched it, a couple of worried thoughts came through my head. Would Howard Overton still be able to write the show with the same amazingly hilarious lines, while also keeping the dark quality of the overall show? Would the second series be able to live up to the first?

The answer is simply, yes. The series 2 premiere opens with a bang. We find our misfits mourning the death of one of their own, only to find that he’s not dead. He’s been buried alive. Of course, only Mistfits could execute comedy in what would normally be a horror story.

The Misfits meet at Nathan's grave in the Series 2 Premiere

I recommend this show to anyone who likes dark comedies, as this show tends to get a little bit disturbing at times. But even with the dark parts of the show, there is comic relief that leaves you wiping tears from your eyes because of how long the laughter keeps coming.

The Misfits meet their new probation worker in Series 2.

So if you have the time, look Misfits up, and check it out. I promise that by the end of the first episode, you will have been sucked into the world that is Misfits.

Overall: 5 out of 5

Okay, I’m a little bias. I’m an addict, m’kay?

10 Insightful Film Character Quotes

Lately, I have been thinking about some powerful character quotes that I found truthful in both a comedic and dramatic way. Most of these quotes could be applied to life as insightful advice. I decided to pick films that are among my favorites, some that are quite popular, and others a little less known. These ten insightful film character quotes sum up what life is about.

“Losers are people who are so afraid of not winning, they don’t even try.” — Grandpa Hoover, Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Allen Arkin as Grandpa Hoover in Little Miss Sunshine

“Being an adult means to have a speedometer that marks 210 and not driving over 60.” — Julien Jeanvier, Jeux d’Enfants (2003)

Guilaume Canet as Julién in Jeux d'Enfants

“Change moves in spirals, not circles. For example, the sun goes up and then it goes down. But every time that happens, what do you get? You get a new day. You get a new one. When you breathe, you inhale and you exhale, but every single time that you do that you’re a little bit different then the one before. We’re always changing. And its important to know that there are some changes you can’t control and that there are others you can.” — Dan Dunne, Half Nelson (2006)

Ryan Gosling as Dan Dunne in Half Nelson

“High school’s better than junior high. They’ll call you names, but not as much.” — Mark Wiener, Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)

Matthew Farber as Mark Wiener in Welcome to the Dollhouse

“Revenge is not good. Once you’re done. Believe me.” — León, The Professional (1994)

Jean Reno as León in The Professional

“Sometimes in the heat of passion, the little head tells the big head what to do, and the big head should think twice about what you are doing.” — Lorenzo, A Bronx Tale (1993)

“You want a why. Well, maybe there isn’t one. Maybe… Maybe this is just something that happened. ” — Leland, The United States of Leland (2003)

Ryan Gosling as Leland in The United States of Leland

“On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero. “ — The Narrator, Fight Club (1999)

Edward Norton as The Narrator in Fight Club

“…putting your life in danger is actual living – the rest is television.” –Simon, The Hunting Party (2007)

Richard Gere as Simon in The Hunting Party

“So I guess this is where I tell you what I learned – my conclusion, right? Well, my conclusion is: Hate is baggage. Life’s too short to be pissed off all the time. It’s just not worth it.” — Danny Vinyard, American Hitsory X (1998)

Edward Furlong as Danny Vinyard in American History X

These quotes seemed to connect with me, but maybe not in the same way with others.  Hopefully you enjoyed these quotes, if not, I will be posting other film character quotes that I find interesting.