More Movies To See In 2016

A variety of cinematic works have caught my interest over the past few months, from animated to sci-fi. Several were in theaters earlier this year, so now I’m waiting to buy them on DVD or Blu-Ray. Independents aren’t always playing in theaters closest to where I live. Whenever they’re available to buy, I’ll catch up those at home as well. However I watch them, here are a handful more movies I’m hoping to see.

• “Eddie the Eagle” (2016)
• “The Shallows” (2016)
• “The Boy” (2016)
• “Nine Lives” (2016)
• “Me Before You” (2016)
• “Love & Friendship” (2016)
• “Cafe Society” (2016)
• “Why Him?” (2016)
• “Bad Moms” (2016)
• “Elvis & Nixon” (2016)
• “The Abolitionists” (2016)
• “10 Cloverfield Lane” (2016)
• “Finding Dory” (2016)
• “Midnight Special” (2016)
• “The Space Between Us” (2016)
• “Approaching the Unknown” (2016)
• “A Monster Calls” (2016)
• “Ghostbusters” (2016)
• “Godzilla Resurgence” (2016)
• “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” (2016)

A few of the movies above are coming to theaters or are now playing. So I’m looking forward to some great flicks on the big screen in the near future.

Which of these are you most interested in seeing or have seen?

Our pursuit of flight told on the big screen

In any given year, documentary films often slip past my attention until award season nominations are revealed. That genre is one of which I don’t usually find playing at local theaters. However, I found out about “Living in the Age of Airplanes” via a National Geographic e-newsletter. The trailers hint at a stunning film and is one which I hope to see on a nearby IMAX screen. It’s not only the visual aspect, but the element of aviation history to today’s accomplishments in flying as well.  The Wright Brothers’ Monument says it all: “In Commemoration of the Conquest of the Air.”

The closest city in which this film has showtimes is Harrisburg; much too far away for a movie outing. However, based on the official website, it looks to be in early stages of release. There is also information provided on how to build interest in having the film, narrated by Harrison Ford, show in more theaters around the country. I want to take part in getting it onto big screens in the Philadelphia region. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if this documentary is named as an Oscar-nominated film for its genre category. Or short, depending on the length; maybe technical ones as well.

I can relate to the sense of fascination for airplanes and flight expressed in the film’s trailers. When I was much younger, it occurred more often that commercial jets appeared to fly rather lower over my neighborhood compared to present day. They were approaching PHL and I would always look up at them, watching in awe.

Screening Kubrick films and more

As my class on the art of film directing studies Stanley Kubrick, some of his works that we’ve watched in class or on our own were new to me.  That especially goes for “The Killing,” which I hadn’t heard of before.  Also, one of the textbooks we are using is called “Stanley Kubrick,” by Bill Krohn; it’s from a series of books called “Masters of Cinema.”  So if we want, we can also find books on other directors within the series for a good price.  Something else I like about my film classes is that they are allowing me to catch up on watching the talent of many classic Hollywood stars.  For instance, until watching “Paths of Glory,” I had only seen Douglas in one other film.  Overall, we watched these films for the cinematic techniques used throughout and why they were chosen in relation to the stories.

“The Killing” (1956)

This film is all in black and white as a narrator tells the story of a robbery attempt at a racetrack.  What I liked about “The Killing” was the surprise moment here and there:  karma striking back at one man and a sudden interference that changes another man’s fate.  It’s somewhat relatable because things don’t exactly happen as planned for the characters, including moments all along the way.  Of course, that’s how things are in real life.

“Paths of Glory” (1957)

Our professor gave us some history of this film: that there was some controversy surrounding it, in terms of differing war-related views.  After learning that and then watching “Paths of Glory,” it’s one of those films for discussing military history and how the big screen depicts it.  There is also great acting by legendary leading man Kirk Douglas.  As he walks through trench scenes, the camera shows the soldiers on either side as though the viewer is walking there.  Another interesting view is that of one looking through binoculars from the trenches.  The decadent architectural details of buildings used by high-level military personnel reflect the imposing situation of three soldiers who are chosen to be put on military trial.

“Spartacus” (1960)

Another film starring Kirk Douglas, this time with fellow Hollywood legend Laurence Olivier, to depict ancient Roman times.  In discussing and watching this film, I recognized one of the younger stars (Tony Curtis).  And while I didn’t know much about Charles Laughton and Peter Ustinov, it was mentioned in class that they were big names just as Douglas and Olivier were by then.  In terms of the film itself, I love the amount of details that go into epics like this.  Douglas was great as Spartacus, whose honor could be seen in his respect for other humans and in his fight for the slaves’ freedom.

Are you a fan of Stanley Kubrick films?  If so, which one would you say is your favorite?

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The following films were watched in my film appreciation class focusing on cinematography.

“Run Lola Run” (1998)

I’ve heard of this film many times, yet never caught it on television.  Finally having the opportunity to see it for an in-class writing assignment, I was curious what “Run Lola Run” was going to be about.  Early on, I thought that the main characters were going to begin a life of crime together and run from the law from that point.  But then, something unexpected happened instead and the film goes into a what-if-this-happened mode to ask what the new outcome would be.  The camera and music are used in a way that brings out the intensity of the characters’ situation.

“Visions of Light” (1992)

After watching this documentary, I decided that I’d really like to get my own copy of it on DVD.  The history of filmmaking technologies, camera use and incorporating sound and vibrant color into movies fascinates me.  If you love history, movies and related technologies, it’s worth checking out.

What films do you think have great elements of cinematography, whether lighting, camera angles, sound, etc.?

Movie Mix: Documentary, Young Adult, Political, Literary

Whether I watched certain movies for the first time during class or on my own time at home, I’ve definitely seen some very good ones this year.  Of course, I’m catching up on a few from the past few years as well as those within a year that’s almost over.  Here are a few more big screen works that I wanted to share my thoughts on.

“Inside Job” (2010)

My journalism classmates and I watched this Academy Award-winning documentary in class one day, linking its focus on the global economic crisis to discussions about the Occupy movement.  What caused the strongest reactions to the film also included certain material assets of unnamed CEOs and how a few interviewees responded to questions.  If you watch this film, narrated by Academy Award winner Matt Damon, you’ll see what I mean.  Another shocking segment shows what happened to some average people in Florida, regarding their living situations.  This film shows extreme wealth that a small number of people have, and as long as that kind of wealth exists, there shouldn’t be certain problems in the world.  People shouldn’t have to work three times as hard just to keep from sinking; that kind of effort should see better economic results.  Average families shouldn’t be losing their homes, people shouldn’t be walking the streets homeless and there shouldn’t be entire countries suffering from extreme poverty.  If the global economy was healthy, so many problems could be worked on and hopefully solved.

“Twilight” (2008)

I’m breaking away from the seriousness for a moment with this one.  And yes, I’m behind when it comes to the saga of vampires vs. werewolves with Bella Swan in the middle.  I wouldn’t call myself a belated “Twi-hard,” or one who subscribes to either “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob” for that matter.  Despite that, I liked it and found myself comparing it to the book.  I read it around this time last year, and as I watched the movie, I remembered the events in the book and anticipated how they’d visually turn out.  I always like special effects in the sci-fi/fantasy genre, so it automatically had me there.

I could relate to Bella in a way, in that moment when she first sees Edward Cullen as it is clear that she is really attracted to him.  We all had that kind of moment when we first saw our high school crushes.  Not only that, but Edward has sort of a bad boy look; another aspect to relate to Bella with…falling for the bad boy type in high school.  I love many other actors who have played the bad boy, the rebel, the outsider.  Many girls in my generation swooned over Luke Perry as Dylan McKay on “Beverly Hills, 90210.”  His  character on that show was just one example of the mysterious, brooding cool guy.  So, if I had been a “Twi-hard” with a particular team to follow, I know I would’ve joined “Team Edward” based on how I relate to Bella.

“Frost/Nixon” (2008)

Strong acting from Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt and Matthew Macfadyen fills this political history-based film start to finish.  I’ve been meaning to see this since the year it was out,  one reason being my interest in following politics more steadily since 2000.  So any films about important moments in political history have also captured my interest.  As politics go, such moments have huge impacts on society and culture.  What I like about this film is the way is was put together: not only the scenes re-enacting the events, but also the various commentary / interview scenes.  It seemed very documentary-like in those moments.  Also, as a communications major, the other reason I like this film is the relationship to journalism that is represented.  Political scandal = big news; imagine if social media had been around at the time of these actual events.  We have many examples of political news to parallel that in today’s current events as it is.

“Jane Eyre” (2011)

Sigh…another literary film that has me dreaming of the opportunity to go to England and see its filming locations.  If I were a filmmaker, I would love to create literary films like this one because I love its haunting look in the windswept English countryside.  No matter what capacity I’m if ever I’m in England, I know I’ll enjoy walking along those stony walls through the scenic country and charming towns.  The stately houses that have seen many years will intrigue me as they stand over dramatic landscapes.  I can see how those in the entertainment world are so inspired to create literary-based films such as this one or the Jane Austen films and many others.  The places where the famous literary names once dwelled and where the films of today are made easily bring out creativity in many forms.

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Any thoughts on these films, whichever ones you watched?

Movies to see: 2011 – 2013

There have been a lot of really good movies recently that I want to buy on DVD, and many others currently playing or coming soon that I want to see at the theatre.  From independents and blockbusters, to historical and fantasy, to documentaries and remakes, here is my updated list of must-see movies.

• “Carnage” (2011)
• “Like Crazy” (2011)
• “One Day” (2011)
• “The Help” (2011)
• “50/50” (2011)
• “J. Edgar” (2011)
• “Sal” (2011)
• “The Iron Lady” (2011)
• “The Descendants” (2011)
• “Life in a Day” (2011)
• “Another Earth” (2011)
• “Melancholia” (2011)
• “Midnight in Paris” (2011)
• “The Innkeepers” (2011)
• “The Awakening” (2011)
• “We Bought a Zoo” (2011)
• “Dolphin Tale” (2011)
• “The Tree of Life” (2011)
• “The Three Musketeers” (2011)
• “Anonymous” (2011)
• “Martha Marcy May Marlene” (2011)
• “My Week with Marilyn” (2011)
• “Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel” (2011)
• “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” (2011)
• “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” (2011)
• “The Broken Tower” (2011)
• “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012)
• “Snow White and the Huntsman” (2012)
• “Mirror, Mirror” (2012)
• “The Raven” (2012)
• “On the Road” (2012)
• “Dark Shadows” (2012)
• “The Woman in Black” (2012)
• “Big Miracle” (2012)
• “Rock of Ages” (2012)
• “Bel Ami” (2012)
• “Titanic” 3D (2012)
• “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” (2012)
• “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” (2012)
• “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (2012)
• “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” (2013)
• “Oz: The Great and Powerful” (2013)

I might have listed a few of these in a previous post, but I’m just added them as a reminder to get them on DVD since I missed them at the theatre.  Others that I mentioned before are coming up soon.  Most of these, however, are new on my must-see list.  Check out their trailers on IMDB.

Two of the best movies I’ve seen recently at the theatre include “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” and “Contagion.”

A word on remakes:

There is the remake of “Dirty Dancing,” but I am just curious as to who will be cast in it.  I saw this Huffington Post article with a slideshow of various actors and actresses, and commentary captions about whether or not they’d be good choices for certain characters.  Such slideshows don’t state that any of those actors or actresses are considering the roles; it’s just meant as opinion, and to find out what readers think if the remake included this or that actor / actress.  I can sort of see certain actors and actresses in certain roles, but others not so much.

Most of the time, I favor the original movie over any remake attempt; an example of that – “The Thing.”  There are some remakes I like a lot, which was the case with the new “Footloose.”  Of course, I still think the original is better.  As for “Dirty Dancing” and its remake, I’m sticking to the original because I can’t picture anyone besides Patrick Swayze (R.I.P.) as Johnny Castle.