Crazy Rich Asians: A Treat for the Senses

I watched this movie at home recently and surprisingly, I loved it!  It’s funny, heartwarming, and full of surprises.  The way the rich people of Asia are depicted was delightful. The scene I found particularly spectacular was the bride walking towards the groom to the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” To hear the lyrics “like a river flows” and to actually see the bride step through a small river was a wonder!  Seems like no expense was spared in this lavish wedding. Throughout the movie we see scenes of splendor. But the story is simple: ‘poor’ girl unknowingly is in love with a ‘rich’ boy. Throw in the cold mother-in-law who disapproves  of the relationship, add some wacky characters and “voila!” you’ve got an excellent plot. Someone compared it to Pride and Prejudice.  Maybe it’s similar but with a cool twist.  It’s a film worth watching more than once.  I give it a two thumbs up! ~~LMMolina

 

To Kill a Mockingbird: Black/White or Technicolor?

How does a black and white film affect the subject of racism? Does it make it more pronounced? Is the viewer impacted by the dark and light scenes throughout a movie? Do the gray areas become a transition between black and white?

Although in the film industry no color is truly black and no color is truly white, we as viewers only see those two colors. But my focus is mainly on the themes and how a black/white version of the film affects perspective.

Two examples come to mind: Boo Radley hidden from society and Tom Robinson accused of raping a white girl. Had the film been in technicolor, would the Radley place look so bleak?  Would Boo’s character have been as mysterious?  How would Mayella’s appearance been affected with the use of technicolor? Would she have looked just as grubby? Are Tom Robinson’s expressions while on the stand,  more or less emotional in black and white film?

I’m a big fan of black and white films. I believe that a director is highly challenged when working with this type of film. He or she must choose the shots that focus on the features of a particular character or scene to emphasize elements of the plot. What are your thoughts? Black/white or technicolor? Which do you favor? ~~LMM

Funny Quote: “She runs away…

Grandsanta and Bryony finally convince Arthur to retrieve the runaway sled. But they must worry him so he won’t back out.

Bryony: She runs away! Alchoholic by the age of nine! DEAD before she’s even… [Grandsanta blocks her mouth to prevent her from going any further]

Arthur Christmas: Technology – Old and New

Recently I had the seventh grade students taking a course on computer skills to watch the film and comment on the technology they saw throughout the film. The results were interesting.

The Star: A Real Treat

As far as films based on the Bible go, this one is a keeper. Without going into the realm of religion, The Star keeps it simple. It’s basically a story about faith and friendship. Something anyone can relate to at all times.

The Star stands out because the main characters are animals.  Their role in the story of the “king” provides entertainment while driving home the importance of values. Being true to friends and having faith should be the compass that guides any soul through the complexities of life.

The film remained close to the story of the birth of the King as it has been told to humanity. Elements associated with this event were not relevant. You don’t see anything having to do with Christmas. It’s a film that can be viewed any time of the year.

No matter what “faith” you belong to,  consider The Star a motivational film. Emphasis is on the three Fs: Friends, Family, and Faith. I give it a two thumbs up! ~~LMMolina

 

Ferdinand: Being True to Oneself

Be true to yourself! If ever there was a classic message, this one is it. What a lovely movie! Based on a children’s book by Munro Leaf,  it tells the story of a flower-loving bull. What I didn’t know was that Disney had already made a movie based on the story in 1938 and had won an academy award.

I’ve never been a fan of bull-fighting. Even though it’s a cultural thing, I’m against the killing of any animal for the sake of sport. The movie brings this out in a heart-warming way. We root for Ferdinand and celebrate his victory and his need to be who he is. We can all relate, right? It’s a children’s movie which any adult can enjoy. I heartily recommend it.~~LMMolina

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

 

If you enjoy watching films that keep you on the edge of your seat, this one’s for you!  Sequels are always kind of risky for a director but in this case, I thought it worked well for Matthew Vaughn.  Fast paced, stunning visual effects, a touch of romance, humor…all the elements to keep the viewer hooked.

As for the characters, Julianne Moore was a hoot in her psychopathic role as the villainous Poppy and Jeff Bridges as Champ was fun to watch!  Gambon was a treat even if his role was short-lived. Thank you, Vaughn for bringing back Colin Firth’s character. It was tastefully done and very believable. I’m looking forward to another adventure with the “Kingsman”! ~~LMMolina

 

Despicable Me 3 & The Lego Ninjaga Movie: It’s All About the Family

Hurricane Maria and its aftermath had kept me a bit busy but now that I have power again, I took some time out to watch two movies that I would recommend for those who enjoy light entertainment: Despicable Me 3 and The Lego Ninjago Movie.

Curious how these two films emphasize family relationships. Siblings, father-son, step-mom and daughters, mom-son… there’s a little bit for everyone in both. I admit that at the beginning of each, I didn’t know where they were headed but as the plot moved on, I sensed a message and learned several valuable lessons. There’s always room for improvement, changes occur and can be embraced, love, forgive and move on are just a few that come to mind. Simple stories using humor to bring across a message to teach us that no matter what has happened in the past, we can benefit from our mistakes and accept family for what they are. Both films are worth watching with the family time and again.

As Master Wu would say, “Find your inner ‘piece.'” (Love the pun!) And after what’s happened to us in the Caribbean, I would add: If the pieces fall, just pick them up and put them together again as best you can!  An excellent message for the New Year 2018, don’t you think? ~~LMMolina

 

More summer viewing: Mystery Series

Although this blog is mainly about movies, I can think of a few British television series that have full-length episodes that I would consider films! They usually run around 90 minutes. So I suppose it might be a short film.

One of my favorites (and I have quite a few!) is the Midsomer Murders series. Midsomer Murders is the classic small-town police procedural and there is always a murder as the title suggests. I’ve been watching this series ever since the beginning but I prefer purchasing the DVDs so I don’t have to deal with the TV commercials or “adverts” as the British call them. That way I can view them in the comfort of my home and with subtitles. The British have their own speech dialect which can be confusing if you’re not used to it. And if you’re trying to find out who the murderer is, you need to follow closely.

Midsomer Murders has been on the air since 1997 and is based on Caroline Graham’s Chief Inspector Barnaby book series. The TV series was originally adapted by Anthony Horowitz and as of 18 January 2017, 114 episodes have been broadcast, comprising 19 series. I recently saw Series 19 (Part 1) and I’m looking forward  to Part 2.

If you love mysteries and especially those that involve a murder, this is an excellent one to get you started. Not only will you see murder from the British point of view but you get to see beautiful landscapes in the case of Midsomer Murders! What’s not to like? ~~LMMolina

Summer Viewing

Since the summer recess started I’ve been watching a variety of movies. The Magnificent Seven, Passengers, Hidden Figures, The Book of Life, and The Grand Budapest Hotel are just a few.   Not to mention the British and Australian series which I find highly entertaining: Rake, The Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley (this last one is still in process).

The action-packed remake of The Magnificent Seven is a must for those who love cowboy films. The casting is excellent and the one female role is a gutsy gal–not your typical damsel in distress. The gun-shooting scenes keep you on the edge of your seat! (PG13)

The story behind Passengers was something very unexpected. Can you imagine being stranded on a star ship?  The film also gives you a whole new take on the future of  space travel. What a ride! (PG13)

If ever there was a movie to inspire young women to study math and pursue a career in engineering,  Hidden Figures is THE film to watch. Truly inspirational! Loved it! (PG)

Everyone must write his own story is the message of The Book of Life.  It’s a beautiful film full of color and vibrant characters. Wonderful for the whole family! (PG)

An adult film abundant in dark humor, The Grand Budapest Hotel, takes you on a unique trip. It’s a period piece that includes a murder mystery (two of my favorite elements in a movie). (R)

Take your pick; there’s bound to be a film for you to watch in the comfort of your home. ~~LMMolina