History of the World Part I

History of the World Part I (Mel Brooks, 1981)

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Rating: Q=4, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

 

Comedy, Sketch, Wacky/Silly, History, Spoof

Another film I can now say I've watched from start to finish. I've always had a soft-spot for Mel Brooks and his in-your-face humor. This is definitely not my favorite of his movies (Blazing Saddles and The Producers are much more my thing) but it has its moments-- the section on The Roman Empire is ridiculous, especially Madeline Kahn's performance. And how can you not love the French Revolution piss boy routine?

 

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Ken Burns: Prohibition

Prohibition (Ken Burns and Lynn Novak, 2011)

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Rating: DOCQ=7, DOCP=4 / Honors

Scale K=3, Scale L=4, Scale M=2, Scale N=2

 

Documentary, Prohibition Era, History, Alcohol, Politics, Gangsters, Crime, Jazz Age
 

I learned a lot more about the USA from this recent Ken Burns production. Three episodes chronicle everything about the 18th Amendment, from the reasons for its creation to its imminent repeal. I'm surprised at how little I knew about Prohibition--more should be taught in high school History classes, in my opinion. Interesting discussions of what can and cannot be controlled by a government, what can happen when you restrict, how good intentions can create terrible problems, etc.

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Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting (Gus Van Sant, 1997)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3
 

Coming of Age, Complex Relationships, Genius, Philosophical, Class
 

I'm not sure why it took me so long to watch this movie in its entirety. Damon and Affleck wrote a stellar script that still works over 10 years later. The story is nothing new but it is presented in a very effective and beautiful way. How do you conquer your fears? How do you cope with your talents or abilities? And, as Robin Williams' wise character asks, "What do you want to do?" It's a very simple question that so many of us can't answer... A film every young adult should watch.
 

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No (Pablo Larrain, 2012)

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Rating: Q=5, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 5=3

Chile, Revolution, Politics, Advertising Campaign

A very interesting film that was completely unlike what I was expecting. Larrain's film feels like a documentary--actually, more like a home video. Larrain includes many emotional film clips of riots, policing, and news footage from 1988 which makes it feel like we were back in the 1980s in every way. The clothing, styles, media, even the colors gave exactly the right vibe. Gael Garcia Bernal gives a wonderful performance of a man deeply frustrated in (and worn out by) the dictatorship he lives in but also deeply afraid of how the militant government will react to his revolutionary words and visuals. No makes you think about how we use media today, and not just politically.

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It's July... I've gone to Canada

A Moving Story Scope is on vacation from July 8 until July 18. It's July... I've gone to Canada

Look forward to these posts when I return:

 

No

The Constant Gardener
Ken Burns: Prohibition

<-- I get to go here!

Seducing Doctor Lewis

Seducing Doctor Lewis (Jean-Francois Pouliot, 2003)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Quebec, Rural Small Town, Working Class, Comedy, Subtle

It's hard to make a living in a tiny fishing village in the Canadian North. Jobs are practically non-existent unless you move away to the fast-paced city. Raise money (and, in this case, seduce a doctor) is the only way to keep the community alive. There are many films with this same premise--The Full Monty springs to mind-- but this film offers a different locale and flavor of humor. Nice and refreshing. 

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