Arrival

Arrival (Denis Villeneuve, 2016)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

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

Sci-Fi, Aliens, Human Condition, Complex Relationships, Philosophy

Oh my. This film. I never knew I was waiting so long to watch a story that shows how language can unify; how language is the essence of a culture and how it is not subject to the laws of nature and "reality." Arrival is way more than a sci-fi movie--it's about the importance of selflessness/sharing, patience, and trust. It's about overcoming fear to embrace love.

I can't quite explain how I felt when I saw this one--just go see it.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (David Yates, 2016)

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Rating: Q=8, P=8 / Obsession

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

Fantasy, Magic, Adventure

J.K. Rowling's universe is so enchanting, delightful, surprising, and fun. I knew I was going to enjoy Fantastic Beasts...how could I not? So imaginative, such an escape. Eddie Redmayne gives another incredible performance that makes me want to meet Newt Scamander. And that cute niffler creature...I want one!

Upon reflection, though, I'm deeply impressed by how Rowling writes about fear. Yes, her fairy tale stories are steeped in discussions of good versus evil and the all the greyness in between. But fear is a regular theme in her stories. It is always stemmed from uncertainty and a lack of understanding. Knowledge/education is always the answer and that makes me smile.

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Anatomy of a Murder

Anatomy of a Murder (Otto Preminger, 1959)

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

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

Crime, Mystery, Courtroom

Duke Ellington cameo and soundtrack. Jimmy Stewart as a fisherman/jazz pianist/attorney. George C. Scott as a slick city attorney. Glorious script, for example:

"One judge is quite like another. The only differences may be in the state of their digestions or their proclivities for sleeping on the bench. For myself, I can digest pig iron. And while I might appear to doze occasionally, you will find that I am easily awakened, particularly if shaken gently by a good lawyer with a nice point of law."

I loved so much of this movie. But it's also hard to watch because it is about a rape. The way that women were and still are questioned/prosecuted by lawyers and attorneys is frequently unexceptable and unbearable. Sometimes even disgusting.

After watching this film I remembered how much I love Preminger's writing. And the way he always makes the films feel like an escape. Despite this one being nearly 3 hours, I don't think I was tired or bored or distracted for a second. 

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April and The Extraordinary World

April and The Extraordinary World (Christian Desmares & Franck Ekinci, 2015)

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

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

Animation, Adventure, Coming of Age

This was completely unexpected. What a truly bizarre story...but entertaining! I like when storytellers rewrite history to show a world of what might have been. A prolonged industrial age of steam is fun/interesting to imagine. At times I felt lost in all the twists and turns of the narrative, but the artistry kept me grounded. The animation was wonderful, especially the backgrounds, lighting, color.

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Dr. Strange

Dr. Strange (Scott Derrickson, 2016)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

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

Comic Book, Action, Adventure, Mysticism, Fantasy

WOW. So, I'm not the person running to the theater to see each new Marvel movie, but this was a really good escape. Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Tilda Swinton?? And the special effects...I haven't been that impressed for a long while. Be sure to see it in 3D, if you can.

I think I was most impressed, though, because the film isn't just a bunch of effects and in-your-face action, like a lot of other comic book movies. The visual appeal is definitely a major part, but there is also a story worth listening to. I like Dr. Strange. I like watching him struggle, grapple with reality/unreality, etc. And I'm really into the mystic arts and magic and psychedelic stuff. This one is fun.

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