The Painting

The Painting (Jean-Pierre Laguionie, 2011)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

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

Animated, Foreign, Philosophical, Adventure

I've often imagined a story about the characters in a painting, living in a world confined by a canvas frame. This film is amazing in so many ways: it is vivid, imaginative, quirky, and philosophical. It is a tale about the complexity of society, about race and power and hierarchy. It is also a story of adventure and learning to seek the answers to difficult questions. Beautiful, thought-provoking, and stunning.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn (Elia Kazan, 1945)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

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

Drama, 1900s, Based on Novel, Coming of Age, Grief, Family, Tearjerker

What a beautiful, beautiful film. We need to watch films about the past, for many reasons. Lifestyle and environment were very different but values, the importance of dreams and goals, and the complexity of relationships haven't changed all that much. It's a reminder that the human race has always been adaptable and resilient. It reminds us that people everywhere wish to strive and succeed and create a stronger and happier next generation. Francie is one of the most lovable and relatable characters that has ever been on a film screen. We hope and dream and cry with her. She represents all young adults who must cope and learn to find the light in an often crushingly harsh world.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Cider House Rules

The Cider House Rules (Lasse Hallstrom, 1999)

Click here for the basics

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

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

Drama, Coming of Age, Complex Relationships, 1940s, Orphanage

We all must venture out in order to discover what we have left behind. This story, based on a novel, is clearly paying homage to Homer's Odyssey and the many trials we go through as we come of age. The world is full of light but there is also much darkness. The cinematography and art direction brings this tale to life--beautiful stark colors and lighting. Rachel Portman's soundtrack is enchanting, as well.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Bottle Rocket

Bottle Rocket (Wes Anderson, 1996)

Click here for the basics

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

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

Witty, Whimsical, Coming of Age, Comedy

I love Wes Anderson. And I've felt bad for the longest time because I hadn't watched his directorial debut. Now I have and everything seems right. The film is fun, quick-paced, and reflective. At its core, the film is about motivation, discipline, loyalty, and taking ownership of one's life. Owen and Luke Wilson are fantastic, the writing shines (pretty amazing for a first full-length film, really), and the comedy is perfectly timed. And what a great soundtrack.

I once took a quiz titled, "Which Wes Anderson Film Character Are You?" and I got "Anthony from Bottle Rocket." I can now say that this seems accurate, I couldn't before.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here