MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on April 29, 2019

Notable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work.  Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members and Aaron White of Feelin’ Film, accepted the invitation to participate.  I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.  

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THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What major filmmaker should try their hand at television?

Full admission, I don’t little to zero current TV. I’m a long-time cord-cutter and I’ll occasionally binge a show with my wife on Hulu or Netflix. Still, the list of buzz-worthy shows I haven’t seen during this 21st century evolution of the medium that keep water coolers thriving is ridiculously long. However, my eye for the movies can pick out a good creative mind. A little research on Google revealed many prime director names who’ve had their moonlighting projects on television, much to my surprise. After a few nominees, I found my stylish pick.

THE FULL INDIEWIRE ARTICLE THIS WEEK MY "NOCTURNAL ANIMALS" REVIEW FROM 2016

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DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: Penguins

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PENGUINS— 3 STARS

As an update to their multiple Academy Award-winning True-Life Adventures features from decades ago, the Disneynature unit of Mouse House has been championing new nature documentaries since 2008. Annually, Disneynature has laid claim to Earth Day as a choice promotional window for their releases. Their films are a welcome benefit and serve an indestructibly charming purpose. Penguins, their 15th feature, continues the division’s solid track record of making beautiful baubles of a big world beyond our own.

Penguins represents the combined work of over a dozen cinematographers documenting the miraculous and treacherous annual life cycle of the Adelie penguins of Antarctica. Directors Jeff Wilson and 5-time Disneynature veteran Alastair Fothergill sought to give this circle of life character. That’s where the affable Ed Helms comes in as a narrator. He provides color commentary as “Steve,” one such Adelie penguin who is a first-time father for this annual journey. High and low, dry and wet, close and far, and through every blizzard in between, Penguins presents this apprehensive newbie with education and entertainment combined together.

LESSON #1: THE PARENTING CYCLE OF ADELIE PENGUINS — Wilson and Fothergill go to great lengths and keen detail to present a calendar year for Steve. The layers of instinctual behavior captured are fascinating. From the draw of dry land and the exactness of returning to their own birthplaces all the way to the mating rituals and parenting duties of regurgitated food, these birds exude care and wherewithal that is anything but random. For young learners, this is a virtual field trip to the polar vastness that cannot be matched by a trip to the zoo or a spin through a book.

The natural awe stands on its own in Penguins. The ominous majesty of the southernmost continent is not lost on the viewer. This is the windiest place on earth with hurricane-strength blizzards that can gust to 150 miles per hour of -40 windchill frigidity. The ground-level observational photography is the most striking of the documentary’s mix. Scoping into the first breaths of life, the hurdles of natural jeopardy, and outside predatory risks, the close-up observations can often wow. The plentiful production is set to a steady Harry Gregson-Williams score.

Still, for a lighter and alluring tone to its BBC counterparts, Disneynature favors a fair dose of cheekiness for Steve’s exploits. The graceful dawdling and endearing endangerment of these birds fits a little frolic of voyeurism. Proudly and helpfully G-rated, the documentary has its fun with allusion and humor generated by writer David Fowler and its soundtrack choices. Songs like REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” Average White Band’s “More Work to Do,” and Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” are squarely aimed at the escorting adults for unsubtle giggles and grins. Their harmless additions are beats of innuendo meant to capture personified moments that parallel the penguins to us. Through it all, the Disneynature goals of the following lessons never waver.

LESSON #2: EARTH DAY AWARENESS — Disneynature’s purposeful calendar connection is timely and topical. We live in a world with shrinking ice, climate change, and habitat destruction. The settings these documentaries choose are timely and topical to the 21st century Earth. Earth Day is a valuable holiday reminding protection of nature. Penguins does its part.

LESSON #3: MAKING NATURE APPROACHABLE — The wild encounters of a cruel world of survival and prudently softened in Penguins to a family-friendly rating. That leveling opens the door for the widest audience to be engaged and educated in a casual setting.

LESSON #4: MAKING NATURE ADORABLE — The brightest possible smiles of all come from the creative characterization of Penguins to sprinkle a little magic of shared traits. We humans may be the cultured and civilized species of the world, but our miraculous plight to survive and raise new lives, at its core, is not all that far from Steve and his fellow penguins. There is joy in observing and appreciating such displays.

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SHORT FILM REVIEW: Trained

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TRAINED— 3 STARS

In Trained, the urban clatter of one of Chicago’s Red Line commuter trains elevates pulse rates. Two people who begin holding hands on the outside platform in patient anticipation have immediate lust take over with the train’s arrival. Their gazes lock and their lips follow suit. Unbridled passion releases as the public display of affection in the Chicago chill shifts to warmer private interiors. This opening scene of filmmaker Yuri Rutman’s spare yet sizzling short film tantalizingly begs many questions.

What kind of couple are we witnessing? What triggers provoke this passion? A montage follows to show that this wild escapade is not the first time the hearts and loins of these two people have been electrified around the rails of public transportation. This is Jake and Emma, and they are tragically intoxicated by two different things at the expense of each other.

LESSON #1: WHAT IS SIDERDROMOPHILIA? — The suggested question of a trigger is answered by this fetishistic condition. Siderdromophilia is the infirmity where someone cannot get aroused unless he or she is in, on, or around moving trains. Go ahead and raise your eyebrows, but before you giggle, know that siderdromophilia is a documented real thing and legitimate possible diagnosis. As someone wise once said, there are “different strokes for different folks.” Know that about yourself and anyone else before treading deeper into Trained.

Emma, played by lithe model/actress Jenny Diamico, possesses this very specific sexual difficulty. These urges have created a woman of odd scheduling habits. In some moments, the predictive regularity answers cravings while at other times sparks unwanted ones. Delays and deviations, as you could imagine, cause havoc.

This flawed hurdle for intimacy has taken a heavy toll on her relationship with Jake (Rutman, calling his own number). Their relationships seems to be tethered to the physicality. Softer love is a distant need. The couple converses in broken sentences with pensive pauses and defeatist diatribes. Does Jake indulge in this uneven desire or does he rid himself of this frustration?

LESSON #2: TRYING TO FORCE CHANGE IN PEOPLE — Jake’s intoxication is her, which answers his character choices. Jake is hooked and believes he can break through Emma’s siderdromophilia to have his own amorous appetite satiated without the kinky catalyst. There is a selfish lament to this man because he encounters more failure than success in trying to normalize Emma and his own expectations.

As a micro-budget short film Trained is imperfect but endlessly interesting. There is an economy of language where the dialogue is low and empty stares reign. Over-explaining its oddities would be problematic (think back to those giggles of disbelief), so this lack of exposition creates palpable intrigue. Instead, the bleak atmosphere and the torrid sexual encounters captured its angular and voyeuristic camerawork do the talking. Rutman and Diamico never over-perform their dangerous doldrums. They create both the right collisions and the right distances to match the hot-and-cold state of their characters’ relationship.

Buyer beware, there’s no prudity to Trained. This isn’t a movie of plucky introductions and forgone conclusions. These are two people who’s skins are flush with desire yet crawling with their internal flaws, and Rutman doesn’t shy away from those smears. Even the flickering emotions are slight amid its unpredictability. The characters may have no self-control, but the film itself does. The movie is not an excuse to get its own rocks off. There’s an auspicious attempt to make something challenging here with barbed content and topics. Something underwritten and willing to take chances beats overwritten inflation every time.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast talking "Avengers: Endgame"

Folks, this was the big one! Immediately after the hush-hush advance press screening of Avengers: Endgame, Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat called for the “comic council” of film critics to assemble. True to our loyal form, David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel and myself started spoiler-free and then expanded to full spoilers on our fresh and immediate reactions on the big MCU finale. Mere minutes after the epic film’s conclusion, the three of us exhaled for a very spirited conversation. Fast-forward to the 23:00 minute mark if all you want is superhero shenanigans.

Also on this “Kicking the Seat” episode, Ian talks to Movie Madness host Erik Childress about the seventh annual Chicago Critics Film Festival, which takes over the Music Box Theatre from May 17th through the 23rd, and talks about how Decaf Don and Avengers Endgame relate to Bret Easton Ellis's controversial new book, White.

MY FULL "AVENGERS: ENDGAME" REVIEW

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EDITORIAL: Underrated Sci-Fi Movies to Watch on a Date

Five Underrated Sci-fi Movies to Watch on a Date 

 Movies are the best way to spend your date: it's a safe bet; it's always a comfortable choice because you can choose to be intimate and kiss throughout the film or pretend «interested» if you don't feel that comfortable with a new date. But these movies will definitely fascinate you so much that you wouldn't want to take a break and grab another portion of popcorn without pausing the movie. Also, it is a list of most awesome and most underrated films that might not be a huge success in Hollywood but earned many rewards and niche critic's positive reviews. Enjoy all the movies for sci-fi fans. 

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I Origins  

This is a sci-fi melodrama. It's a movie about scientific research which is alternated by the evidence of the divine creation. The main subject of interest was the drawing of the iris of the human eye. The young researcher is fascinated by the study of the evolution of vision, and his girlfriend is convinced that not everything in the world can be explained by scientific terms. Her sudden death plunges him into depression. Years later, life gives him the opportunity to look at reality from a completely different side: all he needs to do is to allow the likelihood of reincarnation. The movie is perfect for those who like difficult stories and tough choices. It has a special flavor and fascinating atmosphere and raises many thoughts about the origin of things. Scientific research against incomprehensible facts, evolution or divine principle: what should we believe in? Is an atheist scientist able to save his convictions? 

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Mr. Nobody 

Nemo wakes a flabby old man. Mr. Nobody was the only mortal in this alternative fictional future. The whole human race has gained immortality, and they are following the story of crazy old Nemo who is waiting for his death through their TV screens. Before his death, a journalist visits him to take an interview. The old man tells him a long story about how many lives he managed to live throughout his long existence, dying multiple times and staying Mr. Nobody. 

Nemo tells several stories at once, jumping from one possible reality to another. When his parents divorced, he did not know whom he wanted to stay with – his mother or father. In the first case, he would experience strong love and lose his beloved person. In the second case scenario, he would take care of a sick father and have problems at school. Every time Nemo has to choose one thing, his life has multiple choices and provides different alternative realities, and everything is somehow connected with the life of the whole Universe. 

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The Signal 

Three hackers began receiving weird messages from a stranger under the nickname NOMAND. The guys could not even imagine that the one who writes those messages is not a human but real extraterrestrial intelligence. After a while, they find themselves in a trap but manage to escape. It seemed that the worst was over, but after some time, a secret organization created by the government began chasing them. Its representatives are confident those guys pose a huge threat to humanity.  

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The Lobster 

The movie takes place in the near future where every single person is doomed to a forced search of a couple. They are assigned to this task, and, if not coping with it, they are transformed into animals. David is a lonely man, who, under strict law, is sent to a special hotel where he must find his soul mate in just 45 days. David is trying to do everything possible to complete the task. He is well aware that it would be very difficult, so the protagonist has already chosen to continue to exist as a lobster.  

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Automata 

The film takes place in 2044. Being on the verge of extinction, humankind creates robots the duties of which include doing dirty work. There are two basic rules: a robot cannot hurt a person and modify itself and other machines. But once people noticed that several machines had repaired themselves without the participation of the operator. The epidemic among robots is spreading with huge speed.

List was created in collaboration with yourbrides.com. 

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EDITORIAL: Most Influential Movies for Bodybuilders

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The 10 Most Influential Movies for Bodybuilders

Bodybuilding is no longer a hobby like it used to be. Many people are now involved in bodybuilding as a career and even employ personal managers. This means that this physical activity has devolved a lot over time. If you want to start this career today, staying motivated is the first step that you need to take. Some movies that revolve around weight lifting and bodybuilding will probably do the magic.

The list we have prepared below has the top ten most influential movies for bodybuilders. In fact, it is crucial for both novices and experienced bodybuilders to watch these movies. Read on to learn more.

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CT Fletcher: My Magnificent Obsession (2015)

This movie was released by the famous star CT Fletcher. It is a weight lifting movie that shows how powerful one man is. But most importantly, it is his journey in muscle building and what has got him to where he is. Those who are just starting with muscle building should watch and emulate this movie. It also shows what CT Fletcher eats to remain strong and how he exercises. Be sure to watch this motivational movie with your friends to learn a few tactics of becoming an iron muscle.

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Generation Iron (2013)

This motivating documentary is a must-watch for all bodybuilders and athletes at large. In fact, it has brought together most prominent bodybuilders in the history including Arnold Schwarzenegger. It mostly shows their training life as they prepare for ''Mr. Olympia.'' Even those who are not into fitness are likely to love this movie and learn a few things from it. According to those who have watched the movie, it is quite an inspiring documentary with a lesson of hard work and persistence.

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Evolution of Bodybuilding (2012)

This is a useful bodybuilding documentary that covers many successful bodybuilders. It also shows the other side, like their failure and why they think it happened. The combination of success and failure is an excellent inspiration to all people who are in fitness. Be sure to watch this no matter which level of bodybuilding you are at. However, it is more helpful to those who have already given up on weight lifting or power training. After learning that others have failed too, you will put in more effort to wake up from where you are.

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Muscle Beach Then and Now (2011)

Venice is known for beach muscles. The bodybuilders here have been working out in this location for decades and have already made this hub very famous. The documentary was made by shooting the finest bodybuilders and the activities they are involved in on a daily basis. Some famous bodybuilders like Joe Gold are captured in this documentary and it shows how they have transformed this place as they go around showing people their prowess. After watching this documentary, you will realize that some people do it with more than passion.

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Why We Train (2008)

Venice Beach is the spotlight here. Those in fitness probably know that this California beach is famous for muscle building. This documentary is about the importance of training hard, persistently, and in the right way. Those who go on this path will definitely succeed like the bodybuilders featured in this movie. Therefore, this is a good movie to watch to remain motivated at all times. Luckily, you can watch it whether you are an amateur or an experienced person. All athletes who want to get some respect for fitness should watch this movie without fail.

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Bigger, Stronger, Faster (2008)

This documentary movie is not only inspiring, but helps bodybuilders who are skeptical about anabolic steroids. If you have already bought a pack from the Steroidsfax website and you are scared of using them, this movie will help you to take the pills as recommended without doubt. The movie is about the use of anabolic steroids in the USA and how they can have helped many athletes achieve their dreams. The director, Christopher Bell, also wanted to show how the lack of consistency in the use of these enhancers can affect your performance. This movie will motivate any bodybuilder.

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The Bodybuilder and I (2007)

A father and son are the main focus of this bodybuilding movie. The elderly man wants to prove to the entire world that he can make it in bodybuilding. However, the most interesting part about the movie is how these two train hard to build muscles and become experienced and successful bodybuilders. It is one of the movies that any fitness enthusiast should not miss. It is also an interesting family movie that all will enjoy.

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Pumping Iron 2: The Women (1985)

While most bodybuilding movies focus on strong men, this one is for the ladies. Although it was not widely welcomed like the original Pumping Iron, it is an inspiration for the women in bodybuilding. This movie and documentary is perceived as one of the best ever, and it shows how women can be successful in bodybuilding. If your woman wants to join you in a career of lifting heavy weights and building a masculine body, this is one of the best movies to suggest to her. It will even be better to watch it together because you can also get some insights from it.

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The Comeback (1980)

For those who have watched Arnold Schwarzenegger's movies, you know his infamous line, ''I will be a back.'' Indeed, this is a comeback as he makes a seventh return to the ''Mr. Olympia'' competition. Although he comes in at the last minute while others have already trained hard, he performs well. This is an inspiration to all people in fitness. It means that you can make it even if your goals seems too difficult. Therefore, be sure to watch this movie without fail. It is not only an entertaining movie, but one that greatly inspires all athletes, especially those at the brink of giving up.

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Pumping Iron (1977)

Arnold Schwarzenegger has greatly contributed to the evolution of bodybuilding. Most of his movies show might, muscles, and extreme power. However, none have come out quite as well as this movie that introduced bodybuilding as a career for many. It revolves around powerful men preparing for a bodybuilding tournament called ''Mr. Universe.'' Every one of them makes a lot of effort to win first place. There is also another group that is training for ''Mr. Olympia'' who make an equal amount of effort although the two groups collide. Apart from being entertaining, it is a motivating movie for bodybuilders.

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Conclusion

These are some of the best movies for bodybuilders out there. You will realize that none of them encourage giving up. Therefore, this is an activity for strong men and women who know nothing about giving up. Watch these movies to remain strong.

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EDITORIAL: Best casino movies of all-time

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TOP 5 CASINO MOVIES OF ALL TIME

Hollywood has a huge fascination with gambling. They keep creating movies which reveal the dark and hidden side of the casino lifestyle, or tells tale of strategic card counting. Here are top 5 movies of all time.

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1) Casino Royale

Casino Royale is a 2006 movie based on the novel of the same name by Ian Fleming. The spy film was directed by Michael Campbell and stars Daniel Craig as a secret agent MI6 under the name of James Bond. The movie is set in the early life of James Bond when he is receiving his license to kill. Bond is assigned a task to bankrupt the famous terrorist financier Le Chiffre. While doing his task, he falls in love with a lady who is in charge of the money he needs for the game. Casino Royale premiered on 14th November 2006 in London with a total box office collection of $600 million.

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2) Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

The movie has been adapted from the novel Fear and loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson. It is an American satirical road film released in the year 1998. The film was directed by Terry Gilliam and casts Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro. The film depicts the duos journey through Las Vegas. As the film progresses, their initial intention of journalism dissolves as they begin to explore the city and its various illegal activities.

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3) The Hangover

A hilarious portrayal of Las Vegas and it’s mind-blowing casinos, The Hangover was released in 2009, directed by Todd Philips. The first installment in the Hangover trilogy, the film stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Heather Graham and Justin Bartha among several others. The movie tells the story of four friends who travel to Las Vegas, to celebrate a bachelor’s party. However the three friends wake up, with the groom missing and without any memory of prior events. They must find the groom before the marriage is to take place. The movie was a hit and won the Golden Globe award for best motion picture- musical or comedy along side several other accolades.

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4) Casino

Casino a 1995 American crime film, was directed by Martin Scorsese. Based on a non-fiction book Casino- Love and Honour in Las Vegas, the film stars Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, James Woods and Joe Pesci among several other actors. The movie was a huge box office success, and Stone’s performance earned her a Golden Globe award for best actress in motion pictures-Drama.

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5) Ocean’s Eleven

Ocean’s Eleven was released in the year 2001, and is a remake of the 1960 film of the same name. The movie was a huge success at the box office and earned the title of fifth highest grossing film of 2001.

There are numerous casinos around the globe with free slot machines, which provide opportunities to the players to participate in the gambling free of cost. The casino movies show the unknown side of this industry which is generally unknown to the common crowd.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on April 22, 2019

Notable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work.  Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members and Aaron White of Feelin’ Film, accepted the invitation to participate.  I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.  

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THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How do you think the legacy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will impact the movie world?

Boy, this was a rough survey collection. The majority of participants this week have more negative responses and rationales than positive ones when it comes to talking about the lasting impact of the MCU. I’m unashamed and proud to try and be one of the more positive replies. Is it part of a big corporate greed monster? Maybe, but I cannot deny how it’s become a huge and influential success.

THE FULL INDIEWIRE ARTICLE THIS WEEK

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MOVIE REVIEW: Avengers: Endgame

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AVENGERS: ENDGAME— 4 STARS

At the lowest moment of morale during 2012’s The Avengers, Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury shares a reflective monologue stating “There was an idea… to bring together a group of remarkable people to see if they could become something more…” That rhapsodic citation speaks the intentions and massive talent involved in this mammoth film series on and off-screen. This writer has long praised the patience and planning of “the blueprint,” a vision that has since experienced exponential expansion and connectivity. Containing, transitioning, or even closing something as ambitious and sizable as the Marvel Cinematic Universe required a movie-making miracle larger than the first one from seven years ago. Reeling in the wake of the perfect set-up of Avengers: Infinity War and answering every ounce of hype, Avengers: Endgame has accomplished that very feat. All of the prodigious forethought and fortitude has paid off.

Arriving in their own proverbial “Pit of Despair,” the movie itself and the hopes of all living individuals are on the backs of those among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes who did not get turned to dust at the snap of the Mad Titan Thanos’s (Josh Brolin) Infinity Gauntlet-reinforced fingers. Twenty-two days have passed and the earthbound survivors, led by charter members Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) are joined by Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) and War Machine (Don Cheadle), quake under the enormity of their defeat. Drifting in space with exhausted survival resources on the dead stick that is Peter Quill’s former Milano craft, an emaciated Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Nebula (Karen Gillan) do the same light years away with even less hope.

LESSON #1: MOVE ON — The post-apocalyptic survivors of what has been named “The Vanishing” by the common citizens have to continue their lives and leadership without those who were lost, including many loved ones. Leading MCU series screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely put ample dwelling time towards this profound lament. With resolve, it becomes about accepting loss and growing from it, even with as one character admits “all kinds of stubborn” regressive actions. There is a future and they have to do something with it. Wallowing in guilt is not one of those somethings.

What will have to stand as a limited cavalry arrives in the form of a gone-rogue Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), the paged Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), and an escaped Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), who has found an exit from the Quantum Realm he was stranded in during Ant-Man and the Wasp just before the cataclysmic ash. While Danvers brings cosmic might that could make more than a few things right, it’s Ant-Man who may have discovered the real linchpin loophole. His wing-and-a-prayer (call it what it really is: a scheme) involves time travel and represents a chance (an extremely risky one, naturally) for everyone to correct what went horribly wrong.

LESSON #2: ALL TIME TRAVEL RULES ARE B.S. — Add the ending of “including and especially from movies” to that lesson title for more specificity. All is unknown. One deep well of self-aware humor in the film is the doubt riding on the impetus of the clock-turning tactics at hand for our hip and quippy protagonists that audibly remember the likes of the Back to the Future and Terminator series. Their bewilderment sort of becomes our own watching Avengers: Endgame. If there is a big knock on the wild comic book narrative of this movie, it’s that the use of time travel opens up a zillion potential convolutions, question marks, and its own new additions to the plot device’s repetitive collection of tropes.

LESSON #3: FINDING SUCCESS FROM FAILURE — As a follow-up to Lesson #1, second chances of possible correction, retribution, or hope addictively have to be explored by our do-gooders. The Avengers have to make the low odds worth it. Also, they must be grateful for the very opportunity and the peers willing to share those risks. Like the film’s tagline and hashtag demands: “Whatever it takes.” That rallying catalyst to reassemble is dead on because it requires matching the unflinching efforts of the villain that scorched this future in the first place.

LESSON #4: FULFILLING A DESTINY — The enveloping and soaring swell of Avengers: Endgame is epitomized by this lesson. It’s spoken as “be who you are and who you’re supposed to be.” Each of the many memorable characters have arcs wrapped with positive or negative fates. Some destinies have been earmarked or telegraphed for a long time, a few even farther back than the Nick Fury speech referenced earlier. Some know their destiny is coming. Others are unrevealed, have not yet come to pass, or stand to be changed. No matter, the push to realize inevitabilities is epically gripping even across this movie’s constant swing between comedy and drama.

All of the creators and filmmakers at work put that same sense of balanced emphasis of destiny, brevity, and gravity into the finished product. Returning cinematographer Trent Opaloch gives every sense and measure of scope a tremendous sweep that creates as much visual poignancy as it does big screen spectacle. Veteran composer Alan Silvestri’s musical score matches that goal and then some. His cues hit an operatic level of peaks while still astutely constricting itself to squeeze soul-rattling sorrow out of stiller, somber scenes. Led by the signature core of originals, the actors and actresses we have come to know so well (many with natural comedy chops), bring their best affability to shine up the anguish they occupy. Nevertheless, every heft has height and the connective bonds, strong wills, and the fates of Lesson #4 generate incredibly emotional attachments and results.

Folks, with a universe and property this big, we have reached a saturation point and commitment level where fan service is necessary. That’s right. What some have called pandering should actually be seen as one of the many objectives in an invested and vetted blockbuster like this one. It is to a point where the course of things is thematically and tonally misaligned without those inclusions. Not every piece of fandom has earned that. This one has. Avengers: Endgame is unabashedly a three-hour festival of celebrating all the dream fulfillment of past and present for this deep roster of beloved characters. The wow moments come often and hit both the jaw-drop and stand-up-and-cheer levels. Enjoy the hell out of those highlights.

LESSON #4: THE DEFINITION OF A CODA — Through the amplified production values, levels of fan service, all of the matched climactic stakes carried over from Infinity War, and the layers of executed denouement occurring here, what you are watching is a true “coda”. For those light on the lexicon, the range of the term’s definition can be merged into “a concluding part of a dramatic work that is formally distinct from the main structure” and “serves to round out, conclude, or summarize.” Avengers: Endgame is not a pivot point, but a grand finale eleven years in the making. True to the blueprint, it is hard to imagine a more gratifying and rewarding summit.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: David Ehrlich's IndieWire Critics Survey on April 15, 2019

Notable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work.  Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members and Aaron White of Feelin’ Film, accepted the invitation to participate.  I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.  

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THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What’s the most beautifully animated film ever made?

Much to my surprise, I was the only participating critic in this week’s survey to cite a Disney movie, and a classic one at that. As you’ll read in my contribution, I can’t get over the depth from the backdrops in Sleeping Beauty. I do love that Loving Vincent inclusion. That very much in the running for this vote.

THE FULL INDIEWIRE ARTICLE THIS WEEK

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MOVIE REVIEW: Stuck

(Image courtesy of Justin Cool PR)

STUCK— 4 STARS

The simplest interpretation of this indie film’s title is the setting of the characters involved. Six New Yorkers are stuck in an MTA Subway car that has stopped mid-route because of police activity ahead. The establishing views of cinematographer Luke Geissbuhler observe the transition of a sunny metropolitan day above ground into the dingiest and rattling poetic monotony of the underground’s noise mixed by supervising sound editor David. F. Van Slyke. Each individual of this sextet is trying to get to their desired places and can’t. Life has paused them.

Yet, like the truthful insides of any gathering of unknowns, there’s more to Stuck than a mere interval of happenstance, and the swelling urban musical that rises from its collective lungs elevates that fact. The spoken and sung revelations of each character’s plight create a clashing cross-sectional dip into America’s Melting Pot. These poignant emotions fuel biting social commentary in a way few films, big or small budget and musical or otherwise, have ever succeeded. This hidden gem plays exclusively at the River East, Crestwood, Village Crossing, Rosemont, Streets of Woodfield, Woodridge, and Yorktown AMC locations in the Chicagoland area.

Mine the film’s title deeper with synonyms. Behind the public transportation jam, each citizen of this showcase is stuck in their own personal way. Breaking Bad Emmy winner Giancarlo Esposito leads this ensemble as Lloyd, a performance thespian who knows his Shakespeare while lugging all of his belongings around on a cart. He is homeless and, therefore, stranded more than stuck. Lloyd sweetly snarls his soliloquies as he fashions himself as “a measure of grace to the world.” Esposito is the king of this patchwork court and brings forth a reeling performance.

The four other folks and synonyms who have found themselves in Lloyd’s moving domain are Eve (recording artist and executive producer Ashanti), Ramon (Omar Chaparro, soon to be seen in Pokemon Detective Pikachu), Sue (80s mainstay Amy Madigan), Alicia (Teen Wolf’s Arden Cho), and Caleb (virtual newcomer Gerard Canonico). Ramon is a Hispanic day laborer mired by the exhausting hard work to support his family. Eve is saddled with an unwanted pregnancy on her way to an abortion clinic. Sue is a white woman of some privilege stymied by a familial loss. The final two arrived together. Alicia is a ballet dancer confounded by fears and the fixed attention of Caleb’s pursuit of her as an artist.

LESSON #1: EVERY STRANGER HAS A STORY — Both the appealing and the weird among us that either catch our eye or cause a passive glance has something going on underneath the surface impression. Maybe it’s kindness. Maybe it’s crazy. As a fellow stranger sharing that space, no matter if you engage that inherent value or ignore it, you have to respect the other person.

Stemming from Lloyd’s catalyst, unspoken nods and acknowledgments turn into openings for conversation. Their asides and stories play out in song sequences that include external scenes revealing character backgrounds of how each arrived at this place. Unfortunately, not all is civil and peaceful. Our people are quick to label and get cross with each other. Huge assumptions and frustrations boil over before shared empathy, cultural acceptance, collaborative understanding can calm the vocal violence.

LESSON #2: WHEN STRANGERS NEED EACH OTHER — Our subway passengers of Stuck are in a place where they have to deal with each other and the situation together. You can argue one moment but then need a favor in the next. Demographics and labels cease to matter. This becomes a test of patience and a shift where random luck morphs into connections of circumstance. Interdependence is one area of many where these characters change from the time they get on the train to when they disembark.

Stuck is the sophomore feature film from writer/director Matthew Berry after his underseen 2014 western Frontera. As quite a switch from a dueling Michael Pena and Ed Harris, this sharp new work adds to his promise as a filmmaker to watch. This single setting film has Chicago roots. Stuck began on the 2008 stage at the La Costa Theatre before migrating to Off-Broadway through the New York Music Theatre Festival of 2012. Its expansion to the big-screen is dexterous and seamless.

Naturally, the music is its core. The impressive songs and compositions stem from original writer/playwright Riley Thomas (By the Book) with support from arranger Ben Maughan and Tim Young as the composer and music supervisor. Through choreography from Shannon Lewis, each performer is granted standout opportunities to chant their side. The editing team of Elisa Cohen, Lucy Donaldson, and Jimmy Hill worked with music mixer Chris Arias to merge these layers together quite effectively. You know Ashanti was going to blow her number (“Make it Better”) away, but the other cast members really impressive with their own talent, especially Canonico and Cho. When all six are combined as an ensemble for two songs (“Stuck” and “Try”), you’re going to have to hold down the proverbial doors from being blown off.

Beyond this artistic commitment and creative blend of genres, the messages of Stuck win over. The journey of swirling discomfort, anger, sadness, and confusion that all force camaraderie within these demographic microcosms to become less judgmental people is one very much worth following with our own audience steps. When they sing to each other, they sing to us. What they sing about speaks about all of us. That’s powerful stuff.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Mary Magdalene

(Image: Center for Public Christianity)

MARY MAGDALENE— 4 STARS

So often (yeah, you Mel Gibson), films telling the final passion narrative days of the enduring and suffering of Jesus Christ try to soar to the very heavens they idolize. They aim for the showy and shiny in their quest for shouted glorification as if that noise is required. Those offenders are often bombastic to the point of pompous, where their glory is misplaced by selfish highfalutin hubris. To see a film value and place the core humility of the subject up front is more than just a cause for attention. It’s a welcome rarity to cherish.

Presenting the effeminate point-of-view of what was seen, heard, and felt by the titular saint is the striking aim of Oscar-nominated director Garth Davis’ nearly lost film Mary Magdalene. A pair of proud women, playwright Helen Edmundson and Little Ashes screenwriter Philippa Goslett, distill these well-known Gospel rising action and climax components into their sparest forms. This film’s slightness is meant to simplify proceedings to their truest essence. Mary Magdalene contains the bare minimum of theatrics.

The result may be painstakingly slow at times, but its grounded firmness is precisely its beauty. There is a calmly effective empathetic power to that method and approach. The specifying or sermonizing is scant and still stoic. The poignancy is pitched and still powerful. The grace is consoling and still genuine. All of that is mightily impressive.

Two-time Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara, one of the most consistent, solemn, and captivating actresses of her generation, molds Mary Magdalene into a woman of gentle and devoted resolve. The film chronicles how she came to meet Jesus after purging her own demons and remain in his supportive circle through his death and resurrection. Mara’s Her co-star and fellow multiple Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix plays the Messiah from Nazareth who his closest constituents call rabbi. Jesus and his apostles, including Chiwetel Ejiofor’s stalwart Peter and Tahar Rahim’s eager and talkative Judas, are on the road to Jerusalem to reclaim proper practices of faith amid the greed and political occupation of the era.

LESSON #1: BE A FOLLOWER — In this setting, the follower’s path comes from a question of, namely, what God has asked of you. That notion demands a personal search for a cause, belief, or level of will beyond one’s self. To follow is to actively learn and get involved. For Mary Magdalene, first impressions overcame shame and turned into bonding conversations. Baptism and greater commitment soon followed moving her forward with her teacher and leader. Her presence in having equal dedication challenges the next lesson.

LESSON #2: THE PLACE OF A WOMAN — Societal norms and antiquated gender roles have long devalued the surface optics of spouses, mothers, and other positions of women. Mary earned a place of participation only held at the time by men, some of whom felt weakening discomfort by her presence and voice in the group. Nevertheless, Mary brought greater attention of women to the teachings of Jesus. While Rooney Mara is sometimes criticized for her willowy blankness, her constitution of calm control fits this role. Her stares of adoration and anguish and carefully chosen words galvanize more than they ever grandstand.

The very same can be said for Joaquin Phoenix. Matching Lesson #2, there is a choice scene in the film when the mouthpiece of a group of suppressed wives follow Mary and approach Jesus. They ask who to honor first, God or their husbands. Without missing a beat and offering dutiful respect, Phoenix’s Jesus gives them the proper answer. Reflective and reserved moments like that one and many others in Mary Magdalene really celebrate the acute and discerning demeanor of Phoenix’s supporting performance.

LESSON #3: BE A WITNESS — Call the life of Jesus Christ what you want, legend or truth. Both designations would need attestants imbued and inspired to become testifiers. Likewise, the actions of prophecies and miracles need observers for validation. Like a true beholder, Mary had unjaded vision and faith. She related what she followed and what she saw internally to her beliefs and then outwardly to others.

Shot in the stony and serene hills and shorelines of southern Italy three years ago, Garth Davis’ sophomore feature after his Best Picture nominee Lion was a casualty of the demise of the scandal-burnt Weinstein Company. IFC Films acquired the domestic distribution rights and what they rescued is pure pedigree. This was an artistic effort that demanded to be seen.

Lion and upcoming Dune cinematographer Greig Fraser’s lenses rely strongly on natural light and textures of the location settings for a lean aesthetic detailed by a shrewd production design by Fiona Crombie of The Favourite. Equally and intentionally meager yet effective are the costumes from five-time nominee and Anna Karenina Oscar winner Jacqueline Durran. The typifying tonal finish to this freedom from glamour is the steady and austere final score of the late composer Jóhann Jóhannsson collaborating with cellist Hildur Guðnadóttir (whose strong strings you will hear again with Joaquin Phoenix on-screen in October’s Joker). The rescue of this movie follows a greater rescue of the titular historical figure.

Three years ago, after centuries of inaccuracies and misconceptions, the Vatican issued a decree that elevated Mary Magdalene to “Apostle of the Apostles,” granting the woman equal importance and authenticity with the famous dozen top disciples of Christ. That’s right. A woman now creates a baker’s dozen. The same saint that was slighted and mislabeled for generations as a promiscuous prostitute was now lionized as an “example of a true and authentic evangeliser.” As the first witness of Easter, Mary Magdalene is a person of special testimony who always had more to her significance. This film honors that magnitude with virtue of its own.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Storm Boy

(Image by Julie Candelaria for for Good Deed Entertainment)

STORM BOY— 4 STARS

Right up this website’s alley, Mercola’s Healthy Pets website outlines ten life lessons than pet ownership can teach children. The article’s superb list includes (syn) compassion, responsibility, trust, bereavement, respect, self-esteem, physical activity, loyalty, patience, and social skills. Now, for most of us stateside, our preferred companions are often dogs and cats. The canines and felines get movies for days from Old Yeller to The Secret Life of Pets. In South Australia’s coastlands, the prevailing animal neighbors are birds. So, how well do you know a pelican? Come to Storm Boy and find yourself newly enamored.

The movies that highlight wonderful relationships between pet and child become reminders to viewers of the impact of those bonding experiences. The best among them ring those life lessons incredibly true. Australia’s national treasure Storm Boy did it once in 1977 and its 2019 remake does it again. One of the many beauties of the film is that its teachable value doesn’t end with those pet hallmarks. Storm Boy is as much about its people and settings as it is about its a boy and the bird that never leaves his side.

Based on the cherished 1964 children’s novel by Colin Thiele, this story is rooted in the Coorong region of South Australia. Its national park is a remote and expansive lagoon and dune ecosystem where oceanic life cycles of land and water denizens meet. A retired businessman named Mike Kingley, played by Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush, grew up in this region and looks back on it fondly. At the present, Mike is overseeing his son (Erik Thomson) shifting the way his former company operates amid negative local environmental protests. No matter what tired and urban state he finds himself in at the juncture of this governing decision, Mike sees flashes of his youthful memories and it leads him from the city back to the coastal countryside of the Morgan River.

LESSON #1: RECOLLECTING CHILDHOOD — This has been said in many other movies, but the quieter and older among us carry a lifetime’s worth of experiences that lie beneath our own. Trinkets and locations we may see as arbitrary become triggers to stories and reminders of times, people, and places no longer with us or the same as they are now. Through dialogue quotes like “sometimes you forget the best things you ever learned,” Mike has these moments often and we see how they truly matter.

Urged to see the conservation and land rights issues at hand, Kingley begins to recount to his protest-sympathizer granddaughter Madeline (Morgan Davies) the resplendent tale that defined his life and earned him the titular nickname. As a young boy (played by Finn Little in his feature debut), Mike lived with his reclusive widowed father Tom (Jai Courtney) in a small shoreline cabin. The two made a little world of their seaside lifestyle among the boats, birds, and indigenous locals. Left to his own wiles outside of occasional homeschooling without any peers his age, Mike struck up a friendship with the kindly Fingerbone Bill (Trevor Jamieson) as they orphaned back to health three abandoned pelican chicks. When they grew up enough to return to the wild on their own, one of them named Mr. Percival was too attached to leave and followed Mike everywhere he went as a loving companion.

LESSON #2: ECHO THE ENTIRE LIST OF PET OWNERSHIP LIFE LESSONS — There’s not one lesson from the aforementioned Healthy Pets list of ten that does not manifest itself prominently in some way during the scope Storm Boy. If anything, we see their lasting reverberations into adulthood through bookending use of the senior Rush. His reflective side of the story is a galvanizing addition to this new movie from novel and previous hit film from screenwriter Justin Monjo (Jungle). The dignity and ponderance from him stand as an excellent bridge between past and present.

LESSON #3: ADD ONE MORE LESSON: HEROISM — One additional ribbon is a triumph of will and spirit achieved by Mike through his attachment with Mr. Percival. Any peculiarity to seeing any of these tried-and-true formative steps of pets applied to a pelican melts with the affecting performance of the debuting Finn Little. His dramatic half of the emotive bonding is wonderful to behold. The whimsical feelings of earnestness from Finn produce genuine swells other movies would top with cheap syrup. Anything dour here is honest when flushed with connection and adoration.

Equally soaring and stoic is the aesthetic of film itself. Storm Boy graces the screen with natural and cinematic serenity to guide this touching reminiscence. Shot on location in Coorong, the sweeping cinematography from TV veteran Bruce Young is exquisite beyond words. Each winged turn, pushing breeze, and breaking wave captured by the camera characterizes the specialness of these settings and the draw for the people who call them home. Composer Alan John backs that imagery with a quaint and fitting musical score. From production craft like this to the thematic storytelling of inspiration, Storm Boy carries a simple sweetness that deserves an audience.

LESSON #4: PROTECT OUR SHORES AND WATERS — The previous film adaptation from 1977, which included Aboriginal Australian legend David Gulpili (who appears briefly again in the new one) was a window to the world for the island continent. In its own country, Storm Boy continued a conversation and awareness effort in Australia to protect more of the precious natural habitats of their country. This modern update of the timeline amplifies the environmental debates that still resonate nearly 50 years after the source novel. That mindfulness is an important takeaway no matter your nation of origin.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: 10 Best Pet Movies for Your Next Night In

(Image Credit Pexels)

10 Pet Movies for Your Next Night In

There is no greater feeling than cuddling your furry pet and watching a film that reminds you of how fortunate you are to have him or her in your life. So, grab your popcorn and snacks for your pups and marathon these 10 best pet movies. If you are a true pet lover, you appreciate pets in all their forms – in real life, in paintings, in music, in literature and especially in movies.

From classics like The Lady and the Tramp to new favorites such as Garfield, these shows will receive a bark of appreciation from the whole crew. You are bound to have the time of your life through the adventures in the movie and learn some essential lessons. Therefore, if you are staying in for the night, these pet movies are a great way to pass the time and entertain you.

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1. Garfield

(Image: impawards.com)

If you haven’t watched anything about this grumpy tomcat, this is your chance to laugh your heart out. Garfield is an overweight ginger cat who lives with his owner Jon Arbuckle. He spends his time antagonizing his owner and making fun of a dog named Odie. His fluffy look, his mischief and his love for lasagna makes him one of the best fictional pets.

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2. The Lady and the Tramp – Best Movie about Pets

(Image: Wikipedia)

You will never look at a plate of noodles the same way after watching the two delightful pups- Tramp and Lady slurp the same noodle. In this film, lady, who was domesticated and pampered finds herself homeless after her owners had a baby. Tramp steps in to protect her, and a beautiful romance blossoms between them. Ensure that your list of pet movies doesn’t miss out on this masterpiece.

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3. Black Beauty

(Image: impawards.com)

Grab some tissues since this is one of the best pet movies that tells a moving story of love and loss. Anna Sewell's novel inspired it. It stars a majestic stallion by the name Black Beauty. Black Beauty was a cheerful colt that lived in the English Countryside. Later in life, he is sold and abused by his new family. He is eventually rescued by Joe and enjoys the rest of his life in the pastures.

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4. Pet Sematary

(Image: impawards.com)

If you are a horror pet movies lover and are on the lookout for something thrilling, then Pet Sematary is the perfect choice for you. Stephen King's novel of the same name inspires the film. It was first produced in 1989 and a second sequel is set to hit the theatres in April 2019. Ahead of this movie`s release, Paramount released a trailer to remind you that "dead is really better." Indeed, this pet movie is a must see for all horror fans out there.

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5. The Secret Life of Pets - Best Dog and Cat Movie

(Image: impawards.com)

Have you ever questioned what your pups do when you are asleep or away? The Secret Life of Pets discloses it all. This show is considered to be among the best pet movies of all time. In 2016 it was the sixth highest movie at the box office, and its sequel is supposed to be released in 2019.

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6. Puss in Boots

(Image: impawards.com)

Puss in Boots is one of the best family pet movies. Puss is run out of town on suspicion that he was involved in a bank robbery, but the real criminal is Humpty-Dumpty, his friend. Although there is enmity between them, Puss and Humpty join forces to steal a goose that lays golden eggs. You can rest assured that your kids will never grow tired of such a pet movie.

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7. Cats and Dogs

(Image: impawards.com)

It is a well-known fact that dogs and cats have an aversion to each other. In this show, a secret war breaks out involving the two species and humankind is not even aware. The plot is about the cats’ plan to destroy a vaccine that could end human allergies to dogs and the dogs’ effort to stop the felines. This pet movie is filled with litter-box humor that will leave your family in stitches.

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8. Benji

(Image: impawards.com)

Benji is the tale of an adorable little mutt that roams around in Texas. He lives off of assistance from a kind local store owner. One day, two of his favorite kids, get abducted. Benji embarks on an exciting trip to rescue them and is fortunate enough to find love along the way.

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9. Beethoven

(Image: impawards.com)

The family of Charles Grodin takes in a stray St Bernard puppy. The pup grows up to be the less attractive Beethoven, an oversize and destructive dog. Trouble arises when an evil veterinarian Dr. Varnick decides that Beethoven is the perfect dog for his experiments. The climax revolves around taking care of the vet's gang. Don`t miss out on this timeless movie classic!

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10. Homeward Bound – Best Pet Movie

(Image: impawards.com)

Who doesn’t have some incredible childhood memories of this great movie about pets? This 1993 film is about three adorable pets who, believing that they had been left for good by their families, set out for a thrilling adventure in search of their family.

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Conclusion

This list of best pet movies is not conclusive. This is because there are different genres and plots of pet movies and people have their preference. However, whatever your idea of the best pet movie may be, one thing remains true: people love pets enough to watch movies about them.

Have you watched any of the movies listed above? Do you have some dog and cat movies that we’ve left out in our list? Please share this movie with us in the comment section.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stella Robinson is a journalist, enthusiastic blogger, and creative writer who loves to explore absolutely new areas of writing about self-improvement, productivity and. Stella is also the creator of best senior dog food reviewing website. Follow her on Twitter.

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INFOGRAPHIC: Iconic Opening Lines

The opening line from a film can make all the difference. It can be what hooks you in, it can be what makes you turn over. Some opening lines are so great that they’re works of art in their own right, and department store Oldrids & Downtown have captured that in these cool posters. Using the first line from some iconic films, they’ve created some fascinating illustrations that fans of the movies will love. By incorporating the visual themes and aesthetic of the film, they’ve nailed these, see for yourself here…

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Anchorman

Cult classic comedy Anchorman is an exercise in complete ridiculousness, 70s aesthetics and how to make a seriously quotable film. You probably know some Anchorman quotes even if you’ve never seen it. After all, Ron Burgundy is kind of a big deal. If you want a comedy riot that doesn’t take itself or the medium of film too seriously, Anchorman is the film for you. Always silly, never slow, it’s a classic comedy that will still be quoted into the next century.

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The Lord of the Rings trilogy

What needs to be said about the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy? Using the same script that is emblazoned onto the One Ring, Oldrids have created a poster that uses the first line of the first film of the trilogy. When it was released in 2001, no one could’ve seen the boundless success these films would go on to have. The story is written by J.R.R Tolkein, who had originally intended for it to be a children’s novel. However, as he was writing the story, he realized it had much more currency, power and meaning as an allegory for what greed does to adults.

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Stranger Things

Netflix’s inter-dimensional thriller Stranger Things has been a huge success since its release in 2016. Filled to the brim with 80s nostalgia and pop culture references, this TV series is a trip, back in time and along dimensional lines. Most of all, the series has a very strong plot, performed by a talented cast, backed by the massive budget and the unrestricted artistic license of Netflix. Season Three is schedule for release in July of this year, plenty of time to catch up if you haven’t seen the show already!

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The Godfather

One of the most famous and successful movies of all time, this organised crime classic has been a firm favorite of movie buffs all over the world since its release in 1972. Marlon Brando delivers an unforgettable performance as the titular character; Don Corleone and this poster has perfectly encapsulated the visual themes of the Godfather.

The film deals with the warped morality of organised crime, the American Dream and the barbaric justice of the Mob. We, the audience, are fascinated by criminal gangs and mob bosses, do we respect them? Or are we just fascinated by them? The success of The Godfather certainly implies the latter.

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Game of Thrones

Television in this decade has been completely and utterly dominated by Game of Thrones. This was the series that demonstrated the value of creating a good series. This show is fantasy for those that don’t like fantasy. Its amazingly complex and rich story is expertly bought to life by the show’s creators. It has strong human storylines set over a wild fantasy background, with thrilling power struggles, illicit and twisted romances and movie-standard battle scenes. The final season is coming out this weekend, and it’s set to be the biggest TV event of the decade. There’s still time to bring yourself up to speed, you won’t regret it!

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The Lion King

Disney’s animated classic from 1994, The Lion King remains one of the most successful animated films of all time, even to this day. The story has jungle kingdoms, family betrayal, lovable sidekicks and as always, a happy ending. The live-action remake is set for release this year so you can relive the drama in detail. This illustration hits all the visual tones of The Lion King, the blazing heat of the African Savannah, the iconic opening line that’s belted out in Swahili and the contrasting red and yellow tones. Any fan of the film would love this.

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Black Swan

Darren Aronofsky’s cerebral thriller Black Swan, depicts one ballet dancer’s descent into madness as she strives to achieve artistic perfection. The film was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and Natalie Portman won for her performance in the film. The editing and cinematography is something to behold, as this film takes you on every step of the maddening ride.

A film that stays with you long after you’ve seen it, this poster captures the broody darkness of the film perfectly.

Check out the original post from Oldrids & Downtown here!

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