GUEST EDITORIAL: How to Use Movies For Personal Growth

(Image: Pixabay)

How to Use Movies For Personal Growth

by Gregory V. Chapman

Movies are often just a hobby or a way to kill some time while procrastinating. However, it can be turned into a useful tool for personal growth. It would be especially useful for people who feel lost in heir daily routine, come home from work with a head full of numbers and stress. Movies are a work of art and by using them correctly, you can benefit from them a lot. Remember that we are the only ones to choose where and who to learn from and how to apply that knowledge to real life.

Movies As an Inspiration And Motivation

There are a lot of instructive things that we hear over and over again but never apply them in real life. It is characteristic for people to only recognize things when they experience them on their own skin. Therefore, movies are a great way to make your own inferences and use them for self-development. Movies about personal growth provide a push that so many of us need.

Here is a list of some movies that will help you disconnect and get motivation.

• The Shawshank Redemption tells how precious patience can be. Pay attention to the famous quote: “I guess it comes down to a simple choice. Get busy living or get busy dying”;

• The Greatest Showman will prove you one more time that you are who you are;

• The Founder and Steve Jobs: We always wonder how the greatest people managed to achieve those summits - these movies will make you grab a notebook and write down some quotes.

• The Fittest On Earth: a documentary by Netflix that displays the most devoted people that you will ever see in your life. 

Make Connections

We only memorize the lessons learned when we connect them to our own experiences. Every movie has a lesson in it. Even the one that we might regard as the most stupid and demoralized. You just need to use the skill of analyzing. Some movies have the moral on the surface others have it covered so that the viewer can open it on his own. Movies are based on real people’s life so that is why they give a lot of life lessons. 

By the way, you can watch a movie with the same topic that worries you at that period. For instance, if you are trying to cope with divorce, watch a movie about it. It can make you burst into tears, but you will understand that it is time to move. If you are struggling to build a successful career and life, then watch movies with inspirational figures in it. 

Feeling lost? Watch movies about finding yourself. A great example is Rocky from 1976. 

(Image: Pixabay)

Movie As a Psychological Tool

Watching a movie can be a real therapy, here is why.

• The intensity and the tension of the plot change through the movie, just like the therapy session.

• The average duration of the film equals the duration of one session of therapy.

• Education: Films are allegories, they are like fables. We just need to extract the right messages from them.

• Identification: A lot of us can identify ourselves with movie characters. Thus, we can use self-development movies to see how others change and implement changes on our own.

• Conversations about the film increase its value in the memory of an individual and is an integrative tool in the therapy.

Different Kinds of Movies For Different Moods

Everything is simple with it. When you feel tense and overwhelmed let a light comedy ease your life. Comedies make life look simpler. When you feel like you are stuck in a day-to-day routine and need something stunning then watch one of the masterpieces from the movie world. A sad or horror movie can help you release emotions that have been drowning you for a long time. 

Rediscover Your Preferences - And Yourself As Well

You often act according to what we know we like but we rarely take the chance to try something new. We would not sacrifice another two hours for something “out of the box” and would rather relax by watching something which we stick to. 

Make yourself a marathon of watching films from absolutely different genres. Horror, historic films, fantasy, action, drama, romantic film, sci-fi, fantasy, childish cartoons, documentaries - so many categories and there is always something for everyone.

Finding New Perspectives Is Possible with Movies

We live with only one perspective on life. It is impossible that one person faces all possible problems in the world. Everyone gets a unique set of experiences and hence it is imperative to understand, feel, think and live differently. It can seriously change our worldview and stimulate us to make a change or take the courage to make some kind of commitment.

Observe the reactions and reviews of others. You will reassure one more time that every person’s brain is functioning in a unique way. Let’s take Cats. People are literally throwing rotten tomatoes in it, while some people really admire it as a decent musical. This is how our world functions.

Use Movies to Learn Languages

Films are a powerful tool to learn new languages especially if you watch a movie made in the country which language you want to learn. What is more, you can listen to the pronunciation of the words and see the specifics of life language. It helps to familiarize yourself with the native speech and put the learned vocabulary into context.

Practice Journaling

Journaling is proved to advance your analysis and is effective for managing emotions. Besides, this activity can help turn regular watching of movies into a hobby and even something more. Record what thoughts and emotions you get from self-help movies. Who knows maybe you would become a respect film reviewer. If you have problems at first you can use Best Writers Online review service to check your writing mistakes.

Summary

To sum up, movies really are an amazing way to unplug from reality and dive into the virtual world. However, you should perceive them not as a procrastination saver but as a self-therapy. By choosing the right movies, extracting the right messages from them, you get a huge benefit. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gregory V. Chapman is passionate about researching new technologies in both mobile, web and WordPress. Also, he works on Best Writers Online the best writing services reviews. Gregory in love with stories and facts, so Gregory always tries to get the best of both worlds.

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REWIND REVIEW: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

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For an occasional new segment, Every Movie Has a Lesson will cover upcoming home media releases combining an “overdue” or “rewind” film review, complete with life lessons, and an unboxed look at special features.

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STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

Big as a billboard in some places and as small as a mobile ad in others, the marketing imagery of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker touts the tagline “The Saga Will End.” There’s something to be said for finality, especially with a 42-year-old franchise as venerated and cherished as this one. The virtues of remembrance, culmination, gratification, and other such lofty notions loom so much larger when an entity is billed to be the last of something important. The movie in disc form hits store shelves everywhere today.

LESSON #1: THE DEFINITION OF “FINALITY” — Diving deeper beyond the basic “something that is final” meaning, the dictionary of this galaxy describes “finality” as “conclusiveness,” “decisiveness,” or “an ultimate act, utterance, or belief.” J.J. Abrams’ massive space opera follows his own The Force Awakens and Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi to aim so very badly for those traits. In many peaks of scope and emotion, his movie achieves such finality. In others, overindulgence and disarray put question marks on the value or vindication of all this promised fulfillment.

Going back to the tagline, the key word out of that poster’s sentence becomes “will.” As grand of a finale as The Rise of Skywalker builds itself to be, the likelihood of its stewarding studio turning off this cash cow is zip, zilch, and zero. This saga had an ending already in 1983 and another in 2005. Those had legitimate finality. Time will tell if this one, and its willy-nilly trajectories, will resonate strong enough or long enough to be of honored and revered significance.

ANTICIPATORY SET AND PRIOR KNOWLEDGE:

.Announcing his presence to the galaxy (and to us immediately in the yellow title scroll), a resurrected Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) has elevated the First Order into the Final Order with his Sith influence and the manufactured might of a colossal new fleet of Star Destroyers. His orders to his acolyte, Supreme Leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), are simply to “kill the girl.” That embattled female target remains Rey (Daisy Ridley), who has spent the undetermined amount of time since the Battle of Crait on the sidelines away from Resistance efforts to continue her Jedi training under the tutelage of General Leia Organa (the late Carrie Fisher).

LESSON #2: CONFRONTING FEARS— As she continues to grow in immeasurable power and skill, Rey endures visions abound of possible future fates that hinge on an eventual rubber match with the former Ben Solo. Matching a quintessential Star Wars motif, Rey has become the next emerging hero obligated to stare down the opposition with a will strengthened by summoned bravery. With “never be afraid of who you are” encouragement, Rey’s fears are hefty emotional obstacles made thoroughly compelling by Daisy Ridley’s lead performance, her best in the series. She may not be given the best scripted material (more on that later), but the actress squeezes every drop of rooting vulnerability out of this crucial plight.

Meanwhile, Rey’s supportive comrades and Resistance operatives, including Poe (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega), and Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), help her stay a step ahead of Kylo Ren and his masked squad of weaponized knights. Flanked by their handy droids, the tight crew zealously join Rey’s pursuit of items and information deemed vital for the fledgling revolutionaries being able to bring the fight to Palpatine instead of awaiting overwhelming decimation. The invisible ticking clock urgency to blow enemies away and prevent “all for nothing” disappointment sets the plot off on numerous (as in too many) busy-bodied and lightspeed races and chases with weakly-presented MacGuffins in the crosshairs.

LESSON #3: THE VALUE OF PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT— Long has Star Wars been about populating a heightened unity in support of influential individuals. Call it amassing an army or the intimate recruitment of trusted friends. For Rey, her verbalized chant is the powerful wish of “be with me.” It is answered with “we have each other.” Whomever stands behind the lead antagonist or comes to the aid of the lead protagonist does so with fervent dedication and multiplying motivation. True to this now ancient battle of dark versus light, not all assistance entering the fray comes in corporeal form.

MY TAKE:

J.J. Abrams has always been more than capable at delivering sheer adventure for the silver screen. His urge for kinetic energy is answered by the polished production teams. Borrowed from good buddy Steven Spielberg, two-time Oscar-winning production designer Rick Carter teamed with VFX concept artist Kevin Jenkins to create otherworldly arenas of flash and flair. J.J.’s trusty cinematographer Dan Mindel (five previous collaborations between them) captured the accelerated action set to every possible hymn, horn, and hurrah from retiring composer legend John Williams. Merging four decades of cues and themes with impeccable placement and push, Williams earned that 52nd career Oscar nomination. Flying through this fantastical world will always remain a rousing treat. The wonderment and magic is there.

That said, no amount of razzle-dazzle filling eyes and ears can cover up the glaring examples of questionable creativity and incomplete development enacted by Abrams and lead screenwriter Chris Terrio. Even in a third film meant to wrap up storylines, The Rise of Skywalker compels itself to introduce even more tangents and swerves. It has characters that answer questions with more questions and moments ringing with vague parables rather than stamping cemented mythology. The arcs for Ridley and Driver fare the best, but the periphery is scattered with superfluous glaze. The isolation elements of The Last Jedi slowed matters down to create tangible suspense. This overpacked trilogy capper favors sprinting set pieces instead. Moving at a rush does not automatically or always create one in return, magic be damned.

To explain more crosses into spoiler territory, but there are downright mistakes here that expose the distance between forming merely a sense of finality, albeit a forcibly telegraphed one, and garnering a true, earned, and fitting consummation. Gauge all of this ambition straight toward the many synonyms of “finality.” Measure this film for “decisiveness,” “totality,” “resolution,” and even “integrity.” You may find its force more thin than thick.

3 STARS

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EXTRA CREDIT: 

(Image courtesy of Disney)

For the first time in quite a while (re: see every Marvel disc release in ten years), Disney has finally put out a stellar disc release worthy of full purchase ahead of merely a digital download of the feature itself. All it took was a legitimate and immersive behind-the-scenes documentary that actually showed the full filmmaking process. Little seven to fifteen minute featurettes can’t do that, no matter how many of them you pretend to pack on a second disc, not when half of them feel like sales pitches instead of documentation. 

The Rancor-sized beast feature in question is the feature-length The Skywalker Legacy documentary.  Running a rich 126 minutes, the documentary follows the film’s production process from pillar to post. The access and observational intimacy into the process is phenomenal. Best all, they merge little flashbacks to the making-of footage of the original trilogy, making that “legacy” in the title the perfect term.

Those callbacks are some of the best moments to savor in the documentary because they each pile on a full circle of reflection and completion. For example, to see and hear Anthony Daniels compare walking onto the Tunisian heat with uncertainty in 1976 to stepping off the set in the same costume for the last time over 40 years later as a legend is beyond a treat. It’s a moment of pure satisfaction. Moments and threads like that are echoed and repeated for Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and the memory of Carrie Fisher, especially how this production had to remember here while finding a way to go on without her.

Probably the best legacy moment captured in The Skywalker Legacy is when director J.J. Abrams brought composer John Williams on the set to film a first-time cameo. After Williams finishes shooting his bit, J.J. has the octogenarian look around the “junk” around his character’s workshop table. Each tarnished prop in view was purposely constructed to represent all 51 of Williams’ Oscar-nominated scores. That’s an incredible display of easter eggs that will drop your jaw and just a taste of the complete devotion and keen respect J.J. Abrams operates with the entire shoot.

The figure to watch (and being watched) the most is Abrams. His insistence, no matter the time, resources, and expense, to shoot with as many physical layers of creation and authenticity as possible is extremely commendable. From black bean quicksand and an alien festival to the wild energy of scene-stealing stunt coordindator Eunice Huthart, the massive volume of sets, costumes, vehicle rigs, and puppetry is off the charts.  The armies of people who train and put their heart, soul, and sweat into work that may only be seen mere seconds or minutes on-screen is dizzying. All the while, his skillful focus and constant smile make the pressures and expectations and returns look invisible.

Outside of the feature-length centerpiece, there are few more samples of blockbuster dessert. They come in the form of five smaller featurettes.  Even these still beat the Disney/Marvel entries of talking schills and put their focus on the stories behind the movie. 

One of the best of them is “Aliens on the Desert.” It’s a quick six minutes, but it outlines all of the set-up work in Jordan, where the visiting humans are the foreigners to the rugged vistas, that happens even before the circus-level main unit arrives. The scale of teamwork and practicality from the gear-loaded teams is something not normally shown for behind-the-scenes material that more often loves their headliners. The 14-minute “Pasaana Pursuit” feature is similar in its background focus.

If artistry gets you awestruck, you will enjoy the “Cast of Creatures” featurette. Like their shining moments in The Skywalker Legacy, the merger of makeup, engineering design, and puppetry have long made the fictional living things in Star Wars more tangible than any CGI power. This short is a tribute to the folks underneath the heavy gyros, foam, and rubber shells. The new droid D-O also gets a quick five-minute-and-change video on its character genesis of the more mechanical nature.

The final featurette is “Warwick & Son” and it’s the smile-inducing parting glance to the special features and nine-film saga. This snippet chronicles actor Warwick Davis returning to the Ewok role of Wicket and the chance to bring his aspiring actor son Harrison in to play his Ewok kin. Like the legacy circles earlier, to hear and see Warwick’s journey and sage maturity being celebrated is delightful. This caps a truly fantastic disc of special features.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Vivarium

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VIVARIUM-- 2 STARS

Fitting the definition of a proper, excuse my language, mindfuck film, Vivarium, the sophomore feature from Irish filmmaker Lorcan Finnegan, seeks to bend what is up and what is down with a shroud of mystery and fog filling the middle in between. For this writer and website, the high water mark for mindfuck films is 2014’s underseen Netflix gem The One I Love. In the review of that film which examined the subgenre as a whole, the top traits of a good one were the measured balance of its revelations and the urge the movie builds for repeat viewing. Try as it may, Vivarium can hit those benchmarks.

LESSON #1: NATURE IS HORRIBLE SOMETIMES-- Opening on feature-debuting cinematographer MacGregor’s close-up imagery of baby birds over a sonic score by Kristian Eidnes Anderson, Vivarium telegraphs quickly the primal tones of instinctual intent waiting underneath its domestic setting. One of the birds is granted nourishment for survival and the next one seen without a nest is on the losing end of that battle. Drawing parallels early to future needs of sustenance and shelter, our main characters lament on the world’s randomness matching this lesson.  

Those leads are primary elementary school teacher Gemma (Imogen Poots of Green Room) and her American groundskeeper/handyman beau Tom (Jesse Eisenberg, always game for frazzle). They have reached a point in their relationship where cohabitation is on the brain. Unmarried yet merged in doting dedication to each other, the couple are casually shopping to get a home together and consider starting a family.

Gemma and Tom step into the small street-front sales office of Prospect Properties. Welcomed by an odd and over-expressive agent named Martin (prolific TV and film actor Jonathan Aris), they are pitched Yonder, an idyllic housing development of spacious and quaint single-family homes that is said to be “near enough and far enough” for every convenience. The sweethearts weigh whether such a pretty picture is worth a look.

LESSON #2: DON’T FOLLOW WEIRD PEOPLE ANYWHERE-- Sigh. This has to be bluntly said, but everything that happens after this point could have been prevented with discerning taste and appropriate decision-making consistent with the characters being portrayed. How this milquetoast realtor and the banality of Yonder’s squareness swayed this bohemian duo that jams to old British-Jamaican reggae in the car to last more than two-minutes in that office, let alone going through with following the creeper out of town, is a stupefying development in a movie that exudes smartness everywhere else. This isn’t supposed to be Downsizing with submissive dopes. 

Martin takes Gemma and Tom through the circular avenues of Yonder to Unit #9 and gives them the grand tour of its sophisticated class and homely appointments. After a bit of moseying, the two visitors find Martin and his car gone. When they try to drive their way out, they are lost in the seemingly identical inlets and outlets. Eventually they run out of gas right back in front of #9 and elect to spend the night.

The passage of time moves this beyond a predicament as hours turn into days. In Yonder, there is not a lick of wind or a whisper of sound. The clouds look hung and fixed in a sickeningly perfect way. Echoes are limited and cell phone reception is nil. One morning, Gemma and Tom receive a Prospect Properties box of supplies and provisions on the sidewalk edge of the yard. The next day, another box contains a baby with the instructions “raise the child and be released.”  Vivarium tailspins from there with an experiment in mindless mundanity versus futile hope. 

LESSON #3: HOW WOULD YOU REACT?-- One of the best parts of the audience experience in a mindfuck movie is the internal quiz viewers put themselves through, especially watching good people here be overwhelmed. Watchers compare decisions and ask when their own will would break or, worse, their sanity. Vivarium starts strong in that domain.  

LESSON #4: FORCING GENDER ROLES-- The span of this sinister snare tests relationship strengths and strains. Tom forces himself to be the fixer and therefore pushes Gemma in return to be the maternal one. Their maddening distractions in a place of no visible escape are not always helpful, definitely don’t match, and grow darker with the continued confinement. Jesse Eisenberg will always be a dynamite choice for an unraveling role, but Imogen Poots, contrary to traditional gender roles, is the tougher nut that isn’t cracking. This is an very good top-line part for her. 

Vivarium earns very positive credit for its premise and aim. Bending relationship dynamics of survival and gender roles around the middle class dreams of homeownership and building a family is, no question, both absorbing and ambitious. The social commentary is as frank as it is smartly bleak. The graying realities are well-masked by the colorful production dwellings constructed by two prop department veterans in set decorator Julia Davin-Power and production designer Philip Murphy teaming with rookie art director Robert Barrett. Their dreamscape trap of the Yonder development is rightly simplistic yet imposing.

Unfortunately, the movie fails in the elements of payoff matching those previously mentioned top mindfuck traits. Not enough happens to push you to learn more. By the time Finnegan finally turns and twists the wannabe Escher screws, too little comes of it. Hit it harder and hit it earlier. Sure, no mindfuck film needs to explain or reveal everything. That would take the fun out of them. 

That said, the ideas a film such as this one throws to the wall have to be tacky enough to stick and linger. Moreover, the best notions of sub-genre hang around with a delectable residue to make one lick their fingers rather than reach for a napkin. Vivarium is missing the aiming height that multiplies its mystery and peril into something captivating. You need a little bit of “what was all that for” and jaw-dropping actuality. This is a good single spin with an intriguing premise, but not a re-watch contender that calls us to circle back with desire or fixation.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "You'll Probably Agree" podcast talking feel-good movies in the time quarantine

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During this COVID-19 quarantine, a portion of our easy-going lifestyle of going to communal theaters to catch a big screen spectacle has been dealt a body blow. For many, this isolation is not a very fun time. Turning to our favorite movies at home or discovering some motivating and engaging new ones can be great medicine for happiness against the cabin fever blues. I joined Mike Crowley’s You’ll Probably Agree podcast this week to talk comforting cinema in a group conversation with Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat and the esteemed Pat McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com. Give Mike’s YouTube channel a new subscriber, his Facebook page a like, and his Twitter a follow!

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" YouTube channel talking 1998's "Mulan"

The present social distancing and near complete shutdown of the mainstream cinema calendar has led to many postponed spring tentpoles. One of those was Disney’s hotly anticipated and latest re-imagining project of Mulan from director Niki Caro. All of us, critic and public alike, will get to see that movie someday. For now, it’s a great time to revisit the 1998 animated original. On the week we would have watched the new one, Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat and I did that very thing. I’ve been a long-time fan of animated one and Ian was a first-timer! Enjoy this new video podcast episode on his YouTube channel!

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on "PopCulture25YL" Podcast talking March 1995

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Since last summer, I’ve been very proud to be a staff writer for 25 Years Later, a rapidly growing entertainment site. One of their specialties (their namesake as you can likely tell) is looking back and examining cultural moments across all mediums that occurred 25 years ago. The site has been dipping its toes into audio content, including a full-fledged podcast. When the call came across the inter-office communication looking for a movie contributor to talk about the 1995 Academy Awards, I was quick to throw my hat in the ring. Thank you to host Conor O’Donnell and his brother Bryan for having me on and cutting the whole thing together to make us sound great. Here us talk about Forrest Gump, The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, and more. Give this new podcast a listen!

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GUEST COLUMN: Memorable Romantic Quotes from Movies That You Will Love to Tell Your Date+

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Memorable Romantic Quotes from Movies That You Will Love to Tell Your Date

Forgetting to send a bunch of long-stem red roses on Valentine’s Day to your lover can seem to be a disaster but it can help to make up with a gift and a romantic message. Thanks to the crafted performances and the lilting music, most of us tend to go weak at the knees and also shed a tear when seeing mushy romantic movies. Some of the most romantic lines from well-known movies that you can quote when you want to impress your loved one:

“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." ~ Moulin Rouge 

Considered a classic, according to http://edition.cnn.com, Moulin Rouge was nominated for eight Oscars, including for the Best Picture. The line, one of the most memorable in the film, simply points out the universal truth that one must know how to love and in turn, also how to be loved by someone else. While some people know very well how to express their love to others, they suffer from an inferiority complex that makes them believe that they do not deserve to be loved or even worthy of being loved. It also points out subtly that there are people who are selfish and never show their love to anyone even though they enjoy being loved by others.

“True love cannot be found where it does not truly exist, nor can it be hidden where it truly does.” ~ Kissing a Fool

The meaning of this very philosophical quote is that love cannot be expected between two people who are not involved romantically with each other; however, if they are in love with each other, the feeling just cannot be hidden from the sight of others. This line points to the fact the romantic love is irrepressible and so effervescent that it cannot be kept under covers but will always break out and make itself apparent. 

“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” ~ When Harry Met Sally

It can be difficult to find true love and when two people realize that they have found the perfect lifelong partner in the other, they are in a big rush to start their lives as a couple because they want to revel in each moment of their love. You can find the best quotes about love by searching online.

“You make me want to be a better man.” ~ As Good As It Gets

Proposing to a lady can be tough for someone who is an introvert and this quote is a fine example of how an intelligent but introverted personality (Jack Nicholson as Melvin Udall) finally gets the courage to ask the woman he loves (Carol Connelly as Helen Hunt), very obliquely to marry him. This shows how you can profess your love to someone without being blunt and avoid the trauma of being refused.

Conclusion 

Romantic movies have plots that are full of ups and downs and only after a long struggle do the lead pair overcome obstacles and get together. During the film, there are many lines that the pair speaks that can provide the perfect answers to someone who is struggling with his emotions to profess his love. 

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EDITORIAL: After "Parasite and "Get Out": What to Expect of Thrillers

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After Parasite and Get Out: What to Expect of Thrillers?

Movies are confidently taking up one of the top spots on the list of most common ways of entertainment. The industry itself is bringing in millions every month. It’s a unique form of art that uses a completely different approach to storytelling than books or video games. And just like any art, it has been evolving throughout its entire life span, discovering new genres and developing new techniques.

Pretty much anyone can find something they like among the abundance of movies that are available today. The variety of genres is incredible.

• Action movies

• Dramas

• Comedies

• Documentaries

• Thrillers

These are but a fraction of a long list of various types and styles film-makers typically use. Let’s take a closer look at the thriller genre. This one has been around nearly for the entire lifespan of cinematography as we know it today. You’d think that after all those years, movie-makers would run out of tricks to keep their audience at the edge of their seats. Let’s see if it’s the case.

(Image: Upsplash)

Parasite

The very essence of thrillers is explained in their name. They are winning the audience over by creating tension. And when you think of tension, it’s usually detectives, horrors or something of that sort. But there is much more to the genre than meets the eye. And the abundance of examples will prove that you don’t need a scary monster to thrill your audience.

Parasite is one of the recent ones. It’s a reassurance to the jaded veterans of the genre that there is still more to it. It is a gem of Korean film-making that leaves you wondering how to review a movie like this one. It restores your faith in the industry from the first minutes. Every aspect of it perfectly contributes, making up a great piece of art that won’t let go of you until the very credits.

The story itself has nothing to do with traditional action or horror. A poor family that is trying to get by defrauding a rich family might as well be a comedic setup. And there are some funny moments. But when it comes down to the essence of this movie, you realize that by pushing the right buttons, the team behind Parasite managed to pull off a very solid film that explores the genre of thriller in an entirely different setting.

Get Out

Get out is another example of the direction thrillers are heading today. It’s residing on a more traditional side of things. There are plenty of tropes that you’ve seen a thousand times before. Some jump scares here, some dark corridors there. But despite all of that, the main idea of the movie comes through thanks to an interesting scenario and a well-chosen cast.

This is basically the traditional thriller formula, outfitted with a modern engine. It’s a re-imagining of old tricks rather than redefining the genre in the global sense. And yet, it works very well. This is the sort of movie that can be appreciated by those new to the thriller genre as well as long-standing veterans. It is also the director’s debut that highlights the flow of new talented blood into the industry.

Looking into the Future

Looking back at the work done by the film creators throughout the last couple of years, you can easily see that the genre’s arsenal is far from depleted. There are plenty of tricks up the directors’ sleeves that will be able to surprise even the pickiest fans of thrillers. You are guaranteed to experience unforgettable emotions.

When it comes to the thrillers that were produced recently, a prognosis can be made. The genre is likely to be taking a slight turn. The scenarios seem to be leaning into the unexplored, some would even say mundane setups. But don’t worry, as showcased by Parasite and Get Out, you won’t ever be bored by those.

Final Words

The industry is on the rise. And now is as good of a time as any to expand your movie library with a couple of new gems. Thriller is a really vague term. Pretty much any movie is supposed to thrill its audience. And that opens up a huge space for a maneuver. The genre can be fitted into just about any plot. All you need to make it a hit is a team to back it up.

The quest for a decent movie nowadays may seem like a challenging one. But once you dig a bit deeper and look past the marketed Hollywood stockpile, you’ll discover a whole new world of cinematography. The experiences that those movies can bring you will take you on a ride through different worlds and let you witness amazing stories.

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GUEST COLUMN: Top Five Movies the Kids Will Love... and Parents Too!

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Top Five Movies the Kids Will Love... and Parents Too!

by Mia Morales

Summertime is always a special time of the year, especially for the kids. Outdoor activities, family get-togethers, vacation adventures - and no homework! It also provides the perfect opportunity to catch up on some terrific movies that may have been overlooked during the busy school year. With that in mind, round up the kids, get plenty of popcorn and snacks and check out these five entertaining films.

For The Youngest (Ages 3-6)

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Even 75-plus years after its original release, this timeless classic is the perfect introductory experience for the youngest viewer, filled with as much adventure, excitement and life lessons as any blockbuster film released since. Kids of all ages will be on the edge of their seats -- especially young, first-time viewers -- as they become wrapped up in Dorothy and Toto's magical journey along the Yellow Brick Road with her unforgettable new friends, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodsman. Don't be surprised when the smallest ones -- even before 'The End' appears on screen -- start up with, "Let's watch it again!!"

Seeker & Fetch (2011)

All kids love adorable animal-related films, and this 'feel-good' story is sure to not only thrill younger viewers, but also help them understand and appreciate the unique relationship between people and their pets. Seeker, an Australian Shepherd, and Fetch, a pot-bellied pig, make an unusual pairing, inseparable, intelligent and eager to please. When they enter the life of a retired teacher, all three learn much more about themselves (and others) than any of them thought was ever possible. At times laugh out loud hilarious, Seeker & Fetch is guaranteed to be a home theater favorite.

For The Entire Family

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Bright, colorful scenery, a catchy musical soundtrack, non-stop excitement full of wondrous adventure, plus the infectious energy of screen legend Gene Wilder are all ingredients in this classic fantasy. Many valuable life lessons are taught in fun and imaginative ways, but perhaps the most valuable takeaway for impressionable viewers in this enjoyable romp are the rewards gained from having an active and 'outside the box' imagination. And honestly -- who DOESN'T love candy?

Educational, Entertaining And Inspirational

The Lion King (1994)

It's practically impossible to imagine that there's anyone who HASN'T seen this universally-beloved Walt Disney Pictures animated classic, but even so, The Lion King's timeless story never grows old or less entertaining or impactful, whether it's viewed for the first time or the fiftieth. The Lion King is literally overflowing with excellence, from its groundbreaking animation, superb voice cast, identifiable storyline (for all ages and backgrounds), instant classic soundtrack, and above all else -- inspirational and life-affirming. In short, it's impossible to watch this masterpiece and not become swept up or emotionally invested by its heartwarming, all-encompassing message.

Different Drummers (2013)

Based on an inspiring true story, this under-the-radar film delves into the power and gratifying rewards found when unbending, unwavering faith and friendship combine to overcome seemingly hopeless odds and overwhelming circumstances. Set in the 1960s, Different Drummers relates the story of two very different friends, one (Lyle) classically hyperactive and full of non-stop energy (often to his detriment), the other (David) wheelchair-bound due to crippling muscular dystrophy, but eternally optimistic, a quality that both puzzles and intrigues Lyle, given David's seeming disadvantage. Nevertheless, this unlikely relationship takes on a role reversal of sorts, with an ending that will not only leave viewers feeling unbelievably warm and fuzzy but also feeling inspired by the triumph of faith and perseverance.

Conclusion

Whether it's a minute by minute adventure thriller, an imaginative fantasy journey, a goofy, anything but serious laughfest, a thought-provoking drama or a tale that's both heartwarming, inspiring and life affirming, these five family film favorites are guaranteed to provide the perfect vehicle for a rewarding summertime experience for the entire family.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Stargirl

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STARGIRL-- 4 STARS

When you take a gander at Grace VanderWaal’s title character in Stargirl, you probably don’t think “unassuming.” The loud outfit seems goudy. The ukulele on her back reeks of ostentatiousness. And, by golly, that rat on her shoulder screams straight-up weird. Miraculously and sweetly, director Julia Hart makes all of this boldness as unassuming as possible, free of arrogance or pretension. The modesty of Jerry Spinelli’s hit source novel is intact and invigorating on this Disney+ original.

The storyteller circling the briefly introduced orb of oddity is Leo Borlock (TV actor Graham Verchere, recently of The Good Doctor and Supergirl). He and his widowed single mother (Scandal cast member Darby Stanchfield) moved to Mica, Arizona in elementary school. He decided very quickly that laying low more than standing out ensured his civic survival. Now a 16-year-old high school junior, Leo makes no waves in his friend circle working the school’s TV talk show “Hot Seat” and holding down his trumpeter’s place in the fledgling marching band.

That all changes when Leo gets a glimpse at the alluring Stargirl Caraway, the mysterious new girl to the popularity battleground hallways after years as a home-schooled local. She draws stares, gawks, and quizzical words with her every action. The eyes multiply when Stargirl steps out to midfield at halftime of a losing football game for an impromptu performance. Rocking the ukulele and belting her encouragement in song, the spotlight never leaves Grace VanderWaal or her character from there on out.

LESSON #1: UNIQUENESS AND TALENT ARE POPULAR-- Soon enough, Stargirl’s inspiring presence turns everyone’s spirits and luck around. An uncommon kindness seemingly pours out of her smile and sparkling eyes. Stargirl goes from peculiar to popular overnight as a new centerpiece cheerleader that roots for everything big and small. Her aura is something intangible for everyone, especially our Leo. 

LESSON #2: ACCEPTING BOLDNESS-- It goes without saying that the bold stand out. Boldness can be too much in the same way shyness is too little, or how impulsive doers act without thinking while meek thinkers never go out and do. “Differentness,” as Spinelli once called it in the book, can incite emulation and ostracism with equally unknown odds or results. The catalyst or the tonic for any acceptance is ego, and Stargirl doesn’t have a hint of one.

Leo is clearly smitten and seeks to spend time following Stargirl. These opportunities are welcomed in return by her. Their whimsical and chaste sweep of young love changes his soul and challenges him to re-embrace his confidence to be different like he used to be. All goes swimmingly well until a pair of acts of kindness are taken the wrong way in a calamitous social fallout.

It is in the shared moments away from the fickle crowds that Stargirl shows its essence. What would be loud and bouncing bounds in other high school/YA romances moves instead with soothing saunters among the saguaros silhouetting the New Mexico magic hours doubling as Arizona. Excellent camera polish from cinematographer Bryce Fortner (Ingrid Goes West) to not over-light these sequences and more. Credit for shrewdly nailing the vibe of Spinelli’s book into a teeming and tidy movie goes to director and co-writer Julia Hart, her Fast Color filmmaking partner Jordan Horowitz, and Dumplin’ screenwriter Kristin Hahn. Like the author, they put maturity above the manic pixie dream girl trope that threatens to be overbearing.

Verchere and VanderWaal exudes comfortable chemistry that is not over-spiked. He is steady where he needs to be, dotes where he needs to dote, but the showcase was alway going to be her. Grace VanderWaal, showing true charm on camera, rightly has her multiple talents on display in this, her acting debut after rising to stardom as an America’s Got Talent champion. VanderWaal is often backed by the strumming and dreamy electronica bends of composer Rob Simonsen and vinyl-friendly playlist of throwbacks. Her inescapable voice fills the soundtrack, our ears, and our hearts (stay through the credits for the full effect).

LESSON #3: NONCONFORMITY SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE-- Without question, the largest and best takeaway from Stargirl is the lack of shame one should feel for their differences. Stargirl’s contagious morale comes from an easy poise and an empathetic aim to please. Much like Leo, the people who know you and truly get you are the only people you need to be popular with. Don’t hide from love or loves that are out of the ordinary. That’s precisely what becomes the extraordinary.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" YouTube channel talking movies in the time of quarantine

With all the multiplexes shut down and mainstream releases postponed for the foreseeable future, the #firstworldproblems life of your rank-and-file movie critic has become pretty rough in the time of the COVID-19 quarantine. A question was posed among us of what are we up to stuck in our pajamas with movies to dig through at home. Well, I was unshy about my beautifying bedtime ritual to get on camera in my bedroom attire with Emmanuel Noisette of E-Man’s Movie Reviews for Ian Simmons and his Kicking the Seat YouTube channel to talk movies being consumed during our social distancing time! Enjoy!

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GUEST EDITORIAL: The "Parasite" Oscar Win as a Foreign Film is a Game Changer

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The Parasite Oscar Win as a Foreign Film is a Game Changer

by Susan Saurel

The Oscar Academy Award remains one of the world’s prestigious annual award ceremonies organized to reward excellent achievements for trailblazers in the international movie production scene. The award directed by the renowned Academy of Motion Pictures has about 6000 members. The Oscars awards recognize individuals in a structured 24 set categories of the award with leading categories as best actress in leading and supporting role, best actor in leading and supporting role, best pictures, music, director, virtual effects and many others. 

The Oscar awards 2020 was different as it recorded a streak-breaking award to a South Korean movie which attracts various commentaries in the world scene when Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite took the big hit after 91 years of a streak of English movie wins. At the 92nd Oscars, Parasite took the world by surprise when it was announced for the Best Pictures award, being the first of foreign film announced as the winner of a highly-rated award from the beginning of the Hollywood Film Academy. Also, it is recorded as the first South Korean movie nomination for a competitive award in the international award category.

The Parasite Story

Bong’s Parasite narrates in a humorous tragicomedy exposed fissures that appear between South Korean families from different social strata, bringing to the fore the contrast between two families: one unemployed, living in a seedy underground apartment and the family Park, educated, kind and recently rich, considered ideal among the modern urban elite. The South Korean manages to mobilize the reactions of the spectators in a schizophrenic way and turns the collective laughter into sighs of dismay, between the visible and the underground, where social classes act as an effect of the system. 

The groundbreaking thriller movie centers around a poor family trying to infiltrate and associate with one wealthy family household. It was a perfect definition of struggles between social strata.  Parasite bagged four awards as the Best in the categories of Best International Film, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Film. From the records of best resume writing service, Bong is the first Korean to receive this award, which beats previous polls awarded to 1917, the war drama by Sam Mendes that only won three categories.

The Parasite Nomination

Parasite’s race to the Oscars began last May when he won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, in the finals towards the Academy Awards. He then won the Best Director award at the popular Critics’ Choice Awards, Best Cast at the awards given by the Hollywood Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and Best Foreign Film awarded at the Golden Globe Awards. This South Korean movie recorded about five nominations and a chance to win a highly-rated Oscar’s Best Pictures Award, was not a straight guess. The Bong’s Oscars win was surprising. 

The Significance of Parasite Oscar Win

The Parasite award carries recognition of the exponential growth that the South Korean film industry has been experiencing for decades, as regards films that manage to jump the borders of their domestic market and that manage to combine popular taste and knowledge of genres with deep cinematographic reflection. A writer at best essay writing service emphasized that this historic happening is a great step in history. 

Surprisingly, the Academy chose a film of this kind to win the award. The first-time record of such event was the nomination for the award in a top category was 1998 for Roberto Benigni’s movie Life is Beautiful and almost 30 years later another nomination for the Mexican director, Alfonso Cuaron’s movie Roma. In both cases, there was no record that these foreigners won the award, even when Roma was an option acclaimed.

In recent years, the Academy has been embroiled in controversies that question its objectivity when it comes to recognizing outstanding directors and performers. In retrospect to past editions, the predominant films are made and / or starred by white and male people. Mostly, films that do not comply with the scheme and / or are foreign have been considered strange and, mostly, are nominated in some less relevant categories.

Saying that Parasite won this best film award as a form of inclusion means putting the work of art and social criticism that it represents to a heartbreaking and competitive society below, as well as affirming that only Hollywood films are worthy of the award. It represents an extreme change in how the Academy is choosing its winners, but it is also a fully deserved recognition.

Is the Parasite Oscar Win a Game Changer?

The most recent edition of the Oscars showed us that they are going through a period of transition, where it is possible to look further for different proposals that can touch fibers in different parts of the world. Some have commented that the international industry still has a long way to go, but opinions from the best dissertation service prove that this event is the best step to start the revolution. The parasite has been recognized; many other recognitions will start showing.

This Korean movie did not feature any internationally recognized cast member, yet it achieved this great feat that has been internationally viewed as game-changing. The award has changed the global perception of South Korean’s Hollywood and cultural history. This remains an inspiration for other filmmakers around the world that they have a place in global recognition if they put in their best to create the magic in their movie. Although some have commented that winning an award doesn’t necessarily prove the best, it is a known fact that award for the film is not an easy task. The fact that parasite made the nomination is enough to prove the inclusion of other non-English quality movies in the definition of the internationally-defined standard. The whole process signals the arrival of a new dawn in the international movie industry.

The Parasite Oscar award strengthens the claim that the South Korean movie Industry is the fifth biggest in the world. As described by Jason Bechervaise, a professor at Soongsil Cyber University, Bong’s Parasite award at the 92nd Oscar is “a significant opportunity for the Korean film industry to showcase its wealth of talent that has been flourishing for decades”. The win is an eye-opener to neighboring countries like China and exploring the means to create quality pictures in movies will be seen more in the international movie industry.

Conclusion

Bong’s win is a surprising breakthrough for Asians. Parasite’s Oscar Award is not only a South Korea win but also a world win. It is an Asian representation and first breakout. It’s a continental reinforcement and a game-changing win. Now everyone is back to the drawing table to strategize, because winning an Oscar has left it former definition and crossed all political-like border. Parasite brings glory out of the Korean culture, and this serves as a shift because it is accorded national win. The significance of this event is that local or cultural product is not just any ordinary product but can, in reality, be the game changer leading the course to more victory.  

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COLUMN: 5 Great Movies you need to Watch Before Going to College

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5 Great Movies You Need to Watch Before Going to College

Before you join college, it would be nice to get an idea of how it would be like. Not to say that you should live your life according to what you see in movies. Movies are not only a good source of entertainment, but they also teach you a thing or two. There are countless movies out there you will enjoy as a student looking forward to join college. Before you can get to the life of always asking who will solve my homework, why not indulge in a little entertainment. Here are five incredible movies you should check out.

Admission 

Since you’re waiting to get admitted, why not watch a film about admission? This is a 2013 film that features the very amazing Tina Fey. It was based off a novel whose author is Jean Hanff Korelitz. Admission is a story about being admitted to Princeton University. It is a mystery ridden tale that will have you at the edge of the seat. 

Liberal Arts 

At number two we have this fantastic 2012 film that features Josh Radnor of How I Met Your Mother. It was produced by Brice dal Farra and Claude Dal Farra, which is a magic duo. It is about a college counselor who falls in love during a retirement dinner. It is the classic love at first sight tale that might bring a few tears to your eyes.

The Roommate 

This is the perfect movies because you’re bound to have roommates in college. It will teach you a thing or two about living with other people. Released in 2011, Roommates is a horror movie that will get you shrieking from time to time. It was shot in the University of North Carolina and Loyola Marymount University.

Toy Story 3 

Toy Story 3 is the perfect movie for anyone who’ll soon be a freshman. If you’ve watched the sequel, you know how beautiful the storyline is. Bring lots of popcorn because you’re going to have a fun time. It is time for this little boy you’ve watched grow up, to go to college. Andy mysteriously loses his toys as he’s packing and this makes him frantic. His parents, just like yours, cannot believe he’s leaving home to start a whole new chapter. This movie will help you deal with the emotions you and your family are experiencing now that you’re about to leave.

Accepted 

I bet you’re anxiously waiting to be accepted to your dream college. This movie will teach you how to cope with college rejection letters, in case you get them.  Your parents too, are hoping that you get accepted. This 2006 comedy is just what you need at this time. 

Conclusion

Now you have five interesting movies about college life you can check out. They’ll keep you occupied as you wait for your admission letter. Make sure you park early so that you don’t misplace anything like Andy from Toy Story 3.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast talking "Onward"

Boy, I tell you. You get right three men together with the right movie and hearts overflow. That was Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat podcast, David Fowlie of Keeping It Reel, and myself sharing our experiences with Pixar’s Onward. All three of us are dads. All three of us are brothers in our families. The movie’s hearty feels won each of us over and it was a blast, as always, to talk about it on Ian’s recorded airwaves. Enjoy a good film-loving session!

PODCAST EPISODE PAGE MY OWN FULL "ONWARD" REVIEW

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