This is the film that has been described as "Call of Duty/Halo meets Groundhog Day" for its utilization of elements that pertain to both a serious warfare video game and a comedic repetitive nightmare, which makes the film even more unique and interesting.

There are so many things that were done right in this film that I want to highlight and mention. Part of that brilliance are these subtle references that hint, symbolize, and remind us of the landings at Normandy that make the film seem as though its providing some type of historical allegory, but with a science fiction, slightly futuristic edge.

Edge of Tomorrow was released on June 6th, which interestingly enough, is the same day that the Normandy invasion of WWII took place, D-Day. The very beginning of the film reminded me and appeared as though the film setting was taking place in Europe during WWII.

~

When I first saw the trailer for Edge of Tomorrow, I actually I wasn't too keen on seeing it and thought it looked as though it going to be just like Oblivion. But when I actually went to see the film, I soon realized it was far from it. I called-off the film at first with the thought that it's just going to be another Tom Cruise action movie, and found that it is actually a lot more than that. There is a lot of substance, a great balance of genre, and great character development, which all work together to make it a film worth watching. It wasn't until I was informed about Emily Blunt's performance of the female lead, that I really became interested in seeing it.

 The fight sequences, editing and camera techniques are altogether precise creating a film worthy of our time, you'll be amazed without having to see it in 3D or Imax.

Tom Cruise. Emily Blunt. Edge of Tomorrow. 2014. Warner Bros. Pictures.

The classic NBC cop drama starring Fred Dryer as Sergeant Rick Hunter and Stepfanie Kramer as Sergent McCall, partners who together make Hunter the best classic cop drama I've ever seen.

Dryer. Kramer. Hunter. NBC Universal. 1984-1991. TV.

The first episode, Hunter (Dryer) is shown as a somewhat renegade cop who has had very transient partners, until he's assigned to team up with Sergeant McCall. Sgt. McCall, much like Hunter, has her own unique way of approaching serious cases with force, often battling it out with real bad guys and dangerous criminals while having compassion for those who are in tough situations. The duo then take on a variety of murder cases, often going through great lengths in order to solve cases and serve justice to those who have been victimized.

The depiction of Hunter and McCall as homicide investigators/detectives for the L.A. Police Department, results in this sort of mix between murder mystery and action-drama police series. 

Hunter is a great police series that embodies all the common components of a classic action-drama police series: a catchy, upbeat theme song, classic car chases, pow-punch fist fights, suspense, and the catch-phrase "works for me."

Fred Dryer. Stepfanie Kramer. Hunter. NBC Universal. 1984.

 

If you're looking for a police drama to watch, Hunter is the one I recommend.

It's a show about the cops we wish we had.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand is the Starz channel original series that extends beyond the implicit to depict the ancient Roman Republic from the perspective of the Thratian native, Spartacus (portrayed by Andy Whitfield), the famous figure of whom lead the slave uprising against the Romans. The first season of the series is the one of which will be discussed in this short review and is the starting point of the series that focused primarily on the severely oppressive disposition of the Roman Republic during the time. Although the historical drama contains an plenitude of graphic violence and explicit scenes of sexuality, it does so in a fashion that attempts to portray the Roman Era in its most brutal and exposed nature with accuracy. Thus the show's sense of story and narrative through such depiction is not lost but is relevant.

Andy Whitfield. Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Starz. 2010.

In the first scene we see an unknown character in shackles beneath the arena floor, anxiously awaiting the punishment of execution: an unconquerable battle against armored men.
The shot flashes to a killing battle in the arena, a punished captive against Roman gladiator, or executor, and then returns to the main character only to depict a flashback scene. Within that scene is recount of the events that posed as causation for such a harsh punishment as well as a glimpse into the life he lived prior to.

It's only after his victory in the arena against execution that the unnamed protagonist is later identified as "Spartacus." As a result of defeating execution a deal is made to train him in the lutus (Roman gladiator training facility) and have him fight as a gladiator, while still a prisoner among other prisoners. In this setting, the oppressive and severe treatment endured by the slaves (gladiators and servants) among the training facility is the center of attention. And within this setting is an exemplified the theme of lost love. Seeing from the circumstances many of the gladiators find themselves- torn from their wives, families, and friends. The Thratian acts as the lead example of this concept, with wife taken from him and condemned to slavery as another instance of further penalty from the Romans.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Starz. 2010.

Looking for a series to watch, I immersed myself within the first season of Blood and Sand, and by the end of it was trilled. This was a first season that concluded leaving viewers with a sense of satisfaction or pride for the characters' vengeance for what was endured. Instead of leaving a feeling of disappointment or leaving viewers anxiously waiting for what will happen next season, viewers are left with a feeling of satisfied closure, although fully aware that was an ending.

Lucy Lawless is in it too.

Official Starz trailer.
Contains explicit content.

In a world of pretentious yuppies and superficial social-climbing aristocrats, it just wouldn't make sense for all of them to keep their heads on straight and remain, if ever were, sane.  American Psycho is the satirical film depicting this concept through Christian Bale's performance of a character whose mind slowly but forcefully shatters while his psychological reality goes with it. It is also the perfect depiction of white male privilege and entitlement at its worst.

Christain Bale. American Psycho. Harron, Mary. Lions Gate Films. 2000.

Bale depicts a notoriously narcissistic character who not only strives to be the best, but is convinced that he certainly must be because in his mind that is how he sees himself. This character resorts to the extremes of killing the person who upstages him as though they are nothing.. but ordinary. Bale brings a somewhat shocking, yet accurate look at what a privileged, violent egomaniac looks like in this early 2000 movie. It would be an understatement to say that his character cares too much about himself and how he is perceived, because it has become embedded in his mind and evident in his persona to think that everyone has to know and see him as a "big shot", a somebody of importance when he clearly isn't. The character moves along the two extremes, accentuating the psychopathic and egotistic. The female-directed (Dir. Mary Harron) film does not forget to show the misogyny extricated by this character. Myriad scenes exemplify the character's misogynistic, psychopathic tendencies from preying on, objectifying, and murdering women. But it doesn't stop there he further traverses the streets to kill other innocent people, a homeless person, then slashing co-workers and, by the end, killing anyone who cross his ridiculous inhumane path.

Christain Bale. American Psycho. Harron, Mary. Lions Gate Films. 2000.

By the end of it, through the bloodshed, we see a character psychologically breaking down, struggling to cope with who they really are after realizing what they have become and what they have always been.

One that expresses in extreme measure, the ridiculous and the absurd to the point where the audience questions whether the scene was one that actually happened or if it was just imagined by the character. Through all the absurdity of this killing satire, the point comes across in shocking ways. The biggest problem and most important point of this is that he still gets away with it because he is the result of as well as the embodiment of a misogynistic, white Capitalist male privilege and entitlement.

Welcome to the Rileys (2010) is an independent drama with a deep, captivating cast and a storyline that uncomfortably unravels its characters in an intricate and obvious manner. It has a way of reflecting the reality that everyone has their own personal problems and own way of trying to cope with whatever those problems may be.

Kristen Stewart. Welcome to the Rileys. 2010. Film Still.

I have to say out of any of the Kristen Stewart films I have seen, this is the one that [in my opinion] proves Stewart's ability to conquer roles outside of those seemingly typecast to her personality and vary beyond a "comfort zone." Stewart embodies a character that is completely different from what most audiences might expect. Through observing the way this character was portrayed, the almost over-played, typecast-awkward persona dissolves. In this independent drama, Stewart portrays a misunderstood,too-often mistreated, rebellious, and quite vulgar runaway teenager of who dances to make ends meet.


Stewart is not the only actor seen in a different light, James Gandolfini also portrays a character that audiences would not expect. A character dealing with a severe loss, but of course does not openly express it. The wife, more dramatic on the other hand, subtly displayed by Melissa Leo, depicts a mother who becomes agoraphobic as a result of this loss. Leo and Gandolfini later begin to play the role of almost substitutional parental figures for Stewart but whether things remain that way, are a question.

Kristen Stewart. Welcome to the Riley. 2010. Film Still.

The story in and of itself helps to reveal the way in which people's problems or issues can quickly become noticed. When the collision of these three main characters comes into effect, the truth emerges along with it. Once emerged, the process of actually being able to solve and move on with life can begin, as opposed to denying and avoiding the problems and personal struggles that often occur in life. 

Another underlining theme in the film is the complex intersection of relationships and how new relationships can easily be affected by one's own personal and private past. This is something I'm sure audiences can relate to, which allows for it to be a leading factor that makes this film feel both slightly real and somehow familiar.


Photos/Images: Welcome to the Rileys. Samuel Goldwyn Films/Destination Films. 2010. Film.

Even though this is a very strange and unusual film that wasn't taken so well by critics and audiences, I actually like it and find it to be beautiful. And am probably drawn to it because of how different and lovely it really is.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still. Lorey Sebastian/Passion Play Productions.

 Passion Play is very much a fictional fantasy film which takes place in an almost dream-like and enigmatic setting with two main actors audiences wouldn't expect to see together, Megan Fox and Mickey Rourke.  Megan Fox plays the sheltered, naive, and unfortunately extremely objectified Lily who, somehow born with wings, just wants to be "like all the other girls." Rourke takes on the role as the fallen musician who takes Lily away from the dehumanizing circus-life, saving her from the oppressing sheltered box that confines her.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still.

Passion Play is what I consider a mixed-genre film with a strange storyline that has an almost definite embodiment of cult-classic film status, in that it is very much an acquired taste in regard to movies, especially looking at the obviously harsh reviews and opinions expressed, most were not in favor of the movie. Despite the fact that it may not be the best film according to a majority opinion, it is still a pretty nice film that isn't too easy to forget.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still.

One scene, my favored scene is where the romance aspect between the two characters begins as a very delightful moment of slow-dance takes place with jazz playing in the background. Not only is this a significant scene for the two protagonists, but it is also a scene that reminds viewers of a classic 1940s romance.  Passion Play is a strange and unusual film that remains romantic and beautiful with a strong message about loving and accepting yourself and others regardless of difference.

"Sex. Drugs. Vampires. Who wouldn't like it?" says a friend of mine in a previous conversation. 

And I admit, the show is interesting.

For me, the aspect of True Blood that stands out most is its way of showing how pervasive, elusive, and easily normalized prejudice and hatred can become. If vampires and other mythic creatures actually did exist, our world would easily look just like this show. Many of the tv shows and movies about mythical beings living among humans seem to metaphorically represent the common, negative "isms" in our society.

True Blood. HBO.

In the event that season five is in the works, I would like to talk about this True Blood phenomenon that shook our pop culture to the max. At first I went into it thinking: "what is the big deal with this show?" and "why is everyone talking about it?" So I figure that there must be some awe-spiring spark-factor to this show - only to find out that there is. By exploring these all-curious questions of what this show is about, I watched the first episode, the second, and suddenly... I was hooked.

Knowing there was no turning back, I ended up going through the whole first four seasons. There are several in fact, depending on each individual person. For instance, the fact that some might like it because of the HBO-raunchiness that just oozes off the television screen; while others like it for it's strange originality and continuing plot-twists. Or perhaps the evident fact that people obsess over this show for both reasons and more.

Character development is also a huge factor of the show. I don't think I actually realized how intense and profound character development can be until I saw this show. After working my way through all four seasons, I felt as if I knew the characters so much so that I could easily assume what one character would do or say in a certain moment.  And I think that's something that is pretty amazing.

True Blood, HBO.

The show's setting within itself is pretty interesting. Set in a somewhat old-time, very small southern Louisiana-town, several fictional, mythological, and supernatural occurrences take place here, and it's all mixed up in one show. That alone is something I don't often see. Possibly because I'm someone who doesn't like anything that is even slightly scary or supernatural - but with this show it's different. The intricate character relationships and plot-twists are what really makes the show what it is, and what makes it addictive.

True Blood. HBO. 2012.

While watching this series I couldn't help but think of how the social issues in the show relate and compare to those in American society.

In the event of my last day of high school, I thought I should do something special: I'm going to countdown some of the best high school films or just a few favorites according to year. Specifically, I'm talking about youth-related movies that address serious issues and convey important messages that pertain to youth culture.

1.  Breakfast Club (1985)
Comedy-Drama

The Breakfast Club (1985). Hughs, John. Universal Pictures. Film poster.

The Breakfast Club is a youth-centric 80s film that is still quite relevant to high school students today. It's a captivating film that both closely examines and shatters trite high-school stereotypes and stereotypical personalities which form as a result of selectively esoteric cliques and labels that are difficult to eradicate. Although times have changed in terms of the confining high-school labels and hierarchies (as audiences may see in 21 Jump Street), students still face various issues regarding harmful methods of exclusion and harsh judgmental criticism. However, all schools are different and the issues that students may encounter vary as well. I didn't really have any of these issues in high school, more in middle school, but that could be because I made sure to find other intelligent, determined, and very sensible students to be around and didn't waste time with other students outside of school (in other words, I just stayed home studying all the time like I do now in college so there isn't any drama to deal with there).

Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, etc. The Breakfast Club (1985). Dir/Writ. Hughs, John. Universal Pictures. Film Still.

 
One of the most important scenes, and most memorable scene for me, in The Breakfast Club is Emilio Estevez's character speech about how "we're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it." This quote really had me thinking. I've often used it to get people to understand another person's perspective and bring attention to the fact that this is a fact. We all are different and strange in our own ways, some people are just more open and honest about it. Another major part of this quote relates to our insecurities with the actions, thoughts, and behaviours that are considered normal by society, and our stringent conditioning which feeds into our insecurities and forces us to follow those (usually unnecessary and discriminatory) social norms. Near the end of the film, specifically in the scene with that quote, we see these characters really want to be able to be friends and continue a relationship, but are so concerned with what everyone else thinks and too insecure to fully counter and resist the social norms and confinements of the groups/cliques of which they belong.

Ally Sheedy. The Breakfast Club (1985). Hughs, John. Universal Pictures. Film Still and Quote. The issue/double standard described in this quote is discussed in the 'Easy A' segment of the post, below.

I could go on discussing and analyzing this film but I really just wanted to focus on a few of the high school aspects of it all. I really recommend this film, it's a pretty great 80s classic. Viewers can easily find understanding in what they see. One might realize the way they perceive others and how that way might not necessarily be fair and that others' feelings and perspectives should often be considered too.


2.  Easy A (2010)
Comedy-Drama

Emma Stone. Easy A (2010).  Sony Pictures. Film Poster/Film Still.

Easy A proves itself as another teen-centric film that is not to be confused with all of the other crappy "teen" films. It is a comedy that acknowledges a myriad of serious issues harming American youth, female youth in particular. The film takes place in a conservative "bible-belt" community where the subjective idea of purity and religious righteousness are heavily imposed upon the highly impressionable and credulous insecure youth. Rachel Rabbit White describes it best in an amazing and accurate piece that relates to the central issue of this entire film, in her article she writes, "I grew up in a small, conservative town. Needless to say, people did not have the healthiest attitudes about sex. . . In this view of sexuality, where there was no more than 'don't do it,' consent and it’s many layers wasn't an issue. As a woman in this culture, there was no learning what you like and asking for it. There was no sex beyond this one act."

In the instance of this film, major issues relating to sexuality are examined and comedically emulated in this setting. One of the most important cultural issues addressed in the film are the extremely patriarchal and inexcusable double-standards that young women too often have to endure. For instance, Olive's character is perceived as a number of insulting slurs (words more severe than "harlot") by both female and made classmates. If the Olive character was a male, this would be completely different- and such a character would be widely accepted and congratulated as fitting the "masculine" ideal (which is no doubt toxic), not dehumanized and vindicated as nothing but a sex-object (as we see with the female character). These type of double standards are especially worse in an immature environment (e.g. high-school setting like the film) and unfortunately anywhere, really.

Another important component of the film is its depiction of the kudzu-like spread of rumors and how the majority of such rumors are untrue and worsened over time, and female students are usually the targets of slanderous rumors and insults. Then others who believe or continue to spread defamatory remarks only further exacerbate the already severe problem, which shows just how quick people are to judge one another over a falsity, and how it leads to an even greater, though no-less negative, reputation for the victim (who, if a woman, will be unfairly blamed regardless).

All of these complex issues which negatively affect young women are depicted and emphasized in this film, which is good for the fact that it creates awareness for those/girls who may be in similar situations as the Olive character, and hopefully somehow helps to mitigate some of the problems they may encounter. There's also hope that movies like this might help young people realize how unfair and cruel young people are towards one another. And maybe help to minimize the amount of odious victimizers/bullies and lazy/scared bystanders to realize how ridiculous and lowdown they really are, because hopefully they will wise-up and realize that they can be better. In other words, bystanders need to stop doing nothing, and start standing up for or protecting and helping those in trouble situations/those being bullied- we see the adult-version of this (meaning adults who should already know better, not immature high-schoolers) in the really great ABC show "What Would You Do?" In this case, the issues are reflected through the way students cruelly react, mistreat, and harass the main character, Olive (Emma Stone), for actions she didn't even take part in. And even if she did, she or any other girl, should not be and does not deserve to be treated or harassed for it. Not just a woman, but any human has the right to do whatever they chose with their own body, and should not be penalized for being comfortable with themselves, their choices, and/or their sexuality as most young women often are.

Throughout the film the protagonist, Olive (Emma Stone), is shown having to experience and tolerate all of these issues and more, until she finds her way to overcome it. As a film, Easy A exemplifies a really important factor as a comedy-drama with its balance between serious and funny. This is a film that can address and portray these serious societal issues, while remaining refreshingly light and comedic.


3.  21 Jump Street (2012)
Comedy-Action

Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill. 21 Jump Street (2012). Columbia Pictures. Film Poster.

I know I've talked about this movie before but this post will be centering on a different subject-matter.
When I saw this movie, I thought it was completely on-point with it's depiction of how high school has changed in the past few years. Not all high schools are like the one in '21 Jump', but my high school was for the fact that most of the students were really chill and there wasn't really a popular group (there were people that could be considered popular, but they were only popular for being really nice all the time really), everyone just hung out with people they liked, even if that meant going outside the group of which one usually eats lunch. This was cool. And as Channing's character, Jenko, describes these "crunchy granola dudes" who are on the more "popular" side of the school seem to be the students becoming more aware of the issues in the world- inequalities, oppression, environmental issues, politics, conflicts, etc. which all affect every aspect of our lives in some way- environmental and political/legal issues especially (I ought to know, I have become that type of student). The point of emphasizing this change was to show that the overrated social hierarchy has dispersed, so much so that's nearly almost nonexistent. Or at least, overall or on average, the hierarchy isn't as bad as Breakfast Club. However, myriad issues still exist for girls, which we see exemplified in Easy A.

Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill. 21 Jump Street (2012). Film Still.

Also, it wasn't until I saw this film that realized how adorable a subtle bromance can be, which there are a lot of in high school and perhaps even after high school, I'm sure. I don't know if it's become a growing trend or what, but even before the term was coined, these close-guy relationships have always been around. I think  the best way to look at it, is in a positive light because it's clearly not going anywhere any time soon and that's not a bad thing. It's actually really sad, unfortunate, and harmful that guys can't express how they honestly feel or what they really think without trying to display the false bravado of the misogynistic masculinity. There are several articles that address such issues on The Good Men Project, and writers of the website show that it's advantageous when guys do not to sucumb to or try to attain the hyper-masculine ideal, but become more caring, compassionate, selfless, honest, etc. It's better to see guys asserting more of the female-gendered characteristics, like compassion, than having them think that they need to prove a toxic masculinity that only results in violence, pain, and harm to others (most importantly women) and themselves.


On a different note and speaking of breakfast (Breakfast Club), my last day of high school breakfast was a recipe you can find here, but something I decided to make while watching the DVR recorded Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson was a really nice episode with Mila Kunis. Even though I wasn't able to watch the whole show at the time, what I was able to see that it was funny as usual. I love it when Mila Kunis is on the show, but also Craig's Michael Caine impressions are hilarious.



What are some of your favorite high school/"teen" movies and the messages or meanings you interpreted behind them? Feel free to share your thoughts on any of the many different topics in this post, and perhaps join the discussion.

Title: Nirvana