READ MOVIE REVIEWS
The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Review by:
Abigail
From:
Boone
High and Low Points:
The movie's high point is most definitely the forming of the Fellowship at Rivendell. The low points were the loss of Gandalf to the Balrog at the Bridge of Khazad Dum and the death of Boromir at the hands of the Urukhai.
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene is probably the fight at Weathertop. There's something so satisfying about Aragorn chucking a torch into the head of one of the nine ringwraiths.
Unforgettable Element:
The sound design stuck with me since childhood. The fantasy setting calls for a unique set of sounds to fit the world and the sound team delivered an incredible performance. Also the original scoring by Howard Shore is so emotionally charged it is hard to forget.
Potential Community Impact:
The hero's journey trope is subtly subverted with the introduction of Frodo, a hobbit, as our miniscule protagonist. The idea that the most seemingly insignificant person can serve an important purpose is a message that would resonate with many.
Rating:
5 Bucklebury Ferries
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Review by:
Josh
From:
Blowing Rock
High and Low Points:
High point was definitely the first party she went to and the training montage! Low point when Johnny left.
Favorite Scene:
The last dance scene because it was awesome! Haha
Unforgettable Element:
It would be easy to say the dancing, because it was very well choreographed. But I really enjoyed the friendships and different dynamics of every character.
Potential Community Impact:
I think it shows that you should always follow your heart and to not give in to what someone else wants you to be.
Rating:
5 out of 5 dance steps! Haha
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Review by:
Abigail
From:
Boone
High and Low Points:
The low point of the movie was the scene when Harry and Draco found "Voldemort" feasting on the dead unicorn in the forest. Also notably low were the bank goblins near the beginning of the film (Nice one, Rowling). The high point was the moment Harry caught the golden snatch and won the Quidditch game for Gryffindor.
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene is the moment Ron figures out the chess board and decides to make a move that will save Hermione and Harry so Harry can go find the Sorcerer's Stone. It's a fantastic moment that showcases the kids' intelligence and resilience, but mostly their strong friendship and willingness to fight for each other.
Unforgettable Element:
The character design and development in the Harry Potter series is impressive, but most impressive of all is the wizarding world as a whole, and the world-building that went into this first film. Introducing Hogwarts as a character is no small feat., but the moving corridors and living portraits all paint a clear picture of the universe Harry Potter has just entered.
Potential Community Impact:
Hermione said it best near the end of the film. Knowledge is power, but kindness and love are the most important survival tools. Families will enjoy the movie for this message and the amazing showcase of visual storytelling.
Rating:
5 Points for Gryffindor!
Pretty Woman (1990)
Review by:
Ashley
From:
Newland
High and Low Points:
The high point of the movie is when Vivian has her shopping spree and gets to buy anything she wants. And of course, having "Pretty Woman" playing just brings the whole scene together. The low point of the movie is when Vivian and Edward are talking on the balcony and Edward says he's never treated her like a prostitute, but as soon as he's out of earshot she replies with, "You just did." The two of them might have had arguments before, but this is when Vivian feels like this man that she trusts still sees her as just a prostitute like everyone else does.
Favorite Scene:
When Vivian tells the ladies at the polo match that she's just using Edward for sex after they called her his "flavor of the month." It's my favorite because she catches them so off guard after they were rude to her, it's a true Vivian moment. I laugh so hard every time.
Unforgettable Element:
The element of the movie that is unforgettable to me is how Vivian puts herself and her dreams first when Edward offers for her to come back to New York with him. She could have a good life with what he offered, but that's not the life she wants and she doesn't settle for anything less.
Potential Community Impact:
I think the impact of this movie could be the idea that no matter what situation you're in or how low you think you've gone, you still have dreams you should reach for and you shouldn't settle for anything less than accomplishing those dreams. Vivian didn't take the easy way out and settle for a lifestyle she didn't want, even if it meant security. She wanted more and wouldn't settle for anything less. That mindset is one we should all strive to have and to make those tough decisions in order to follow our dreams.
Rating:
5 fire escape confessions of love!
A Man Called Otto (2023)
Review by:
Sam
From:
Boone
High and Low Points:
Hi - Every scene that Marisol was in, she was the light that drawn out Otto's darkness.
Lo - The weird neighbor that was always walking around and exercising, I didn't understand, it was confusing.
Favorite Scene:
The brief moment when Reuben acknowledged that he understood Otto and kinda halfway smiled.
Unforgettable Element:
It was unforgettable how this community paid attention to each other and everyone knew something was wrong when Otto had not shoveled his walkway early in the morning. Communities used to act like this and pay attention to each other.
Potential Community Impact:
It may serve as a reminder that community can love each other and that family is both defined by birth and created by choice.
Rating:
5 clown fights
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Review by:
Michelle
From:
Deep Gap
High and Low Points:
I am very bias towards this movie since I categorize it as one of my favorite book adaptations. For me the movie "highs" would start around minute 1 and end at minute 129. Honestly though who would not list the famous "hand scene", Mr. Darcy walking in the fog, or the forehead kiss as high points in cinematic history? I do find Lydia Bennett to be a low point of the movie period. Jena Malone did a fantastic job of portraying a very annoying character quite exceptionally though.
Favorite Scene:
There are many subtle romantic scenes throughout the movie that should be discussed. The obvious ones that I listed above for example but to be honest the most underrated scene that is my favorite would be the intense argument that ensued after Mr. Darcy professed his love for Elizabeth. The raw emotion was tangible. The desire is palpable. Fan fiction authors were born in this moment.
Unforgettable Element:
The cinematography throughout this movie has some true unforgettable moments. The dancing scene that fades the entire room is a very specific moment when the director used visual effects to show internal nonverbal dialogue. In the book this scene played out through Elizabeth's internal thoughts. The director did a remarkable job conveying her emotional response to his touch onto the screen.
Potential Community Impact:
Jane Austen mastered the art of romantic love and hope. Pride and Prejudice is the definition of hope in romantic love. If there was ever a book/ movie to give every woman stuck in 1800's romanticism a bleak glimpse into true love it is this. After watching this movie no one should ever give up on finding their forever someone. You should continue to wake up every morning and look over the moor through the fog and hope to see your Mr. Darcy walking over the horizon.
Rating:
5 Pining Maidens
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Review by:
Ashley
From:
Newland
High and Low Points:
The high point of the movie is when Mr. Darcy admits his feelings toward Elizabeth and asks for her hand, leading to their argument about each other's character. This is the high point for me because it truly begins to set things in motion for the two of them. Everything that they think about each other, everything they have done (or believed to have done), is out in the open. Only then can the two of them begin to truly understand the other. The low point of the movie is when Jane receives the letter from Mr. Bingley saying that he is leaving town. This letter changes the mood in the Bennet household, bringing heartache to the sisters. Elizabeth hurts for jane and it becomes part of the animosity between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene in Pride and Prejudice is when Mr. Darcy is walking across the moor to reach Elizabeth. The build-up of what is coming is enhanced by the soundtrack and the anticipation is through the roof. You know there is only one reason he's walking across that moor and you cannot wait to hear what he has to say when he reaches Elizabeth.
Unforgettable Element:
An unforgettable element of the movie was when Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy dance for the first time and everyone else in the ballroom "disappears" towards the end of the song. It's as though they are the only two people in the room, with only eyes for each other, even though Elizabeth's distaste for Mr. Darcy is growing and the two are still generally unsure of the other. This cinematic element shows that despite their reservations about each other, there is still an undeniable attraction and curiosity between the two of them.
Potential Community Impact:
I believe this movie could impact our community by showing people that it's important to truly get to know someone before you pass judgment on them. You shouldn't let a preconceived opinion about someone be your final judgment of them. More often than not, there is more to their character than what you think you see on the surface or what someone else might have told you about them. It's important to not make hasty judgments about someone because you could miss everything that is true and good about their character.
Rating:
5 "Most Ardently"s
Airplane (1980)
Review by:
ABIGAIL
From:
BOONE
High and Low Points:
The high point of Airplane is the Saturday Night Fever spoof in the bar when Ted Striker woos Elaine Dickenson in the dance flashback to the magic of the Bee Gees. The scene solidified their history, so we feel the tension between them as their story resumes a few thousand feet in the air.
The low point of the movie from my perspective was the introduction of Otto, the inflatable copilot. The humor did not land for me, and the continued gag felt distanced from the other quick, quippy jokes the film is built around.
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene of the movie the moment where the woman is panicking and the passengers line up to calm her down via various violent methods. The visual gag of panning the camera down the line of passengers holding various tools to beat the distressed woman with, in an effort to bring her out of hysteria, was an obscure moment of hilarity. Also, any time the drinking problem gag resurfaces, I got a good chuckle.
Unforgettable Element:
The sound design was a stand-out element in this film. The punchy sound effects were effective at carrying the timing of a lot of the jokes. And the off-screen voice-overs of the airline announcers arguing about the red vs. white zones was particularly bizarre and on-brand with the rest of the film’s sound design.
Potential Community Impact:
The community as a whole needs comedy as a reprieve, and Airplane would not disappoint. Older generations will enjoy a very specific genre of humor that feels familiar, and younger generations would be exposed to the nostalgic flavor of 1980’s absurdist comedy. There really is something for everyone with this movie. Some of the dialogue has not aged well, but for the most part it’s good for a few hearty laughs.
Rating:
I give Airplane 2 whiskey glasses to the face.
Airplane
Review by:
Ashley
From:
Newland
High and Low Points:
For me, the high points of the movie were the scenes with Johnny Henshaw-Jacobs. His one-liners brought extra comedic relief to a parody movie and were so out of pocket and unexpected. Any scene with his character was definitely a high point for me. The low points for me would be when a reference was made to movies or events that I didn't understand. I would miss some of the jokes and that would take me out of the movie for a minute.
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene in the movie was when Kareem Adbul-Jabbar broke from his Roger Murdock character and began expressing how hard he worked as an NBA player to the little boy in the cockpit. This was my favorite because it was breaking the third wall in the film while Kareem was trying so hard to just be Roger.
Unforgettable Element:
The element that I would describe as unforgettable would be the references to other movies that were placed into the script. With nods to Jaws and Saturday Night Fever, Airplane began the genre of spoof movies that are still popular today.
Potential Community Impact:
I believe this movie could impact our community by providing some comic relief in a way that we don't see anymore. It comes from a culture that is much different from ours today, 42 years later, which makes a huge impact on the imagery that is shown and the script that is written. It's interesting to see comedy from the 80s versus comedy from today and how much things have changed.
Rating:
I would give airplane 2 mayo jars from the mayo clinic.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Review by:
Abigail
From:
Boone
High and Low Points:
The high point is the meeting of Atreyu and Falkor the luck dragon at the house of the gnomes. While good-naturedly cringey, it is one of the least depressing scenes of the film, with the story’s internal protagonist gaining a few friends during a rough journey. And It’s not really a fantasy story until a dragon shows up. The low point is Atreyu losing his horse Artax to the Swamps of Sadness.
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene was the scene where our book-worm protagonist decides not to eat too much of his sandwich because he still had “a long way to go”... while he was reading. It was a weirdly arcane but entertaining choice.
Unforgettable Element:
The music was an unforgettable element. The iconic synth instrumentation of the 80’s combined with sweeping, hero’s journey underscore was a charming accompaniment to a bizarre fantasy.
Potential Community Impact:
The story’s impact on the community wouldn’t be earthshaking but perhaps minorly cathartic. The subtexts of grief and finding one’s true self-identity are glaringly obvious. And the representation of clinical depression as the Nothing could be a relief for audiences to see a hero earnestly struggle against without a neatly tied up result.
Rating:
2 magical medallion necklaces
Labyrinth (1986)
Review by:
Michelle
From:
DeepGap
High and Low Points:
This is a movie classic from childhood that has still held up after all these years. The high of the movie is still the appearance of Jareth- played by the amazing David Bowie- in the opening bedroom scene. In my onion there are no "lows" in this movie but if I was forced to choose it would be the cringey ballroom scene. As an adult this scene seems a little odd now.
Favorite Scene:
I love everything Jim Henson so it is hard to pick just one great scene. I do love the sining/ dancing of You Remind Me of the Babe! when Bowie performs with the goblins. Great scene!
Unforgettable Element:
Costume Design- Jareth's pants
Potential Community Impact:
The lightheartedness of the whole movie. When you are constantly inundated with violence on the news, it's hard to forget that Jim Henson used to entertain us weekly. We need the simpler times again.
Rating:
🍆🍆🍆🍆🍆
The Natural (1984)
Review by:
Kay
From:
Georgetown
High and Low Points:
The low point comes pretty early and also comes as a shock--when Roy is shot by Harriet. Didn't see that coming! The high point is when, after all those years, Iris shows up at a game and breaks Roy's Memo-induced downward spiral.
Favorite Scene:
The scene where Roy visits Iris's apartment, and she tells him about her son and his father. Roy finds a familiar old glove. Somehow he doesn't realize he's the boy's father (though we get enough clues to suspect).
Unforgettable Element:
The last game, when Roy hits a ball into the lights, and they shower sparks onto the field. It seemed a little over-the-top, but it was also incredibly shot and unforgettable.
Potential Community Impact:
This film inspires us to never give up on our dreams, or on our oldest loves.
Rating:
Four bases
Pretty Woman (1990)
Review by:
Michelle
From:
Deep Gap
High and Low Points:
Pretty Woman is a timeless classic- the movie and the song. Who doesn't love a romantic story that involves a lady of the night and a billionaire?
The high point of the movie is most definitely the taboo kiss. This kiss signified that they were indeed in love. Even though neither admitted it at the time- the scene was set.
To me the low point of the movie was the ending. Most people would not agree with this statement and some may even hold this moment as a high point in the movie. The ending dialogue should have been a climatic masterpiece but it fell short. It was too basic for such an Un basic movie.
Favorite Scene:
There are numerous scenes in the movie that were great to pull from: clothing store scene, bathtub singing Prince scene, restaurant scene- which is reproduced in the Princess Diaries. My favorite though by far is the polo scene with the two pretentious women. Anytime the line is used- I'm just using him for sex- you know it's a classic.
Unforgettable Element:
I enjoyed the telling of the story through stranger's eyes. The change in Vivian Ward was evident but was reiterated as she walked down Rodeo Drive. When she is dressed promiscuously, strangers give her wide berth. But when she is dressed in high fashion the strangers perception of her is quite different. Her posture even changes immensely.
Potential Community Impact:
This movie represents that age old conundrum of not judging someone by their looks or their situation. No one knows your story. No one has to know your story. It's simple do not prejudge people. Be nice to everyone.
Rating:
4 high black hooker boots
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Review by:
Abigail
From:
Boone
High and Low Points:
Dirty Dancing has a few notable low points, mostly including misogynistic microaggressions from characters, mostly including Neil, Robbie, and Baby's father. Any time anyone put down Baby or slut-shamed Johnny and the dancers dampened the overall vibe of summer fun. The high points were any time Baby stood up for herself and the dancing and practice with Johnny.
Favorite Scene:
My favorite moments are the series of between Baby and Johnny on the day they decide to let loose a little and get out of the mountain resort. The wide shot of Johnny and Baby dancing on the downed tree is one of my favorite moments visually, and an underrated aesthetic from the film.
Unforgettable Element:
The soundtrack from the film was a standout, iconic element. the "Do You Love Me" by The Contours and "Love Man" by Otis Redding were perfect underscores for the scenes in the dancer's lodge, and Patrick Swayze's and Jennifer Grey's dance would not be as memorable without the anachronistic use of "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
Potential Community Impact:
Dirty Dancing can have a deep or light impact depending on what you decide to take away from it. At it's heart, the film seeks to dispel judgement and demonstrate the power of belief in the goodness of others. Audiences can come away from a viewing of Dirty Dancing feeling a little more light-hearted... and maybe even lighter on their feet!
Rating:
4 Carried Watermelons
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Review by:
Kay
From:
Georgetown
High and Low Points:
The high point is when Darcy admits his love for Elizabeth "against [his] better judgement," and the balance of power shifts in the relationship. She answers his every back-handed insult with confidence and withering distain. It's her second refusal of marriage, and she is showing she knows who she is and what she wants. The low point is shortly thereafter when Darcy sends Elizabeth a letter explaining his version of the events/accusations she had hurled at him the day before. She's confused and embarrassed that Darcy isn't as he'd appeared and she begins to regret how she had treated him. Flying high on a scathing win one day, thudding to earth the next day.
Favorite Scene:
The best scene is one continuous shot at a party. Without break, the camera goes from room to room, lingering for a moment on each character, dancing through the scene and ending back on Elizabeth, who had ducked into a dark quiet room to escape. Beautifully done. I always wonder about the blocking for a scene like that, and how is the camera mounted, each actor rushing from one mark to the next as the camera sweeps by. It's just gorgeous.
Unforgettable Element:
The scene when Elizabeth and Darcy dance, and the room is suddenly just the two of them. It's a device that was used just as successfully in West Side Story (1961). It says, these two people only have eyes for each other. To them, there is no one else in the room. Elizabeth's cheeks are flushed and her eyes are bright. Darcy is actually making eye contact. They dislike each other--or do they? The slow burn starts there.
Potential Community Impact:
We make so many assumptions about others. We think we know why they act the way they do, and we treat them according to these preconceived notions. If we don't take the time to actually get to know people, then we will forever repeat the prejudice and pride of our culture.
Rating:
5 unmarried daughters
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Review by:
Abigail
From:
Boone
High and Low Points:
The unequivocal high point of The Big Lebowski was any time The Dude experienced a an out of body experience as a result of either a drugged drink or a blow to the head. His chilled-out, psychedelic dream-scapes reveal a rich subconscious life, contrary to his minimalistic, grungy surroundings and lifestyle. They dragged on a bit long, but they were from the core of The Dude and therefore deserve some credit. There are very few low points I can think of, but the moment Donny died was a downer.
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scenes were any of the long conversations in the bowling alley between the three league bowlers, The Dude, Walter, and Donny.
Unforgettable Element:
The sound design and soundtrack was the standout element of the film. A few significant character introductions were punctuated with needle drops acting as a leitmotifs.
Potential Community Impact:
Having seen this movie in the App Theatre with an audience of varying ages, it was gratifying to see multiple groups enjoy the same belly laughs. This movie was a fantastic bridge between generations.
Rating:
I give The Big Lebowski 5 bowling pins!
The Usual Suspects
Review by:
Harley
From:
West Jefferson
High and Low Points:
The low point of The Usual Suspects is when the movie started, and the high point is when it ended. I'm serious! The storyline and plot dragged on in the beginning, and it was difficult for me to stay engaged. To be honest, I was very confused for a while. However, details and events start to make sense further into the film, and I was able to gain interest by the conclusion of it. At least it was over!
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene in the movie is when Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey) tells the story of Keyser Söze, who is a criminal mastermind with nearly a mythical reputation. Most people in the film either doubt his existence or disbelieve it entirely because he is made out to be such a powerful criminal that the stories can't possibly be true. However, one character is quoted saying, "I believe in God, and the only thing that scares me is Keyser Söze." It's my favorite scene because it adds a lot of suspense/mystery to story. Throughout the film there are many mysteries for viewers to question, think about, and try to solve, which is an interesting aspect.
Unforgettable Element:
The plot twist at the end of the film makes the movie unforgettable because it allows viewers to go back and question the entire story. Whether pieces of the narration were real or made up is left open to interpretation.
Potential Community Impact:
A big way the movie could impact our community is through deep quotes that can be found throughout the film. Quotes like, "How do you shoot the Devil in the back?" left me to think deeply about life. If you're thinking about going after the Devil, what happens if you miss? There are valid worries/concerns that exist. Another quote the movie leaves the audience with is "The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist." This was another powerful message to me that could be applied to other parts of life. People won't take threats seriously if they don't believe something is real. Thinking about the manipulation and deception this movie is describing is profound.
Rating:
One dead body
A Man Called Otto (2023)
Review by:
Kay
From:
Georgetown
High and Low Points:
I went to see Otto with my book club. We'd read "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman, (translated from the Swedish) a couple years ago. It has been one of our favorite books, and we wondered if the movie could live up to our expectations. I'm happy to say, it did. I hadn't planned to cry, but luckily my friends had brought Kleenex, because I began crying with Otto's first suicide attempt, and then laughed through tears the rest of the movie. The lowest point is when we realize how and why Otto feels he has nothing left to live for. The highest point is when Marisol forces her way into his life and he--and the whole neighborhood--are better for it.
Favorite Scene:
Nobody likes a clown, though most of us wouldn't indulge our baser impulses if one got annoyingly in our face. The joy of fiction and movies is that we can see our secret desires played out. When Otto dispatches the clown at the hospital, we all secretly rooted for him.
Unforgettable Element:
This community of neighbors knows each other so well that the sight of a pure blanket of snow on Otto's walk is an unmistakable sign that something was wrong. I keep seeing that front yard. The unblemished snow. A fresh dusting is one of life's delights, but with it, in this context, came dread.
Potential Community Impact:
Know your neighbors. Forgive their eccentricities. Care for each other. We are social beings, and the best in us comes out in community.
Rating:
Five red clown's noses
Labyrinth (1986)
Review by:
Abigail
From:
Boone
High and Low Points:
The low point of labyrinth is the scene after the weird Eyes Wide Shut ball, when the trash-hoarder goblin lady leads Sarah to her bedroom and shows her all of her "junk" in attempt to lure her from finding Toby in Jareth's lair. Sarah realizes a lot of the trappings of prolonged childhood are holding her back from the adventure of growing up. The high point is the moment Sarah finds Tobey and defeats Jareth by...being confident?
Favorite Scene:
The ridiculous David Bowie musical number in the castle was my favorite moment of the movie. It makes no sense in the best way, and seeing David Bowie carelessly tossing a dummy of a baby around while surrounded by goblin puppets was something I didn't know I needed.
Unforgettable Element:
Jim Henson puppet creations are always a work of art, but this film takes the cake in terms of the technicality of the craft. There are so many moving parts that work together to create this masterpiece, and the puppet design and performances were incredible to behold. Hoggle's facial design was so articulate and detailed for a animatronic piece of the time, and the manned goblin puppets were such a weirdly delightful element.
Potential Community Impact:
This movie is bonkers, and I'm not sure that there is much of a larger lesson to be learned from the story. But the film is nonetheless a visual masterpiece, and drinking in the beautifully painted backgrounds and special effects of the 1980's is a good time.
Rating:
5 Farts from the Bog of Eternal Stench
Pretty Woman (1990)
Review by:
Kay
From:
Georgetown
High and Low Points:
While the ending is pretty tough to beat, the true high point is when Vivian and Edward make love--not just have sex--for the first time. They actually kiss, and though Edward doesn't return Vivian's verbal "I love you," he thinks about it. In fact, this event is what sets the rest of the story in motion, including the low point, when Stuckey assaults Vivian in the penthouse.
Favorite Scene:
The opera date night. The whole evening, from that dress, to that necklace, the sweet elevator ride ("If I forget to tell you later, I had a really nice time"), to the flight, and finally the performance itself. Using the device of a play within a play (Shakespeare's favorite), we see Vivian's blue blood emerge when she shows Edward that she's one of the people who will "always love" opera. The opera, by the way, La Traviata, is a love story about a wealthy man and a courtesan.
Unforgettable Element:
When Vivian is snubbed by the hoity-toity sales women, and that goes back to show them how stupid it is to make assumptions about people, that is absolutely unforgettable.
Potential Community Impact:
The only thing I'd change about the movie is when Edward gives the ruby necklace to Barnard to return to the jewelry store, and Barnard says, "It must be difficult to give up something so beautiful." Both he and Edward know he's not talking about the necklace, he means Vivian. My objection is that throughout the movie, the director has been showing us that Vivian is more than just a pretty face. She's complex and interesting and smart and funny and scrappy. Much more than beautiful. And that is what the movie has to tell us as a community. Don't judge people by what they look like or what they do. Get to know them. Everybody has a story.
Rating:
Five ruby necklaces
Pretty Woman (1990)
Review by:
Abigail
From:
Boone
High and Low Points:
Pretty Woman's high points were any interactions between Vivian and the kind hotel staff members. Their support in her endeavors shows a real respect that was unfortunately not then expected to be afforded a working girl.
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene is when Vivian and Edward get to the elevator and Vivian shows off her legs, saying there's a run in her nonexistent pantyhose, shocking the old couple! Priceless.
Unforgettable Element:
Personally I was a fan of the music, as I usually notice emotional beats more if underscored with decent song choices. Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love" and Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" underscore pivotal moments with ease.
Potential Community Impact:
I believe the negatives unfortunately outweigh the positives in Pretty Woman. The film sends an indirect message that working peoples in Vivian's position only deserve respect if transformed by fancy clothes and a wealthy rescuer. The back-handed positive is that people in the position of our heroine and her roommate are humanized as sympathetic characters. The community will get a few light-hearted laughs, and Julia Roberts and Richard Gere have delightful chemistry, per usual. It's a movie the public should watch with their brains turned on, to take with a grain of salt.
Rating:
1 bathtub rendition of Prince's Kiss
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Review by:
Abigail
From:
Boone
High and Low Points:
Pride and Prejudice's lowest points are all related to the Bennett family's regency-era-specific misfortunes, such as the unwelcome invasion of the dreaded inheriting cousin, Mr. Collins. Or the inconsiderate scandal and elopement of Lydia Bennett with the resident cad, George Wickham. The high points are any of the interactions between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Tensions build and crackle at every intersection of their characters in the first two acts of the film, threatening to burn any bridges built between them. In last third of the film their reconciliation is the ultimate, pinnacle realization of enemies-to-lover's rom-com story architypes, and I defy anyone to find a clearer, more cut and dry template for said architype, with the exception of Beatrice and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, perhaps.
Favorite Scene:
This movie is all about visual representation of internal struggle. Pride and Prejudice is one of few films that do an excellent job of showing what a character is feeling without inner thought narration and exposition. One such moment, and one of my favorite scenes, is Elizabeth Bennet standing on a cliff in the English countryside, simultaneously basking in the grand sights and seemingly pondering her misunderstandings of character and small-mindedness. The extreme wide shot panning to the edge of the rocky cliffs on Elizabeth and her billowing dress is such a captivating image. It is a moment of visceral juxtaposition between the grandeur of the world and its realities, and one small human's inner turmoil upon re-evaluation of her surroundings and imperfect presuppositions, and in that moment we feel her uncertainty. It is a simple scene, but it says much.
Unforgettable Element:
Joe Wright's cinematographic choices were impactful to the storytelling. His decision to frame subjects in the extreme left, right, or lower thirds was a fascinating way to direct the audience's eye through scenes without making it difficult to focus on said subjects. Also, racking focus from foreground to background, and visa versa, was an excellent tool Wright used to aesthetically reinforce difference in perspective between characters.
Potential Community Impact:
This movie should make everyone grateful for the freedom that our modern era allows as it pertains to dating and choosing partners. Women of today have a degree of agency when it comes to deciding for or against partnership, whereas in the early 1800's, women like the Bennett sisters were relegated to particular roles; such roles being wifedom and motherhood, and very little else.
Pride and Prejudice is a master class in premature judgements gone wrong. Joe Wright's interpretation is a dreamy illustration of how our limited perceptions may get in the way of deep, interpersonal connections.
Also, the community will get a few early 19th century giggles from it.
Rating:
5 advantageous marriages
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Review by:
Ben
From:
Boone
High and Low Points:
High point is when Elizabeth and Darcy first dance together at the ball at the Bingleys.
The low point is when Lady Catherine insults Elizabeth at her home.
Favorite Scene:
After the dance between Darcy and Elizabeth at the ball there is a single shot take that moves through the entire party and gives us a look at what all the movies characters are doing and is brilliantly done.
Unforgettable Element:
The morning fog scene when the music starts and Mr. Darcy walks over to Elizabeth.
Potential Community Impact:
Well the main element of course if the wrong judgements we can make about a person when we first meet them and we should get to know a person before we try and think we understand them.
Rating:
5 Excellent Boiled Potatoes
Back to the Future (1985)
Review by:
ABIGAIL
From:
BOONE
High and Low Points:
The high point of Back to the Future was the scene with the clock tower and the elaborate electrical contraption built to get our protagonist, Marty Mcfly, back to his appropriate place in the future. The high stakes climax of was a great payoff to the set-up witnessed earlier in the film and seeing Dr. Brown’s satisfaction at seeing his dream of time-travel finally realized is such a delightful moment.
The low-point, from my perspective, was any time Lorraine flirted with Marty. The juxtaposition of the typically-considered romantic situations they find themselves and their relation to time and each other was uncomfortable at the very least.
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene is The Enchantment Under the Sea Dance, mostly because of the tight editing and camera work that was utilized in this location. The wide crane shots over the dancers in the gymnasium were particularly solid aesthetics. The moment when Marty suddenly pops up into frame once Lorraine and George Mcfly kiss for the first time is such a bizarrely satisfying comedic moment.
Unforgettable Element:
The original soundtrack of the film was a truly unforgettable element. Alan Silvestri sold the mystery and wonder of time through his compositions. Moments of fast-paced action were supported by the adrenaline-spiked score. Also, Michael J. Fox’s standout performance as Marty McFly elevated the story.
Potential Community Impact:
A line that stands out in the film is “You can do anything if you put your mind to it,” and I believe that message resonates with a people in the community trying to achieve large goals. Also, teamwork is a driving force in the story, between the A plot of Marty and Doc trying to get Marty back home to his time, and the B plot of Marty helping George win over Lorraine. This film is a wonderful reminder of the power of teamwork and perseverance through adversity.
Rating:
I give Back to the Future 4 gigawatts
Airplane
Review by:
Harley
From:
West Jefferson
High and Low Points:
The high point of the movie Airplane is a disco dance scene when the song Stayin' Alive is playing, and the main character Ted Striker is trying to impress a woman, Elaine Dickinson, with his dance moves and juggling skills. There's a lot of irony at play here along with amusing sound effects that make it memorable. The low point of the film is when the audience can hear a radio announcer saying this is "where disco lives forever!" and then the plane crashes into radio tower transmitting that information. Symbolically, this means they killed off the entire genre of disco. Very tragic!
Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene in the movie is in the beginning of the plane ride, and Ted is sitting next to an older woman. She then asks him if he's nervous. He responds with "yes." Then she asks, "First time?" in reference to if he's ever flown on a plane before. And he answers, "No, I've been nervous lots of times." It's a clever joke that stuck because it's relatable. There's realistic elements within the heightened comedic film, which makes it interesting.
Unforgettable Element:
The comedy in the parody film is unforgettable because while most of the humor consists of cheesy dad jokes, the delivery of the ridiculous content is immaculate. I think that's why certain lines are so well known like "Surely, you can't be serious...I am serious, and don't call me Shirley!" It's impressive how the actors are able to stay in character so well.
Potential Community Impact:
One way this movie could impact our community is with the theme of needing to be loved or desiring to be in a relationship. It's thought provoking how the main character will go to extreme measures to achieve his goal during all of the impending disasters that take place. For example, despite having a huge fear of flying, Ted still bought a plane ticket and got on the plane just to reconcile a relationship. In the end, one could argue Ted's desire for Elaine is the reason passengers survived. This allows viewers to contemplate what they are willing to risk in order to get the results they want.
Rating:
Two inflatable autopilots