My Week with Marilyn (2011)

One of the most touching and moving films of 2011; My Week with Marilyn is one of the most credible takes on the story of Hollywood's most prized starlet and the woman who hid behind it all.

The story starts out with Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) trying to get a job on a film set where Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh) is planning on shooting a romantic comedy with none other than Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams). They start work on the film but Marilyn starts to display signs of anxious behavior, consulting with her acting coach about the smallest details in the script, prompting a delay in shooting. Marilyn's method of acting is bizarre and outlandish for Olivier and he begins to get frustrated with the amount of time Marilyn takes to prepare for a scene and the simple mistakes she makes while delivering her lines. Colin however, tries to encourage Marilyn to continue shooting and believes that she is able to shine in this film despite her current mental battle. She takes notice of his kindness and support, and their supposed affair begins. Colin is at first starstruck by her as we all tend to be, but soon comes to realize that she is a regular person who has a life story just like everybody else. What he isn't aware of is her true nature and how distorted and troubled she really is behind the gorgeous face and figure she happens to possess.

It's a quietly quaint British film, filled with neutral colors that made us look hard to find the substance in the lives of Marilyn and Colin. The shots that were used to film this once in a lifetime experience, captured the true essence of Marilyn to the breaking point and encompassed her from every direction just like all the people who laid an eye on her. The chemistry between Marilyn and Colin was very sweet and almost childlike, making us forget about her status as a superstar and see her as a woman who wanted to be loved and taken seriously by her colleagues. The score was mostly a muted murmur in the background and it really helped us to understand the characters without the overpowering effect of the music. Everything was centered around this magical period that spanned only a week, and the director clearly wanted the audience to see the true Marilyn and her struggles in life despite how beautiful, rich, and famous she was when you saw her on magazine covers and the silver screen. It was a truly a test to accept her as a real person without having that preconception at the back of your mind about her being the happiest girl in the world because of everything she had. At every moment you would find yourself doing a double take and wondering if this actually happened. Of course there is that touch of a fairy tale story blended in with the harsh reality of their relationship, but in the end you realize that she touched the lives of many people around her and gave others something to look up to despite it all being a finely tuned performance.

I think the purpose that this film served will clarify the truth about the myth of Marilyn. It will give people a trustworthy impression of the troubled soul that Marilyn really was, and will inspire others to fight for their dreams even through the hardships. Marilyn Monroe is the pinnacle of the many attributes she possessed and this revelation of a story will give people a chance to put that aside and pay their respects to the woman who gave every last piece of herself to the industry that eventually bruised her, yet the people who idolized her always had something pretty to look at. We are a shallow bunch when it comes to entertainment and the judgment of people.

Michelle Williams was absolutely stunning in her role as the blonde bombshell, and despite the daunting task of stepping into Marilyn's shoes, she managed to put her own twist to how Marilyn talked and her overall behavior because there wasn't a lot of private footage to really study her composure when there was no one looking. It was a delight to watch her become Marilyn and I admire her guts for taking such a risky step in solidifying her career, while at the same time developing a sincere connection with the audience through the character of Marilyn.

All eyes on Michelle from the beginning to the end, and her interpretation of Marilyn holds the same enchanting aura as Marilyn herself. An absolutely lovely and beautiful story told through the eyes of an ordinary young man who came to understand the state of fragility Marilyn had cast upon herself, and the human side of even the most celebrated figures in popular culture. Marilyn will never be forgotten and this jewel of a film will hopefully be another relic of her brilliance in the years to come.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

From the shabby acting to the average storyline, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is one of the biggest flops of the year. Whether you thought it had a chance to redeem itself with Michael Caine's participation, or not; it's a story that was edited to the point where it seems like you missed most of the important plot-points. Trust me when I tell you that the first film in this series was 150% better than this waste of film and time.

Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) is all grown up and is searching for a mysterious island where he believes his grandfather (Michael Caine) is marooned. His mom has a new husband now, and they are not getting along so well. After getting in trouble for trespassing at a satellite research facility, his stepfather (Dwayne Johnson) decides to have a talk with him about why he's doing what he's doing. Sean doesn't see how his explanation would help clear his actions, but once he shows Hank a message written in morse code, Hank is intrigued about the meaning of the message and where it could possibly lead them. Hank solves the code in an attempt to build a bond between himself and Sean, using the maps printed inside different classical books which make up another island entirely. It's of course the Mysterious Island Jules Verne had written about in one of his books. Sean believes that the island can possibly carry other secrets in itself, and decides to go on a journey to find the island and see his grandfather. His parents aren't prepared to let him go alone, so Hank pitches in to go along with Sean for their little adventure. Along the coast of Palau, they meet a tour guide who flies a helicopter and his daughter Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens), who helps her father out as a tour guide. They are skeptical towards Sean's request to fly them out to sea, in search of an island that doesn't exist, but reluctantly agree after they offer them a sufficient amount of cash for the trip. Their adventure begins, but no one really knows what they're getting themselves into and the dangers that lie ahead.

What seemed as a promising concept, turned out to be a jumbled mess of pointless dialogue and unnecessary computer graphics that looked shoddy and two-dimensional. I expected Michael Caine to compensate for the poor acting chops of the other actors, but it seems that even he couldn't save this vessel from sinking into the depths of our mind. I absolutely loved the first Journey film, and was looking forward to seeing the same focus on scientific knowledge and the adventurous spirit that came with it. Unfortunately, they thought it was better to center the movie on a rescue mission and the blooming love of two teenagers. Corny material out the kazoo! It saddens me to see that Hollywood is running out of ideas for family friendly adventure movies, and replacing the creativity for the more profitable idea of teenage love. The movie seemed like it was edited to the point where all we saw was the relationship between the teenagers and the strained stepfather-stepson plot point. No attempt was made to satisfy the adventurers in all of us by exploring the rest of the island, since most of the second half was centered around their escape from the island. An undercooked sequel that deserves no viewing after the previous installment.

There was a faint attempt at presenting a suitable moral that correlates with the current situation that most American families are experiencing. Many children are caught in the middle of a divorce and it's never easy to regroup especially when a so-called stranger comes into the picture. Many of the kids are disinclined to accept their step parents as part of their family and may take anywhere from a couple of months up to a couple of years to accept this momentous change in their life. But what they don't realize is that it doesn't make it easier for them or their new guardians to live life when there is such an intense field of tension in an environment. The movie serves to point out that most step parents really try to make an effort to be friends with their step children and just because they do not share your blood, it doesn't mean they aren't willing to help you out or become your friend. Obvious as this may seem, the film had a really superficial flavor adding to the plot point, with the one and only thing holding up this production being sheltered by the in-your-face graphics and special effects that may look superb in 3D, but really don't add a lot of dimension to the plot itself.

This has been a pleasant review of a rather unpleasant and shallow movie. Although most fans of Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Hutcherson may throw hate mail at this review, at least I know I gave everyone a heads up for the real worth of this movie. You were warned my fellow adventurers; therefore, it's up to you to decide if it's worth it to pay for the ticket. I'm just the messenger.

Down Periscope (1996)

Comedic master Kelsey Grammer stars in the story about a Navy submarine captain who is regarded as irresponsible and reckless in his pursuits, but has a sufficient amount of wit to commandeer even the most incompetent looking crew in the history of the Navy.

Lieutenant Commander Tom Dodge (Kelsey Grammer) has had a string of unfavorable incidents in the past while gathering together his resume for taking command of his own submarine. He is under review by the board who are deciding whether or not he deserves to take charge of his own sub; discussing his most embarrassing incident that has haunted him and his reputation for some time. Admiral Winslow (Rip Torn) believes Dodge is capable of running his own fleet because of his clever underhand tactics and the perseverance he possesses; but a jealous near-Admiral who continues to question Dodge's competence is all that stands in the way of his long deserved goal. Winslow gives Dodge a chance to prove his skills to the board by taking on an experimental war game which the Navy has been wanting to test out in case of an enemy attack. Dodge agrees, but sets it straight with the Admiral. If he succeeds in his mission, he will get command of his own submarine and crew. They agree about the terms; with Dodge feeling confident about his chances, his nemesis puts a small twist on his mission only to Dodge's shock and alarm. The sub he is to commandeer turns out to be a recommissioned WWII diesel engine called "The Stingray", and the crew which is transferred to him looks to be the most erratic and unreliable group of misfits the Navy has ever recruited. With all hopes of a triumph seemingly shattered, Dodge gets thrown another misfortune in his face. Lieutenant Lake (Lauren Holly) is assigned to be the Diving Officer on the sub under a pilot program that was put into effect by none other than the near-Admiral whose plan is to frustrate Dodge to the point where he has no choice but to quit. He has no idea who he is dealing with. As luck turns out, the crew happens to have their own individual talents, although unconventional, that could work to their advantage in these highly experimental war games. Comedy ensues along the way, but the question is whether or not Dodge will acknowledge his worth as well as the crew's.

An upbeat comedy filled with some of the most brilliant comedic actors in the industry is a winning combination for rebellious manifests aboard Navy vessels. Kelsey Grammer delivers a charming and smooth performance as the renegade who has to work with a crew that isn't so far off from his own ideology. Rob Schneider was absolutely hilarious in his role as the neurotic right hand man who is so by the book it's scary. Delivering some of the most memorable lines in the film it was almost sad to see him go after the first half of the movie. Lauren Holly delivers a breath of fresh air as the only woman on board and the character that seems to keep Dodge grounded and calm during the toughest moments of the mission. Most critics never lived up to the entertaining plot of this film, but they missed the fact that this film doesn't need to be complicated and solemn in mood. It serves to merely entertain, and I believe it carried out its purpose to the maximum. If you want a movie that is plain funny, sweet and refreshing; this is the one that has kept me excited and cheerful no matter how many times I've seen it. Sure, it may not be special in any way if you look at it from the perspective of great cinema, but for the "Average Joe" with no need for extensive spiels and deeply thought-provoking material, this would be the film that provides all the fun and frivolous action to keep you content. Who said a comedy doesn't have a moral to it? This film conveys something that all of us can relate to and strive towards in our own lives.

They're the underdogs. Going in against the big boys they're only hope of survival is their strategic experience, their ability to use their somewhat strange talents as strengths against their brawny opponents, and their will to work as a team no matter what their differences may be. A tough and daunting task to pull of if you look at it from one side, but once you go under, there is no turning back and your only option is to stick it to them like a man (or woman).

A feminist theme is addressed by the presence of Lauren Holly's character because she is the lone female in the crew. However, because she has one of the most significant roles on the submarine, it makes her that much more powerful in the eyes of the viewer, showing others that women can take charge and be proficient in their area of expertise. It may be hidden from the eyes of most because the film is so wildly comical, but people should take more notice of the roles women fill out in the film industry. Films express the desire for women to be powerful when it comes to taking charge in their life, and this of all films even included this message.

Teamwork can be difficult but if everyone focuses on their job, they can help run a group efficiently and neighborly, eventually reaching their planned target in the end. It may seem difficult to imagine when it comes to the crew of the Stingray, but despite all their quirks and differences, they melded together perfectly to make up an impressive crew which was nothing less than prepared, to serve the U.S. Navy. Some may think that this movie makes fun of the Navy and the type of people who get recruited, but I think it only serves to show that anyone can enlist if that's what their passion is. Hard work and dedication pays off, and of course it's great if you have a special talent that can aid you in service.

Overall, it's a funny and thrilling roller coaster ride from the first minute till the last. Highly recommended for those who are looking for a laugh and a feel-good grin on their face at the end. Down Periscope manages to make us laugh even from the depth of 500 feet and I'd say that's an accomplishment.

P.S. Stay for the credits.

Super 8 (2011)

From the legendary film makers of hits like E.T., Star Trek and Jaws comes a collaboration that evokes a mixture of thrills, chills, laughs and sympathy towards the group of misfits shown on-screen and their unbelievable adventure that sprang up from their passion for filmmaking. J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg present a project that is dear to their hearts and it definitely shows in all aspects of this film.

Joe has lost his mother in a steel mill accident just four months ago and is looking to lead a stable life again, trying to find a bridge between him and his father, who works as a deputy. It's summer break and he and his friends are trying to complete a short film for a film competition. He does the make-up and special effects for the production while his best friend Charles is the director and the others are either acting or make up the film crew. They decide to add an extra character to the plot in hopes of making the story more credible and better developed. They pick one of their schoolmates named Alice (Elle Fanning) to play the new character. Joe clearly has a crush on her but she only sees him as the deputy's kid, who will tell his dad about her driving without a license. That is until she discovers his talent for make-up and his many painted models. The gang is set to film a scene at a train station and everything is set to make the film a more sophisticated piece of work. That is until something quite bizarre happens. The train that passes them as they film the scene, violently derails from the tracks forcing the group to flee for their lives as they watch the area around them, transforming into a disaster film. Before the train was derailed, Joe noticed out of the corner of his eye that a car drove onto the track and collided with the train, which had caused the crash. They find the badly injured perpetrator and are scared out of their wits when he warns them to not tell anyone about what they have seen, in hopes of saving their lives as well as their parents' lives. During the next couple of days, a series of strange events occur. Dogs begin to run away from their homes, electrical appliances begin to disappear, car engines are ripped out of cars, and power lines vanish from their polls. The teenagers manage to recover their camera back from the site, but while viewing the footage, they discover that as a result of the crash, something deadly and mysterious has been unleashed into their town. Looking for answers, Joe and Alice are reprimanded by their fathers for spending time together, and strain their relationships with them even further once they deliberately disobey their orders. Will the group find the creature that is causing chaos int their town and resolve the problem in hopes of finishing their film, while Alice and Joe try to repair their somewhat non-existent relationship with their fathers? Or will it just be a matter of time before the eerie force from the unknown gets the best of them?

I am not a huge fan of the science fiction genre, but I sure enjoyed this one more than I would've imagined. Judging from the people who drove this vehicle, they clearly knew what they were going for and had a feeling that people would enjoy it if the plot had a little more than just a conspiracy theory and paranormal activity going on. Finding the right inclination for a film is never easy, but this one blended just the right amount of thrills and action to balance with the problems the characters were facing in their own lives. The characters Joe and Alice had great chemistry not only because they were somewhat smitten with each other, but also because they went through similar life experiences and had something to relate to in order for them to be bound together in spirit. I really enjoyed the subplot of the story that was ultimately the group's driving force behind all the inexplicable happenings in town. It was a treat to see a super 8 film being made by a such enthusiastic kids. It seems as though kids these days don't even have a splinter of imagination to go out and create something instead of playing video games. Abrams and Spielberg nailed the period of the film perfectly from the clothes to the music, and even managed to sneak in some pot usage. And I appreciate that the film's essence wasn't drowned out by perpetual explosions and mindless action. Gives people hope that action can still have purpose and meaning behind it for a pleasant, thought-provoking viewing experience.

The film brought out a great amount of symbolism and realism to the plate. First of all, it was great to see an eclectic group of people all striving for a goal in their life. Because people back in the 70's didn't really have any technologies like we have today, it was so much more necessary to invent and use your imagination to pass the time and find your calling in life. Kids these days are only interested in dating, the internet and video games; not really using their full potential to come up with something original or at least motivating for themselves. They are the misfits, who manage to work well together despite their differences and weird habits. It is an interpretation of working environments where everyone has their own story, skills and interests to add to the place.

The year 2011 in cinema was marked by an uprising of female leads that inspire the spirits of women all over the world to overcome their difficulties and be independent in their lives. Elle Fanning as Alice was another wonderful addition to this trend. Being the only girl taking part in the short film, she had the ability to stand up to the boys and be herself without putting on a charade to be more attractive or cool. She was just being herself and all the boys were in awe of her throughout the whole movie. This proves that girls out there don't need to be something that they're not to be part of a clique or group of friends; every bit of your mind and soul should evolve naturally without embellishments along the way unless that's how you really feel.

The film included a very touching and sentimental plot point about the loss of a parent and the struggles you live through with the ones that remain. I can definitely relate to that although one of my parents didn't necessarily die. Joe and his father's relationship was almost non-existent for most of their lives and this cataclysmic blow which took them by surprise, gave them the chance to make their relationship grow. That's why Joe could understand the creatures pain and that all he needed was their help. To help those who are alive, he had to let go of the person he lost. That is something that all of us need to learn, which doesn't mean the dead are forgotten. They live.

Super 8 captures our sense of creation and imagination. The short-lived escape from the somewhat complicated lives we lead can sometimes be expressed only through film, or experienced while watching one.

Splash (1984)

Submersed in the depths of movie history is a little film about the unconditional love some people are dreaming of. Splash is a film which started the career of many of its stars such as actors Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah; as well as director Ron Howard. Whether you love seeing Daryl Hannah as a mermaid or are a fan of sweet romantic comedies, this film might be just what you're looking for.

Allen Bauer (Tom Hanks) works at a wholesale fruits and vegetables business which he co-owns with his rather obnoxious brother Freddie (John Candy). When he was ten years old, Allen jumped overboard from a ferry after seeing something below the surface which captivated him. Despite being unable to swim, Allen seemed to be happy under the water and happened to see a little girl who looked like a mermaid. Ever since the incident, they have shared a bond between each other while Allen has been failing in his relationships with other women. After a recent break-up, Allen returns to the spot where he last saw the mermaid and once again falls into the water after a little accident on a hired dinghy boat. He is reunited with the mermaid from the past, who has grown into a fully grown woman but he doesn't know that she's a mermaid because when she's on land, her fin turns into legs. Dumbfounded and mesmerized by her, he travels back to New York and she subsequently follows; after taking his wallet and finding the city where he resides. Once arriving in New York, she is found stark naked and gets taken to the police station. Not knowing a word of English, no one can comprehend her, and her only chance is to find Allen. The police contact him after finding his wallet in her possession and he sprints like a boy to a candy store to pick her up. Seeing this as the last chance for love, Allen wants to get to know the girl who he named Madison (Daryl Hannah), and hopefully make the love between them bloom into a beautiful garden. The question is, will they get to live normally after a mad scientist wants to prove that Madison is a real mermaid and the publicity she has received after coming ashore to New York?

The film is very sweet and tender with my favorite character being Madison because she is so innocent and childlike in her actions. The one thing I don't understand about her character is how she can be so close to Allen from the very beginning when she doesn't even know him. The first time they meet, there's already a passionate kiss being shared by them. I wouldn't call that very mature and suppose that it's just "destiny" that brought them together. I did enjoy her bubbly and eager attitude towards her surroundings and how she was fascinated by everything around her that people take for granted these days. It was very funny to watch her doing aerobics in front of the TV and then find out she's been in front of it for six hours. I probably wouldn't last even half of the time she watched it, taking into account that it was mostly commercials. John Candy and Eugene Levy were both hilarious in their roles as the supporting cast. The brother with the swinging habit played by John Candy delivered some memorable one-liners and could have been the one instead of Allen who got the girl in the end. That would have been a much more touching scenario if the commonly unattractive fellow fell in love and was mutually loved by the beautiful mermaid. Eugene Levy played the scientist very well and delivered in all the right moments not only when it was meant to be funny but also when it evoked keen emotion.

I loved the opening title sequence with the credits being presented in ripples of water and also the ending credits with the main characters swimming to an underwater city. It made the film unique in its own way and stayed with the aesthetic of the story and its characters. The photography was exceptional and showed the many facets of New York City with great fluency and authenticity. The special effects for Daryl's rather large tail was carried out splendidly giving the desired effect that wasn't too bright to be considered flamboyant, and so didn't overshadow the character of Madison. If the tail would have been too bright, you would have felt that they were trying too hard to persuade people to see the movie as well as making the movie seem more child-oriented. But because the tail blended well with Daryl's body, it didn't take anything away from the plot and the journey of the characters.

The movie has an opaque point to make that may be missed by most that pass it off as a simple romantic comedy. People have lost faith in love and hopefully this film will spark happiness in their hearts, realizing that everyone has a chance to find their other half if they look deep enough within. After Allan finds out Madison is a mermaid, his love for her doesn't fade away. He loves her no matter what form she is, and I think that transcends to the real world by how men judge women who are different from the ideal image would suggest. Even if a woman has an abnormality, it doesn't mean that her soul takes the same shape. There are many men who are shallow and aren't willing to live with someone who is different from the norm, yet this film proves that different can be beautiful. The scientist's storyline also inspired some belief in those who assert something they believe is true, but others consider delusional. He proved his validity yet understood that he needed to set the mermaid free instead of watching her suffer in a lab tank. Kindness and love towards one another is all we need to be peaceful and happy. Let this film give you a wake up call with its big splash and remind you of the simple things in life.

Overall, it's a story that held lots of potential yet needed a little something extra to make it a well-rounded piece of work. Adorable and lovely, the actors gave the story its unique charm and the film gave them a worldwide platform to hone their skills at becoming some of the most prominent actors in the industry. Touching and pure, the film takes the audience back to the basics of life and back to nature in the 80's hit that is Splash.

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

A wonderfully made film exhibiting the possibilities life gives you and the reasons for moving forward and evolving. Shedding light on issues like adoption and the challenges you face while growing up. Meet the Robinsons will inspire kids to never give up on their ambitions and look at all their mistakes in a positive way.

Lewis is an orphan. He was abandoned by his mother when he was just a baby, and has lived his life in an orphanage with some other kids. He happens to be a gifted inventor who spends day and night working on his new inventions while disrupting the sleeping cycle of his roommate, who he calls "Goob". Pestered by his constant failure of not being adopted because of his eccentric hobby, Lewis doesn't give up inventing and is encouraged to create something for the Science Fair. He devises to build a machine which can show a person's past and is thrilled to present it at the fair, hopefully enabling him to gain some confidence and exposure for his inventions. Little does he know that a villain from the future is on the loose, trying to destroy his dream of becoming a successful inventor. Lewis's demonstration is a complete fiasco and he is just about on the brink of giving up. Luckily, he is warned by a boy named Wilbur, who is also from the future, that his invention would have worked if his nemesis didn't foil it. Lewis doesn't believe that Wilbur is from the future until he sees his time machine. Ecstatic and thrilled, Lewis doesn't see the point of continuing his efforts as an inventor, when all he wants to do is see his mom. The time machine is his one way ticket to finally see her but Wilbur knows the exact consequences of an action like this and can't let Lewis take the leap. They travel back to Wilbur's time, and Wilbur makes a deal with Lewis after Lewis crashes the time machine. If he fixes it, Wilbur will take Lewis to see his mother. Fascinated by the future and staying at Wilbur's house, it's hard for Lewis not to explore and savor the world he's been brought to. You're probably wondering if he will indeed meet his mother, but you forget that every altered moment can lead to a change in the world around you, so just "keep moving forward".

Wonderfully designed and animated, this has got to be one of the best children's films ever made. Although the colors may seem a little garish and vivid, that's what you would expect from a dreamlike world like the one Lewis had a chance to visit. Captivating our attention, the future in this film is filled with things we can only dream of, giving us a glimpse of the many wonderful technologies we can come up with to make the world a more exciting place. I liked the way the lighting changed during the scenes which had a bit more adrenaline and supposedly danger, for example the meatball fight at dinner. It almost seemed like a 50's TV show with those crackling voices talking in their villainous tones. The inspiration for the Robinson's style of clothing and setting does seem to stem from the 50's-70's era as you can probably see by Wilbur's mom's mod clothing and the retro style of the others. Various parts of the film may remind you of the classic trilogy, Back to the Future, which probably was a source of inspiration for the makers of this feature. It definitely had its own twist to it and made the story a kid friendly affair. The villains of the film are disparate from all others in a sense that they do have an evil plot but one of them is a gadget that has a thorough plan of what to do whereas the other also wants to ruin the life of the protagonist but hasn't got a clear picture of what to do with his life after that and this sort of mentality eventually leads to manipulation from the dominant party. There may be some noticeable plot holes in the film such as Lewis's ability to fly and control a time machine in the moment when it counts, even though we didn't see any sign of him learning how to do it. Our perception of him leads us to think he could carry out this action because he is a "smart kid". Also, it's hard to imagine that no one in the Robinson family couldn't make out who Lewis really is after being given so many clues like "he's an orphan" and his name is "Lewis". But in the end, it's the bigger picture that should spark something in our souls. All films aren't completely devoid of minor errors in the storyline.

The moral story of the film is apparent from beginning to the end. You mustn't give up on your dreams no matter how hard you fall. Of course it's a lot easier to keep going when you have some sort of support from the people around you, but not everyone has the kind of support they wish they had yet they still keep pushing the envelope until they succeed. Failure is beneficial in learning and leads to triumph in the future. You also should realize that delving into your past and letting past failures boil inside of you for a long time, will never get you moving forward. You might be thinking, "what if" about the things that were dearest to you, and are now gone; but you should accept how things have turned out and keep progressing in your life without worrying about the things that may have upset you in the past. This is how Lewis's roommate Goob chose to live his life and in the end, he didn't have a clear plan for his life yet he wanted to ruin someone else's. Using a scapegoat will only reduce your chances of being the best you can be, while your peers will be going on to experience exciting events that appeal to them. Nobody has a time machine, so just live your life and get the most out of it by absorbing your surroundings and experiences, whether they are predicaments or developments. Life is a rollercoaster, so ride it with joy even in the hardest of times.

Overall, it's a highly entertaining film that will make you laugh and inspire you at the same time. Children will love the imaginative vistas of the future and may finally see that learning and taking action to fulfill their goals, will be a contributing factor in their advancement towards their future. Never give up in what you love to do and the rest will take care of itself.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

From the director of Se7en and The Social Network comes a daring adaptation of a controversial book involving plot elements such as sexual violence and Nazism. Before release, people argued whether or not it was better than the Swedish film and I just want to put the bickering to rest once and for all.

Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a financial journalist who has had it rough after being sued for libel by Hans-Erik Wennerstrom; one of the country's biggest businessmen, accusing Blomkvist of fabricating evidence about his shady transactions. Little does he know that he is being targeted by a computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), who is a researcher at a security firm. She has performed a background check on him for a client that wishes to hire him for a job in the north of Sweden. Adorned with face piercings and a mohawk, Lisbeth is an unusual and rather intimidating young woman who has experienced a numerous amount of unfortunate events in her life. Mikael then learns that Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer), the patriarch of the Vanger family and the former head of his family's company, needs his investigative efforts to uncover what happened to his niece Harriet over 40 years ago. Henrik suspects one of his family members murdered Harriet and in exchange for Mikael's help, offers him a worthy fee and valuable information about Wennerstrom. Blomkvist agrees to fulfill Henrik's request and is ready to start his research on the matter. To conceal his investigation, Henrik and Mikael have decided to formally declare their cooperation a biography piece about the Vanger family. Meanwhile, Lisbeth's guardian has had a stroke and she is assigned a new guardian who turns out to be a disgusting sadist, using her to pleasure himself and only afterwards giving her the money she has asked for. She fires back after her last tormenting experience with him, and blackmails him to give her sole allowance to her money after she videotapes his last violation against her. Mikael is onto something but needs an assistant to help him gather the evidence into a coherent heap. Henrik's advisor suggests Lisbeth and tells Mikael it was her who assisted them in picking him out for his current job. He visits her and after some uneasiness between the two, she agrees to help him in the investigation. The duo drop deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole, only to find some of the most unpleasant murders and a murderer who was hiding in plain sight all these years. Their relationship develops into a physical one, and you might be wondering if Lisbeth is capable of continuing a relationship which involves emotional commitment, after so many past struggles.

There have been many quarrels about whether or not this remake lives up to the standards set by the original Swedish version of the movie and I would like to some things concerning this ongoing debate. This film is definitely riveting to watch and finely polished, but the Swedish version I thought was a little more raw in its delivery. This one felt a little more filtered whereas the Swedish one was more fearless in the critical aspects of the plot. I did like that this film put more emphasis on Lisbeth's and Mikael's growing relationship that had a possibility of romance instead of just a physical relationship that was portrayed in the Swedish version. From the beginning, Fincher and everyone who promoted the film asserted that they didn't look up to the Swedish film and only adhered to the book. So, if you see it without already seeing the Swedish version, you will probably like it; but I would give the slight edge to the Swedish version although I loved Mara's portrayal of Lisbeth and how committed she was to the role to the point of completely transforming herself. It clearly showed from her accent to her overall appearance. The screenplay was a little tweaked because in the book, they found Harriet in Australia but in this film, she took the identity of her cousin Anita as her own. The visuals were of course stunning and very similar to Fincher's breakthrough film Se7en. A real coincidence occurred when they were shooting during one of the coldest winters in over 100 years, but added a frigid and sharp atmosphere to the plot and the character of Lisbeth, who is just as relentless and unyielding as the atmosphere around her. The soundtrack wasn't something too spectacular, and at times a little intrusive or redundant to tell you the truth. Definitely not as good as The Social Network, with the only highlight probably being the cover of "The Immigrant Song" which was a vibrant start to the film. Fincher always has an unforgettable opening sequence in his movies and this was no exception. From the stark black color scheme to the surreal images in motion, this has to be one of the most unforgettable title sequences in recent years.

The movie had a very powerful message to send to viewers; particularly women. Lisbeth will not stand for injustice and neither should women across the globe. She no doubt takes it into her own hands and makes sure she delivers retribution to anyone who violates her, despite it seeming a little bit extreme because of how she dealt with her new guardian. She is definitely a character unlike any other who has turned her life around rather successfully but with repercussions not only to her appearance but to her soul as well. The way she dresses and behaves towards most people is like an armor that keeps her safe without having to communicate unnecessarily with people who may have cruel intentions towards her. As a whole, she is a warrior and an ambassador for women's rights, reassuring women that it's alright to feel strong and independent about themselves even if there is no one there to step up for them. She takes her future into her own hands and is apathetic to how others perceive her and her style. No matter how insecure you are inside, you must hold your chin up and reveal your true colors to the world even if you feel as though you're different from the rest.

The corruption of society has a leading role in the film as well, with Wennerstrom carrying out illicit transactions and keeping them in untraceable accounts all across the globe. When someone is in power, they always try to take advantage of their position for their own benefit. Some get caught but others get away with it whether it be politicians, businessmen or even doctors and lawyers. The Vanger family is no different. Because of their powerful empire, it was easy for a certain someone to commit murders while seeming completely out of the question for being convicted. They almost got away with it, but thankfully didn't, showing that there is still hope in the world for justice and doing the right thing for all those people who have suffered under such adversaries.

Overall, it's a well adapted story that stays true to the book, but if I would choose between the Swedish version and this, I would probably pick the Swedish version of the story. The only reason that you should see this powerful story is because of the phenomenal Rooney Mara, and of course the directorial approach of David Fincher. The film marks a real breakthrough in her acting career, and I'm sure we will see more of her in the future; counting that she will reappear as Lisbeth for the two sequels. A shining star is born and I can't picture anyone else playing this cutting edge character. She handles such an enigmatic and perplexing character with real poise, if you take into account how young she is not only in life but in her career as well.