Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)

Expecting a grand finale for the seemingly last chapter of the story that engaged everyone around the world, Dreamworks delivers once again with an extravagant show full of color and exotic locations that will thrill both kids and adults alike.

After the penguins flew off to Monte Carlo, Alex (voiced by Ben Stiller) is growing anxious about staying in Africa for the rest of his life and wants nothing more than to return to the zoo where their journey began. With his loyal friends Marty (voiced by Chris Rock), Gloria (voiced by Jada Pinkett-Smith), and Melman (voiced by David Schwimmer), Alex concocts a plan to travel to Monte Carlo and get the penguins to fly them back to New York. With King Julian (voiced by Sacha Baron Cohen), Maurice (voiced by Cedric the Entertainer) and Mort (voiced by Andy Richter) travelling with them, the plan doesn't exactly go according to plan when they stumble into a casino and run for their lives to get to the airplane which is waiting for them. The authorities are informed of their presence in the casino and an animal control unit is setting out to find them. Little do they know that the head of the animal control is a crazed woman who is almost bionic in the way she tracks these animals, and she targets the lion as her next prize to be placed up on the wall of other animals she has caught. With their lives as well as their chances of getting home at stake, the group must stick together to avoid the dangers that are hounding them from all directions. As if out of spite, the plane then crashes and the animals must find another medium of travel but they are hopeless in their pursuit. Luckily they stumble upon a circus train where other animals including a tiger, sea-lion, and jaguar let them aboard on account of believing that they are circus animals too. The group then learns that the circus is destined to travel to New York if a promoter likes their act and after witnessing their first performance, decide to reinvent their style and rejuvenate their passion for performing. Alex also learns about the glorious past of the circus and the rise and fall of their star performer, Vitaly the Tiger. We have no doubt that they will get to their desired destination, but will they realize the joy of performing and how their perspective has changed since they left the place where they thought they'd be happy?

Despite including the same characters who we have grown to love and cherish, the storyline does take a bit of a swerve in a different direction compared to the previous two installments. In the alleged final chapter of the group's worldwide adventure, the plot focuses a bit more on the background and struggles of the newly introduced supporting characters as opposed to the group's journey back home and I think it is rather considerate of the animators to create a prominent plot about the circus' journey and tradition. For all those who were a fan of the tough granny from the first two films in the series, you will be a bit disappointed on account of her absence in the plot, but as a replacement, you get another uncanny villain who has a bit more substance to her character. The soundtrack used in the film was quite modern and dynamic compared to the previous two films and added a bit more energy and a sprightly flavor to the whole production for a genuine European vacation a la Americano. My favorite parts of the film would have to be the stunningly beautiful scenery featured in their preparation for a new show, and of course the luminous neon display in their performance to entice the promoter to take them to the USA. Beautifully balanced by the dark undertones and the beautiful neon colors, it ranks right up there in the most memorable animation moments and can be compared to the "Elephant Tango" in the Disney film, Dumbo.

Out of the three, this fun-fest has got to be the most inspirational. I applaud their effort for showing kids that teamwork and an overall amicable atmosphere is an important factor if you want to succeed. It is never a one man show, so if you are offered an aid, you must always reach out for it, especially when the aid is offered by those who you trust.

I also noticed a nuance of the rise and fall that some celebrities and other renowned personalities endure especially actors and performers. Vitaly's back story has a lot to do with the phenomenon when someone sets the bar too high and falls straight down to their demise as a result of their arrogance and arbitrary mindset. They think they're so invincible just because of their high status in society, that they forget there are boundaries even if others think their ideas are irrational. Sometimes, this kind of restlessness and zeal can be a sign of future success, but other times it could turn out like the legend of Icarus and his ill-fated journey to the sun.

Passion was also a big influence in the story, with the circus in decline because of their loss of dedication and excitement to bring happiness to the crowd as well as their own souls. The longing and desire have been swept away, and now with the presence of the Americanos, it's time that they replenish their energy and reincarnate the enthusiasm and ambition that kept them at the top for so many years beforehand. It is a story of finding your inner-self and letting your true colors shine through for the rest of the world to see, and I think that it is most needed at this time in American history when people are losing hope and discouraged from showing who they are and their true potential.

Attention boys and girls of all ages! This is one of the most uplifting, quirky and fearless animation efforts presented in years, so if you count this as a disappointment, I don't know what you count as entertainment. It doesn't get any better than this for a family friendly day out and I believe it is a winner not only for the company, but for all the folks out there looking for a sweet getaway with a tinge of motivation.

Hick (2011)

She's dangerous; she's cocky; she's a hick. Chloe Grace Moretz gives a vehemently edgy performance in this picture about a young runaway who risks it all for a chance at happiness.

After turning thirteen and realizing that her lush parents are incompetent at raising her in a little Nebraska town, Luli (Chloe Grace Moretz) decides to run away to the bright lights of Las Vegas in search of a happier and lucrative life. Armed with a gun and a determined mind, she leaves her house in the blink of an eye and tries to hitch a ride. She then meets Eddie (Eddie Redmayne), a wannabe cowboy with a shady past, who offers her a short drive but she decides to go on by herself after a petty argument with him. A while later she falls asleep beside a river and is awoken by Glenda (Blake Lively), a hopeless drug addict and small time con-artist who takes her in after Luli tells her about her experience with Eddie the day before and how her parents left her. They stop by at a small hotel where Luli informs Glenda of Eddie's presence at the bar which makes Glenda uneasy and rigid, prompting Luli to question what their connection is. As she falls further and further down the rabbit hole and uncovers the dire history of the two people whom she trusted, she wonders if she will ever make it to Las Vegas and who will she be able to turn to once it's all over.

Once I saw the trailer, I was immediately hooked on the idea of a young girl running away and getting caught up in the web of two lost souls with nowhere to go. Definitely a coming of age story in the most peculiar of circumstances, but one which is cautious in its intent. The acting was absolutely superb from the trio of up and coming actors and really exhibited their poise and masterful skills when it comes to acting out such complex and demanding roles. Blake Lively was surprisingly stunning and convincing in her role of a southern rose who lost her faith in life before it even began. There is something in her character Glenda, a small spark, which can connect and inspire empathy from all those young women who have gone through life in a similar way and it only seemed right to end up the way she did at the end of the film because her past and present were so bleak and pointless. I was in tears by the end however because of what happened and the son she had left behind. And it only makes me think of all those children who were brought into this world without will, and the torment and damage they will bear for the rest of their life, knowing what their background and upbringing was like. There were a few noticeable flaws however in the story which I thought were a bit strange if this story happened in real life. Near the end, I was alarmed why Alec Baldwin's character didn't save Luli even though he saw her with Eddie and already knowing how disturbed and deranged Eddie is. Why couldn't he have come to her aid sooner and called the police on Eddie? Only after the tragic ending to Eddie and Glenda's story did he guide Luli to the place where she was needed the most and could start her life on a clean slate. Instead he just waited when he could've prevented the grisly aftermath that would scathe Luli for the rest of her life. Although I know that the film was based on a book and the director followed it as closely as possible, I suppose that kind of ending was imminent and much-needed to end the anguish that these two characters had created for themselves and the people who were affected by them.

Although the ending is somewhat bitter-sweet, it still emanates a glint of hope for a bright and stable future. One good point that came out of the film was independence from a young age. Of course Luli went through a volatile and unpredictable journey before her final stop, but from it she gained so much life experience and awareness about human character and demeanor. Of course any grown-up will consider her planned destination and trip risky and childish, but it was done in the name of freedom and the ability to build her own life because of her parent's inability to guide her there. Luli is a very mature and precocious character, but also one who is innocent and fragile. It's an incongruous mix but one which thrills and leads to numerous escapades which can evoke the adventurous spirit in all of us, prompting us to walk in Luli's shoes and gain a sense of understanding for her actions which as it turns out, are rational as opposed to what they seem from the outside. Defiance and determination can lead you a long way even if you take a wrong turn during your voyage, and it was pure luck that Luli finally found a niche for herself in a place where she would feel safe and loved by her caregiver, able to live life with a few more opportunities than in her little hometown in Nebraska.

As a sidenote, the film may be received negatively by rural folks and those who live in Nebraska because of the bleak rendition that the story demanded of it and the kind of people who inhabited the many locations and environments that Luli was surrounded by in her life and during her escapade.

Reckless and impudent in her pursuits, Luli's story in Hick is an empowering look at the struggle of a young girl to find bliss away from the deserted wasteland she has been born into, as well a touching plot about the life paths that other women have chosen or mistakenly get trapped in. It evokes a perspective on how momentous life can be and how one acquaintance or event can determine the course your life will take without your consent. We must take charge of our own destiny and be wary of the those that try to snare us in their many traps, wanting us to give up and wallow in our grief.

Prometheus (2012)

Swimming with questions that are yet to be answered, Prometheus is one of the most significant contributions to the sci-fi genre in recent years and a comeback for Ridley Scott into the genre that first led him to stardom.

In the year 2089, archaeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) find a cave mural in Scotland where the same star map that adorns many other ancient pieces of art in several ancient civilizations is featured. They think of it as an invitation to meet their creators and so are set on a journey to find them. In the year 2093, after over two years of travelling, they arrive on a moon called LV-223 which was the only one in the star map to contain the same kind of atmosphere as Earth. Exuberant and eager to finally meet their makers, the two scientists, along with a few others, set out to explore a structure they believe to house clues about the whereabouts of these humanoids or maybe even the humanoids themselves. Upon entering the structure, they set off trackers to create a map of the pathways and chambers that constitute the dome and are led to a sealed wall that houses something truly remarkable on the other side. They find the body of one of these humanoids and once David (Michael Fassbender), their android assistant, opens the door, they find the missing head that the door decapitated. They decide to take the head back to the spaceship, "Prometheus", but not until they notice an array of strange-looking vases that seem to emit a layer of precipitation because of the change in atmospheric structure. The murals on the ceiling of the chamber also seem to change as a result of the team's presence and Shaw insists that they leave the structure at once for fear of contamination. Meanwhile, David furtively packs one of these vases into his backpack to take it back on board the ship for further investigation. Because two members of the expedition got lost in the maze of tunnels of the dome, they are forced to spend the night because of a storm. They encounter a fatal blow that impacts the entire crew later on with Charlie being poisoned by the slime from one of the vases. It all starts spiralling down from there, and what they thought would be a peaceful reunion with their makers turns out to be a hostile trip to their supposed deaths. Will they be able to escape before all hope is lost, and what is really in the substance of those vases?

First of all, I just want to say that the movie is visually gorgeous with remarkably shot settings of mountains and rivers that are absolutely breathtaking. I was surprised to hear that all of the sets were actually built by hand instead of using a green screen to animate it. I don't think there are many directors these days who are willing to keep their vision authentic and palpable but, all the sets including the ship and the chambers of the dome were epic in every proportion and were surprisingly tactile and wonderful especially brought out by the 3D format that the movie was originally shot in. Not only were the sets unfathomable to the senses but the characters were more so. My favorite character would have to be David played by the expertly rigid Michael Fassbender. When you have to play such a soulless character it is always a challenge to get it just right because the actors are just people and we have human emotions that need to be tamed in order to portray the right kind of mindset that a robot would have. But then again it is an infinite variety of paths which could be explored because we don't fully know what it would be like to be a robot so it is most crucial to have the legendary direction of Ridley Scott to guide you in the role of such an enigmatic and unpredictable character. We all knew the potential of Noomi Rapace as an acclaimed actress due to her performance in the international "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series and I think Scott made the right choice in casting her as the vehicle of this film. Her character displayed probably the most heart and kindness in a crew filled with stone cold intentions and just the need to fulfill their mission whereas she had a real purpose that tied in with her past and her search for answers for which she had questions when she was just a little girl. It was rather traumatic seeing her character suffer so much during the span of the film, but powerful in the sense that she still was willing to go further despite the cracks that adorn her soul. Another fantastic performance was shown by the ravishing Charlize Theron. Her character, Vickers, lurking in the shadows and being the puzzle that you try to solve without success was the cherry on the cake in this production. Although her screen presence could be seen as a minor influence in the plot, it was a triumphant moment in her career to play a character with so many layers although you get the feeling that she is a nuisance without a soul. Almost robotic in a sense.

The plot I thought was fascinating and compelling while viewing the film, but once you exit the theater, it starts to dawn on you that there are many plot holes or flaws that arise in the story. It may be a good reason to go back and watch it again and again, but there are so many points where you realize that you're questioning the complexities of the characters' actions and why a certain event happened and how did this happen in the first place. It all fits in with the occult theory of sci-fi and how we are bedazzled by the many unanswered questions of a story created with the future in mind. Thought-provoking and provocative in many ways, the pacing is what makes it go by so quickly, making us just appreciate the spectacle and the main message of the movie that probably prods at our mind every once in a while.

There are many strong pointers and messages which have been the spotlight of countless other films in recent years and one of them is a strong female protagonist who leads the way. The character Elizabeth Shaw is a perfect example of female fragility and vulnerability while still possessing a steadfast and decisive nature which emanates like a light source to every corner of the theater. A force to be reckoned with, she knows what is right and what is wrong, and is understanding of even those who are treated indifferently by others. I felt that the scene where she runs to get the c-section is her most powerful scene in the film; where she is looking out for herself despite all the precautions and inhibitions that the head of the crew have imposed upon her. It has an effective outreach to the American viewers because of the way abortions are seen by many in this country and that most women only get them because they fear for their life or their future because of some frightening instances that they have experienced in the past. It begs the question if you should actually look at the situation from the point of view of a person who is actually carrying a life-form inside of them, instead of judging them about potentially killing it when it could lead to a life of misery if not removed. Just to clear something up, a cell which grows inside a woman cannot be considered a life form with its own rights. Logically, it is the mother who should be looked out for and listened to instead of a hypothetical being which might be born one day. It can be argues that it was an alien and not a human being which she had in her stomach, but the parallels are in many ways obvious when it comes to what's going on in this country.

Another particularly fascinating aspect of the story is of course humanity's fascination with outer space and if we're not alone in the Universe. We constantly strive to further our technological advancements in order to get closer to the truth, with some disputing that God is the ultimate deity who created us, while others stating that it was evolution which might have been influenced by creatures outside of our galaxy countless years ago. Fighting to prove who's right, the battle has gotten out of hand countless times during this world's history all because our egoistic, self-righteous nature to come out on top. And the movie does bring up the dispute of science against faith in the unproven presence of a God. But what some don't understand is, whether it is a God or not that you believe in, we should be the writers of our own history and not leave fate to decide how our life will turn out. Yes, Christianity has taught us to be kind to others, but it has also been perverted to fit the agenda of those who run it. We must take charge of our own destiny while striving to move forward and claim the upper hand in knowledge and self-fulfillment. This also accentuates the title, "Prometheus", and the legend of his crime against the gods for the good of mankind, which ties in with the development of the story and what you choose to learn from it.

There are too many other intricacies which will take a while to list and discuss, so I'll leave you guys to figure it our for yourselves and take what you find meaningful from this film. Although this film is said to be a stand alone picture from the Alien series, I definitely think of it as a prequel when you think of the ending and the details scattered throughout. From the various theories about what the movie truly hold as its backbone, to the depth of the characters and their motivations, Prometheus is as tactile as the sets that were built to portray it and is worthy of the legacy which Ridley Scott has built from the ground up.

Charlie's Angels (2000)

A ridiculously fun, action-packed babe fest that tickles all your senses and makes you smile the whole way through. Exuberant in its approach, Charlie's Angels makes for a fun-filled evening with your friends while exhibiting a side of each woman that every female should possess.

Dylan (Drew Barrymore), Alex (Lucy Liu) and Natalie (Cameron Diaz) are three very different young women who are all aiming towards one thing. Bringing justice to their enemies and keeping their clients out of harm's way is the game they play. They work for an anonymous millionaire by the name of Charlie, who they have actually never seen with their own eyes (and neither has anyone else). But first let's introduce our savvy and intriguing agents to the viewers. Stern in manner and precise in her field of work, Alex, has an undercover job at a movie shoot in order to hide her true identity while dating one of the prominent actors; Dylan is the tomboy of the group who had a tumultuous childhood that shows in her demeanor and life choices; Natalie is the bubbly and high-spirited angel who won't say no to a night of dancing and even though she may seem a little naive, she is still very smart and demanding when she needs to be. After successfully completing their recent mission, the angels are thrust right back in with a fresh and exciting case to solve. An engineer by the name of Eric Knox (Sam Rockwell) has been allegedly kidnapped by one of his insidious clients who's looking to get his hands on Knox's new technology. The angels are sent in to investigate the target's company and uncover any foul play. With their trusty sidekick, Bosley (Bill Murray), they rescue Knox but feel that he may still be targeted in association with the "Angels", so they establish some safety measures and keep a weather eye out on Knox for the time being. Little do they know of the devious plans someone is cooking up and before they know it, they're back on the trail with a new revealed target who is planning to annihilate the thing they hold most dear to their hearts... Charlie.

Although some may deem the film cheesy and just another way to see some bombshells, it is surprisingly masterful in its execution and marks an important step in the career of Drew Barrymore as not only a superb actress but a blooming filmmaker. Expressing her desire to make films in the past and starting her own production company, this was the monster that Drew chose to wrestle on her own. Armed with an ambition to succeed, Drew exceeded her efforts and overwhelmed me by her sheer sophistication and professionalism both on camera and behind the scenes. Her character, Dylan, had the most layers to her and really reflected Drew's true life struggles while maintaining that spunk which made us fall in love with her as a little girl. Vigorous and fresh, she knew what direction this picture was going in and her efforts really paid off to present us with a threesome of powerful, independent women that left an everlasting mark on the film industry and catapulted the careers of the actors included in the film. I was overly impressed by the direction of the picture and the complexity of the shots that not only increased tension, but kept the film exciting and flowing smoothly. For a film that is action-packed, you usually don't expect much from the technical aspect of shooting except for the stupendous explosions, but this film seems to have nailed it right on point. Sometimes the surroundings do seem a little more comical and lurid than you think they would be, but you are totally under the spell of the "Angels" from the first moment on so there is a nice balance to the viewing experience.

Now, let's get to the important messages conveyed in this film. First of all, teamwork. Without teamwork, nothing in this world could be accomplished. Two heads -- or in this case three -- are better than one, and because each woman possesses many different strengths compared to the others, it can be compared to a work environment, where workers are hired due to their experience in a certain field to work with people who are experts in other fields. Their integration helps create a finished product that the company then offers to their clients, which can also be improved by the diversity of the group.

All of the "Angels" come from disparate backgrounds and their upbringing and cultural knowledge also helps with their field of expertise in case they happen to disguise themselves or need the information they've acquired over the years in their profession. Another fascinating message in the film concerns identity and the ability to alter your identity by the use of clothing, make-up, and most importantly how others perceive you. Because all the women are part of a secret investigation team, it is of crucial importance that they keep their profile hidden and create a facade to hide their true purpose. It isn't easy for them considering that most of them have boyfriends who are curious as well as suspicious about their secret outings and sudden escapades.

However, the most important message conveyed in this film is about loyalty and faith in each other. All the women exhibit a tremendous amount of loyalty towards each other and their cause. Although they have never seen Charlie, they continue to work for him because they are certain of his intentions and know in their hearts that he would always be there for them even if he's not there in person. For Dylan, her part in the entire ordeal of being an "Angel" is very personal to her. Because she never knew her father and her mother died when she was young, she has always seen Charlie as a father figure and that's why she has faith in him and hopes to be able to see him sometime in the future. But as of now, she feels that her participation in the team is somewhat of a spiritual anchor that grounds her to what she has been looking for all her life: to be needed and loved. That is why her character and the connection with Charlie goes so much deeper than Alex's and Natalie's, making for a worthier piece of cinema to be watched and reveled in the coming years by many generations of viewers.

Overall, there are bits and pieces of the film which everyone will enjoy whether it be the attractive women, the ubiquitous action sequences, the subtext and personalities of the characters, or their mission. It's all in good spirit and will surely trigger quite a bit of laughter from all viewers. I do warn you however that these bombshells are sure to explode and rock your world, so don't be afraid if you're tempted to try a high kick afterwards. Feel free to express your girl power with complete and utter spontaneity.

American History X (1998)

One of the most compelling, thought-provoking and touching films in the history of filmdom. American History X brings about a point of view that is still relevant today and will forever be ingrained in this country's history no matter what happens. It's definitely an innovative perspective of race seen through the eyes of a gang of skinheads, which is also ironically set in the culturally diverse city of Los Angeles.

Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) has been released from prison after he committed a brutal crime three years ago. Derek was once a part of a neo-nazi gang who sought to perish the existence of blacks and minorities by committing heinous crimes towards them, but none went so far as what he did that fateful night. He not only destroyed his own life but left his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) scarred with the gruesome image of his crimes. We learn that Danny has also taken the path that his brother took, and is now also indoctrinated by the same group of skinheads which his brother was once a part of. He does not seem to fully believe the rants that the other members express so freely, but his English teacher is worried that his current situation could escalate to a much more serious state and could possibly lead to the same tragic point as his brother's. As a result of Danny's recent action of turning in a paper about Mein Kampf, his English teacher asks him to write another paper about the experiences of his brother leading to the night of his arrest and what he has learned as a result of everything that happened. They decide to call the project "American History X". Meanwhile, Derek has decided to start on a clean slate and sever all ties with the neo-nazi group including trying to prohibit Danny from going to any of their meetings ever again. In the course of the movie, we learn what brought about the hatred that consumed Derek and the changes he experienced during his time in prison, which ultimately changed his outlook of the world and the many races that inhabit it. But will he be able to convince Danny to live his life for a better cause despite his current association with the gang, and will their family experience yet another fatal blow as a result of their spiralling past?

The film is shot in flashbacks, with the present being shot in color and the past in black-and-white. It utilizes a reverse chronology plotline which exhibits the events leading up to the climactic murder that changed the characters' lives forever. This kind of method is very creative when it comes to film making and is entirely effective in the context of this particular story because the catalyst of it all was the grisly murder committed by Norton's character, Derek. The movie doesn't express this truth until the end of the film, which brings that much more shock value to the experience as a whole and how awry the power of hate can become when you exercise it everyday. The infamous scene which will be carved into your memory for a while after viewing this film, would have to be the most powerful one in the film because of the superb acting displayed by Edward Norton and the diabolical glint that his eyes gave off when his character was about to get arrested for this heinous crime. It showed no remorse and an almost blissful quality despite being the most intense and moral-breaking  scenes in the film. It definitely made my heart fall with despair for the human race and humanity as a whole. How dimwitted and repugnant a human being can get as a result of their rage and inability to let go of the past is beyond me and I take off my hat to Edward Norton for communicating to the audience the collapse and decline a human conscience can forgo as a result of such personal torment and despair. Despite such a vehement subject matter, the film loses a bit of its momentum towards the ending and that could be seen as a bit of a let down because the beginning and course of events seemed so promising and eventful during the first half of the film. Otherwise the film could be viewed as a cultural phenomenon as well a prominent part of film history.

The film's main theme would have to be racism and the cold-hearted, obstinate ideals some people have towards cultural diversity and minorities in their respective countries. It brings up the notion that most people aren't born racist but are in fact mindful of their peers whether they are black, white, asian, etc. For example, when children are young, they judge their peers by their character, personality and actions as opposed to what color skin they have, and it is ultimately their parents who indoctrinate them to believe that people who don't resemble themselves are eternal enemies in life. It is a recurring problem and it is a worrisome issue in this country when it comes to how black people and other minorities get treated on the basis of their race in this country, even with the kind of rights and liberties that are held sacred by the constitution.

In this particular story, Derek's father did express his disdain towards blacks because of their being hired at the fire station instead of whites who were much more qualified when it came to their training. The match was struck, but the fire was only fueled when a black man shot and killed his father while he was putting out a fire in a black neighborhood, leading Derek to believe that all blacks are worthless scum who don't do nothing but murder innocent, hard-working "white" Americans who actually protect their race in some instances too. Biased and relentless in his quest to bring justice to the white population of his neighborhood, Derek ravenously commits many deeds and hate crimes in the name of his white supremacist ideology, but do his actions and speeches for the purpose of scorning and intimidating his so-called enemies, at the core of it all, make his life and the lives of his family members any better? You have to ask yourself, is it worth it to commit to such grotesque and detestable behaviors in the name of your beliefs just to bully others into thinking that you're right and they're wrong? What good does it bring to each party when all it does is bring about hostility and belligerence, that if could be carried out legally, would wipe out a significant portion of each race and cause us to lose our humanity and relapse into the barbaric mindset that was considered long gone in our society.

The real pivotal moment in the film however is actually the foreshadowing murder of one of the main characters in the story. It marks the ambiguous continuation of the Vinyard family's journey and how they will move on from their perpetual cycle of mishaps and tragedies that left a considerable amount of cracks along the way. It begs the question, if Derek will be once again confident in his previous assumptions of the black race or will he employ sound judgment in the aftermath of yet another tragedy that seems to involve the aspect of race and their vague motivations when it comes to murder. 

With tears in my eyes at the conclusion of the plot, it makes me really dejected to think about such a young soul being sent into oblivion when he had so much potential to become something great in this world as opposed to what he chose to be associated with during his youth. His brother set the example for him and then admitted his guilt towards his past actions, prompting Danny to rethink his future and his role in the world as well as his family. With such a devastating blow, the only legacy Danny would've left behind was his essay. That is the beacon of hope that would bring a family together and inspire tolerance and respect towards people of all races and ethnicities.

With that being said, this film is one of the most powerful pieces of cinema ever made and could be considered a masterpiece by many who enjoy such enlightening and progressive pictures about minority cultures and their pervasive influence on vulnerable youth in this country. It is at certain moments hard to watch, evoking an immense amount of tension, but the purpose it serves is clear and the consequences of such ties to a violent and subversive cause are imminent.

Nacho Libre (2006)

When you think it can't get any worse, it does. Although not much is expected of this film to begin with, Nacho Libre takes it to a whole new level and belly flops on its own parade; proving that a cute story with potential combined with a well established actor, may not always manifest itself with flying colors.

Ignacio (Jack Black) is carrying out the lord's work at an orphanage located in Mexico. During his youth, he would fantasize about being the greatest luchador in Mexico and how extravagant and illustrious his life would be to the people of his land. As years go by, Ignacio has grown older and is still living at the monastery which was his home since childhood. Working as the cook to feed the miserable orphans, he gets no gratitude for his work -- taking into account that he can't cook -- and wonders what path he should take to finally fulfill his childhood dream. A rather attractive nun, Encarnacion, comes to live at the monastery and Ignacio is enamored by her kindness and appearance, falling head over heels for her. She sees the top luchadors as people who aren't thinking about contributing to their community and doing good deeds for others, but money-hoarding narcissists who are complacent with their riches and good fortune. Ignacio now finds himself at odds with his ambitions and the woman who sees them as unimportant desires of the superficial mind, but is still determined to work hard and succeed in his endeavors while trying to find a cause to fight for. Along the way to glory, he meets his childhood idol and a new friend although he never tastes victory. Despite getting paid for his efforts, Ignacio wonders if his dream is even possible to fulfill, but all he needs to realize is the power he possesses when he fights, and how it gives hope to those who thought they were left behind. The question is, will his time of enlightenment come at the right moment, and will he finally find a cause to fight for in order to secure the woman of his dreams as well as his own sense of accomplishment and happiness?

The story initially had a lot of potential if you read the overall premise of it, but since you have Jack Black to fill the shoes of the main role as well as incorporate the story into a slapstick-centered jumble for kids' amusement, this is where the tide recedes. I loved his role in School of Rock and commend him for attempting to portray an important message during the span of his film, but it turns out to be an unorganized, brittle wreck that distracts from the main objective of the picture. The lighting is at times sickening, with its dark yellow tinge but is at times beneficial to portray the decadence in the surroundings of the main characters. The acting seemed forced, awkward and downright unprofessional. Young kids, especially boys, will definitely get a kick out of this movie but otherwise, I don't imagine who else would want to see this unless it's with their kids. I didn't find the comedy amusing or funny at all and it was difficult to navigate the film for instances of being able to laugh. You're kept guessing if you should laugh or shouldn't and I think that creates as much of a distraction as the tight pants Jack Black had to wear for the role. Other supporting characters appear morbid and unappealing no matter what their purpose in the film is and quite honestly, detract from the story in many ways as an unnecessary addition to the appearance of Jack Black. I could go on and on but let's get to the message of the film.

It is meant to be inspirational and a much-needed message to children about following your dreams despite the many obstacles and failures that hinder you along the way. It does accomplish this to some extent, even despite the many distractions in the screenplay and the pointless scenes that are meant to be funny, although they don't seem that way. I do however take off my hat to Jack Black because of his continuous efforts to produce and be part of films which are not only entertaining for children but beneficial for their self-esteem. Many kids are faced with all kinds of problems and disabilities in life, and everyone needs a fleck of hope in their life to boost their disposition and ultimately their chances at succeeding in whatever their goals may be.

It also sends a good message about fighting for something that you believe in which will benefit others, as opposed to something which you think will only make you happy. As much of a cliché as it is, you always feel better doing something which will aid someone in need and I think the world will become a much better place once we realize this fundamental truth.

Another interesting facet about this film is the way the  luchadors are portrayed. They are tall, strong men with enormous egos and complete inconsideration for others who aren't as grandiose as them in stature or accomplishments. In a way, this notion sheds light on the kind of people we deem note-worthy and illustrious in our society. From film stars to mainstream musicians, this particular group of people who we deem as fine specimens because of their wealth, talent, and presence in magazines are at times some of the nastiest people out there. Don't get me wrong, there are many decent, lovely and caring people who choose to have a career in these industries but there are definitely some who let the fame and fortune aspect of their career consume them and blind them from the real world. They fly so high up, they never want to come down and eventually, see themselves as these invincible beings who don't deserve to surround themselves with the ordinary folks, thinking they could find a loophole through all of their problems whether they be legal or personal. And the average joe is completely hypnotized by their presence, wanting to look like them or even get into the profession which makes them so well-know. It's our hunger for success and approval which drives us but when it comes to the kinds of professions which lead to scrutiny by everyone and anyone, where at times, any move or action might define your career, you start to overlook the kind of field you want to enter. If you are indeed passionate about your chosen profession and you know it could become a public spectacle, you should always have people surrounding you who you love and care about, as well as prepping yourself to not get caught up in it all and suddenly grow wings.

Although the symbolism and allegories presented are worth noting, the film is still rather jumbled up and unappealing. Actually based on a true story, I think this story could've been turned into a great dramatic piece with a more mature demographic in mind. The music and scenery, however, is very serene and memorable but otherwise the rest of the film is disappointing. You can't win every game you play, but at least they tried, and it does make for an amusing time although in retrospective, a bit of a waste. Arios, amigos!