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!

Miss Congeniality (2000)

Definitely a showstopper of a film that established the acting abilities of Sandra Bullock and propelled her career to a new high among the fans of rom-coms. Intelligent comedy is the suit this film follows and you will find yourself immersed in it from the first moment.

Grace Hart (Sandra Bullock) has been a tom-boy ever since she could remember. Now working as a federal agent for the FBI, she wonders whether her work is really her top priority. With a recent fiasco at work, her self-esteem plummets to an all time low and she's wondering what she can do to redeem herself and hopefully start off with a clean slate. Luckily for her, an opportunity presents itself but it doesn't exactly suit her profile. A top-listed criminal is expected to strike at the upcoming Miss America pageant and Grace is their only chance to get the inside scoop. Unfortunately she looks nothing like a beauty queen and it's going to take a real professional to turn her even remotely close to the epitome of beauty. After an intensive makeover from one of the best pageant coaches in the industry by the name of Victor "Vic" Melling (Michael Caine), she not only looks exquisite and utterly gorgeous, but also begins to come out of her element day by day. Mingling with the other contestants and getting to know their individual backgrounds helps to open her mind up and clears her misconceptions about the typical beauty queen which she thought she knew like the back of her hand. Getting caught up in the situation along the way, Grace finds herself enjoying her experience more and more but doesn't let herself forget the sole purpose of her participation at this event. Troubled by the presence of her overbearingly demanding coach, partner, and entire team, will Grace step up to reclaim her dignity at the conclusion of the arrest or will she succumb to her despair over her past and continue life like before?

May I just say that the acting of all the star players was close to perfect and Candice Bergen really stood out as the chairman (or woman) of the pageant -- or as her character would emphasize, scholarship program. She really nailed the psychotic mindset of her character and had some previous experience as a beauty queen to contribute to her role as well. Michael Caine is witty and charismatic as always and brings that much more joy to the picture with his words of wisdom. The presentation of the pageant was absolutely well done with the inclusion of all the glitz and glamour as well as the set design. My favorite scene in the film would have to be at the conclusion of the makeover, when the weary beauticians have finally accomplished their mission and are treading out of the hangar with their masterpiece. Like astronauts who made it back from the great beyond, strolling out in slow motion to some rock and roll. But the real spectacle is harbored at the core of this film with the help of the plot and its memorable characters.

This film is tipping over the edge with important messages for women all around the world. Bullock's character Grace goes from being a highly strung klutz to a sophisticated, well-behaved and stylish woman while at the same time retaining the intelligence she has accumulated throughout her life. Most women who value their minds and focus their life on educating themselves think that being pretty rots your brain because you have it so easy in life but this film turns that theory around and presents pageant contestants with college degrees and jobs just like Grace herself has. Women don't need to be afraid to look good in order to be an intellectual and it certainly helps to look presentable while working at a job. Just ask yourself, if you looked like a mess everyday, you think you'd be better off with people treating you like a mess? It's one thing to be defiant against the conventional ways of society, but it's another to deny yourself happiness while doing it. In a matter of a week Grace has transformed herself into a model citizen with class and spunk all in tow but it wasn't like she didn't have any motivation to push herself to the limit. This may have been just another assignment, but it not only exposed her to what a woman should feel like inside and out, it gave her the opportunity to teach some of the other women how to have fun and be a well-rounded individual with the abilities to stand up for herself. You could say they exchanged favors, but Grace altered her life forever with the presence of all the ladies who befriended her, as well as her co-workers and makeover artist/pageant coach Vic, who taught her patience and poise not just for the pageant, but for life too.

Beauty is not superficial and a person who takes care of their body and mind is the one who will succeed in life. Light-hearted comedy and romance bloom on the screen as Sandra Bullock plays the role of the ugly duckling while teaching women in the audience a few useful safety maneuvers which are sure to be handy against some salacious dogs and shady assailants. Definitely a chick flick to go see with some girlfriends so feel free to express your girl power once the film concludes.

The Ramen Girl (2008)

A delightful tale of self-discovery and the journey you take to find happiness and self-worth in a world where you may feel stranded at times. An international collaboration between America and Japan gives us insight into the many cultural aspects and values of the Japanese people, that will hopefully inspire in all of us, a sense of respect and a new perspective towards this beautiful culture as well as many others.

Abby (Brittany Murphy) has recently arrived in Tokyo to be with her boyfriend, Ethan, who is traveling there for business purposes. They meet up and spend a romantic night together, but the next morning, Ethan tells her that he has to go to a neighboring city in Japan for another business endeavor. Wanting to go with him, he admits that their relationship is hanging on a thread and he isn't sure whether it's really worth it to continue spending time together. Dumbfounded and devastated by such a notion, Abby naively hopes that Ethan will come back soon and will realize the mistake he made. With her faith slowly fading, she notices a restaurant across the street from her apartment and wonders into it although it seems to be closed. Wimpering and wet, she confides in the owner and his wife everything that has happened to her since her arrival. Losing direction in life, she views her life in retrospect and wonders what she's going to do with it now that she doesn't have anyone to lean on. Not understanding anything Abby says, the couple feed her a bowl of Ramen soup and it immediately lifts her spirits. Curious as to the effect that the soup had on her, she comes back the next night when the restaurant is still open, and witnesses the warm and comforting atmosphere that the restaurant usually accommodates. She is served another bowl of ramen and then helps out the wife of the owner to serve the other customers since her foot is hurt. And then it hits her.... she wants to learn how to cook ramen soup and bring that feeling of warmth and comfort to others the same way she experienced it when she had her first taste. She asks the head cook and owner of the restaurant to teach her how to do it, but little does she know of the things she will have to do and the methods that the chef will implement upon her. Not to mention the language barrier that separates them. I will leave you wondering what will happen from there, but just know that by the end you will be inspired and refreshed by the choices Abby makes and how she changes the lives around her as well.

I for one, really enjoyed this film and how it was shot in such a remote and sometimes oblivious place to most of Americans. The director, Robert Allan Ackerman, did a very good job capturing the views and essence of Japan and its intimate feeling of mutualism between all those who are either visitors or citizens. The kindness and closeness that is exhibited between all of the characters is beautiful and so unlike how Americans choose to lead their lives. We treasure the money and belongings we have, but the Japanese are more concerned about being able to bestow their wisdom and skills onto the younger generation. Otherwise, the movie's driven solely on the plot and the acting job of the featured actors. My only downside about this film was the unnecessary character, Gretchen the hostess. I felt as though the character painted the Japanese culture in a negative light, for example, her alluding to the men being violent alcoholics who are always looking to fool around with a woman like her. I also felt that the plotline could've easily been carried out without her presence, although they probably kept her in just to let the American viewer feel more acquainted with the foreign atmosphere as a result of another American being in the picture. Other than that, the film is a really inspiring story, and is very uplifting if you had a bad day or are struggling with a task at hand.

The film speaks out more to those viewers who are also in a midlife crisis just like Abby, and who need a fresh new start in life. It's great to be able to show that you can achieve your dreams if you are persistent and tenacious towards your goals, even if you have worked toward something that you were ultimately unhappy with. There is always time to change and evolve as a person and be content with your life no matter what age you are. Despair is never an option and we all must work toward our individual happiness one day at a time. It also illustrates the change that Abby went through after being the "hollaback" girl who followed her boyfriend around, to a confident independent woman set to conquer the challenge that she's handed to herself even when tempted to leave with her new boyfriend. Realizing that her life is worth more than living for someone else, Abby has learned to be happy in her new circumstance despite the loss of love in her life. She still however decides to make others happy by making ramen soup and making those who felt her pain, realize that life is a continuous road of sharp twists and turns that will turn out alright as long as they stay positive and appreciate those around them and what the things they do possess, including life experience and a platform to cling to in their journey for wholeness.

But enough about that, because I hope you do catch this surprisingly cozy and intimate flick that speaks volumes about life although it's widely unheard of by most moviegoers. I was curious myself to see if the ramen soup in my pantry could work the wonders that it worked in the film. A fusion of both worlds is integrated into a unified whole and it's a great accomplishment from both the countries that took part. Bonsai!