The Butterfly Effect

2004

Director: Eric Bress/ J. Mackye Gruber

Distributed: New Line Cinema

Key Elements: Concept, Message, Music

My Review:

“What if?”

It’s a question that has haunted humanity for ages. This story suggests that, perhaps, it’s better not to know. It’s one of the darkest movies I’ve seen.

It’s interesting to think about how small details have incredible consequences. Things in our childhood have particular influence over us.

Taking these small choices too lightly can be damaging in the long run, but obsessing over these details can be equally destructive. If we had the power to change things would we?

Evan is able to travel through time by reading his past journals. As a journalist, I appreciate the use of the power of writing – particularly the recording of private thoughts.

I also appreciate how the movie illustrates the effects of child abuse – both verbal and sexual. It’s something that happens more than is talked about, and it’s good to be reminded of how serious a matter it is.

Analyzing the plot reveals some holes in the story. The usual chronology of cause and effect is disrupted by the circular story line. But ignoring this technicality, we can focus on the existential questions that are raised – which are the point of the movie anyway.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• It has been said something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world. - Chaos Theory
• If anyone finds this, it means my plan didn't work and I'm already dead. But if I can somehow go back to the beginning of all of this, I might be able to save her.
• This is the very moment of your reckoning.
• I'll come back for you.
• I know who I am – I don’t need a bunch of stuff to remind me.

Bowling for Columbine

2002

Director: Michael Moore

Distributor: United Artists

Key Elements: Concept

My Review:

While I find Michael Moore’s methods and intent abrasively unprofessional, he makes a good point about American culture. We have been socialized to fear each other and to turn to violence as our initial response.

Trailer:



Quote:

• Well, here's my first question. Do you think it's kind of dangerous handing out guns at a bank?
• I use the pen, because the pen is mightier than the sword. But you must always keep a sword handy for when the pen fails.
• …that's what I think it's all based on, the whole idea of 'keep everyone afraid, and they'll consume.’
• The media, the corporations, the politicians... have all done such a good job of scaring the American public, it's come to the point where they don't need to give any reason at all.
• I sleep at night with a gun under my pillow.
• There's a lot of wackos out there.

The Boondock Saints

1999

Director: Troy Duffy

Distributor: Indican

Key Elements: Concept, Lines, Music

My Review:

Two extraordinary Boston-Irish brothers have “greatness thrust upon them” and embrace it, becoming violent vigilantes against social vices.

This movie, for me, danced just shy of the line between inspiring and disturbing. At any rate, it's a cult classic ammong college guys.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• So that that which is good may flourish.
• It’s very easy to be sarcastic about religion. It’s much harder to take a stand.
• Now you will receive us… We do not ask for your poor, or your hungry… We do not want your tired and sick… It is your corrupt we claim… It is your evil that will be sought by us… With every breath we shall hunt them down… Each day, we will spill their blood till it rains down from the skies… Do not kill, do not rape, do not steal, these are principles that every man of every faith can embrace… These are not polite suggestions, these are codes of behavior and those of you that ignore them will pay the dearest cost… There are varying degrees of evil, we urge you lesser forms of filth not to push the bounds and cross over, into true corruption, into our domain… For if you do, one day you will look behind you and you will see we three. And on that day, you will reap it… And we will send you to whatever god you wish.
• And Shepherds we shall be
  For thee, my Lord, for thee.
  Power hath descended forth from Thy hand.
  Our feet may swiftly carry out Thy commands.
  So we shall flow a river forth to Thee.
  And teeming with souls shall it ever be.
  In Nomeni Patri Et Fili …Spiritus Sancti.

Stills:

Brick

2005

Director: Rian Johnson

Distributor: Focus Features

Key Elements: Concept, Story, Lines

My Review:

Film noir relocated, this movie takes the violent, criminal underground of half a century ago and sets it in a modern, west coast high school.

The juxtaposition of present-day teens and latter-day patterns of speech creates a surreal undercurrent for a high-stakes drama.

Brendan’s character is particularly interesting. We get hints that he is a loner and a thinker, yet we don’t know much else about him. One thing we know, he loved Emily with a fierce, protective love. Now he’s dead set to make certain that those who took her from him get taken.

Trailer:


Quotes:

• Look, I did what she said with the brick. I didn't know it was bad, but The Pin's on it now for poor Frisco, and they're playing it all on me.
• Come on at me if you want, hash head. I've got all five senses and I slept last night - that puts me six up on the lot of you.
• When the "Upper-Crust" does shady deeds, they do them all over town, and the pitch is they got these little symbols so they can tell each other without word getting around.
• Ask any dope rat where their junk sprang and they'll say they scraped it from that who scored it from this who bought it off so and after four or five connections the list always ends with the Pin. But I bet if you got every rat in town together and said 'show your hands' if any of them've actually seen the Pin, you'd get a crowd of full pockets.
• You think nobody sees you. Eating lunch behind the portables. Loving some girl like she's all there is, anywhere, to you. I've always seen you. Or maybe I liked Emily. Maybe I see what you're trying to do for her, trying to help her, and I don't know anybody who would do that for me.
• You're the only thing I love!

Stills:

The Breakfast Club

1985

Director: John Hughs

Distributor: Universal Pictures

Key Elements: Characters, Message, Music

My Review:

The Quintessential 80’s teen movie.

Most of us can remember the drastic lines drawn between social cliques in high school. And most of us can also remember being frustrated with the socially controlling mistreatment and dismissal accompanying these stark, artificial divisions.

The Breakfast Club shows us that we have more in common than different. Teen angst is hard to deal with no matter who we hang out with. We do better to befriend each other than to divide.

Though the music and cultural references may be specific to the 80’s (and delightfully so), the themes are universal and lasting.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• "...And these childrenthat you spit on
  as they try to change their worlds
  are immune to your consultations.
  They're quite aware
  of what they're going through..."
  David Bowie
• Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain ...and an athlete ...and a basket case...a princess...and a criminal ...Does that answer your question?... Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.

Stills:

Braveheart

1995

Director: Mel Gibson

Distributor: Paramount Pictures / Icon Entertainment

Key Elements: Story, Characters, Line, Message, Music, Gospel

My Review:

This is a must see for anyone with a Y-chromosome. It is rare that a movie comes out with such an inspiring and iconic leading man.

This movie blends history with legend to present the story of William Wallace, liberator of Scotland. His character shows what a leader must be.

Wallace is a devoted lover, a fierce fighter and an inspiring leader. He is led by passion and principle, not selfishness. Though he is a warrior, his heart it for peace in freedom. He is brutal against compromise and he is completely devoted to God.

Parallels can be seen between Wallace’s character and the person of Christ. This is most evidently illustrated in the use of a cross motif during the execution. Just as Wallace gives his life to free Scotland from the tyranny of England, Jesus died to free us from the tyranny of sin.

No matter how inspiring Wallace’s character is, he is only a vague reflection of the true liberating warrior – Jesus Christ.

Clip:



Quotes:

• I shall tell you of William Wallace. Historians from England will say I am a liar, but history is written by those who have hanged heroes.
• I know you can fight. But it's our wits that make us men.
• Your heart is free. Have the courage to follow it.
• In order to converse with an equal, an Irishman is forced to talk to God.
• Aye, fight and you may die, run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!
• Lower your flags and march straight back to England, stopping at every home to beg forgiveness for a hundred years of theft, rape, and murder. Do this and your men shall live. Do it not, and every one of you will die today.
• Now tell me, what does that mean to be noble? Your title gives you claim to the throne of our country, but men don't follow titles, they follow courage. Now our people know you. Noble, and common, they respect you. And if you would just lead them to freedom, they'd follow you. …And so would I.
• I don't want to lose heart! I want to believe as he does.
• I never lie, but I am a savage.
• Every man dies, not every man really lives.
• God makes men what they are.
• In the Year of our Lord 1314, patriots of Scotland - starving and outnumbered - charged the fields of Bannockburn. They fought like warrior poets; they fought like Scotsmen, and won their freedom.

Stills:

Blast from the Past

1999

Director: Hugh Wilson

Distributor: New Line Cinema

Key Elements: Lines - Concept - Characters

My Review:

While past decades had their difficulties – racism, sexism, and ideological prejudice – there were also some really great things. Society of the 40’s and 50’s and even the 60’s had a sense of class, style and manners that has been lost in today’s generation.

Adam is like a human time capsule. He knows the music of the crooners and classic swing. He knows how to dance. He knows how to box. And he knows that a gentleman always respectfully treats a woman like a lady.

In part because he’s lived his whole life in a hole (literally), Adam has a fascination with the simple beauties of the world that is refreshingly immune to our modern cynicism.

Though he has a childlike innocence, his is every bit a man – and a classy one at that.

Clip:



Quotes:

• Son. Adam.
  - Yes, Father?
  Don't forget: stay out of the adult bookstore.
  - Adult bookstore. Why?
  Poison gas. Invisible.
• The sky!
  - I see it mommy!
  I've never seen anything like it! …or like you!
• He said, good manners are just a way of showing other people we have respect for them.
• But it turns out, his short and simple definition of a lady or a gentleman is, someone who always tries to make sure the people around him or her are as comfortable as possible.
• Eve, a man walks into your life, who's the kindest, most polite, most incredibly rich guy you've ever met...
  - And I have him committed.
• Uh, Eve, this is Adam. Look, I just wanted to thank you for everything you did for me. And I wanted to tell you that I... that uh... that I wish so many good things for you. I wish so hard that all of your dreams come true, and... and that's all I... that's all.

Stills:

Black Snake Moan

2006

Director: Craig Brewer

Distributor: Paramount Vantage

Key Element: Concept, Characters, Lines

My Review:

There's more to dislike than to like about this movie. But the idea is so over the top, simultaneously fulfilling and parodying the noir genre, it's amusingly unique.

I liked the role Mississippi Delta blues plays in the movie.

I also like that it illustrates how victims of abuse, in effort to regain control, often embrace their abuse.

Addiction is an ugly thing. And while extreme measures are usually needed to break it, being chained in someone else's house, probably isn't very effective in reality.

The movie hinted at how Jesus is the source of redemption, but should have focused on it more.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• You’re talking about Rey. Girl’s got the itch - She got the sickness. She goes CRAZY.
• ...I wanted to tell you about that.
• God put you in my path, and I aim to cure you of your wickedness.
• Get your ass back in my house!
• Now I done made up my mind on this and I ain’t going to be moved.

Stills:

Big Fish

2003

Director: Tim Burton

Distributor: Columbia Pictures

Key Elements: Visuals, Concept, Message, Symbolism, Characters, Music

My Review:

Burton’s imagery here is less dark, but just as surreal.

One of the things I like about this movie is the way it acknowledges the damage done when a boy does not have a strong relationship with his dad. In a society where the role of father is dismissed, even mocked, it is refreshing to see the significance of the father/son relationship illustrated.

The other thing I liked was the way it blurs the line between real and ideal. Were Edward’s stories lies, or honest accounts of the way he saw the world? It seems that where other people might see bleak normality, Edward saw extraordinary beauty.

Life is existentially reliant on our perception.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• In telling the story of my father's life, it's impossible to separate fact from fiction, the man from the myth. The best I can do is to tell it the way he told me. It doesn't always make sense and most of it never happened... but that's what kind of story this is.
• Sometimes, the only way to catch an uncatchable woman is to offer her a wedding ring.
• You don't know me, but my name's Edward Bloom... And I love you.
• Sandra Templeton, I love you and I WILL marry you!
• There's a time when a man needs to fight and a time when he needs to accept that his destiny's lost, the ship has sailed and that only a fool will continue. The truth is I've always been a fool.
• There comes a point when any reasonable man will swallow his pride and admit he made a mistake. The truth is... I was never a reasonable man.
• Truth is, I've always been thirsty.
• It was that night I discovered that most things you consider evil or wicked are simply lonely, and lacking in social niceties.
• She said that the biggest fish in the river gets that way by never being caught.
• Now I may not have much, but I have more determination then any man you're likely to meet.
• Most men, they'll tell you a story straight through. It won't be complicated, but it won't be interesting either.
• I know better than to argue romance with a French woman.
• I've been nothin' but myself since the day I was born, and if you can't see that it's your failin', not mine.
• Has it ever occurred to you that maybe you're not too big? That maybe this place is just too small?
• There are some fish that cannot be caught. It's not that they're faster or stronger than other fish, they're just touched by something extra.
• A man tells his stories so many times that he becomes the stories. They live on after him, and in that way he becomes immortal.
• They say when you meet the love of your life, time stops, and that's true. What they don't tell you is that when it starts again, it moves extra fast to catch up.You become what you always were - a very big fish.

Stills:

Band of Brothers

2001

Director: Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg & various others

Distributor: HBO

Key Elements: Message, Visuals, Concept, Lines, Characters

My Review:

This dramatization of Stephen Ambrose’s book follows the 101st airborne Easy Company from it’s training at Curahee to the Normandy invasion to Bastogne to Hitler’s Mansion.
Each episode opens and closes with footage of interviews with surviving troops from Easy Company giving the story eerie realism.

With amazing visuals and a heartbreaking narrative, this is a tour du force of war drama. Excellent in every aspect.

Intro:



Quotes:

• “From this day to the ending of the world we in it shall be remembered. We lucky few, we band of brothers. For he who today sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”
• We're paratroopers, Lieutenant, we're supposed to be surrounded
• "They got me." You believe that? You believe I said that?
• Once we get into combat, the only people you can trust is yourself and the fella next to you.
• That night, I thanked God for seeing me through that day of days and prayed I would make it through D plus 1. I also promised that if some way I could get home again, I would find a nice peaceful town and spend the rest of my life in peace.
• You know why they volunteered? Because they knew that the man in the foxhole next to them would be the best. Not some draftee who's going to get them killed.
• …What if you'd won? Don't ever put yourself in the position where you can take from these men.
• Remember boys, flies cause disease, so keep yours closed!
• It's called wounded, Peanut. Injured is when you fall out of a tree or something.
• Maybe that's because Tertius knew there was some value to the men thinking he was the meanest, toughest sonofabitch in the whole Roman Legion.
• We're all scared. You hid in that ditch because you think there's still hope. But Blithe, the only hope you have is to accept the fact that you're already dead. And the sooner you accept that, the sooner you'll be able to function as a soldier is supposed to function. Without mercy. Without compassion. Without remorse. All war depends upon it.
• How do I feel about being rescued by Patton? Well I'd feel pretty peachy, except for one thing, we didn't fuckin' need to be rescued by Patton. Got that?
• Hey Janovek, what ya reading?
  -An article.
  No shit. What's it about?
  -It's about why we're fightin' the war.
  Why are we fighting the war, Janovek?
  - It appears the Germans are bad, very bad.
  You don't say. The Germans are bad, huh? …Hey Frank, this guy is reading and article, that says the Germans *are bad*.
• Hey this guy says he's not a Nazi. All of Germany and I haven't met one Nazi yet.
• Hey, you! That's right, you stupid Kraut bastards. That's right. Say hello to Ford, and General fuckin' Motors. You stupid fascist pigs. Look at you. You have horses. What were you thinking? Dragging our asses half way around the world, interrupting our lives. For what, you ignorant, servile scum. What the fuck are we doing here?
• I treasure my remark to a grandson who asked, "Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?" "No", I answered, "But I served in a company of heroes".

Stills:

Back to the Future III

1990

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Distributor: Universal Pictures

Key Elements: Characters, Visuals, Story, Message

My Review:

The conclusion of the further mind-bending story. In it, Marty learns that pride can lead to downfall and instead accepts restraint as the nobler course.

Doc gives us an existential truth: our lives are what we make them.

Bonus points for the Fistful of Dollars reference.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Well, there are plenty worse places to be than the Old West. I could've ended up in the Dark Ages. They probably would have burned me at the stake as a heretic or something.
• It was the writings of Jules Verne that had a profound effect on my life. I was 11 when I first read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. That's when I realized that I must devote my life to science.
• It means your future hasn't been written yet. No one's has. Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one, both of you.

Stills:

Back to the Future II

1989

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Distributor: Universal Pictures

Key Elements: Characters, Visuals, Story

My Review:

A visually amazing continuation of a mind-bending story.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• The encounter could create a time paradox, the results of which could start a chain reaction that would unravel the very fabric of the space time continuum, and destroy the entire universe! Granted, that's a worse case scenario.
• Time-traveling is just too dangerous. Better that I devote myself to study the other great mystery of the universe: women!

Stills: