Little Manhattan

2005

Director: Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett

Distributor: 20^th Century Fox

Key Elements: Story –Characters –Concept

Review:

This is a very cute movie. I clearly remember when I first started to notice girls, and so much of this movie resonates with my experience. I even remember the debates about whether or not girls mature faster than boys.

It’s a fun watch, but I think the ending is the best part.

Also, I love that New York City itself is like a character of the story.

[Spoiler Warning:]

Gabe explains that this is a love story, but it’s not until the end that you realize the love isn’t his and Rosemary’s – It’s his parents. After fighting and threatening divorce through the whole movie, they finally get back together.

I think it illustrates that no problem can be too difficult to fix in a relationship if both people are willing. What I love is that I think the crucial moment comes in a conversation Gabe has with his dad. Gabe asks why all love has to end. And his dad’s face shows that he realizes the wrong message he’s been sending his son. And I love that, like a good dad, he takes steps to correct it.

Trailer:

Quotes:

• I really had no room for a woman in my life.
• Okay, what's going on here? What the heck is this? Oh my God. What's this feeling in the pit of my stomach? Who is this - this amazing creature before me? I looked at Rosemary and just felt so, um, confused. She's a girl. I'm supposed to despise girls, not feel nervous talking to one, not feel tongue-tied. I mean this was Rosemary Telesco, I knew her since Kindergarten!
• Does she like like me?
• Never had I been so keenly aware of the ability of palm to manufacture sweat, but I was determined to hold that girl's hand for every single second.
• This much I know firsthand - love hurts.
• Look at them all. Rats in their cages, their lives destroyed by love. I'm done with it. I won't be like them. The fools.
• See, this is just like I told you. Same thing I knew getting into this whole mess - love ends.
• But it wasn't that easy. I guess love never is.

Stills:

Elizabethtown

2005

Director: Cameron Crowe

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Key Elements: Lines - Characters – Message – Music

My Review:

This movie has grown on me over time.

After an epic failure at work, Drew is contemplating suicide. But when he hears of his father’s sudden death, he postpones his plan to help his family with the arrangements. Those arrangements bring him to his father’s home in the south, and he crosses paths with Clair – a girl who gives him new hope in life.

The first thing I loved about this movie was that it makes a great argument for engaging in life. Drew wants to escape, but Clair won’t let him. She doesn’t deny his despair, but she encourages him to face it. She invites him to fully drink it in, but then to let it go. Pain is real, but life goes on. There have been times I wish someone had given me such wise guidance.

The other thing I love is how Clair draws his attention to the joyful little things in life. Drew had lived in the world of big ideas where value was measured by conquering and success. Clair pulls him down to earth and forces him to stop taking himself so seriously. She shows him the beauty of a sunrise, the joy of a song, and the treasure of friendship. She shows him life outside of himself.

On top of all this, there’s an awesome scene at his father’s funeral where a band plays Free Bird and sets the stage on fire. It’s incredible and I am now seriously considering having Free Bird played at my own funeral.

Full of simple wisdom and great character interaction, I’d totally recommend seeing this movie at least once.

Clip:



Quotes:

• Trust me. Everybody is less mysterious than they think they are.
• We peaked on the phone.
• Drew, it was real, and it was great, and it was really great.
• I'm one of a kind.
• What they say is, it *will* hit you, it could be ten minutes or it could be ten years from now.
• Most of the sex I've had in my life was not as personal as that kiss.
• And don't worry. Because as great as you look tonight, you are safe with me.
• To have never taken a solitary road trip across country? I mean everybody's got to take a road trip, at least once in their lives. Just you and some music.
• Death and life. And death and life. Right *next door* to each other! There's like, there's a hair between them.
• Okay, it's all about family bro.
  - Thank you, Chuck.
• Because we have a moment here, let me tell you that I have recently become a secret connoisseur of 'last looks'. You know the way people look at you when they believe it's for the last time? I've started collecting these looks.
• All forward motion counts.
• It takes time to be funny. It takes time to extract joy from life.
• I want you to get into the deep beautiful melancholy of everything that's happened.
• Sadness is easier because its surrender. I say make time to dance alone with one hand waving free.
• So you failed. Alright you really failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You think I care about that? I do understand. You wanna be really great? Then have the courage to fail big and stick around. Make them wonder why you're still smiling.
• I'm going to miss your lips. And everything attached to them.
• You know, You're always trying to break up with me, and we're not even together.
  - I know... We're not?
• If it wasn't this... it'd be something else.
• You're great, Claire. Actually, you're kinda amazing.
• Just tell me you love me and get it over with!

Stills:

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

2005

Director: Andrew Adamson

Composer: Harry Grerson-Williams

Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures / Walden Media

Key Elements: Story – Visuals – Characters – Message – Symbolism – Music - Gospel

My Review:

I was amazed at how well this movie was made. It’s very well for a movie to stay true to its literary sources, but this one did it.

Lewis’ classic story is faithfully reproduced here with gorgeous music and stunning visuals.

James McAvoy makes Tumnus come alive in ways I’d never imagined. And the battle sequence is incredible.

But the best thing about this story is how it symbolizes the gospel. Aslan gives his life as a ransom for Edmund. But death cannot hold him and he returns to free Narnia from evil. It’s exactly what Jesus did for us.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Now, are you familiar with any Narnian lullabies?
  - Sorry, no.
  Well that's good, because this probably won't sound anything like one.
• Impossible!
• When Adam's Flesh and Adam's bone sits at Cair Paravel in throne, the evil time will be over and done.
• There's a right bit more than hope. Aslan... is on the move.
• The great cat is dead!
• For Narnia and for Aslan!
• He's not a tame lion.
  - No... but he is good.

Stills:

Cinderella Man

2005

Director: Ron Howard

Distributor: Universal Pictures

My Review:

This is the true story of how James Braddock came out of retirement to become the champ.
It is also an insightful look into the struggles of men trying to hold their families together during the Great Depression.

But I love this movie for how it depicts a good husband and father. Jimmy Braddock is at once firm and tender in disciplining his kids. He keeps his promises to them. He sacrifices, not only his share of food, but his pride among his friend, to ensure that his kids get what they need. There are so many moments when his character just blows me away.

If only he didn’t give up on praying in the story. I would have rather heard about how his strength came from God.

All the same, it’s a good movie about an amazing husband and father.

And the boxing is pretty exciting too.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• You're all heart.
  - My heart is for my family. My brains and my balls are for business.
• You think you're telling me something? Like, what, boxing is dangerous, something like that? You don't think working triple shifts and at night on a scaffold isn't just as likely to get a man killed? What about all those guys who died last week living in cardboard shacks to save on rent money just to feed their family, 'cause guys like you have not quite figured out a way yet to make money off of watching that guy die? But in my profession - and it is my profession - I'm a little more fortunate.
• Bob Johnson, Boston Globe. Two days ago, we ran a story about you giving your relief money back. Can you tell our readers why?
  - I believe we live in a great country, a country that's great enough to help a man financially when he's in trouble. But lately, I've had some good fortune, and I'm back in the black. And I just thought I should return it.
• Get that boys? Now he's got his wife doing his fighting for him!
  - Yeah. Ain't she something?
• I came to pray for Jim.
  - So did they.

Stills:

Stay

2005

Director: Marc Forster

Distributor: Fox Movies

Key Elements: Visuals – Lines – Concept

My Review:

In the spirit of the Twilight Zone, this movie keeps you guessing until the very end.

Sam is trying to help his newest patient Henry, who is planning to commit suicide. Henry, brooding and tormented, talks of the guilt he feels for something he has done, his desire for the girl he loves and the agony of seeing his parents though they are dead.

You won’t pick up on it the first time you watch it, but the movie’s resolution is creatively foreshadowed with loaded imagery throughout.

A thoughtful and artistic movie - Always an incredible watch.

Clip:



Quotes:

• If this is a dream, the whole world is inside it.
• Do you know the Tristan Rêveur quote about bad art? It's "bad art is more tragically beautiful than good art 'cause it documents human failure."
• An elegant suicide is the ultimate work of art.There's too much beauty to quit.

Stills:

Shopgirl

2005

Director: Anand Tucker

Distributor: Touchstone Pictures

Key Elements: Characters – Lines – Message

My Review:

Did you know Steve Martin is a best-selling novelist? I didn’t either until I saw this movie based on one of his books.

The story is about Mirabelle, a lonely girl at a nowhere job who suddenly has two men enter her life. Jeremy is a rough-around the edges, clueless kid. Ray is a wealthy, refined gentleman. Mirabelle chooses Ray. But Ray, it turns out, is only looking for someone to have fun with when he’s in town – not a relationship.

Meanwhile, Jeremy listens to self-help books on tape that show him the error of his ways and inspire him to genuinely love Mirabelle for who she is. I thought that was particularly cool – if we’re open to learning, we can find valuable lessons anywhere.

In the end Ray ends up alone, and Mirabelle finds true love with Jeremy – the real man in the story because he really loves her.

Most movies have completely unnecessary sex scenes – it really is cliché. But this movie is a rare case where the sex is actually part of the story. The message we get is that sex is meaningful and should not be approached casually because people will get hurt. Sex should instead be saved for someone who truly loves and respects you (The Christian knows this person is your spouse!)

One last note, the Jeremy character is hilarious. Jason Schwartzman is an actor I enjoy more the more I see him.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Mirabelle Buttersfield moved from Vermont hoping to begin her life. And now she is stranded in the vast openness of LA. She keeps working to make connections, but the pile of near misses is starting to overwhelm her. What Mirabelle needs is an omniscient voice to illuminate and spotlight her and to inform everyone that this one has value, this one standing behind the counter in the glove department and to find her counterpart and bring him to her.
• I'm an okay guy, by the way.
• Are you the kind of person that takes time to get to know, and then once you get to know them... they're fabulous?
  - Yes, absolutely... What?
• Hey look at these… ‘How to love a woman.’ You need that one.
  - What?
  There’s more relationship stuff.
  - You’re getting it?
  Let’s just get them all. We’re on the road till February.
  -um, ok.
  Alright?
  - Alright.
  Alright?
  - Alright. Um… I guess I’ll love women now.
• Oh hey Mirabelle’s machine. It’s Jeremy. I’m calling you from ‘the road.’ Um, and I was calling to wish you a happy thanksgiving and all that. And… I think I might have ‘objectified you instead of treating you like the unique being that you are.’ And even better, I get to use the roadie from the hot-tier’s cell phone for free, no charge. So I’m calling you for free.
• So, I can hurt now, or hurt later.
• Here, this is one of my lucky rubber bands. For a rainy day.
  - Thanks.
• I've been reading a lot of books on tape – about getting into the moment. And I think this is the moment. And in the moment, this moment, I think we should kiss. And, um, I’ve stood right here before and I’ve been hurt, I’ve been rejected by you. And I’m going to ask you to kiss me again. And, um, and… Would you just kiss me?
• So what made you do all this?
  - All this what?
  All this success.
  - Well you did.
  I did? How?
  - Well, you said, ‘Just do it.’ So I did it.
  Well that’s not very much.
  - Yeah but… I’ll protect you. …I will.
• But Mirabelle, now feeling the warmth of her first reciprocal love, has broken away from him. And as Jeremy offers her more of his heart, Mirabelle offers equal parts of herself in return. One night, sooner than she would have liked, which made it irresistible, they make love for the second time in fourteen months. At this point, Jeremy surpasses Ray Porter as a lover of Mirabelle, because what he offers her is tender and true.

Stills:

Pride and Prejudice

2005

Director: Joe Wright

Distributor: Focus Features

Key Elements: Story – Characters – Lines – Music

My Review:

I liked this movie so much I actually bought and read Jane Austin’s novel.

To tell the truth, I thought the movie did a slightly better job telling the story – the ending was wrapped up more neatly.

The dialogue is well delivered – particularly the scene where Elizabeth and Lady Catherine exchange intimidations. Lizzy elegantly puts her in her place.

The real draw of this story is, of course, seeing the tension build between Elizabeth and Darcy and then dissolve into love.

A classic love story.

But I admit, I probably wouldn’t have liked this movie as much if not for Kiera Knightly.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Is he amiable?
• Count your blessings Lizzie. If he liked you, you'd have to talk to him.
• Well, if Jane does die, it will be a comfort to know she was in pursuit of Mr. Bingley.
• Your mother insists on you marrying Mr. Collins... Well, Lizzie, from this day henceforth it seems you must be a stranger to one of your parents... Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins... and I will never see you again if you do.
• What on earth have you done to poor Mr. Darcy?
  - I have no idea.
• I'm sure that the feelings which, as you've told me have hindered your regard, will help you in overcoming it.
• Now tell me once and for all: Are you engaged to him?
  - I am not.
  And will you promise never to enter into such an engagement?
  - I will not and I certainly never shall.
  You have insulted me in every possible way, and can now have nothing further to say. I must ask you to leave immediately. Good night.
  I have never been thus treated in my entire life.
• You must know... surely, you must know it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I'd scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.
• I've been so blind.
• I cannot believe that anyone can deserve you... but it appears I am overruled. So, I heartily give my consent …I could not have parted with you, my Lizzie, to anyone less worthy.
• How are you this evening, my dear?
  - Oh, please do not call me that for my father always calls my mother that when he is cross.
  Alright then, what can I call you?
  - Call me Lizzie daily and My Pearl on Sundays.
  What shall I call you when I am cross then? Mrs. Darcy?
  - No. Only call me Mrs. Darcy when you are devotedly happy and everything is perfect. Mrs. Darcy... Mrs. Darcy... Mrs. Darcy... The lovely Mrs. Darcy.

Stills:

Kingdom of Heaven

2005

Director: Ridley Scott

Distributor: Fox Movies / Scott Free Productions

Key Elements: Lines – Message – Music

My Review:

Scott said in a press conference that his goal in making this movie was to show how meaningless and destructive religion can be – that all religion is essentially the same anyway.

I have to agree. Most religion amounts to men trying to appease/manipulate God – whatever they mean by the world. In this way, even the “Christian” Crusaders in this movie are more religious than Christian.

Christianity is not a religion. It is about loving God, not manipulating Him. We live well and make the world better out of love for Him and each other – not to attain some prize.

So if you want an illustration about the meaninglessness of religion and the importance of spiritual integrity, it’s here. There’s some great statements made about it.

But I also just love the image of a band of knights holding together in mutual respect and support. Timeless.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• ‘What man is a man who does not make the world better?’
• You are not what you were born, but what you have it in yourself to be.
• Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath. [cuffs Balian with the back of his hand] And that's so you remember it. …Arise a knight.
• I shall confess to God when I see him.
• Your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God you cannot say "but I was told by others to do thus" or that "virtue was not convenient at the time.” This will not suffice.
• We fight over an offence we did not give, against those who were not alive to be offended.
  We defend this city, not to protect these stones, but the people living within these walls.
  It is a kingdom of conscience, or nothing.
• I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of god. I have seen too much religion in the eyes of too many murderers. Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness. What god desires is here [points to head] and here [points to heart] and what you decide to do every day, you will be a good man - or not.
• …and if God does not love you, how could you have done the things you have done?
• You are not what you were born, but what you have it in yourself to be.

Stills:

The Island

2005

Director: Michael Bay

Distributor: DreamWorks

Key Elements: Visuals – Concept – Message – Music – Symbolism

My Review:

Logan’s Run meets Never Let Me Go. Clones who realize their slated for organ-harvesting escape a disguised prison.

That prison is one of the most interesting things about the movie. It looks like a harmonious, futuristic haven. But in reality, it’s a holding cell.

The Gospel can be seen in this movie too. We all live lives that we think are normal and safe, completely unaware of how we’re walking into destruction. But when we meet Jesus, our eyes are open to reality and by his grace, we can escape to new life.

My attention was grabbed when it was said that the clones are designed without a knowledge of sex. Our culture bombards us with sex, and i felt so jealous that these characters were immune. I wish I were that way.

The thing I really love about this movie is its pro-life message. A parallel is easily drawn between the clones who “aren’t really human” and unborn babies who “aren’t really human.” All people, including fetuses and clones, are human and ought to be treated as human. Mr. Larond's speech about his experiences in Africa really drives that point home.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• The Island awaits you.
• I don't know. I just - I wanna know answers and I - and I wish that there was more.
• Are these your friends? …Where are their clothes?
• Jordan, there *is* no island!
• The life you thought you had... it never happened.
• Well, excuse me, Miss "I'm-so-smart-I-can't-wait-to-go-to-the-Island!"
• My name is Lincoln Six-Echo. I'm your insurance policy.
• All I know is, people will do anything to survive.
• That tongue thing is amazing!
• No one is touching me.
• So the girl I brought in. You’re going to harvest and kill her anyway even though it won’t make any difference?
  - That’s the privilege our clients pay for Mr. Larond.
  You know my father was part of the Ukanabi Rebellion. And when he was killed, me and my brothers were branded - so others would know we were less than human. I’ve seen and done things I’m not proud of but at some point you realize war is – it’s business. …So when did killing become a business for you?
• I have discovered the holy grail of science Mr. Larond. I give life! The agnates, they are simply tools, instruments. They have no souls. The possibilities are endless here. In two years time, I can cure children’s leukemia. How man people can say that Mr. Larond?
  - I guess just you and God. …That’s the answer you’re looking for isn’t it?

Stills:

Hard Candy

2005

Director: David Slade

Distributor: Lionsgate Entertainment

Key Elements: Lines – Concept – Story – Message

My Review:

This was my first introduction to Ellen Page, who later gained fame for her role in Juno. She is an incredible actress.

The story is simple, but artistically delivered. We think a girl is walking into a pedophile’s trap, but then she flips everything around. It’s she who has set the trap. And she’s out to get the guy who took her friend. It’s exactly what we’d all love to see happen to that kind of freak.

By the end of this movie, this guy probably wishes he’d just run into Chris Hansen on Dateline’s To Catch a Predator.

The fact that she wears a red hood is a coy bit of imagery. We think she’s little red riding hood walking into the wolf’s den. But really, she’s the wolf.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Does my face lie?
• Nothing's yours when you invite a teenager into your home.
• Wow... You know, that is so thoughtful! You are speaking to me so selflessly! I mean, you just don't want me to castrate you for my own benefit? Wow, I'm touched. Jeff, why don't we imagine someone saying the same thing to you at a random moment? Imagine that when you downloaded this little girl... I was sitting by your side saying, "Stop! Don't do that to yourself!" Would you have listened?
• It's just so easy to blame a kid, isn't it! Just because a girl knows how to imitate a woman, does NOT mean she's ready to do what a woman does. …I mean, you're the grown up here. If a kid is experimenting and says something flirtatious, you ignore it, you don't encourage it. If a kid says 'Heeey, let's make screwdrivers' you take the alcohol away and you don't race them to the next drink!
• I’ll take care of everything …or not.

Stills:

Everything is Illuminated

2005

Director: Liev Schreiber

Distributors: Warner Independent Pictures

Key Elements: Lines – Visuals – Characters – Message – Music

My Review:

I may only like this movie because I loved the trailer so much, but even so, it’s worth a see.
Based on the book by Jonathan Safran Foer, the movie follows a boy across Eastern Europe in pursuit of the woman who helped in grandfather during the Hollocaust.

Eugene Hutz’s character is great. His slightly off interpretation of western culture and comedicly misspoken English are well balanced by his good heart.

My favorite scene is when their walking through a picturesque sunflower field.
Interesting note: The trailer used DeVotchKa’s "How It Ends” before it was used in Little Miss Sunshine.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Many girls want to be carnal with me... because I'm such a premium dancer!
• Make sure to secure the door when I am gone. There are many dangerous people who wanna take things from Americans, and also kidnap them. Good night!
• You make joke, yes?
• What happened?
  - Independence.
• I don't know, why does anybody do anything? It's just... something to do.
• It does not exist for you. You exist for it. You have come because it exists.
• I have reflected many times upon our rigid search. It has shown me that everything is illuminated in the light of the past. It is always along the side of us, on the inside, looking out. Like you say, inside out. Jonathan, in this way, I will always be along the side of your life. And you will always be along the side of mine.

Stills:

The Descent

2005

Director: Neil Marshall

Distributors: Pathe / Lionsgate

Key Elements: Concept – Visuals

My Review:

Simplicity is sometimes key when it comes to making a good horror movie. When I heard a movie was coming out about six hot British chicks spelunking, I knew it was something I wanted to see.

And this movie delivers exactly what it should: suspense, chills, shocks, and survival. It’s a thrill when Sara stops being scared and starts fighting back. And The camera work artfully heightens spelunking’s sense of claustrophobia.

But the scariest thing about the movie is not what the women find in the caves. It’s what Sara must live with once she is out – a final shot gives us a hint that she will be forever haunted by what she had to do to survive.

This movie delivers.

Interesting note: The movie poster is inspired by Philippe Halsman's portrait of Salvador Dali.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• I'm an English teacher, not fucking Tomb Raider.
• It hasn't got a name. It's a new system. No one's ever been down here before. I wanted us all to discover it!
• So, this isn't caving. This is an ego-trip!
• Hey, there's something down here…

Stills: