Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, this is the story of a Federal Marshal investigating a disappearance at a high-security prison for the criminally insane – shutter island.
As I expected, there was a twist at the end, but it was bigger than I expected. Along the way we’re left guessing while being dazzled by amazing visual poetry.
I continue to be impressed with the projects DiCaprio selects for himself.
Trailer:
Quotes:
Yeah fine, I just ah, I just can't, can't stomach the water.
You'll never leave this island.
There's no moral order at all. There's just this: can my violence conquer yours?
We gotta get off this rock, Chuck.
Which would be worse, to live as a monster, or to die as a good man?
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?
This hilarious movie is one of the most quotable I’ve ever seen. Love it.
Trailer:
Quotes:
Orange Mocha Frappuccino!
What do we do when we fall off the horse?
- ... fall off the horse?
... we... get back on!
- Sorry, Maury. I'm not a gymnast.
I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking. And I plan on finding out what that is.
It's that damn Hansel! He's so hot right now!
A eugoogoolizer... one who speaks at funerals. Or did you think I was too stupid to know what a eugoogooly was?
I just thank the Lord she didn't live to see her son as a mermaid.
- Mer-man! (cough-cough) Mer-man!
You think that you're too cool for school, but I have a newsflash for you Walter Cronkite... you aren't
It's a walk-off!
I'm not an ambi-turner.
What is this? A center for ants? How can we be expected to teach children to learn how to read... if they can't even fit inside the building?
- Derek, this is just a small...
I don't wanna hear your excuses! The building has to be at least... three times bigger than this!
Male models don't think for themselves.
- That's not true!
Yes it is, Derek.
- Okay.
I felt like, "This guy's really hurting me." And it hurt.
I'm sorry I was wack
When I was in 7th grade, I was... the fat kid in my class.
- Ew!
I was... Bullemic
- ...You can read minds?
I'm sorry that good-looking people like us made you throw up and feel bad about yourself.
After I graduated high school, my best friend and I went on a cruse. The TV’s in the rooms ran a couple movies on cycles, and this was one of them. So we watched it a lot and got to like it.
If you asked me, this movie was Lindsay Lohan’s peak – before she became wild blonde and waifish – You know, when she was attractive for real.
I heard that this movie was inspired by some sociological studies that looked into the cruel competition that often arises among teenage girls. So… everything you’re watching in the movie is based on actual behavior. Sorta scary.
But in the end it’s got a good message. We have more to gain by accepting each other. Judgment and division only hurts us.
Trailer:
Quotes:
That is so fetch!
You're a regulation hottie.
- What?
- Own it.
That one there, that's Karen Smith. She is one of the dumbest girls you will ever meet. Damien sat next to her in English last year.
- She asked me how to spell orange.
That little one, that's Gretchen Wieners.
- She's totally rich because her dad invented Toaster Streudels.
Gretchen Wieners knows everybody's business, she knows everything about everyone.
- That's why her hair is so big, it's full of secrets.
And evil takes a human form in Regina George. Don't be fooled because she may seem like your typical selfish, back-stabbing slut faced ho-bag, but in reality, she's so much more than that.
- She's the queen bee - the star, those other two are just her little workers.
Don't have sex, because you will get pregnant and die! Don't have sex in the missionary position, don't have sex standing up, just don't do it, OK, promise? OK, now everybody take some rubbers.
She's fabulous, but she's evil.
Boo, you whore.
The weird thing about hanging out with Regina was that I could hate her, and at the same time, I still wanted her to like me.
I'm sorry that people are so jealous of me... but I can't help it that I'm so popular.
I like *invented* her, you know what I mean?
I know it may look like I was being like a bitch, but that's only because I was acting like a bitch
Hell, no. I did *not* leave the South Side for this!
Did your teacher ever try to sell you marijuana or ecstasy tablets?
- No.
- What are marijuana tablets?
Half the people in this room are mad at me, and the other half only like me because they think I pushed somebody in front a bus, so that's not good.
Key Elements: Concept - Visuals - Music - Story - Message
My Review:
The moment I saw the trailer, I knew I would like this movie, based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. And I did like it. But I also mulled over it for a while afterword.
First, the bad - This movie was deeply thought provoking in regard to all areas of life except one: Sex. The writers of this story seemed to think that sex is somehow an unavoidably important part of life – but apparently not one important enough to merit any kind of critical thought or disciplined decision-making.
BUT, there’s also a lot of cool things about this movie.
The visual effects are stunning – not only the cinematography and scene setting, but also the incredible make-up job done to make Brad Pitt look old AND young.
Also, the music is gorgeous and effectively sets up the tone of the story.
One of my favorite things was the short story told at the very beginning of a clockmaker who builds a clock that runs backward. An artistically Steinbeckian parallel parable.
The short comedic flashbacks to how a man gets struck by lightening are funny reminders of how we should always value our lives and be thankful for what we have.
Another good message is that life is too short to hold onto bitterness. It’s better to just let things go.
But the best part of the movie is how is makes you consider both life and death. Benjamin’s condition is a constant reminder that we are all moving through life toward a final destination. The reality of our mortality is a hard drink to swallow, but it is important to consider just where we invest this short gift of life.
Trailer:
Quotes:
My name is Benjamin Button, and I was born under unusual circumstances. While, everyone else was agin', I was gettin' younger... all alone
I was thinking how nothing last, and what a shame that is.
- Some things last.
You're so young.
- Only on the outside.
For what it’s worth, it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit… start whenever you want… you can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that stop you. I hope you feel things that you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.
Key Elements: Characters – Music – Visuals – Message
My Review:
Based on the book by Roald Dahl, this story is both whimsical and weird. It has given us some lasting pop culture imagery and song.
What I really like about this movie is that it outlines the major vices of our society: overeating, too much TV, selfishness, and inconsideration. But it also rewards the mild-mannered, unassuming and selfless.
Gene Wilder is also a great in this role. His steady delivery of bizarre quips couldn’t be recreated. Particularly like when they firs enter the factory and the boat scene.
Clip:
Quotes:
I’ve got the golden ticket!
There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination. Living there, you'll be free if you truly wish to be.
The snozzberries taste like snozzberries.
Oh, you can't get out backwards. You've got to go forwards to go back, better press on.
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
There's no earthly way of knowing... Which direction we are going… There's no knowing where we're rowing… Or which way the river's flowing… Is it raining? Is it snowing? Is a hurricane a-blowing? Not a speck of light is showing… So the danger must be growing… Are the fires of hell a-glowing? ...Is the grisly reaper mowing? ...Yes, the danger must be growing… 'Cause the rowers keep on rowing… And they're certainly not showing… Any signs that they are slowing.
But Charlie, don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted. …He lived happily ever after.
Based on the Spanish film, Abre los Ojos, this is the ultimate Existentialist movie.
Existentialism teaches that there are certain things in life that we must accept, but our response to our lives is up to us – we choose what is meaningful to us.
David’s big choice comes at the end of the movie – will he live a lie or risk reality?
I also like David’s idea of being a “pleasure delayer” – of putting off gratification to build anticipation so that when the time finally comes, it’s amazing. This perspective makes it easier to have patience.
My favorite thing about this movie is a quote from Sophia: “Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.” It’s a great reminder of the opportunities for good we all have. This is particularly true for the Christian, because God’s mercies are new every morning.
Clip (Spoiler):
Quotes:
Isn’t that what being young is about? Believing secretly that you would be the one person in the history of man who would live forever.
I know sour, which allows me to appreciate the sweet.
Most of us live our whole lives... without any real adventure to call our own.
Well, you know, I'm a pleasure delayer
You will never know the exquisite pain of the guy, who goes home alone.
Every passing minute is a another chance to turn it all around
We better watch out…
My dreams are a cruel joke. They taunt me. Even in my dreams I'm an idiot... who knows he's about to wake up to reality. If I could only avoid sleep. But I can't. I try to tell myself what to dream. I try to dream that I am flying. Something free. It never works...
This is a revolution of the mind.
You’re in fucking sad shape! Don’t fucking ever hit a girl! Hit me, but don’t fucking ever hit a girl!
You have revealed yourself to me.
Listen to me because this is the last time we’re ever going to speak… I was your friend.
I wanna wake up! Tech support! It's a nightmare! Tech support! Tech support!
You were missed, David. It was Sofia who never fully recovered. It was she who some how knew you best... and like you, she never forgot that one night where true love seemed possible.
Look at us. I'm frozen and you're dead, and I love you.
I want to live a real life... I don't want to dream any longer.
The little things... there's nothing bigger, is there?
This is another movie that illustrates Plato’s parable of the cave, and another reminder that we should not accept the way things appear. Reality may be hidden. We should search for it.
It is also an existential story. Truman is presented with a way of looking at the world - and is pressured to accept and adapt to it. But instead, he developes his own perspective. In the end, chooses for himself what his life will be and what it will mean.
Clip:
Quotes:
Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.
We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented.
FIJI. You can't get any further away before you start coming back.
If his was more than just a vague ambition, if he was absolutely determined to discover the truth, there's no way we could prevent him.
We can't let him die in front of a live audience! - He was born in front of a live audience.
Is that the best you can do? …You're gonna have to kill me!
Was anything real?
- You were real.
I know you better than you know yourself.
- You never had a camera in my head!
How many comedies come out anymore that aren’t rife with sexual content? This is the only one I can think of. And get this, Hollywood: it’s still a great movie!
It took a while to catch on. I saw the trailer online, and then on the TV long before any theater near me showed the movie. But today it is undeniably an instant cult classic.
The humor of Napoleon Dynamite is in its relatable awkwardness. Growing up is uncomfortable and often un-pretty. But this movie tells us that that’s OK. It’s something we all know about. And really, we should just laugh it off.
If you’re going to find a message in this movie, it’s that, as Napoleon tells Pedro, we should just follow our hearts, no matter what anyone else thinks
Montage:
Quotes:
What are you gonna do today, Napoleon?
- Whatever I feel like I wanna do. Gosh!
Way to Stay home and eat all the freakin' chips, Kip.
-Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter.
Since when, Kip? You have the worst reflexes of all time.
- Try and hit me, Napoleon.
What?
- I said come down here and see what happens if you try and hit me.
Um, hello. Would you like to look like this?
- This is a girl.
Because for a limited time only, Glamour Shots by Deb are 75% off.
- I already get my hair cut at the Cuttin' Corral.
Well, maybe you'd be interested in some home-woven handicrafts? …And here we have some boondoggle key chains. A must-have for this season's fashion.
- I already made like infinity of those at scout camp.
I’m trying to earn money for college
-Your mom goes to college.
I see you're drinking 1%. Is that 'cause you think you're fat? 'Cause you're not. You could be drinking whole if you wanted to.
Who are you gonna ask?
- That girl over there.
Summer Wheatly? How the heck are you gonna do that?
- Build her a cake or something.
Well, nobody's going to go out with *me*!
- Have you asked anybody yet?
No, but who would? I don't even have any good skills.
- What do you mean?
You know, like nunchuku skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills... Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills.
It's a time machine, Napoleon. We bought it online.
- Yeah, right.
It works, Napoleon. You don't even know.
I spent like three hours doing shading the upper lip. It's probably the best drawing I've ever done.
Pedro, how do you feel about that one?
- It looks nice.
Yeah, it looks pretty sweet. It looks awesome. That suit, it's... it's incredible.
A liger… It's pretty much my favorite animal. It's like a lion and a tiger mixed... bred for its skills in magic.
Heck yes! I'd vote for you.
LaFawnduh is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I'm 100% positive she's my soul mate. Don't worry Napoleon, I'm sure there's a babe out there for you too. Peace out.
Just tell them that their wildest dreams will come true if they vote for you.
