|
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Directed By: Tim Burton
PG, 1hr. 46 mins.
Charlie is given the golden ticket, a ticket that will get him into Willy Wonka's fantastic chocolate factory.
Willy, however, is more than just a factory owner. Has the leader of Charlie's tour really lost his marbles, or is it
part of a plan?
It is impossible not to compare this film with Gene Wilder's 1970's version of Roald Dahl's classic book. Here is the quickest comparison I can make: Wilder is cool-scary-weird, Johny Depp is cute-in-a-nerdy-way-weird.
I liked both, but as a fan of the original book, Depp's version is better. I especially liked that Depp's
character, in Burton's classic style, is given more of a background and story than Wilder's version. We finally
understand why Willy is a more than just odd. I can recommend this movie to children and adults of all ages. Reviewed By: Mel. S.
08/14/05
|
 |
|
|
MirrorMask
Directed By: Dave McKean
PG, 1 hr. 41 mins.
Dave McKean’s illustrations
come to life in this gorgeous little movie about a girl in search of a mask to save the world.
Helena (Stephanie Leonidas) becomes angry, and in a typical
teenage moment wishes for her death. When her mother becomes sick, Helena
falls into a dream where she must find a mask to stop darkness from destroying both her dream world and the way back home.
This movie is much like Neverending Story and The Dark Crystal
in its youthful storyline, however, the abilities of McKean and Gaiman succeed in creating a movie older fantasy lovers will
enjoy as well. The symbolism, clever wordplay, and imaginative graphics make this movie comparable in caliber with Corpse Bride, a contemporary movie with a much wider release day and bigger budget. It really is quite beautiful, and I recommend seeing it on the big screen, if possible.
I Rated It 9
Reviewed By: Mel. S.
10/16/05
|
|
|
|
|
Kingdom of Heaven
Directed By: Ridley Scott
R, 2hrs. 25 mins.
Kingdom was fairly accurate and enjoyable,
but very political. Its message is that Islam has gotten along with Christians
for long periods of time, the implication being why can’t we do the same now?
Kings who make peace are good, and those who make war for glory are bad. Orlando
Bloom plays one young king who is good, but stuck with the impossible task of defending a war he did not start.
The American political allusions are
not sketched, but inked in with a big red marker. I understand the importance
of the issue, but did not enjoy the preaching. This was an enjoyable movie, but
not as fun/moving as Gladiator, or Braveheart—my
standards for the modern epic drama.
Reviewed By: Mel. S.
5/22/05
|
|
|
|
|
