Thursday Movie Picks: Sibling Relationships

Sibling Relationships. Biologically related.

I found this week's theme quite a difficult one, like I seem to each week actually, especially as the picks can only be 3 films. I immediately thought of the Marx Brothers but they don't play brothers in their films. Then I thought of the Coen brothers but again they make films and their characters who are siblings have twisted relationships are just aren't significant enough to warrent a pick. The Darjeeling Limited would have been perfect but I already chose it for mother - son relationships. There are plenty of films were siblings bonds are strong but are not the centre of the film, like The Hunger Games. Other films seem to be more subtle but I apart from a handful of films, there aren't many films just about siblings, except In Her Shoes, which just irritates me to my core.

Sense and Sensibility

This was one of the films that sprung to mind when thinking about sibling relationships. The book, which the film is based by Jane Austen, who was very close to her own sister, was actually going to name to book Elinor and Marianne. These two sisters are close, both different in many ways but they share their secrets with one another. Marianne who speaks her mind, Elinor who is more reserved by can say so much in just one movement or expression. Closer in age, their younger sister Margaret might be left out but she has a place in their connection as the adventourous one. A brilliant story about sibling bonds as well a true Austen story about life and love.

The Virgin Suicides

Five sisters who all decide to kill themselves at the same time. Well, the youngest dies months before the others, but still, all of them go. In the book, the're planned deaths are spread out a little more, but in the adaptaion of  Jeffrey Eugenides debut novel, also the first film from Sophia Coppola, the youngest kills herself at a party that was held to encourage the girls to socialise more after the youngest first attempt. The other four sisters go, in various ways, at the same time. The sisters have an air of mystery around them, 5 then 4 beautiful girls, with incredibley strict to the point of smothering parents. In both film and book you never find out why they did it, they kept their secrets. 

Lawless

Based on a book, based on a true story, the Bondurant brothers—Forrest, Howard and Jack make moonshine during prohibition. They run a successful business until the corrupt law tries to mussel in. It's great period crime drama with a great cast, but at the films and story's core are the brothers who work together, live together and would do anything for each other, even die together (don't worry that wasn't a plot spoiler).


A little bit of a cheat this one but.....

A Series of Unfortunate Events

I couldn't not include this film in this topic. Aside from the fact these three orphans are the most unluckiest children ever is an understatement, the books are brilliant and unique, including the characters. They are put through the grinder more than once or twice. The film was brilliant, such a shame that the series never continued, I think this should definitely be rebooted. Violet, Klause and Sunny, siblings are not only close but are great survival companions. They use each others' strengths in all their problems and they never leave each other behind, they stick together no matter what, that's why I couldn't leave the film out.





Don't forget to check out what Wandering Through the Shelves picked, the blog that started Thursady Movie Picks.

Thursday Movie Picks: Animated Movies

This week is a very broad genre and I actually found it difficult to pick. I thought I'd go for films I thought not many people would pick. But you never know, all three films might be very popular.

Flight of Dragons

 

This one is a bit of a cheat as I wrote about it previously in an 'Afternoon Movie' post but it is, for me and my sister at least, a classic animation which we watch many times when we were younger. I experienced a rerun of it during Uni. It has dragons, wizards, time travel, giants, magic and a board game. The latter might be dull but its important. You can't find it on DVD, not in the UK anyway, only on VHS, for ages I had to make do with youtube but it was worth it.

Chicken Run

Aardman Animations proved further just what brilliant animators and storytellers they are. It's 'The Great Escape' with chickens and it is pure gold. Cocky American rooster happens upon a chicken farm where they are all trying to escape, the need to escape becomes more urgent when the farmers decides to harvet the chickens and not the eggs. Great scenes in this as well perfect animation. Loved it in the cinema, still love it today.

A Town Called Panic

A french stop motion animation about Horse, Cowboy and Indian who all live together in a rural farm. Weird things happen, involving lots of bricks, an invasion of water creatures, journey to the centre of the Earth and a surprise birthday BBQ. That is as basic a plot as I can explain. It is bizarre but again, it's hilarious, even once you get past the main characters. Just to point out, the most intelligent of the three is the horse.



Don't forget to have a look at where it all began, Wandering Through The Shelves.

Thursday Movie Picks: Movies Set in a High School/Secondary School

 Movies Set in a High School/Secondary School. Another nice long title to have in my post. I'm sure Mean Girls will be a popular one to pick but I'll stay away from my more obvious choices. There is also a serious lack of films from the UK set in schools, at least secondary schools. Well, 'If...' is a British film but I didn't care for the film that much and the more recent following would be a good choice but I haven't seen it yet. The film below either seem to take place, mostly at school or they are about school.

Heathers

 

 "What's your damage Heather?"

Who would have thought that great power comes from a red hair scrunchie and being called Heather. A satire about teen suicide, does seem like an odd choice for a film subject and later an off broadway musical, that I have the soundtrack to. Winona Ryder in her heyday along side Christain Slater, again in his heyday are a couple of misfits who decide to get their own twisted revenge on the more popular students by staging their murders as suicide. It's better that this description, I assure you.

Rushmore

"I saved Latin. What did you ever do?"

This was a pick I hesitated over as it is more about Max, Jason Schwartzman in his film debut giving an award worthy performance. But the majority of the film does take place, either at the Rushmore Academy or at Max's other high school. Either way, both of the schools have truely amazing drama departments, meeting the rather intimidating Max's specifications. It really about a teenage boy falling in love with a woman far too old for him and his determination that he will win the girl, while also trying his hardest to stay at his beloved school.

10 Thing I Hate About You

 

"I guess in this society, being male and an asshole makes you worthy of our time"

I could have picked Clueless or Easy A but I went for the Shakespearean adaption/modern twist film. Plus, I loved and still do love this film. It was one of my first teen movies I watch when I was younger. Surprisingly, I used to watch other genres, maybe not fit for a 10 year old to watch, but hey, no matter. I love 'The Taming of the Shrew' and after seeing the film many times, I picked up on more similarities that were included. A great cast, filled with typical tropes of the genre and setting as well as adding a few great extras like, Bogey, just the character, he's a weird add on. Also Kat and Patrick are just great sparring characters who don't loose their edge. On a side note, the school that the film was shot in is amazing, its like a palace by the sea. The only thing about this film that irritated me was the title. It's too darn long. And I know we were all counting the 'hates' in the poem at the end.


Don't forget to check out the host with the most - Wandering Through The Shelves.

Thursday Movie Picks: Kids Movies Adults Would Enjoy (Non-Animated)

For me, there were too many films to pick from. Of course some of the films that came to mind I thought maybe they weren't aimed at kids to begin with, like Time Bandits. Is that a kids film? It has a PG (not a rating anymore but is still used unofficially) rating. Also, Where The Wild Things Are. The film is based on a children's classic book but I feel the film would go over children's heads, its too deep for them to grasp. So, I went for safer options and films that I was obsessed with as a child and film I saw as a teenager and used to watch on a loop at Uni.

1. Jumanji

Couldn't stop watching this as a child. Didn't see it in the cinema but saw it frequently on TV and when I taped it. A game becoming real when you play it, anyone of any age can enjoy this, plus it has Robin Williams in it. He wasn't outrageous and he wasn't completely serious, a great balance for a children's film based on a book. This also came out around the time people were loosing interest in board games, excellent boost. 

2. The Goonies

'Goonies never say die!' That's right, they don't. I saw this when I was older, in college and couldn't stop watching it in Uni. Kids going on an adventure to find some treasure to save their homes while gangsters track them down. Again, I'd watch it. But I think this film appeals to the older crowd for nostalgic reasons. Still, it has some great meme making moments in it.

3. Labyrinth

This was going to be in the list from the start. Classic film starring David Bowie and his crotch as the Goblin king who makes a teenager run through a maze to save her baby brother she screams wishes would be taken away. A musicial mixture of Bowie, puppets, mayhem, dream sequences and the bog of eternal stentch that seems like the worst thing in the world. A film that deserves 'cult' status and has inspired the 'Masquerade Ball' at the Prince Charles Cinema which I enjoyed immensely, especially blowing bubbles at the screen and singing along to 'Dance Magic Dance'.


Don't forget to check out where Thursday Movie Picks all started - Wandering Through the Shelves.

Thursday Movie Picks: Mother-Son Relationships (Biologically Related)

Nice long title for this one, 'All in the Family Edition: Mother-Son Relationships (Biologically Related)' this week.

I know a friend of mine would jump straight to 'Savage Grace' but I'm going to side step any incesteuos picks. I have to admit that, after looking through my DVD collection, I don't favour films with mother-son centered relationships. But here goes:

How to Train Your Dragon 2

In the first film, its all about finding his own way, young Hiccup has strained relationship with his Dad and Chief and doesn't seem to have much in common until much later so it goes as follows that he would be like his Mum right? Correct! She is a great character and edition even though her reasons for staying away were actually ridiculous. She has the 'dragon charmer' gene from his Mum and the understanding of the creatures but the sense of adventure and what is right seems like Hiccup all on his own. Their reunion is odd but accepted quickly, giving time for them to bond with dragons.

Darjeeling Limited

 

The story is all about three brothers who handled their Father's death in different ways. It is also a story about three brothers coming together and just becoming brothers again, it usually takes a tragedy and or a quest to do this. It all happens in one story. Trying to find meaning in their Mother's swift disappearence and when finding her, she stays just a short while only to disappear from them again. Abandonment brings them together. But the moment that the three brothers grow up and realise that they don't need their Mother is near the end. Francis removes the bandages and says 'I guess I still have some healing to do'. His brothers are by his side.

Ed and His Dead Mother

Being a fan of Steve Buscemi I came across this little wonder when looking through his film history and realised I had never seen it. Buscemi plays Ed, run down hardware store clerk, is devastated when his beloved Mother dies. After a mysterious man offers the opportunity (money first of course) to revive his Mother he does. Chaos ensues and the lesson learned is; do not try to revive someone from the dead, they are never the same. But Ed throughout it still a real mamma's boy.


Don't forget to checkout Wandering Through the Shelves - the blog that started Thursday Movie Picks.

May Watch List

1. Les Combattants

 Called 'Love at First Fight' elsewhere or will be called this elsewhere. Although it is partly true, that title, dumbs down the story between Madeleine and Arnaud. She is aggressive and outspoken, while is calm and sweet natured. After being transfixed by her, he follows her into signing up for a military program. Where she is keen to do hard training but shot down for being too forward, he continues along doing well with the tasks asked of him. The tipping point is when she questions his authority during an orienteering exercise. This being the final straw for him, leaves but this time she follows. They escape and its their time in the woods alone things come to a head, in a symbolic and tension freeing way. I really enjoyed this film, especially as the leads had such great chemistry, switching up the character traits with her being the 'hot head' and him being 'calm and collected'. The film has won awards and so far talk about the film has been 'so-so' but I think the characters are refreshing and the comedic moments are well dispersed. 3/5
 

2. Mad Max: Fury Road

 

 How do I begin with this Mad Max film? Maybe by answering all those, let's face it, men, complaining that the film was dominated by Charlize Theron's Furiosa and not enough of Tom Hardy's Max. To them I say, please do shut up. The film is not a feminist riot. Women, yes do take centre stage and there are more women than men in the 'main' cast catagory but why does this matter? Doesn't it show that films have progressed and that stories, even big blockbuster films can be about women too? All the films are about Mad Max and how he survives in the wilderness, but all the films aren't solely about him, they're also about the people he encounters. If you really want to summerise the epic film that is Fury Road, you could say its about a strong woman who saves three women from being owned by a crazy dictator. They all go on a road trip to find a better place to live. Also Max is there.

The film is more than these sexist views about the film. It begins with Max's story, then intercuts with two others, Furiosa who drives a war tank and Nux (Nicholas Hoult) a 'war boy' in the crazy dictator Immortan Joe's army. Max is captured and used as blood bank for Nux. When Joe realise that his prize possessions, the last breeders, his 5 wives have been kidnapped/saved by Furiosa, so begins the epic road trip/war to bring them back. Max, is caught up in another war (as you remember this happens quite frequently). At first reluctant, nearly driving off leaving the women stranded, but soons he is part of the gang trying to escape the clutches of the actuallt really disgusting and truely terrible being, Immortan Joe. The film doesn't break away and reboot anything, its stays with the universise of the other three films but on a bigger playing field. Everything from the machines, vehicles, costumes, the language and the just the characters themselves are brilliantly executed in screen. I only have a few qualms but they are just my own views (one is a plot spoiler, so I won't do that). It was mainly Hardy's choice of accent, it was part Bane, part American, part Austrailian, let's just say it was odd. If you liked the classics, you will not be disappointed. If you like road movies with violence, you won't be disappointed. If you're sexist and only like films where men take the centre stage, grow up, Furiosa is coming for you. 4/5

 3. Moomins on the Riveria 

The scary images of The Congress aside, long live 2D animation in all its beautiful glory. This Finnish-French production of a new story based on the characters by beloved author Tove Jansson and the comic strips by Tove and her brother Lars, is simply long overdue. Not only is the storyline in keeping with the adventers of the Moomins but the designs are truely amazing, as of they were lifted straight from the books and comic strips. The use of colour is very strong, especially in the settings. Bright yellows and pinks for the Riveria and bright blues, greys and reds for Moomin Valley. As well as the main story, there are a few small story plots that develop to the side which just adds to the sheer delight of the whole film. I say this was long overdue but I'm glad that time was spent making it worthy of the original work. A film that all Moomin fans will enjoy and one that will convert new fans too. 4/5

4. Clouds of Sils Maria

Juliette Binoche is a great actress, Kristen Stewart in the past has not been but the two of them make a brilliant and compelling team. The film, about a middle aged actress who is goes to the Alps to prefer for a role she is not completely committed to. Having played the role of Sigrid at 18 years old in the acclaimed fictional play 'Maloja Snake', Maria Enders (Binoche) is asked to play the older character, Helena in the play who is madly in love with Sigrid and ultimately kills herself. That, is the basis of the plot, but there is so much underneath that is just under the surface of Maria. Valentine (Stewart) is the secondary character but she is forever expressing the opposite and sounded opinion needed to groud Maria. The film would make an excellent play on its own, even though that setting whould lose the amazing views of the Alps and eponymous cloud formation (Maloja Snake) of the play within a film. Comments about actresses, films and genres today are also brought up and are discussed intelligently, expressing interesting opinions from both characters. A great film and brilliantly acted, two great roles for women, wish there was more of these. 3/5

5. The Congress

After seeing the trailer I was intrigued by the story and I was mezmerised by Ari Foldman's Waltz with Bashir documentary, so I thought it was time I watched the film. Beyond the set up of Robin Wright playing a version of herself where she offered by the studio, one last contract, where they scan her image in everyway, including emotions, and she never acts again. She does this, ultimately to take care of her sick son. Then 20 years later, her contract is up for renewal, she is asked by the studio to appear at the Futurological Congress, in a strictly animated zone. She attends the congress which is in a bizarre world, but things take a turn when rebels attack the city. The film and story enters a whole other reality, literally and it becomes confusing to follow. Time passes but she looks the same and familiar characters pop up throughout, its hard to follow but looking past that, the 2D animantion gives the film and story something strange and unnerving to look at. For the first time the animation is unsettling but its meant to be. 3/5

6. Far From the Madding Crowd

I've written quite a post comparing the 1967 film directed by John Schlesinger and the newer 2015 version by Thomas Vinterberg. Here is a link to that post. 4/5

7. Tomorrowland 

I was sceptical about this film, another based on a theme park area/ride, but I thought, let's give it a chance, it is directed by Brad Bird after all. Like a few other reviews have said, it is hard to describe the story and I don't think I would want to. Casey, a teen who tries to stop a rocket launchpad from being destroyed, as this would cause her dad to lose his job, gets arrested. Upon being released she comes across a pin that allows her to see another dimension or the future as the case may be.  After trying to track down where it came from and how it allowed her do so, she ends up being chased by robots and a mysterious young girl Athena. This leads on to Casey meeting Frank, a grump middle aged man who knows about the pin and Athena. From there its best I stop as its gets complicated and I don't want to spoil anything. The first half the film is brilliant, it hooks you into the story, bar the annoying talking to the camera part which turns out is necessary, but I felt the second half leaned more to a mixture of 'family fun', gadgets galore and the old schmaltzy, 'need to save the world' plot line. The film had potential but in the end was a family film where 'be positive' is the message, I expected more. 3/5