Anonymous movie

Anonymous

"Anonymous" (2011), the movie, directed by Roland Emmerich and written by John Orloff, suggests the premise William Shakespeare (1564 -1616) never put pen to paper to write all the masterpieces we enjoy today. In fact, the movie claims Edward De Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford (1550 - 1604), actually wrote the plays, sonnets, etc. William Shakespeare was paid to take the credit. This is an Oxford Variant fringe theory, proposed 91 years ago questioning Shakespeare's legitimacy.

At this time in history, the Elizabethan age, a puritan view was very popular. Writing, considered an art, was seen as selfish and self-centered. It was frowned upon as a career or even a past time. Therefore, if the Earl was a talented writer of plays and sonnets, then he would need to hide behind a facade in order to make his works public.

Many scholars have researched and tried to prove this point. They claim William Shakespeare lacked the education and aristocratic sensibility or even the familiarity with the royal court that his writing displayed. I am not sure if that is a plausible argument, but it would change history, if true.

The movie also shows us the events of the time. We see Queen Elizabeth I, (1558 - 1603) struggling through the years with royal duties, who will succeed her and the many lovers and illegitimate children she is said to have bore.

During her younger years she meets Earl Edward De Vere and they fall in love. Unfortunately, the Earl is already married to another. They part ways.

Through the years, the Earl's works are put on the stage, supposedly by Shakespeare. The Queen recognizes the Earl's writings and supports the plays. Many plays during this time were shut down for the political views they exposed. The Earl was able to express his views, because of the Queen's love for him. His plays were allowed to continue even though they were causing discontent with the masses.

As the movie progresses, it takes us through a whirlwind of deceptions, both personally and politically. We are shown how and why the Earl felt he needed to employ Shakespeare as his "ghost writer" front. The trials and tribulations of all involved in this deception is exposed. We are shown what this can do to people's lives and how it can destroy relationships and careers.

In the beginning of the movie it uses flashbacks to show us the history of each character and how they are intertwine in their lives and deeds. It can be a bit confusing. The director and editor may have thought showing too much from the past would give the story away early on in the film. I think it would have flowed more to show the events as they happened through time. The beginning is a bit tedious, but hang on. It is well worth the story that unfolds.

The movie does put forward a credible argument for their doubts. I enjoyed the movie as well as my teen. This is a movie for 13 and over. If your teen is a bit more cerebral, they will enjoy the possibilities the film sets forth. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is open to a different view of what could have been in the life of William Shakespeare and the monarchy at that time. Watch it all the way through or you will miss pertinent information. It definitely holds your attention to the end!

©2011 All Rights Reserved

Benjamin Button quotes

"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."

"Some people were born to sit by a river.
Some get struck by lightning,
Some have an ear for music,
Some are artist,
Some swim,
Some know buttons,
Some know Shakespeare,
Some are mothers,
Some people.... dance!"

-Benjamin, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald

"Benjamin, we’re meant to lose the people we love. How else would we know how important they are to us?"

Tim Burton's: Alice In Wonderland

Alice In Wonderland

The second installment of the movie Alice In Wonderland (2010), which is partially animated and partially actors in costume, is directed by Tim Burton, famous for films like Edward Scissorhands (1990) and The Nightmare After Christmas (1993). It is adapted from the books Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (commonly shortened to Alice in Wonderland) and Through the Looking Glass. The novels were written in 1865 by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. The screenplay for this 2010 version was written by Linda Woolverton.

The animated film Alice in Wonderland (1951) was originally made by the Walt Disney Company, directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson and Hamilton Luske. There were several writers who adapted the books to the 1951 screenplay, which is listed at this site. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043274/fullcredits#writers. At that time, the movie was geared more for children and had a light heartedness about it.

Each tells the story of Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world checkered with animals and anthropomorphic creatures. It plays with our sense of logic, makes us think, which gives it an appeal with both adults and children. Although, the 2010 version tells us how Alice returns to wonderland at an older age, trying to escape the trappings adult life has brought her. Therefore, we see wonderland through the eyes of an older and more mature Alice.

The White Rabbit (Michael Sheen) is sent to our reality to find Alice (Mia Wasikowska), so she can return to help them save wonderland from the horrible Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Burton's wife). As Alice is older, she has forgotten her way to wonderland, which brings doubt that she is truly the real Alice who had visited with them as a child.

It has been predicted over time that the real Alice would return to fight against the Red Queen and her evil forces. The problem is Alice can barely remember her old friends and really is not up to be a champion for any one's causes. She is having a hard enough time dealing with growing up and making adult choices.

The movie takes us on a trip through our much beloved world of wonderland. Alice meets up again with the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) and his tea totting friends, the Dormouse (BarbaraWindsor), March Hare (Paul Whitehhouse) and the White Rabbit. The Mad Hatter is overjoyed to see she has returned. He becomes the valiant protector of Alice through her journeys toward her destiny in wonderland. The Cheshire Cat (Stephen Fry) also returns slithering through the air. The Blue Caterpillar (Alan Rickman) continues to predict and prescribe for Alice. All in an attempt to help the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) fight against the evil that is taking over wonderland.

The movie continues the storyline. It brings nuances to the characters that we may never have seen without the great direction of Tim Burton. The cast of skilled actors assembled brings the story to a new level. The Mad Hatter is played gloriously well by Johnny Depp. He brings a sort of softness and sensitivity to the mad man. Maybe the people we think are mad are truly more sane than they let on. Add in Carter's strong depiction of the Red Queen and Hathaway's comical review of the White Queen, and you have a wonderful film!

Although a bit darker than the original animated version, this installment is very entertaining. It will be a joy for any child who enjoyed the first movie. I took my daughter and four little girls, whom were all mesmerized by this movie. Heck, I was mesmerized and enthralled. I recommend this for all ages. This is definitely a can't miss film and you won't regret spending a little more cash to see it. A treat for all!

©2010 All Rights Reserved

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

The movie New Moon (2009) is directed by Chris Weitz and the script is written by Melissa Rosenberg. This drama was adapted from the Twilight Saga novel series, written by Stephenie Meyer. The movie picks up where the last movie, Twilight (2008), left off. Each movie being an adaptation of the novels in this series, with two more movies to go. The excitement about this series has surpassed even the popular Harry Potter (2001-2011) movies, also adapted from several novels. Which is saying a lot!

The main character, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), returns with her vampire love interest, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). Her Native American friend who secretly loves her, Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), also returns to the story.

In this second film we see the powers that be have tried to stick with the plot of the book, since the fan backlash was not pretty when they changed things in the first film. In doing so, they also created a longer second film. Be ready to take some time to watch this movie, which is well worth it.

Between the longing for the lost unattainable love and the aching for the long time crush, we are taken through a love triangle that may never end in this series. The animosity between Edward and Jacob still exists. Jacob wanting to protect Bella from the vampire family of Edward, which he seems to have previous knowledge about. Edward trying to protect Bella from vampires who want to kill her, because he killed another vampire.

The story opens on Bella insisting that Edward change her to a vampire, so she can be with him forever. He, of course, refuses and tells her he could never bring her into the horrible life of a vampire. She fears that when she grows old, he will no longer want her and move on, even though he assures her that will not happen.

Jacob still longs for Bella to realize how much he loves her. He waits for her to see the truth about Edward and come running into his arms. Yet, there is a secret he is hiding that he can't tell his friend, Bella. What is it? Could that be the wedge between them and the reason they could never be in the first place?

Meanwhile, there have been several deaths in town. They are blaming bears, but they are not really sure what is responsible. Bella's dad, Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), the local policeman, sets out to solve the mysterious deaths. Joined by his friend and Jacob's grandfather, Harry Clearwater (Graham Greene), they start the search to solve the crimes. What or who is killing the people of the town?

Edward's vampire family all return in this second installment, with added extra branches of the family revealed. We also meet Jacob's Native American family and learn more about their part in this continually unwinding story.

The excitement, suspense, romance, feuds and fantasy continue in this modern day Romeo and Juliet story. Plenty of eye candy for both the male and female population. Overseas locations and special affects abound. You won't be disappointed, particularly if you are a fan of this series.

©2010 All Rights Reserved

The World's Greatest Dad

The World's Greatest Dad

The movie The World's Greatest Dad (2009) was written and directed by stand-up comic Bobcat Goldthwait. The film debut at the Sundance Film Festival to great reviews. The film is a dark comedy about a man who learns that the things you want most may not be the things that make you happy and that being lonely is not necessarily the same as being alone.

The main character, Lance Clayton (Robin Williams), is a single parent raising his difficult son. Being a teacher where his son, Kyle (Daryl Sabara), attends makes it even more difficult to deal with the antics his son's is pulling and bad grades he is getting. How do you explain that, being a teacher with the problem child?

Lance has low attendance for his writing class, so there is pressure to cancel the class. He is an aspiring writer who keeps sending out his work that never gets published. His career seems to be sabotaged on all levels.

He is dating a fellow teacher who is younger than him. She insists they keep their relationship secret. All the while, she flirts with other staff members. Lance's world pretty much sucks. Yet, he continues to put up with it all. Now you have one stressed out man!

It is an extreme event in his life that shows him who really cares about him and what is important in life. In these extreme circumstances, he finds himself at the edge and having to make some important decisions.

Robin Williams is an actor who can do it all with style . Everything from comedy to drama. He is the only actor who could have played this role with humor and sensitivity. This is a dark comedy. With the wrong actor, this film could have gone the wrong way and been very unpleasant to watch. That is not the case here!

Williams plays the role so well and pulls us into his world with not just the lines he speaks, but with the reactions on his face. He uses his body to express his feelings. We see the characters ups and downs. We are right there with him, able to empathize with him. The character could be seen very negatively, but Willams is able to shows us the character's intentions.

Add to that a wonderfully written script, great direction, a strong supporting cast and you have one great film. You will laugh, maybe cringe, but in the end you will feel the triumph of this film.

I highly recommend this film to anyone and everyone. I don't know anytime I have seen Robin Williams make anyone look bad. He is a superior actor and he definitely shines in this quirky role. A must see!

©2010 All Rights Reserved

Rear View Window movie

Rear View Window

The movie Rear Window (1954) was debut at the Rivoli theater in New York, with over 2000 members of the social and entertainment world and United Nations members in the audience. A fundraiser for the American-Korean Society was held. Alfred Hitchcock for Paramount Pictures directed the film. The screenplay written by John Michael Hayes, was adapted from a short story or novelette, It Had To Be Murder (1942), by Cornell Woolrich (pen-name William Irish). The movie was a recipient of four Academy Awards nominations, best cinematography, best director, best screenplay and best sound, yet won no Oscar.

The story takes place in a world renowned photographer's apartment, Jeff (James Stewart), who is now in a wheelchair with casts on both legs after an accident. His incurable curiosity and voyeurism is the reason, we are told, that he was injured in the first place. This sets up the movie to be seen from Jeff's viewpoint throughout. He is a prisoner inside his apartment.

To amuse himself, he starts to look into his neighbors windows across the way. He becomes the cat sitting in the window, except this cat uses binoculars. The binoculars are much like the camera he uses in his profession to capture others in action whilst unaware of his lens. Here, the neighbors have no idea they are being spied on and listened to from a dark apartment across the way, Jeff's apartment.

Jeff is criticized by his girlfriend, Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly) and nurse, Stella (Thelma Ritter), for spying on people and getting involved in things that are private to his neighbors. His excuse? What else does he have to do?

One evening, his nosiness gets him involved in one of the neighbors marriages. He notices the wife is missing and he has not seen her for days. Jeff starts to imagine foul play. He draws Lisa and Stella into his suspicions. The investigation from the three takes flight as they start finding clues, spying and piecing things together that indeed make them question whether the neighbor's wife is on a trip out of town or foul play has taken place.

Alfred Hitchcock shoots the film totally from the perspective of the main character, Jeff. Who just happens to be a photographer, which gives Hitchcock the freedom to use sweeping shots and close-ups, etc. since the shots are from a photographers eye.

Hitchcock leads us on a journey with Jeff by showing us the small world from within his apartment that has become a murder mystery on the rise. With colors, sounds, lighting and well place scenes and shots, we are taken on a roller coaster ride of intrigue, human passions and questions. Where is the neighbors wife? Why is he acting so strangely?

It all leads the characters into an investigation which may get them arrested or worse yet, killed. All because a bored, injured photographer was looking out his rear window. Quite a thriller!

©2010 All Rights Reserved

THE MATRIX explained

The Matrix

The Matrix (March 31, 1999 ) movie is the first in a trilogy of films about a sci-fi spiritual computer world. Directed and written by Andy and Lana Wachowski, the film won 4 oscars, with another another 28 wins and 36 nominations. At the time, it was touted as being one of the best films ever made with special effects, costuming and talent. An intrical story line with deep spiritual messages on every level. This extremely thought provoking story takes us into the computer world of the matrix. The characters move through their lives and changes to see who and what they truly are becoming in their mortal and spiritual lives.

The One, Neo (Keanu Reeves), works as a software agent by day and a hacker by night. The dichotomy brings his battle from within into his spirituality. He feels a hole in his soul, his life that cannot be filled during the day or at night.

As he is spending another night alone, selling his hacker ware to the highest bidder, he gets a message from a stranger telling him to follow the white rabbit, a tattoo on the shoulder of one of his customers. while at the nightclub, he meets Trinity (Carrie - Anne Moss) who leaves him with a thought provoking message about where his life is leading.

While Neo is at work getting a brow beating from his boss, he gets a call from a stranger instructing him how to escape the new agent like strangers who have shown up to take him away. But Neo is caught anyway. In the process, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) and the others take him into a room to interrogate him. Once strange things happen in the interrogation, like his lips disappearing and his mouth being closed off, plus an insect being shot into his stomach, which he sees crawling under his skin, Neo realizes that things are not as they should be.

Trinity and the other fighters show up to save him and extract the insect, a probe to track him with. They fight off the agents and save Neo from his impending doom. Neo is still confused about why all this is happening to him. As Neo tries to leave, Trinity asks him, if he really wants to continue on the path he has been taking or if he is ready to take a chance, a risk and choose another path. He chooses another path.

They take Neo to Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) their fearless leader. Morpheus tells Neo about the matrix and how reality is really not true reality. He is asked to make a decision of staying where he is and choosing another path, a path of enlightenment, if you will. Once again, he has to make a choice, not knowing what the outcome will be, taking a risk to trust and believe in his own intuition.

Once Neo makes this decision, the viewer is taken on a whirlwind ride through the world of the computer matrix. All the dualing characters within the matrix battle it out to help "their" side win. Good again versus evil. Will evil eventually win or will the good in us all take over and battle against the evil inside us all? Will we all become thoughtless, emotionless programs in the matrix?

This film plays into many people’s basic religious and life beliefs. Dealing with where we come from, how we were created, how we live out our lives and where we will eventually go when we move on from one world to another. It brings in mainly christian beliefs, but also makes us aware that all religions have the same basic ideas. All are born out of the same basic beliefs. We may think we are separated and against one another, but we are truly a part of one person, one being, one mind.

Neo hears a still knowing voice at all times, telling him he is missing out on something. That “something” is the question that keeps him searching for the meaning of his life. He wants to fill up the hole inside his heart that just keeps growing as time passes. The same hole we all have, which is, "What is the meaning of life?" Or more poignantly, what is the meaning of my life in respect to the universe! This is the driving force throughout the movie. The questions will be answered at every level. And oh, what a ride it is!

©2010 All Rights Reserved