Directed by: George Seaton
Released: 1947
Country: United States
Genre: Comedy-drama, Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review
''Miracle on 34th Street'' is such a lovely, cute little film! It is a film that is bound to bring a smile to anybody's face.
Doris Walker (played by Maureen O'Hara) is a single mother. She has always taught her daughter, Susan (played by Natalie Wood) to be practical and realistic. As such, Susan does not believe in fairytales. She does not believe in Santa Clause. When an elderly man calling himself Kris Kringle (played by Edmund Gwenn)- hired by the company Doris works for to pose as Santa Clause- claims to be the actual Santa Clause, many people think that he is either lying or he is slightly unstable mentally. While Kris- who moves in with Fred (played by John Payne), a neighbor of Doris'- tries to introduce Susan to fairytales and fantasies (with some help from Fred, who has apparently fallen in love with Doris and also wants to introduce Susan to the colorful world of fantasies and fairytales- several people are skeptical about Kris' identity. What does it eventually lead to?
''Miracle on 34th Street'' is a charming and heartwarming film. It definitely is. I loved it! Kris is so cute! Edmund Gwenn delivers a splendid performance and so do Maureen O'Hara, John Payne and Natalie Wood. Such a lovely film it is!
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Released: 2001
Country: Spain, Mexico
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Drama, Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review
''The Devil's Backbone'' is set during the Spanish Civil War. The story takes place in an orphanage run by Caseras (played by Federico Luppi) and Carmen (played by Marisa Paredes). The authorities and the teachers try their best to protect the children from the horrors of the outside world. When a new boy, Carlos (played by Fernando Tielve) comes to the orphanage, he eventually comes to realize that there are secrets and an unsolved mystery in the orphanage.
''The Devil's Backbone'' had a Gothic, dark atmosphere and since I love anything Gothic, I really admired this film. I admired the atmosphere. I found the gradual revelations fascinating. While I did not love, love, love the film, there was a sort of haunting poetry running throughout the film. There were atmospherically tense moments but ultimately, the film culminated in a rather sentimental ending. The atmospheric horror film turns out to be an extremely touching and emotionally powerful film. It still haunts me when I think of it.
Directed by: Bill Condon
Released: 2017
Country: United States
Genre: Musical, Romantic, Fantasy, Drama
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review
It is love that triumphs in the long run and this is the underlying message of ''Beauty and the Beast''. Here is a story that I have loved and treasured since my childhood, and this beautiful remake made me not just nostalgic but it also charmed and amazed me with its powerful, strong message dealing with the victory of love.
The film is, of course, a remake of the 1991 animated film of the same name. Along with ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarves'', ''Cinderella'', ''The Little Mermaid'' and ''Pinocchio'', ''Beauty and the Beast'' is one of the films I grew up with. As such, I had been eagerly waiting for this remake. And I was not disappointed. It is a charming and beautiful film.
The story is that of an arrogant, narcissistic prince, played by Dan Stevens. When one evening, during a party, he misbehaves with a frail, old woman who appears in his palace, the old woman turns out to be an enchantress, who transforms the prince into a monstrous beast and the members of his household are transformed into household objects- like clocks and pots- that can talk. The enchantress also wipes the memories of all those living around the palace, making them forget the existence of the prince and his palace. She leaves with the prince a rose: when the last petal of the rose has fallen, the prince will remain a beast forever- unless he finds true love before the last petal falls.
Several years later, when the beautiful Belle- played by Emma Watson- ends up in the beast's palace after some accidental incidents and the beast imprisons her in his palace- the members of the beast's household think that it is Belle who can break the curse.
The film conveys the message of the power of love really well. The story is exactly the same as that of the 1991 film. There is even a background story about Belle's parents that was absent in the 1991 film. The characters have a lot of depth in them. Emma Watson and Dan Stevens deliver excellent performances. Besides them, Luke Evans, playing the antagonist, Gaston, is amazing too. The supporting cast is extremely impressive as well: Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, and Josh Gad.
Every single thing in the film is reminiscent of the animated film we love and cherish. The music and the songs transport us back to the 1991 film. Of course, this film can never replace the animated film. However, that does not mean, by any means, that this film has to be neglected. The 2017 remake is lovely and enchanting in its own right. No, it is not as great as the original. Yes, we are aware of the storyline and most of the songs. However, with its brightness and positivity, the film overwhelmed me. Power of love is not just reflected in the chemistry between the Beast and Belle, but also in the chemistry among the different members of the Beast's household, Belle's love for her father and vice versa, and Morris's (Belle's father's) love for his late wife.
Like Belle comments in the middle of the film, the members of the beast's household find a reason to be hopeful and optimistic about even though they are going through sorrows and despair. But in spite of that, their love for life, the sunshine- things they haven't enjoyed since the curse was placed on them- make them retain hope for life, for better days. The film gives us the opportunity to celebrate the power of love all over again.
Directed by: David Yates
Released: 2016
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review
Ah, what a wonderful treat for a Potterhead like me! Being someone who literally grew up with Harry Potter, it is always delightful for me to find anything- anything- that somehow relates to the Harry Potter universe. ''Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'' is, in that sense, perfect. It is a prequel to the Harry Potter series and has a screenplay written by none other than the great J. K. Rowling herself. I loved the film and cannot wait for the subsequent sequels!
Set in the 1920s, film basically revolves around Newt Schamander (played by the great Eddie Redmayne) who is an English wizard who loves magical creatures and beasts, collecting and rescuing them and in doing so, he saves them from extinction. He comes to New York, bringing with him only a suitcase which is filled with magical creatures (in fact, with the use of magic, he has created a little world for his creatures inside the suitcase, a world that we eventually get to know about over the course of the film). He comes across a Muggle, Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) and is, for some inevitable reasons, compelled to perform magic in front of him. This is, however, witnessed by Porpentina 'Tina' (Katherine Waterston), who works for the ministry and is shocked to see magic being performed in front of Muggle (Muggles are called 'No-Maj' in America). Things get worse when it is discovered that Newt's suitcase has been exchanged with that of Jacob and Tina and Newt are compelled to track Jacob down.
On the other hand, havoc is being created throughout the city. The Ministry believes that it is being caused by none other than the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. However, when word gets out that Newt has brought with him a suitcase where dangerous creatures reside, the Ministry start suspecting that it might be Newt who is responsible for the havoc- an accusation that is baseless. But what is actually happening in the city? Who is actually responsible for all the attacks? How are the troubles being caused?
There are many things in this film that remind us of the fact that it is the prequel to the Harry Potter series. The film starts with our beloved ''Hedwig's Theme''. Spells that we had encountered in the Harry Potter series (like 'Alohomora' and 'Petrificus Totalus') are here in the film. It was like being transported to those days again, when we would wait for the next Harry Potter film and all the familiar things, the familiar spells would charm us. The film made me really nostalgic, it really did.
The film has a wonderful atmosphere, and the fantastic elements really impressed me (the safe haven that Newt has created for his creatures inside his suitcase is really impressive. It is so beautiful). Other than that, the story itself is really wonderful, full of twists and turns. The four major characters (Newt, Jacob, Tina and Queenie, Tina's sister) are really, really amazing and the roles are really well-acted. I hope we see more of them in the upcoming sequels! I really started caring for these four characters, they are well-written and fleshed out! J. K. Rowling's screenplay is excellent: she did it again, transporting us back to the amazing fictional universe that she created all those years ago and had made us fall in love with! And this time, too, she introduces such amazing characters that we cannot but admire them, care for them. I would recommend this film not just to Potterheads but also to those who love fantasy and adventure, to those who appreciate an excellent screenplay, to those who love characters with depth, and to those who love great, unpredictable stories!
Directed by: Spize Jonze
Released: 1999
Country: United States
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review
''Being John Malkovich'' is pretty much a breath of fresh air: an extremely imaginative and original film that left me impressed and fascinated. This is definitely one of the most unique films I have ever watched.
The story revolves around three people: Craig, a puppeteer played by John Cusack, his wife Lotte, played by Cameron Diaz (in a makeup and hairstyle that almost makes her unrecognizable. I did know that Diaz was in this film and I kept looking for her and only a while later did I realize that the actress playing Lotte is actually Diaz), and Craig's colleague Maxine, played by Catherine Keener. Craig gets a job and his office is situated in the 7 1/2th floor of a huge building- this very interesting floor is situated between the seventh and eighth floors, and have low ceilings. This is fascinatingly interesting, and there is a popular (and interesting) story about why the ceilings are so low. Craig feels attracted to the beautiful Maxine, though the latter does not really pay him much attention. One day, Craig discover a portal on the wall of his office. He enters the portal, only to find himself in the mind of the famous actor John Malkovich. For ten or fifteen minutes, the portal allows the person who enters it to become Malkovich, to see the world through Malkovich's eyes. Craig is amused and tells this to Maxine: who comes up with a potentially profitable business plan: they would let people enter the portal and get into John Malkovich's brain in return for money. However, things take an unpredictably different turn when Craig tells about the portal to his wife Lotte, resulting in incidents that eventually, besides sparkling up revelations, changes the lives of all three of them.
I started watching ''Being John Malkovich'' knowing only the basic premise. I only knew that the film is something about a portal leading John Malkovich's brain. I was curious as the premise sounded pretty interesting. Once I started watching it... I was getting speechless scene after scene. The concept is so very original, so amazing! New revelations, unpredictable revelations crowd the film, and we can never guess what will happen next. No formula works in this film: each and every scene of it is something new, something refreshingly original. Each revelation is interesting.
You can probably guess that the thing I loved most about this film is the fresh and imaginative concept. Over the course of the film we get to know more and more about the portal around which the film is centered. We get to know what will happen if John Malkovich himself enters the portal. We get to know secrets about the portal. And of course, in the center of the film we have three very, very interesting characters: Craig, Maxine, and Lotte, whose lives will never be the same as they themselves go through continuous realizations and revelations that not only change their lives but are also powerful enough to leave the audience speechless and fascinated.
The performances are wonderful, of course. John Cusack is really good as Craig. Cameron Diaz, looking pretty unrecognizable, and Catherine Keener, playing Maxine, deliver unforgettable performances, making the two characters strong and believable. I found these two characters better-developed than Craig. John Malkovich portrays himself and he is wonderful.
''Being John Malkovich'' is one of the most original and imaginative films I have ever watched. Films as imaginative and fresh as ''Being John Malkovich'' are hard to find, and when found, they should be devoured and enjoyed to the fullest.
5 out of 5
Directed by: Woody Allen
Released: 1985
Country: United States
Genre: Romantic comedy, Fantasy, Drama
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Review
''The Purple Rose of Cairo'' tells the story Cecilia (Mia Farrow), a working class young woman stuck in an unhappy marriage. She finds solace in movies. She loves movies, and goes to the cinemas whenever she finds some time. One day, she watches a film called ''The Purple Rose of Cairo''. She falls in love with the film, watching it again and again. Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels) is a minor supporting character of the film. From behind the screen, the character suddenly notices Cecilia, sitting among the audience. Impressed by the fact that Cecilia loves the film so much, Tom Baxter just... steps out of the screen! He gets out of the film and steps into the reality. Cecilia helps him to run away, and over the course of time, falls in love with him.
On the other hand, the actor who played Tom Baxter, Gil Shephard (also played by Jeff Daniels) is worried because Baxter left the screen. Shephard is a rising star, and he is afraid that Baxter, whose face, obviously, matches his, may do such unlawful things that may become an obstacle in his (Gil's) path to success and reputation. He tries convincing Baxter to go back to the film, and meets Cecilia, who falls in love with Shephard.
In this complicated love triangle involving two worlds, the world of reality vs. the world of fiction, whom will Cecilia choose? The fiction, where everybody from the real world wants to go? Or to the world of realities, where everybody of the fictional world wants to come to?
I really loved the concept of the film, I really did. The entire film is so lovely, so sweet. I was really impressed with Mia Farrow's performance! She looked so sweet, so innocent, so lovable! Jeff Daniels's performances as Tom Baxter and Gil Shephard were both really good, really very good.
The film is sweet, cute, lovely, and beautiful, funny and romantic, but the only thing that I found rather unexpected was the ending. Was that a bad ending? Definitely not: any ending that makes you overwhelmed with emotions is a perfect, or a near-perfect ending. The ending of ''The Purple Rose of Cairo'' is so strong and so unexpected that for me, it will always be one of the most unforgettable endings I have ever come across. I won't discuss the ending in detail, but I will definitely say that compared to the overall film, the ending was unexpected, and while the entire film kept me uplifted, I ended up with a lump in my throat, overwhelmed with emotions, when the film ended.
It is a near-perfect film that I would recommend to everybody, and, I think, after ''Manhattan'', it is my favorite Woody Allen film.
4.5 out of 5
Directed by: Tim Burton
Released: 1988
Country: United States
Genres: Comedy, Horror, Fantasy
Cast: Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Jeffrey Jones
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review
This is only the second Tim Burton film that I am reviewing for this blog, but I had reviewed several of his films in my previous film review blog. Tim Burton is one of my favorite directors. I just love the dark cinematography, the gothic atmosphere, the dark and dry humor of his films (and I also love the scores by Danny Elfman, who has composed the scores for most Burton films).
''Beetlejuice'' is not really a typical Tim Burton film. Here, there is no Gothic atmosphere, there is no gloomy feeling prevailing. Instead, it is completely a hilarious, absolutely funny film that, though not bearing some of the general Burtonsque features, is definitely one of the funniest films that he has directed. It's also the lightest and goofiest Tim Burton film that I have seen, and there is also a certain amount of warmth that I definitely loved.
Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis) are a happy couple. When we first see them, their actions instantly give us the impression that they are deeply in love, that their lives are lovely, carefree, beautiful. They are on vacation, and they go happily for a drive... However, a tragedy strikes: they meet an accident, and their car falls into a river.
However, the very next moment, we see that Adam and Barbara have returned to their house, and try to warm themselves in front of a fireplace. Umm, have they actually survived the crash? The very next moment, we get the answer: they can't see their reflection in the mirror... Barbara notices a strange book, and when she points it out to Adam, he reads the title, ''Handbook of the Recently Diseased''. Barbara corrects him; the title is actually ''Handbook of the Recently Deceased''... and that means, they have died, and now they have returned to their house as ghosts. They can't even get out of the house, because when they try to go out, they end up in a strange desert filled with dangerous animals...
The house is soon sold, and a family moves into the house. The family consists of Mr Deetz, Mrs Deetz and their daughter (well, Mrs Deetz's stepdaughter), Lydia, played by a young Winona Ryder. Lydia always dresses in black, in a Gothic way, always dressing as if she is in mourning. It is apparent that she doesn't enjoy her life, and always remains depressed.
Adam and Barbara are really annoyed, because Mrs Deetz is making a lot of changes in the house. They decide to take the help of ''Beetleguise'' (Michael Keaton), a ''bio-exorcist''. However, they are warned that Beetleguise is a real troublemaker, and they decide not to call him, and decide to scare the Deetzes away from the house themselves. But Beetleguise is waiting to be called...
The film was indeed very light and hilarious! While I cannot say that I absolutely loved it, I definitely enjoyed it, very much!!! It kept me laughing (one of my favorite funny scenes is the one where Mrs Deetz and the guests start dancing around the dining table)! There was also a certain amount of warmth that I really appreciated. For example, the relationship between Adam and Barbara is really very touching. Also, the fondness that Barbara develops for Lydia is really very sweet and warm. I really loved the lightness, the humor of this movie. The cinematography and the score is noteworthy as well.
I couldn't really guess what the character of Beetlejuice can actually be called. A comedic villain? I don't think that ''villain'' is actually the word that would suit his character. He is a real troublemaker, that I absolutely agree with, and many of his actions could have had dangerous results, but, after all... I would rather say that he is a comedic troublemaker than a comedic villain.
This is obviously not my favorite Tim Burton film (my favorite is still ''Big Fish''), but ''Beetlejuice'' is really a hilarious, entertaining funny film, perhaps even one of the lightest films that Burton has ever made!
4 out of 5
