'Tangled' Is Far from a Cinematic Mess

Release Date: November 24, 2010

Starring (Voice Overs): Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman, M.C. Gainey, Jeffrey Tambor

Director: Nathan Greno, Bryon Howard

Writer: Dan Fogelman

Trailer


Official Website

Disney's 'Tangled' is a 2010 computer-animated film loosely based on the Grimm Brother's fairy tale, 'Rapunzel.'

When I say computer-animated, that doesn't mean it's  Pixar. One of my pet peeves is when people think a computer-animated film is Pixar; almost as much as I hate it when people think 'Anastasia' and the like are Disney films (DON BLUTH, PEOPLE!) I believe in giving credit (or extreme dislike) where credit is due.

Now, back to 'Tangled.'

Many of us are familar of the story of Rapunzel, the poor girl who is locked in a tower by a witch for many years of her lonely life.

'Tangled' changes up the Grimm Brother's story a bit and puts in new elements to make up a more exciting movie. In the trailer, you can see Rapunzel leaving her tower to go off on her own adventure. Can you imagine 'Tangled' if it stuck to the original story?

We'd basically see Rapunzel...in a tower...for the whole movie...until...the end.

Where's the fun in that? Another good addition to 'Tangled' is how Rapunzel ended up in the tower in the first place. In the original story, a random peasant's idiot, radish-craving pregnant wife wants him to risk his life to go into someone else's garden and satisfy her own hormonal urges.


Enjoy your vegetables, b*tch.

As with many husbands with a pregnant wife, he keeps his mouth shut and goes into the garden. As we all know, this was a witch's garden and she catches the peasant, makes a deal, wants his child after she is born, blah blah blah.

This is a major difference from 'Tangled' for Rapunzel was born of royal blood (any excuse for Disney to make yet another Princess, I suppose). Instead of being a b*tch like the peasant mother, the Queen was sick while pregnant with Rapunzel and the loyal subjects of the King did their best to find a magical golden flower out in the wilderness. Yes, there is only one.

This flower glows like a swinger at a rave party, so you'd think it wouldn't be hard to find. Unfortunately, it is being hidden by a mysterious woman who selfishly uses it to restore her youth, making it harder to find. One night, the witch knocks over the basket covering the flower, and the Kingdom's subjects find it and take it to their Queen. She becomes better, a baby girl is born, and everyone is happy.

Except for the witch. She sneaks into the castle one night and steals the baby. Instead of not looking for their daughter like the peasants, the King and Queen search for their poor daughter for the next 18 years.


Apparently, peasants are not good for much of anything, let alone have children.

This adaptation of 'Rapunzel' is wonderful and delightful; the writing of the origin of Rapunzel is well-done and well-thought out.

Another aspect of 'Tangled' that was pointed out to me by my boyfriend, was the fact that the main villain was almost approachable. The witch has a human-side to her character and she wasn't a complete, crazy maniac, like in other Disney films. She actually has an affectionate side, but that became watered-down due to her selfishness. Really, that is actually a common problem with people nowadays.

The animation was beautiful and I was thinking that throughout the film. Very colorful, very bright, and made me wonder what kind of conditioner Rapunzel uses.

The songs were not all-too-amazing, but I think if I listened to them more, I may take a better liking for them. I did enjoy "Mother Knows Best" however, which was sung by the witch.

So, all in all, this is a pretty amazing movie, especially since Pixar was not involved this time around. I enjoyed it a lot and you can still check it out in theaters now! I don't care how old you are, go out and watch it. I watched 'Tangled' with 3 strapping young men, so there is no excuse for you to not watch it.

Rent worthy? If you can't catch it in theaters, go and rent it when it is available. It really is a cute film, especially one to watch with the family and children.

DVD/Blu-ray worthy? I think I might buy it. It's a nice movie to have on hand if children ever come around. But then again, I'd still probably end up watching it by myself while sipping on a hot cup of tea.

Keep on watchin'
The Little Critic

'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' Makes You Rain Tears of Agony in the Best Possible Way

AKA: 'Les Parapluies de Cherbourg'

Release Date: February 19, 1964 (France); December 16, 1964 (USA)

Starring: Catherine Deneuve, Nino Castelnuovo, Anne Vernon, Marc Michel, Ellen Farner, Mirielle Perrey

Director: Jacques Demy

Music: Michel Legrand

Writer: Jacques Demy

Part 1 on Youtube (English Subtitles Available)

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. OF ALL TIME. (Where's Kanye when you need him?) Although the sets and some of the styles are terribly outdated, the main theme of 'Umbrellas' is still strong today and is expressed in the most unique way: Every word is sung.

I mean, every word. Musical-haters, don't fret! What I enjoy about 'Umbrellas' is that the singing is not done with obnoxious movements or dance routines (which I do like, but it's not everyone's cup of tea); it is done in a way that singing is just the natural way of talking and it is done beautifully. Also, this movie is not very long, so it's not too bad.

I think this is what allowed the film to live on well and way past its generation...well, the singing and the theme of "first love."

You probably are thinking, "It's lived on? How come I've never heard anything about it?" You'd be surprised where influence from this film has turned up.

Matt Groening's 'Futurama' episode entitled 'Jurassic Bark' involves Fry finding his fossilized dog from the past. In the end of the episode, we find out exactly what happened to his loyal pet. This scene uses a version of "I Will Wait For You;" which is a popular song that uses the melancholy melody of the two lovers from 'Umbrellas.' The video I provided of the ending is terrible quality, but the only "good" one I can find.

Anyways, now that that is out in the open...

'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' is a 1964 French film that surrounds the relationship of 17-year-old, Genevieve (Catherine Deneuve) and 20-year-old Guy (Nino Castelnuovo). They enjoy the happiness that first love often gives, but their relationship takes a hard turn when Guy must leave for 2 years due to the Algerian War.

On Guy's last night before his departure, the two...you know...and both make a vow of waiting for each other. After Guy leaves, Genevieve finds out she is pregnant weeks later.

However, Genevieve's mother (Anne Vernon) disapproves of her daughter waiting for a man who may be killed or may find another woman. Instead, she insists that Genevieve should marry another man who is courting her (and one who is richer), Roland Cassard (Marc Michel).

If you're interested in watching this, I'm letting you know right now, you'll need some tissues. If you cry at the smallest things, you'll need a tissue factory for 'Umbrellas.' If you hate sad (but it's definitely realistic) endings, you may not like it. Me? I love sad endings; makes me remember a film more.

The music is just so wonderful for the most part and I love listening to the entire first act every now and then. You may find the music and "conversational singing" a little odd at first, but once you get to Guy and Genevieve's scenes, you can't help but love it.

Really my only complaint is the style of some aspects of the film are outdated, but like music and basic love theme make up for it completely.

Rent worthy? Yes, yes, yes! I've put up part one of the film in the beginning of this entry. The next few parts are on the side bar and the username is: RobinSenathePhoenix.

DVD/Blu-ray worthy? I don't think it's out on Blu-ray, but the DVD restoration project they did years ago is quite good enough already. Yes, it is in my possession, as is the soundtrack cause I love it that much! Yes, love.

Keep on watchin'
The Little Critic

'Tales From Earthsea' Is Really Not Much of a Story at All

"There was a time when humans and dragons were one."

Release Date: (Japan) July 29, 2006; (USA) August 13, 2010

Starring (English Voice Actors): Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Matt Levin, Cheech Marin, Blaire Restaneo, Marishka Hargitay

Director: Goro Miyazaki

Writer: Ursula K. Le Guin (Novels); Goro Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa (Screenplay)

MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for some violent images.

Trailer

Official Movie Website

No, this is not Hayao Miyazaki's work, this is his son's. Hayao wanted to work with the film, but could not due to 'Howl's Moving Castle,' so he passed the job onto his son, Goro.

Honestly, I wish Hayao just waited until 'Howl's' was done and then took on 'Tales From Earthsea.' To be blunt, this was not my favorite Studio Ghibli film.

'Tales From Earthsea' is a 2006 Japanese animated film loosely based on Ursula K. Le Guin's 'Earthsea' series.

Honestly, I still do not understand the significance of several events in the film. I don't understand them so much, I'm not comfortable providing my own summary as I usually do for you. It's not that I don't know what was going on. I could understand the dialogue and all...

It's just the significance of certain things were hardly explained. For example, in the beginning, the audience learns that it is apparently unusual for two dragons to fight...okay, I got that much... now why? They never get around to explaining a lot of things, like why and how Arren, the protagonist, had his light and dark sides split from each other into separate beings.

The film seems to assume that one has read the books, but even then, 'Earthsea' is not even close to the books, according to Le Guin.

One thing I do find interesting is that the film's main antagonist, Lord Cob (Willem Dafoe) was actually a witch named Kumo in the Japanese version instead of a wizard in the English. Suddenly the malicious witch turns into a creepy man for the USA dub.

Oh, all right USA, I guess Michael Jackson  is much creepier.

One thing I do love about this film though, is 'Therru's Song.' It is a very beautiful piece and even though I did not like the film, I found myself downloading the song and listening to it when I went to bed the same night.

The music is definitely beautiful, there is no doubt about that. Kudos to Tamiya Terashima for that!

I did not find any problems with the English voice acting. I love Timothy Dalton's voice; it has a nice speaking quality and Willem Dafoe always has a creepy-ass voice that's perfect for villains.

Despite the wonderful music, beautiful animation, and tolerable voice acting, 'Tales from Earthsea' failed to tell a story that could have been another masterpiece from Studio Ghibli. The film was very bland in the fantasy genre. Nothing too special about it.

Rent worthy? Eh....I really would not waste your time if I were you.

DVD/Blu-Ray worthy? Definitely not. Not a film for my shelves.

Keep on watchin'

The Little Critic

'Hard Candy' A Good Treat, But Lacks Some Sweetness

"Strangers shouldn't talk to little girls."

Release Date: January 2005 (Sundance); April 14, 2006 (Limited)

Starring: Ellen Page, Patrick Wilson, Sandra Oh

Director: David Slade

Writer: Brian Nelson

MPAA Rating: Rated R for disturbing violent and aberrant sexual content involving a teen, and for language.

Trailer

Once again, children can be f*cking terrifying.

'Hard Candy' is a psychological thriller surrounding a budding online-turned-face-to-face relationship between a 14-year-old girl, Hayley Stark ('Juno' and 'Inception's Ellen Page), and 30-something photographer, Jeff Kohlver ('The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Watchmen's Patrick Wilson).

The two agree online to meet up at a cafe'. It isn't long until Hayley goes into Jeff's home. Images of the color red flash constantly, as if exposing the coming omnious events...not against Hayley, but against Jeff...

As the tagline says, "Strangers shouldn't talk to little girls."

I've been interested in 'Hard Candy' for a while now and finally got around to watching it and finished it today.

The story has always intrigued me and I was a bit disappointed with the film.

It has its great moments and great dialogue, don't get me wrong. At one point, Hayley and Jeff have this interesting little banter that I really liked. (Courtesy of IMBD)

Jeff Kohlver: You were coming on to me!
Hayley Stark: Oh, come on. That's what they always say, Jeff.
Jeff Kohlver: Who?
Hayley Stark: Who? The pedophiles! 'Oh, she was so sexy. She was asking for it.' 'She was only technically a girl, she acted like a woman.' It's just so easy to blame a kid, isn't it! Just because a girl knows how to imitate a woman, does NOT mean she's ready to do what a woman does. I mean, you're the grown up here. If a kid is experimenting and says something flirtatious, you ignore it, you don't encourage it! If a kid says 'Hey, let's make screwdrivers!' You take the alcohol away, and you don't race them to the next drink!

That being said, there were also moments when the dialogue lacked something and was just messy. The writing and/or the performances weakened sometimes.
 
Still, the concept of 'Hard Candy' is pretty awesome and Ellen Page really did do a good job. The ending of the film makes me feel torn as to whether or not all this was justified or if Hayley was just a maniac. Seriously, if a pedophile's worst nightmare is Dateline NBC's Chris Hansen, they have no idea what fear really is.

Suddenly Chris Hansen is much more appealing than underage girls.

There was also one point in the film where I made this horrified face:

Courtesy of the Spanish Inquistion and Monty Python

I honestly think that 'Hard Candy' is 'To Catch a Predator' meets 'Hostel' and that would make a much more interesting show...albeit more controversial than just "entrapment."
 
As a whole, I thought the film could have been much better than it really is. The concept is, as I've stated before, pretty kick-ass. 'Hard Candy' was missing something though, but I applaude it for originality and for the performances of the actors. So, if you must, treat yourself to a little 'Hard Candy.' Don't expect anything sweet though.

Rent worthy? Yeah, just for the concept alone I'd say it's worth checking out once, but you may or may not be disappointed. Part of me still wants people to give it a chance though. I suppose it really depends on what kinds of films you normally get into.
 
DVD/Blu-Ray worthy? I'm not going to buy it. I think it is good enough to watch once, maybe twice if I want to see through it again.
 
Random Trivia: There have been real-life events that 'Hard Candy' reminded me of. Although they don't go as far as Hayley did in the film, there have been cases in Japan where schoolgirls will seduce in men into an alley. Instead of getting forbidden fruit, the men find themselves getting beat up and having their valuables taken from them. I'd feel bad for the men more if they weren't expecting to get some underage action.
 
Keep on watchin'
The Little Critic

'The Orphanage' Another Movie That Makes You Wonder Why Kids Are So Goddamn Creepy

Release Date: January 11, 2008 (USA)

Starring: Belen Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Princep, Edgar Vivar

Director: Juan Antonio Bayona

Writer: Sergio G. Sanchez

MPAA Rating: Rated R for some disturbing content

Trailer


Official Movie Website

I'm back! I'm not dead! Halloween and its horrifying ghouls have not gotten to me yet! Sorry for the long wait on my next entry.


In light of Halloween, I'll be reviewing some of my favorite scary/horror films...and some not so good ones (see 'Devil').

Please do not confuse 'The Orphanage' with the crappy 2009 US film 'Orphan.'


'Orphan' = Crap.

'The Orphanage' is a 2007, Spanish film surrounding Laura's (Belen Rueda) family. Laura moves her husband (Fernando Cayo) and young son, Simon (Roger Princep), into a huge hoouse that used to be her orphanage when she was younger.

Laura plans to make the large home into a place for disabled children. Problems arise when Simon believes he has a masked friend, Tomas, living with them at the home.

Laura believes Simon is making up imaginary friends due to the move and thinks nothing of it at first. It is not until Simon disappears after an argument that Laura begins to wonder if there are spirits in her old home.

'The Orphanage' is a horror film with a great story. It reminds me of another film titled 'The Others' in the style and feel.

The story is quite melancholy and dark, as all horror films tend to be. However, there is also love shining through the film as a mother longs to find her child. I love horror films that have a bit of an emotional feel to it. As much as slasher films are amusing, I tend to be more attracted to human emotion-filled horror movies. I remember them much more easily that way, as long as they're good.


Make me cry, Jason. MAKE ME CRY!

The actors were believable and Belen Rueda did an excellent job in her role as the mother.
On the "scare meter" of the film, there are not too many jumping moments, save for one where it creeped the f*ck out of me. First time I saw 'The Orphanage,' I watched it on the computer and I had my face close to the screen the moment that happened. I responded correctly in freaking out with an increased heart rate.

So, if you want to be scared a lot while watching this, I wouldn't recommend this. This is a horror film all about story and content; not about young teenagers getting murdered for having sex in the woods.

Rent worthy? I'd definitely say this is worth watching once. I think it is available on Netflix for those of you who have it. If you do not, refer to my previous entry on the Pros & Cons of Netflix.

DVD/Blu-ray worthy? If you enjoyed it as much as I did, then you might own it. No need to get it on Blu-ray quality; the DVD is good enough for 'The Orphanage.'

Keep on watchin'

The Little Critic