Sexy Sucker Punch

"From the very first frames of the film, "Sucker Punch" rejects reality," says film reviewer Drew McWeeny. The opening literally allows the audience to walk on to Director Zack Snyders stage and into the life of Baby Doll (Emily Browning's) worst day ever.  In a movie about freeing yourself from the chains of your own personal misfortune never have I enjoyed a ride more.  


This film is a perfect lesson to artists and designers everywhere.  It seems to be that ever shot, every costume, every cheesed up slogan and run down insane asylum room was specifically chosen.  Often I would wonder... "Did they go too far?  What's the point? I mean a dragon?  A pink bunny?"  Then I realized "Hell.  No."  This movie is the very definition of "Bad Ass".  Everything used in this film DOES have a purpose.  Looks, sounds, emotions all tie in together to create climax and pitfalls at ever turn.  Most reviews of this film have been poor and I am starting to wonder... did they even watch it?  This film is about breaking all the rules thus with that choice, making completely new ones. From naming the brunet "Blondie" to the opening number with Echo's version of Cher's "Sweet Dreams" ever frame that is shown hits like a perfectly timed music video. 


The characters in this film do have lots of lose ends, but that's part of their charm.  I don't know who walks into a facility for the mentally insane and thinks they're going to be able to understand the intricacies of those who are found there.  Like the two sisters "Rocket" and "Sweet Pea" who somehow end up behind the walls after Rocket ran away from home.  Also, in the image to the left Rocket is standing among a toy train set with a needle (which I have no clue what that's alluding to) along with her outfit.  It's the not knowing that makes this film.  I also love the lack of actual names given to the characters, it's nice to see something different. The film feels so much like a graphic novel that just sprung off the page but the story was never written previously (unlike Snyder's previous films "300" and "Watchmen").  


Another aspect in this movie: sexuality.  It's everywhere.  The costumes especially, but these chicks are just down right hot, independent women who know how to get the job done.  Ladies you're crazy if you wouldn't want to be them, men you're lying if you say you don't want them.   


Yes, this movie does take some effort to watch.  Rolling along the lines of Christopher Nolan's Inception by allowing the "theatre of the mind" to take over.  The story line dwells within three different realities.  The best part: realities within realities leaves the story open for so much interpretation.  Does death ever really even happen? How do you know when you're actually alive? 


No matter what you think of this film, get it or not you can not deny it is hands down a feast for the senses.  

The Art of Being Woman

This week The Marshall Artists Series gives to the campus of Marshall University, along with city of Huntington their Spring International Film Festival.  I have worked this festival for three years now and I can safely say this has by far been my favorite.  Watching the films is always like taking a two hour trip around the world, away from my own home and into the eyes and lives of someone else's.  

That being said, a few days ago I saw a film that I know will stick with me for a very long time.

A Mid-August Lunch, from Italy tells the story of a man who lives with his mother and basically, in order to pay rent this man has to baby sit his mother and her three cohorts for one night.  What I find most intriguing about this film is how simple and honest it is.  Here are three women near the end of their days who would never let you tell them them that.  I love this film for so many reason but perhaps the best one being, it's a lesson on how to age gracefully; DONT.

For one night audiences are invited to taste the lives of four people and never know anything about their before or after, merely their present.  The film allows you to see all a person holds dear in an instant  and know that good times must be cherished, because they cannot last forever.  Although, it is never polite to end them too quickly.

Honestly, after leaving the beautifully ornate Keith-Albee all I could do was smile and feel blessed that I had the opportunity to meet such vibrant  women

If you haven't already gotten a chance to see this film, find a way.  To you, though, I offer this, don't go waiting to be entertained.  Instead, understand that you have been invited to take a trip to Italy and join three exuberant ladies for A Mid-August Lunch.