The Girl on the Train (2016)

Directed by Tate Taylor

Written by Erin Cressida Wilson (screenplay) and Paula Hawkins (novel)

Starring Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson, and Justin Theroux 

     *spoilers for those who haven't read the book*

     A thrilling movie based on the book by best selling, world renowned author, Paula Hawkins- that still manages to be somewhat of a let down despite the books tremendous success. It has everything to be almost as successful as Gone Girl, with a riveting storyline adapted from best selling books- however it falls short of being anything like Gone Girl. This being director, Tate Taylor's first thriller, I can't say I was expecting much- although with how much everyone loved the book I still had some hope for the film adaptation. 

     It all starts with the protagonist and narrator, Rachel (Emily Blunt). She is an alcoholic who spends her days riding the train for long stretches, back and forth into New York City. Along the trains route is a beautiful house, with her idea of a picture perfect couple: the pretty blonde Megan (played by Haley Bennett who looks shockingly similar to Jennifer Lawrence in this film) and her husband, Scott (Luke Evans). Rachel adores this couple she has never met, in a somewhat creepy manner at times. She hopes the best for their love, which is why she is enraged when she witnesses Megan embracing in a passionate kiss with her therapist, Dr. Abdic (Edgar Ramirez). Through many confusing flashbacks, we learn that before alcoholism consumed her marriage- Rachel once lived a few houses down from Scott and Megan. Her ex-husband Tom (Justin Theroux) now lives in her old house with his new wife, Anna (Rebecca Ferguson). Things start to get tricky for Rachel when the apparent adulteress, Megan- disappears. To make matters worse, she disappears on the same night that Rachel decided to confront her on her infidelity. Because of a drunken black-out, Rachel does not have any memory of that night, leading her to be a suspect in the disappearance. 

     As more "twists" start to unveil throughout the course of the movie, I can't say I had any big "no way!" moments. Everything is presented in such a manner that my suspicions of the outcomes of the plot, were just confirmed. I was never really surprised. The movie takes places over a 6 month time period, and the constant flashbacks between the past and present gave me whiplash. 

     Emily Blunt's performance is impressive despite the sometimes messiness of the movie. Her portrayal of this alcoholic woman relays back and forth between tortured victim and scheming lunatic. She has a strong performance that leaves little room for other characters to share the spotlight. Despite the importance of the supporting characters in the book, Erin Cressida Wilson portrays them in a pretty one dimensional, cliche manner. Theroux plays the controlling ex-husband, Ferguson plays the stuck-up new wife, and Bennett plays the damaged goods who ends up the victim. The film brings some more big names to the film like, Laura Prepon, Lisa Kudrow and Allison Janney but they all have such minuscule screen time you could blink and miss them. 

     Despite all my criticism, this was a thrilling movie and I was never bored. Although the flashbacks may have been confusing, and the depiction of the story may gave been predictable- it was still a story that I wanted to follow. 

I give The Girl on the Train a...

6/10

Easy A (2010)

Directed by Will Gluck

Written by Bert V. Royal

Starring Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Penn Badgley and Aly Michalka 

     Director Will Gluck, brings us a film that could've fallen in the abyss of cliche movies that revolve around teenage angst and the struggles of fitting in in high school. However, Easy A falls into a unique category of movies about teenagers with satirical references to popular culture, genuine humor, and a lead actress who's momentum never dies down the whole film. 

     Olive (Emma Stone) is an ordinary high school student; in her own words, if she were a ten-story building, Google Earth wouldn't notice her. This claim quickly changes after an innocent lie to her best friend, Rhiannon (Aly Michalka). Growing weary of being virginal and boring, Olive tells her friend that she lost virginity to some guy in college. Un-lucky for her, the school's religion enthusiast and big gossiper, Marianne (Amanda Bynes) over-hears. Her fake confession spreads through the school like wild fire via whispers, text messages and notes passed in class. After one period, Olive's "lost" virginity is what the whole student body is talking about. The main character exacerbates her new floozy reputation when she agrees to help her gay friend (Dan Byrd) "lose his virginity." The two execute a very fake but public sexcapade to convince everyone of his "heterosexuality."

At first Olive embraces her newfound reputation as she embroiders a red A on her chest- just as Hester Prynne did in The Scarlet Letter. As her skanky facade starts to spiral out of control, Olive becomes increasingly more aware of the negatives associated with popularity. 

     What I liked about Easy A so much was how it has such a unique voice compared to other teenager themed films. It plays with the correlation between popularity and sleaze. The screenwriters really dived into what popularity has become in high school, and what it really entails. 

     Emma Stone represents who we wish we could be in the face of sometimes cruel high school judgment and gossip. She gets her chance at leading a film and does it beautifully with charm and ease. Her character had such quick wit and was so likable. I found myself constantly rooting for her the entire duration of the film. It's no surprise Stone received her first Golden Globe nomination for this role. The supporting cast is riddled with familiar names. Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci play Olive's cooky yet supportive parents. The many times I audibly laughed during Easy A were from scenes between Olive and her parents. Thomas Hayden Church plays Olive's favorite teacher, Mr. Griffith. While Lisa Kudrow plays the guidance counselor who is also the teacher's wife. Penn Badgley plays the love interest- who the main character takes the whole movie to fall for. Which we've seen before in John Tucker Must Die. 

     Easy A sheds some light on important issues that many teenagers are probably going through now and adults who went through them years ago. This may be a film directed towards teens but it really deserves a wider audience. It has lots of bold humor that anyone can enjoy. One of my favorite teen films next to Mean Girls. One of my favorite films starring Emma Stone. 

I give Easy A a...

7/10