Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Directed by Stephen Chbosky

Written by Stephen Chbosky (screenplay and novel)

Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Paul Rudd

          Based on the critically acclaimed novel written by Stephen Chbosky, comes another film revolving around high school students- although, this time it isn't awful. Perks of Being a Wallflower centers around a group of teenagers who consider themselves "outsiders" and embrace their non-conformist status. This film will have you reminiscing on your social status from high school and convincing yourself that you were also an outsider like Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller- because they make not following the status quo look desirable. Anyone who read the book will love the movie adaptation, considering the books author also wrote the screenplay. 

     Set in the 1990's, the story begins with the quiet and reserved, Charlie (Logan Lerman) entering his freshman year of high school. Charlie enters high school feeling alienated and with his head down, with that scary question we all probably faced at one point in our adolescence: what table do I sit at during lunch? He is quickly embraced by two sympathetic seniors; the highly sarcastic and lovable Patrick (Ezra Miller) and the mysteriously beautiful, Sam (Emma Watson). Patrick and Sam (who are half siblings much to Charlie's surprise) take pity on the shy, dorky freshman and begin to take him under their wings as they attend football games and parties. Eventually we see Charlie fall into their inner circle, and even starts dating the punk buddhist, Mary Elizabeth (Mae Whitman)- despite his enormous crush on Sam, who has a boyfriend. While Charlie finds himself more adapted into this friend group, we still see remittence of something darker lurking in the back of Charlie's mind. He has a lot of ghosts from his past, and when things start to look poorly with his new friends, he struggles to hold on to his composure. 

    This movie serves as a sort of "coming-out" for Emma Watson as she tries to distance herself from Hermione Granger- and move on to other roles. Her portrayal of Sam shows her true potential as an actress and was incredible to watch. Watson is given more range with this character, and occasionally upstages Logan Lerman with her performance. Lerman plays the troubled teenager who is stricken with love and blinded by the beauty of Sam. It only makes sense that Watson would upstage Lerman, because Charlie is caught in the gravitational pull of Sam's star like qualities. Ezra Miller plays a very likable, very gay character and does an impressive job. Like many teenage movies, Perks of Being a Wallflower is riddled with familiar names playing the adults in the movie. The most notable being Paul Rudd, as Charlie's english teacher. We also see supporting roles from, Dylan McDermott and Joan Cusack. 

     The cinematic translation of this film from the novel- should leave fans of the book very satisfied. Even those who didn't read the book will fall in love with this movie. Its emotional, heartwarming, and even has a sprinkling of humor within its sometimes dark dialogue. A movie about teenagers that everyone needs to see. Current teenagers can relate, adults will feel nostalgia. 

I give Perks of Being a Wallflower a...

8/10

La La Land (2016)

Directed by Damien Chazelle

Written by Damien Chazelle 

Starring Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, J.K. Simmons and John Legend

     I wanna start off by saying that I am not the biggest fan of musicals whatsoever- but with all the buzz over this film I decided to take the leap. Chazelle's beautiful modern day musical surpassed my expectations. With the director's past triumph (2014's Whiplash) and Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as leads, how could it not be doomed for major success. 

     Set in Los Angeles- the city of hopes and dreams; we meet aspiring actress, Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz pianist, Sebastian (Ryan Gosling). The two first meet after an extensive highway scene musical number, in a special circumstance. They continue running into each other after that which deems us all to believe it is fate that they be together.

      As the movie progresses it starts to feel like an homage to classical hollywood films and musicals. With the set design, costumes and the beautifully crafted score of the film- I felt like I was watching a musical from the golden age of film. I was reminded constantly this wasn't a film from the 20th century as the characters were driving in Prius's and talking on iPhones. The musical numbers in this film were spectacular. They fit in perfectly with the flow of the story. The expertly shot musical scenes never took away from the brilliant story of Sebastian and Mia. They aided in telling the budding love story between the two artists. They were visual spectacles to watch- with amazing choreography and a sea of colors. It was very fun to watch while being very aesthetically and audibly pleasing. 

     Aside from the extravagant yet not overdone musical numbers- Sebastian and Mia's story is what captivated me. Sebastian being a starving jazz musician, trying to keep the genre alive. Mia being an aspiring actress jumping from audition to audition. They were both real, genuine people facing struggle, and that made them very relatable. Their relationship was very genuine and they were constantly assisting each other in their ambitions. 

     The chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is everlasting. I already loved the pair after the romantic comedy, Crazy, Stupid Love- so to see the on-screen duo triumph in this film was no surprise. However, they bring an extra to the table this time around. Showing they are more than just a comical duo with amazing chemistry. Gosling showed us he can sing, dance and play the piano. While Stone demonstrated her strong singing (especially in the song, "Audition). The dynamic duo bring a level of class to their roles along with some comical scenes on top of the romance. Individually, they were amazing as well. Gosling showed levels of talent we didn't know we had while also playing a character with charm and confidence. Stone exudes a similar level of charm while also showing some raw emotion over the constant rejection she faces. Both amazing. Both deserving of the Academy Award. 

     La La Land is amazing. A brilliant storyline heightened by very pleasing music (I can't stop singing "City of Stars"). A musical journey everyone needs to take regardless of your opinion on films involving song and dance. 

I give La La Land a...

8/10

Passengers (2016)

Directed by Morten Tyldum 

Written by Jon Spaihts 

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Laurence Fishburne and Michael Sheen

*contains spoilers*

     I went into this film feeling extremely bias considering the leads are Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, who are two of my favorite actors. To say my heightened expectations of the film were met would be an exaggeration but I also wouldn't say I was underwhelmed whatsoever. This science fiction/romance film, brought to life by director Morten Tyldum director of oscar nominated Imitation Game (2014), has an intriguing storyline and unconventional love story that keeps you engaged. 

     The film is set during what I assume is the near future based on the extremely advanced technology however no the year is never said. What we do know is the Homestead II spaceship is in the midst of its 120 year long journey to the distant space colony. On board the ship is nearly 5000 passengers and 200 crew members whom are all in a cryogenic hibernation for the century long expedition. The ship encounters unforeseen errors as an asteroid strikes it, causing one of the sleep chambers to malfunction thus waking up inhabitant Jim Preston (Chris Pratt), nearly 90 years early. Mechanic Jim, spends a year on the ship alone, trying to find any way out of his troubling situation. His tireless efforts of finding a way to get back to sleep become cloaked with debilitating loneliness. He will die of old age before the ship reaches its destination or someone else awakens. Jim's only solace to his loneliness is waking someone up. 

     Initially repulsed by the thought of forcing someone else to wake up, Jim gives into temptation as he discovers fellow passenger, writer Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence). After waking up, Aurora goes through the same initial shock as Jim did a year prior. Once this shock is over and she begins to accept her fate, thus commences the love story between Jim and Aurora. 

     Jon Spaihts writes a script that doesn't force us to agree with Jim's actions but to understand why he did it and causing us to sympathize with him. Jim is simply acting out of desperation and fear of living out his 50-60 remaining years alone aside from a somewhat human robot, Arthur (Martin Sheen). His actions make us ask ourselves if we would do the same or not. 

     As Jim and Aurora's love story is at its peak only about halfway through the movie, its pretty easy to predict that she will find out that her "accidental" awakening was no accident at all. Once she does, the results are devastating as you would expect. I really enjoyed the storyline of the is film up to the downfall of the climax of Aurora finding out Jim's secret. The remainder of the movie plays out sort of predictably as the ship is failing even more and the estranged lovers must team up with ship captain (Laurence Fishburne) to save themselves and the still sleeping 2000 plus passengers. 

     The chemistry between Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt was very enjoyable to watch. Considering they are two of my favorite actors, this pairing was anticipated and magical for me. Lawrence does a superb job at portraying this character that goes from optimistic over her new adventure to devastated over waking up early to falling in love with a total stranger than being betrayed by what he did. Bravo Jen. It has been fun to watch Pratt's transition from chubby Andy Dwyer on sitcom, Parks and Recreation  to action movie star. 

     Passengers has a great storyline aside from the sometimes predictability. Problems aside, the film has a great pair of actors in the lead roles with great charisma. Another movie involving space that is definitely worth watching. 

I give Passengers a... 

7/10