The Golden Apple Awards: The 2015 Season

    2015 seemed to be the year of big budgets and even bigger stars-- from the rise of Ultron, the swarming of raptors, and the flight of the Mockingjay-- we have seen the rise of the popcorn movie once again. All the more reason to hand off this Golden Apple to a now infamous comedy that was sorrowfully overlooked during the Golden Globes... I mean, seriously, who decided that The Martian was a comedy anyway? And, let me point out, it's our first time awarding an apple in this genre! But let's face it; this particular movie is a bit hard to ignore. We mean that in the best way possible, of course.
                                                           ~  Spoiler Alert! ~




And, the Golden Apple goes to...

Trainwreck

Release Date: July 17th

Rating: R

     As I once outlined in my summer preview, not enough can be said for how groundbreaking this rom-com really is. In true, Judd Apatow style (with a screenplay by Ms. Schumer herself), this comedic nugget offers a glimpse into the love lives of adults everywhere.... and it isn't pretty, folks. With a slight tinge of raunchiness, they prove that we may not be as sophisticated and mature as we sometimes think we are. Because, let's face it, life isn't made up of a bunch of Sex and the City-esque cliches. 

Neither is Amy Schumer for that matter! This potty-mouthed protagonist is every bit the wreck that the title implies. Yet, she provides all the observations about love (or sometimes the lack thereof) that many of us women save for our most intimate girlfriends. Sprinkle in a touch of Bill Hader's quirky charm, and we have the recipe for a romantic duo we didn't even know we needed! 

"I want to puke on us!"

Their so adorably well paired, in fact, that they reminded me of that one couple we all love to hate... come on, be honest, you know what I'm talking about. But still, this film pushed back against all the stereotypes that make rom-coms so annoyingly predictable; as evidenced by that one, big fight that has come to define the genre. I won't go into what was said or how the characters bridged that gap between their differences; leading to the inevitable happy ending. You really should just enjoy that little nugget for yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed. 

In a nutshell, this hilarious comedy brought the laughs in a big way; without sacrificing all the social commentary that we have come to expect from a Judd Apatow comedy... with a hearty dash of Amy Schumer! If you're looking for the anti rom-com, then don't miss this movie! However, be aware: it isn't for the faint of heart! 

All Hail the Queen!

Lady Grimhilde has finally gone live. Well, at least her blog has! For the dame that doesn't need any introductions (unless she's doing so herself), all I can do is insist that you check it out. Click here for a hauntingly good time.

A Throwback to Summer: The 2015 Movie Guide

     It's everyone's favorite time of year; as the smell of number two pencils and back-to-school commercials penetrate the mild days of August...ruining our summer buzz in the process. Let's face facts, muses, your days of freedom are officially numbered. If you don't believe me, head to Walmart. That neon arrow beckons.

     As these long days draw to a close, however, what a better way to combat the onslaught of torture than to relive this season's greatest hits? Below, you'll find 4 top summer films picked out by yours truly. Enjoy!
   

Jurassic World

Release Date: June 12th

Rating: PG-13

     I can't think of a better place to start than with this juggernaut of the Summer Movie world. It stomped it's way to the top of the heap, making a record breaking $208.8 million in it's first few days! However, bags of cash does not a good movie make. It pretty much followed the tried and true formula that made the original so breathtaking: big CGI dinosaurs? Check. Handsome leading man? Double check. Lots of running and screaming? Duh... I mean... triple check. No groundbreaking plot twists here. Although, this fangirl did have to admit: this flick did offer up a heavy dosage of nostalgia. This movie brought me back to my 7-year-old self who first stared in awe at the big screen as dinosaurs ruled the earth once again... and kick started my life long obsession with the world of cinema to begin with. Was it the best movie on this list? Not by a long shot. But damn... those Raptors were pretty bad ass. 

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Release Date: May 1st

Rating: PG-13

      This mega-hit-action-thrill-ride pretty much conquered the early summer box office. Literally falling just behind the above named dino-flick. Now, seeing as I did draft a review, I'll be brief. This latest installment was a huge improvement on it's 2012 predecessor, proving that not all sequels are complete crap. David Spader was delightful, as was Ultron by default. And the 3D was well done for a change (unlike the view-finder-esque stylings of Jurassic World). Yes, there was some controversy, highlighted by #WheresNatasha campaign. But, all in all, this sequel solidified it's ranking as a fun-loving joy ride of a film. 

Trainwreck

Release Date: July 17th

Rating: R

     Perhaps one of my favorite movies on this list, and a vehicle for Amy Schumer's career, not enough can be said for how groundbreaking this comedy truly is. Gone are the rom-com stereotypes of movies past. The solution: this wisecracking, often swearing, and heavy drinking protagonist. Is she the train wreck that the title suggests? Hell yes! But you'll love her none-the-less. Most likely for voicing all those love life rants that we're all too afraid to admit to in public. Director Judd Apatow perfectly melds hilarious raunchiness with real-life insights about how we grown ups interact-- not only with our sex partners, but with our family members and friends as well. If you're looking for the anti-romantic comedy, then Ms. Amy is your girl. But, be warned: this comedy is NOT for the faint of heart! 

Spy

Release Date: June 5th

Rating: R

     We girls have to stick together! That seems to be the overall message of this hilarious, and surprising comedic offering. Starring Melissa McCarthy as the often overlooked Susan Cooper; and a host of other familiar faces of Bridesmaids fame, it begins as just another slapstick comedy that brings the laughs in a big way. Probably one of the funniest movies on this list, it offers a female driven vehicle in a very male-dominated genre. With The Man From U.N.C.L.E being released later this week, this movie's observations on Bond-esque cinema will seriously make you snort soda out of your nose. Besides the humor, it was pretty awesome to see McCarthy kick some serious ass... in heels no less. Want to know more? Read my full review here. 

A Feminist's Take on: "Spy"

     Let me begin this post with a disclaimer: I love Melissa McCarthy. Period.  I know this fact will make it very hard to remain completely objective in reviewing this comedic venture. I could attempt to remain neutral, but quite honestly I just don't care. I'm going to gush. You have been warned. 

     Spy begins as a typical, slap-stick comedy tailor-made for McCarthy's unique talents-- all whilst making fun of James Bond-esque movies. It casually makes reference to the cool gadgets, sexy cars and gory violence that has become a corner stone of this male-dominated genre; even making an effort at a twist ending that fell only slight flat. But, the first mistake the audience can make is to come in expecting a parody of Scary Movie proportions. Much like all of McCarthy's female-driven offerings, this movie's true beauty hides just beneath the surface.

     The comedienne's Susan Cooper is a woman who hasn't quite come out of her shell. Pushing 40-something, she feels the oppressive boredom of a woman who has spent a lifetime in a bat infested basement serving an attractive man who refuses to give her a second glance. Face it, ladies, we've all lived this reality at some point or another. She is faced with the opportunity to not only live her dreams, but to become the super heroine of her greatest fantasies. Along the way, she realizes that she's also pretty bad ass. Seriously, she can kick butt better than any ninja I have seen in recent times. Even Jude Law looked a little taken aback! 

     Rose Byrne is also a diamond in the rough, offering us a super-villain in stilettos. Her hair piled hair, and fitted body suit firmly in place, Byrne struts her way through the movie with this cool detachment so often seen in the best espionage movies to date. She even pouts freely like a toddler ready for a tantrum in the face of various attempts on her life. It seems that her great wealth, power, and go-getter attitude has threatened some of her male counterparts. She faces off against our bumbling spy-girl to only realize that one is a mirror-image of the other. When McCarthy insists that "we girls have to stick together", we realize that even among baddies there appears to be a level of sexism. It is a hard world out there ladies; even for hairspray doused terrorists.

     All in all, behind the crazy one-liners and indecent imagery, (did we really have to look at THAT particular part of the male anatomy?) the story blossoms into an empowering image of a woman who can still remake herself regardless of her age, appearance or body type. That, at the end of the day, we're all connected in this crazy world of ours... oh who am I kidding. This movie was just hilarious. Honestly, just go see it. You'll be rolling on the floor laughing; walking out of the theatre with tears in your eyes and wishing you could sneak back in to watch it again. Just trust me. You'll thank me.  

Astroids, Zombies and Tampons-- Oh My!

     Amy Poehler recently posted this YouTube video to her blog: Smart Girls. "In the reality within a disaster film, I suppose we’re meant to assume that these women are born as smooth as a hairless cat with doll-like feet that make wearing high heels both stylish and comfortable," Poehler insists as she claims credibility for writing the little skit, as seen at the end of this post. 


     I can't help but to agree with her myself; considering that most mass-marketed disaster films are geared towards a male majority... and female characters seemingly left as sobbing, braless heaps in the face of extreme peril. Imagine, for a moment, that you had to run from your home as zombies were closing in. What would be the first thing you'd grab? Family mementos? Tampons? A power tool from your dad's stash in the garage? Hey, maybe you could use those steely high heels as a weapon, after all. Remember, ladies, aim for the brain...

A Feminist's Take on: "Avengers: Age of Ultron"

   
     The latest installment into the Marvel vault has had some controversy clinging to it's coat tails like an unwanted villain of comic-book-entries past. Let us not forget the #WheresNatasha scandal that has plagued the god-like crusaders since their inception in 2012. However, this comic book fanatic could not help but admit that my inner-eight-year old self was giddy with excitement with this latest installment. With other super hero franchises getting the Bryan Singer/Christopher Nolan face lift, helping integrate them back into the realm of credible film making; I couldn't help but feel that Marvel had dropped the ball somewhere along the way. Sure, there was the noteworthy X-Men, Spiderman and even the very first Ironman, all of which were worthy of squeals of pure delight. The first installment in this super hero franchise was good enough, although the story bore no real weight. The villain was literally an extension of the Thor franchise, and although I do love some good Lokie-esque fun; there was no sense of overall foreboding that would entice the audience to glance from over their popcorn bowls. Spoiler Alert

     Then, there's Ultron; the super villain voiced by the always delightful David Spader. He lends just the right mix of humor and bored detachment that feeds into the overall AI/mechanical roots of this otherwise archetypical baddie. It would be easy enough for him to tear into 5-minute-long monologues about his evil plans; and his desire to out-wit Tony Stark. However, he seems too busy with transcending his metal form to bother with such trivial cliches. He also has some of the best lines in the movie, a true feat considering how hard it is to outshine RDJ's natural ease with achieving the perfect one-liner. The humor as a whole is spot on, a factor which is so easily forgotten in a decent super hero film. It is meant to be fun after all, folks. Like a true popcorn movie, it brings on the CGI action sequences with a decent side dish of comic relief.

 
      Not enough, however, has been said about the female butt-kickers in this franchise. With two women acting as this film's supporting cast, a shout out is in order. Scarlett Johansson is the resident bad ass in this cast, having racked up four Marvel appearances to date (and most likely many more to come), she seems more than comfortable with Black Widow's lethal beauty. Age of Ultron makes the attempt to delve deeper into her back story; hinting to the assassin's traumatic past. This also allows Johansson to flex her sizable acting chops to show the conflict between her torrid love life, and her place within The Avengers ranks. Scar.Jo also keeps up well with the boys-- kicking butt and taking no prisoners along the way. Despite all of this, Black Widow is still an absent figure in almost all licensed Marvel products; not limited to those much beloved play sets at your local toy store. More on that later, however.

     The true stand out performance in this massive spectacle has to be Elizabeth Olsen. I cannot say enough about her immense talent as an actress. Generally speaking she has a simple, understated style. She always seems cool and confident in her own skin; totally in control of her sexuality. As the
 Scarlet Witch (another of my favorites) she switches well from the villain, to the hero, to the young woman deeply affected by her past. She clings to her light-footed brother for support early on. Then, gathers her resolve to stand in the face of those evil doers that try to control her. She may change sides mid-way through the movie, but her identity remains firmly set. What a way to enter such a boy-driven franchise! To say I am excited to see how this progresses-- i.e. how closely the franchise will stick to the original source material-- has left me wriggling in my seat with anticipation. Especially considering that Vision has recently joined the team. Needless to say, things are about to get very interesting.
   

A Feminist's Take On: "Disney's Cinderella"

     I must admit, I was rather surprised by the outcome of this latest Disney reboot. Although the trailers did look promising, this classic fable can often be a mixed bag. This particular "cinder wench" has been making the rounds over the years, appearing in her fair of share or renditions and reboots.
Spoiler Alert. You have been warned.  

     So, what is all the fuss about? Cinderella is, arguably, one of the first true rags-to-riches stories that seems to resonate so easily with the bubbly imaginations of young girls everywhere. As of late, however, Ms. Cinder Soot has received some stiff competition in the form of Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior among many others. Even Frozen's Elsa insists that girls let go of typical, female stereotypes in favor of embracing who they really are within. In this business, timing is everything, and so it was time to dust off Cinderella's infamous blue gown... it is the 21st century after all.

So onto the question of the hour: Is this a feminist adaptation?

     Yes and no. The film goes through great pains to show that Cinderella's kind manner was just

"One must have courage, and be kind."

another form of courageous inner strength. She is not weak simply because she plasters on a smile and tries her best to run her family estate, all while her stepmother and stepsisters cackle in the background. Even the transformation of her name from Ella into Cinderella was tackled nicely; highlighting the bullying nature of the step sister's mean words and their power to cause some true pain. However, instead of standing up for herself in the face of such verbal abuse, the young woman grabs possibly one of the most beautiful horses I have ever seen on screen and races off towards.... who else but the prince's hunting party. How terribly convenient to the plot, wouldn't you say? I do give Disney brownie points for highlighting a princess story in which the young heroine isn't simply waiting in a lonely bell tower for some man to rescue her. Still, would it have killed them to give her just a touch of a back bone? Just once throughout this film, I found myself hoping she would talk back to the mean girls in her life.

     Otherwise, the prince is charming enough, and the evil stepmother cruel enough. Lady Tremaine is lent just enough of a back story to make her seem almost guilt-worthy. At least they didn't make her blindly evil; but more bitter and cold to life's challenges. Tremaine offers another view on how a woman might tackle the hardships that befall a woman whose greatest expectation in life is to marry well (during the time period in which this movie takes place, at least). Cate Blanchett gave this villainess just enough emotion behind her eyes to make her appear human, while also having a heck of a good time laughing manically in the background. This isn't a performance of Elizabeth-sized proportions, but at least she brought in a few laughs.

Fashionably late. 

      The movie is also beautifully filmed; with some amazing attention to detail and sweeping views of a country that almost seems too good to be true. The costume design has this reviewer turning green with envy (I would wear any number of Lady Tremaine's gowns). Kenneth Branagh has showed, once again, that he is probably an even better director than he is an actor... if such a thing is truly possible. In the process, Disney has also showed that they truly understand how a sweeping film should be tackled. No expense was spared; from Ella's sumptuous gown to the CGI that turned 4 (also CGI) mice into white chargers. A note to viewers: pay attention to the horses' ears as they shrink down to size. It was truly an amazing detail! Cinderella  is as graceful a movie as Ella is herself. And although there is some debate as to it's feminist prowess, or even if it is suitable for young girls at all. I think it is just the right mix of whimsy and fun, especially for those viewers entering their pre-teen/teenage years. Considering it's more adult themes, and the fact that literally every single parent in this movie is killed off... I wouldn't assume to propose taking anyone younger than the age of 10 unless you expect to do some heavy explaining.

     Bottom line: could it have been better? Of course. Although, the same can be said for any movie. Is it good enough? Yes, it is. At the very least, it allows you're somewhat older children to feel ten years old again, as they immerse themselves in this fairytale-style adaptation of a very classic movie. For a unique Cinderella experience, why not introduce your daughters to different versions of this classic fairytale; allowing them to compare and contrast the different heroines and how they manage the trials and tribulations set in their path. It might be a nice bonding experience/learning curve.