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: "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.

A Feminist's Take on: "Into The Woods".

This is not your run-of-the-mill, straight off the conveyor belt, musical. This family reunion of all our favorite Disney fairytales could have easily been another, long drawn out infomercial-- a hit and run of sorts-- that would have inundated one's senses with all the nuances we have come to know and love from the mouse factory. However, Muses be warned, this musical isn't for the faint of heart. And, for that matter, I wouldn't suggest bringing any child under the age of 13 to this film unless you expect to have a lot of explaining to do!

Steven Sondheim's dark retelling of all the Brother's Grimm classics is just that: dark, moody and wrought with humor that would make your fairy godmother cringe. Evil stepsister's chopping off their heels to make the glass slipper fit? Check. Prince Charming hitting on a happily married, and newly-minted mother/baker's wife/main female protagonist? Double check. With those familiar with the real stories the Disney animated films are based off of, all of this is just as it should be... and even provides a few laughs along the way. For your 8-year-old daughter, however, it's the stuff of nightmares and maybe even therapy. Pop in the Frozen DVD instead. Trust me.

Meryl Streep brings a sympathetic glow to what could have easily been another evil witch role: making the greasy-haired and long nailed she-creature both independent and bitingly honest. The witch does what she has to in order to survive... moral compass be damned. Johnny Depp is at his character-actor best; wearing a full-fledged wolf suit complete with matching cuff links. He gnaws at his lines for a demure 15 minutes or so...just long enough to not out stay his welcome.

All in all, I liked this film more than I thought was possible. The singing was actually enjoyable and the off-kilter humor fit right in with my Tim Burton-esque leanings. It showcases the debilitating obsession this society has with beauty. Not to mention the undo pressure this obsession puts on women in general-- even those that exist within this fairytale-esque world-- the effects are clear. We
will do whatever it takes to fit in at the ball, and yet is it worth the risk? Especially if Prince Charming has the IQ of a moss covered rock and a straying eye, Sondheim asks? The answer is clear as the characters struggle to stray from their respective paths in order to defeat the witch, slay the giant-- and then continue on their merry way towards their "happily ever after" ending.

I would highly suggest this musical for anyone who is a fan of Sondheim's original stage play. Or, any adult looking for a modern retelling showcasing all these classic characters at their comic best.

A Feminist's Take On: "Maleficent".

Disney has done it again; managing to re-write a classic fairytale with a modern day twist. Except this time, they change a fundamental part of their animation history. In their latest project, the juggernaut tackles one of the most classic stories from their vault; Sleeping Beauty. But be warned, Disney movie classicists, this is not your grandmother's fairytale. In fact, this is not your grandmother's villain! Maleficent is a wicked woman for the ages; a true, 21st century renaissance woman…with wings to boot! Be Warned, SPOILERS from here. 

From the very first moment she appears, as a young woodland creature we realize one fundamental fact; this is a woman as sharp as her cheekbones. Fine, they may have started her off as a 10 year old cutie with perfect hair; but she isn't to be played for a fool either. She calls out a young Stefan (yes, that Stefan) and reminds him of his place in the strange and darkly beautiful Moors. This is not a place for you, she reminds him, and warns him never to return. Sadly, as we watch the story play out, one realizes that Stefan is not the stuff of kiddy movies. He toys with her heart and her trust. Leading her on for years before finally committing the ultimate act of injustice against the title character. It would have to take a truly wicked act to cause Maleficent to take out her rage on an innocent child. And indeed, the act is both violent and goose bump worthy. With a gut-wrenching cry into the dark, the movie enters it's second act… and the other-worldly fairy becomes the Mistress of Darkness.

I could go on here to say how a very real love story develops as Maleficent watches the young princess grow from afar. How she grows a heart and soul once again… and the re-imagined meaning behind "true love's first kiss" in this version of fairy tale events. However, I'd much rather focus on the merits of Angelina Jolie's performance. Her portrayal is both deliciously wicked and generally aloof. There are  very little scenes of dark scheming and staff-pumping. In fact, other than that one, titular moment in the great hall where she imbues her "gift" upon a young Aurora (a beautiful nod to Sleeping Beauty, by the way) she is basically detached from the events of the original movie that inspired it. She much prefers to remain perched in a tree, her humanoid henchman at her side. Eating fruit and pursing her lips. "I don't like children" she chides like a true diva. She is above it all. Her green eyes aloof but also filled with vulnerability. She battles herself throughout; unsure of her motives but still reeling from her heart breaking loss early on.

"Before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday, she will fall into a sleep-like death!"

This isn't about a woman scorned by a man. No, instead this is about being betrayed and then injured from within. She is no longer the woman she was before; she is unsure if love exists and therefore if she is good or bad by default. This is her movie, and she rules over it with an iron if not slightly disconnected fist. She doesn't need to rant and rave. Or deliver heavy handed monologues. Her eyes tell the story. The subtlety behind Jolie's performance gives it more merit. It helps an ancient story feel modern and real. Maleficent isn't the manifestation of pure evil. She is only human. Or, as human as a fairy can be, I suppose. She is messy and cruel at times, but also capable of realizing the reality behind her decisions. Whether she realizes the error of her ways or not, I'll leave for you to see for yourself as you enjoy the movie on the big screen.

At the end of the day, Jolie looked like she was having a blast. And so did we in the process. As I sat there enjoying the ride; watching her soar through the clouds with complete freedom I found myself wishing that I had wings too. That I could fly away with her and inhabit the Moors. I was transported to a time where magic was real, possibilities were endless; and the lines between fantasy and reality were blurred. Even, if only for an hour and a half.

The Princess Project: Final Results.

   First, let me begin by thanking all of the Muses. We have duplicated in numbers in the month since this project started, thereby beginning my plot to take over the world. Or, G+ at least! All joking aside, your support and insight has been huge! So huge, in fact, that it was quite the task picking out quotes for the final collage! Check my Bulletin Board to take a closer look at a few of them.

Now that I got that off my chest, here is the final product of this month-long search for The Fairest among the bunch. For many of us, these images are the one's we've grown up with--that we've seen scattered all over the internet and within the Disney Store itself. My whole point, in conducting this little "project", was to put it to you. Who did you relate with more, I asked? Who was "The Fairest" in your eyes… and tell me, in your own words, why that is. So, here is our own little poster. I believe this provides a more accurate portrayal of why we love these ladies so much; what they stand for and mean to us. Our very first heroines and role models before there was a Katniss Everdeen or a Tris Prior.

I have often heard different sides of the argument of what these princesses stand for. Are these women setting unrealistic standards? Do they challenge gender norms, or quite the contrary, do they simply enforce feminine stereotypes that are ingrained in young girls as they grow up? I put my personal opinions asides and put it to you; Disney fans and Muses alike. The answer was a stark "NO!" Each of you found at least one to relate with. In the case of week two, a tie was formed. A decision couldn't be made between Belle and Jasmine; I tried to repost the collage again for your consideration but the answer was the same… a few of you even insisting I just use both. And so I did! Who am I to question my Muses? Also, Snow White not with standing, all of you had strong opinions regarding each lady. They are dreamers, rebels and fighters; all the while maintaining a certain level of feminine poise that you all could connect with or maybe even idealized in the end.

They are as varied and colorful as we are, showing us the true value of change, love and a strong sense of self. Never lose yourselves, they insist, never settle for less than absolute happiness. They highlight the power of love in the face of everything; even pure evil.. and how that, within itself, can be a purer weapon than a sword. Not to discount the power of a bow and arrow of course (I am a Hunger Games fangirl, after all) but there are various ways to endure through life's greatest challenges. It is just as difficult to fire off an arrow as it is to forgive an evil stepmother, for instance.

Regardless of the fact that they are fictional, they taught us the most important lesson of all: the fun of losing yourself in a fairytale. Whether it's in a book or a movie, we all want to believe in something. Why not in true love or magic? Besides, who knows, maybe we might find our own Happily Ever After in the end.

The Fairest of Them All

Do you remember this apple? You might recognize it from a previous post: The Golden Apple Awards. In the late 1940s and even the early 2000s, a similar award was handed out to honor women in film, with Sour Apples being given by those who were, say, more difficult to work with. The ideology of the Golden Apple goes back even further: to a Greek myth in which the Goddess of discord, Eris, is not invited to a wedding by held by Zeus. In retaliation, she shows up uninvited to the festivities and tosses a Golden Apple with the inscription To The Fairest scrawled across it. What inside afterwards, ladies and gentlemen, literally caused the siege of Troy. But, I digress

    Not wanting to create any discord between my Muses, I opted to hold a contest of our own here. There has been much debate over the years, and even most recently, as to the anti-feminist nature of the Disney Princesses. So, I put it to you. Who is The Fairest?

    There are so many to choose from, and with them spanning basically every generation how can you define the evolution of fictional, pop culture characters down to just one? So, my idea is, to post here on G+ an offering of 3 fair maidens a week for your consideration. Every Tuesday I'll refresh my offering, so look out for the next 3 (mostly done in order of their appearance to the Disney Dynasty). I'll be doing this till the end of the month, or basically when we've covered them all. 

 No, I'm not saying that one is better than the other… I think that the sheer fact that these princesses exist to empower and lead young girls into womanhood is totally amazing. For many of us, these were our first role models who taught us how to believe in magic, to fight for what we really want; and most importantly how to dream. This is partly for fun and also part social experiment. Many of these ladies have been around since before many of us were born, and let's face it,  perceptions of femininity have changed over the years. So, I'll be interested in seeing who we connect with the most. Have we found that certain princesses have changed for us as we've grown up? Do you think the themes of a certain, princess-themed Disney, movie might resonate more now than when you were a little girl? Or has it gone in reverse? And no, this is not a quiz so I don't expect any of you to want to answer these questions. This is basically just an example of what was going through my head when I came up with this idea in the first place.

And to what end, you ask? Well, each week the "winner" (their not really winners so much as the chosen ones) will wind up in my list, in no particular order of course. So, please comment and vote. I'm hoping to create a post around your own words. As I stated once before, it gets quite lonely in my little Corner here…and I do get tired of my own voice. 

So, thank you for stopping by and joining in my little "game". Please check back for further developments and I'll see you all again next week!

UPDATE: I just expanded my horizons…to Facebook! I've noticed, in my travels, that anyone outside of G+ can't comment on my little Princess Project here. So, let's see how this goes, but I'm going to give another Social Networking site a try. So, if you make it to my blogpost here, follow me on Facebook and spread the word! I would greatly appreciate it:  facebook.com/bontecorner

UPDATE for the UPDATE: Hey all, just checking in on week three. For everyone that noticed Week two's re-posting of the Princess Project Poster; yes there was a tie. I'm sure it comes as no surprise, however, that it was going to be a very close call. Many of you even asked me to just go with both fair and very strong ladies; so I took your advice! Thanks for all your help and support these past three Weeks. Please spread the word. I'm now on Facebook as you can see in my update above. Thanks for 1,000+ views on Bronte's Muse; and over 100 "+1s" on this blog post alone! Please follow my blog so you can get an update when I post the final results of all your hard work and support! We're getting down to the wire. Only one more week to go!  And who knows, Something Wicked could be waiting around the bend…  

The Golden Apple Awards: 2013 Season

       No, this is not another Oscar tribute. In fact, the Golden Apple pictured above holds a very special place in feminine history. You see, this glittery fruit got it's start in mythology, most notably in the tale of the Judgement of Paris. Eris, the goddess of discord, was denied an invitation to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis. To stir up a bit of drama, she scrawled across a golden apple the now infamous words: "To the Fairest". Three goddess claimed the apple: Hera, Athena and Aphrodite-- with each bearing a different claim towards what that phrase actually meant. With no resolution in sight, these three mavens turned to the judgement of a mortal named Paris... literally causing a war in their wake.

In cinematic history, the Golden Apple held a slightly less controversial role. From 1941 to about the mid-1980's, this small token was awarded in honor of those actors/actresses that were considered easy to work with. The Sour Apple happens to be it's counter-part, of course.

So, what's the point you ask--scratching your head against all this information? Well, the point is simple: to honor female-driven movies that may have been overlooked by the Academy in the wake of the current award season. There is no discord intended here, with each movie listed below bearing equal merit as the one below it.

Here they are, the very first Golden Apple Awards. Spoilers! You have been warned.

Frozen 

There are few studios, I think, that have such an impressive line up of strong female characters, not only in animation, but basically anywhere! But I digress (perhaps I should do a top 10 of female Disney characters in the future). 

No where is this example more present than in this completely female driven, animated movie. It's a movie about sisters, and for once the romance portion is put on the back burner in favor of showing a positive, if not, complicated relationship between two sisters. The story is uncluttered and easy to follow, the music is outstanding and the visuals are intricate enough to feel real. Not since Beauty and the Beast have I really felt that a movie deserved an Oscar more. (and no, not just for best animated feature) Or, at least a Best Actress in an Animated Movie for Idina Menzel. Mostly, I just loved the overall message, showcased in the flagship song Let it Go, the fact that you should just be who you are and embrace whatever perceived "flaws" you might have…because in reality, there is no sense of normal anyway! I just love the strong female leads, the fact that sisterly bonds can be totally unconditional and fulfilling in their own way. And the fact that there is no clear cut love interest for the title character. Elsa learns to love herself and her gifts; she becomes a great queen and a great big sister. She discovers that's all she really needs in the end. A great message for young girls (and the not so young girls for that matter). 

Gravity

The plot is simple: the ultimate isolation movie, a person lost in space. It's not a new plot by any stretch, being pretty overused in the last five years alone. This one stood out for one big reason;  Sandra Bullock, who made it real for all of us. I, at least, was there with her and found my breathing getting labored as she tumbled aimlessly out into the black abyss of space. 

The metaphors for this movie and the struggles of women in general are endless; just simply the idea of a woman being out in a forum that she is not familiar with, a world or career populated mostly by men only to be left deserted and alone out there with only your fears of failure to keep you company. Then, she eventually calms down and find her way out of the situation feeling both empowered and alive at the same time. Most of all, it transcended the whole, gimmicky 3D thing, to be a really good movie all on it's own. The kind that once your pulse slows down, you just want to go right back in there….just maybe not in 3D this time… that was just too real for me. 

Catching Fire

In a world dominated by adaptations like The Twilight Saga; that basically teaches young girls that it's ok to change your basic biology to fit into the general needs of your dead-eyed boyfriend (and birth his demon spawn), it was a breath of fresh air to enter the world of The Hunger Games. Now I know it's the fan girl in me talking here…in a big way, but I really do feel the story is quite strong. I know it's hard to talk about the movie without going into the book, but the movie itself deserves kudos. Yes some things were added that weren't in the book itself but, seriously, get over it. Jennifer Lawrence is amazing. Period. The cast roundup is a bulls eye in my opinion, with every actor and actress really getting the essence of their characters. 

But beyond all of that, I just think it's about damn time that a woman get credit for being a girl and still kicking some major ass. Katniss is just that; as stated in my pervious post but, hell, I'll just dive in again. She is a woman trapped between two sides of herself, trying to find her way in a  complicated world. Looking out for everyone because she can't just turn her back on her family, or Peeta or Haymitch without feeling that she's failed in some way. She has her own fears and insecurities; as well as a passion to survive and live…not exist but truly live her life. In all it's forms, Catching Fire truly expands on all this subject matter to bring you Katniss; to make us feel for her and root for her because you want her to find out what it is she wants. It's not about whether she chooses Peeta or not (ok fine, it is a little bit) but it's about her finding herself and fighting for her right to exist, for better or for worse. That, in my opinion anyway, is what makes the movies so great. And allowing the general public (not just the reading public) to experience that in the visual feast, which are the essence of the book trilogy. 

Now, these three are my choices. Are there any that I missed? Or anything you'd care to add? Please let me know!