The Girl Power "Ghostbusters"?

From Top: Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, and Melissa McCarthy.

The Hollywood Reporter broke the story on Tuesday that an all-female cast was being considered for the reboot, based off of the 1984 classic starring Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray. The original concept for this reboot started as a sequel, of sorts; but Murray remained elusive, and with the passing of Harold Ramis, the entire project was reimagined. The understatement of the century, I know. Who could have imagined an entirely female cast of ghost-hunting mavens? Especially in an era where Hollywood seems to have lost a sense of all ingenuity-- rehashing the same ideas over and over again in a string of sequels and reboots that have no end.


Seriously, how many more Scary Movie or Paranormal Activity movies must we endure!

     So, it is with a heavy heart that I must admit just a fleas-breath of admiration towards this particular...reimagining. Not only because Melissa McCarthy is already attached, and her partner in crime/Brides Maids mastermind--Kristen Wiig-- is already in talks to join the cast. It's the simple fact, dear Muses, that someone out there in the movie-making factory is trying to turn the gears in a different direction for a change. With movies like the aforementioned Brides Maids and my personal favorite, Pitch Perfect, proving the simple fact that not only are female-driven movies cheaper to make (with budgets totaling $32.5 million and $17 million respectively) but they also rake in some serious cash in the process. 

Yes, you heard that correctly. 

     The math there is simple: women love seeing our favorite comediennes not only showing a keen understanding of real issues we girls face, and let's be honest, often feel on a daily basis. But, to exaggerate those problems into something that drive us into that insane fit of laughter reserved for a cozy night in with your BFF; sipping wine on the couch wearing only your sweat pants. "Chick Flicks" are evolving, ladies. No are we delegated to watching mindless "Rom Coms" like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (battle of the sexes my ass) or the horrifyingly un-feminist The Other Woman.  This new influx of witty and character-driven comedy, made famous by the likes of Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph and the countless others finally getting their due in this brave, new world.

     What does this mean for the Ghostbusters reboot? And, most importantly, is any of this even relevant for this ghost hunters-on-steroids comedy? Only time will tell that. This much is certain, however: Sony was obviously taking a cue from the recently changing climate of modern, Hollywood cinema. 

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.

A Love Letter to Mr. Johnny Depp

I know what this looks like; an impassioned, oblivious note of gush-worthy proportions. With a side of stalker. But I can assure you, my dear Muses, that my intentions are pure. No, really, they are. He is an actor who needs no introduction, his body of work speaks for itself and, most likely, more eloquently than I can. But yet, here I am, giving it a go regardless. Depp is a Muse simply because he is… he refuses to fit into any mold what so ever. He exists in an entirely different plane of creativity. A true patron of the arts, if you will, he doesn't seem to realize any cookie cutter role for himself; he is not merely the broody bad boy, the villain or the comedic actor. He embodies all three of these and has even created some molds all his own!

Consider Edward Scissorhands, for instance. How do you begin to characterize that creation? Both comedic, tragic and real all the same time. Yes, I said real. There is nothing more honest and vulnerable than the silent-movie qualities of dear old Edward. I could go into great detail about how technically awesome his portrayal was. But, I'll get a tad more personal than that. That movie has always touched me on a personal level. Who hasn't felt lost and alone, rudderless in this big and wide world? Or, at the very least, like an outsider? Edward is all of these things and yet, he refuses to change. Why should he, I asked myself as I was growing up with this movie on constant repeat. He is perfect and beautiful and pure… the world should be more like him. He touches the lives of a few and then disappears; going back to his isolated castle where he realizes that, being alone is it's own freedom after all.

That is only one example, and there is a long line of other creations from his internal factory, waiting in the wings. Literally too many to list here lest this turns into a 100 page thesis on his overall breed of creativity. He is a true chameleon, doing whatever it takes to dive into his roles. But, I am no critic. I am just a humble and
 loving fan. I rarely watch interviews because there is a certain repetitive nature to the questions being asked. That and, let's face the one reality here: we will never know him. I can only know him for that briefest of moments when he is projected in character form; like a living canvas on the screen for about two hours. But, in a way that is his gift to us. A small piece of himself, frozen in time forever so we can enjoy it over and over again. The Mad Hatter, Captain Jack Sparrow, Barnabas Collins, Ed Wood and countless others. They are ours to enjoy at our leisure.

So, as Mr. Depp stands on the eve of another movie release, I find myself holding my breath. As always, the trailer looks completely amazing. Trailers usually do. Transcendence, they say, is a "departure" for Depp because it is a marketable movie. Expectations seem high, but regardless if whether it's a hit or not, Depp probably isn't terribly worried. Despite all the commentary and judgement… all the haters who wait poised for failure, he has always, and ever been himself. He makes no apologies, and furthermore seems to genuinely not care. Well, I'm sure he cares… and if you happen to stumble upon this letter, Mr. Depp I want you to know, that I know, that you know…. wait what?

Oh my, it seems I've confused myself... oh well. He gets the picture. And if he doesn't, he can feel free
to drop me an email and I'll be more than happy to clear it up for him. Ecstatic, in fact. My simple point is: there is not enough said about how inspirational his journey is. He has been, and always  will be, himself. If you don't like it, then there are a multitude of other actors out there to gush over. He is respectful in his indifference. In many ways, he jumped off the conveyor belt some ways back, and decided to trail his own path through the bumpy roads ahead. Sink or swim, it's been his journey. In a lot of ways, he's proved that you can achieve success, and even fame for that matter,  while still  maintaining who he is. Being different is not a liability, he insists, aren't we all different and weird in our own ways, anyway? Shouldn't we just embrace that about ourselves?

I endeavor always to try. And for that, I'd like to thank him: thank you, sir, for making it just a flea's breath easier for the rest of us. Oh, and good luck on that little movie, Transcendence, coming out April, 18th.

A Feminist's take On: "Divergent"-- From Book to Movie.

I know what you're thinking; the book is entirely different from the movie. I mean, basically world's apart by adaptation standards. Where does one begin? How about starting here: I actually don't mind the sudden string of book-to-movie adaptations that are taking over the big screen lately. Once a book is written, it's out there. Out there for us to enjoy and live however we choose to; hence the whole theory of having a movie adaptation to begin with! It allows a whole new group of people to experience the story; to meet the characters and join the fandom. There really is enough room for everyone, I promise.

So, let me begin by saying, I didn't totally hate Divergent the movie. I didn't love it either. I could sit here and knit pick what I disliked and, honestly, when I set out to write this post I almost did! Yeah, no one wants to read that! No, instead I'm just going to condense my opinion to 2 issues that I found most frustrating. Because, overall, there were a lot of truly glowing moments. Like when Tris took that literal leap of faith into Dauntless. I held my breath , and then laughed with her when she landed successfully. What a rush! And then that first meeting with Four… sigh. Yes, I'm a huge Tobias Eaton groupie. Don't judge me. At least I don't stalk any real people. SPOILERS!

Point One: They tried to copy The Hunger Games. I'm the first one to point out that, yes, Divergent shares many things in common with this series. Dystopian America, check. Corrupt government, check. Control freak president figure with overall distain for human life, check. Yummy abs, check. But that's all on the surface. Whereas the Hunger Games uses the actual games as a basis for all the unrest, and eventual revolution, Divergent does not. The rigourous training is necessary; it allows the initiates to build up their bodies and minds. To face their perceived fears and to become stronger, inside and out. Tris grows through this experience and very literally becomes a "warrior woman". There is also no love triangle, no side to take on which man is most "deserving" of Tris' heart in the end. In fact, there is a very realistic, messy, emotional and volatile relationship at the heart of this story. They barely gave that relationship a chance to flourish, basically throwing it together during one "show me your tats" moment. What happened to the slow boil?  I'm certainly not saying the entire movie was a loss; I just wish that they had embraced what makes Divergent unique. However,I do have to admit it was amazing to see women in a position of power. There was no separation of gender training within Dauntless faction, each initiate had to train in the same facility while learning the same techniques. It was refreshing, and one of the things that makes this story so strong right from the start.

Point Two: The ending was painful.  I mean, why did they have to rework the ending to begin with? All of you who read the book will, hopefully, agree. They ruined the climatic ending sequence  involving Jeanine for Insurgent!  And, officially, reduced Tobias to a pretty boy. He had a bigger role in that final sequence (rather than flinging his girlfriend around) and it was meant to show his duality. He's not just a good trainer/fighter. He's also a smart guy, who works in INTELLIGENCE!! I think he even says as much, for a split second, at the beginning of the movie. Why didn't he shut down the computers HIMSELF, like he was supposed to?? Why did they have to MIND CONTROL Jeanine? Like she would have been so foolish as to have been standing right there. In Dauntless headquarters. Basically ground zero, the whole time. With dozens of witnesses to her depravity, controlling the simulation herself. I thought she was supposed to be from Erudite, the logical-thinking faction. And, how will this play out for Insurgent,  where Tobias and Tris are blamed for "crimes against humanity", because they are believed to have caused the entire attack on Abnegation. I mean, the writers did realize there was another book, correct? This does have to make sense even in a Sci-Fi universe!

Ok, ok I need to calm down. Deep, cleansing breaths.

Ok. I'm solid again. Sorry, guys, I almost lost my cool there. Anyways, I didn't mean to slam the movie.  Fine, maybe only a little bit. The casting, though, was like a bright light at the end of a dimly lit tunnel. Take Shailene Woodley for example. Although she got started on some ABC Family show, her break out moment finally came in The Descendants, playing George Clooney's troubled daughter, no less. She got the chance to prove that she isn't just another pretty face, out to play the same teen-angsty role over and over again. A fact she got to showcase here  in Divergent. She made Tris real for us. Showing all the facets of her personality; quiet and somewhat shy but  still smart and observant. She's a fighter and you realize, as you do when reading the book, that Tris was born a fighter all along.

And, of course, Theo James. Not only is he a brooding, handsome guy with big pouty lips. But he managed to break away from that stereotype, just enough to show that there is more to Four. His dry sarcasm was just enough to make us chuckle, and let's not forget that final scene. Yes, it made steam come out of my ears just a little bit. But, when Tris turns the gun towards herself, I actually held my breath. You see Four battling with himself, his eyes confused and hard and…vulnerable. That is the essence of Four, to me anyway. He breaks the stereotypes of what a man should be, as much as Tris does for women. A man can wield a gun and yet still be vulnerable and a little lost as well. He proves that walls can be brought down, that a man can be both soft and hard at the same time… that all Tobias really wanted was to be loved in the end.

Ok, now that I've said my piece, what part of the movie did you love, or even hate for that matter? Are you looking forward to Insurgent? Any thoughts on Allegiant?

On another note, I've become recently obsessed with Ellie Goulding's song, Beating Heart. Check it out here! And anyone looking for another interesting read in this same genre, you should really give the Delirium series a look. It's available in Hardcover and for your Kindle.

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…