Pure Imagination

I am a very lucky girl. I live in a world of make-believe. I live in a town that was made famous by and thrives on this alternate fantasy world. Its my job to help build this world of fantasy; this illusion that exists on silver screens and in little illuminated rectangles throughout the world. The fruits of my labor make people happy, they provoke thoughts in the minds of the stifled or they provide temporary sojourn for the tired, the unhappy, the bored masses.

All my life I've loved playing make believe. As a child my favorite pastime was "pretending" and while many of my school-age counterparts outgrew this love I never did. I thank the good Lord above that I actually managed to find an occupation that allows me, nigh encourages me, to hold onto that part of myself, rather than smother it into extinction.

I realize that some may consider what I do trivial, in some respects meaningless. Its unlikely that the entertainment industry will ever find the cure for cancer, a film probably won't lead to world peace, and a commercial won't solve world hunger. I may be nothing more than a dreamer and a fool but film is...everything to me. Okay, okay, a bit of a bold statement, so I'll bring it down a notch to avoid being trite. Film means an awful lot to me.

I believe in the power of film. Don't believe that film has power? Think of your favorite movie, or one that you watched over and over again in childhood. Now watch it. When the music swells and the moment comes you've been waiting for do you get chills? Have you ever heard a character monologuethat makes you want to be exactly like that character?

Maybe its just because I'm an admitted cinephile but movies are my escape, they are my inspiration, they are what makes me laugh, what makes me cry, what makes me think, what makes me go "oh shit" and beg for more.

Though I keep it well concealed, everyday that I come to the set I fangirl out. Now this isn't an all day thing, but when the boom mic comes down, the camera starts rolling, and director shouts "action", my inner nerd squeals. I may not be rich and I may not have the cushiest job but I wake up happy and I stay happy, and right now (without any kids to support, or loans to pay off) that is everything to me. I don't think I am alone in this sentiment, because when i come to work I am not the only one with a smile on my face.

When its time for me to leave this world I want there to be no "what if"s in my mind. I have dreams and I fully intend on pursuing them.

"Anything you want to, do it.

Want to change the world there's nothing to it.

There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination.

Living there you'll be free if you truly wish to be."

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre, directed by Cary Fukunaga, stars Mia Wasikowska as the title character and Michael Fassbender as the brooding love interest Mr. Rochester. The film, like the Bronte's novel, follows the life of orphaned Jane Eyre. Jane's childhood is initially spent in the custody of her aunt Mrs. Reed, who dislikes Jane and turns a blind eye to her son's abuse of young Jane. Jane is soon sent away to a school, where corporal punishment seems to reign supreme and any affection is forced to take a back seat. As a young adult Jane finds employment at the Thornfield as governess to the mysterious Mr. Rochester's ward Adele. Soon Jane finds herself embroiled in strange goings on at Thornfield, while trying to resist the charms and advances of Mr. Rochester.

Fukunaga creates the right alchemy of elements to successfully bring Ms. Bronte's novel to the screen for the umpteenth time in a version that feels neither hackneyed or overly mellow dramatic. In Fukunaga's film both the acting and visual palate are restrained without feeling repressed. This minimalist restraint matches the story's Victorian setting and seres to further convey Jane's silent strength that makes her so compelling as a character. The muted color palate, comprised of grays, purples, and soft greens, is more gritty than previous Eyre reincarnations but is by no means ugly.

Wasikowska does a great job as Jane, capturing both her youth and her quiet maturity that exist simultaneously. Jane may be far from verbose but Wasikowska's performance makes it apparent that in terms of her character still waters run deep. Fassbender also does an excellent job, presenting the audience with an effortlessly romantic Rochester. The artfully composed Wasikowska and the persistent (but often elusive) Fassbender create a fantastic back and forth romantic tension between the two characters that brings awareness to the complex social class structures of the era. The audience, like Rochester will find themselves wanting to toss all barriers aside and see the pair romantically together.

The rest of the cast is indeed well rounded, with performers like Judi Dench and Jamie Bell in strong supporting roles. Each cast member feels well utilized, and each performance well executed.

While the film may take place over a century ago the dialogue feels far from stiff and stale. At no point does the dialogue ever feel forced or awkward . Jane Eyre's writing, technical elements and acting are all solid. Overall Fukunaga's retelling of Jane Eyre is one worth seeing for both fans of Bronte's novel and strangers to the story alike.

Rating: A-

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

Fast paced, electric, and witty Edgar Wright's "Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World" busts onto the silver screen with Michael Cera as the sweet (if not a bit naive and awkward) title character. Cera must defeat the seven evil exes of Ramona Flowers to win her hear, all while his band is attempts to get a record contract by wining the battle of the bands. Keiran Culkin shines as Scott's witty gay roommate. The first half progresses at such a pace that it could satisfy even the most ADD of viewers. The movie is different in many respects including its art direction. Audio cues, gaphics, and effects serve as a love letter to old-school video games. While I wished the final battles would have reached a more explosive climax I did not leave the theater disappointed or bored.

Grade: B+

Charlie St. Cloud

"Charlie St. Cloud" is more or less the story of an All American teenage boy (Effron) who looses his brother and his all-star mojo when his brother is killed in a car accident. Following the crash Charlie is reduced to a dazed hermit who spends his spare time designing sailing equipment (his lost passion) and playing catch with the ghost of his late brother. Charlie's self imposed exhile from all things typically youthful when a hot young sailor (wait...I'll rephrase that) beautiful young girl who sails around the world. (whew, that almost turned into another movie entirely) Eyes are opened, lessons are learned, Charlie's libido is re-kickstarted (as well of those of the man-loving audience members). The movie 0pperates as a vehicle for showcasing Effron's rock hard abs, classic good looks, and ocean blue eyes than his acting abilities. Effron's face of despair occasionally reads more like the face who is stoned. The plot delivers no real surprises and the problems are a little too easily dissolved. While the film can deliver the warm fuzzies for the sentimental crowd, there the plot and acting fails to be substantial enough to keep this boat afloat.

Grade: C-

Sex and The City 2

Being a fan of the series and having thoroughly enjoyed the first movie I insisted on seeing the Sex and the City 2 movie at the first possible time. Overall, though, I felt myself wanting more, and I don't mean another movie. The movie serves as visual eye candy, giving a the audience a taste of the high life when most of us are nowadays relegated to shopping in the sale section. There is no doubt that this movie has glamour and style, its the substance that I'm not so sure about. The film is advertised as a playful romp, but the film lacked a solid plot. Any troubles the girls seemed to have are quickly fabricated by their own psyche, and dissolve just as quickly as they are made. (i.e. Charlotte's worrying about possible infidelities on the part of her husband, Carrie fretting about Big leaving her, and Samantha's troubles with the law) The self-made nature of the girls' problems make them hard to sympathize with at times, though Charlotte's and Miranda's struggles to balance motherhood with other aspects of their life are valid and humanizing. The character of Miranda seems to be the only one content with her life and she serves to boost the morale of the other girls, a wise choice, considering her character was put through the ringer in the last film. Any true fan of the show will enjoy the movie, and get in a good laugh here.

Overall the movie left me craving more substance, the girls I fell in love with on the show didn't seem to be completely present in the film. With another few million raked in I hope Michael Patrick King can leave the characters be, girls I think its time to hang up those Manolos.

Grade: C-