The Crucible In 1953, when Arthur Miller's The Crucible'' opened on Broadway, its metaphoric implications were clear. It was the era of Senator Joseph R. McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee. Miller's play about the Salem witch trials of 1692 was inspired, Miller said, by that crusade. A new film version of The Crucible,'' now available on video, hasn't lost any of its fury, relevance or sting. There's stark beauty in Andrew Dunn's photography and production designer Lilly Kilvert's meticulously re-created Salem. And there's an awful, piercing truth in the performances of Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder, Joan Allen and Paul Scofield as members of a community destroyed by guilt, paranoia and betrayal. Director Nicholas Hytner doesn't soften or cosmeticize Miller's tale -- it's often uncomfortable to watch -- and he draws an emotional pitch from his actors that helps us understand the mob fury and irrational fear that make a situation like the one in Salem possible. Guthman, Edward. “Cast produces a ‘crucible’ for all time.” 1997. www.sfgate.com
By Miss R
Matt Bowne 1/5/2012 English 2 Essay Want to see a movie full of comedy and that awesome action we all know and love, of course you do, and that’s why you should watch The Other Guys. The movie was Filmed and aired in 2010. Directed by Adam McKay. Written by Adam McKay and Chris Henchy. Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell made a dynamic duo in this movie with all the humorous jokes between them. The Other Guys was enjoyable to me because of the Comedy, the journey that the two mismatched detectives go on to live up to other heroes, and the action. The comedy of The Other Guys was priceless, from the random hilarious jokes, to grown-up men giving another grown-up man a present. No matter how many times I watch this movie, I cannot go through the whole thing without laughing. I give the comedy part in this movie a 9/10.I’ve had my list of funny parts in the movie but #1 would definitely have to be when Allen Gamble(Played by Will Ferrell) was driving his prius with Terry Hoitz(played by Mark Wahlberg), and Ferrell holds Terry hostage with a wooden gun. Then Terry says that he can’t shoot him since it’s made of wood, but then Allen smacks him in the face with it. All in all the comedy definitely had a huge part in this movie. The journey of two mismatched detectives. Terry Hoitz is a kind of kicking kit into high gear and finding some action kind of detective. Allen Gamble is a desk jockey detective that likes the simple peaceful life of a desk jockey due to a terrible past as a pimp. Terry eventually has to drag Allen out of the office by use of a gun in order for him to go to a crime scene; all in all it doesn’t end well there. Over time, these two badly matched cops ride the high road to the end and figure out who’s really behind all of it. The places these two cops go will not only have you laughing, but will have you promptly waiting for the next bit of information towards the crimes. The action all in all wasn’t bad. It wasn’t a movie like “The Transporter” or “Mission Impossible”, but it had its own style. The action was more focused on straight up gunfire, like normal cops would go into. The action wasn’t meant to keep you off your seat. It was a more of a background thing to the journey and the comedy. However, I will say that my favorite action scene was near the end where Terry Hoitz slides down a long glass desk, and shooting at the opposing forces surrounding him. Finally, if you would like to see a good movie (that you can watch for free on demand), I would definitely suggest seeing this movie if you haven’t already. I told you all about the comedy, the journey, and the action and now I want you to see if it’s really all I cracked it up to be. It really is. If you do, and like it then tell me that. I’ll be glad that I gave a good enough movie review to get someone to watch it and enjoy the movie. Anyways, thanks for reading. After reading this, I want to see the movie immediately, even though I had no interest whatsoever before. -Brandon B.
Brandon Batt
1/5/12
English 2
Movie Review
When it comes to movies, Monty Python and The Holy Grail is, to many people, a literal Holy Grail. Directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, this 1974 instant classic contained U.K. actors John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Graham Chapman. Nerds and geeks alike revere this movie, and for good reason. For one, the writing is endlessly funny, and there isn’t a moment throughout the entire film where there isn’t something funny going on. It is also very creative, using both live-action and animation techniques to pull the viewer in. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the movie is the acting, showcasing the best of British comedy of the time-and possibly ever.
I think this intro is as excellent as your choice in movies. By Miss R
When watching this movie, it’s quickly obvious that the writers had a great time coming up with the screenplay. Every plot point is completely outrageous, but it all manages to come together in a cohesive, easy to understand way. Even the serious things are hilarious. The movie can drag on at parts, but this is only because the writers are trying to set up a joke, which always pays off in the long run. The only bad part about this script is seeing the parts not lucky enough to make it into the final cut.
Another great aspect of the film is the creativity that went into it. The main adversary is a killer bunny. The heroes do not use horses, their servants just clap coconuts as they walk. This movie is bulging with oddness and creativity, pulling the viewer further into the world. This also shows in the set design and costumes. Most of the locations are real-life castles and villages, and the costumes look straight out of medieval times. This creativity extends as far as the credits, which are, in my opinion, some of the funniest parts of the entire movie. One of the strangest(and most creative) things about filming is that those in charge of casting actually went out of their way to find a man with one leg for the scene with the Black Knight, which gives it a dash of realism. Even though the film’s age shows in the quality of the scenes, the creativity still shines through immensely.
How these actors managed to stay straight-faced during filming amazes me. Many of the scenes are totally ridiculous, yet the actors deliver a straight-faced(albeit silly) movie. Many of the smaller parts were given to friends and family of the crew, which definitely helps the cast get along and make the scenes flow more. Scenes that would be otherwise extremely awkward with total strangers( the Castle Anthrax scene comes to mind) become relaxed and retain the comedy, keeping the movie as funny as the script itself.
As soon as I saw Arthur, King of the Britons galloping through the countryside with coconut-clapping Patsy, I knew I was in for something special. This movie is a masterpiece from any angle, and any fan of comedy movies is missing out by not seeing this. After reading this review i really want to see this move, it was an awesome review that went deeply enough into to show that it seems funny, but didnt tell the whole movie. I can't wait to see it. Nice review! -Matt Bowne Step Brothers
Have you ever got along with your siblings? Well, in the 2008 comedy Step Brothers, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, some siblings don’t get along right away. This movie is a great choice if you want to laugh over and over again. Step Brothers is a hilarious movie with a clever dialogue and a perfect combination of genius comedians and an incredible screenplay.
The dialogue in Step Brothers is unique and took great minds to perform the way they did. Writtin by Will Ferrel, Adam Mckay, and John C. Reilly, the story was designed perfectly for the parts of Ferrel and Reilly. Lines like “I'm so scared right now. I'm just gonna to do what's sensible, I'm gonna file for unemployment. Then I'm gonna try to get a job at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, because they got an excellent corporate structure and they... *they* give *you* the tools to be your own boss,” said by Weill Ferrell, don’t seem very funny, but the dialogue they use in this film will make you laugh at anything.
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are the perfect combination of comedians in the film. No one could’ve done it better then they did. Lines like “Why are you so sweaty?”
“Iwas watching cops.” Are hilarious and only could’ve been performed by those two incredible actors. The way that they can act like slightly mature kids isn’t stupid like most people could probably do, it’s a true talent and they made this movie the best that it could be.
Some people might say that Step Brothers is a disgusting, inappropriate movie. But, if you think about it it’s not even close. It’s a cleverly written screenplay made for mature, younger viewers. They never would’ve made it rated R if they wanted immature people to see it. If you’re older or younger this isn’t the movie for you, but young adults are sure to burst out laughing when they watch this. By:Cade G.
Overall this film review was very well put together. But I think you need to make it a little more longer, It seems sooo short. Also, you need to proof read and work on grammer. I love your hook and first paragraph it really catches your attention. If i have never seen this movie before this review would make me want to go see Step Brothers. -Danielle Cowgill
Cade i think that your film review was descent. I liked your hook sentance it caught my attention when i read it. and your review was so detailed and it made me want to go see the movie. i felt like you put alot of work into your review and i want to go see the movie now. Bryan Green
This is a great movie you choose i loved it. Even tho your review is a little short and choppy is still liked it. Maybe you should thi nk harder on your grabber the only reason i read it is because it said step brothers, if it wasnt for the title i wouldnt be writting this. -Naya Young
Have you ever thought the person you were dating was the one for you until you stated faceing some problems? Well that’s what Monica Wright thought in Love and Basketball. From the time she was 11 through college she had fallen for Quincy it proved rough for her when he had some family problems and turned to drinking in college. He had problems with his dad cheating on his mom and that took a toll on him and led to him making the wrong decision. Monica and Quincy lived in Los Angeles, California since she moved in at the age of 11 and led to a lifetime of love and a forever competition of who is the best at basketball. Love and Basketball was written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, starring as Monica Wright, Sanna Lathan and as Quincy McCall, Omar Epps are the main actors. This movie is great in many ways but the ones that stand out to me are how real it feels and how amazingly athletic and into the movie the actors are.
Love and Basketball has such amazing talent in the actor selection. Sanna has a love for basketball outside of her movie career so that made her perfect for the part of Monica Wright. She has had no professional basketball experience at all. In my opinion she is a great basketball player, for the fact that in the part where she, as Monica Wright, plays a one on one game against Omar Epps, as Quincy McCall. ON top of finding two amazing main actors that are good at basket ball, they had to find teams upon teams of basketball players. There were teams of boys’ teams and girls teams. They both had high school teams and college teams. He went on to the NBA and there’s another team of all new players and Monica went overseas to Italy and played there too. They had a whole crew of young and talented actors.
The concept of the movie is so real and life-like. It seems that they did a documentary on a couple’s life that went through rocky times and in the end they realized they made mistakes and got over it then eventually got married and had a family. Not at all does it seem like a fake only in the movies does it happen. That’s why I like it because I can relate to it. It’s not like Friday the 13th when Jayson Voorhees goes on a killing spree, that’s rarely heard of. Love stories like Love and Basketball are heard about all over and many people even live them. The movie felt like more of a reality; rather than it just being a boring old movie. I recommend this movie to anybody that likes love stories or basketball. I can sit and watch this movie over and over every day for the rest of my life, and it only begun about fifteen years ago.
Many people may say that the actors over acted or even made it too dramatic, but that’s what makes the movie. It is a dramatic love story about young people. Reality is dramatic. What’s life without drama? My life would be boring without a little drama. I mean I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t like it. I believe they did the best they could. They were able to connect with their characters and most likely relate to them so it made it even better than if they couldn’t relate. I don’t see why anybody wouldn’t like this move let alone love it. This movie is definitely great. Its my favorite movie of all time. I would love to live this as a reality. Therefore I recommend you go see this movie before you have anything bad to say about my movie review or what I had to say about it. I recommend it for all audience’s ten years of age and up.
Alyssa L.
Cheyney Corry 1/6/12 english 2 essay
The Pursuit of Happyness
Wearing a tie, with a smile on your face doesn’t emphasize your strength, you struggle or your happiness. A single salesman, who has custody of his son, comes to the conclusion that providing for the two of them is a challenge in the increasing unstable economy that we are in. From being homeless, to owning his own encouraging film, is brought to the big screen December 16, 2006 starring Will Smith, Jaden Pinkett Smith, and Thandie Newton. This movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” is based on a true story.
This films theme was very serious. The theme was about a surviving sacrifice. It showed the affection in Will Smiths life. It showed courage and bravery. Will Smith sent a message to the audience watching the film. Everyone that goes through things, no matter if its tragic or simple, they can make it. Will Smith showed his 8 year old son how to be a real man. Will Smith climbed out in town with an 8 year old boy. He had no shelter, no money, no food, but he made the impossible possible.
Also the actors of this film did a tremendous phenomenal job. It was outstanding. The tones of their seriousness, the feelings in their eyes, it all connected to everyone who was watching. They acted as if it was really happening to them at that moment in time. Will Smith was very passionate about everything he did. He showed his bravery when he got hit by a car, losing a shoe, walking into work, hiding the hurt inside of him and he did his job. He needed to work to support his child Jaden. Jaden was very understanding and mature about things he didn’t know was going on. He was a kid with an imagination. He tried to understand what his father was going through. The mother of Jaden was worthless. Jaden was a motherless child. His mom cared not about anyone but herself. And she showed just that feeling and confidence.
The setting scenes of this movie were in the early 80’s in San Francisco. A reckless, dirty train station was where the homeless man Will Smith and his son Jaden lived. They slept in vicious conditions. Winter, summer, fall, etc. Inside the train station, placed a restroom, where Will Smith made laid his bed and closed his son’s eyes. Locking the doors for protection, using the sank as a washer, and making toys out of toilet paper was this brave man. All for his son.
In conclusion this movie overall was the best movie I have ever seen. I connected with the characters, I felt the pain that was brought amongst them and I understood. From watching this movie, I myself learned a valuable lesson. That lesson was that never judge a book by its cover. Just because someone is smiling and has a positive atmosphere, doesn’t mean that there not a secret behind those eyes, or call for help behind the smiles, or a tear every time they walk.
I agree with the film review. The Persuit of Happyness shows bavery and hardship that actor will smith goes throught with his 8 year old son. This movie is one of the best in its time and has more character than the rest of '06 and is very vivid in detail. This review show more than the eye can see just as the movie does. If i had not already seen this fantastic movie this movie review would have made me done so. Very well done work Cheyney. - Ariana Howard Overall i like your film review and the details you added to show the hard life of the character. You had a few spelling errors but managed to get the point across. Jayson Collins If there is one bad thing about a comedy movie, it would be that it’s not that funny. After you hear Clark Griswold go on an angry rant about his penny pinching boss, you know that Christmas Vacation wasn’t all that bad of a movie. Christmas Vacation is a movie directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, written by John Hughes, and stars the great pair of, Chevy Chase and Beverly D’angelo. Clark (Chase) and Ellen (D’angelo) are a couple that just want to have the perfect Christmas. Everything goes wrong and is filled with gags and laughs throughout. Although the story is not original, the cast definitely is. The cast is a great ensemble with everyone having their own personality that contributes to the films craziness. They are all perfect together and make that eccentric family that everyone enjoys watching. The story of Christmas Vacation is simple but is fun to watch and will make you laugh. Christmas Vacation has all that a great movie should have including a great screenplay, good effects, a superior cast, and leaves you with a nice, warm feeling as the credits begin to roll.
One thing that big budget action movies do a lot these days is that they have a bunch of mind boggling effects and think that this will make the movie good. That is not necessarily true. The movie could have cool effects but that means nothing if the writing isn’t good. A movie without a lot of effects could still be good. An example is Christmas Vacation. The movie’s screen play isn’t complicated and difficult to understand. It is a good story that doesn’t need all of those effects. The screenplay is something we have seen before. A guy that is looking forward to having a perfect day and everything goes wrong but things turn out alright in the end. In Christmas Vacation, Clark wants to have a perfect Christmas with his family. He wants everything to be perfect and he expects everything to be perfect. He goes overboard by setting up every square inch of his house with bright lights, inviting over his parents and in-laws that don’t get a long, and just plain being a perfectionist with this year’s Christmas. Things start to go downhill for him starting in the beginning of the movie when his oversized Christmas tree destroys his living room, his Christmas lights display doesn’t go as planned, Christmas Eve dinner is ruined, and more things happen in between. The story is simple and plain and isn’t full of flashbacks or scenes that confuse you, it starts with a beginning and goes forward from there. A good thing is that it doesn’t rely on toilet humor to make you laugh. It has jokes that are more slapstick related and doesn’t make you have to sit through things that look like South Park. Although the screenplay is similar to other films that doesn’t mean the movie doesn’t shine. The movie though, certainly wouldn’t shine without its great cast.
The cast consists of characters of all ages and shapes and sizes. They all have their own personality that makes you chuckle or laugh. They all have good Chemistry and they all make the other characters look better because they are there. There’s Clark who is crazy and is the funny one and keeps the movie going. There is Ellen who is more calm and meek and not that funny but goes great with Clark because she is somebody to keep him sane. Also, there are the two kids that are unenthusiastic about their dad’s Christmas plans and they cause their parents to look like parents that are nuts. All of the characters are good together and make the viewers believe that they are an average, real family.
As mentioned earlier Christmas Vacation avoids having a lot of effects. It isn’t an action movie that has cars jumping off bridges or trains exploding, it is just a simple comedy. It doesn’t pound you in the head with special effects every ten seconds. It is just a simple movie that uses nothing but camera’s and doesn’t have green screens and special computers. The movie really doesn’t need any effects. It has funny people in it to make you laugh and it has a good screenplay that won’t let you get bored. The movie has lots of jokes throughout and interesting things happen, like the squirrel jumping out of the Christmas tree and destroying the house, to keep you occupied and you won’t even worry about there being no effects. Not needing a bunch of effects is what makes the movie different from lots of recent movies.
What sums up Christmas Vacationis that it is just a fun, whacky movie that should make you smile throughout it. It has a screenplay to keep you hooked on the movie, it doesn’t rely on effects to make the movie good, and it has an excellent cast that ties up all the good things about the film. The chemistry between the cast makes you think that they really are a dysfunctional family and the screenplay is simple and easy to understand because it is straightforward. It is a good film and because of its actors, screenplay, and lack of special effects, Christmas Vacation is a great holiday film that could be watched any time of the year. by Abel H.
Overall your film review is very good, i like how you explain the main parts and why it is a good comedy. By: Taylor Bompensa Step Brothers
How would you feel if your older brothers acted as if they were thirteen? Well Brennan and Dale definitely showed how to act like little kids in the nonstop laughing comedy movie called Step Brothers, released in 2008, directed by Adam McKay and who made us all laughed Will Ferrell, John Reily, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins, Adam Scott and Kathryn Hahn. Hands down, Step Brothers is the most funniest movie I’ve ever seen, it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve watched it, I’ll still chuckle hysterically. The two main things in the film that made it so hilarious were the performing and script. The actors/actress who played in the movie definitely did a fantastic job.
Due to the performance in the movie I and several others found it hilarious. The two nonstop laughing parts I found unforgettable was the scene in the gigantic front lawn when Brennan and Dale started fist-fighting because Brennan touched Dale’s drum set knowing that Dale takes pride in his drum set and treats it as if it was his baby. The other scene I found hilarious was when Brennan and Dale were sleep walking around the house at night and made a huge mess in the kitchen. The next morning the boy’s parents found pillows in the oven, groceries all over the place, and the mother’s purse within the refrigerator.
The actors/actress played their script so well. I’d enjoyed watching their irritation of each other, turning into a bunch of laughter. I believe that Adam McKay did an enormous job with selecting these actors and actress, more than ever John Reily and Will Ferrell. “Without John Reily and Will Ferrell and others the movie probably wouldn’t have been that funny “agreed by me and Chenyey Corry.
So if you enjoy funny movies, I suggest you to watch Step brothers because it will keep you laughing no matter what, and it’s just the most excellent movie in my opinion because of the actress/actors, performance and the script. By Tapria Owens
I really like the way the you wrote this review. i agree 100% with everything you said. i like the details, you brought me back to the movie serveal times. i like the way you included cheyney's name in the review.i really enjoyed the this movie and this review, but it could of been alittle longer. overrall i loved it
-Anyia Onakomaya
The Parent Trap Imagine being an 11 year old girl and an only child, then one day you go to camp and suddenly you meet this girl that looks exactly like you. How is this possible? You find reasons why how this could happen and figure out that it’s your twin your parents never told you about. How would adapt to this not knowing you always had a twin? In the movie The Parent Trap, Lindsay Lohan the star of the movie plays two characters, who are twins that never met. Co-starring in the movie are Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson, who play divorced parents who kept the secret from there children of telling them they have a twin. The movie is directed by Nancy Meyers and screenplay by David Swif. In this film the actors showed a very well played performance, even in a very young age. When watching them act in the movie, it looks like they are the characters in real life. The setting taken places in this film were phenomenal. They really fitted the settings in to the scenes, like romantic boat scene in the ocean at night making it relaxing to watch and the hiking scene made it adventuress to sit threw and see what the twins would do.
The actors in the film are perfect fitted to the characters in this movie. We watch them and really think it’s their real personalities. Lindsay Lohan only twelve years old is the starring actor in her first big motion picture movie yet. She plays two twins that never knew they had a sister, then one day surprisingly both are sent to go away to summer camp in the east coast of America. The two twins are known as Anne who lives with her mother in London, England. Halle is the other twin, who lives in California with her father. Both of them are eleven years old and never knew there life would have a dramatic change when they find out they had sister. Even better it was there TWIN that their parents never told them about. The two twins wanted to go on a journey to find out more about their parents they never knew about. So their brilliant was to switch places and the parents would never notice. Dennis Quaid plays the father of the twins, a wealthy man who owns a wine venture in California and when “Halle” goes back home she finds out he is engaged to a women who just wants his fortune. “Anne” goes back to London, England where she gets to know her beautiful mother, who is a wedding dress designer who is played by Natasha Richardson. When the twins find out their father is getting married, they figure out a plan to get them back together.
The settings of this film were relaxing, humorous, and spontaneously. One of scenes was a romantic boat scene that was taken place at night in the middle of a quiet ocean. It was the scene the twins put together to reunite their parents on the first night they met each other. Another scene was the hiking trip and that was humorous and unpredicted scene because it wanted to keep you watching to see the evil plans the twins came up with to get rid of their father’s current fiancé. The settings played a big part of this movie showing the characters personalities and life styles.
People might say this movie is to long, over rated and the story will never happen in real life are people who are not great dreamers in life. This movie tells you a great story about bonding with someone who you just met and getting couple who should have always been together back together. Every scene might not be true, but events like these could have happen to people in real life. This screenplay is creative and intriguing to watch.
This movie has been in many people’s favorite classic films because of the story and how the actors played the characters out. It’s a story that people wanted to know how to feel if they just find out they had brother or sister they never knew about. How would you feel if you found out having a sibling when you were eleven? It would be confusing. It might not be a true story, but its creative and humorous scenes make this movie a winner! by: Flora Yu You started off very strong and then your paragraphs got very short- shana
Breaking Dawn
Imagine marrying a vampire, then having wolf pack come after you for your devil child. In the movie Breaking Dawn directed by Bill Condon, Edward played by Robert Pattison marries an 18 year old girl named Bella played by Kristen Stewart. On their honey moon they create a devil child that thrives on blood and grew rapidly over a short period of time. The wolf pack sees the baby as a threat to them, Bella, & the town. Although some people would think this movie was just like the other twilight movies, I thought it had powerful emotions, marvelous special effects, & wonderful camera work.
The movie goes from horrifying to sorrowful in seconds. One minute Bella is in pain and the baby needs to be cut out immediately and the next second Jacob is heartbroken and crying because his best friend that means the world to him just died. When Bella is having the baby you unsure if she’s going to live or if the baby is going to come out as some creature it’s so suspenseful. Then when Jacob was crying it made me want to cry too because he showed so much emotion. I’m sure anyone would have need to symapthy towards that scene.
Blood everywhere, teeth marks all over her body, the baby pounding at her stomach to be cut out; all part of the amazing specials effects in the movie. Everything so realistic. The baby is covered in blood like it was really just born. Bella has teeth mark all over her body from Edward trying to save her. Bella looked so mutated when the devil child was putting her in so much pain snapping her back and ribs. The best special effects I saw in the movie were the werewolves. So realistic. So lifelike. They looked just like real animals.
The camerawork really mad the special effects and the emotions come alive. The scene where Jacob was imprinting on Renesmee. Then camera was moving slowly to show gentleness and love. If the camera would have moved fast during that scene it wouldn’t have captured the same emotion. Scenes where the camera is above the trees and is moving really fast with then music should mystery and suspense.
Overall the movie was really great. There were no bad scenes. From the special effects to the emotions and the camerawork, everything really just came alive. It made you feel like you were in the movie and you could feel what they were feeling. It made you want to be in the movie and become a vampire too. Would you want to live in a fairytale and marry your love, the hot dreamy vampire, then have to give birth some create that you didn’t even know could grow in you? Or have Werewolves that you thought were you friends turn on you and try to hurt you, so your baby couldn’t hurt anyone else?
Shana Williams
-Your review make a lot of sense. i don't like this movie, but you make it sound interesting for people who do like it.- Cade.
The Crucible
In 1953, when Arthur Miller's The Crucible'' opened on Broadway, its metaphoric implications were clear. It was the era of Senator Joseph R. McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee. Miller's play about the Salem witch trials of 1692 was inspired, Miller said, by that crusade. A new film version of The Crucible,'' now available on video, hasn't lost any of its fury, relevance or sting.
There's stark beauty in Andrew Dunn's photography and production designer Lilly Kilvert's meticulously re-created Salem. And there's an awful, piercing truth in the performances of Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder, Joan Allen and Paul Scofield as members of a community destroyed by guilt, paranoia and betrayal.
Director Nicholas Hytner doesn't soften or cosmeticize Miller's tale -- it's often uncomfortable to watch -- and he draws an emotional pitch from his actors that helps us understand the mob fury and irrational fear that make a situation like the one in Salem possible.
Guthman, Edward. “Cast produces a ‘crucible’ for all time.” 1997. www.sfgate.com
By Miss R
Matt Bowne
1/5/2012
English 2
Essay
Want to see a movie full of comedy and that awesome action we all know and love, of course you do, and that’s why you should watch The Other Guys. The movie was Filmed and aired in 2010. Directed by Adam McKay. Written by Adam McKay and Chris Henchy. Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell made a dynamic duo in this movie with all the humorous jokes between them. The Other Guys was enjoyable to me because of the Comedy, the journey that the two mismatched detectives go on to live up to other heroes, and the action.
The comedy of The Other Guys was priceless, from the random hilarious jokes, to grown-up men giving another grown-up man a present. No matter how many times I watch this movie, I cannot go through the whole thing without laughing. I give the comedy part in this movie a 9/10.I’ve had my list of funny parts in the movie but #1 would definitely have to be when Allen Gamble(Played by Will Ferrell) was driving his prius with Terry Hoitz(played by Mark Wahlberg), and Ferrell holds Terry hostage with a wooden gun. Then Terry says that he can’t shoot him since it’s made of wood, but then Allen smacks him in the face with it. All in all the comedy definitely had a huge part in this movie.
The journey of two mismatched detectives. Terry Hoitz is a kind of kicking kit into high gear and finding some action kind of detective. Allen Gamble is a desk jockey detective that likes the simple peaceful life of a desk jockey due to a terrible past as a pimp. Terry eventually has to drag Allen out of the office by use of a gun in order for him to go to a crime scene; all in all it doesn’t end well there. Over time, these two badly matched cops ride the high road to the end and figure out who’s really behind all of it. The places these two cops go will not only have you laughing, but will have you promptly waiting for the next bit of information towards the crimes.
The action all in all wasn’t bad. It wasn’t a movie like “The Transporter” or “Mission Impossible”, but it had its own style. The action was more focused on straight up gunfire, like normal cops would go into. The action wasn’t meant to keep you off your seat. It was a more of a background thing to the journey and the comedy. However, I will say that my favorite action scene was near the end where Terry Hoitz slides down a long glass desk, and shooting at the opposing forces surrounding him.
Finally, if you would like to see a good movie (that you can watch for free on demand), I would definitely suggest seeing this movie if you haven’t already. I told you all about the comedy, the journey, and the action and now I want you to see if it’s really all I cracked it up to be. It really is. If you do, and like it then tell me that. I’ll be glad that I gave a good enough movie review to get someone to watch it and enjoy the movie. Anyways, thanks for reading.
After reading this, I want to see the movie immediately, even though I had no interest whatsoever before. -Brandon B.
Brandon Batt
1/5/12English 2
Movie Review
When it comes to movies, Monty Python and The Holy Grail is, to many people, a literal Holy Grail. Directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, this 1974 instant classic contained U.K. actors John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Graham Chapman. Nerds and geeks alike revere this movie, and for good reason. For one, the writing is endlessly funny, and there isn’t a moment throughout the entire film where there isn’t something funny going on. It is also very creative, using both live-action and animation techniques to pull the viewer in. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the movie is the acting, showcasing the best of British comedy of the time-and possibly ever.
I think this intro is as excellent as your choice in movies. By Miss RWhen watching this movie, it’s quickly obvious that the writers had a great time coming up with the screenplay. Every plot point is completely outrageous, but it all manages to come together in a cohesive, easy to understand way. Even the serious things are hilarious. The movie can drag on at parts, but this is only because the writers are trying to set up a joke, which always pays off in the long run. The only bad part about this script is seeing the parts not lucky enough to make it into the final cut.
Another great aspect of the film is the creativity that went into it. The main adversary is a killer bunny. The heroes do not use horses, their servants just clap coconuts as they walk. This movie is bulging with oddness and creativity, pulling the viewer further into the world. This also shows in the set design and costumes. Most of the locations are real-life castles and villages, and the costumes look straight out of medieval times. This creativity extends as far as the credits, which are, in my opinion, some of the funniest parts of the entire movie. One of the strangest(and most creative) things about filming is that those in charge of casting actually went out of their way to find a man with one leg for the scene with the Black Knight, which gives it a dash of realism. Even though the film’s age shows in the quality of the scenes, the creativity still shines through immensely.
How these actors managed to stay straight-faced during filming amazes me. Many of the scenes are totally ridiculous, yet the actors deliver a straight-faced(albeit silly) movie. Many of the smaller parts were given to friends and family of the crew, which definitely helps the cast get along and make the scenes flow more. Scenes that would be otherwise extremely awkward with total strangers( the Castle Anthrax scene comes to mind) become relaxed and retain the comedy, keeping the movie as funny as the script itself.
As soon as I saw Arthur, King of the Britons galloping through the countryside with coconut-clapping Patsy, I knew I was in for something special. This movie is a masterpiece from any angle, and any fan of comedy movies is missing out by not seeing this.
After reading this review i really want to see this move, it was an awesome review that went deeply enough into to show that it seems funny, but didnt tell the whole movie. I can't wait to see it. Nice review! -Matt Bowne
Step Brothers
Have you ever got along with your siblings? Well, in the 2008 comedy Step Brothers, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, some siblings don’t get along right away. This movie is a great choice if you want to laugh over and over again. Step Brothers is a hilarious movie with a clever dialogue and a perfect combination of genius comedians and an incredible screenplay.
The dialogue in Step Brothers is unique and took great minds to perform the way they did. Writtin by Will Ferrel, Adam Mckay, and John C. Reilly, the story was designed perfectly for the parts of Ferrel and Reilly. Lines like “I'm so scared right now. I'm just gonna to do what's sensible, I'm gonna file for unemployment. Then I'm gonna try to get a job at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, because they got an excellent corporate structure and they... *they* give *you* the tools to be your own boss,” said by Weill Ferrell, don’t seem very funny, but the dialogue they use in this film will make you laugh at anything.
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are the perfect combination of comedians in the film. No one could’ve done it better then they did. Lines like “Why are you so sweaty?”
“Iwas watching cops.” Are hilarious and only could’ve been performed by those two incredible actors. The way that they can act like slightly mature kids isn’t stupid like most people could probably do, it’s a true talent and they made this movie the best that it could be.
Some people might say that Step Brothers is a disgusting, inappropriate movie. But, if you think about it it’s not even close. It’s a cleverly written screenplay made for mature, younger viewers. They never would’ve made it rated R if they wanted immature people to see it. If you’re older or younger this isn’t the movie for you, but young adults are sure to burst out laughing when they watch this.
By:Cade G.
Overall this film review was very well put together. But I think you need to make it a little more longer, It seems sooo short. Also, you need to proof read and work on grammer. I love your hook and first paragraph it really catches your attention. If i have never seen this movie before this review would make me want to go see Step Brothers. -Danielle Cowgill
Cade i think that your film review was descent. I liked your hook sentance it caught my attention when i read it. and your review was so detailed and it made me want to go see the movie. i felt like you put alot of work into your review and i want to go see the movie now. Bryan Green
This is a great movie you choose i loved it. Even tho your review is a little short and choppy is still liked it. Maybe you should thi nk harder on your grabber the only reason i read it is because it said step brothers, if it wasnt for the title i wouldnt be writting this. -Naya Young
Have you ever thought the person you were dating was the one for you until you stated faceing some problems? Well that’s what Monica Wright thought in Love and Basketball. From the time she was 11 through college she had fallen for Quincy it proved rough for her when he had some family problems and turned to drinking in college. He had problems with his dad cheating on his mom and that took a toll on him and led to him making the wrong decision. Monica and Quincy lived in Los Angeles, California since she moved in at the age of 11 and led to a lifetime of love and a forever competition of who is the best at basketball. Love and Basketball was written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, starring as Monica Wright, Sanna Lathan and as Quincy McCall, Omar Epps are the main actors. This movie is great in many ways but the ones that stand out to me are how real it feels and how amazingly athletic and into the movie the actors are.
Love and Basketball has such amazing talent in the actor selection. Sanna has a love for basketball outside of her movie career so that made her perfect for the part of Monica Wright. She has had no professional basketball experience at all. In my opinion she is a great basketball player, for the fact that in the part where she, as Monica Wright, plays a one on one game against Omar Epps, as Quincy McCall. ON top of finding two amazing main actors that are good at basket ball, they had to find teams upon teams of basketball players. There were teams of boys’ teams and girls teams. They both had high school teams and college teams. He went on to the NBA and there’s another team of all new players and Monica went overseas to Italy and played there too. They had a whole crew of young and talented actors.
The concept of the movie is so real and life-like. It seems that they did a documentary on a couple’s life that went through rocky times and in the end they realized they made mistakes and got over it then eventually got married and had a family. Not at all does it seem like a fake only in the movies does it happen. That’s why I like it because I can relate to it. It’s not like Friday the 13th when Jayson Voorhees goes on a killing spree, that’s rarely heard of. Love stories like Love and Basketball are heard about all over and many people even live them. The movie felt like more of a reality; rather than it just being a boring old movie. I recommend this movie to anybody that likes love stories or basketball. I can sit and watch this movie over and over every day for the rest of my life, and it only begun about fifteen years ago.
Many people may say that the actors over acted or even made it too dramatic, but that’s what makes the movie. It is a dramatic love story about young people. Reality is dramatic. What’s life without drama? My life would be boring without a little drama. I mean I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t like it. I believe they did the best they could. They were able to connect with their characters and most likely relate to them so it made it even better than if they couldn’t relate. I don’t see why anybody wouldn’t like this move let alone love it.
This movie is definitely great. Its my favorite movie of all time. I would love to live this as a reality. Therefore I recommend you go see this movie before you have anything bad to say about my movie review or what I had to say about it. I recommend it for all audience’s ten years of age and up.
Alyssa L.
Cheyney Corry
1/6/12
english 2
essay
The Pursuit of Happyness
Wearing a tie, with a smile on your face doesn’t emphasize your strength, you struggle or your happiness. A single salesman, who has custody of his son, comes to the conclusion that providing for the two of them is a challenge in the increasing unstable economy that we are in. From being homeless, to owning his own encouraging film, is brought to the big screen December 16, 2006 starring Will Smith, Jaden Pinkett Smith, and Thandie Newton. This movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” is based on a true story.
This films theme was very serious. The theme was about a surviving sacrifice. It showed the affection in Will Smiths life. It showed courage and bravery. Will Smith sent a message to the audience watching the film. Everyone that goes through things, no matter if its tragic or simple, they can make it. Will Smith showed his 8 year old son how to be a real man. Will Smith climbed out in town with an 8 year old boy. He had no shelter, no money, no food, but he made the impossible possible.
Also the actors of this film did a tremendous phenomenal job. It was outstanding. The tones of their seriousness, the feelings in their eyes, it all connected to everyone who was watching. They acted as if it was really happening to them at that moment in time. Will Smith was very passionate about everything he did. He showed his bravery when he got hit by a car, losing a shoe, walking into work, hiding the hurt inside of him and he did his job. He needed to work to support his child Jaden. Jaden was very understanding and mature about things he didn’t know was going on. He was a kid with an imagination. He tried to understand what his father was going through. The mother of Jaden was worthless. Jaden was a motherless child. His mom cared not about anyone but herself. And she showed just that feeling and confidence.
The setting scenes of this movie were in the early 80’s in San Francisco. A reckless, dirty train station was where the homeless man Will Smith and his son Jaden lived. They slept in vicious conditions. Winter, summer, fall, etc. Inside the train station, placed a restroom, where Will Smith made laid his bed and closed his son’s eyes. Locking the doors for protection, using the sank as a washer, and making toys out of toilet paper was this brave man. All for his son.
In conclusion this movie overall was the best movie I have ever seen. I connected with the characters, I felt the pain that was brought amongst them and I understood. From watching this movie, I myself learned a valuable lesson. That lesson was that never judge a book by its cover. Just because someone is smiling and has a positive atmosphere, doesn’t mean that there not a secret behind those eyes, or call for help behind the smiles, or a tear every time they walk.
I agree with the film review. The Persuit of Happyness shows bavery and hardship that actor will smith goes throught with his 8 year old son. This movie is one of the best in its time and has more character than the rest of '06 and is very vivid in detail. This review show more than the eye can see just as the movie does. If i had not already seen this fantastic movie this movie review would have made me done so. Very well done work Cheyney.
- Ariana Howard
Overall i like your film review and the details you added to show the hard life of the character. You had a few spelling errors but managed to get the point across. Jayson Collins
If there is one bad thing about a comedy movie, it would be that it’s not that funny. After you hear Clark Griswold go on an angry rant about his penny pinching boss, you know that Christmas Vacation wasn’t all that bad of a movie. Christmas Vacation is a movie directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, written by John Hughes, and stars the great pair of, Chevy Chase and Beverly D’angelo. Clark (Chase) and Ellen (D’angelo) are a couple that just want to have the perfect Christmas. Everything goes wrong and is filled with gags and laughs throughout. Although the story is not original, the cast definitely is. The cast is a great ensemble with everyone having their own personality that contributes to the films craziness. They are all perfect together and make that eccentric family that everyone enjoys watching. The story of Christmas Vacation is simple but is fun to watch and will make you laugh. Christmas Vacation has all that a great movie should have including a great screenplay, good effects, a superior cast, and leaves you with a nice, warm feeling as the credits begin to roll.
One thing that big budget action movies do a lot these days is that they have a bunch of mind boggling effects and think that this will make the movie good. That is not necessarily true. The movie could have cool effects but that means nothing if the writing isn’t good. A movie without a lot of effects could still be good. An example is Christmas Vacation. The movie’s screen play isn’t complicated and difficult to understand. It is a good story that doesn’t need all of those effects. The screenplay is something we have seen before. A guy that is looking forward to having a perfect day and everything goes wrong but things turn out alright in the end. In Christmas Vacation, Clark wants to have a perfect Christmas with his family. He wants everything to be perfect and he expects everything to be perfect. He goes overboard by setting up every square inch of his house with bright lights, inviting over his parents and in-laws that don’t get a long, and just plain being a perfectionist with this year’s Christmas. Things start to go downhill for him starting in the beginning of the movie when his oversized Christmas tree destroys his living room, his Christmas lights display doesn’t go as planned, Christmas Eve dinner is ruined, and more things happen in between. The story is simple and plain and isn’t full of flashbacks or scenes that confuse you, it starts with a beginning and goes forward from there. A good thing is that it doesn’t rely on toilet humor to make you laugh. It has jokes that are more slapstick related and doesn’t make you have to sit through things that look like South Park. Although the screenplay is similar to other films that doesn’t mean the movie doesn’t shine. The movie though, certainly wouldn’t shine without its great cast.
The cast consists of characters of all ages and shapes and sizes. They all have their own personality that makes you chuckle or laugh. They all have good Chemistry and they all make the other characters look better because they are there. There’s Clark who is crazy and is the funny one and keeps the movie going. There is Ellen who is more calm and meek and not that funny but goes great with Clark because she is somebody to keep him sane. Also, there are the two kids that are unenthusiastic about their dad’s Christmas plans and they cause their parents to look like parents that are nuts. All of the characters are good together and make the viewers believe that they are an average, real family.
As mentioned earlier Christmas Vacation avoids having a lot of effects. It isn’t an action movie that has cars jumping off bridges or trains exploding, it is just a simple comedy. It doesn’t pound you in the head with special effects every ten seconds. It is just a simple movie that uses nothing but camera’s and doesn’t have green screens and special computers. The movie really doesn’t need any effects. It has funny people in it to make you laugh and it has a good screenplay that won’t let you get bored. The movie has lots of jokes throughout and interesting things happen, like the squirrel jumping out of the Christmas tree and destroying the house, to keep you occupied and you won’t even worry about there being no effects. Not needing a bunch of effects is what makes the movie different from lots of recent movies.
What sums up Christmas Vacationis that it is just a fun, whacky movie that should make you smile throughout it. It has a screenplay to keep you hooked on the movie, it doesn’t rely on effects to make the movie good, and it has an excellent cast that ties up all the good things about the film. The chemistry between the cast makes you think that they really are a dysfunctional family and the screenplay is simple and easy to understand because it is straightforward. It is a good film and because of its actors, screenplay, and lack of special effects, Christmas Vacation is a great holiday film that could be watched any time of the year. by Abel H.
Overall your film review is very good, i like how you explain the main parts and why it is a good comedy. By: Taylor Bompensa
Step Brothers
How would you feel if your older brothers acted as if they were thirteen? Well Brennan and Dale definitely showed how to act like little kids in the nonstop laughing comedy movie called Step Brothers, released in 2008, directed by Adam McKay and who made us all laughed Will Ferrell, John Reily, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins, Adam Scott and Kathryn Hahn. Hands down, Step Brothers is the most funniest movie I’ve ever seen, it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve watched it, I’ll still chuckle hysterically. The two main things in the film that made it so hilarious were the performing and script. The actors/actress who played in the movie definitely did a fantastic job.
Due to the performance in the movie I and several others found it hilarious. The two nonstop laughing parts I found unforgettable was the scene in the gigantic front lawn when Brennan and Dale started fist-fighting because Brennan touched Dale’s drum set knowing that Dale takes pride in his drum set and treats it as if it was his baby. The other scene I found hilarious was when Brennan and Dale were sleep walking around the house at night and made a huge mess in the kitchen. The next morning the boy’s parents found pillows in the oven, groceries all over the place, and the mother’s purse within the refrigerator.
The actors/actress played their script so well. I’d enjoyed watching their irritation of each other, turning into a bunch of laughter. I believe that Adam McKay did an enormous job with selecting these actors and actress, more than ever John Reily and Will Ferrell. “Without John Reily and Will Ferrell and others the movie probably wouldn’t have been that funny “agreed by me and Chenyey Corry.
So if you enjoy funny movies, I suggest you to watch Step brothers because it will keep you laughing no matter what, and it’s just the most excellent movie in my opinion because of the actress/actors, performance and the script. By Tapria Owens
- I really like the way the you wrote this review. i agree 100% with everything you said. i like the details, you brought me back to the movie serveal times. i like the way you included cheyney's name in the review.i really enjoyed the this movie and this review, but it could of been alittle longer. overrall i loved it
-Anyia OnakomayaThe Parent Trap
Imagine being an 11 year old girl and an only child, then one day you go to camp and suddenly you meet this girl that looks exactly like you. How is this possible? You find reasons why how this could happen and figure out that it’s your twin your parents never told you about. How would adapt to this not knowing you always had a twin? In the movie The Parent Trap, Lindsay Lohan the star of the movie plays two characters, who are twins that never met. Co-starring in the movie are Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson, who play divorced parents who kept the secret from there children of telling them they have a twin. The movie is directed by Nancy Meyers and screenplay by David Swif. In this film the actors showed a very well played performance, even in a very young age. When watching them act in the movie, it looks like they are the characters in real life. The setting taken places in this film were phenomenal. They really fitted the settings in to the scenes, like romantic boat scene in the ocean at night making it relaxing to watch and the hiking scene made it adventuress to sit threw and see what the twins would do.
The actors in the film are perfect fitted to the characters in this movie. We watch them and really think it’s their real personalities. Lindsay Lohan only twelve years old is the starring actor in her first big motion picture movie yet. She plays two twins that never knew they had a sister, then one day surprisingly both are sent to go away to summer camp in the east coast of America. The two twins are known as Anne who lives with her mother in London, England. Halle is the other twin, who lives in California with her father. Both of them are eleven years old and never knew there life would have a dramatic change when they find out they had sister. Even better it was there TWIN that their parents never told them about. The two twins wanted to go on a journey to find out more about their parents they never knew about. So their brilliant was to switch places and the parents would never notice. Dennis Quaid plays the father of the twins, a wealthy man who owns a wine venture in California and when “Halle” goes back home she finds out he is engaged to a women who just wants his fortune. “Anne” goes back to London, England where she gets to know her beautiful mother, who is a wedding dress designer who is played by Natasha Richardson. When the twins find out their father is getting married, they figure out a plan to get them back together.
The settings of this film were relaxing, humorous, and spontaneously. One of scenes was a romantic boat scene that was taken place at night in the middle of a quiet ocean. It was the scene the twins put together to reunite their parents on the first night they met each other. Another scene was the hiking trip and that was humorous and unpredicted scene because it wanted to keep you watching to see the evil plans the twins came up with to get rid of their father’s current fiancé. The settings played a big part of this movie showing the characters personalities and life styles.
People might say this movie is to long, over rated and the story will never happen in real life are people who are not great dreamers in life. This movie tells you a great story about bonding with someone who you just met and getting couple who should have always been together back together. Every scene might not be true, but events like these could have happen to people in real life. This screenplay is creative and intriguing to watch.
This movie has been in many people’s favorite classic films because of the story and how the actors played the characters out. It’s a story that people wanted to know how to feel if they just find out they had brother or sister they never knew about. How would you feel if you found out having a sibling when you were eleven? It would be confusing. It might not be a true story, but its creative and humorous scenes make this movie a winner! by: Flora Yu
You started off very strong and then your paragraphs got very short- shana
Breaking Dawn
Imagine marrying a vampire, then having wolf pack come after you for your devil child. In the movie Breaking Dawn directed by Bill Condon, Edward played by Robert Pattison marries an 18 year old girl named Bella played by Kristen Stewart. On their honey moon they create a devil child that thrives on blood and grew rapidly over a short period of time. The wolf pack sees the baby as a threat to them, Bella, & the town. Although some people would think this movie was just like the other twilight movies, I thought it had powerful emotions, marvelous special effects, & wonderful camera work.
The movie goes from horrifying to sorrowful in seconds. One minute Bella is in pain and the baby needs to be cut out immediately and the next second Jacob is heartbroken and crying because his best friend that means the world to him just died. When Bella is having the baby you unsure if she’s going to live or if the baby is going to come out as some creature it’s so suspenseful. Then when Jacob was crying it made me want to cry too because he showed so much emotion. I’m sure anyone would have need to symapthy towards that scene.
Blood everywhere, teeth marks all over her body, the baby pounding at her stomach to be cut out; all part of the amazing specials effects in the movie. Everything so realistic. The baby is covered in blood like it was really just born. Bella has teeth mark all over her body from Edward trying to save her. Bella looked so mutated when the devil child was putting her in so much pain snapping her back and ribs. The best special effects I saw in the movie were the werewolves. So realistic. So lifelike. They looked just like real animals.
The camerawork really mad the special effects and the emotions come alive. The scene where Jacob was imprinting on Renesmee. Then camera was moving slowly to show gentleness and love. If the camera would have moved fast during that scene it wouldn’t have captured the same emotion. Scenes where the camera is above the trees and is moving really fast with then music should mystery and suspense.
Overall the movie was really great. There were no bad scenes. From the special effects to the emotions and the camerawork, everything really just came alive. It made you feel like you were in the movie and you could feel what they were feeling. It made you want to be in the movie and become a vampire too. Would you want to live in a fairytale and marry your love, the hot dreamy vampire, then have to give birth some create that you didn’t even know could grow in you? Or have Werewolves that you thought were you friends turn on you and try to hurt you, so your baby couldn’t hurt anyone else?
Shana Williams
-Your review make a lot of sense. i don't like this movie, but you make it sound interesting for people who do like it.- Cade.