Coming Soon: Freedom Writers

-Directed by: Richard LeGravenese

Starring:
-Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey, Imelda Staunton

Since I was about ten, writing has been something that has played a role in who I am and who I want to be. It can move mountains and change lives. This idea is the driving force behind this film which stars Oscar winner Hilary Swank and Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey and looks like it's something worth your time.

It's the story of a dedicated teacher who wants to show her students that no matter who you are or where you come from, their voices matter. She reaches out to inner city kids and has faith in them when in the past others haven't. As someone who is in school to be a teacher, the idea of this story moved me in a tangible way. All of us want to feel like we matter in the world. Sure, our parents show us the way but a teacher can give you the tools to make it happen. Go see this movie, and when it's over think about how you want to change the world. Then make it happen.

Freedom Writers opens January 17th.
(Photo from Freedom Writers courtesy of Yahoo! Movies)


-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

We Are Marshall

-Directed by: Joseph McGinty Nichol

Starring:
-Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, David Strathairn, Anthony Mackie

In what could easily be described as one of the most tragic events in amateur sports history, 75 members of the Marshall University football program were killed in a plane crash in 1970. Those who were left behind in the small community were forced to pick up the pieces and the dignity and unity with which they did so is the subject of this truly moving film.

Those who were left behind after the accident are left with questions, guilt, and grief over lost friends and colleagues. It makes sense to many to cancel the football program so the university and the community as a whole could recover. Yet, in the face of tragedy there were those who saw a different way.

Marshall player Nate Ruffin, who hadn't been on the flight due to an injury, believes that the best way to honor his teammates is to carry on and keep the program alive. This belief is also shared by Wooster coach Jack Lengyel who believes he can help the program rebuild and with a little help begins to do just that with the gradual support of the community and the university along with a nation looking on with amazement and hope.

As I said in the beginning, this is a moving film but it's not without its flaws. Matthew McConaughey is poorly cast in this film, and you wind up feeling like he's not giving this story the real depth it deserves. This film called for someone with far more acting talent than he has, and in other regards it has exactly that. The rest of this cast delivers with such dignity and emotional presence that you can forgive McConaughey's shortcomings.

The first performance of note is by Anthony Mackie who plays Nate Ruffin. You'll probably think you've seen this guy before and you'd be right. What's important though is that 2006 is when the world at large began to see him for the talent he truly is. He's dynamic here, and you clearly see his desire to carry on and honor those who had perished. He does a lot of credit to this true story and was one of my favorites in the entire film.

Also notable were Oscar nominee David Strathairn and Lost star Matthew Fox. Both men bring their considerable talent to bear as they draw out the guilt, and pain that filled the Virginia community. I was especially impressed by Fox's portrayal of Marshall coach Red Dawson. In recent interviews, Fox has said he was able to spend time with Dawson and you get the sense he wanted to do the man justice. He succeeds.

Overall, this movie will tug at your heartstrings but in a genuine sort of way that I found really enjoyable. While the performances weren't perfect, We Are Marshall is a movie that is perfect in its desire to tell a story with dignity and do so in an entertaining and interesting way.

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

A First Look: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

-Directed by: David Yates

Starring:
-Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint

In what may be one of the most anticipated movies of 2007, Harry Potter enters his fifth year at Hogwarts and does so with some very Muggle complications. Now fifteen years old, Harry has a crush, some attitude, and all the problems facing average kids his age. Oh yeah, and then there's that Voldemort guy.

The first trailer has been released and my take on it is pretty simple. Director David Yates has done what looks like a fantastic job in combining London and Hogwarts, and allowing Harry to step into the beginnings of an adult life as a wizard.

Like the other movies in the series, and the Eragon moving coming soon to theaters, there's been some really brilliant translations of books to film. Most importantly though, movies like this get people reading and that is always a very good thing.

The Official Site for the film


-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Coming Soon: Night at the Museum

-Directed by: Shawn Levy

Starring:
-Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dyke

Have you ever been to a museum and seen something that looks so real it might get up and start walking and talking on its own? I've seen my share, but it's nothing like what befalls Ben Stiller's character in this upcoming film by 20th Century Fox.

During an extraordinary night as a security guard, the exhibits take on a life of their own and Stiller's character is forced to race against the clock to keep the museum to falling to pieces. Literally. Cowboys, barbarians and one VERY large dinosaur wreak havoc and the only person willing to help is a wax figure of President Teddy Roosevelt. Can the museum be saved from its own occupants? And what about the dinosaur? See for yourself as Night at the Museum opens December 22nd.

Night at the Museum Official Website

(Picture of Ben Stiller and friend courtesy 20th Century Fox)


-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Happy Feet

-Directed by: George Miller, Judy Morrison, Warren Coleman

Starring:
-The voices of: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Brittany Murphy

I feel I should confess something. Robin Williams in an animated film is a guarantee I'll go see it. As a comedian for family movies, I think he's absolutely fantastic in both content and timing. He can make jokes that will have younger kids giggling in the aisles, and enough appropriate mature humor that you might snort your soda a time or two. (I'm not saying if I did or not.)

This film tells the story of a young penguin named Mumble and the colony of Emperor penguins he is born into. Right off the bat, you're shown that the way penguins find a mate is through their "heart-song". If you can sing, you can find someone who likes your song and in turn falls in love with you. Unfortunately for young Mumble, and much to the chagrin of his parents, Mumble has a voice that could break glass. Instead through, he can dance like Fred Astaire. When his father, voiced by Hugh Jackman, asks young Mumble what he's doing with his feet he replies cheerfully: "My feet are happy!"

When Mumble is seen as an outcast among his colony, he leaves his familiar world behind and winds up finding a whole new group of penguins. Called Adelaides, they're shorter, spunkier and they appreciate Mumble for who and what he is. A group of them, led by Williams' fantastic Ramon, help him see that his happy feet are cool and while he's different he's still a good friend and a lot of fun. It's an obvious lesson, but an important one no matter how old you are.

Throughout this story, there is some fantastic musical numbers from the penguins who can sing. You'll find yourself knowing some of the songs, and tapping your feet to those you don't. You'll also be given an environmental message too. One of the points in the movie is that the Antarctic penguins can't find enough fish thanks to human interference, and it suggests that if we pay attention to our animal neighbors we might benefit the world at large. Again, it's a valuable message even though in this film it's a little awkwardly presented.

Overall though, this is a movie worth your time. It's funny, funky, and a great family film.

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

The Nativity Story

-Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke, Harvey Harrison, Andy Lumsden

Starring:
-Keisha Castle-Hughes, Shoreh Aghdashloo, Oscar Issac

Now, in the long and colorful history of film, it could easily be said that there are many topics which could challenge a director. I'd have to guess one of the most challenging might be the topic of this film. Nothing quite like telling the story of the birth of Christ to really make a lone director feel a little pressure. That might be why this film had three. All kidding aside though, I was intrigued when I saw the poster for this film. After Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ, I imagined telling other stories about Jesus might be hard to do. Thankfully, I was completely wrong.

This film has what this story SHOULD have. It has a refined quality to it that shows the care and intrgreity of those involved. This is, after all, one of the most beloved and shared stories of all time. It should be given to the viewer with dignity, respect, and most of all love. The directors of this story do all that as they let you bask in the beauty of Morocco as the tale unfolds. The fantastic Keisha Castle-Hughes is Mary, and gives the role a grace I've always imagined her to have. Newcomer Oliver Issac is her match as the strong and loving Joseph. He plays the part carefully, with the knowledge in mind that this is a role people will dissect from beginning to end. You don't need to though. The love and compassion the pair have is a bright point in this beautiful story.

One point which might throw you though is whether or not Joseph believed in Mary's story of the virgin birth. My friend who I saw this with though made a very good point. A human being might be thrown off guard by such an amazing story, so Issac's uncertainty is completely understandable. That's what this movie gives you in great quality though. A human reaction to a heavenly event.

Overall, this is a perfect reminder of what the Christmas season is about. It celebrates the birth of Christ and it might be a perfect missionary opportunity for your friends. Take the time to see this movie, and remember the tiny baby who helped change the world.

(Photo of Keisha Castle-Hughes provided by Yahoo! Movies)

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!