"Only the Young" - 2012

"Only the Young" - An Honest Look at Growing Up

     I won tickets to Only the Young and was excited to see it because I had heard very good things about it. People were saying it was the most honest depiction of teen angst since the films of John Hughes. I am a big John Hughes fan, so I had high expectations going into this movie. At first, these expectations were not lived up to, but I gave myself a few days to think about it without the preconceived notions I had. What came through those days was a film that is definitely a fine coming of age movie.

    This film is a documentary, which I had not mentioned. Throughout the film I kept forgetting it was a documentary though, because the structure and the cinematography were very much like a narrative film. There were many times where I found myself thinking "Whoa! That shot is awesome." Or "How did they get that?!" The documentarians must have been everywhere at once, considering all the possible angles they could tell the story from, because the coverage of the scenes in this movie is AWESOME. (I'll attach a trailer at the end of this review so you can see a sample of some of what I'm talking about.) I can't praise the style and beautiful imagery in this film enough. There is a misconception that documentaries aren't visually striking and I'm so glad that documentarians these days are challenging that. 

     The film is set in California where we meet Skye, Garrison, and Kevin. Kevin and Garrison are best friends, and skateboarders. They are active members in their church and even are apart of a youth ministry targeted towards skaters. Skye and Garrison do date for a while, but later just become friends. The relationships of the three change and evolve over time and we also get to see their relationships with others. We get to see iconic moments in teenage life; like getting your first car and how it changes everything, first dates, special memories and trips with friends, and even graduation. The teens also find themselves in situations way beyond their years, especially Skye.

     So, I do have some complaints. I felt that some of the more poignant moments in the film were sort of shied away from. There were moments where we caught real insight into the lives of these kids and the troubles they were experiencing, but the filmmakers let it go too soon. I'm not saying they have to beat us over the head with it, just hold on it a second or two longer! I want to have a satisfying look at the real intimacy they had with their subjects (which can only come from spending an extended amount of time with them). Not all touching moments were like this, just in the first half of the movie it seemed. 

     Also, the ending left too many questions unanswered. I want to know more about what happens to the kids!!! I know in real life, you never know what is going to happen next, and I think it was a conscious choice on the filmmakers part to leave it open-ended, but I became so involved with the three teens that I wanted to know everything. I guess that is just the maternal-ness in me. I want to know what happens to my kids as they spread their wings. (wow, that was cheesy)

     Overall, I did enjoy this movie and think it deals very honestly with teens, showing them as people with real problems, and also with problems that seem big to them at that moment, but that will probably not be as big of a deal in the future. The film never condescends or treats the characters with disrespect. That is the thing I think I like most about the film. My rating for this film: 6/10. I enjoyed it, but I don't think I would see it again. I'm glad I saw it, and would lightly recommend it to others if they are in the mood for a heart-warmy teen documentary.

That is all.

P.S.  THE TRAILER AS PROMISED.

"Hitchcock" - 2012

"Hitchcock" - A Look into the Mind of the 'Master of Suspense'

     I saw the trailer for "Hitchcock" when I went to see "Anna Karenina" and knew it would definitely be the next movie I saw. See, I have a history with Alfred Hitchcock. In my Freshman year of high school, my Communication Arts teacher, who would become my Cinema Studies teacher, would always show one after another of Hitchcock's movies going on and on about different ways in which he revolutionized filmmaking in his time. I only came to know later that she didn't particularly like Hitchcock's movies, but found them great teaching tools for young filmmakers. I personally always have mixed feelings about his works, but know how much they mean to the art of filmmaking. He definitely had his own style, and saw things in his own way.

     Enough about the man, let's get to the movie. The movie follows Alfred Hitchcock, played by Anthony Hopkins, and his wife Alma (Helen Mirren) during the time in which Alfred picks up the idea of "Psycho" for his next picture. No one wants anything to do with the idea, but that doesn't stop Hitchcock. Over the course of the movie we see a sense of determination that borders on blind and foolish stubbornness coming from him, most of the time only reaching a resolution because Alma steps in to help. The picture gets made though, no spoiler there, and goes on to be the film that he is most famous for.

     The plot of Hitchcock's attempts to get "Psycho" produced starts out a major player in the film, but devolves into a subplot as the film continues. The main focus of the movie is on Alfred and his wife Alma. Their relationship can be seen as  one of the "behind every great man is an even greater woman" types, but the movie doesn't leave it at that, for that would be too superficial. Both partners in the relationship are very complex and have their own neuroses, perversions, etc. The point is that they are  both flawed and can be found guilty of wandering thoughts of trysts, but both characters seem redeemable in a way, probably just because of the splendid acting of Hopkins and Mirren. You feel a genuine attachment between them and an affection that can only come from being together for 30 years through the wiles of Hollywood. 

     The film is mostly about the relationships one has with the people around them. This point is made in the Norman Bates character and his relationship with his mother, Alfred's search for the mysterious "Hitchcock Blonde" that will be the answer to his fantasies, and Alma's need for a relationship in which her creative efforts will be acknowledged and appreciated. Their is so much substance in the psychological goings-on between partners in relationships in this film that it is hard to put it all down in a review.

     All the acting was superb. Scarlett Johannson was a gem. I mean, I always love her but in this she was just so elegant and likable. She radiated light and poise. Anthony Hopkins made a total departure from what I have seen him as before, and completely immerses himself into a struggling Alfred Hitchcock who sympathizes with Ed Gein (the famous serial killer who the book "Psycho" was based on). I mean, he is still kinda crazy, but more relatable than in Silence of the Lambs. Helen Mirren is so cute. I want to be her when I'm older. She just seemed to have it all figured out (in the beginning) and was the boulder that supported Hitchcock. Jessica Beil is also in this, and usually she annoys me, but in this she didn't too much.
     The costumes and cars were great. I'm a sucker for anything in the 1950's-1960's. The camera work was good. Nothing crazy or sweeping like in "Anna Karenina", but good nonetheless. It was shot on a Red Epic, so the picture quality is very pretty. All the shots in the pool at the Hitchcock home are wonderful.

     Overall, this film provides a great look into married life, and shows that even when you love somebody there are times when you will wonder if the grass is truly greener on the other side. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie; laughed loudly at some parts, and was extremely touched at others. It was the perfect balance of comedy and real life drama. Plus all the movie making stuff for Psycho was a fun element. I seriously recommend it. 8/10.

Post Script. After the movie I even went and bought the V magazine issue where Scarlett Johannson is featured because of her role as Janet Leigh in "Hitchcock". The article was decent, but I mostly bought it for the cover. Look at it! It's a great photo.

That is all.