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andy191989
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The Crucible (1996)
Good Finale, Good Aspects, Overall Moderate
The Crucible is hard to adapt to the big screen. It's a long script, and has to be handled in a very particular way or risks being laughable. This production wasn't laughable, but what it was was middle-of-the-road in many aspects.
The acting is pitch perfect in some scenes, mainly those representing Act 3 and 4, where the tension is high. However, at lower tensions various actors come across as somewhat bored (such as Joan Allen as Elizabeth Proctor, whos relationship with Proctor initially showed like a school play on screen, with very little chemistry) however this was picked up well by the end. Daniel Day Lewis wasn't perfect as the character. He displayed great care towards Abigail and virtually none for Elizabeth in their first scene together, which makes it look like Proctor wants Abigail more, the exact opposite of the play's intention. Various lines were delivered wrong, and various character interpretations felt contrived (Mary Warren does not start crying hysterically instantly when she sees Proctor, read the play Karron Graves.) but overall, by the end the acting feels balanced enough to be... just below good.
The use of lighting, sound, and set was far too naturalistic for my taste. They could have really built up the tension with creative imagery, editing, some good score, a bit more style that would give the representation of Salem more substance. It all feels very normal, which takes away from the theme of hysteria that is supposed to have taken over the whole town. I'm not saying they needed a CGI extravaganza or a Zack Snyder "Sucker Punch" style movie (although the latter would be really interesting, actually) but a bit more flair was necessary. In my opinion, anyway.
Finally, the addition of scenes: Again, very mixed in results. The scene in the woods? Well done, well shot, creates a good atmosphere and actually adds to Abigail's character early on. The end scene with the Lord's prayer? Really solid, interesting, poignant, and historically accurate to one person actually hung in Salem. The scene where Proctor confronts Abigail in the woods? No. That showed a complete lack of understanding of the text. Elizabeth being arrested in the play was a result of Proctor being selfish and NOT putting what was right over his desire to keep a good name and not to hurt Abigail despite knowing what she did was wrong, and this scene missed the mark so hard it wasn't even funny, it kind of made me cringe and say "No! You were going so well!"
Like I said, it's moderate. The acting's okay, but not great (apart from Winona Ryder as Abigail. She, in my opinion, was perfect) the technical aspects are accurate, but very uninteresting, and the addition of scenes sometimes misses the mark. Was it as bad as some adaptations of great plays? No. But that doesn't mean it deserves more praise than it gets. The movie was fine, but the play was brilliant, and that's what stings the most about this movie.
Hoodwinked! (2005)
Looks can be deceiving!
Okay, so, right off the bat: the animation is not great. It's choppy, badly textured, and doesn't look all that good. But please, do not be fooled! That is the only problem I have with this movie!
This film is nothing short of absolutely great. The jokes are consistently hilarious, there was never an awkward pause or poorly executed joke. It's rare to find a comedy aimed at children that hits all the right notes regardless of age.
The idea of Hoodwinked is clever, but the execution is perfect. This movie is clever, and very sophisticated for a children's movie. The characters' motives and personalities make sense and are written well, and uniquely. Also, the way every aspect of the story interlinks is amazing. It takes a lot of skill to wrap things that well.
The soundtrack is also provides a lot of fun to the movie.
If you want a good film, and you can get past the animation, I highly recommend this. It is smart, funny, and interesting. Why would you miss it?
The Veronica Exclusive (2015)
A "Very" Web Series!
"Heathers" is a cult classic dark comedy starring Winona Ryder and Christian slater, which was recently adapted into a hit musical of the same name. From this came the inspiration for "The Veronica Exclusive", which brings the classic tale into the 21st Century through a vlog-style series of episodes.
An admirable concept, but one with plenty of room for error. Did they pull it off? Short answer: Yes! 100%! No doubt about it!
The editing and cinematography, courtesy of Poncho Ortega, totally nails the 21st C aspect of the series, and adds a hugely comedic touch with the "Personal Body Count" slides.
Writers spanning from Lilly Larson to Kadi Brazil (who we'll come to later) deliver huge laughs combined from select lines from the movie and musical, clever references, and some very original and laugh out loud humour! The writing is not a one trick pony, though. The budding romance between Jane and Veronica is always written to make the heart flutter, the characters are interesting and believable, and the shift from tension and suspense to comedy is seamless.
Onto the acting. Casey Caplin captures the essence of Veronica in a totally unique and hilarious way. Quirky, cute, and laugh out loud funny, she captures everything Barrett Wilbert Weed did that made the character so lovable, but does it in her own way, on her own terms, and makes a great job of it.
Megan Lambie, the lover-turned-murderer Jane Dean, develops with each episode and makes the relationship and her character feel real. She can connect with an audience, a skill hugely sought after and admirable in any actor.
Heathers' Duke and MacNamara (played by Leah E.R. and Lizzy Phipps, respectively) are always solid, consistently funny, and delivering pitch perfect interpretations of their characters.
Perhaps the comedic highlight, Roan O'Brien as Ram Sweeney is off- the-wall, unabashed, and simply amazing in his role as the big bad jock. Lyric Bowman, in a U-Turn, is the sweetest Martha ever put on screen. Her acting is good, yes, but its her in-character lovability that suits the role so well. She loves this character, and you can tell she's loving every minute of her performance, and so she should, for she does an amazing job.
And finally, Kadi Brazil herself! Simply flawless as Heather Chandler. A fleshed out character, with on point facial expression, movement, and use of voice. The star quality simply exudes from her as she lights up screens as the perfect Heather Chandler. The standout performance, no doubt.
All in all, the acting, writing, and show itself, are amazing. Fans of the musical and movie should flock to this, as it would be the best choice they've ever made. As young Casey Caplin would sign off, How Very!