It's a Wonderful Life

I am sure that most of you are aware of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life". It is one of the most iconic Christmas films since the beginning of the movie industry. It is truly a heartwarming and forever cherished film that will never be forgotten. No matter who you are or what type of movies you like to view, you can never go wrong with "It's a Wonderful Life". This movie stars the actor James Stewart who plays the character George Bailey. It also stars Lionel Barrymore who plays the notorious character named Mr. Potter. "It's a Wonderful Life" is a classic black and white filmed Christmas story made in 1946. It was directed by  Frank Capra who based the story on a book written by Philip Van Doren Stern which is called "The Greatest Gift". This movie has helped me and many others learn the true meaning of Christmas. We all need to be thankful for everything that we have in our lives, and most importantly the people we get to share it with. I have came to realize how fortunate I am to also have a wonderful life. Sometimes you just have to understand that we all have a purpose in this world, no matter what that may be. It seems that the world would just not be the same without the existence of anyone of us; we all have an impact.

George Bailey is a well-known modest owner of a private building and loan company (bank) in his town. His efforts as the owner have helped to keep his local town alive, preventing it from being taken over by Mr. Potter, a wealthy man known for his infamy. One day, George leaves his Uncle Billy to watch the bank while he is out as his brothers wedding. As he is gone, a large number of customers decide to withdraw all their money fearing that the bank may soon be unable to pay back their investments. This is formally known as a bank run. When George comes back he finds out that they have just lost $8000 threatening bankruptcy. George refuses Mr. Potters offer to buy the bank at half its value. After taking his frustration out on the rest of his family, George goes out on a long walk at night contemplating his situation and even considers suicide at one point. He begins to think that his wife and children would be better off without him. However, he soon runs into an angel sent from heaven named Clarence (Henry Travers).  He shows George what things would have been like if he had never been born. George finds out that the town would have been controlled by Potter and that most of the people he loves would have been miserable, ruined, and even dead. George soon realizes that he does have a purpose in this world, touching the lives of many people. At that moment he knows that he can not desert all the people that love him. When George returns home as a revitalized man, he is greeted by his loving family, friends, and towns people who all chip in to save his bank's financial ruin. George is stunned by their generosity, realizing that he truly has "a wonderful life". "Its a Wonderful Life" has always been a tradition in my family to watch during the Christmas season.  It is by far one of my favorite movies, in which I will be sure to pass onto my own family around Christmas time. Here is a preview of the movie: "It a Wonderful Life". Hopefully this movie means as much to you as it does to me. I wish you all a merry Christmas!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

This is by far one of my favorite comedies of all-time! If you have not seen it yet, then I recommend it to anyone who likes to have a good laugh. The film was made in 1987 and was directed by John Hughes. It stars two of my favorite comedians, Steve Martin and John Candy. By the way, John Candy is actually Canadian and is one of my countries most beloved and cherished actors. He is most recognized for his witty humor that can be appreciated by people of all ages. Steve Martin plays an uptight, sarcastic, and very pessimistic person by the name of Neal Page. On the other hand, John Candy plays a very friendly and optimistic person named Del Griffith who tends to easily form attachments to people. These two characters are basically the exact opposite from each other in every single way; however, their lives seem to still collide with each other while they both try to get home for Thanksgiving. Previously, I wrote a blog on the movie "Due Date" that was just recently released to theaters less than a month a ago. "Due Date" seems to have used nearly the exact same storyline as "Planes, Trains and Automobiles", also including characters with very similar characteristics. But by far, the original, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" was much better. Anyways, it is a great movie full of hilarious scenes, a plot spinning ending, and two great actors who have helped to turn Comedy into what it has became today. It is definitely worth checking out!


The main premise of the story is about two very different characters by the name of Neal Page and Del Griffith, who bump into each other on the way to the airport while trying to catch a cab. In turn, Del ends up mistakenly taking Neal's cab in which Neal had just bribed another man for it, for over a $100. This of course is not the best start for their problematic journey together. Soon after, the two of them end up running into each other again, this time at the airport, where they are both scheduled for the same flight. Before being able to depart to chicago, their plane gets caught in a bad storm forcing them to land halfway to their destination. Later on in the movie, Neil has no choice but to pair up with Del, leading them on a long and crazy journey together to try and get Neal home for his Thanksgiving Dinner with his family. To change it up a bit this week, I thought I would include some of my favorite quotes in the movie. Hope you enjoy!


This quote involves a scene when Del and Neal are waking up after sharing the same bed together in the only motel room they could afford:
Neal: Del... Why did you kiss my ear? 
Del: Why are you holding my hand? 
Neal: [frowns] Where's your other hand? 
Del: Between two pillows... 
Neal: Those aren't pillows! 

Another one of my favorite quotes in the movie is when Del talks to a police officer that had just pulled him and Neal over for speeding in their completely trashed rental car that had caught on fire the previous night before, but surprisingly still ran great:

State Trooper: What the hell are you driving here? Del: Well you see officer, we had a small fire last night, but we caught it in the nick of time. State Trooper: Do you have any idea how fast you were going? Del: Funny enough, I was just talking to my friend about that. Our speedometer has melted and as a result it's very hard to see with any degree of accuracy exactly how fast we were going.

One other great quote in the movie is when Neal complains about all the stupid things that Del does and in return he asks Del to try to name one thing that he doesn't like about him:

Del: You play with your balls a lot. Neal: I do NOT play with my balls!Del: Larry Bird doesn't do as much ball-handling in one night as you do in an hour! Neal: Are you trying to start a fight? Del: No. I'm simply stating a fact. That's all. You fidget with your nuts a lot. Neal: You know what'd make me happy? Del: Another couple of balls, and an extra set of fingers? 

Those quotes are hilarious, and trust me, there are many more as well. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is a really great movie that I have came to appreciate more and more over the past  several years of watching it sporadically from time to time. It seems to get funnier the more I watch it, which is something that does not happen to often in comedies. Here is a preview of the movie to help you decide: "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles". You will not be disappointed!

Braveheart

After doing a project in my film class on the movie Braveheart, I though that it would make sense to blog about it. It stars Mel Gibson playing the role of a Scottish highlander named William Wallace. Mel Gibson does a wonderful acting job making his character very believable. He directed this movie as well, which is pretty amazing seeing as though he was the main role in the movie too. One thing that I really like about most of the films that Mel Gibson makes is that they tend to be related to something something that it very personal to him. In Braveheart's case, the movie relates to his own Scottish heritage. For this reason, the movie is somewhat based on true events from a historian standpoint. In this movie, William Wallace fights along side his army to keep Scotland's freedom from the neighboring imperialistic country of  England in the 1200’s. It was released in 1995 winning best picture and several other awards. This is actually one of my favorite movies, which I can take in some of my own Scottish pride. Although some may feel differently, I think that it deserves to be a well respected film. It has a great, inspiring storyline that will astonish you. Every time I watch this film, I am just amazed at how far people will go to fight for their country. In many ways, it has allowed me to appreciate my own freedoms in America, which is unfortunately something that a lot of people seem to take for granted. If this sound likes the movie for you, then I would definitely recommend that you consider it.

As always, here is a basic summary of the main plot of the movie Braveheart. The movie begins in the 1280 A.D. when King Edward "Longshanks" of England has taken over most of Southern Scotland. As a young child, both William Wallace's father and brother are killed in their village by the English during this terrible period. After being raised with his Uncle Argyle (played by Brian Cox), he eventually secretly marries the women of his dreams named Murron (played by Catherine McCormack) to avoid primae noctis. To prevent any further trouble, Wallace tries to live a discrete life with his wife as local farmers. Shortly after, two British soldiers in their town nearby, try to rape Murron. In turn, Wallace fights them off causing the men to run away. However, the british soldiers try to stop Wallace and Murron as they attempt to flee the village. As Wallace fights the men off, Murron is unfortunately captured, and she is sadly accused by the villages magistrate for assault and executed on the spot. When Wallace finds out he becomes enraged, wanting his revenge. Wallace and his men ride back into town and kill all the british soldiers, including the magistrate. However, Wallace soon realizes that it was not enough. Tired of the English's harsh rule, Wallace forms his own army of Scotts that are all willing to risk their lives for their countries freedom. William Wallace and his men do more damage in their revolution then the British ever imagined possible. I really recommend that see this movie, you will not regret it. Every time I watch it, I continue to become more and more inthralled by its amazing story. It is one of those movies that everyone should take the time to at least see it once in their life; however, once you see it I am sure that you will be wanting to see it again. Here is one of my favorite quotes in Braveheart, spoken by William Wallace in efforts to motivate his men before they go into battle:  “Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!” This quote seems to give me the chills every time I hear it. In fact, it is so inspiring that it makes me want to join in and fight along with them if it were possible. Here is a preview for everyone to watch: "Braveheart". I hope that you guys decide to see this one. Take my word for it. As always, thanks for reading! 

Gone Baby Gone

After seeing "The Town" and really enjoying it, I thought that watching "Gone Baby Gone" would also be a good idea. This is mainly because both movies were directed by Ben Affleck, who for the most part seems to direct great movies."Gone Baby Gone" came out in 2007 and was based on the book written by Dennis Lehane. The screenplay was also written by Ben Affleck. Who knew he was so talented? I for one sure didn't.  And with no further surprise, I thought that "Gone Baby Gone" was great. Now I wouldn't go as far to say that it was better than "The Town", however, I am sure that it could be very arguable. It was really well-done, starring Ben Affleck's brother, Casey Affleck, playing Patrick Kenzie. His character plays a private kidnapping investigator, not associated with professional criminal investigators. One thing that I was able to admire outside the actual movie was that Ben Affleck could have easily played this role, however he instead passed it onto his brother for his own chance at some fame. I also think that it would be much easier to direct a film when you are not starring in it. The movie also stars Ed Harris, and the forever cherished Visa commercial guy, Morgan Freeman. Ed Harris plays the character Remy Bressant, a undercover investigator. Morgan Freeman plays Jack Doyle, head of the kidnapping division in the police department. As you can see, it has quite a good cast, making it an even better movie. "Gone Baby Gone" is a movie perfectly suited for any viewer looking for somewhat of a analytical movie to watch, that will require some thinking in order to properly understand it. If this sounds good to you, then I would definitely recommend it.

As always, here is a little summary to help you get more of a feeling for the storyline of the movie without ruining it for you.  The movie begins with the private investigator Patrick Kenzie and his partner and girlfriend Angie Gennaro. Both of them see a breaking news cast on TV reporting the possible kidnapping of Helene McCready missing daughter Amanda. Jack Doyle, along with Remy Bressant and many others, are put on the kidnapping case to try to find the girl and her kidnapper. Later on, Helene's parents hire both Angie and Patrick to take on the case, seeing as though they need all the help that they can get. After taking on the case, they are looked upon as outsider who have no experience, by the professional investigators. However, soon after, Angie and Patrick discover that Helene has been doing some drug deals on the side with her boyfriend Skinny Ray, who she had just stolen over $100,000 with from their head drug lord Cheese. Angie and Patrick suspect that it was Cheese who had kidnapped Amanda in order to get his money back. In turn, Captain Jack Doyle makes a supposed deal with Cheese that they would exchange the money in return for Amanda without the involvement of any other cops. Upon making the deal, Doyle's investigators Remy Bressant and his partner split up with Angie and Patrick. After hearing gunshots by the investigators, Angie and Patrick rush over to find out what happened. The investigators said that upon making the deal, there were gunshots fired and Amanda accidentally fell off the cliff into the Quarry, where she supposedly drowned. Of course this is not the full truth behind the storyline, so there is much more for you to find out, along with one of the most unexpected twists that I have ever seen in a movie. Here is a preview to help you decide if this movie is worth watching: "Gone Baby Gone". As always, thanks for reading! Hope you guys enjoy this one!

La Bamba

To continue my interest in the origins of rock and roll music, I decided to Netflix the movie "La Bamba". After enjoying the movie "The Buddy Holly Story", I knew that "La Bamba" could have just as much potential, seeing as though they shared similar stories. "La Bamba" is about the short, but illustrious life of the young Hispanic Rock N' Roll singer known as Ritchie Valens. Valens is played by the actor Lou Diamond Phillips, doing a great job on his role. The movie goes into detail about some of his teenage life, his rapid growth to fame, and of course his passing. If you read my previous post on "The Buddy Holly Story", then you would be aware that Ritchie Valens, as well as the Big Bopper and Buddy Holly, all died on a horrific plane crash in a blizzard. Unfortunately their influential efforts on Rock N' Roll came to an end, but their music will never be forgotten. Ritchie Valens brought his own special twist to Rock N' Roll, changing up the beats of several songs such as "La Bamba", which of course is where the name of the movie was derived from. His roll on Rock N' Roll will always be remembered and greatly appreciated forever.

The movie begins in southern California in the year 1957, where Valens works on a peach vineyard with his mother and brother. Ritchie is a very confident and determined young man when it comes to his love for music. He continues to promise his mother that he will get her the home of her dreams when he becomes rich and famous. Later on Valens Brother Bob, who is somewhat of a rebellious young man, ends up betraying Valens by sleeping with his girlfriend. However, in Valens good nature, he decides to forgive his brother, later moving to the west coast of California with him and his mother Connie. Valens and his brother continue to share a distraught relationship throughout the movie, mainly due to the fact that Bob felt that his mother had always appreciated Ritchie more. Soon Ritchie meets a girl that he falls in love with named Donna, who he later writes a song about. Further on in the movie, Ritchie Valens is discovered by a small time record producer at a dance. This is where Valens gets the extra boost he needed to help develop his music career, making him one of the most popular singers in 1958. The movie goes on to tell you more about his life as a musician, his unfortunate death, and the mourning of his family. There is definitely a lot more to this movie than I already told you so I would definitely recommend you see it. It is truly a great movie that I am sure any music lover will enjoy! Here is a short preview to help you decide: "La Bamba". I hope that everyone enjoys this one as much as I did!