The Rise of a Hero by Alma Uriarte

Big Hero Six, a movie that appears to be a movie about robots and high-tech suits, is not what it appears to be. In all honesty, it is a heart moving story that had an impact on many that watched it. Big Hero Six was a much anticipated movie, which had many on the edge of their seats. This action packed animated comedy caused many laughs and a few tears, it set out to break records, with an interesting plot and characters with distinct personalities that reflect off one another. The characters were sometimes the exact opposite of one another making it much more enjoyable, they continuously encouraged one another adding to the overall effect of the movie. The story doesn’t fall flat but makes sure that the next part is unpredicted, keeping everyone waiting to see what happens next. Not only did this movie appeal to kids but also teenagers and adults alike.

            Big Hero Six premiered on November 7, 2014, with midnight premieres the previous nihgt. It’s the story about Hiro Hamada, a 14 year old genius, and how he deals with a series of shocking events. This story starts off in the underground bot fights of San Fransokyo, where Hiro spends his time fighting with his own creation of a bot. Tadashi, Hiro’s older brother, directs and inspires his younger brother to apply to San Fransokyo Institute of Technology, in hopes for his brother to use his brain in a way that might help others. When tragedy befalls Hiro, he finds comfort in Baymax, a big huggable robot and the only connection to his older brother. Baymax was created to help people in distress by Tadashi. After Baymax’s unexpected arrival, Hiro and Baymax form a true strong bond that cannot be broken, they face many adventures and they each learn from each other. Together, along with a few other friends, they form the big hero six, a group of superheros. As a team they face an unexpected danger. Hiro learns that being a real hero isn’t what he thought it to be, not only does he learn that heroes make brave decisions, putting others needs before their own, he also learns that his idea of finding happiness doesn’t have to involve the suffering of another. Throughout his discovery, slowly, all the missing pieces start falling into place leading to an unforeseen ending.

            This film had very high expectations following the extremely successful Disney’s Frozen. Created by the team that made the #1 ranking movies Wreck-it-Ralph and Frozen, Big Hero Six was anticipated to reach such rank upon its release on its opening weekend. Both these stories had moving plots creating the high expectations of many who watched Frozen and Wreck-It-Ralph. Frozen had many parts that were unexpected, sad, and or incredibly interesting, Big Hero Six had to have that too in order to meet its expectations. To make sure this story remained original, several startling twists were involved in the story to keep the audience on the edge of their seats waiting to see what happened next. This movie did not disappoint, and also reached its expected goal opening weekend. As expected, this movie not only had a story to warm hearts while also created joyous atmosphere but also showed how the character developed into the hero he was intended to be from the beginning.

            The story had a message, which was somewhat easy to grasp and could apply to many. Its effectiveness is what needs to be evaluated. The message is that certain traits and characteristics are what make someone a hero, not high-tech super suits. What the movie is trying to get across to the audience is that anyone can be a hero, they just have to understand what it is that makes a hero. This message is clearly expressed through Hiro, who in the beginning, is misguided in his beliefs, allowing him to confuse what a hero does and what actions based on revenge accomplish. It takes his friends and more importantly Baymax to make him realize what he is doing wrong. His actions then change resembling the actions of his older brother, this is when he and the audience realize what the actions of a true hero are. The message is then made clear and is quite effective on developing the character into a hero that the movie needs. The rise of Hiro into a hero shows how much the character developed from the beginning and effectively states the message, anyone can be a hero.

Into the Darkness: A Review of the New Movie Interstellar by Alisha M. Medearis

Have you ever wondered what is like to be in space, floating in the zero gravity, exploring different galaxies and planets, or going inside a black hole or what the Earth looks like from afar? In the new movie Interstellar which premiered October 26, 2014 directed by Cristopher Nolan who was aided by cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema presents audiences with this experience as well breathtaking views of outer space in which they created through satellite projections, as no green screens were used; the producers wanted the audience to feel as if they were there experiencing the action along with the characters. What made this story so wonderfully put together was its scientific accuracy, visual effects, and brilliant performances from the cast.

The story written by director Christopher Nolan and his brother Johnathan Nolan, portrays a future earth in which a second dustbowl has occurred and resources are quickly running out. As the end of mankind seems to be nearing NASA sends Dr. Brand (Anne Hathaway) and former NASA pilot Cooper (Mathew McConaughey) to explore three planets which could potentially become a new home for man-kind. The movie beautifully crafted provides viewers with stunning images of space and science while keeping it all understandable for the average person. The story is one that tells of betrayal, hope, intellect and the never ending question of what do we do when Earth can no longer sustain the human population. This movie is a perfect blend between action and drama that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat.

The most acclaimed attribute to the movie is its scientific accuracy. Too many movies portray what the production crew thinks looks good however, Nolan was careful not to make this mistake and consulted Theoretical Physicist Kip Thorne; as well as being a consultant her work inspired the film and she co-produced it along with Nolan and his wife. Nolan and Thorne wanted the ideas on relativity, which the story revolves around, to be as realistic as possible and based much of the movie on Einstein’s equations of general relativity and gravity. When creating a wormhole and a black hole Thorne collaborated with 30 visual effects artists and contributed her own research on theoretical equations and gravitational lensing to create views as realistic as possible. Thorne was determined to only use scientific based scenes and not those conjured up by a screen writer’s imaginative mind.

The visual effects that were portrayed aided to the popularity of the movie as well. The visual effects artists worked diligently to create effects that were realistic as well engaging and thought provoking. Every single scene in the movie enticed the audience and kept them fully entertained while keeping the realistic feel of everything. There was not a scene where the average person could not comprehend what it was they were looking at.  Every twist, turn, explosion and planet looked as realistic as possible providing the viewer with a sense of wonder and imagination of what it would be like to explore the deep, dark, depths that make up outer space.

In addition to beautiful shots, the cast did a wonderful job of depicting the story and giving it a perfect sense of emotion without over doing it. Most notably is the acting jobs of McConaughey, Foy, and Chastain. The actors provided a sense of reality and question, provoking thoughts of what we would do if this really did happen. Often performances from big time actors take away from the realistic feel of the movie, however, this was not an issue in Interstellar and was beautifully acted and created.

Aside from a wonderful cast, brilliant visual effects, and a great sense of accuracy, the story itself was just wonderfully written. The Script writers Johnathan and Christopher Nolan wrote an enticing and interesting story portraying the depths of space. The characters were well developed as was the story line and script which efficiently contributed to the portrayal of the themes present in the movie and the continuous sense of wonder and curiosity that is experienced by the viewer. This movie enjoyed by many and bringing in good reviews by critics, is one that many will love for years to come. I would rate this movie five stars as it was extraordinarily crafted and put together, there was never a dull moment in this film and every scene keeps the viewer fully engaged. 

Katniss Everdeen, the Girl on Fire in a Dystopian World by Sarah Unger

A teenager named Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute replacing her younger sister
Prim, who was initially chosen to participate in the Hunger Games, a death match between young
children that will determine their fate between life and death. Only one tribute (the ones chosen
for the games) will remain at the end of the games on live television that everyone watches for
pleasure and entertainment. These games are held annually in the world of Panem, a dystopian
world in which North America, no longer exists because the nation of Panem lies there and with
12 districts surrounding the Capitol, each district producing something different from the lands
they possess and live on. The Hunger Games is a trilogy book series and movies based off the
dystopian world written by Suzanne Collins. The series is thrilling and suspenseful, written to
entertain, excite and engage the reader in a story about a girl fighting for survival in a place that
she is seen as an easy target from the poor district of 12. The movies have done a well job of
capturing the important parts of the book as well as producing a film with action and love that no
one could otherwise expect.

The criteria I will use to review the book is based on the overall story of the book along
with the characters, plot and the outline of how the story was written. The first part about
discussing the book is that I enjoyed the book very much when I read it and I loved the story
with how it was written, flowing well with every part of the book. The Hunger Games is also
very successful with the characters and the way the author used them to tell their story along
with the plot of the book. The main characters of the first book, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta
Mellark become the focus of the story when they are the two chosen from District 12 to fight in
the games. In the beginning of the story they are just two people from the same district who must
now fight for their lives but are unfamiliar with each other. Until later in the games it is
announced that two people from the same district can work together and both leave the games
alive which is what they both desire so they begin to help each other and protect each other.
Their relationship is merely friendship in the beginning but then slowly it turns into love which
intensifies the story because Katniss has Gale Hawthorne back home, whom she has always
loved. The story becomes interesting when Gale sees all of this on TV as they kiss and he does
not know where his relationship stands with her. The author did an excellent job of illustrating
everything going on with the different scenarios. Gale is not a main character in the first book
because he is not a part of the games, so that leaves Katniss and Peeta who are the main focus as they are fighting to stay alive in a crazy game where they must kill everyone around them to
become the last one standing.

The plot of the story is well thought out and a true page turner as the reader continues to
find out more about the dystopian nation of Panem. Collins was able to come up with a story that
emphasizes the struggles of Katniss but also her courageousness to stay alive and keep fighting
for Peeta as well for herself and her family, who she wishes to return home to. The author is
successful in telling the story with little twists that make the reader want more and more. The
plot was overall, a well thought out plan of a dystopian world that differs very highly from the
one we know and the basis of the annual games was such a clever way of making something out
of the insane and unreasonable ways of the governmental system in Panem.
The theme of the book was between the struggles of Katniss and her suffering on
television as well as the inequality between the rich and the poor. Firstly, Katniss struggles a lot
in the story with all the different curve balls thrown at her in the games and then this is all being
taped for the entertainment of the people which emphasizes the kind of world she lives in
because these people watching the games enjoy it and live for that time of the year when the
games occur. The children of the games are objectified and that is emphasized with all the deaths
that occur throughout the course of the book. The inequality between the rich and the poor is
clear from the beginning of the book when the author describes the districts, District 12, the
poorest one and District 1, the richest one with the most resources available. The games shows
how unfair it is for the people of District 12 because they are always seen as the underdogs with
no victors ever coming out of the games and there is always the separation between the richer
districts and poorer ones. The theme goes back and forth between these two concepts of the way
life is in the world of Katniss Everdeen.

Many compare the book of The Hunger Games to that of Divergent, both based off
dystopian worlds with the strong girl as the main character for the story. The girl in both stories,
Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior become the main focus point of the book fighting for their lives
in two worlds differing from each other but both facing struggles of their own with action
occurring quite often in the books. But there are differences in the two books because Divergent
is based more off of a choice the character makes and must then protect those around her while
trying to becoming the person everyone sees her as. The Hunger Games differs in that Katniss is
a true born fighter and hunter and must survive the games for everyone she loves by using her
skills as a hunter to kill as many other tributes as she can before she is killed herself. There are
many similarities and differences between the books but both are well written and a good read.
And I would highly recommend The Hunger Games to those interested in action and character
because that is what the story mainly revolves around with many successes all around.

Maleficent: “Don’t Believe the Fairytale” by Carolina Gonzalez Torres

Most of us if not all are familiar with the fairytale Sleeping Beauty, whether our parents read it to us and/or we read it on our own as a child or saw the famously inspired movie. In Maleficent, which premiered on May 30th, 2014, the director Robert Stromberg and cinematographer Dean Semler reconstructed a whole new version of Sleeping Beauty. They present their audiences with a recreation and repurposing the tale transforming the male heroism of Sleeping Beauty to women empowerment as shown by “Maleficent” (Angelina Jolie). Director Robert Stromberg shows his desire to show the darker side of the fairy tale in comparison to the happier side we are familiar with. What made this story so greatly put together was its visual effects, counteract of the original fairy tale, and the amazing performances by the cast.

                       The story written by Robert Stromberg portrays the beginning of the film as a flashback to Maleficent as a young fairy girl, whom befriends a young farm boy who snuck into her forest of jewels as a thief. Maleficent and the farm boy form a really intimate relationship with each other.  In addition, as teenagers Maleficent and the human boy share a romantic kiss on a hilltop- “true-love’s first kiss” as portrayed in the Disney film. After this encounter, the human boy, Stefan (Sharlto Copley) stops showing up and ends up breaking Maleficent’s heart. As years went by, Stefan wants to become king of the humans and in order to do so he has to betray and kill Maleficent. At this part in the film, Stromberg sets up Stefan as a villain. Stefan ends up cutting Maleficent’s fairy wings while she is in a drugged sleep. Stefan takes the wings to his king to show proof that the job has been done. This act reveals the dark feelings in Maleficent, leading her to become the evil character as she seeks revenge towards the new king Stefan. The story tells about love, betrayal, and hate. In addition, in another scene that was presented in the film was when King Stefan and the Queen had a baby, the illustration was of Princess Aurora’s birth-welcoming party, in which Maleficent was not invited. This is another reason to why Maleficent is also portrayed as being bitter and resentful. Due to this incident Maleficent curses the infant princess with eternal sleep. As time progresses, Maleficent comes to realize that Princess Aurora may be the one who holds the key to peace in her kingdom, making Maleficent inspired to take momentous decisions and actions that would impact both the human world and fairy worlds.   This film is an ideal and picture- perfect blend between action, fantasy, and romance keeping the audience engaged in the film.

                       The visual effects are the greatest attribute in this movie because they were engaging and thought-provoking. For instance, the scenes in Maleficent exhilarated the audience and kept them fully entertained. Even though, Maleficent has a fantasy feel to it, that is what kept the viewers allured to the film. Every scene in the movie was easily understood and the audience found it easy to comprehend what was going on throughout the film. Every scene took the audience through twists, and turns making the viewers imagine being a part of a fairy world.

                       In addition, the beautiful images depicted in the movie were well-loved as well as for the casts’ acts. The characters were incredibly well portrayed and they depicted the story in a phenomenal sense. Most famous and well done acting jobs were those presented by Angelina Jolie (Maleficent), Sharlto Copley (Stefan), Sam Riley (Diaval), and Elle Fanning (Princess Aurora). I believe that the role that Angelina Jolie presented of Maleficent was wonderfully done with her great attributes for example, her scary green eyes, sharp face, and her tone of voice. Even though, real big- time famous actors acted in this movie, it was not enjoyed because of that reason but because of how well and beautifully it was presented.

                       Furthermore, as a love for classic Disney films I was truly impressed by this film when I saw it on its premiere night. This is surely going to be a new favorite classic for kids and adults alike. Robert Stromberg and Angelina Jolie created a masterpiece in recreating a new, darker version of Sleeping Beauty.  I would give this film a five star review because it was brilliantly created and presented and I really enjoyed it.  

                       

A Love Story Gone Wrong by Cristina Garcia

John Green is an amazing writer who is able to capture the ideal “perfect” relationships for most teenage females and males into a movie screen. Two cancer patients, who fall deeply in love, have to face challenges that might just end one of their lives. One must suffer the pain of losing a loved one, while the one suffering loses the battle to the spread of  cancer--“Pain demands to be felt,” quoted by John Green.

            The Fault in Our Stars is a heart touching love story between two cancer patients who fall in love and hope to think their love is endless. The main female role in the book is Hazel Grace Lancaster a sixteen year old which is played by Shailene Woodley in the movie, Augustus Waters a seventeen year old is the male leader in the book who is played by Ansel Elgort in the movie. The movie was released on June 6, 2014 and written by John Green who evaluates the difficulties and unfairness the world has to offer. By doing this, he introduces Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters as friends and builds a strong relationship between the two who are on a roller-coaster that only goes up. A few of the challenges they face through their journey is Hazel Grace has half a pair of lungs which makes it hard for her to do ordinary things while Augustus Water is a one legged male. When a character goes through a problem John Green quotes what they are facing at the moment. For example, Augustus Water tells Hazel Grace, “Perhaps okay will be our always,” after a long conversation on the phone at the middle of the night. In addition John Green is able to exemplify the love connection Hazel and Augustus have with one another with frequent conversations among themselves

            Although The Fault in Our Stars has a tragic love ending the actors brought the story to life. All of the actors and actress play their role well and defined the character from the book wonderfully, each role in the movie fit the ideal person from the book. Furthermore the plot of the movie is perfectly written to keep the audience on their toes. John Green does an amazing job transiting one situation to the next leaving you wonder if their flawless relationship will indeed be infinite. Lastly, Mr. Green is able to make each role in the movie important to which they are in involved with the relationship of Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters whether it is positive or negative.

            Throughout the movie one builds a connection between Hazel Grace and her view of point on everything that is occurring to her. In the movie Shailene Woodley does a remarkable job playing the role of Hazel Grace she becomes the character from the book by expressing her role perfectly with emotions. When a depressing scene occurred Shailene Woodly made her audience feel the pain she felt with her facial expressions along with her body movement and any extra grunting noises when she could not breathe. For instance, during the scene in Anne Frank’s hideaway home Hazel Graces could not manage the stairs due to her situations of her lungs and shortness of breath however Shailene Woodly portrayed her role and resembled the challenge Hazel Grace faced going up the stairs. In addition, Ms.Woodley is talented enough into deceiving her audience to believe that the love for Augustus Water actually exist on and off the set of the movie.

            The plot line dealt with keeping the audience engaged in every little detail in the movie about Hazel Grace’s life and accomplished its goal. This included with how Augustus first set eyes on Hazel then spoke to her which was hilariously romantic. Then it continued with the endless conversations they had on the phone and even texting. This helped build a connection with Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters that made it more catastrophic towards the end. John Green is able to keep his audience wanting to learn and see more about the relationship and where it is leading to, however he is also able to take it all away leaving you heartbroken while drowning in your own tears. Although the plot is a major reason why The Fault in Our Stars is astonishing, additional characters help emphasize their love story. For example, the father of Hazel Grace warns Augustus of Hazel’s situation about cancer and how she is incapable of doing normal things. Augustus is understandable and willing to be by Hazel’s side through the hard times which shows how strong their love is. 

Tangled in Webs by Juan Torres Martinez

With the success of Sony Pictures 2012 reboot with The Amazing Spider-man, paving the way for a new generation of Spiderman fans to see a new Spiderman film with no allegations to its predecessors, it has become a no brainer for the studio to move on with a sequel, The Amazing Spider-man 2. The job for the first film, which was the tougher one, was to reintroduce the Spiderman character without any mentions of the previous three. Now the job for this one is to continue on from what the previous film had built. Most of the main cast returns in this sequel. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone return to this sequel, as well as newcomers in Jaime Foxx, Dane Dehaan, and Paul Giamatti. Most sequels often don’t deliver on from their predecessors, and this one may just be another case of it. The film is all over the place trying to find where it should go and what track to take, which makes me a bit skeptical about how this film will play out on a whole.

            The film starts in a familiar way as the first, giving us more backstory of Peter’s parents and why they left him in the first movie. That was the plot of the first movie that didn’t exquisitely deliver on full, but nonetheless engages the viewer throughout the movie for what’s to come. I really liked that the first film show all of Peter’s parents before they left him, because it left many with unanswered questions. The film quickly then cuts off to showing Spiderman stopping a high speed car chase, introducing Paul Giamatti’s character, Aleksei Sytsevich (aka the Rhino). It’s a great scene that keeps the audience waiting to see him in the rhino suit, which the film does and does not disappoint on in the end to an extent. To most fans wanting to see the Rhino, they may be disappointed as he is only but a cameo to the movie.

            The film itself contains many subplots that make each one of them less interesting. It keeps one wondering “Which plot do I follow?”  Peter has now graduated high school, which has saved the movie itself another subplot from too many. Then the film introduces Harry Osborn, a long time best friend of Peter’s, played by Dane Dehaan. It gives a quick, straight to the point backstory of who he is and why he was absent from the first film. It takes a different route than what we’ve seen before where we see the chemistry between Peter and Harry in high school. The film also introduces Max Dillon, an Oscorp employee, played by Jaime Foxx, who was caught in an accident by being electrocuted in a tank full of electric eels. The subplot that many have been waiting for since the first Spiderman movie was the reason why Peter’s parents had left him in the first place. 

         The film gives a few nods to Peter’s parents, mainly his father. It has seemed as he has already discovered what his father’s ambitions were in the first film, but that is not the case as he comes to this conclusion that all his personal problems have lead him to Oscorp, where his dad worked at. Peter realizes that there is more to his dad than he knew. He discovers subway coins that lead him to find a secret subway under an abandoned station where all the secrets he’s been searching for have been answered. It’s an intriguing scene that will leave the audience tracking the dialogue word for word, as I had while trying to understand the importance of Peter’s father in the plot.

            One note where this film hits and soars high is the romance between Peter and Gwen, seeing as off screen couple Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone portray them respectively. When we last saw these two together, Peter was sworn to stay away from Gwen by her father before he died. Knowing as teenage Peter can be stubborn as he can be, breaks his promise and is back with Gwen, but doing so he’s haunted by Gwen’s father from time to time reminding himself of if he is doing the right thing. By the conclusion of the film, Peter suffers from his mistake heavily that it impacts him as a whole in a huge way.

            Seeing from marketing material leading up to the film, viewers may already have an idea from how the film’s main antagonists go about. It seemed as if this film would solve the issues Spider-man 3 back in 2007 by going in a different direction, but still doesn’t manage to inquire each villain’s motives for their actions. Seeing as the rhino is in prison, the film’s overall plot sees Harry and Max team up in an attempt to kill Spiderman, the same concept used in Spider-man 3.What this villain team up hits right is the way they hurt Spiderman. Harry, as the Green Goblin, attacks him on a personal level, while Electro attacks him as the public figure New York loves the most. Also suggesting from the marketing material, it seems as this small team up is but a glimpse of what Sony plans to start moving forward. It seems as if they haven’t learned from their mistake in Spider-man 3 with cramping in too many characters, especially villains, into one cohesive storyline.

             The Amazing Spider-man 2 has a lot to offer. A great cast, great action scenes, such as the visually beautiful New York scene between Spiderman and Electro, and an entertaining relationship between Peter and Gwen which makes this movie alone a great watch. The only thing bringing it down is the overly miss structured plot. It includes some of Spiderman’s most iconic villains that could have done a better job with more backstory to them. The film as a whole serves up to be a rush to competition with rivaling studios setting up an intertwined movie universe which makes this movie all the more diverse and complex. It serves more as a set up movie rather than an appropriate sequel, which is a whole different way to introduce many characters to move forward this franchise. I’d rate this move a 6/10 for its great visuals and performances, but also trying rival competition with its overly structured plot. So with the great power being Spiderman as the most popular superhero out there being in Sony’s hands, it’s their responsibility to fix the character as a whole and the future of this franchise.