Capture the Beauty

**Film is capturing the beauty, the story…FOREVER… :))

Elf

Caught a glimpse of this film a couple years prior playing in the background of a Christmas party, and then straight into my hands by a friend; I had to finally pay this classic starring Will Ferrel some attention.This 2003 Fantasy/Family/Comedy is a simple story about searching for one's identity and spreading the Christmas spirit.

Written by David Berenbaum and directed by Jon Favreau, you're sure to hear a lot of carols, see a lot of Christmas trees and stifle a lot of giggles. Will Ferrell, James Caan, Faizon Love, Mary Steenburgen, Peter Dinklage and Zooey Deschanel pour on fun factor and leave the audience gasping for air with their wonderful comic timing and exceptional delivery.

Life can throw us some blows, and those blows seem to make things crumble during the holidays, but this story digs deep to help the audience find the joy and lighter side of what Christmas is about and inspires us to grow faith in places that haven't seen it in a  long time. With a 97 minute run-time and a budget of $33 million USD, this film not only gave wild humor but also had 2 wins, 7 nominations and grossed $173 million USD at the box-office.

Feeling Good

**Another 'lady' - Remember artists like that? Who sang lyrics and wore lovely dresses? Here's one by the wonderful Nina Simone ~ Feeling Good! :))**

The Intouchables

"Sometimes you have to reach into someone else's world to find out what's missing in your own."

"This is not just a job anymore."

Recommended to me by a dear friend a couple months prior, I finally settled into this French 2011 comedy/drama based on a true story. Written and Directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, it will touch your heart and then some. Nominated for one Golden Globe and receiver of 22 wins and 31 other nominations, it's something worth watching.

Starring Francois Cluzet whom you may remember from 'French Kiss' with Meg Ryan and 2010's 'Little White Lies with Marion Cotillard, and Omar Sy who was been a steady working actor since 2000, this film re-enacts true events of an unlikely friendship that blossoms into a life-changing opportunity. It proves that opposites attract and that we can learn lessons about life no matter the age or the teacher. 

Life throws trials and challenges but the story reminds our audience to accept the challenge with wide open arms so that it could change us for the better. The script was beautifully written and the dialogue held heaps of wisdom and inspiration. You'll get your classical music fix in this one, as well as a change of heart! 

This is the End

Rambunctious to the max, yet terribly entertaining! This 2013 comedy/fantasy about 'The End' or the 'Apocalypse' was cleverly and simply executed with real friends and actors filming what would really happen in their lives if this given scenario were to take place. And the results of such a simple idea? Success at the box-office!

Written and Directed by Canadian Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and based on a short film by Jason Stone, this film delivered laughs from James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Mindy Kaling, Channing Tatum, Paul Rudd and many many more.

The film was wild, provocative, silly, and unbelievably great commitment and comic timing. Rated R for crude sexual content, pervasive language, violence and some drug use, it isn't recommended for younger audiences. And with a budget of $32 million USD and returns of $101 million USD, not only were these friends successful at collaborating but it looks like they also had a great time playing together! 'This is the End' certainly brings the giggles!

After Earth

"Danger is Real…Fear is a Choice."

This highly anticipated film brought to you by director M. Night Shyamalan (known best for 'Then Sixth Sense) and starring father-son duo Will and Jaden Smith was high on my list of films to see this year. I'd been keeping my eyes on the reviews (all of which rang poor) knowing that I would want to see and review myself because the media and world ultimately have nothing good to say.

Story by Will Smith and adapted into screenplay by M. Night Shyamalan and Gary Whitta, this film had all the makings for success. Not to mention the star names producing and lending their talent for this $130 million USD budget. Sophie Okonedo and Zoe Kravitz also had memorable roles as mother and daughter respectively. However, despite good story, great actors and big budget, they still failed at the box-office grossing only $60 million USD back.

With a run-time of 100 minutes and great pacing, cinematography, CGI and acting, I have to say that the what made this film's downfall is that there were too many elements that were already done before. It was very reminiscent of the 'Star Wars', 'Star Trek' films and after Hollywood already revived it's one millionth classic 'Star Trek', it was not what audiences around the world were looking forward to.

The lessons in this film were pristine and necessary, teaching us to be soldiers of strength, truth, and that fear has no place among the great. The majority of the film was mainly Will Smith and his son and although I am proud of them and in awe of their accomplishments, I think that $130 million USD could have been used a little better to make bold differences and something a bit more fresh to bring to the world. Sometimes keeping it simple is best.

Fruits of Faith

I was attracted to this film, clearly for it's title, and perhaps I was in need for some inspiration. This 2013 Japanese film directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura was undoubtedly inspirational but also probably the most slow progressing film I've seen in all my years. Sure the run-time was the usual 128 minutes, however the story was based on a novel entitled 'Miracle Apples' which took place over the span of 10 years.

Despite the sluggish evolution, the story was strong in strength and determination and a good lesson in keeping hope alive. Actors Sadawo Abe and Miho Kanno both delivered exceptionally and the audience was able to identify strongly with characters thanks to the narration and heart-warming journey to success against all disparity.