Brooklyn Castle - 5 stars out of 10

Brooklyn Castle - 5 stars out of 10

“Brooklyn Castle” is a social commentary on school budget cuts that is disguised as a documentary about chess.  The story follows five students from Intermediate School 318, the inner-city Brooklyn public school and unlikely home of the country’s most successful middle school chess program.  This chess team helps its diverse student population master the game through dedicated educators and administrative support.  The only problem is that, rather than helping the audience to create an emotional connection to the kids, the movie depresses us with today’s grim state of education.  I would have rather celebrated the success stories of these exceptional students instead of being reminded of school budget cuts and suffering extracurricular programs.  “Brooklyn Castle” could have been an amazing, uplifting film but the end result is another average, politically-influenced documentary.

[Pictured: This is one of the most dedicated groups of preteens you will ever see.]

Pleasantville - 8 stars out of 10

Pleasantville - 8 stars out of 10

“Pleasantville” is a fascinating social commentary that is as visually beautiful as it is introspective.  This film is best known for its strategic use of colors in a black and white world and has become an iconic piece of film history.  The contrast is stunning, like “Sin City” without the violence and graphic imagery.  Various films have used this technique to be symbolic but there has never been a story that so effectively integrated the element into its plot.  The vivid colors that fill the screen are complimented by brilliant cinematography.  John Lindley transports us to this “Leave it to Beaver” world through unique camera angles and memorable shots.  The entire film is an impressive work of art and I would have given it the Oscar for Best Art Direction over “Shakespeare in Love” any day.  Unfortunately, the overt sexuality in the film negates the ability for families to watch this fascinating story together.  I understand that this is a story of self-discovery and that is how some of the characters reach the enlightenment of who they really are, but the overemphasis on sexuality clouds the moral of the story.  The film could have been easily been edited at a PG-level by implying things instead of using graphic noises; still, it is tame compared to the teen comedies of today.  This film has a great cast, from the impeccable acting chops of William H. Macy to the scheming J.T. Walsh in his final film.  Other big names include Joan Allen, Jeff Daniels, and a nod to classic television with Don Knotts.  The crew did a great job of finding an entire cast that has that classic 1950's look, and casting twenty-somethings like Marley Shelton and a young Paul Walker that look like teenagers.  Reese Witherspoon’s performance was the best in the film and it really pushed her into the Hollywood spotlight, while Tobey Maguire’s performance made me realize that I didn’t even like his acting in his younger years.  One of the film’s highlights is the memorable theme by Randy Newman that captures the mystery and wonder of this transforming utopia.  Newman’s Oscar-nominated score works well alongside classics that transport us back to the late 50’s, including “At Last” by Etta James, “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck, “So What” by Miles Davis, and Fiona Apple’s cover of “Across the Universe.”  I can't believe that this film is almost 20 years old.  Even in this time of unprecedented digital effects, “Pleasantville” still manages to take my breath away as the vivid colors of enlightenment contrast its black and white world.

[Pictured: So many screenshots from this film belong in an art museum]

Short Term 12 - 10 stars out of 10

Short Term 12 - 10 stars out of 10

“Short Term 12” is a powerful story of resiliency and the transformative power of love.  This genuine, honest portrayal of troubled teenagers is based on the real life experiences of director Destin Daniel Cretton.  Many of the characters and scenarios in the story are based on people that he encountered while working at a group facility.  It is a chilling dose of realism that will immediately engage your empathy toward teens that come from bad family situations.  The content is strong and disturbing at times, but really drives home the dire circumstances of these unfortunate kids.  Stylistically, the film uses just enough shakey cam to make it feel personal but not so much that it makes you sick.  Once it draws you in to its reality, there are a few inevitable tearjerker moments but it is nice to see that every drama does not have to end in the depths of depression.  There are even a few moments that will make you laugh!  My only issue with the script is the excessive language.  I agree that much of the profanity spoken by the teens in the facility is absolutely necessary to create the realism of their mental situations.  My issue is with the conversations of the workers.  A film like this needs to give the audience a break from the profanity so that we do not become desensitized.  By including f-words and s-words in every scene, they become less potent in the most powerful moments of the film.  While the film is set up for success with this profound script, it comes together through strong acting from top to bottom.  Between Brie Larson's powerhouse performances in this film and in "Room," she has established herself as the next big Hollywood actress.  She possesses the ability to harness the raw emotions from deep in her soul and portray them through her characters.  The real surprise is 16-year-old Kaitlyn Dever as the passive aggressive character Jayden.  Her spectrum of emotions ranges from subtle sarcastic facial expressions to a total mental breakdown.  The rap by Marcus (played by Keith Stanfield) is completely heartbreaking.  All of the residents of the facility perform beyond their years, and the cast is rounded out by John Gallagher, Jr. as the balance between normal and disturbed.  “Short Term 12” is not the most well-known film but it is a must for fans of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Girl, Interrupted,” and any other drama that creates a realistic portrayal of life in an institution.

[Picture: Larson and Dever deliver an incredible amount of emotion]