As our first semester comes to an end, we have created a vlog for our final blog task for Discovering Mass Communication, reflecting on the module.

Thank you for staying tuned! 

x, East Meets West.

Here are our picks of the top 10 films in Hollywood, in random order.

THE LOVELY BONES

Film Name: The Lovely Bones

Year Released: 2009

Director: Peter Jackson

Main Cast:

Mark Wahlberg as Jack Salmon

Rachel Weisz as Abigail Salmon

Susan Sarandon as Grandma Lynn
Stanley Tucci as George Harvey
Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon
Rose McIver as Lindsey Salmon

Studio: Film4 Productions & Wingnut Films

Box-office: US$44mil.

Brief Synopsis:

A teenage girl, Susie Salmon, watches her family come to terms with her death, from the afterlife. The Lovely Bones also circles around her sister, Lindsey Salmon, who goes about looking for the truth that she knows her neighbor is hiding, while her parents struggle to keep their family together.

Reason:

The scenes unfolding in The Lovely Bones are ones that causes anxiety, uneasiness and angst. Be it a boy or a girl, rape has become a widely spoken topic among the general public, although being completely wrong and disgusting, a few still refuse to understand the concept that rape is rape. The movie explores the truth behind the suffering from a family that has to endure such experiences. The movie gives the audience a sense of repulsion, thrill and satisfaction scene after scene. Ultimately, The Lovely Bones does not fail to make anyone's hair stand on end and draw goosebumps.

Best Scene(s): 

UP

Film Name: Up

Year Released: 2009

Director: Pete Docter & Bob Peterson

Main Cast: 

Edward Asner as Carl Fredricksen

Christopher Plummer as Charles Muntz

Jordan Nagai as Russell

Bob Peterson as Dug

Studio: Walt Disney Studios & Motion Pictures

Box-office: US$293 mil.  

Brief Synopsis:

Up revolves around Carl Fredricksen who intends on fulfilling the promise he had made with his late wife, Ellie but is met with Russell who creates more unforeseen complications to his adventure. They struggle to accomplish his word when a villain with his many dogs become an unavoidable obstacle throughout.

Reason:

The movie has the ability to make the audience feel a whirlwind of emotions, from sheer happiness to bitter sadness. Up begins by previewing the timeless love between Carl Fredricksen and Ellie in a five minute tear-jerking scene - imagine what the whole hour and a half long film could accomplish. The animation is also touched with the right amount of ridiculous humor which balances out the tears and laughter, that are brought out by children as well as grown adults. It is undeniably entertaining and even gives the spectators a sense of contentment when Carl stays true to his words.

Best Scene: 

THIRTEEN

Film name: Thirteen

Year Released: 2003

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Main Cast: 
Holly Hunter as Melanie
Evan Rachel Wood as Tracy Freeland

Nikki Reed as Evie Zamora

Jeremy Sisto as  Brady

Brady Corbet Mason Freeland  

D.W. Moffett as Travis Freeland

Vanessa Hudgens as Noel
Deborah Kara Unger as Brooke LaLaine

Studio: Working Title Films

Box-office: US$ 10,128,960 million

Brief synopsis:

Thirteen-year-old honor student Tracy Freeland lives with her recovering alcoholic mother Melanie and older brother Mason. Due to an unmanageable life of running a salon in the kitchen and dating an ex-addict boyfriend Brady, Melanie is clueless about Tracy’s depression. Tracy decides to shed her 'little girl' image and caught the attention of Evie Zamora, a popular senior. In a prompt decision to impress Evie, Tracy steals a wallet and invites Evie on a massive shopping free – ultimately forming a close friendship between the two. While temporarily living in the Freeland household, Evie lures Tracy into a world of disruptive youth of sex, drugs and crime. Although Melanie is concerned about the change in Tracy's behavior and worries about the extent of Evie's influence, she fails to intervene, leaving Tracy to continuously shut Melanie out and engage in rebellion.

Reason:

Thirteen is an excellent take on disruptive youth. The tale of explicit peer pressure portrayed in the film is an exact representation of the current adolescence. The film rises genuine commitment towards issues involving youth - family dysfunction, self destructive behaviour and intense family confrontations. Well-written script and stellar performances gave the film strength. The conversation between Melanie and Tracy - “I love you and your brother more than anything in the world. I would die for you, but I won’t leave you alone right now” was an emotionally heart-wrenching scene, giving an incredible ending to the film. Overall, the film gave a new perspective to the rebellious youth and encourages audiences to evaluate personal choices.

Best scene: 

REMEMBER THE DAZE

Film name: Remember the Daze

Year Released: 2007

Director: Jess Manafort

Main Cast:
Amber Heard as Julia Ford
Leighton Meester as Tori
Alexa Vega as Holly
LyndsyFonseca as Dawn
Melonie Diaz as Brianne

Studio: First Look International Freestyle Releasing

Box-office: Unknown

Brief synopsis: 

Through interconnected narratives, a group of teenagers live through the final day of high school over a 24 hour period. The film trails the lives of diverse teenagers - the new student, the popular student, the cheerleader, the gangster, the stoner, the geek and even the class valedictorian. Sexual orientation and disruptive youth are also a fundamental topic in the film. Despite major differences, the group unites as they cherish their last night of adolescence.

Reason:

Remember the Daze is phenomenal movie, representing an accurate time period in 1999. The film presents a glimpse of the 1999 era, demonstrating the life of disruptive youth where races and sexuality are not as emphasized as drugs and alcohol. Though the film is not plot driven, the characters gave an outstanding performance and manages to portray a sense of realism. In fact, Remember the Daze led the conjure of instant nostalgia. The fact that the film is not centered on only one character's life and story, instead, on a group of teenagers who are on the brink of becoming adults, is enthralling. In addition, every character seems to manage a sense of comic relief, which is thoroughly watch worthy. 

Best scene(s):

JUNO 

Film name: Juno

Year Released: December 5, 2007

Director: Jason Reitman

Main Cast: 
Ellen Page as Juno McGuff
Michael Cera as Paulie Bleeker
Jennifer Garner as Vanessa Loring
Jason Bateman as Mark Loring

Studio: Mandate Pictures Mr. Mudd

Box-office: US$231,411,584 mil

Brief synopsis:

Juno is a comedy-drama describing the story of Juno, a high school student who becomes involved in an unplanned pregnancy with Mark. During her pregnancy, Juno is pressured into a series of adulthood challenges. Juno is independent, thus, considers an abortion. However, she later decides to settle for a better solution of giving up her baby for adoption. As the story goes on, Mark starts developing feelings for Juno, therefore puts both their relationship status and adoption on hold.

Reason:

Apart from being a cliche romantic film, Juno conveys an important message to the audience, making it qualified for both adults and underage viewers. The movie educates young adults about the consequences of having unprotected sex and what life has to offer after the deed has been done. While the film relies on the stereotype belief of the teenage mind, the film provides an undeniable charm and unexpected humor. On the contrary, the movie is filled with great suspense which captures audiences' attention well. Overall, the actors gave great performances in their roles, thus making it one of the best film of the year.

Best scene: 

JUST GO WITH IT

Film name: Just Go With It

Year Released: February 11, 2011

Director: Dennis Dugan

Main Cast: 
Adam Sandler as Danny Maccabee
Jennifer Aniston as Katherine

Studio: Happy Madison Productions

Box-Office: US$ 214.9 mil.

Brief synopsis:

After having his heart broken on his wedding day 20 years ago, Danny Maccabee, a successful plastic surgeon in Los Angeles meets a sixth grade teacher, Palmer. While on the date, Palmer sees Danny’s wedding ring on his finger and decides to not have any involvement as she assumed he was married. Instead of coming clean to Palmer, Danny instead convinces his assistant, Katherine, a divorced mother of two to pose as his ex-wife so he could continue dating Palmer without any strings attached. While Danny believes his lie would hide the truth, eventually, more problems arise. 

Reason:

Just Go With It is one of Adam Sandler’s best movies. The main characters are among the most famous and talented Hollywood actors. Both actors blend well together, thus develop a genuine chemistry on screen. The interesting plot, well-written story line and complex humor was a total charm. Every scene thrives curiosity and never ending laughter. The producers made a great decision in choosing Hawaii as the film location, as it enhances the vibe, setting and theme of the film. Despite the age gap among characters, the comfort and generosity was well captured through the performances.

Best scene: 

LOVE, ROSIE

Film Name: Love, Rosie

Year Released: 2014

Director: Christian Ditter

Main Cast: 

Lily Collins as Rosie Dunne

Sam Claffin as Alex Stewart

Tamsin Egerton as Sally

Suki Waterhouse as Bethany Williams

Jaime Winstone as Ruby

Christian Cooke as Greg

Studio: Canyon Creek Films, Constantin Film, Octagon Films

Box-Office: US$ 4,419 mil.

Brief Synopsis:
Childhood best friends Rosie and Alex do not realize how deeply in love they are with one another. On Rosie's 18th birthday, they share a kiss - causing a whirlwind of emotions. Unsure of the next step, the pair decided to live their lives seperately. Despite living in different continents, Rosie and Alex always find their way back to one another. After what seemed like endless hurls and missed opportunities, the two finally begin their love story.

Reason: 
Love, Rosie is a perfect combination of romance and comedy. The film centers on the familiar game of love and friendship. Though exaggerated, every scene highlights a sense of curiosity and predicament. In addition, the winsome chemistry and witty performance between the two main actors is thoroughly entertaining. Not only does the film present a thoughtful view on life, but implements the importance of happiness. The extra dose of drama and laugh results in an enjoyable and unforgettable film.

Best Scene: 

TANGLED

Film Name: Tangled

Year Released: 2010

Director: Nathan Greno & Byron Howard

Main Cast:

Mandy Moore as Rapunzel

Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider

Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel

Ron Perlman as Stabbington Brother

M.C. Gainey as Captain of the Guard

Jeffrey Tambor as Big Nose Thug

Brad Garrett as Hook Hand Thug

Paul F. Tompkins as Short Thug
Richard Kiel as Vlad

Delaney Rose Stein as Young Rapunzel

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures & Walt Disney Animation Studios

Box-Office: US$200 mil.

Brief Synopsis:

Rapunzel, who has lived in a tower for seventeen years, finally has the opportunity to see the 'lights' for herself when she meets Flynn Ryder. An unexpected encounter led her to an unforgettable experience. She explores the world she never got the chance to unearth due to Gothel's overprotective parenting and the secrets she has been trying desperately hard to keep.

Reason:

Tangled presents a princess film in an adventurous form while sending powerful messages. The 3D animation movements were also well displayed in the movie. Rather than focusing on realism, the production team attain an aesthetic approach. Not only was the film visually stunning, the soundtrack was also well suited. In addition, the portrayal of the main male character as an initial villain breaks the stereotype belief of "prince charming", which is vastly imposed by the media to the current and younger generation. All in all, the film pressures the importance of family, trust and independence - a great learning experience for both children and teenagers.

Best Scene:  

I AM SAM

Film name: I Am Sam

Year Released: 2001

Director: Jessie Nelson

Main Cast:    

Sean Penn as Sam Dawson

Michelle Pfeiffer as Rita Harrison Williams

Dakota Fanning as Lucy Diamond Dawson

Dianne Wiest as Annie Cassell

Loretta Devine as Margaret Calgrove

Richard Schiff as Mr. Turner

Laura Dern as Randy Carpenter

Brad Silverman as Brad

Joseph Rosenberg as Joe

Stanley DeSantis as Robert

Doug Hutchison as Ifty

Studio: The Bedford Falls Company

Box-Office: US$97,818,139

Brief synopsis:

Sam is a mentally challenged old man and single parent. The day Lucy was born was the same day Lucy’s mother abandoned them. Despite the difficulty of coping with work and looking after Lucy, he manages to do so with genuine love. As Lucy grows up, she soon surpasses Sam’s capability in terms of his mental capacity. Other children would tease her and make fun of him. Annoyed and embarrassed, she told a boy in her class that she was an adopted child. Lucy's action eventually led to the interference a social worker, in which Sam has to prove his parenting capabilities.

Reason:

I Am Sam is possibly one of the greatest films ever made, winning not only awards, but buckets of tears. While only at the age of 7, Dakota Fanning gave a brilliant and convincing performance. A particular heart-felt scene from the film in which Lucy would sneak out from her foster parents’ place in the middle of the night just to spend quality time with her biological father, Sam was an emotional roller coaster ride. A young child with the will of taking a huge risk of meeting her father despite the living apart, encourages a sense of realization and evaluation of one's life. The film continuous to bring memorable experiences through a series of emotional events. 

Best Scene(s): 

GRAN TORINO

Film name: Gran Torino

Year Released: 2008

Director: Clint Eastwood

Main Cast: 

Clint Eastwood as Walt Kowalski
Scott Eastwood as Trey

Christopher Carley as Father Janovich

Bee Vang as Thao

Ahney Her as Sue

Brian Haley as Mitch Kowalski

Geraldine Hughes as Karen Kowalski

Dreama Walker as Ashley Kowalski

Brian Howe as Steve Kowalski

Studio: Double Nickel Entertainment

Box-Office: US$270 million

Brief synopsis:

The death of Walt Kowalski’s wife has changed Walt's life immensely. He became a grumpy and arrogant man, despising everyone in his neighborhood and the priest of his wife's church. During his state of ignorance, his neighborhood was going through a difficult hardship due to racial issues. The presence of a traditional Chinese family moving next door to Walt's home raises an uncomfortable environment. While Walt had no intention to involve himself with the family, Walt decided to restore the sense of right in his neighborhood.

Reason:

The fundamental message behind Gran Torino is to spread the toll of racial hatred. Walt, once lonely and ignorant, saw the world in a different perspective through the eyes of his neighbor of different race. The understated truth and heartbreaking familiarity of the current world depicted in the film develops an arguable reflection among audiences. In addition, the script had a great balance between sly and humor which is extremely captivating. The raw performances among the actors presented a sense of realism. Ultimately, Gran Torino is a true gem, sending positive morals and the possibility of change among mankind.

Best scene: