A Better Life: A film review

 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Most good parents seek to provide as good of a life, if not better, for their own children. It is often a thankless effort, but one that parents around the world call their own. A Better Life is a film examining a father's choice to do so for his son, while continually fearing for his own ability to remain in America, because, well, he is an illegal immigrant from Mexico, leaving him to feel like he is constantly being hunted. This film comes out at a time when the issue of illegal immigration has gone long unresolved, since neither side of the political landscape in America is entirely willing to act decisively due to feared political reprecussions from both ethnic and nationalistic voting blocks. A Better Life would seem to present a story of what life will continue to be like for illegal immigrants as they wait to be accepted into American society, while lawmakers do little to nothing.

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The Ides of March: A film review

 - Vancouver, British Columbia - It is somewhat incredible how quickly the American political climate has grown toxic after all of the hope and optimism that marked the 2008 Presidential election with Barack Obama rising to the top in victory over John McCain. It would seem as if we're living in two polar opposite worlds. George Clooney's latest film, The Ides of March was delayed several years in light of the previous political optimism, but today, it feels much more relevant. And while I was eager to check out this film, a part of me wasn't so thrilled since yours truly is already more than pessimistic about how the political process works in America today, thus there is hardly a need for more convincing about how corrupt political figures can be.

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Drive: A film review

 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Heist gone wrong is a theme that we see frequently in film, largely because it is exciting and often works. It allows for an entertaining conflict between the authorities and a rapscalion, who we end up cheering for. Often, there is also a woman who our masquerading bandit loves and ultimately puts at risk unknowingly. Drive, however, is not a movie that simply follows the cliché of the genre, borrowing a very much European feel throughout the film, which maybe shouldn't be surprising as it is directed by Dane, Nicolas Winding Refn.

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Crazy, Stupid, Love: A film review

 - Vancouver, British Columbia - 2011 saw the end of Steve Carell's career on television as he left the show that put his name on the map, The Office, after six seasons.  The reason he left was due to his growing popularity as a movie actor and how he was only available to shoot movies during the Summer during the show's off seasons. So, now a lot is on the line as Carell needs to maintain box office success as there is no steady TV paycheque waiting for him if a movie bombs. That being said, I don't think his career is in any danger. His box office receipts are healthy and I'm sure he's made more than enough to survive if something were to go wrong. Nevertheless, Carell wishes to take care of his image and invest his time in worthwhile movies.

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