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Reviews
Finding Joe (2011)
Inspirational
I hadn't heard of Joseph Campbell prior to seeing "Finding Joe" but after watching the movie, and being inspired, I'm looking more closely at his work. His quotes resonant with me on a spiritual and intellectual level. There are quite a few that stand out like: "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." "It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure." And "Follow your bliss," which is a staple of the documentary. The film's incredible message is perpetuated by these quotes and commentary by a wide variety of professionals and others inspired by Joseph Campbell's teachings. Deepak Chopra, Mick Fleetwood, Akiva Goldsman, Catherine Hardwicke and Tony Hawk are just a few of the people who offer their insight into the hero's journey.
On a technical level, the film is beautiful. The cinematography is breath-taking. Each shot was clearly calculated and executed. For a documentary, the resolution is astounding. So it was aesthetically pleasing to watch "Finding Joe." The running metaphor of a separate narrative was also very clever and well-executed.
On a more personal level, I really connected with the film and its message. It's one of those movies that ignites epiphanies, because everyone can relate to the film's concept. All of the speakers in the film act as mentors and the audience members are mentees. The people in the film expand on Joseph Campbell's philosophies and in doing so relay the message that everyone needs to hear: "Follow your bliss." Joseph Campbell was an extraordinary man who continues to inspire people and, with the help of this documentary, will continue to inspire people.
Trespass (2011)
Intense!
Nicolas Cage has always been amazing at playing the father figure. He performed wonderfully as the accidental father in Raising Arizona, Matchstick Men, and The Family Man. He might have even been better at playing the doting superhero dad in Kick-Ass. He has had practice at different types of fatherly roles, but everything he does, he does well. Nicolas Cage knows how to act, period. That's why Joel Schumacher cast him in 8mm and recast him as the father in his new film Trespass.
In the film, Nicolas Cage plays an extremely wealthy diamond dealer named Kyle Miller. He has a beautiful wife played by Nicole Kidman and a very lovely daughter played by Liana Liberato. Both actresses give solid performances when the entire family is taken hostage by a family of burglars headed by brothers played by Ben Mendelson and Cam Gigandet. As tensions rise, the audience gets to see which family dynamic is stronger, the rich wealthy trio riddled with secrets, or the psychotic foursome dying for a payout from the safe that Nicolas Cage refuses to open.
Trespass is a really well-made movie. Joel Schumacher made sure every shot was on point and every special effect was dazzling. It's a really exciting film that keeps the audience guessing. The characters are constantly on edge and because there isn't a dull second for the actors, there isn't a dull moment for the audience. In a word, Trespassing is intense.