HHS Movie Club
Films
Gravity
Directors: Alphonso Curon
Screenwriter: Alphonso Curon
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action
Reviews from The Club
"The 'Gravity' of the situation is, the movie holds up to its numerous nominations and awards. For the last hour and a half, I was enraptured" - Anonymous
""This movie was good because it had a good story line, amazing special effects, and a good mixture of sounds. I would rate it an A!" - Mason Moore
"In the beginning everything happened really fast then everything went really slowly but the ending was really good."
"The movie was enjoyable, but it played out too slowly. It took way too long for the climax to actually happen. The ending was great though. My favorite part was when she was dying and he came to her in the shuttle and told her what to do so she could get back to Earth. B-
Inception
Directors: Inception
Screenwriter: Christopher Nolan
Genre: Psychological/Adventure
The club enjoyed the twisting mind bender of Inception. Discussion revolved around the ending, which we will not spoil here. Still members found the film, "Fabulous!" Grade: A-
Beetlejuice
Directors: Tim Burton
Screenwriter: Tim Burton
Genre: Comedy
Members were generally happy with Beetlejuice. The biggest debate was about the character of Beetlejuice, himself. Some felt his character made the film while some felt he was the worst part. Still, members enjoyed the tone and humor of the film along with its pacing. Overall, the club awards Beetlejuice a B.
Directors: Steve McQueen
Screenwriter: John Ridley
Genre: Historical Drama​
The Movie Club was visibly moved by last year's best picture winner. Discussions followed the screening and emotions were high. Most students were impressed with the film's "rawness" and cited the great performances for the film's strength. Many were moved to tears by the film's monumental climax as well. This is a powerful film that uses all of the elements of cinema with great care and ability. Grade: A
12 Years a Slave
Aurthur Christmas
Directors: Sarah Smith, Barry Cook
Screenwriter: Peter Baynham
Genre: Holiday Comedy
We had a small gathering for this week's meeting, but the movie did not disappoint. The club enjoyed the modern take on the traditional Christmas story. We also had a brief discussion on annimated films in general and how they've evolved.
The Maze Runner
Directors: Wes Ball
Screenwriter: Noah Oppenheim
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
On January 5, the club screened The Maze Runner. We had a lengthy dscussion about the character names, which we discovered all tie to historical figures famous for philosophy, science, and mathematics. We also had one member who had read the book and who explained the details that were different between the film and book. Overall, it seems to be a faithufl adaptation and the club enjoyed the film very much and are eagerly awaiting the sequel.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Directors: Ken Hughes
Screenwriter: Roald Dahl, Ian Flemming
Genre: Family
While admitedly one of the weirdest movies club sponsor, Jason Kane has ever seen, the club throughly enjoyed this highly ambitious musical from 1968. The songs were catchy and stayed in our heads. The film looked great, and the characters were imaginitive. Overall, the club considered this a "fab" film! horou
Directors: Matthew Vaughn
Screenwriter: Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn
Genre: Fantasy
On January 26th, the Movie Club screened our second fantasy film in a row, Stardust. We had a great turnout with 6 members present. Our T-Shirts and Sweatshirts also came in, so the club looks great! As far as Stardust goes, we agreed it was really a fun movie. Much like Labyrinth, The Princess Bride, and The Neverending Story, Stardust was packed with memorable characters and a cute story. We liked the action scenes best.
Stardust
Films are listed in the order they were viewed.
Welcome to Unity
Directors: Katharine Mahalic
Genre: Documentary
We had the great fortune of attending the Michigan premier of the film, Welcome to Unity. The film tells the story of 7 foreign exchange students who come to live with a host family in the tiny town of Unity, Oregon. During the school year, the students learn the "American Way" while also helping everyone they meet open their minds and hearts to other cultures. We were able to stay for a Q & A with the director as well, which was a great experience.
Directors: Harold Ramis
Screenwriter: Harold Ramis
Genre: Comedy/Fantasy
On February 9th, the Movie Club screened Mr. Kane's favorite movie of all time, Groundhog Day. We discussed the length that Phil experienced the "endless day." The club originally thought it was a year or two, but upon thinking about the fact that he becomes a master pianist and ice sculptor, we bumped it up to somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 years or so. For an "old" movie, the club was impressed with its humor and fun.
Groundhog Day
Directors: Tim Burton
Screenwriter: Tim Burton
Genre: Fantasy
On January 12, the club screened Edward Scissorhands. One member compared it to Romeo and Juliet as the main character can't have who he loves because of others. We discussed the commentary about the reaction from the public towards the abnormal. We like the style of Tim Burton and find his messages about individualism refreshing.
Directors: Paul Feig
Screenwriter: Jacob Meszaros
Genre: Holiday comedy
This one divided the club. Some thought the humor and holiday attitude was a lot of fun. Others thought that this film seemed to marginalize teenagers and their personalitites. Also, that the film seemed to insult the sensibilities of values and morality. Still, the film had quite a few recognizable faces and did not completely miss in terms of story and humor.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Directors: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Coming of Age Drama
On Monday 2/23, the club screened the film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Emotions ran high as the film touched a nerve with some of the kids. We were surprised how heavy the subject matter and themes were for a film for and about teenagers. We had a short discussion about the pressures of teenager-dom as well as how accurate the film depicts high schoo life, according to their experience. Upper-classmen feel more of a connection to the events than the younger kids, but the younger kids were more caught up in the drama of the film. This was a major hit with the club and the most emotional reaction since 12 Years a Slave.
Directors: David Koepp
Screenwriter: David Koepp
Genre: Action
On Monday 3/2, the club watched Premium Rush, starring JosephGordon-Levitt. We were surprised how much we enjoyed Premium Rush, but this is a film that is quite aware of its escapist qualities and goes to great lengths to protect them and not exploit them. Writer/Director David Koepp keeps the pace quick and the audience cheering.
Premium Rush
Life of Pi
Director: Ang Lee
Genre: Drama
On Monday 3/9, the club screened the film, Life of Pi. There was a lot to take in regarding this film and while a visual spectacle for sure, the club focused on evaluating various interpretations of its message. After polling the kids, most thought the animal story was real. Either way, most of us realized how differently one can look at the same movie and that was pretty fascinating.
Directors: Richard Linklater
Screenwriter: Richard Linklater
Genre: Drama
On Monday 3/16 and Tuesday 3/24, the club watched Boyhood, starring Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke. Club members mentioned that it represents some of the challenges of growing up. We were startled by the ending, which is abrupt and feels sudden, but after realizing he is no longer a boy, it made sense.
Spirited Away
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Fantasy
On Monday 3/30, the club screened the film, Spirited Away. Most were caught up in the film's unique annimated beauty, but there's no denying the oddness of this one! The imagination behind it is also very impressive. We enjoyed the creative characters and the fairy-tale-like plot design. The movie really takes the audience along for the ride. At the end we really felt the character changed and we believed it.
Boyhood
Marvel's The Avengers
Director: Joss Whedon
Genre: Action
On Monday, April 27, the club continued its "Members Pick" series with Alec's choice, Marvel's The Avengers. Like last week, this film was picked due to the hotly anticipated sequel opening this week. In fact the club plans to check out The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron together this Saturday at MJR at 10:45 am, tickets just $5.
Director: George Lucas
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action
On Monday 4/20, the club began the first of its final "Members Picks" films with Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. This film really intensified everyone's appitite for the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII film. After we finished, club sponsor, Jason Kane felt a real urge to go watch Revenge of the Jedi. We also were able to discover an Easter Egg on the DVD where we uncovered a secret video of Yoda and Storm Troopers hip-hop dancing.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Unaccompanied Minors
Edward Scissorhands
Director: Alex Proyas
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action
On Monday May 4, the club viewed Lora's pick I, Robot. This film really got us thinking about the cyborg/robot dystopian genre. What was even more odd, was how similar this film is to the film we viewed at our most recent field trip, Avengers 2: Age of Ultron.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Avengers 2: Age of Ultron
Director: Joss Whedon
Genre: Action
On Saturday, May 2nd, 8 club members attended the 10:45 screening of Avengers: Age of Ultron. Fresh off of our recent screening of the first film, we were ready! Everyone loved the film. At the end, Avengers: Age of Ultron does not have the feel of high, global stakes like the previous film, but that is exactly why these films have not grown stale. We are constantly introduced to a new angle, and in this case, one that may leave some feeling a little confused on what the future holds for these beloved heroes.
I, Robot
Director: Joel Schumacher
Genre: Musical
On Monday May 11, the club viewed TIa's pick The Phantom of the Opera. She claims to have seen this one over 20 times. The film certainly plays a worthy adaptation to the stage musical. The music numbers were impressive and while some club members felt there was "too much singing," the film was an overall success.
The Phantom of the Opera
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Action
On Monday, May 18, the club called an audible on the "member's picks." The Notebook was the planned film for today, but since the nominating memebrs were absent, the club unanimously voted to veto The Notebook and selected Raiders of the Lost Ark. Surprisingly, some had never seen this film and as club sponsor, I ruled that this is manditory viewing for a movie fan. The club enjoyed the film, especially the score, which I was requested to allow to play through the credits. After the film, we watched the opening scene to UHF and enjoyed Weird Al's take on the iconic opening scene from Raiders.
Director: Andrew J. Fenady
Genre: Western
On Monday May 26, the club watched Austin's pick, Chisum. This one tells the story of Pat Garett and Billy the Kid and it really divided the club. Most were not fans of westerns to begin with and this film did not bring any new converts. Austin stands by it though as a favorite of his with John Wayne. Next week is our final meeting of the year!
Chisum
5 Centimeters Per Second
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Genre: Anime
On Monday, June 1st, the Howell High School Movie Club had their final meeting of 2015 with Jade and Ashley's pick, 5 Centimeters Per Second. This was a mature and wonderful choice to close out the year with. The annimation is as beautiful as we've ever seen. Told in three inter-connected stories, 5 Cenimeters Per Second is a story of chance, beauty, and love with a tragically somber tone, but an uplifting lesson nonetheless.
