sxn5446 – Passion of the Spring Semester

My absolute favorite comfort movie.

The 2014 film “Annie,” directed by Will Gluck and featuring Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie, presents a modern retelling of the beloved Broadway musical and comic strip “Little Orphan Annie.” Set against the backdrop of contemporary New York City, the movie injects fresh energy into the classic tale with updated versions of iconic songs and new modern obstacles, while retaining the story’s core themes of hope, family, and belonging.

At the heart of the film is Annie, a foster child living under the care of the uncaring foster gaurdian Miss Hannigan, portrayed with comedic flair by Cameron Diaz. Annie’s life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Will Stacks, a wealthy mayoral candidate played by Jamie Foxx. As Stacks takes Annie in, partly to boost his image for the election, both characters find their lives transformed by their growing bond. The story adeptly navigates the evolving relationship between Annie and Stacks, showcasing the impact of kindness, the pursuit of happiness, and the meaning of family, not defined by blood but by love and support.

“Annie” offers several valuable lessons through its narrative. It values optimism and resilience in the face of difficulties, underscoring the power of a positive outlook to change perspectives and outcomes. The film also delves into the importance of family, presenting it as a fundamental element of human connection and support. Through Annie’s interactions and the evolution of characters like Stacks, the story highlights the transformative nature of kindness and compassion, both given and received. Additionally, Annie’s journey reflects the universal search for identity and belonging, illustrating that understanding and embracing one’s story is key to personal growth.

As I constantly rewatch “Annie”, I finish it every time finding a different lesson left for the viewers to unpack. For example, the movie touches on themes of social responsibility, encouraging viewers to use their positions and resources to make a positive impact on the world around them. Through its modern adaptation, “Annie” connects with all ages of audiences, offering a message of hope and the reminder that “tomorrow” holds the promise of a brighter day and different day.

The 2014 adaptation of “Annie” breathes new life into a classic tale, making it relevant for today’s audience while preserving the spirit and messages that have made the story a timeless piece. It’s a film that not only entertains but also inspires, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and a reminder of the values that connect us all. Through its captivating performances, updated soundtrack, and relevant social commentary, the film successfully resonates with a new generation while honoring the spirit of the original. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Annie’s story – one of hope, resilience, and the unyielding belief in a better tomorrow. This version of “Annie” not only entertains but also inspires, reminding us of the power of kindness, family, and optimism in our increasingly complex world.

The perfect movie for a Hopeless Romantic

“The Notebook”, if you have any emotion this movie will make you cry, it makes me shed tears every-time I watch it. Im surprised I haven’t blogged about it yet but here I am. It is s a timeless romantic drama Set in the 1940s, the story unfolds through the recollections of an elderly man named Duke as he reads a love story from a notebook to a fellow nursing home resident, Allie Hamilton, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The narrative shifts back to the 1940s, where a young, passionate couple, Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams), fall deeply in love one summer in North Carolina. Despite their differences in social status and the disapproval of Allie’s parents, they share a brief but intense romance. However, circumstances tear them apart, and Allie becomes engaged to another man. Years later, fate reunites them, and they must confront their unresolved feelings. “The Notebook” beautifully portrays the enduring power of love, the importance of forgiveness and second chances, and the inevitability of time and aging. It reminds us that love transcends obstacles and withstands the test of time, teaching valuable lessons about the enduring nature of true love and the significance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear. Through its poignant storytelling and heartfelt performances, it continues to captivate audiences and remains a cherished classic in the realm of romantic cinema. “The Notebook” identifies the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Both Noah and Allie must confront their past mistakes and the pain they have caused each other. Through forgiveness, they find healing and the opportunity to rebuild their relationship. This aspect of the film serves as a significant reminder of the healing power of forgiveness in relationships and the ability to move forward with a renewed sense of hope and understanding. The film portrays the inevitability of time and the fleeting nature of youth. As the story transitions between the past and present, viewers witness the characters’ journey from youthful infatuation to the challenges of old age. “The Notebook” poignantly captures the bittersweet reality of aging and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. It serves as a poignant reminder to seize the present and appreciate the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.

In conclusion, “The Notebook” is more than just a love story; it is a strong exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of love. Through its timeless themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the passage of time, the film offers valuable lessons about the nature of love and the importance of treasuring every moment with those we hold dear. As audiences continue to be captivated by Noah and Allie’s timeless romance, “The Notebook” remains a cherished classic that celebrates the beauty and depth of true love, it holds a special place in my heart and will always be a good example of love i like to look back on. Definitely one to add to your movie list if you haven’t seen it already. If you have seen it already, watch it again because somehow it only gets better with every watch.

The GREATEST Movie

I will simply never get enough of “The Greatest Showman”, I am not lying when I tell you i watched it twice in a row. The musical film inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, the legendary American showman and founder of the Barnum & Bailey circus. Directed by Michael Gracey and starring Hugh Jackman as Barnum, the film blends elements of spectacle, romance and dream chasing.

At its core, “The Greatest Showman” tells the story of P.T. Barnum’s rise from humble beginnings to become a pioneer in the entertainment world. The film begins with young Barnum, a poor boy growing up in New York in the mid-19th century. Despite numerous setbacks and challenges, including poverty and societal prejudice, Barnum harbors a dream of creating a show that will captivate audiences and bring them the success and recognition he dreams of.

As Barnum grows up, he marries his childhood sweetheart, Charity (played by Michelle Williams), and together they raise two daughters. Despite their love for each other, Barnum’s ambition often leads him to prioritize his career over his family, putting a strain on their relationship. Determined to leave his mark on the world, Barnum takes out a loan to buy a museum of oddities, which ultimately fails to attract the public. Undeterred, he brings together a diverse group of individuals, including bearded lady Lettie Lutz (played by Keala Settle), trapeze artist Anne Wheeler (Zendaya), and dwarf artist Charles Stratton (Sam Humphrey), among others, to create a circus that is unlike anything one could imagine. world you’ve already seen. Barnum’s Circus, initially greeted with skepticism and ridicule, quickly becomes a sensation, drawing crowds from around the world with its extravagant shows and celebration of diversity. However, as Barnum’s fame and fortune grow, he finds himself tempted by the lure of high society and begins to neglect the very people who helped him succeed.

Themes of acceptance, inclusion and the power of imagination are everywhere in “The Greatest Showman.” The film celebrates the uniqueness of each individual and highlights the importance of accepting diversity. Characters marginalized by society find a sense of belonging and empowerment within Barnum’s circus, where their talents are celebrated rather than ridiculed. Additionally, the film explores the tension between ambition and personal fulfillment. Barnum’s relentless pursuit of success often comes at the expense of his relationships, particularly with his family. Although he has achieved fame and fortune, he struggles with feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction, realizing that true happiness cannot be found solely in external validation. Romance also plays an important role in the story, particularly the forbidden love between Anne Wheeler, a trapeze artist, and Phillip Carlyle (played by Zac Efron), a wealthy young man who becomes Barnum’s business partner. Their interracial relationship is met with societal opposition and is a poignant reminder of the prejudices of the time.

In conclusion, “The Greatest Showman” is a visually stunning and moving film that celebrates the transformative power of dreams, the importance of embracing diversity, and the enduring human quest for acceptance and belonging. With its captivating performances, memorable music and timeless themes, the film continues to captivate audiences and inspire them to dare to imagine the impossible…and the soundtrack of it is just absolutely impeccable!!!!

“13 going on 30” and tears

Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo are a duo everyone needs in their life and that was a realization I made recently. It was one of my thoughts after I watched “13 Going on 30”, a delightful romantic comedy that transports viewers through the essence of time and the challenge of self-discovery. Directed by Gary Winick and released in 2004, the film follows the high hope journey of Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl who magically wakes up as her 30-year-old self, played by the talented Jennifer Garner. As Jenna navigates her newfound adult life as a successful magazine editor, she grapples with the consequences of her past choices and the realization that true happiness lies in embracing authenticity and cherishing meaningful relationships over superficial success. Through humor, heart, and a touch of magic, “13 Going on 30” invites audiences to reflect on the innocence of youth and the timeless lessons that guide us towards fulfillment and happiness.

In the heart of the movie lies a profound message about the essence of embracing one’s inner child. Through Jenna’s journey, the film beautifully illustrates the importance of cherishing childhood innocence and holding onto the wonder of imagination and not paying attention to the responsibilities of adulthood. The narrative emphasizes the significance of valuing authentic relationships over societal expectations, as Jenna learns that success is measured not by material accomplishments but by the depth of genuine connections. The movie advocates for self-acceptance, highlighting the transformative power of embracing one’s true self and finding beauty in imperfection. As Jenna navigates the complexities of her dual identities, she learns that true happiness stems from living authentically and pursuing endeavors that align with her passions and values.

It is a movie that I think everyone should watch, shares the significance of kindness and compassion in shaping our relationships and personal growth. Jenna’s journey towards redemption is marked by her sincere efforts to mend broken bonds and make amends for past mistakes. Through her acts of kindness and empathy, she not only heals old wounds but also discovers the profound impact of forgiveness and reconciliation. Furthermore, the film underscores the notion that true happiness cannot be found in conformity or societal pressures but rather in embracing our unique quirks and passions. As audiences journey alongside Jenna, they are reminded of the timeless truth that happiness is not a destination but rather a journey fueled by love, authenticity, and the courage to embrace life’s uncertainties with grace and resilience. “13 Going on 30” invites us to revisit the innocence of our youth, rekindle forgotten dreams, and embrace the magic of life’s most precious moments, one joyful leap at a time.

Movies about romance will alway leave the audience wanting more but this movie went further than that and thats personally why i think it stood out so much. It includes the boundaries of age and resonates with audiences of all generations. Its timeless message about the power of love, friendship, and self-discovery continues to inspire viewers to embrace their inner child, cherish meaningful relationships, and pursue authentic happiness. As we navigate the complexities of adulthood, let us heed Jenna’s journey as a reminder to never lose sight of our childhood dreams and the magic that resides within us.

Taken…

The movie of this blog is one that I think about often, it stars Liam Neeson who I didn’t know much about, but after this movie he has definitely earned him self some point. I have never had a movie keep me so invested and screaming at the screen. GO WATCH IT!!

At its core, “Taken” presents a powerful portrayal of a father’s unwavering commitment to his daughter’s safety. When Bryan’s daughter, Kim, is kidnapped while traveling in Europe, he unleashes a relentless pursuit to bring her home safely. His actions are driven not only by a sense of duty but also by a deep love for his child. This theme of parental love resonates strongly with audiences, tapping into the primal instinct to protect those we cherish most dearly. However, as Bryan embarks on his mission, the movie also raises ethical questions about the methods he employs to achieve his goal. Throughout the film, Bryan demonstrates a willingness to use violence and intimidation to extract information from his adversaries. While his actions are driven by desperation and a desire to save his daughter, they also force viewers to confront the moral ambiguity of vigilantism and the rule of law.

“Taken” sheds light on the disturbing reality of human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. As Bryan delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he uncovers a network of traffickers who view human lives as mere commodities. The film serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by countless victims of trafficking around the world, sparking conversations about the importance of combating this heinous crime and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

Despite its darker themes, “Taken” ultimately delivers a message of empowerment and resilience. Bryan’s unwavering determination and resourcefulness serve as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. His refusal to back down in the face of overwhelming odds sends a powerful message about the strength of the human spirit and the capacity for individuals to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

In addition to its compelling storyline and intense action sequences, “Taken” also features standout performances from its cast, particularly Liam Neeson in the role of Bryan Mills. Neeson brings depth and gravitas to the character, portraying Bryan as a complex and multifaceted individual driven by love and a sense of justice.

In conclusion, “Taken” is more than just a high-octane action thriller—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of love, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of justice. Through its portrayal of a father’s unwavering determination to rescue his daughter, the film reminds audiences of the power of love and the lengths to which we will go to protect those we hold dear. At the same time, it challenges viewers to confront difficult ethical questions about the use of violence and the pursuit of justice in a world plagued by injustice. With its gripping storyline and powerful performances, “Taken” continues to resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

YESS SANDRA BULLOCK

I always forget how good of an actress Sandra Bullock is, she is so good. Ive seen bird-box but i don’t know i think this movie tops it in my opinion. The movie i’m talking about is called “The Unforgivable”, she plays a newly released Washington State ex-con named Ruth trying to pick up where she left off 20 years earlier. She served 20 years for murdering a local police sheriff as he attempted to let bank representatives foreclose upon her family home and evict her and her younger sister Katherine.

This movie tackles the questions of who gets convicted for certain crimes and who doesn’t, and who gets killed by police and who doesn’t; and what kinds of punishments are appropriate for which offenses.

The movie starts off with Ruth being released from prison and then like most released ex-cons even today, they have no support, job or home to fall back onto. Ruth ends up moving in to a women’s shelter bunking with 3 other women and then started working at a fish factory. While showing ruth in the present, the film also included flashbacks every couple minutes helping us understand her pain. Things like the explosive loudness of the gun, the pool of blood spreading from the body of Sheriff Mac Whelan. Ruth makes herself move on and she starts exploring carpentry again which is what she did before prison and she went off to look for her sister who she wrote letters to for the 20 years without response.

Ruth shows how her silence and peace is being chipped away from her as she came back into an unforgiving world. Especially from the sons of the cop she killed, they wanted to get revenge on her and would stalk her day to day. Her only goal was to find Katherine. Ruth would go stand outside of her old house and try to gather information from the people currently living there about her younger sisters whereabouts. The people who did live in the house were lawyers as well, it was a family and the dad was willing on helping ruth while the mom didn’t want anything to do with Ruth and her past.

OMG NYAD

I will never get over this movie, I just watched it last week and I think I have recommended it to every person I talk to. Just imagine swimming from Cuba to the Florida Keys, thats 103 miles, two and a half days in the water, 3 sunrises and 2 sunsets. Yet i don’t think many people know it was done in real life and it was done by an incredible lady named Dianna Nyad at 64 years old in 2013.

The movie is called “Nyad”, its a biographical sports film depicting Nyad journey to complete the swim. The movie starts with Nyad celebrating her birthday with her friends, where we meet her best friend Bonnie who becomes very important to this movie. Nyad kind of goes into a rut about being 60 years old and missed swimming. Since she attempted the Cuba to Keys swim when she was 28 and failed 42 hours into the 60 hour swim. Failing the first swim discouraged her and Nyad put down her swimsuit for the next 30 years, until she was 60. She decided to give it another shot, she started swimming at the local pool and this really fired up Nyad. It lit up a spark in her, a spark big enough for her to go to Bonnie and express that she wants to try again at the Cuba to Keys swim. Bonnie was hesitant and then realized if its really what her best friend wants than she will support it, Bonnie became Nyad coach.

They would go to the pool for 8 hours at a time and Nyad would just swim the whole time. Then it became serious, they picked up and went to Cuba to put a team together and for Nyad to start acclimate to the water and she would do 24 hour swims getting herself ready. Nyad became completely obsessed with the swim, she wanted to be the first person to complete the swim and on top of that refused to have a shark cage around her during the swim. They recruited people for their sailing team to be on the boat beside her on the swim, and they began practicing. They encountered crazy struggles throughout both the swim and the journey, Nyad attempted it 4 times (including her attempts at 28) and failed before completing it on her 5th.

Things like the weather and currents needed to be monitored. While on top of that they needed to figure out any techniques for her to not be attacked in the water. On the 2nd attempt, Nyad couldnt make it the whole 60 hours and was pulled out. As on her 3rd attempt she was attacked by a Box Jellyfish which have the ability to kill instantly, which made her fail that attempt. Nyad was fed every 90 minutes but was not allowed to be touched or come out of the water or she would be disqualified. To fight off the jellyfish, Nyad started wearing a camo mask which scares them off, but then they began worrying about sharks. So they hired a team who installed shark shields around the boat to scare the sharks off. Her 4th attempt was a fail due to her eagerness, where was being stubbon about the current and decided to go for it even after being told the weather was bad, she ended up being thrown around by waves and pushed away from the boat, which ruined the course of swim and wasted her energy. Her 5th attempt at 64 years old was golden, everyone was prepared for any obstacle and Nyad felt better than ever, she completed the swim as it was being broadcasted all over the news and people were waiting for her at the Florida Keys.

This movie was a reminder of friendship and passion, inspiring thousands that if you are driven than nothing can knock you down even when you think it has, and having people around you who support you no matter how wild of goal you might have is key to your determination… and remember the ocean is relentless!

Welcome back…blog reinvented

We are back and better than ever, bringing the passion blog back this spring semester and I have so many ideas on what I want to do with it. I think i’ve settled on a decision though. We are reinventing the blog this semester, as you know the past passion blog was so about the Netflix show Criminal Minds. Weekly i would watch one the episodes and talk about it in a blog. I would share the conflict, the characters and how the whole episode came together while including my own opinions. Im still obsessed with that topic, it was so cool looking into those episodes so deeply as that show really pays attention to detail.

This semester i wanted to continue on the television route as Im always discovering new things to watch. But somehow i came back from Winter break changed into a movie lover which was different for me as I have always stood by my favorite shows and always adored watching shows. So i will be critiquing movies on this blog now. i will choose a new movie every week-ish to watch and come share it on here. Ill be sharing the plot, conflict and all my emotions while watching it. SO EXCITED I LOVE MOVIES!!!

This isn’t a goodbye…

Ok so I have this big paper due for my CAS class, i need to give it my undivided attention so i thought it would be only right to take a little break for posting on her for a little bit. I thoroughly enjoyed giving you guys the rundown of some of my favorite episodes. This isn’t even the end, just think of it like the end of a season to a show and the next one is in the making, if that makes sense.

I hope you took away something from my blog, i don’t even know what you would take away other than whether you think you would like the show Criminal Minds or not. Maybe you liked the detailed stories and gruesome cases. Maybe you didn’t like it at all and think the whole show is weird as hell and will leave you with nightmares, and i don’t blame you if that was your take.

From a different perspective however, not only for you guys but me too… i realized the hidden value of writing about episodes. It was so fun to me to relive it like i was explaining the episode to a friend, because i do love the show, it didn’t feel like a chore.

If you have read any part of this post or any previous posts, i thank you for your time!!!

“Secrets and Lies”

Alright so i’m excited for this post, it is one of my favorite episodes that messed with my mind the most. Not only is it one of my favorite but my parents also love this episode. I remember watching it with them for the first time while the pandemic was happening and we were glued to our couch binge watching Criminal Minds.

We begin this episode with the camera opening up at ship dock late at night in Baltimore, Maryland. We are introduced to Ailyah Nadir and her two children Dalia and Faris, they are bing brought to an unknown location by a man of the name John Summers. As Summers returns home, he is attacked and tortured by unknown faces…Summer says “You’ll never find her” and then “I knew it had to be you” before being murdered. We arent even that far into the episode and the FBI already staged summers death to look like a suicide as they left a note that said “I AM A PATRIOT. LONG LIVE FREEDOM. GOD BLESS AMERICA.” like what???

Cut to the Quantico headquarters, we meet agents Mandy and Bruno Hawks. Mandy and Hawks served in the military together and we learn that Summers was also in the CIA and worked for Hawks in his counterintelligence unit. We learn that another counterintelligence agent requested a psych evaluation on John Summers. Gideon completed this evaluation. Bruno tells Mandy that he doesn’t know how requested the evaluation, but he believes it was requested by a mole in their unit who is working for the same terrorist organization that Ailyah Nadir was running from. This mole is the unsub.

Ailyah Nadir turns out to be one of the CIAs informants Hotch tells us, and its now the teams mission to save her. Considering the fact they think one of the agents is the mole, the BAU locked down the whole unit so that they can go in and profile them all. We learn that Ailyah has been beaten and sexually assaulted by her husband Hassan Nadir who worked as a diplomat for the Saudi government and helps carry out major terrorist operations. Since then then Ailyah has turned informant on her husband and Summers smuggled Ailyah and her two children to the US. But the CIA made it look like Ailyah and her children died in a car accident that resulted in their bodies too disfigured to identify. The issue at hand however is that whoever the mole is has filled in Hassan on everything and now Hassan is in the states.

Cut to us being shown surveillance footage of Gideon meeting with Summers for his psych eval, three days before Summers was murdered. Summer tells Gideon that he had narrowed down the mole list to 4 possible candidates. The four being; Bruno Hawks, Gina Sanchez, Olivia Hopkins and Kruger Spence. Those four also happen to be the Supervisors of the CIA, meaning they were Summers bosses. The team begins to profile each of them.

Ailyah and her children are still in the shipping container at the dock, they just ran out of water and their lantern just died…things are starting to not be promising. Reid is assigned to work with Kruger. Morgan was assigned to Gina, Elle was assigned to work with Olivia and Gideon profiles Bruno. Then of course Ailyah leaves the shipping container to go find her children water and tells them to not move, but just at that time the unsub seems to hack into the BAUs feed and also knows where Ailyah is. Ailyah returns to find Hassan has her children. Gina and Morgan go to the ship yard to try and find Ailyah, Reid uses the drone satellite system to help them find the shipping container. They find the Nadir family and as they begin to arrest Hassan, they realize that he basically being arrested on international waters since the container hasn’t passed through customs yet. They request to bring back Hassan into custody but weirdly enough Bruno wants to sweep everything under the rug. He asks Gina to kill the whole Nadir family and the visual feed is cut and all we hear is gunshots. The feed comes back on and we learn that the Ailyah and her children are safe, and that the mole and unsub was Bruno who was also the one shot.

And get this..all of this was because Bruno was being paid 20 million dollars by Hassan to find Ailyah.