Flipped

This film brings back middle school memories, some find, but most horrible. However middle school was the time where some of the best book and movie combinations were introduced. For example: Hoot, Holes, and of course Flipped. If you were not made to read Flipped or watch the movie afterwards that is unfortunate because it is a great story. While it is set in the 1960's and segregation was still in place (horrible, boo, do not like) the film lacks diversity. Actuality it has none at all but that aside the story still has valuable lessons in life and in relationships.

The film follows two main characters, Bryce and Julianna, as well as their respective families and friends. The story is told through both of their perspectives so after the audience sees the situation from Bryce's perspective it will flip over to Juli's. It is a smooth transition in the film and extremely easy to follow along. Bryce and Julie first meet in second grade, off the bat the audience can tell that Bryce and his family are very different than Juli and her family. The first meeting sets in motion the crush Juli has on Bryce and Bryce trying to constantly avoid Juli. Bryce is shy, reserved, and closed minded. Also he's kind of a pinhead who can't stick up for himself. Julie is strong willed, kind, and very smart. Through the constant interactions  at school and Juli being obsessed with an old sycamore tree, Bryce's grandfather takes an interest and questions Bryce on their relationship. Eventually the grandfather and Juli become friends and she reminds him of his late wife, Bryce's grandmother with her spirit. The first important lesson the film shoes is to be kind to your family, Bryce barely talks with his grandfather but Juli opens up to him. Bryce's father is an "I peaked in high school" guy so he does not treat anyone with respect, including his own family. However Juli loves her parents. her brothers, and even starts building a relationship with her uncle who is mentally disabled. The pure love and respect Juli has for her family is what everyone should try to embody.

As the two grow up things start to change including how they view one another. Julie sees that Bryce is not really this fantastic person she pictured in her head. we see that physical beauty can't cancel out what is on the inside, everyone has been guilty of having superficial feelings but it is interesting to see in the film. While Bryce on the other hand sees how great Juli is. Through chickens, eggs, and a school fundraiser the two continue to grow as individuals and more feelings start to develop. Another important lesson the film shows is being greater than the sum of your parts. Going beyond expectations for who you are is exactly what you are supposed to do, surprise people, express your feelings, etc. Being one thing, having people expect you to only be interested in sports, or only talk about how great you are. Going beyond and finding your full self is so important and reaching higher than what is expected brings a new outlook on life.

While there are many many lessons thrown throughout this film it is a good one. There are everyday occurrences, some inspiring scenes, and a look into more than just girl likes boy or vice versa. It is a wonderful film to experience.

Can You Love a Beast?

From the title you all may think that I am switching to Disney princess movies and writing about Beauty and the Beast. Alas I am not but I am writing about a film inspired by the tale of Beauty and the Beast. A film talking about being unselfish, looking for substance rather than just what meets the eye; as well as accepting oneself. The film I am referring to is Beastly and I forgot how much I enjoy this movie until it popped up on a romance movies list. The film stars Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, and Mary-Kate Olson. The story is set in New York city with the stars in high school. However this isn't just any high school, it is state of the art and filled with a lot of wealthy kids. Obviously the cliche is the wealthy kids run the school and the rest of the student body is supposed to look up to them. Alex Pettyfer plays Kyle Kingston, the most popular guy in school, who actually runs the school like a mean girl would. Taunting others, believing he is inherently better than everyone else, but really has problems of his own. A mother who abandoned him and an uncaring father which makes him the person he is. On the flip side meet Vanessa Hudgens character, Lindy Taylor, smart, shy, and gorgeous. There worlds eventually meet after Mary-Kates character, Kendra the witch, puts a curse on Kyle turning him "beastly" (hahaha..I'm sorry I think I'm funny) and he must find someone to love him within the year.

Kyle rescues Lindy after her drug-addicted father gets into a spat with his drug dealers. Lindy stays with Kyle for her protection and as you can guess they being to spend time together and his heart changes. There is mushy romance, flowers, poetry; the works but it is done in a way that makes me say "aww".  The movie does do the big romantic gesture that I usually dislike but for some reason this romantic gesture makes my heart flutter. What I believe is positive about the film is how it shows someone trying to change and the actual emotions a person deals with. Kyle is frustrated because he doesn't understand that wealth and good looks does not mean everything to people. He tries to dig deeper into himself to understand the girl he is falling in love with, he does a grand romantic gesture that makes sense because he did this by himself to show how much he cares. The audience can see the transition of being self-centered to caring and feeling empathy for others and their sacrifices. The film also does a good job at depicting falling in love, mind you it is at an accelerated pace because a movie can't be five hours. However there is still the angst of being unsure how the other person feels, being scared to open up, and feeling vulnerable. While this movie goes in a pace that I didn't particularly like I truly enjoy this movie and what it does for love.