Geek of Oz

The cinematic release of Noah was marred by boycotts and controversy from the get-go. It seemed that some people just weren't able to stomach this different interpretation, claiming an unreasonable ownership over it, a story that is both universally found in myth as well as being very much in the public domain. As director Darren Aronofsky was quick to point out in interviews, the story of the flood is one that belongs to all people, not just those identifying with a specific faith. Look, all I'm saying is 'Hansel and Gretel: Which Hunters', another beloved public domain story given the Hollywood treatment, didn't have to put up with this crap. Controversy aside, Noah is the biblical fable come to life, combined with the visual overlay and spectacle of epic fantasy. It's big, it's bold and although at times a bit outspoken, it's a movie with a message. Understandably the film has to take quite a bit of artistic license to expand the story to...

Imagine you and a bunch of mates decided to make a movie. Now imagine you’re best friends are Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill and throw in Danny McBride, Jay Baruchel, Michael Cera and Craig Robinson just for good measure. Now imagine you’re given millions of dollars to make the most ridiculous, no holds barred apocalypse movie where the only notable girl in the film is Emma Watson. Sounds like a dream, right? Welcome to This is the End.

Every now and then a film comes along that renews your confidence in cinema. The sort of film that manages to elicit a response beyond the visual and auditory spectacle of a big budget action film or guttural grittiness of a well executed indie film. There was a sizeable amount of buzz around the release of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and while I may be a bit late to the party, I just couldn't refrain from sharing my thoughts on this film. This comes at a time when I, as a hack of a writer, have been finding it difficult to write. I've been feeling as though I'm treading water. Surrounded by people who are infinitely more talented than I could ever hope to be, I've struggled to find the time to write. In a paragraph full of heartfelt honesty, I should instead state that I've been struggling to make time to write.  The Perks of Being a Wallflower has reinvigorated my love for cinema and more specifically, my love for the art of storytelling.