This week, Anthony reviews one recent film and one classic film.
Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Writers: Creighton Rothenberger,
Katrin Benedikt
Genre: Action, Drama
Stars: Gerard Butler as Mike Banning, Aaron Eckhart as President Benjamin Asher; Morgan Freeman as Speaker Trumball; Dylan McDermott as Forbes
Rating: R
Grade: B
On the brink of a civil war, the South Korean prime minister seeks out American help to avoid it. Upon meeting with the president, the White House endures an attack from terrorists. Without enough man-power to hold them off, the president and most of his cabinet are taken hostage. Without being able to reach them, the Secretary of State (Morgan Freeman) becomes acting president and has a tough decision to make: save the president or obey all orders given by the terrorists. Luckily, an American is on the inside with the capabilities of changing the terrible outcome in the making.
“Olympus Has Fallen” succeeds greatly in fulfilling all desires for action. From beginning to end, this movie entertains. With many plot twists, intense scenes, and dramatic events, this film does not disappoint. All actors play a fantastic role following a plot that leaves you wondering, “What if this was to actually happen.” Unfortunately, the movie strays away from reality a bit too much in certain scenes, taking away from its grade. Although, it is similar to the very successful “Die Hard,” making it a great movie to check out. Turn on this action packed thriller and root for America once again, but this time, patriotism and liberty may not prevail.
Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Director: Henry Selick
Writers: Tim Burton & Michael McDowell
Genre: Animation, Family, Halloween
Stars: Chris Sarandon as Jack Skellington; Catherine O’Hara as Sally; William Hickey as Dr. Finklestein; Glenn Shadix as Mayor
Rating: PG
Grade: A-
Jack Skellington is the king of Halloweentown. This year, he finds himself bored, repeating the same routine as the previous year. Looking to change his town during Halloween, he discovers Christmas. Unfortunately, Jack knows nothing of the holiday but is intrigued by it nevertheless. He sets out to kidnap “Santy Claus” so he could rule this year’s Christmas. As Halloween approaches, his own holiday and town are in jeopardy, and Jack finds himself having to decide between the holiday he knows best, or this new holiday.
As Halloween passed and Christmas moves to the front burner, this is the perfect movie. Tim Burton is the master of gothic animation and this is his masterpiece. It brings components of Christmas into the world of Halloween. Santa Claus, the elves, and the North Pole will never be looked at the same. Although, the movie tends to be too short taking away from its brilliance, every minute of it is entertaining.
Anthony Micalizzi is a second-year student majoring in history. He can be reached at AM787857@wcupa.edu.