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Reviews
Prohibition (2011)
Did not allow viewers to come to their own conclusions
Was hoping to hear more about the Kennedy clan and their bootlegging activities. Kennedys as a topic were largely avoided for whatever reason. Also, I'm not sure I agree with some of the conclusions of the commentators. When we make alcohol legal, we make a form of temporary insanity legal. How can people be then be held legally accountable for their actions while inebriated when this is legally permissible? How can we measure the health care burden on society at large and the increased insurance premiums we all have to shoulder as a result of the legalization of something that is addictive and fundamentally bad for us? I think the conclusions of this documentary were entirely too one sided and somewhat simplistic.
Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014)
Thank You
-for this wonderful film which has completely enthralled my 4 year old son. The Dusty Crophopper character is easily the big favorite amongst pre-school boys in our area. This film is better than the first, employing beautiful panoramic views paired with high action. The writers clearly understand their target market and if 4-6 year olds could write reviews, I'd imagine that the ratings for this film would be through the roof.
This film explores the some of the same universal, time honored struggles that have concerned humanity since mythological times. These sophisticated ideas are communicated in a way to appeal to the cognitive abilities of a typical 4-6 year old. This is not an easy thing to do. There is an abundant use of allegory and metaphor and some aspects of this presentation are actually quite sophisticated. I do feel a little sorry for the stunted adult who is unable to recognize this.
For most preschoolers, the initial draw of the film are the spinning propellors and rotors which are all used to good effect. For parents of mechanically inclined children, this provides an entrée for lengthily discussions about the make up of plane and helicopter engines and an exploration into how things work. The moral aspects of the film become a point for discussion as well.
The score to this film is brilliant. When Blade tells Dusty about Augerin Canyon, the score shifts into a piano portion that is haunting, foreshadowing, evocative, and a little melancholy. I think of myself as a bit of a music snob (don't we all) and I have to say that this particular excerpt is the among the most beautiful new music I have heard all year. This powerful score helps to lend credibility to the reading of this fun little kid's film as also conveying a message that is both meaningful and emotive.
The only complaint I have is that there are few female voiced characters in the film. The four I could discern include, Lil Dipper, Dottie, one of the smoke jumpers and a squealing little car at studio 404, being rescued by Blade in his old TV show. All the true major players are male. I would have liked to have seen a little more equity and sensitivity in the way that female characters were developed. Female characters don't always have to be 'Miss Piggy' obnoxious (Lil Dipper), usurped by a superior male (Dottie), saucy (smoke jumper), or weak and vulnerable (studio 404 car). I expect a little progress in storytelling from a studio that aspires to be on the cutting edge.
Also, I noticed in the credits that a lot of the animation grunt work was outsourced. I would like for an American production to have sought to employ more Americans as a matter of principle. Disney will make more money than they need to on the licensing agreements alone, so no need to cut corners by outsourcing. If this film is as popular as it is in my kid's pre-school, their profit margins on this film, the merchandise and toys will prove to be astounding.