MYST Post #6: The Way Way Back

Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, starring Steve Carell (Trent), Toni Collette (Pam), Liam James (Duncan), AnnaSophia Robb (Susanna), and Sam Rockwell (Owen). A shy 14-year-old kid, Duncan, goes on a summer vacation with his mom, overbearing boyfriend Trent and his daughter. Duncan finds a small girls bike and rides it out of town to escape and runs into Water Wizz, the local water park. Duncan meets Owen and becomes friends, eventually getting a job at the park. Owen becomes the father figure in Duncan s life when he discovers Trent is cheating on his mom. When its time to leave, Duncan escapes and finds one last way to get to Water Wizz to say goodbye.


I found the movie to be an interesting script and different than what I have seen before and covers some controversial topics such as verbal abuse and cheating on partner. The movie had small hints of humor with witty banter between characters and jokes over the misfortune of others. I thought the actors did an amazing job playing their characters and they really led the performance, considering the script was weak.


The scene I liked the most was the opening scene in the car. I liked the use of the camera shooting the conversation between Duncan and Trent. The camera shot the image of Trent in the reflection of the rear view mirror, showing only his eyes, forcing Carell to show his emotion only in his eyes. The camera shot Duncan in the back of the car facing backwards with the road moving past him. It was interesting how they had the characters having a conversation without making eye contact. It showed the disrespect the characters had for one another.


I give the movie a 3/5.

MYST Post #5: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Directed by Peter Jackman, the movie follows the thirteen dwarfs continuing their quest to find Erebor and reclaim it from Smaug. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is the second movie in a three part series of the prequel to The Lord of the Rings series. The movie starred; Ian Mckellen as Gandolf, Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, Richard Armitage as Thorin, and Luke Evans as Bard. Throughout the movie, Bilbo shows the ring he found in the goblin tunnels in the fist movie, and the ring becomes a big part of helping Bilbo survive and save his friends throughout their journey.

I went into the movie with only the review from the brother that it was good, and came out agreeing. I thought the movie was well shot and the musical score was matched perfectly. I barely noticed the music was playing but instead felt the anxiety build when the dragon began chasing the dwarfs, just as the music built up. I thought all the actors did a good job playing their roles and the CGI was believable.

My favorite part of the movie was the way the cinematographer contrasted the use of the ring. I liked how you got to see both sides of the perspective. For Bilbo's view, the image was blurry. discolored, and seemed to be in tunnel vision. For what the others in the movie would see when Bilbo put on the ring was nothing. The camera would move around showing nobody but played over would be the sound of Bilbo walking and breathing so you knew you were following him but he was invisible. I enjoyed getting both the perspectives.

I would give this movie a 4/5, and would recommend seeing it.