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Arts & Entertainment
The Montclarion • October 10, 2013 • PAGE 19
Pressure Mounts
‘Gravity’ Exceeds Expectations Joseph Davis Lees Staff Writer This is the sci-fi game changer that everyone’s been waiting for a long time. Avatar may have hit the mark with its groundbreaking visuals, but unfortunately, the story was very thin. Next was Prometheus, boasting a well-rounded cast and being a technical prequel to the Alien films. This didn’t really hit it either. Gravity, however, hits that mark. Gravity has set the bar up to impossible heights and it’s such a wonderful thing. Featuring some of the most immersive visuals in a feature film to date, it creates a subversive and unforgettable movie-going experience. Director and cowriter Alfonso Cuarón has done it again. With breathtaking visuals and fantastical technique, Gravity is one of the most gripping and thrilling films to be released in recent memory. Sandra Bullock caught in the dangerous world of space. Gravity showcases a suspenseful and insightful journey er territory, Gravity tells a There is so much to praise of survival after an accident very emotional and personal from this film that it’s hard sets a medical engineer and an journey. The film’s tagline to find exactly where to start. astronaut adrift in merciless “Don’t Let Go” will mean I’ll begin with the hypnoticalspace. Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra more than you initially think. ly beautiful cinematography Bullock) and Matt Kowalski This is Cuarón’s cinematic from Emmanuel Lubezki. It is (George Clooney) must work masterpiece. He crafts this stoart, from the way the camera with each other in impossible ry with such impeccable techmoves, following the scene in odds to survive in space. It’s nique; it really is like nothing such a fascinating way you’d a simple yet powerful premyou’ve ever seen at the movies think Lubezki was really up ise that allows the audience before. Cuarón waited until above Earth getting his shots. to lock in with the film easier the technology was just right Composer Steven Price prothan most science fiction films. in order to make this film, vides a simultaneously thrillWithout falling into spoiland thank goodness he did. ing and beautiful soundtrack
Photo courtesy of fadedindustry.com.
as she turns in one of the best and most personal performances of her career. Following her from the beginning of the film to the end is just incredible, to the point where it can be hard to watch at points. It’s only her and Clooney carrying the proceedings throughout the film, which is no easy task, but they pull it off very well. This is a movie I really don’t want to spoil by giving too much away because it really was such a magnificent experience. The visual presentation is as grand as its setting, and Cuarón doesn’t forget that visual spectacle is nothing without a powerful story behind it. This is a game changer. This is art. We are now full speed ahead into Oscar season, and it would be a crime if this film were to be ignored. Of course I’m going to give this film 5 out 5 stars.
to the film that really keeps you sealed into the film. The script that Cuarón co-wrote is so wonderfully layered and engaging that it paves the way for spectacular directing from Cuarón. Speaking of which, the pacing that this film has is nothing short of extraordinary. The film pulls you right in from the get go and doesn’t let go until the credits roll. It’s just so good. Bullock reaches new heights
Rebel Wilson Shines in New TV Series ‘Super Fun Night’ Morgan Megill Staff Writer Rebel Wilson fans have longanticipated the time when the Australian comedian will take the lead in another movie or her very own television series. From her cameo performance as Kristin Wiig’s strange roommate in Bridesmaids to her humorous supporting character in Pitch Perfect, “Fat Amy,” has scored her own television sitcom on ABC called Super Fun Night, which premiered on Oct. 2 at 9:30 p.m. In the pilot episode, we are first introduced to Wilson’s character, Kimmie Boubier, a socially awkward yet successful lawyer as she films herself in her video diary. Viewers not only find out that she has just recently been promoted at her law firm, but also learn that Boubier completely lacks any self-confidence. As the episode progresses, viewers meet Boubier’s two roommates, Marika (Lauren Ash) and Helen-Alice (Liza Lapira), who are stereotypically characterized as nerds and are anything but a part of the “cool” crowd. Together, the three roommates create a “Super Fun Night” jar, and each write on slips of paper different places that they will go every Friday night for a good time. Boubier draws the activity from the jar for the group’s first “Super Fun Night,” and it is agreed that they will go to a piano bar. Nervous from a previous experience after fainting in a talent show when she was a kid, Boubier reluctantly de-
cides that she will sign up to sing at the piano bar and hopefully conquer her stage fright. With the plans set for their night out at the piano bar, Boubier asks one of her coworkers, Richard Royce (Kev-
in Bishop), who she just so happens to be attracted to if he would also like to come out with them. He agrees without any hesitation, which not only boosts Boubier’s confidence but also makes it
Rebel Wilson as Kimmie Boubier.
completely obvious that he also has feelings for Boubier. On the other hand, though, all of Boubier’s newfound confidence is shot when a rival co-worker, Kendall (Kate Jenkinson), shows up at the piano
Photo courtesy of www.mirror.co.uk.
Super Fun Night airs on ABC at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights after Modern Family.
bar with all intentions focused on stealing Royce’s attention away from Boubier. Quinn flaunts her gorgeous looks and perfectly-pitched singing voice on stage, leaving Boubier even more nervous to the point that she actually relives her childhood episode of fainting when she finally takes the stage. Mortified, Boubier refuses to go back on stage to sing, but is then comforted by the support of her two friends in the ladies room to stand up for the all of the not-so-perfect people in the world like themselves, and get back on the stage to sing her butt off. After pulling herself together, Boubier returns to the stage to sing a rendition of Meat Loaf’s “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).” Determined to tear Boubier down, Quinn jumps up on stage with Boubier and tries to steal the spotlight. Despite the fact that Quinn ultimately does steal Boubier’s shining moment and wins the competition, she does not steal Royce’s heart or take away Boubier’s triumphant moment of conquering her fear—which is good enough for Boubier and her loyal friends. The first episode of Super Fun Night proved to be just as humorous as it was hyped up to be. Between the many comedic moments revolving mostly around Wilson’s physical appearance and her roommates’ nerdy personas, the show still manages to squeeze in inspiring yet funny themes that apply to the reality that we all live on a daily basis.