Looking Over ‘The Ledge’
Ashley Jo Will

Released on video Sept. 27, 2011, “The Ledge” is a film that is full of suspense. Four lives are affected by an incident that results in a man named Gavin at the edge of a building. Detective Hollis is alerted about the potential jumper and attempts to talk Gavin out of his decision. He finds Gavin at the edge of a very tall building; there is no way he would be safe if he jumped at that height, even if cushioning was at the bottom. Gavin tells the detective he doesn’t want to die but he must. He has until noon until his fate is sealed. Hollis convinces Gavin to explain to him and the audience his predicament.

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Magic of ‘Hugo’
Ashley Jo Will

Released on video Feb. 28, 2012, “Hugo” is a story of a young orphan boy longing to connect with his father. Although it won five Academy Awards, this family film may have slipped under your radar since it only stayed in Sweetwater County for a short while. The film is based on the historical fiction young adult novel “The Invention of Hugo Cabret”, written and illustrated by Brian Selznick. In addition to the story, the cinematography of the film feels magical to behold.

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Coping with ‘Phantom Pain’
Ashley Jo Will

Released on video Aug. 30, 2011, “Phantom Pain” is a German film that showcases the inspirational story of a man reaching his dream despite the outcome of an accident. Marc Sumner is an avid cyclist. His dream is to ride on the Tourmalet, where the Tour de France takes place. Marc may have lofty ambitions but appears to be rather irresponsible. He struggles with multiple facets of his life, including maintaining a job and having a successful relationship with his daughter. Based on the life of the cyclist Stephen Sumner, “Phantom Pain” is about the pain, physical and mental, one must face to overcome a life-changing event.

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Music of ‘Mozart’s Sister’
Ashley Jo Will

Nearly everyone knows who Wolfgang Mozart is and can recognize his music. His family traveled Europe on tour, showcasing Wolfgang’s talents to many people, including royalty. Wolfgang also had an older sister, who played music with him. Unlike her brother, she is not known for her music. Her name was Maria Anna, but was nicknamed Nannerl. She was an accomplished performer, both with instruments and her voice. The French film “Mozart’s Sister”, released on video Feb. 14, 2012, speculates on the life of Nannerl and how she dealt with the transition from childhood to womanhood.

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For the Love of ‘Toast’
Ashley Jo Will

The childhood of Nigel Slater, the English food writer, is portrayed in the film “Toast”, released on video Dec. 20, 2011. Nigel Slater wrote an autobiography titled “Toast”, which the film is based on. This famous culinary author also has a cameo role. In the film, it is clear that Nigel loves his mother dearly. He says that her sweet nature makes up for her bad cooking. Nigel’s factory worker father is said to have a sweet tooth, despite his fiery temper. Nigel believes his father doesn’t like him at all. The audience is able to instantly connect with young Nigel, who is hungry for both good food and love.

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Maturing With ‘Barry Munday’
Ashley Jo Will

Barry Munday is an adult man but doesn’t act like a grown-up. He scoffs at being called “sir” by others and is often in various places with this best friend while attempting to pick up beautiful women. Barry doesn’t have a set of moral standards when it comes to picking up girls. They could be young or married. This story, about a man living for fun and without any meaning, is based on the book “Life is a Strange Place”, written by Frank Turner Hollon. In the film “Barry Munday”, released on video Dec. 7, 2010, the audience watches as Barry Munday is forced to re-evaluate his life after a girl’s father physically hurts him while in a movie theater.

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Raising ‘The Descendants’
Ashley Jo Will

Earlier last fall, “The Descendants” began under the radar and played in select theaters with a limited release. Due to its popularity, accolades and five Academy Award nominations, including best picture, this film has been spreading to more theaters, including Rock Springs. Based on a book written by Kaui Hart Hemmings, “The Descendants” tells a story of a father becoming closer to his children amid unfortunate circumstances.

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A View of ‘Wuthering Heights’
Ashley Jo Will

Recently a friend and I traveled to Utah in order to specifically see the newest adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.” It is from the United Kingdom and is directed by Andrea Arnold. After months of wondering if we would be able to see it on a big screen, it was finally brought to the United States as part of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Not long ago, we had finished reading the book “Wuthering Heights”, written by Emily Bronte, as part of our book club. As soon as we discovered the arrival of this new adaptation, we made it our goal to obtain tickets. We soon found out it was well worth the drive on icy Wyoming roads.

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Discovering ‘The Art of Getting By’
Ashley Jo Will

If you are in the mood for a cute romantic comedy, “The Art of Getting By” may be the perfect fit, released on video on Nov. 29, 2011. George is a senior in high school. He attends a preparatory school since his father has paid for the tuition. George’s father left to work overseas years ago and his mother has since remarried. George is a brilliant young adult but has no motivation. Instead of paying attention in class or doing homework, he is often seen creating artwork on the paper in front of him. George is viewed as weird and he has no friends until he meets Sally, who appears to be a renegade like him.

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Caught in ‘Flypaper’
Ashley Jo Will

The 2012 Sundance Film Festival is occurring in Utah from Jan. 19-29, just around the corner. Last year around this time I went to the screening of “Flypaper” at Sundance and I recently watched it again since it was released on video on Nov. 15, 2011. At first glance, “Flypaper” appears to be just another bank heist movie. As the audience watches the film, it is apparent “Flypaper” is more like a mystery-solving story than a tale about robbing a bank.

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