Movie Reviews

REVIEWS The Stay to Cry The complex movie “If I Stay”, directed Emmys BY ANNA CIANI by R.J. Cutler, excels in arousing thought and inflicting emotion. Dazzle The balance of life is fragile. Mia Hall, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz, learns this heavy lesson when she finds herself REPORTER Protagonist Chloë Grace Moretz realizes that her

The awards show successfully looking upon her own motionless body on the black pavement of a snow covered Oregon life will never be the same. (Photo courtesy Warner Bros. Entertainment)

Viewed more for the entertainment than the awards, the 2014 Emmys did not disappoint. Late Night host Seth Meyers did a wonderful job keeping the audience captivated and charmed. This year’s 66th Annual Emmy Awards payed homage to the past. Bryan Cranston and Julia Louis-Dreyfus rekindled their love with a call-back kiss they had previously shared on “Seinfeld”. Also, Billy Crystal memorialized Robin Williams in a powerful, personal tribute. Many awards were predictable, including repeat wins from “Breaking Bad” and “Modern entertained and engaged viewers, with Modern Family proving prestige by bringing home vast amounts of statuettes. BY MADISON HEIDE SPORTS EDITOR backroad. Mia’s world is shattered instantly after she discovers her younger brother Teddy and ex-rocker parents teetering between life and death. Her entire life flashes before her eyes in an intense out-ofbody experience where she observes current events as well as those of her past. Existing as a devout and successful cellist, Mia’s application to Juilliard disturbs the ruckus of her rocker style family but she embraces her domestic tranquillity. The cello is the only thing that gives her serenity and security, until Adam, played by Jamie Blackley, the soon to be love of her life comes, into the picture. Before everything seemed so clear; get accepted into Juilliard and pursue a career as a musician. Adam’s unexpected presence disturbs this clarity. Should she stay in Portland and move in with the man of her dreams? How does she know if she is doing the right thing? All of this flashes before her eyes while she is in a coma at the hospital after her accident. She begins to see her life from another perspective. Looking onto all the people that are there for her outside of her family, she sees how much she truly has and how important it is to preserve these things while she still has them. Director R.J. Cutler does an amazing job of reflecting the true emotion, vulnerable nature, and confusion felt by Mia while in this terrifying situation. The film provoked thoughts about the most important people in life and transported the viewer into a first person outlook. If you are wanting a movie that will make you cry, “If I Stay” is for you. This intertwined love story is a balance of joy and desperation. One that will be remembered. (For the full story, visit lejournallive.com)

Family.” “Breaking Bad” had a waterfall of citations, SKIP IT NETFLIX BUY A TICKET OSCAR WORTHY including arguably the the Emmy’s top award, Best

Drama Series. But “Modern Family” upheld its prestige, “The Giver” winning Best Comedy Series for a record-tying fifth year in a row. It also lead the way with two more wins, including Directing For A Comedy Phillip Noyce, in his portrayal of “The

Series and Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series Giver,” succeeds in continuing Lois winner Ty Burrell. Lowry’s theme, while supplementing

“Modern Family” also impressed with their appearances. The Fashion Police’s Joan Rivers, who the film with romance and futurism. died just a week after the Emmys aired, awarded BY ALEX D’ALESIO

Sarah Hyland best-dressed actress. REPORTER

The Emmys offered good entertainment, and maybe even some shows to look out for in the future. And although the awards show may categorized as repetitive and overdone, it’s Zip. Daily injection complete. Ability to interpret colors is erased. Capability to experience genuine emotion is obliterated. Desire to sever the The Giver, played by Jeff Bridges, transmits past experiences to Jonas, played by Brenton Thwaites. (Photo courtesy The Weinstein Company)

Hollywood. It’s to be expected. The Emmy’s are the epitome of television, and the public loves television. One thing is known for sure: however flawed the stars may be, they love to congratulate themselves, and the people love to watch them. Bryan Cranston poses with his “Breaking Bad” awards backstage at the 66th Annual Primetime binding chains of conformity is non-existent. Suffocated by the physical and metaphorical boundaries of “the Edge,” the unsuspecting citizens of “the community” lack personal choice, establishing the dystopian theme of an oppressive, futuristic world. Director Phillip Noyce captivates viewers, effectively illustrating the message of Lois Lowry’s popular novel, while lacing society with daily injection machines and retina-scanning video cameras. To begin the movie, the protagonist, Jonas, played by Brenton Thwaites accepts the honorable, yet burdensome responsibility of Receiver of Memory and meets daily with Jeff Bridges’ character, the Giver, to receive all past experiences. Then, Jonas distances himself from the ordinary social conformist. No longer does he see through a black and white lense. He sees color. After his meetings with the Giver, the movie transitions from being strictly black and white to injecting short bursts of color, as well. This constant transitioning kept viewers engaged in the theme, highlighting the dystopian prominence. After his exposure to the intoxicating wonders of expression and emotion, Jonas is compelled to share this new haven with his loved ones. However, before he can detach from the Elders’ autocratic grasp of control, the Chief Elder, played by Meryl Streep, intervenes. Overall, the film serves as a condensed, modernized version of Lowry’s novel that won’t make you fall asleep. (For the full story, visit lejournallive.com)

Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Aug. 25. (Photo by MCT Campus) SKIP IT NETFLIX BUY A TICKET OSCAR WORTHY LE JOURNAL ISSUE 124