No Bang for Your Buck

“Do you want to see a movie this Friday? It’s in 3D, so your ticket will cost $15.”

“No way! I’m not paying that much!”

I have had many similar conversations with my friends concerning 3D movies. While some see no issue in shelling out five extra dollars, many (myself included) adamantly argue that 3D movies are certainly not worth the extra cash.

Recently, 3D has become the norm at theaters, not only with action movies, but with animated films as well. 3D seems to be the newest fad in filmmaking—3D TVs have even been developed in order to immerse viewers in their entertainment, even in their homes.

However, many movies do not properly utilize this technology. Numerous films are marketed as “3D” and “immersive,” but rarely employ impressive visual effects. While movies such as Tron: Legacy were praised for their outstanding use of 3D technology, many animated films did not live up to their promises.

Animated pictures such as Toy Story 3, Despicable Me and Tangled lacked the necessary 3D “wow” factor to justify their extra costs. The films would be virtually unaltered without the addition of the three dimensional glasses.

The summer flick Piranha 3D is a prime example of a movie in which effects were added after the fact as a marketing gimmick, as opposed to those movies shot in 3D from their inception. Scenes featuring poorly executed 3D piranhas were clearly added only to increase ticket prices.

Still, even some movies with a great attention to 3D detail are severely flawed. Many pictures pay too much attention to their special effects. Oftentimes, a great deal of effort is placed into the 3D effects, while the storyline lacks both flow and relatable characters . These effects are often dizzying and headache-inducing.

Additionally, 3D glasses are an extra annoyance at the theater- we must already deal with walking on sticky floors, finding cup holders in the dark and carrying food from the concession stand to our seats. Now, we must also carry along a large pair of glasses. Those who wear everyday glasses to improve their vision must double up by sporting both their normal glasses and a pair of 3D shades.

Junior Mandy Heiser says of the recent influx of 3D movies, “In most cases, I don’t think 3D is really necessary. Tron: Legacy and Avatar have been the only exceptions. But Justin Bieber in 3D? Seriously?”

Sophomore Natalie Lozano agrees, saying, “I don’t think many 3D movies are worth more money. Movies like Alice in Wonderland are helped by the effects, but others just make you pay more to watch the same thing you could see in 2D.”

Senior Amanda Uyesugi offers a completely different opinion, stating, “3D movies are definitely worth the extra money! I love seeing the visual effects coming towards me!”

3D movies should take cues from attractions such as Mickey’s Phillharmagic, a film at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The picture incorporates sight, sound, smell and touch, using a balance of visual effects to impress the audience without making them dizzy.

Instead of applying Disney’s technique of carefully using new technologies to enhance the viewer’s experience, studios are gouging their customers, using technology for technology’s sake.

Until 3D movies are well-balanced in both effects and plot, they are simply not worth the extra money.

Princess and the Frog Hops Into Theaters

A handsome prince, endless riches, and a huge castle. What more could a young girl hope for? In the past, many Disney princesses have given the impression that the answer is nothing. But with their first animated heroine since Mulan, The Princess and the Frog defies many Disney stereotypes and gives young girls a proper role model.

Set in New Orleans before World War I, the movie’s heroine is a young woman named Tiana. Hard-working and kind to all, Tiana, voiced by actress Anika Noni Rose. has grown up with the ambition of opening her own restaurant. With the memory of her father to guide her, Tiana works hard all day to save up for a building in which to set up shop. Meanwhile, the spoiled Prince Naveen of Maldonia, cleverly voiced by Bruno Campos, comes to New Orleans in search of a rich bride to support his expensive tastes. During his visit, Prince Naveen runs into the sorcerer Dr. Facilier, voiced by Keith David, who turns him into a frog and puts royal assistant Lawrence in his place.

In an attempt to return to his human state, Prince Naveen convinces Tiana, who is dressed up as a princess for a party, to kiss him. She is turned into a frog herself, and the two new acquaintances are forced to head into the bayou for shelter. There they come across the usual challenges of Disney heroes, but they also meet some new friends. The trumpet-playing alligator Louis, voiced by Michael-Leon Wooley and Ray, a firefly who is in love with a star, voiced in a unique Cajun accent by Jim Cummings make spectacular additions to the cast. The four then set off in search of Mama Odie, priestess of the bayou, hilariously voiced by Jenifer Lewis.

The Princess and the Frog takes its audience on a magical journey. With vibrant color and music that would make even the stiffest want to dance, it doesn’t matter that you’re watching an animated movie. You’ll get pulled into the entrancing story no matter what. The cast of characters is diverse and entertaining, further enhancing the flick. Despite his selfish tendencies, Prince Naveen provides comic relief throughout the movie. Louis and Ray are the type of friends anyone would want, and Mama Odie gives the rest sound advice that eventually leads Tiana and Naveen back to humanity.

Unlike some Disney princesses who sit around waiting for someone to give them what they want, Tiana goes after what she wants. Through all her hard work she manages to keep a smile on her face and a song in her heart. It is women like this that young girls should look up to. She teaches us to be strong and to work for what we believe in, which is truly the best lesson any little girl could learn.

Another important lesson this movie teaches us is that money is not what is most important in life. In the end, Prince Naveen forsakes his dreams of marrying a rich girl because of his love for Tiana. The happy couple then works hard and eventually opens a great restaurant. If we could all follow this example, we could all lead happier lives. And if Disney comes out with more films like this, girls everywhere can grow to their full potential.

New Moon Review: Twi Harder

As the much anticipated movie New Moon made its debut on Nov. 20, werewolves and vampires elicited not horrified screams, but hormonal ones.     Having already set a record of $26.3 million in North American midnight showings, beating out the record set by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince­, New Moon shows undeniable promise in topping the box offices.

The film is projected to gross over $110 million this weekend.  These astoundingly high numbers, though, are no surprise due to its massive fan base that is comprised of teenage girls and Twihards alike.  At a school like Presentation where the boy-deprived dwell, it is not uncommon to hear the words “Taylor Lautner” followed by the phrase “I LOVE HIS ABS!” and it is no wonder that New Moon has been the talk of the town.  However, without its massive fan base and attractive actors, New Moon is nothing extraordinary.

The CGI effects used to create the werewolves were a tad unreal and cartoon-like, and the acting was mediocre.  Some scenes, intending to be serious, were absolutely ridiculous or cheesy to the point of hilarity.  The slow-mo’s were rather excessive because, to be honest, seeing actors Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner walk in slow motion is only entertaining after so many times.  The intently romantic gazes shared between actors and actress were somewhat awkward and again, rather humorous.  Scripting was a bit weak in some areas as the audience could not help but chuckle when Lautner, as Jacob Black, threatens the vampire Alice, played by Ashley Greene, as he states “Things are about to get very ugly.”  Really now.  Very intimidating, no?  The plotline was also disappointing, but to be expected, with its rather abrupt climax and equally abrupt ending.

Though the film did have its low points, the true question is whether or not it catered to its target audience.  The answer is an obviously resounding yes.  Though the movie may not be up to par in regards to movie and acting quality, it brings to the table what is expected.  For the fans of Pattinson and especially Lautner, New Moon is an enjoyable addition to the Twilight saga as evident in the repetitive squealing heard within the theatre every time Lautner appeared shirtless.

Overall, the movie’s appeal depends on what you are looking for.  If you’re interested in a movie with quality plot and acting, New Moon may fail to reach your standards.  However, whether you support Team Edward, Team Jacob, or even Team Volturi, for all you Twihards out there, New Moon is the perfect dose of vampire and werewolf to satisfy your thirst for the Twilight saga.