The Shining: A Timeless Classic

Genre(s): Psychological horror, Mystery
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% critics/ 91% audience
Our Grade:

• Killian L: 8.8
• J. Tremblay
• Alvar J:

Synopsis: A man decides to take his family with him to take care of the Overlook Hotel during the awful winter coming up and to able to dedicate some time to his writing. The dark history of the place and / or the isolation turn him into a psychopathic killer. His son, Danny possesses the key to salvation: a telepathic gift called "Shining".

Who it´s for: Horror fans, the curious in psychology, anyone looking for a thrilling film without the typical gore and jump scene/scares ,Kubrick fans (however this film is more mainstream than his average), Jack Nicholson followers
Who it isn't for: Stephen Kings loyalists, the needy of fast paced movies.

Director: Stanley Kubrick
Actors (characters):  Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance
                                Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance
                                Danny Lloyd as Danny Torrance


 Budget vs Gross Revenue: $22m/$44m (US only)
Awards/Recognitions: Scariest film by Channel 4. 25th Greatest Villain and 29th Thrill by the American Film Institute.

Rating (US): R
Running Time: 2hrs 24min
Country: US

Final Comment:

• Killian L: The story of this film is quite interesting; it's quality was downplayed upon its release, however with time this film has become an adored piece of Kubrick's creative filmography. In addition, it is possible that the many changes made from Stephen King's novel have done other than improve the story. Although its opponents are partially right when they claim it is overrated (regarding Duvall's acting and some unnecessarily long moments), the real genius of this masterpiece is revealed when the viewers feel fear without having to seen the typical scene where you know a loud scare is coming. That is, without mentioning the possible allegories included. Is it a nightmare or a metaphor? Is the hotel haunted or does Jack get cabin fever?  It's likely, we'll never know.
• J. Tremblay
• Alvar J.

 













Click here to read an incredible theory about the true meaning of the shining. (It has to do with a historical lesson).

Inception: One of the Most Mind-Blowing Movies of All Time

Genre(s): Drama, Action, Sci Fi, Mystery, Psychological thriller

Rotten Tomatoes: 86% critics/ 93% audience

Our Grade:

• Killian L: 9.7
• J. Tremblay
• Alvar J:

Synopsis: A world where the lines between dreams and reality become very blurred. Dom Cobb (DiCaprio) specializes in "subconscious security" but this causes him trouble and to fix things he will take his job to a new level: Inception.

Director: Christopher Nolan

Actors (characters): 

• Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb
• Joseph Gordon Levitt as Arthur
• Ken Watanabe as Saito
• Ellen Page as Ariadne
• Cillian Murphy as Robert Fisher Jr
• Tom Hardy as Eames

Who it´s for: geeks, sci fi fans and non-fans alike, the interested in psychology (especially regarding dreams) and philosophy (regarding reality), lovers of innovation and originality, action and special effects enthusiasts.

Who it isn't for: people who complain about "pop" psychology, anybody not willing to watch a movie that will keep them thinking and trying to figure out its complex puzzle, those who will only watch films that are "realistic" (or a person who says things like "I wonder what the producers were high on when the made this.) 

 Budget vs Revenue: $160m/$823m

Awards/Recognitions: 4 Golden Globe Nominations, 9 BAFTA nominations, and 8 Academy Award Nominations.

Rating (US): PG-13

Running Time: 2hrs and 28 min

Country: USA

Final Comment:

• Killian L:  This film is just shy of perfect on every level. Prepare to have your mind blown with this production that will certainly become a classic. Besides, it would not be exaggerated so say it is one of the most innovative and original films in decades. In fact, the Academy should be sorry Hans Zimmer didn't win Best Original Score for Dream is Collapsing. Can you believe that Chris Nolan wasn't even nominated for Best Directing? You will discover that there is a huge diversity of opinions and theories in what seems to be an infinite debate that will never be solved. And, if you watch it again you will surely notice many things you had not seen before. 
• J. Tremblay
• Alvar J.

Once you have seen the film click here to read two interesting viewpoints on the Inception debate click here (iDO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE)