5 Reasons to Watch Passengers

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Passengers, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, is a character-driven romance set in a futuristic outer space. Despite mixed reviews, here are five reasons why you should give Passengers a chance.

Warning: Passengers is rated PG-13 for sexuality, nudity, and action/peril. Consider this recommendation at your own discretion. 

1. Plot

Passengers follows two passengers of the starship Avalon who wake from their sleep chambers ninety years too early. As they fall in love, ship malfunctions and a hidden secret jeopardize their relationship and the safety of all the starship's passengers. While the focus of the movie was the romance between the main characters, there was still room for action and suspense in this film. There were a lot of twists and turns with the plot, which provided an edge-of-your-seat experience. The concept is intriguing and well-developed, providing a worthwhile story for people who enjoy science-fiction, romance, or adventure.

2. Characters/Cast

The characters of Passengers are intriguing. Jim Preston is an engineer who leaves earth to help build (literally) a new colony. Aurora Lane is a writer who wants to be the first person to travel to and from a colony and write about it. Together, they provide an intriguing and emotional foundation for the story. Each character is established with a rich back story, an intricate personality, and a fantastic actor to make them come to life. Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence were amazing in this film. They made this movie soar. The other actors, Martin Sheen and Laurence Fishburne, did great in their respective parts as well. I was thoroughly impressed by the acting as well as the character development in this film.

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3. World-building

The "world-building" (or should I say, universe building) was phenomenal. There were so many details put into the spaceship Avalon and the futuristic world it came from. I loved every moment of it. From the breakfast kiosk in the cafeteria to the layout of the ship's interior: it was spectacular. I wish more science-fiction stories could show the ingenuity and creativity that the production team and writers of Passengers reveal in their design for the Avalon. Even the starship itself, from an exterior view, is an incredible masterpiece. There is just so much packed into the concept. I'm still amazed.

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4. Theme/Message

Passengers is a movie that makes you think. It makes you contemplate life and question decisions. It makes you wonder about fate and destiny and morality, but it does so in a new and refreshing way. It's also relatable, despite that you and I didn't wake up 90 years too early on a starship in the middle of the universe. There are fundamental truths about human nature and about life that are ingrained in this film, and I admired how much it made me sit back in my theater seat and just mull over what I had watched. A lot of movies are so focused on entertaining the audience, they miss introducing important messages. Passengers keeps its ideas at the forefront of the film without being too pushy or overwhelming.

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5. Outer Freaking Space

I'll admit my favorite parts of the film were the outer space scenes. The starship Avalon flying through the star-scattered void of space. The space frolic along the ship's exterior. The slingshot around the burning star. All of it was magical and breathtaking. I was constantly overwhelmed by the beautiful cinematography and special effects. There aren't adequate words to describe those scenes, and I highly recommend watching Passengers in theaters for the full experience of those shots on a large screen in a dark room. A lot of movies set in outer space focus on the dangers of space, forgetting the beauty that is also held there. I'm grateful this movie showed the brilliance and excitement of space instead. I teared up a lot due to the gorgeous views. Somebody give this movie twelve Oscars or something just for the outer space scenes.

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Overall, Passengers is a unique movie with a fantastic cast and a marvelous production and design team. I highly recommend it to anyone who is even slightly interested in the film or loves outer space (or Chris Pratt).

Have you seen Passengers?

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My Top Three Nostalgia-Inducing Manga Series

I've always been a sucker for a good story, so it's no surprise that I adore manga, which are not only pieces of art but fabulous stories that weave complicated plots and introduce interesting characters. If you're hesitant to read manga, for whatever reason, I encourage you to try it at least once.  

Below, I've listed my top three favorite manga series I read growing up and why you should check them out.

1) Sailor Moon by  Naoko Takeuchi

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Sailor Moon was my very first manga. I was 11 when a friend handed me a dazzlingly beautiful Sailor Moon manga. Sure, I was already familiar with the anime since I grew up watching it, but I had no idea there was a book about it.

I tore upon the volumes like some kind of vicious vulture. I asked for them for my birthday and spent all my allowance on the collection because of how completely different the manga was from the Sailor Moon anime.

The Artwork

Ah! Just look at it!! 

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I couldn’t get enough of Sailor Moon, so the manga only furthered my obsession. I started drawing people in the Sailor Moon manga style, with long spindly legs, large eyes, and interesting hairstyles. Seriously, the fashion (at least for the time) was cutting edge. Plus, the gowns and sailor suits were timeless. The scouts aren’t called pretty sailor soldiers for nothing. 

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The Story 

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I’ve always been fascinated with space, so I was very excited to learn that the manga introduced more information that related to the universe (and more information on gems, which I was also interested in). I researched and studied the planets, the stones, and the mythology hidden within these precious pages.

Besides the educational aspect, the story was energizing. A team of strong, independent women, each with their own elemental affinity, is tasked with saving the world. It’s a space opera that is both romantically intriguing and extremely exciting. 

The Characters 

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There is a character for everyone. Seriously, if you’re studious and dedicated, Ami is your girl. If you’re clumsy and loyal, you may relate with Usagi. If you’re tomboyish and strong, you may liken to Haruka.

The characters solidified the importance of friendship and love. There was even a progressive (at least for America) notion of a woman loving another woman. Plus, the love between Usagi and Mamo-chan was just too sweet. I couldn’t help squealing every time I read about their relationship. The characters give you someone to relate to, no matter where you are in life, and that was a large part of the appeal. Even the villains were interesting (especially in the anime).

2) D.N.Angel by Yukiru Sugisaki

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I’m obsessed with thieves and I think it’s because of this series. If you love anti-heroes and moments of romance and close calls, you must pick up this series (Dark says so).

The Artwork

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Again, not sure why, but many manga artists could totally be fashion designers. Trust me, D.N.Angel does not skimp on the epic fashion sense. Plus, the artist must have sold her soul because man are these drawings gorgeous, especially later on in the series. Just look at the hair! I mean, look at it! Plus, the facial features are perfect.

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The Story

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Do you like art? Do you like thieves? Do you like a good romance and action all rolled into one? Oh! Well then, let me introduce you to D.N.Angel, a story about Daisuke, a kid in a long line of men who can transform into the legendary phantom thief Dark (that is, when they're experiencing romantic feelings towards their crush).

To top it off, the series is hilarious. One can’t help but chuckle at Dark’s insistence that Daisuke “man up” and make the first move.

The Characters

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DARK IS AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECT!! But if you look past Dark, which he would protest against, you’d see Daisuke, who at first you think is just a normal fourteen year old boy, until you realize he has a genetic condition that transforms him into the thief Dark. As the series goes on, you learn that Daisuke is much more than an epic thief. He’s loving and caring and sacrificial. He cares deeply for everyone.

You also see a collection of heartwarming characters, each as complicated and interesting as the next. (Satoshi for example. Poor Satoshi.) But Dark truly does steal (hehe) the show with not only his charms and wiles but his friendship with Daisuke. He learns to care for Daisuke and everyone that comes into his life.

3) Chrono Crusade by Daisuke Moriyama

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Do NOT watch the anime. I repeat, do NOT watch the anime. It lacks the emotion and perfect plot line that the manga possess. Besides, the manga for Chrono Crusade is only eight volumes long, so it won't take you long to read.

Th Artwork

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Another beautifully drawn series!! Oh goodness, and the art gets even better in later volumes. So much detail and emotion are drawn into the characters that I forget they’re fictional sometimes. When you see someone cry or bleed or smile, your heart can't help but melt. Plus, who doesn't want to see manga stylized angels and demons in the 1920s?

Again, the fashion is wonderful, and it's historically interesting too!

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The Story

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Warning! This series is a tearjerker. I mean, the entire premise of the story is about a nun who makes a contract with a demon, who in turn feeds off her life force. This, of course, greatly shortens the main character's life, but what's truly sad is that they become FRIENDS!!! They care about each other.

I was surprised by how emotionally attached I'd become to the characters in such a short time. I mean, 8 volumes and this story still whittles away my soul.

The Characters

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As mentioned, the main character, named Rosette, is a nun but not your typical nun. Oh, no! She, along with her comrades, tote holy weapons that combat the forces of hell. She’s a whirlwind, loud and brash and all-consuming. Oddly enough, Chrono (her demon companion) is mild and levelheaded. He keeps her grounded. Think on that. These two make an exceptional team and it becomes even more intriguing when the other characters, all as equally fascinating, are introduced.

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What do you think of these manga? What are your favorite manga?

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Best Kisses in Animated Movies: Non-Disney Edition

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Though Disney has some spectacular kissing scenes, I'd like to focus on a few of my favorite non-Disney animated couples instead.

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Anastasia and Dimitri (Anastasia)

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Anya and Dimitri’s relationship was built up so well that...

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When this happened, the audience couldn't help but cheer. Paired with the movie’s moving soundtrack, this kiss was an eleven out of ten.

Louie and Cecilia (We're Back: A Dinosaur's Story)

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Round 1: Fail!

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Round 2: Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!! Honestly, this was too cute.

Kayley and Garrett (Quest for Camelot)

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You can just tell there's something there.

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Even when they're not kissing!!!

Crysta and Zak (FernGully: The Last Rainforest)

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When two worlds collide, it makes for one magical kiss. 

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Plus, Crysta is a boss! She’s awesome at whatever she does.

Nemo and Camille (Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland)

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Little Nemo is all about childhood wonder, so the kiss in this movie was no different. It was pure and sweet and wonderful.

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Play on, Princess. Play on.

Sinbad and Marina (Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas)

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Though we got amusing moments like these, what we ALL wanted was...

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THIS! Their first kiss didn't count (even though it was hilarious). This one was what we were all waiting for.

Thumbelina and Cornelius (Thumbelina)

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Another kiss that we were dying to see...

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Because of scenes like this!!!

Odette and Derek (The Swan Princess)

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We didn’t think they’d ever kiss, until...

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They met again one summer and realized they had feelings for one another. It's nice that this kiss mirrored the ending's!

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 Here's Crysta dancing, just because. 

Do you have a favorite animated kiss that isn't on the list? Have you seen all of these non-Disney movies?

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There's Lots of World Out There (Disney Pixar's WALL·E, 2008)

WALL-E, short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class, is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying up the planet, one piece of garbage at a time. But during 700 years, WALL-E has developed a personality, and he's more than a little lonely. Then he spots EVE, a sleek and shapely probe sent back to Earth on a scanning mission. Smitten WALL-E embarks on his greatest adventure yet when he follows EVE across the galaxy.   ~ Google

 Story

This film's plot follows a popular question: what if all life left the earth for good?   Everyone has toyed around with the thought of humans living on the moon or on Mars at some point.   Some people believe that the world will become so polluted that humans will have to leave Earth or die.   Another popular question: what if there was only one person on earth?   WALL·E turns the person in this question to a robot.   This film is also the most romantic Pixar film they have made to this day, though Toy Story 4 is rumored to be a love story.   The film is low on dialogue, but the robots are constantly expressing emotion through movement and sound.   If Star Wars was made from R2-D2's point of view, you would get WALL·E.    (A sound director from Star Wars also recorded the sound for this film and voiced Wall-E.   Random fact you didn't need to know.   ☺)

Visuals

I can't say enough about the visuals in this or any Pixar movie.   (Even Toy Story, the first Pixar film ever made, was far ahead of its time and contained better computer animation than some used today.)   On Earth, you really feel how deserted and polluted it is.   Everything is covered in dust.   The storms that take place there are incredibly true to life.   You can practically feel the rain, wind, or sand hitting your face.   In space, you feel as if you really are in space, floating.   I remember the first time I watched, I lost my breath when Wall-E took off in the rocket.   I really felt as if I were in space, lack of oxygen and all.   Because of the little dialogue, the animators really had to catch your eye with the way things looked.   I think they really succeeded in this regard.

Music

Unlike many Pixar films, this score was not written by Randy Newman (think "You've Got A Friend In Me" and "I Wouldn't Have Nothing If I Didn't Have You").   However, this composer is Randy's cousin, Thomas Newman.   His style is a bit more subdued than Randy's (Randy Newman has lots of peppy bits in his music, one example is when Flick from Bug's Life enters the city for the first time), but his scores are still incredibly memorable and fun.   He has lots of musical themes for certain emotions and characters, which in my opinion is a sign of a good score.   My favorite piece from the soundtrack is "Define Dancing," which plays as Wall-E and Eve are dancing around in space.   The credit song, "Down to the Ground," is great too.   (So great, in fact, that I had to purchase it and listen to it repeatedly.   ☺)

Final Rating

This review was probably wayyyy more detailed than any other I have done, partly because the movie is so great and partly because I actually watched the bonus features disk.   (I should probably do that more often...)   This film is fun to watch with children or adults.   I recommend it for anyone wanting a cute movie to enjoy!   (It's also great for Valentine's Day!   ☺)

Bonus Gif:

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//Saranghae: Romance in KDramas

As I sat in front of my laptop trying to come up with an idea for today’s article, my Babysis suggested, “Write about the difference between romance in western television and Korean dramas.” “Natch!” I said, put on my headphones, and pulled up the document.

After a hard-fought seven-year battle, I have pulled my mother into the world of KDramas. (As a result, she hates me, but we won’t go into that.) It’s fun to watch someone notice all your favorite things about them – in particular, the exploration of romantic relationships beyond sex.

While most western shows (particularly on the CW) use a formula that usually runs something like ‘boy meets girl, boy and girl end up sleeping together by episode 3, and the rest of the show is about their fights, breakups, hookups, and makeout/ups,’ Korean dramas are different. Sex scenes are almost nonexistent, and ‘bed scenes’ (scenes that indicate the couple slept together without specifically pointing it out) are so vague that usually they leave you wondering ‘Did they…? Maybe they didn’t. No, they did. Right?’

In the first episode of Scholar Who Walks the Night, a fantasy fusion sageuk about vampires, royalty, and politics (and currently one of my favorites), a prince shocks his scholar by suggesting that his next anonymous erotic novel might include a bed scene the night before the honeymoon. The fact that loose sexual behavior is still fairly shocking in Korea did something amazing – it returned my innocence where entertainment is concerned. Where before I was used to the idea of on-screen couples hitting the sack before the third episode was over, now I gasp with delight when the main characters hold hands – by episode twelve.

Korean dramas focus on what makes up a relationship beyond the physical. Characters comfort and hold one another, take the other out for drives or dates when they’re sad, gift them with small presents, argue, stress out over small things, occasionally act petty, make up for their mistakes, try to better themselves, and what they do, they attempt to do for the better of the other person. This kind of detail-attentiveness is rare in western television.

Characters might be attracted to each other, but the show doesn’t center around their need to sleep together – it centers around the ups and downs of their relationship. Even dramas that are straight-up romances (even dramas about married couples) – frequently skip out on the idea of sex entirely. If a couple has slept together, they won’t show it (and like I said, if they do, it’s vague). Korean television has very tight standards and restrictions, meaning bad language, sexual situations, and gratuitous violence are kept to minimums. It’s so refreshing that whenever I watch a western show, I almost feel like I’m getting slapped in the face with excessive amounts of cheap junk I don’t need.

When I watched ‘Faith’ with mom, there was a scene were Eun-Soo runs up to Choi Young and hugs him tightly. Mom jokingly said, “Wow, look at the passion.” Then a second later she said thoughtfully, “Except…this is passionate. It’s more passionate than most things I’m used to watching because the relationship is the focus.”

What about you? Are you tired of western television’s portrayal of romance? Have you thought about it, or is this a new idea? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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