This week, the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) will host screenings of two critically-acclaimed, Academy Award- nominated films, free for Mason students.
Wreck-It Ralph
(PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHONY GODINHO)
On April 20 and 21, OSI Films celebrates Siblings Weekend with its free screening of Disney’s clever, hilarious and heartwarming “Wreck-It Ralph.”
Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly), the villain of an arcade video game, longs to be as beloved as the game’s hero, Fix-It Felix, Jr. (Jack McBrayer). So, he abandons his game in search of one in which he feels he belongs. Traveling through several video game worlds, including the first-per- son shooter “Hero’s Duty” and the candy-coated kart racing game “Sugar Rush,” Ralph finds a kindred spirit in Vanellope Von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), a spunky “glitch.” Together they battle the forces that threaten to shut down the game world forever, and Ralph must find it in himself to finally become a hero.
“Wreck-It Ralph” is so unbelievably creative and witty. Its fascinating worlds are fully realized, and its characters are lively and likable. The eye-popping visuals and thrilling action sequences are perfectly complemented by slapstick humor, nostalgic cameos from classic video game characters and heartfelt scenes that pack an emotional punch. Its imaginative premise is a breath of fresh air and, although it utilizes familiar storytelling elements, each is presented in a fresh, unique way.
Silver Linings Playbook
(PHOTO COURTESY OF WOLF GANG)
Premiering on April 20, the JC Cinema will present the stellar comedy-drama “Silver Linings Playbook.”
After spending eight months in a mental institution for bipolar disorder, Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) moves back in with his parents (Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver) and struggles with rebuilding his relationship with his estranged wife. Things get complicated when Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious and free-spirited woman who harbors issues of her own. When Tiffany offers to help Pat if he does something for her in return, they develop an unexpected bond.
It’s miraculous when we come across a romantic comedy as smart and sweet as “Silver Linings Playbook.” While it requires a certain suspense of disbelief and tolerance for romcom clichés, there is an honesty and rawness to the film that is so refreshing. The dialogue is clever, the drama feels real and you genuinely come to care about the characters. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence give fearless and breathtaking performances, and David O. Russell’s sure-handed direction and attention to character details and development make “Silver Linings Playbook” an absolute delight. Despite predictability, it’s an extremely pleasant little surprise with a lot of heart.
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