McFarland (Movie)

Synopsis:

When a wealthy teacher from a prestigious high school gets fired due to certain circumstances, him and his family are forced to leave their home and reside in another area, McFarland. McFarland, being predominantly owned by Hispanics, is a place in which is notorious for crime and a strange way of living. The teacher is forced to teach at an unpopular McFarland high school in order to provide for him and his family. In an attempt to get his family out of this area, the teacher starts a cross country team, where if he wins, he would have the funds to move. He trains the team and sees potential, as most of them run to and from school to help with their family’s farm. The team surpasses all odds and makes it to the state championships where they also win, as McFarland a much more honoured school. The teacher, touched by the heart of the cross country team decides to stay in McFarland. 

Review:

The movie McFarland is based on a true story, which adds to the empathy that is invoked by the audience. The actors were chosen well to convey their personalities and traits, making the story relatable for an un-relatable circumstance. The producers and director did well to evoke feelings of compassion and empathy towards the runner, having the kind of lifestyle that not many of us would understand. Overall, it was a good film that invoked a strong emotional response and connection between the characters and the audience.

Rating: 8.5/10

Terminator: Genisys (Movie)

Synopsis:
When John Connor, leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline. Now, Sgt. Reese finds himself in a new and unfamiliar version of the past, where he is faced with unlikely allies, including the Guardian, dangerous new enemies, and an unexpected new mission: To reset the future.

Review:
I may be one of the flock, but I am a big fan of the Terminator franchise. This movie was appropriately delivered to fans of the franchise more than the prior 2 sequels. Arnold was Arnold and genuinely looked like he was having fun with the role. The story to me was pretty well written and despite lots of turns along the way, was engaging. There was plenty of comic relief. The battle scenes play homage to the aesthetic and look of the future wars in the 1st two movies. However, it has a very complex plot that may be hard to understand for some viewers

Rating: 8.5/10