Movie Analysis

Action Redefined

Every weekend moviegoers flock to the theatres and video stores alike to catch a ride on one of society's most entertaining elements. Action films are a rush to some enthusiasts such as myself. It doesn't take long before we find ourselves on the edge of our seats frantically munching popcorn as our mind is flooded with stimuli. The box office as well as the population were shaken to the core with the releases of two new hit action movies, Friday Night Lights and V for Vendetta. Whether you enjoy the realistic on-edge action of Friday Night Lights or the poetic elocution of a historical hero in V for Vendetta this analysis is for you.

Friday Night Lights is based on the book by Buzz Bissinger and was directed by Bissenger's cousin Peter Berg. Berg uses his all-star cast to produce one of the most realistic sports films ever. Expectations are high for the 1988 football team at Permian "MOJO" High School in the blue-collar, football-crazy town of Odessa, Texas. MOJO is a traditional powerhouse in Texas high school football, and the community lets coach Gaines know in many not-so-subtle ways that nothing short of a state championship is a failure. But when the team loses its star tailback in the first game of the season, hopes seems to fade, and MOJO goes into an early tailspin. Everyone is ready to hang coach Gaines, and the team is left for dead. But miraculously, coach Gaines pulls the team together, and MOJO makes a now-unlikely run into the state playoffs. Friday Night Lights is one of my favorite movies to date and two specific scenes send it over the top

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The first kick-off of the season is between Odessa-Permian and Marshall on September 2, 1988. After a brief but moving locker scene MOJO takes the field. Within seconds you are following star running back Booby Miles to a Run DMC beat as he jukes and spins his way to MOJO's first touchdown of the game. His movement is breathtakingly realistic and a lot of this realness can be contributed to the excellent camera work. Short clips of shots compiled together give you a feeling of excitement as the game progresses. The crowd roars in the background as we join the fans for eye-line shots of the field. The announcer takes you through the play-by-play to give the experience an added touch of authenticity. The cheerleaders, fans, assistant coaches, and announcers are also included in this intense camera work. The lighting in this scene compliments the camera work with real stadium lights that add a realistic touch. This scene's theatrical effects are not the only accomplishment. We also get close-up reactions of fans on big plays, reactions from the opposing team, and a feeling of the excitement on the MOJO sideline with each and every play. Berg also threw in shots of injuries, specifically a close up reaction shot of a player with a dislocated finger which compliments the intensity. Aside from all technical components of this scene the real highlight is Booby Miles getting injured. On the last play of the game Booby is drilled and we get a close up of Booby as he suffers a season ending tear to his ACL. The scene switches its mood as the announcer fades out and the crowd stands with a sheer look of horror. A close up reaction shot of Booby's uncle says it all, as the first game of the season comes to a close. This scene of pure intensity is so realistic it left me with butterflies, much like the ones I get before my own football games. Aside from the

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physical effects of this movie I also relate to the down to earth story. This film shakes up Hollywood with a sad ending, that seems to realize that nobody is perfect, even on the silver screen. This film has been very inspirational to me, and it always reminds me to go one hundred percent in everything I do.

The second scene of my series takes place in the Houston Astrodome for the state championship between Odessa-Permian and powerhouse Dallas Carter. Prior to the game Berg illustrates just how tough Dallas Carter is with a series of playoff game clips in which they destroy the competition. As the game progresses the setting gives a professional feel for an amateur team, as the panthers suit up in the top quality field of the Astrodome. The lighting in this scene differs from the previous games in quality. The low-budget, home town lighting of Permian's high school field is out classed by the grand lighting of the Astrodome. This scene pushes the barriers of excitement as the camera scans the thousands of pumped up fans to the beat of New Noise by Refused. As the game comes to an end we see a another compilation of clips which adds to the come back suspense. Permian loses a heartbreaker. This scene puts me on the verge of tears every time a watch it; this scene represents everything it is to be a football player. I relate to this scene at the end of every game when my body starts to quit and I have to use my mind to get through. Football