Inciting incident- Leilani and Jibran are driving to their friends house for dinner when they begin arguing and accidentally hit a biker. A different person comes running up to the car saying he’s the police and to let him use their vehicle. Little did they know, that man was not a cop, but instead, a wanted criminal.

Scene- My favorite scene is when Leilani and Jibran are trying to follows clues to solve the crime themselves and they end up at a weird party where everyone is wearing masks. Everyone starts mumbling and speaking as if they are in some kind of cult. Leilani and Jibran have no idea what they are saying and just start saying random things so they don’t look weird. They don’t know when to stop speaking wither, so when everyone stops talking, they continue. It was quite hilarious but I don’t wanna spoil anymore.

Character- Jibrans character is hilarious and has very quick responses to everything. Both main characters make for comic genius but I think Jibran is slightly funnier.

Fun Fact- In one of the interrogation scenes, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani were actually tied to the chairs and didn’t get untied between takes or breaks.

Final Note- I thought it was hilarious and I loved the fact that the two main characters are not white. Highly recommend to anyone who likes comedy, even if you think you’re not going to like it, just give it a try.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, directed by Tom Shadyac

2. Inciting incident

The inciting incident is when the Miami Dolphins team’s mascot

was stolen right before the big super bowl which is what led Ace

Ventura to investigate.

3. Scene where… Delivery scene: The intro scene of the movie shows us

what Ace does for a living. He’s a spy, detective and was able to retrieve

the dog back for this young lady whose dog got kidnapped.

~Ace is a good spy, with his disguises and fake roles he plays\

~The dog-napper was some creepy and cruel old guy

~Ace somehow is really good with the ladies.. And this is Jim

Carrey who plays Ace…

4. The character… Martha

~ She was Ace’s helper and “sidekick”

~She helped create a decent love story for the protagonist (Ace)

~She’s involved with the detectives and solving the crimes so she’s

Ace’s “in” in breaking the truth

5. Interesting/fun fact: Carrey had based Ace Ventura off a smart bird,

makes sense now that I think about it

6. Final note HILARIOUS, GO WATCH IT NOW!

1. Avatar: The Last Airbender Dir. Michael Dante

DiMartino (Animated TV Series, EP.1)

2. The inciting incident is when Katara and Sokka break Aang

out of the iceberg he's been in. If not for this accidental find, the

whole series wouldn't have happened.

3. The scene where Katara breaks Aang out of the iceberg. In

this scene, we are introduced to water bending/the concept of

bending at all. Sokka and Katara's initial characters are

established (Before their development) and we also meet

Aang.

4. The character Aang. He is the Avatar, so his journey drives

the film. He is introduced as being carefree and childlike,

which contrasts the responsibilities he's supposed to hold. He

keeps this energy throughout the episode and series, but also

grows and becomes more aware of the things he needs to do.

5. The different bending styles are based off different fighting

styles in real life.

6. Great series, great animation. Very nostalgic, and

interesting to watch even now.

1. Title and director: All American; David McWhirter

2. Inciting incident: When the main character, Spencer,

gets offered to go to a different high school with more

opportunities for him and then he goes.

3. Scene: Spencer’s first day at Beverly Hills High School

- Spencer immediately sticks out because he doesn’t have

a laptop

- Olivia is introduced in this scene and so is her feelings

for Spencer

- The guy sitting next to spencer doesn’t let him share

his laptop with him

4. Character: Olivia

- She helps Spencer whenever he needs help

- She always sticks up for people

- Her feelings for Spencer aren’t developed because she’s

like a sister to him

5. Fun fact: Daniel Ezra (who plays Spencer) is actually

British

6. Review: A good show but very dramatic and the

seriousness of it can be annoying

Director: Rob Hardy

Inciting Incident: Spencer James gets an opportunity of a lifetime to make a name for

himself playing football but gets pulled away from his hometown.

The Scene Where: Spencer James gets injured and goes for a catch landing on his

injured shoulder.

- The cinematographer intentionally made sure that the actor stayed on the

ground for a few seconds extra to make create suspense

- Slow motion in order to make the viewers have more time to let the catch sink in.

- The camera movement in this scene is smooth to show how Spencer James is

so slick.

The Character: Spencer James is always conflicted on his situation. He takes a lot of

the pressures that he has on himself and is caring to his family and friends.

End Note: Great movie. The budget to this movie is really high and the movie delivers.

All American

Black Mirror: Season 4: USS Callister

Director: Toby HaynesINCITING INCIDENT: Daly collects Nanette’s DNA and traps her virtual consciousness within a virtual reality in which he is able to control all parameters.THE SCENE WHERE: Daly reveals his omnipotence within the game

● In response to her rebellious behaviour, Daly snaps a finger to eliminate all of Nanette’s facial features

● Costumes are very reminiscent of the original Star Trek television series● The rest of the cast’s acting demonstrates very well how Daly was able to break down these

characters.THE CHARACTER: Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti)

● While she has great respect for Daly, he blacklists her consciousness after learning she has no romantic attraction towards him

● As a talented programmer, she is able to find a way to free the crew and trap Daly inside his virtual reality, unable to return to the real world.

FUN FACT: This episode won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie in 2018END NOTE: This episode does not drag and does not have nearly as bleak of a tone as most Black Mirror episodes, making easily one of the most varied, ambitious and well-filmed installments in the series.

● Captain America: The Winter Soldier directed by Anthony & Joe Russo

● Inciting Incident: Nick Fury is assassinated by the Winter

Soldier

● Scene: In the elevator at the base for S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain

America realizes everyone around him is full of Hydra agents,

and says, “Before we get started, does anyone want to get

out?” Then the fight scene begins.

○ Extreme close up shots: brings attention to how he

figures out they’re all hydra: hand on gun, sweat on

temple

○ Sound, ominous booming: creates intensity with the

realization, building up to the fight scene

○ Mise en Scene, increasing people: Rhythmically stops

at floors and allows more Hydra agents to enter the

elevator, builds to the fight scene

● Character: Falcon - Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie)

○ Assists Black Widow and Captain America in fights

○ Comedic relief - ie: when Rogers says “On your left”

○ Plays a crucial role in the end result of the final battle

● Fun Fact: They prioritized character development over action

in this film, throwing out action clips when needed.

● Final Note: I like marvel movies, so I enjoyed rewatching it,

but it’s not my favorite marvel movie ever made. There are

some funny moments, some cool action shots, and some

interesting character development.

1. Coco, Director: Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina

2. The inciting incident is when you discover Ernesto De

La Cruz might be Miguel’s grandfather

3. The scene where you are able to see the family

members beginning to go see their alive members,

there is so much detail and very bright colors

throughout the animated film, the dog does not

change into skeleton when he passes into the after

world, foreshadows Miguel meeting his actual

grandfather

4. Miguel’s Grandfather, Hector helps drive the story, the

audience is supposed to dislike this man and there is

an instant change, you start to find out more about

how his family is forgetting him and realize it’s their

grandfather

5. The animated characters are playing the correct notes

on the guitar when any song is actually playing in the

movie

6. 10/10 so cute! Great family movie

1. Film: Darwin (2011) Director: Nick Brandestini

2. Inciting Incident: Because this was a documentary, I had trouble finding an

inciting incident. I don’t think there was one because this documentary had

no story it was only a window into the life of the town called Darwin.

3. Scene where the mother of a boy who is in prison for life explains the story of

how her son was arrested and sentenced to prison for life.

a. This scene was a straightforward, medium shot of the woman telling

the story. This made it feel personal as if we were talking to her in real

life.

b. Solemn music played in the background very quietly to make the story

feel very sad.

c. The lack of interruption of the woman made the audience feel

completely absorbed in the film and as if they couldn’t miss a word she

said.

4. Hank Jones

a. Hank started out as a very typical southern old man. Though he did

have harsh views and old fashioned standards so he wasn’t

immediately likable.

b. His relationship with his son, whom he hadn’t spoken with in 15 years

makes him seem very cold. But we eventually learn that the son never

comes and sees him which makes the audience feel bad for Hank.

c. Hank reveals that he has a very good talent for art and sculpture that

he does for fun but never pursued professionally. Making the audience

wonder how much potential Hank had.

5. Since the making of the documentary, the town Darwin has increased by

about 30 people, almost doubling in size.

6. I would recommend this film to someone who has time and wants to

get an understanding of some of the most unfamiliar parts of

America.

Film Title: Fight Club

Director: David Fincher

Inciting Incident: Real Tyler’s house is blown up and all his properties are

destroyed.

There is a scene where Tyler is driving the car and asks the real Tyler if he is

willing to let go. I think this scene defines the separation of the characters of real

Tyler and Tyler Durden. The lighting is low key to add drama to the scene and

highlight the importance of the scene. All of the shots, even the ones from outside of

the car have close framing up until they get out of the crashed car. When Tyler

finally lets go and the car is about to crash, a morose soft instrumental score starts

playing, which adds a dark tone and mystery to the scene and the meaning behind

it.

Marla is an interesting side character of Fight Club. This character is complicated

and weird, similar to Tyler, and that’s why they become friends, both go to support

groups of disabilities, diseases, or addictions that they don’t have. Although Marla

doesn’t act like it, she cares about Tyler, and the same goes for Tyler, who often

finds himself ignoring Marla or scolding her when in reality she cares for her. Tyler

has a romantic relationship with Marla throughout the movie, however he doesn’t

put himself there and instead the version of himself he created is the one with the

relationship with Marla because the real Tyler Durden doesn’t take risks whereas

the version he created of himself does.

Fun fact: Fake Tyler Durden’s appearance changes as his relationship with the real

Tyler Durden changes, and the change we see is what the real Tyler Durden

envisions the fake Tyler Durden is becoming.

9/10 Very good movie. A very well executed plot twist, intricate

characters that each contribute their part into the message of

the story and a great ending.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)Wes AndersonInciting Incident: When Monsieur Gustave H is accused of the murder of Madame DScene: The Escape from Prison

- The scene builds tension by starting with a steady long shot of a prison guard chopping through gifts, to see if there is anything hidden in them

- When the prisoners and Gustave go through the hole they have dug, the camera is on a dolly shot that moves between levels

- The soundtrack is light and bouncing,casting the tension filled escape with some humorCharacter: Zero

- Zero is very young but has a small moustache drawn on always- He comes from a war torn country and is a refuge in Zubrowka- His connection with Gustave drives the emotional impact of the film

Fun Fact: L'Air de Panache (The Air of Plume) was produced by a Parisian fragrance boutique for Wes Anderson to give to his actors and actresses.Review: ***** Very sweet and funny, lighthearted with a punch. Enjoyed watching very much

1. Holes Directed by Andrew Davis

2. Inciting incident is the stolen shoes landing on Stanley

3. The scene where Stanley and Zero find the treasure

1.The yellow spotted lizards don't bite them

because I think its because they ate onions.

2. The scene shows Stanley and zero in a high angle

shot showing how powerless they are in the

situation

3.This is where Stanley knew his luck had changed.

4. Stanley Yelnats

1. His last name is his first name spelled

backwards

2. He is the main character of the film.

3. He finds the hidden treasure

5. Fun fact this movie is considered the closest movie

adaptation on any book

6. This movie was just as good as the first time I saw it

when I was a kid the story very much holds up today and

is very worth seeing.

Idiocracy (2006)

Director: Mike Judge

Inciting Incident: The protagonist wakes up from experiment 500 years

later, waking up to a new America.

Scene: The President’s Speech

1. Advertisements in the background suggest the power of consumerism.

2. The president is wearing ridiculous clothing, representing the move

away from the traditional role of president.

3. The physique and actions of the president reveal a society which

values being “macho”.

Character: Joe Bauers

1. Character is supposedly the most average person in the military.

2. In the future, Joe is by far the smartest person, allowing him to trick

others.

3. His character fights against some of the worst changes that have

taken place in the 500 years.

Fun fact: Everyone wears crocs in the film, but since this is before they

became popular, most the cast didn’t know what they were.

Final note: A pretty stupid film, but it was enjoyable and shares much with

our real world.

The InterviewINCITING INCIDENT: Dave Skylark, TV show host, and Aaron Rappaport, his friend and producer, secure an interview with Kim Jong-un, only to be asked to make it an assassination mission by the CIA.

THE SCENE WHERE: Dave discovers the grocery store he was shown to prove North Korea had a surplus of food was a sham.

● Dave is shown a shrine to Kim Jong-un that is 100s of feet tall● A turning point of Dave turning against Kim occurs due to his realization of Kim’s overzealous nature● It is a great use of comedic dramatism, with music that is far too dramatic for Skylark’s goofy demeanor

THE CHARACTER: Dave Skylark (Franco) ● Classic young television personality● Full of swagger, and very focused on appearances● Truly cares for Aaron, threw him

FUN FACT: Months prior to the film's release, Sony was hacked by an anonymous group, who issued a demand that Sony pull "the movie of terrorism", widely interpreted as referring to The Interview.

END NOTE: The tag team of Seth Rogen and James Franco do here what they do best, a cleverly stupid comedy that is just the right amount of over the top.

1. Jurassic Park Directed by Steven Spielberg 2. Inciting incident is when Nedry shut off all the

electric fences to try and escape with the dino embryos

3. T-rex attack scene

1. They used a life size animatronic and a CGI t-rex

2. The Roar is amazing

3. I noticed that this is one of the best scenes of

all time

4. Dr Alan Grant

1. He is the main protagonist

2. He starts off the film disliking children but then

saves children allowing him to build a bond with

children

3. He Escapes with the remaining survivors off the

island

5. Steven Spielberg made Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List

at the same time

6. This is my favorite movie and if you haven seen

it yet then it is a must it will never get old.

1. Title and Director: New Girl; Jake Johnson

2. Inciting Incident: Jess comes home and finds her boyfriend had

cheated on her so she has to find a new apartment. She then finds

the loft with Nick, Coach, and Schmidt that she moves into.

3. Scene where…: When Jess first meets the boys at an interview for

the room in the loft.

- Jess thought that the ad was written by a girl because of the

words Schmidt used.

- Coach is characterized a lot through his clothes in this scene

because he is dressed like he’s going to work out but he’s not.

- The douchebag jar is already half full and it’s a common symbol

in the show until Schmidt gets married (the douchebag jar is

established).

4. Character: Nick

- Nick is used as the voice of reason in a lot of the episodes but he

has a very different way of thinking and isn’t the smartest .

- Nick is very critical and that is shown from the first episode.

- Nick is very funny even when he’s trying to be serious because

of some of the ridiculous things he has.

5. Fun Fact: Jake Johnson, who plays Nick, is also the director.

6. Comment: Amazing show, one of my favorite

shows of all time.

1. New Girl directed by Jake Johnson

2. When Jess moves into an apartment with three other guys and no girls

3. The dining scene

In the pilot episode, it is established that Jess is fresh out of a relationship and

is slowly working to bring herself back into the dating world. With this, there is

the added struggle of living with new roommates who are all male. Over the

entire episode, the mise-en-scene and dialogue gives the audience a clear sense

of each character and their personality. For instance, Schmit is a character who

depicts the stereotypical frat boy: loves parties, women, and drinking. Coach is

a character who is intense, (mostly) unemotional, and exhibits “tough love”.

Lastly, Nick is a character with a “I don’t care” attitude. By building up all these

character traits, it makes the ending even more impactful and exposes each

character’s true sentiments. When Jess is stood up on a date, all of the guys give

up or challenge their previously established personality troupe and go to

support Jess, even if it comes with a cost.

4. Cece

Cece is Jess’ model friend. While she does hold certain stereotypical model

traits and attitudes, the show progresses to explore a deeper and ultimately

more intimate personality. For instance, the show establishes from the very

beginning that Cece holds an unapologetic, badass, and fearless personality—

going against the traditional “nice girl” character. As well, Cece is a minority

character, and while the show highlights this difference, it is done to bring up

her character and empower rather than demean. Lastly, similar to the dining

scene, because Cece’s character is one of power and bravery, the instances of

her vulnerability are even more intense and meaningful.

5. The show was director Jake Johnson’s debut, having never directed before.

6. It’s a good FRIENDS substitute show since that’s no longer on Netflix.

Watch it on Netflix!

Onward (2020) 1. Film title & Director

-Onward: Dan Scanlon

2. Inciting incident

-The inciting incident is when the 2 teenage elf brothers named Ian and Barley are

trying to use the magical wizard staff that their deceased father had given Barley, to

resurrect their father under a spell that allows him to come back to life for 24 hours.

However in the process of doing so, Ian who was the only one out of the both of them to

use the spell, had started to lose grip of the staff and it became too powerful for him.

Barley had tried to assist or tell him what to do but then they got into an argument and

broke the spell which only left their dad with his legs rather than the whole body, so the

2 venture out to find the stone that allows them to finish the spell.

3. Scene where… The powerful manticore scene.

~In this scene, Ian, Barley, and their fathers legs all search for the Manticore; an all

powerful beast with the map to the stone they needed. A few noticeable things about

this scene is that:

~The Manticore, who was considered the most powerful beast in the land; had retired

and ran a child-friendly restaurant that seems similar to Chuck-e-Cheese.

~The real map was technically all over the restaurant, hence the real map that was

sealed away and the kids coloring menus with the hints that the brothers noticed.

~there’s contrast between the creepy old tavern and its location being in the creepy

woods, compared to the inside of it being all cheerful and family-fun.

4. The character… The dad (legs).

3 noticeable things about this character are:

~He is somehow able to communicate with his sons on their long journey despite not

being able to talk verbally. He communicates through physical touch basically.

~The things that Ian had wanted to do with his dad, he had been doing along this

journey with Barley, yet their dad was partially helpful in pushing that to occur due

to this journey to resurrect the rest of their dad.

~Due to the death of their dad, Ian had grown closer with Barley and Barley had

grown to be more of the dad in Ian’s life because their real dad wasn’t able to be with

them growing up.

5. Interesting/fun fact about the director and/or the making of the film.

-In the movie there is a game that the whole movie is similarly based around; and that’s

called Quests of Yore which is actually a real game that people can play! (or soon I

think)

6. Final note – a review, a comment, a suggestion, etc.

-Very touching, and Pixar never fails to impress me or my family:)

1. Rear Window directed by Hitchcock

2. Jeff sees suspicious actions coming from his neighbor’s room while he watches

through his window. He thinks his neighbor has killed his wife so he begins

uncovering the crime to see if he is guilty.

3. There is a scene at the end when his neighbor comes into his room to confront

him for breaking and entering. It is shot with low key lighting and quick, short

shots to build the tension and make the viewer nervous for him.

4. Jeff’s girlfriend Lisa is introduced as a rich, successful women. Jeff wants to

break up with her because he does not think she can handle his fast passed,

photographer lifestyle. She spend the plot of the movie getting involved in

uncovering the murder to prove to Jeff that she is full of adventure and brave.

5. an interesting fact about the film is that the entire thing was shot on one set

and never changed locations.

6. I enjoyed this movie, it was really fun to watch and analyze Hitchcock’s

cinematic choices.

Whisper of the Heart (directed by Yoshifumi Kondō)

Inciting incident: During an ordinary evening, Shizuku, a 14-

year-old student, looks through the checkout cards in her

library books and surprisingly discovers that they all have been

checked out by Seiji.

When the Baron is taking Shizuku for a flight,

1) Mise en Scene – huge cylindrical stones suspending in

the sky (“We need to fly that high?” “When you are up

there, you won’t feel that at all” – symbolizing how we

are keep climbing in life)

2) Ambient sound of wind blowing from the side

3) Extreme long shots and open space – convey feeling of

vastness and release

The character Shizuku:

1) As the teenager, she struggles with coming up with a goal for her future

2) Her self-determination allows her to find her passion

3) She is inspired by Seiji to bravely pursue her own dream

Fun Fact:

The song “Country Road” is a main piece of music throughout this film! It was the first

theatrical Studio Ghibli film to be directed by someone other than Miyazaki or Isao Takahata.

There are many little details in this film that allude to other Ghibli films!

Final Note:

It’s about love and growth, courage and self-determination, simplicity and caring. I really like

how these are expressed through the portrayal of the environment the characters are in and the

usual everyday life. This movie centers around affections felt by youths and the encouragement

lovers can give to each other in their life journey without becoming each other’s burden – that’s

how lovers should be. Many instances hint at roads being symbolized as life journeys,

particularly the bicycle climbing scene and the flying scene. The metaphorical representation of

youths being rough stones requiring a lot of efforts to be polished into crystals reflects the

hardships in life's journey and teaches kids about the importance of the inside compared to

exterior appearance. Overall, it’s a great movie! Something all teenagers should watch!

1. Title/Director

a. Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli)

2. Inciting Incident

a. Chihiro (later and mostly known as Sen) walks through a large red gate into

another land, specifically into this seemingly empty village, where her parents

start eating some food saying they’ll pay for it later, and then are turned into pigs

from eating too much.

3. Scene (when No-face eats the frog)

a. No-face already looks chunkier compared to before

b. The gold he makes is literally just coming from nowhere

c. No-face’s mouth is not actually his mouth which shocked me

4. Character (No-face)

a. He is the primary antagonist to this twisted fantasy land

b. The catalyst to how Chihiro basically gets out

c. Cute yet scary character at first, then punishes you for thinking it was cute

5. Interesting Fact

a. The movie was created without a script. Miyazaki literally wrote it as he went and

it still turned out pretty amazing.

6. Final Note

a. I watched it with a close friend, and it was great because the music is

beautiful, the visuals are interesting (it’s an anime movie but honestly

there’s no trends or narratives it follows), and the characters are

pretty likeable. I actually liked the music so much that I learned how

to play one of the soundtracks featured in the film.

The Stanford Prison Experiment

INCITING INCIDENT: Dr. Philip Zimbardo’s psychological experiment quickly becomes all too real when the subjects assigned as guards start exhibiting cruel attitudes due to their artificial power.

THE SCENE WHERE: Dr. Zimbardo finally puts an end to the experiment. ● The score is fantastic and really adds to the intensity● There is also great use of dramatic silence● The way it cuts between Dr. Zimbardo and the extreme cruelty of the experiment

THE CHARACTER: Dr. Philip Zimbardo● Is a known psychologist and researcher● Is scolded by his co-researchers for his experiment becoming unethical● Stops his experiment at the climax of the film

FUN FACT: Steen’s IB psychology class has this as a film watched in class.

END NOTE: A great docudrama that chronicles one of the most famous psychological experiments and peeks into the realm of the horrors of the human psyche.

The Hateful Eight Quentin Tarantino

Inciting Incident: A blizzard forces eight strangers to shelter together in a stagecoach stable and tavern, causing tensions to rise to a deadly level In the scene where Chris Mannix asks for a ride on the stagecoach

● The leather flaps on the sides of the coach are rolled up even though it is snowing heavily outside

● Major Warren has his finger on the trigger of his revolver during the coach ride, a former soldier shouldn’t have bad trigger discipline, so this indicates he is willing to kill Mannix at any point

● The coach wall behind Warren and Mannix is engraved with a tree motif The Character Major Marquis Warren:

● Is a black civil war veteran and bounty hunter

● Carries a personal letter written to him by Abraham Lincoln before

Lincoln’s death

● Committed possible war crimes during the Civil war, leading to being

discharged from the Union Army and having a $30,000 bounty placed on

him by the Confederacy

Fun Fact: The guitar smashed by Kurt Russell was in fact a 150 year old Martin

antique that was supposed to be swapped out for a replica. It’s speculated that

Quentin Tarantino did not tell Russell it was real so as to capture the actors’ real

reactions.

End Note: I thought the movie was enjoyable, although it dragged a bit at times.

The Hateful Eight was re-released as a 4-part miniseries on Netflix that adds over

an hour of extra runtime.

Toy StoryDirector(s): John Lasseter, Josh Cooley, Lee Unkrich

Inciting Incident: This movie depicts the life a toy cowboy and his toy friends dealing with the struggles of a new character coming, as well as trying to be with their owner, Andy.

Scene:My favorite scene is when Woody says that Buzz can’t fly and then Buzz uses different objects around the room to help him “fly”, and everyone is amazed.

1. This scene uses a close shot on Buzz’s foot when he is balancing on the toy race car.2. The scene uses the long shot of Buzz flying around and around on the fan of the room.3. The scene uses music in the end to emphasize how “cool” the others thought of Buzz’s flying skills.

Character: WoodyWoody is the main protagonist and the movie is mainly showing his perspective on the situation with Buzz and Andy.

1. Woody demonstrates perserverance in the end of the movie when he never gives up to get back to Andy.2. Woody’s disgust with Buzz in the beginning was a huge influencer in the movie.

Fun Fact: Before being named “Toy Story”, the movie was actually first named “You are a Toy”.

Final Note: I love Toy Story. I probably have watched this movie at least 100 times.

Us (2019, Director: Jordan Peele)

1. Inciting Incident - The opening scene does a great job of pulling the reader in and capturing

their attention. The scene follows the main character, Adelaide, as a young girl, wanders away

from her parents and into a mirror maze. The suspense built up from the slow crescendo of the

music and the reverbing and muting of the surrounding sounds of the fair add to the tension. The

jumpscare caused by the owl clock is sudden and made me jump.

2. Scene - Meet the Tethered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh7_WKODlE8

3 Things:

- The freakish language of the Tethered characterizes them as alien even though they look

the same.

- The actors played both of their characters in this scene, the human and their Tethered

counterpart, and this interesting and unique way of directing was very fun to watch.

- The slow zoom and pans of the camera during this scene really add to the suspense

3. The Character- Adelaide

3 Things:

- She is characterized as paranoid and nervous, but also a loving mother. Her love for her

children pushes her to her limit, and in some scenes, a little over.

- When she was a child she had a traumatic experience with her Tethered self, and she

seems to have some sort of PTSD that she battles with.

- *SPOILER* In the movie’s insane plot twist, when Adelaide met her Tethered self in the

maze mirror when she was younger, she was switched and chained down in the

underworld. So Adelaide is actually not Adelaide, and this rise from the oppression at the

expense of the real Adelaide shows the Tethered’s determination to have a better life.

4. Fun Fact: When Adelaide’s Tethered is speaking it sounds very raspy and broken, and she

actually modeled her speech off of people who had a medical condition called spasmodic

dysphonia in real life. She would go and talk to people who had the condition to learn their

speech patterns.

5. Final Thoughts: Us was a great watch overall. The second act of the film was near flawless,

with the pace and tone carefully crafted to spook the viewer. The plot twist was one of the best I

have seen and I highly recommend watching this movie just for the twist. The movie left me with

a lot of questions though, as many aspects of the world Peele creates is either skipped over or not

thoroughly explained, but still go watch it.