Extra Credit - Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

Hot Tub Time Machine was written by Josh Heald, John Morris, and Sean Sanders and directed by Steve Pink. This story takes three friends back in time to when their lives changed forever. The movie started in the present with the three friends going in very separate directions with their lives. But a sudden change of plans is in order when one friend tries to commit suicide, very unsuccessfully. Since his family doesn’t even like him, his friends are charged by the hospital to take care of him for the next few days. Off these friends go to a cabin in the woods where they used to frequent back when they were young and had their lives completely ahead of themselves.

This simple trip turns out to be just what they all needed. Not only does their trip take them to a place that is familiar to them, but also the time is back 30 years in the 80’s when the three friends lives changed for the worst. John Cusack’s character was brought back to the 80’s to correct mistakes with his girlfriend, (as he does in most of his movies). Craig Robinson was sent back to become the musical legend he wanted to be. As for Rob Courddry’s character, Lou, he was a complete looser ever since the 80’s and his life hadn’t been much to speak of. The whole reason they even went up to the cabin was to keep an eye on him for a suicide watch. Because they all realized what they could do while back in time, the three friends banded together to change their futures to help go down a better path for themselves. There were plenty of references to other movies including The Shining and some of Cusack’s earlier films.

Homework Movie - The Godfather (1972)

One of the most watched gangster movies of all time, The Godfather was first a novel by Mario Puzo who also wrote the screenplay with Francis Ford Coppola in the early 70's. This wasn't the first movie that Al Pachino was in, but it certainly put him on the map as a talented actor. The cinematographer was Gordon Willis, who os know for his work on the Godfather series with Coppola. Willis also worked along side some other great directors including Woody Allen and Alan J. Pakula.

The movie is lit in a warm tone with a lot of the lights being used are from practical lights in the rooms. The characters are generally backlit with the light hitting one side of their faces creating a shadow on the opposite side, especially when they are talking about "family business." The movies brightest moments are the outside scenes between Don Vito Corleone and Michael, played by Marlon Brando and Al Pachino respectively. Once Michael completely takes over the business, the lighting looks more of a cool blue indoors showing a new regime is in place.