“Afghan Star” Review

Editor’s note: The following is a review from a Critical Writing and Reviewing student at the University of Missouri.

Think about a typical Saturday night. Does it involve dancing? A simple pleasure that most of us take for granted is not even legal in other countries such as Afghanistan. “Afghan Star” is a documentary about a competition in Afghanistan much like “American Idol.”  This eye-opening film brings attention to the competition itself and cultural differences between countries as well as the differences between the Afghan people themselves.

“No Impact Man” Review

Editor’s note: The following is a review from a Critical Writing and Reviewing student at the University of Missouri.

We all know from the campy kids’ shows of our youth that responsibility isn’t always the easiest choice, in fact, it’s often times the most difficult option.  The film No Impact Man aims to teach us that although challenging, choosing the ecologically responsible course of action is worth the effort.  Indeed, after a year of living without the amenities of a disposable lifestyle, the No Impact family is closer, healthier and happier than before.

“Pressure Cooker” Review

Editor’s note: The following is a review from a Critical Writing and Reviewing student at the University of Missouri.

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. If you can’t stand high expectations, biting criticism and the relentless pursuit of success, don’t even set foot in Wilma Stephenson’s kitchen.

“Pressure Cooker” Review

Editor’s note: The following is a review from a Critical Writing and Reviewing student at the University of Missouri.

Shot in the inner city of Philadelphia, “Pressure Cooker” follows
three culinarily-talented high school seniors and their kitchen-savvy
classmates as they compete for scholarships to the top culinary
schools in the nation. Erica, Dudley and Fatoumata are unlikely
gourmet chefs. Raised in broken homes, a hulking football player,
peppy cheerleader, and shy African emigrant don chef whites and come
together to create dishes that are as elegant as they are appetizing.

“Waltz with Bashir” Review

Editor’s note: The following is a review from a Critical Writing and Reviewing student at the University of Missouri.

Waltz with Bashir blurs the line between the fantastic and the horrific. In an effort to humanize war, it infuses the elegance of art with the dreadful detail of the mundane. Its story is a beautiful horror, a moving revulsion that attempts to use the artificial to convey things that are far too real.