DEAD POETS SOCIETY

I'm sorry to say that Beetle's Halloween Fright Fest has been momentarily delayed for the time being, so instead of bringing you all the first Halloween themed review I will instead review one of my all time favorite films: Dead Poets Society.

Dead Poets Society takes place in a prestigious Prepatory School during the 1950's. It follows the lives of seven students as; inspired by their new english teacher and his unorthadox methods; they each take measures to make their lives extraordinary. They each start out as fairly happy students, but like all human beings deep down inside they are unsatisfied with the unfulfilling lives they are living without even realizing it. When their Prep school; Welton Academy; hires a new english teacher in the form of John Keating (Robin Williams) their lives change forever as Keating urges the students to Carpe Diem-Seize The Day.

Williams delivers an inspired performance in the unforgettable role of John Keating, the inspired mentor, muse, and teacher of the students. Recognizing how unsatisfied the students are with their lives and how important it is that they each find their own voice before it is too late, he employs a variety of unique teaching methods to get them to begin thinking for themselves for a change (Including an inspired sequence where he encourages the students to stand on their desk which comes back into play later on in the film). His famous mantra: "Cape Diem- Seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary", his first lecture about the ultimate mortality of men, and the closing scene will forever go down in movie history as some of the most memorable moments in film ever.

Not to be overlooked are the students themselves. There's Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), a young man crushed by the strong hold his father has over his life. There's Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke), The quiet Freshman who's struggling to find his own voice and who fears that if he makes an effort to try and stand out it could end with him being branded a failure. There's Charlie Dalton aka Nuwanda (Gale Hansen), a lively boy that is the first to take Keatings words a little too litterally. There's Knox Overstreet (Josh Charles), a starry eyed hopeful who sets his eyes on a young girl and decides to attempt to steal her away from her jerkish jock boyfriend. There's also Richard Cameron (Dylan Kussman), a weasly kid that is reluctant to follow Keatings new teaching methods. Let's not forget about the rest of the students: Steven Meeks (Allelon Ruggiero), and Gerard Pitts (James Waterston). Together, this group of students are so inspired by Keating that they decide to re-form Keatings old club, The Dead Poets Society. When tragedy ultimately befalls this new club, the head of Welton Academy takes charge to disasterous effect.

Dead Poets Society is about as perfect as it can get, the films stunning cinematography including landscape shots of the Academy and it's surrounding environment is sure to drop a few jaws. It's themes about individuality and non-conformist beliefs left a permanent mark on my psyche when I first viewed it at the young age of sixteen. Ever since then it has remained one of my favorite films of all time, Carpe Diem, Oh Captain My Captain, and that unforgettable closing scene forever entwined in my memory.

With a well rounded cast lead by Robin Williams at his best, a beautiful story, a great setting, and several inspiring themes; Dead Poets Society isn't just strongly recomended viewing, it's absolutley required that this film be seen because it's ultimate message could change your life IF you let it.

5/5 STRONG BETTER THAN SEX

BEETLE'S HALLOWEEN FRIGHTFEST WILL RESUME LATER THIS WEEK WITH A REVIEW OF MY SOUL TO TAKE.