Pick of the Week: The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption is based on Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The movie follows Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) as he is arrested for his wife's murder and sent to Shawshank State Prison in Maine. Dufresne endures the various hardships of life in prison (such as beatings from the guards and getting roped into the Warden's scams). Dufresne befriends fellow inmate Red (Morgan Freeman), who "knows how to get things" and the two develop a bond that makes both of them realize that the only way to endure the years in Shawshank is to always keep hope alive. "Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." - Andy Dufresne

My Commentary: While I'm not often a fan of Stephen King, I am nearly always a fan of Morgan Freeman, and this is very possibly his finest performance. Robbins' Andy seems to exude an integrity and hope that begins to rub off on the other prisoners, and even the audience. This is one of the few movies out there that has the right mix of reality and hope, making you feel warm and fuzzy inside without the saccharin sweetness of feel-good-movies.

Favorite Scene: Anything with Morgan Freeman's narration.

When to watch: Anytime, this movie is a classic, whether you want to snuggle up with a blanket and a bowl of popcorn, need a flick to watch with your significant other, or just need something playing in the background while you're doing homework.

Rating: ********** (10 out of 10)