A Quick Update...

Sorry it's been a while since my last movie post. All of the summer movies have passed, and now we are moving into fall movies followed by what is sure to be a sweet holiday season for movies. Here's a quick overview of what's playing.

Another summer of superheroes:
The Avengers - Easily my favorite movie of the year.
The Amazing Spiderman - If you like superhero movies, see it. It's not a major departure from others, but more family friendly.
The Dark Knight Rises - Bane is disturbing, but not as much as the Joker. 

Family movies I actually enjoyed:

The Odd Life of Timothy Green - What a great movie. Grab your tissues and a little patience for an imperfect script, and you'll love it.
Ice Age: Continental Drift - I laughed so much, which is unusual for me in animated movies that aren't by Pixar.

Good views:

The Bourne Legacy - It's an entirely different thread of the story, but still has the feel of a Bourne movie.
The Hunger Games - I'm tucking this into the middle of my post in the hopes of not stirring up too much controversy. If you want to hear my thoughts about the books/movie, just ask me sometime.
Premium Rush - Joseph Gordon-Levitt is growing on me, and he's quite funny in this cycling, speed chase film. It does seem like I saw this in the 80's starring Kevin Bacon, though.

Just awful:

The Cold Light of Day-This is just a terrible movie. Terrible script, terrible editing, terrible cinematography. Not even rent-worthy if you ask me.
Snow White and The Huntsman - I was thoroughly unimpressed, though you might want to rent it and decide for yourself.
Men in Black III - My husband would disagree with me here. He thought it was hilarious. It was wasted on me. I fell asleep.

On my watch list:

The Words
Sparkle
2016 Obama's America

You'd better have a really strong stomach, deaf ears, and blind eyes.:
Lawless - Apparently, it's a very good depiction of the book (which I have not read). There is SO much language and brutal murder that I turned my head a lot. On top of that, there was nudity, which I would typically walk out of, but I was so caught up in the shock factor of the rest of the movie that I was paralyzed. I wouldn't be surprised if it was nominated for some awards since it is based on a book and had a really dark plot.

Lame, but so fun:

Step Up Revolution - I didn't discover Step Up 'til last year, but I am so into it. Laugh if you want...

One in a line of many supernatural kids' movies to come:

ParaNorman- I have seen so many previews of this movie that I literally groan out loud when another one appears. Soon to come: Hotel Transylvania and Frankenweenie. No, thank you.

Liked it, but can't recommend it:
Hope Springs - Two actors: Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones. Two words: sex therapy.
Total Recall - Didn't see the original, but I liked to psychological factor in this sci-fi movie. BUT, out of nowhere, there's a three-second bizarre topless flash that caused the whole audience to call out "whoa!".  Ruined my recommendation.
Prometheus- I am not a horror film girl, but this one got me. I think it's a prequel to Alien, which I have never seen. I laughed through most of the alien scenes simply out of surprise at myself for watching it.

Looks too raunchy for me:

Hit and Run
The Campaign
 
And then there's Brave. They hooked us a year in advance with a colorful poster of a red-haired, bow-wielding girl. We had no choice. We left bummed out.

Out of Luck...

17. That's how many books Nicholas Sparks has written.

50,000,000. That's how many books Sparks has sold worldwide.

7. How many of his books have been made into films.

3. How many I convinced my husband to watch with me.

1. Made me close my eyes to avoid the semi-porn on the screen.


Last week I read The Lucky One in preparation of our Friday date night. War, destiny, and sacrificial love dominated the text. The two leading characters rescue each other from their crises. There's even a bullied, gifted boy to love and cheer for. In the end, Sparks' trademark death scene brought about a satisfying end to my middle-of-the-night reading sprint.

As Friday approached, it occurred to me that catching the movie just a couple of days before seeing the film might reduce my enjoyment. I've learned to lower my expectations for movies based on books, but it complicates things to have it all so fresh in your mind. By the time we arrived at the theater, I had almost convinced myself to switch to Think Like A Man. I knew Chris would enjoy the comedy more, but I so rarely drag him to chick flicks that I decided to just stick with the plan.

I should note here that A Walk to Remember and The Notebook make me cry like a fifteen-year-old writing in her journal. Chris hated Message in a Bottle since even he teared up a bit. But the heart-wrenching of Sparks' storytelling is precisely why he's rolling in his millions.

The Lucky One got off to a promising start with its star, Zac Efron, at war in Iraq. However, the meat of that topic was cut too short. The film was only 1 hour and 40 minutes, and I personally think they could have spared an extra 5 here and there to reinforce this noteworthy storyline. The film's lead actress, Taylor Schilling, has made a mere 4 movies, and it shows. While the script may have given her little to work with, her contribution was uninspiring and forgettable. I don't often criticize actors, but I can think of a dozen so-so actresses who could have done better.

But none of this compares to the gratuitous love-making we are shown in not one, not two, but three different scenes. Chris and I were wide-eyed, looking away from the scene and at each other, when he said, "what kind of movie did you bring me to see?!" It's been many years since I've seen anything like it on the bigscreen, though I do stray away from the expected foul dialogue in the crass new line of films from the likes of Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill. Perhaps they were trying to prove that Efron has left his Disney musical days behind, but all they proved is that he has a behind.

I admit that I have been somewhat desensitized to the passionate undercurrents and hormonal hungering today's films offer. Right or wrong, it comes with the territory of loving movies. But I do expect to check out a PG-13 flick without the need for a big eraser for my brain.

Overall, the story isn't that great, so it isn't worth overlooking the semi-porn to check it out.

Monkey See, Monkey Do...

Well, the semi-drought of good movies is coming to an end. I've checked out a few movies in recent weeks, so I'll catch up on the blog as I can.

Today, our family was a rocky combination of a sick dad, a worn-out mom, a sleepless daughter, and a newly recovered (therefore energetic) son. Sunday naps were seemingly inevitable, but all I could think of is how late we would be up tonight if we gave in to the afternoon drowsiness. What's the solution? Duh, a family movie.

Chimpanzee. This film had me smiling with anticipation from the first cut out advertisement at the theater. Who wouldn't be taken in by this bright eyed chimp named Oscar?

Disney has created their own celebration of Earth Day with annual movie releases since 2009. Earth, Oceans, and African Cats each made donations to charitable organizations dealing with their primary topics. Chimpanzee will benefit the Jane Goodall Foundation.

The film has several things going for it, besides the dominating cute factor. Filmed in the tropical jungles of the Ivory Coast and Uganda, the cinematography and landscape are impressive, to say the least. The vibrant colors and sweeping views alone would make your dollars spent worthwhile. Also boosting the enjoyment is the warm and witty narration by Tim Allen. Who else could have the kids giggling in a documentary with the added sound effects and chimp-talk translations? He keeps things light when all is well, and controls the heavier content with calm explanation. He guides the film with a humor and gentleness that is inviting to every age.

Oscar's story gave the producers a greater storyline than they had hoped for. An uncommon occurrence was captured on film for the first time. I'd love to tell you all about it, but it really is worthy of experiencing firsthand. You'll be touched by the bonds of parent and child, and if you've heard much about chimps, you'll be inspired by the film's turn of events.

However, there are a couple of things that might give you pause about seeing the film. It totals up to a mere 78 minutes of film, which has the conservative movie goer (ahem, my husband) wondering why the ticket price is the same as movies with twice the length. In addition, parents with sensitive kids will have to decide if their children under age 6 can maneuver the occasional tension, loss, and danger in the middle of a dark theater. (I will say that the filmmakers were able to translate these scenes without visible injuries or disturbing images.)

The only thing that caught me off guard was the sight of little Oscar feeding from his mother. Chimps, of course, are not modest about these things, but after watching those opposable thumbs for a while, I suppose I expected to see mother Isha pull out the latest nursing wrap. Ha, ha!

Bottom line? See it sometime!

Movies in Purgatory...

There's a place that movies go when they've left the megaplex and are on their way to DVD. It's called the $2 movie theater. At this point, I'm only aware of Carmike Hickory 8 at Hickory Hollow Mall. I hear your gasps at the mention of this apparent shooting ground, so let me assure you that I only go there in the day time. There you can catch a cheap movie that's still on a silver screen, which must be bigger than your flat screen. Plus, you can show your kids the neck-breaking experience of life before stadium seating.

Here are my thoughts about the films that are currently playing:

• Contraband: Chris and I decided long ago that we'll see almost anything starring Mark Wahlberg. There will always be a conspiracy that needs correcting. There will likely be shoot-outs and cars exploding. And just in case we've forgotten what it was like to walk down the halls in high school, you can count on innumerable four-letter-words to build up your tolerance. If you like intense action and can tolerate the language, you'll love it.
• Joyful Noise: What a disappointment. For some reason I expected something resembling Sister Act, but I was so wrong. Not even Queen Latifah could rescue the poor writing, and there just wasn't enough music to justify even one of the ten dollars I paid to see it. Don't expect me to bash musically inclined movies often, but you really must skip this one.
• The Darkest Hour: Summit Entertainment was so convinced that I needed to see this movie that I saw the preview in the theater no less that 10 times. But they still didn't convince me. It seems to be reminiscent of Will Smith's I Am Legend, only cast with twenty-somethings that you almost remember seeing in some other movie. If you enjoy mild alien movies, you could check it out.
• Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: Last week, a new friend overheard that I'm a "movie person". Then she asked me how many of the Best Film nominees I had seen. Surprisingly, only 3 of the 9. This film seems like one I would appreciate. However, sometimes you have to know yourself well enough to recognize when it's just not the right time for you to see a movie. I haven't had the tears to spare on this one, so perhaps this film will inspire my next visit to movie purgatory.
• We Bought a Zoo: Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. Cute kids and zoo animals. I'm assuming it's fine. I just never could bring myself to see this seemingly average movie by myself. I'm hoping it's family friendly enough for us to check out on DVD. I'll let you know.
• The Adventures of Tintin: I knew from the start this would be a family outing, so we purposely waited to see this one for two bucks apiece. I'll let you know.
• The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: This movie got rave reviews from all the edgy critics. But here's where I'll introduce you to my favorite website for finding out just how far the filmmakers have pushed the envelope. The Girl... goes way too far for me. Take one glace at Kids-In-Mind and you'll see why this one was never even a thought. http://www.kids-in-mind.com/g/girlwiththedragontattoo2011.htm
• Alvin and The Chipmunks:Chipwrecked: I see no reason to pay for potty humor when I have a ten-year-old boy in my house. Just give us an old-time animated remake. We'll be there.
• Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows: I'm a sucker for blockbusters. And, well let's face it, I'm still a sucker for Robert Downey, Jr. Action, humor, disguises, suspense...I'm there. Holmes was worth the full price tickets we paid for date night. I'd recommend catching it on the big screen, but if you're unsure, it's expected on dvd in May. Just for fun, watch the first one before you go.

Whether you're considering $2 in Antioch or $1.25 at Redbox, stay tuned for Movie Purgatory updates from time to time.

Why I won't be at the movies tonight...

On Tuesdays, Fandango updates their website with a full list of showtimes for the upcoming weekend. When I checked in on February 28th, it was confirmed. There's no need for me to go to the movies tonight.

The biggest release today will be The Lorax, based on the original book by Dr. Seuss. It is, after all, his birthday. When the book was released in 1971, it was quite a jolt to elementary school librarians across the nation. They were not yet inundated by books warning of an industrialized society. In 2012, however, I almost wonder if it will be a bit behind the times. In fact, I have a feeling the movie makers are thinking the same thing since the 72 page book has been stretched to an hour and a half film.

Mike Myers and Jim Carey made their own marks in The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch. Someone wised up and produced Horton Hears a Who in animated form. I wonder which books will be resurrected for future films? Perhaps Green Eggs and Ham will assume the platform of eating whatever you've been given because children in Africa are starving. Will Hop on Pop be a slapstick starring Robert De Niro as the grandpa who arrives at a deeper love for his grandchildren after they spend a weekend abusing him and his home?

Such is life. Perhaps I would be pleased to take the kids for a Saturday matinee if they were still preschoolers. And I'm sure I would enjoy watching their smiling faces as the orange glow of the Lorax reflected off their skin. For now, I'll just wait for other tv adaptations that will take us back to the good old days of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. You know, when the well-loved words of Dr. Seuss were good enough for us.

Now Playing...

In 1974, the top money-making films were Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, The Godfather II, Murder on the Orient Express, Herbie Rides Again, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. There were plenty of satire, comedy, gangster, mystery, children, and horror films to go around. Actors such as Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro, Ingrid Bergman, Ellen Burstyn, Al Pacino, Lauren Bacall, and crazy Gene Wilder were well known on the big screen. And just one week after the now-legendary Leonardo DiCaprio was born, so was I.

Our family enjoyed Saturday night television, and we never missed those special times when beloved movies played their yearly run. The Sound of Music always comes to mind. With the aroma of popcorn in the air, we gathered in the small den to watch once again while mom put rollers in my hair for church the next morning.

Movies were a special treat. After all, there were 5 of us. When I saw The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, the average ticket price was $2.69. By 1983, Return of the Jedi averaged $3.15 per admission. Fast forward to 1992 when I graduated high school, and it had jumped to $4.15. But somehow, we managed to keep up through the Beta, VCR, and Carmike Cinema at Harding Mall.

Then my old favorite theaters were torn down; Walmart and Aldi now stand in their places. We all jumped when Fountain Square Mall was built with a 14 theater megaplex in the late 1980's. We leaped when we heard word of the massive Regal Hollywood 27. As a child, I knew of only 3 theaters in Nashville. Now I can reach 6 different theaters in under 20 minutes.

I don't know when I came to love the movie experience so much. Perhaps it was bonding over Star Wars with my brothers, leaving school early to see Annie with Mom and Granny on my birthday, sneaking my friend's copy of Dirty Dancing into the house after the 8th grade dance, or paying numerous times to see the Disney films of the late 80's and early 90's with my college friends. Who knows? It could have been when I decided it was worth the extra $6 for popcorn and coke in my new-found independence.

So here I am. I go to the movies. A lot. Usually by myself when the day is winding down. I love the entrance to fairy tales, the tears of broken hearts, the adrenaline of the chase, the nail-biting suspense, and even the occasional laugh out loud. I like the big screen with the lights down low, sitting two-thirds of the way up in the center of the aisle. That's my spot. You can find me there when I'm ready for a break from reality, a good cry, or a favorite book on screen.

The word is out. It seems I'm often the go-to girl about movies. It's sort of fun. But in 2012, it's a little intimidating. Movie-making is rarely original. Society usually isn't interested in purity, kindness, and innocence without psychopaths, murderers, and erasing every sexual boundary we used to hold to as socially acceptable. Disclaimers will abound as I attempt to share what films I've seen, enjoyed, and even walked out of. But the experiment will be interesting.

Let's go to the movies...