Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Movies


The Bridge to Terabithia (2007) Rated PG for thematic elements including bullying, some peril and mild language.
4 of 5 stars.
Excellent story that inspires imagination and friendship. It's based on a true story. I heard the author Katherine Patterson speak at SCBWI last year in NYC. She's a phenomenal storyteller. The book on which the movie is based has been on the Top 100 Most Banned Book List...so you know it's worth reading to figure out why!

No Reservations Rated PG for some sensuality and language.
3 of 5 stars.
Definitely a "chick flick." Interesting to see Catherine Zeta Jones not playing an overtly sexy character. Abigail Bresslin was cute as ever and showed some acting chops. Speaking of chops, all the food made me hungry.The was a little long.I'm glad there's not a sequel, and I was glad when it was over.

Happy Feet Rated PG for some mild peril and rude humor.
4 of 5 stars.
At times, alarmingly similar to that OTHER penguin movie. Still, it managed to pull me out of my sadness the memories of that OTHER movie invoked with various themes, great music, and adorable penguins. It reminded me of The Odyssey how they traveled to far off lands and encountered sea monsters. Robin Williams, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Brittany Murphey, Elijah Wood, and even the late Steve Irwin lend their voices to this animated hit.

Charlie Wilson's War Rated R for strong language, nudity/sexual content and some drug use.
Note: This movie is definitely for older, mature viewers. If I'd watched this with my parents, there were more than a couple of scenes where they would have told me to leave the room and brush my teeth.
4 1/2 of 5 stars.
Witty dialogue with Hoffman, Hanks, and Roberts makes it entertaining. The movie makes me fearful, though, when I think how we used others to fight our war against an enemy who had no business being in another country. Did one of our enemies learn that history lesson better than we did?

1 comment:

  1. "No Reservations" is actually a remake of a German film called "Mostly Martha." I didn't see the former (too chick flick-y for me), but the latter one was a decent film. I don't think I'd see it again, but neither do I feel like I wasted my time.
    Hello, by the way! This is Aleithia. I had lunch with Mrs. Heitz last week, and she told me that you have a novel being published this fall! I look forward to reading it, though sadly I won't be able to for awhile, as I've recently moved to South Korea for a year to teach EFL.
    Congratulations on your pregnancy, by the way! I am sure yours will be a beautiful baby.
    Hope all is well with you. Say hi sometime! http://www.xanga.com/barkendeavourii
    --Aleithia

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