HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I promise that not every entry will be in two parts. I’m trying to keep these things somewhat readable (i.e. short!).
Over the break we’ve actually gotten to see a couple movies (actually in the theater, imagine that!). Here are some unsolicited thoughts:
*Munich: The story-line moves in bits and starts, it’s pretty grisly, the characters don’t totally gel, and there’s lots of holes and questions left at the end—in other words, it’s a perfect movie to depict the complexity and disaster that is much of the 20th/21st century Middle East conflict. You won’t leave feeling very good, but it’s powerful.
*Narnia: As long as you don’t go in expecting it to be as epic and captivating as Lord of the Rings, you can enjoy the movie. The ‘crucifixion’ scene is particularly powerful, and there’s no holding back on the symbolism and significance: Aslan is sacrificed to save the traitor. The one battle scene tries to take on a LOTR-esque feel, which it largely achieves until you see the 9-year-old leading the charge. One other beef: they re-arranged the most significant conversation about Aslan to be at the end (somewhat understandable) but left out a crucial part. The conversation is about Aslan not being a tame lion, which is kept intact. But in the book, the conversation happens with the Beavers when they’re talking about meeting Aslan for the first time. One of the children says they would be scared to meet a real lion, is he safe? To which Mr. Beaver replies, “Of course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.” That’s Lewis at his best, I’m bummed they cut it out.
*Mr. and Mrs. Smith: This one was all hype about the real-life home-wrecking that went on (Brad Pitt left Jennifer Anniston for Angelina Jolie in the wake of the making of this film) but the movie itself was flimsy with lots of undeveloped potential for a good story line. Do not waste your time or the $4 rental fee.
*March of the Penguins: This was our rollicking New Year’s extravaganza plans. You know you’re old when New Year’s Eve plans consist of having your brother’s family over for fondue at 5:00, a documentary afterwards, and you’re in bed by 10:30. But it’s a great movie and a lot of fun, at least as far as documentaries go…
2 comments:
re: mr. & mrs. smith.
But were there bullets and big explosions? Cause, you know, they're cool and stuff.
And what, exactly, is wrong with having brother's family over for dinner on New Years'?
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