"Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming..." Pixar rarely, if ever, dissapoints, and Finding Nemo is no exception. The star-studded vocal cast continually makes us laugh, especially Ellen Degeneres as "Dory", a fish with short-term memory loss. And if you're like me, you're eyes may get a little watery as father and son learn and grow, both as individuals and in their relationship with each other.
This heart-warming film is one that all families can enjoy (unless your child has a fish phobia).
-Bethany
Oh, hello again blog. My name is David. It has been 5 months since my last blog....on my honor or may I be chopped up and turned into soup.
As Bethany said, Pixar rarely disappoints. 'Finding Nemo' was and is an amazing film. Pixar has this wonderful knack of making family friendly films that don't feel 'campy.' I don't think I need to go into the plot, suffice to say Nemo gets lost....Dad has to go and find Nemo. The obvious strengths of this movie are in the emotions it evokes through good simple storytelling. Excitement, fear, laughter tend to hit you back to back throughout the movie and that never gets old!
This is one of those movies that will stay on the shelf for a very long time, to be brought out whenever we get the need for an ocean view.
-David
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
"Field of Dreams"
The next film in our batch of baseball films is 'Field of Dreams.' This was one of my favorite movies growing up. Watching it tonight reminds me why. This is probably the best of all the baseball movies that we own with 'The Natural' coming in a close second. 'Field of Dreams' is at its core a redemption story. The redemption of a disgraced ball player, a radical writer from the 60s, a young kid who never got his shot in the big leagues, and of Ray Kinsella; living his life in fear of becoming his father.
One of the great things about this film is that one does not need to be a sports fan to enjoy it. This is a story that grips you, and it happens to use Americas' pastime to do it. This film also includes one of the most inspirational cinema speeches ever written. It ranks up there with the Presidents survival speech from 'Independence Day.' Delivered by James Earl Jones, he speaks of the importance of baseball in the history of the US. It is an incredibly hopeful and inspirational speech, and probably the part of the film that I look forward to most every time I watch this film.
If you watch it, you will like it. Enjoy.
-David
"Field of Dreams" is a beautiful story of baseball and redemption. Baseball, redemption and second chances. Making right what once was lost. Disgraced baseball players are given a second chance to play again, a bitter and angry man whose writing used to inspire thousands is given the inspiration to write once again. An old man's wish is fulfilled, ...and the greatest redemption of all, is a young boy who finally plays catch with his father. Words cannot explain the beauty of this story, so if you have not yet seen "Field of Dreams" take the time, it is well worth it. If you have seen this film, watch it again and let the magic of the story inspire you in whatever way is needed, as you continue in your own journey.
-Bethany
One of the great things about this film is that one does not need to be a sports fan to enjoy it. This is a story that grips you, and it happens to use Americas' pastime to do it. This film also includes one of the most inspirational cinema speeches ever written. It ranks up there with the Presidents survival speech from 'Independence Day.' Delivered by James Earl Jones, he speaks of the importance of baseball in the history of the US. It is an incredibly hopeful and inspirational speech, and probably the part of the film that I look forward to most every time I watch this film.
If you watch it, you will like it. Enjoy.
-David
"Field of Dreams" is a beautiful story of baseball and redemption. Baseball, redemption and second chances. Making right what once was lost. Disgraced baseball players are given a second chance to play again, a bitter and angry man whose writing used to inspire thousands is given the inspiration to write once again. An old man's wish is fulfilled, ...and the greatest redemption of all, is a young boy who finally plays catch with his father. Words cannot explain the beauty of this story, so if you have not yet seen "Field of Dreams" take the time, it is well worth it. If you have seen this film, watch it again and let the magic of the story inspire you in whatever way is needed, as you continue in your own journey.
-Bethany
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
"Fiddler on the Roof"
"Sunrise, sunset...sunrise, sunset..." Some of you may have noticed that it has been a few months since our last blog post. Well, there's many reasons for that, namely, life just gets busy, but we also knew that our next movie was a long one. "Fiddler on the Roof" is about three hours long, quite the commitment for an evening, but we finally did it. And I must say, it was an evening well spent.
I believe I've only seen Fiddler once before, and it was quite awhile ago. However, I found myself very much enjoying this film, especially songs like "Matchmaker, matchmaker" and "Miracles." Growing up as the oldest of three girls, I also enjoy watching the interactions among the three oldest sisters, and seeing similarities between them and myself.
I appreciate the continual struggle that Tevye faces throughout this story, as he believes strongly in "tradition" but is, time and time again, faced with change to the "traditions" that he knows. Even though he struggles, he always ends with some grace, and you can tell that he loves his family, his daughters, very much, and wants them to be happy, even though allowing them their happiness forces him to let go of some of his deep seated beliefs/traditions.
Watching it again was very much worth my time, even though it is filled with sadness and a reminder of how much persecution the Jewish people have faced. "Fiddler" does not end like a Rogers and Hammerstein musical where everyone comes back together, sings a happy song and goes on their merry way. We are left with families going in different directions, a people being forced out their own home, another exodus...and this all happens in the time frame of before World War I and World War II. "Fiddler" is a good reminder of the history of persecution the Jewish people have had to face. It reminds us of how we need to stand up for those who are persecuted in today's world and to continue to pray for peace in a very turbulent world.
-Bethany
This is the show that as a kid got me hooked on musicals. Some of my earliest musical theatre memories involve spending nights in the local schools watching my mom lead the chorus, and my grandfather direct the orchestra in the local musical comedy group. "Fiddler" however stretches the definition of comedy. There are most certainly elements of humor, and some great comedy, but describing it as such is probably short of the mark, and sells the show cheap.
'Fiddler' is centered around one of the biggest moments in recent history, (and by recent I mean the last century.) It takes place in the small Russian village of Anatefka in the very early 20th century where a small Jewish community is scraping bye, attempting to hold on to their traditions, culture, children, and way of life all during what is a very tumultuous time for the country of Russia. Our main character Tevye is the local milkman 'day and night, scrambling for a living' and trying to hold his family and his town together in a trying time.
The great thing about 'Fiddler' is that the music is not forced, nor is it your classic Broadway ballad belting. The composers very obviously tried to make this musical sound like it belongs in the time and place that it happens. This show has always had a great impact on me and not just because of the great acting and great music. For reasons I don't understand, I have always Identified with Tevye, and his life as portrayed here. I'm not Jewish, not a father, not a milkman......but the way he tries so hard to hang on to his way of life while at the same time bending to the changing times (for the love of his family) has always struck a chord with me.
I had the opportunity in High School to play the butcher Lazar Wolfe in this show when we did our production of it. I don't think that I have watched it since then almost 10 years later! Seeing this tonight reaffirmed my love of this show, and reaffirmed my love of musical theatre. Thanks John Williams (for arranging the music for the movie) and thanks Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick for such moving and memorable music and lyrics.
-David
I believe I've only seen Fiddler once before, and it was quite awhile ago. However, I found myself very much enjoying this film, especially songs like "Matchmaker, matchmaker" and "Miracles." Growing up as the oldest of three girls, I also enjoy watching the interactions among the three oldest sisters, and seeing similarities between them and myself.
I appreciate the continual struggle that Tevye faces throughout this story, as he believes strongly in "tradition" but is, time and time again, faced with change to the "traditions" that he knows. Even though he struggles, he always ends with some grace, and you can tell that he loves his family, his daughters, very much, and wants them to be happy, even though allowing them their happiness forces him to let go of some of his deep seated beliefs/traditions.
Watching it again was very much worth my time, even though it is filled with sadness and a reminder of how much persecution the Jewish people have faced. "Fiddler" does not end like a Rogers and Hammerstein musical where everyone comes back together, sings a happy song and goes on their merry way. We are left with families going in different directions, a people being forced out their own home, another exodus...and this all happens in the time frame of before World War I and World War II. "Fiddler" is a good reminder of the history of persecution the Jewish people have had to face. It reminds us of how we need to stand up for those who are persecuted in today's world and to continue to pray for peace in a very turbulent world.
-Bethany
This is the show that as a kid got me hooked on musicals. Some of my earliest musical theatre memories involve spending nights in the local schools watching my mom lead the chorus, and my grandfather direct the orchestra in the local musical comedy group. "Fiddler" however stretches the definition of comedy. There are most certainly elements of humor, and some great comedy, but describing it as such is probably short of the mark, and sells the show cheap.
'Fiddler' is centered around one of the biggest moments in recent history, (and by recent I mean the last century.) It takes place in the small Russian village of Anatefka in the very early 20th century where a small Jewish community is scraping bye, attempting to hold on to their traditions, culture, children, and way of life all during what is a very tumultuous time for the country of Russia. Our main character Tevye is the local milkman 'day and night, scrambling for a living' and trying to hold his family and his town together in a trying time.
The great thing about 'Fiddler' is that the music is not forced, nor is it your classic Broadway ballad belting. The composers very obviously tried to make this musical sound like it belongs in the time and place that it happens. This show has always had a great impact on me and not just because of the great acting and great music. For reasons I don't understand, I have always Identified with Tevye, and his life as portrayed here. I'm not Jewish, not a father, not a milkman......but the way he tries so hard to hang on to his way of life while at the same time bending to the changing times (for the love of his family) has always struck a chord with me.
I had the opportunity in High School to play the butcher Lazar Wolfe in this show when we did our production of it. I don't think that I have watched it since then almost 10 years later! Seeing this tonight reaffirmed my love of this show, and reaffirmed my love of musical theatre. Thanks John Williams (for arranging the music for the movie) and thanks Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick for such moving and memorable music and lyrics.
-David
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
"Boh, boh...chicachicaaa..." If you've never seen "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," a John Hughes film, you are missing a classic. No, not a Pride and Prejudice kind of classic, but a classic none the less. A good 80's movie classic. I love movies from the 80's, The Breakfast Club being one of my favorites, another John Hughes film.
"Ferris" is just fun with stellar chemistry between Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck. And how can we forget Jennifer Grey, who plays Ferris' angry older sister. We even have a Charlie Sheen cameo.
Witty dialogue, excellent facial/body humor, and quotable quotes make this film a must see. From "The Sausage King of Chicago" to "Ferris Bueller, you're my hero" you will find yourself smiling, smirking, and even laughing out loud as you enjoy this 80's treasure.
-Bethany
Let me start by saying: Bueller......Bueller..............Bueller.........
Anywho, one of the best if not the best 80s movie ever made, and if I may pick a bone with my wife, WAY BETTER THAN 'THE BREAKFAST CLUB'!!!! So now that that is off my chest, all there really is to say is if by some freakish chance you haven't seen this yet, stop everything you are doing and go watch it. This movie is witty, quotable, and has the qualities to be a timeless classic. I'm honestly not sure what those qualities are or how to define them, but watch "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and you will understand my meaning It's a film that does a great job of capturing teenage angst, awkwardness, and hilarity, and yet without making those qualities cliché or boring. Just a brilliant and funny movie, and I never get tired of watching it!
-David
"Ferris" is just fun with stellar chemistry between Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck. And how can we forget Jennifer Grey, who plays Ferris' angry older sister. We even have a Charlie Sheen cameo.
Witty dialogue, excellent facial/body humor, and quotable quotes make this film a must see. From "The Sausage King of Chicago" to "Ferris Bueller, you're my hero" you will find yourself smiling, smirking, and even laughing out loud as you enjoy this 80's treasure.
-Bethany
Let me start by saying: Bueller......Bueller..............Bueller.........
Anywho, one of the best if not the best 80s movie ever made, and if I may pick a bone with my wife, WAY BETTER THAN 'THE BREAKFAST CLUB'!!!! So now that that is off my chest, all there really is to say is if by some freakish chance you haven't seen this yet, stop everything you are doing and go watch it. This movie is witty, quotable, and has the qualities to be a timeless classic. I'm honestly not sure what those qualities are or how to define them, but watch "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and you will understand my meaning It's a film that does a great job of capturing teenage angst, awkwardness, and hilarity, and yet without making those qualities cliché or boring. Just a brilliant and funny movie, and I never get tired of watching it!
-David
Sunday, September 1, 2013
"Ever After"
Welcome back to our blog after a very eventful and busy summer! Starting things off again we found ourselves sitting down to cheap Chinese take out, and watching 'Ever After,' which if you haven't seen it, is a take on Cinderella. As Bethany and I sat down to watch this, I was transported back to my days of driving the two and a half hours to Spokane where she was studying at Whitworth University (while we were still dating.) I think watching this made me think about those late nights we would stay up in the dorm or at a friends house watching a romantic comedy. At the time, watching a movie like that with her wasn't the chore that it sometimes is these days, which is of course why we started blogging all of our movies in the first place. As I watched 'Ever After' tonight though, I didn't find myself wishing I was doing something else....I found myself enjoying a somewhat sappy, predictable, and lets face it, girly movie; with my wife next to me, our dog lying at our feet, and just a sappy condition all around. What a great way to spend an evening.....I can't wait for 'Gladiator!'
-David
What a delightful evening. After a wonderful, but eventful summer, along with finishing my first week back at work, it was pure delight to spend two hours sitting on the couch with my husband watching Ever After. I do love this movie. It's a fun twist on the Cinderella story, with romance, humor, Leonardo Da Vinci and again, romance. Oh, and lets not forget the gypsies!
All the actors do a great job, especially the minor and supporting characters, such as the servants, the gypsies, the King and Queen...they really do add to the story by their simple acts of compassion, laughter, mischievousness, etc.
Some differences I appreciate from the original Cinderella story; I like how there really is only one evil stepsister. Though there are two stepsisters, there's one who shows the main character compassion, adding new dimension to this tale. An actor playing Leonardo Da Vinci also has a significant role, almost acting as the Fairy Godmother, which I didn't really think about until my husband pointed it out.
If you like good stories, and a bit of romance, I would definitely recommend Ever After. And, as Cinderella's great-great granddaughter says at the end, the point isn't that they lived happily ever after, but that they lived.
-Bethany
-David
What a delightful evening. After a wonderful, but eventful summer, along with finishing my first week back at work, it was pure delight to spend two hours sitting on the couch with my husband watching Ever After. I do love this movie. It's a fun twist on the Cinderella story, with romance, humor, Leonardo Da Vinci and again, romance. Oh, and lets not forget the gypsies!
All the actors do a great job, especially the minor and supporting characters, such as the servants, the gypsies, the King and Queen...they really do add to the story by their simple acts of compassion, laughter, mischievousness, etc.
Some differences I appreciate from the original Cinderella story; I like how there really is only one evil stepsister. Though there are two stepsisters, there's one who shows the main character compassion, adding new dimension to this tale. An actor playing Leonardo Da Vinci also has a significant role, almost acting as the Fairy Godmother, which I didn't really think about until my husband pointed it out.
If you like good stories, and a bit of romance, I would definitely recommend Ever After. And, as Cinderella's great-great granddaughter says at the end, the point isn't that they lived happily ever after, but that they lived.
-Bethany
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
"E.T. The Extra Terrestrial"
This is a film that as a child I remember scaring me, making me laugh, and fascinating me the entire way through. It has literally been over a decade since I saw this film, and I should not have let that much time pass. This is one of the films that as a kid cemented my love of science fiction and space. The wonderful thing about ET is that it is science fiction, aliens and all, with an incredibly human feel and distinct human element
I will not bore anyone with the details of the plot itself. The movie is Iconic at this point, and it is really fun to hear those iconic lines (ET phone home,) and of course see the iconic shot of Elliot and ET flying on the bike across the moon. Seeing this tonight reminds me that to make a great film, there does not need to be tons of action, violence, etc. (Though that can make a film enjoyable) For this film, a great story, close friendship, and an unforgettable Extra Terrestrial are all that is required.
-David
I cannot remember the last time I saw E.T. but its been awhile so I only remembered bits and pieces. After watching this movie once again, all I can say is Wow. What an incredible and beautiful story.
E,T. has to be the most lovable alien I have ever seen in a movie. His shy curiosity makes you laugh and endears him to your heart. And the kids who host E.T. during his stay do an incredible job. And of course its fun to see Drew Barrymore as a young child.
As we were watching the movie tonight I said to David, something to the extent of how kids should be watching these kinds of movies as opposed to some of the less tasteful films out there. E.T. is pure adventure with an abundance of heart and it speaks to the imagination of every kid, the what ifs, the why nots...
In our society today, even though I love technology as much as the next person, I worry about the future generations growing up with too much media (t.v., video/computer games/I-Pods/I-Phones, etc.) and loosing that simple exploration of the imagination. I remember as a kid going outside and playing in the woods with our neighbor, making up spy games and just having fun without being in front of a screen. I hope we don't ever lose that unadulterated desire to explore and to imagine the impossible.
If I was going to sum up what I feel after watching E.T., I would have to say, hope. For some reason it makes me feel hopeful for what is to come, for what may be out there that we don't know. Anything is possible.
-Bethany
I will not bore anyone with the details of the plot itself. The movie is Iconic at this point, and it is really fun to hear those iconic lines (ET phone home,) and of course see the iconic shot of Elliot and ET flying on the bike across the moon. Seeing this tonight reminds me that to make a great film, there does not need to be tons of action, violence, etc. (Though that can make a film enjoyable) For this film, a great story, close friendship, and an unforgettable Extra Terrestrial are all that is required.
-David
I cannot remember the last time I saw E.T. but its been awhile so I only remembered bits and pieces. After watching this movie once again, all I can say is Wow. What an incredible and beautiful story.
E,T. has to be the most lovable alien I have ever seen in a movie. His shy curiosity makes you laugh and endears him to your heart. And the kids who host E.T. during his stay do an incredible job. And of course its fun to see Drew Barrymore as a young child.
As we were watching the movie tonight I said to David, something to the extent of how kids should be watching these kinds of movies as opposed to some of the less tasteful films out there. E.T. is pure adventure with an abundance of heart and it speaks to the imagination of every kid, the what ifs, the why nots...
In our society today, even though I love technology as much as the next person, I worry about the future generations growing up with too much media (t.v., video/computer games/I-Pods/I-Phones, etc.) and loosing that simple exploration of the imagination. I remember as a kid going outside and playing in the woods with our neighbor, making up spy games and just having fun without being in front of a screen. I hope we don't ever lose that unadulterated desire to explore and to imagine the impossible.
If I was going to sum up what I feel after watching E.T., I would have to say, hope. For some reason it makes me feel hopeful for what is to come, for what may be out there that we don't know. Anything is possible.
-Bethany
Thursday, April 25, 2013
"Equilibrium"
This film is a combination of George Orwell's '1984,' 'Faerenheight 451,' 'The Matrix,' and Lois Lowry's book 'The Giver.' In a distopian society where everyone is dependent on a drug called 'prozium' which suppresses all human emotion, Cleric John Preston played by Christian Bale, lives a life of enforcement against societies 'sense offenders.' These people's crime is that they have stopped their drug regimen and have begun again to feel human emotion. The films opening scene shows clerics played by Bale, and Sean Bean of 'Lord of the Rings' fame slaughtering a number of 'sense offenders,' and then after verifying their authenticity, burning a number of famous pieces of art including the Mona Lisa.
The entire premise of this film is set in the aftermath of the third world war. In order to halt 'man's inhumanity to man,' the before mentioned drug is created, and all of society descends into a world of complete obedience to the will of their leader, or father, and constant fear (at least for those who are sense offenders) of capture and summary execution.
The film is nicely done with a number of exciting action sequences in that 'Matrix' style. It does not however rely on action to define itself as a movie. Bale does a wonderful job of showing us what it might be like to re-discover emotion, and there are a number of moving scenes in which he conveys that discovery beautifully, such as when he accidentally turns on a record of one of Beethoven's symphony's.
I would highly recommend this film for anyone interested in that 'Matrix'esque' style, or for a more recent comparison those that enjoyed 'The Hunger Games.' They are two completely different films of course, but some of the moral dilemmas that the characters grapple with are mirrored here in 'Equilibrium.' In the end, this films helps us discover that it is not our actions that define us...because even without the benefit of emotion, great evils are perpetrated in this film, it is the presence of emotion, the good and the bad that makes us who we are.
-David
In a world where "feeling" is a crime, and people are simultaneously murdered for listening to music, appreciating art, reading books...this is the world of Equilibrium. Christian Bale plays the protagonist in this film, a "cleric" working for the totalitarian government who carries out these "raids" until one day he misses a dose of the medicine which hinders emotion, and his eyes are opened up to a whole new world.
Bale is very believable as a person void of emotion with his stoic and serious tone. Yet when he does start to feel, he does a good job of displaying quiet intensity, showing us what it might be like for a person who is not used to emotion to suddenly be filled with wonder, sadness, and love.
There are many actors and actresses in this movie, who add their own depth in their roles, Sean Bean, Taye Diggs, and Emily Watson.
If I was going to describe this movie for you, I would say it is a mix of The Matrix, The Giver, even elements of The Hunger Games can be found as this takes place in a distopian society.
While there is a lot of violence, it's not very bloody, though a few scenes may make you cringe. And if you are sensitive to the use of guns in films, then you may want to avoid this one, as guns are used about as often as they are in The Matrix.
I would say I enjoyed this film, though I'm not completely satisfied with the ending. It works, but I was almost left with feeling like there should have been a bit more...overall though, good story, with nicely done choreographed action scenes.
-Bethany
The entire premise of this film is set in the aftermath of the third world war. In order to halt 'man's inhumanity to man,' the before mentioned drug is created, and all of society descends into a world of complete obedience to the will of their leader, or father, and constant fear (at least for those who are sense offenders) of capture and summary execution.
The film is nicely done with a number of exciting action sequences in that 'Matrix' style. It does not however rely on action to define itself as a movie. Bale does a wonderful job of showing us what it might be like to re-discover emotion, and there are a number of moving scenes in which he conveys that discovery beautifully, such as when he accidentally turns on a record of one of Beethoven's symphony's.
I would highly recommend this film for anyone interested in that 'Matrix'esque' style, or for a more recent comparison those that enjoyed 'The Hunger Games.' They are two completely different films of course, but some of the moral dilemmas that the characters grapple with are mirrored here in 'Equilibrium.' In the end, this films helps us discover that it is not our actions that define us...because even without the benefit of emotion, great evils are perpetrated in this film, it is the presence of emotion, the good and the bad that makes us who we are.
-David
In a world where "feeling" is a crime, and people are simultaneously murdered for listening to music, appreciating art, reading books...this is the world of Equilibrium. Christian Bale plays the protagonist in this film, a "cleric" working for the totalitarian government who carries out these "raids" until one day he misses a dose of the medicine which hinders emotion, and his eyes are opened up to a whole new world.
Bale is very believable as a person void of emotion with his stoic and serious tone. Yet when he does start to feel, he does a good job of displaying quiet intensity, showing us what it might be like for a person who is not used to emotion to suddenly be filled with wonder, sadness, and love.
There are many actors and actresses in this movie, who add their own depth in their roles, Sean Bean, Taye Diggs, and Emily Watson.
If I was going to describe this movie for you, I would say it is a mix of The Matrix, The Giver, even elements of The Hunger Games can be found as this takes place in a distopian society.
While there is a lot of violence, it's not very bloody, though a few scenes may make you cringe. And if you are sensitive to the use of guns in films, then you may want to avoid this one, as guns are used about as often as they are in The Matrix.
I would say I enjoyed this film, though I'm not completely satisfied with the ending. It works, but I was almost left with feeling like there should have been a bit more...overall though, good story, with nicely done choreographed action scenes.
-Bethany
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