My friend, Shelley, and I have a standing "date" every Tuesday (it's $1 popcorn day) for lunch and a movie. Recently we haven't done so well because of the holidays, etc. But, we're anxious to get back on track. We consider our movie time to be a critical part of our survival. All our friends know this and treat it as something sacred - which it is.
I hesitate to recommend movies. Tastes are so different and I don't want to feel like an idiot for ranting on about a movie that someone detests. However, I'm going to go out on a limb today and mention two movies I've seen this week. The first is Doubt, which Shelly and I saw on Tuesday. The second is Benjamin Button, which I saw today, alone. I probably forgot to mention that I love going to the movies alone.
I think the recent events involving sexual abuse by priests in the Catholic church may tend to sway how one might approach the movie Doubt. The subject is a difficult one and usually makes us want to place blame - on someone. I expected a clear line and what I got was quite different. One sign of genius with writers and producers is the ability to entice the audience to look at a subject from a new angle. In Doubt, you leave the movie not knowing whether the good guy or the bad guy won. As a matter of fact, you're not even sure who is the good guy or bad guy. The story reminds me of the story lines from one of my favorite authors, Jodi Picoult. Reading one of her books is usually an eye-opening and frustrating experience. If you haven't read her, I recommend My Sisters Keeper. Okay, back to the movie. It's slow, but the performances by Amy Adams, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep are brilliant. The theme of the film was perfectly supported by the setting and characters. I actually shivered in some of the cold, rainy scenes. Many questions remained when I left the theatre....but one was answered very clearly....I'm glad I didn't go to Catholic school! Let me know what you think.
Benjamin Button takes place in the South (New Orleans) and has lots of old folks. In my book, you can't lose with those two components. I had heard lots about the movie, and have to admit, it was much what I expected. The best thing about it is the story itself. It's loosely based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I don't know how loosely since I haven't read it. Like all great stories, it includes romance, relationships, adventure, and believable characters. The special effects are impressive. I can't figure out how they put Brad Pitt's face on that little old body. There are several story lines including Benjamin's curious aging process, his introduction to his father, his relationship with Daisy (played beautifully by Cate Blanchett), and his philosophy that life should be lived everyday to its fullest. All in all I loved this movie. I cried and laughed and wished it wouldn't end. That's a pretty good recommendation. Cate Blanchett was perfectly cast and Brad Pitt was beautiful. I'm glad it lived up to the hoopla. What do you think?
What's a movie or a theatre?
ReplyDeleteFunny Kelly. The first year with a baby I hardly see any movies. We are finally getting out again now that Ryan is 10 months. I loved loved loved Benjamin Button. I cried all the way home just talking about the movie. It was great. I watched how they made Brad Pitt look old on Access Hollywood tonight and it was amazing. Sam thought the movie was Forest Gump II but he still liked it. I can't wait to see Doubt. I think it looks so good.
ReplyDeleteI agree about B.B., and about the pleasure of going to the movies! Brooke, you have to tell us how they made him look so old. I am not normally ga-ga over Brad, but he was to die for in that movie.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see Benjamin Button. After reading this I am even more excited! Maybe I will go see this tonight!!!
ReplyDeleteWe're not big movie go-ers (sorry) I do want to see BB though. I've heard great things about it, and this just confirmed it! I did go with some friends that weekend to see 7 pounds. I knew absolutely nothing about it, and it was great! Another thinker. So if you're looking for another good movie for next Tuesday, that's my suggestion!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy. It's on the list. There's also another great choice coming out soon. It's called the Soloist. Jami Foxx and Robert Downy Jr. are in it. I almost cried in the preview.
ReplyDeleteAmy, good call on 7 Pounds, good movie. They definitely dont put everything on a plate for you in the beginning like most movies do.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time listening to my moms choices on movies though. She didnt like Talladega Nights! I mean really, if there was any movie she should have liked it was that one. It captured the essence of southern living to the T!
I had a friend who saw Defiance recently (The one with Daniel Craig during Nazi Germany) and he said it was amazing. So for you movie lovers, it sounds like that one is going to be put on the must see list.