Movies Worth Seeing

In case I've never said it (and even if I have)...I'm a HUGE movie buff. I'm the kind of person who gets a slight high from sitting in a dark movie theater, surround sound at deafening levels, the smell of freshly popped popcorn and just soaking in the cinematic experience. To me, it can be one of the most awesome forms of escapism from our often routine lives -- especially if it's done just right. Now, I realize that not everyone enjoys the same types of films that I enjoy..but lately I've seen some great films that if you have time over the holiday, warm up the TV, turn down the lights, pop some popcorn and watch away...I promise, you won't be disappointed. Here's a list of films and short reviews to check out...

Robots

OK, OK...I know this one's a little past due, but took the kids to see it when it came out in the theater and even bought it off pay-per-view recently. The animation is very good but the voice talent is terrific. Ewen McGregor, Robin Williams, Drew Carey, Amanda Bynes, and the ever comedic Mel Brooks. It's a story about fulfilling dreams. Whether you've managed to live out yours or left it on the table, this story reminds us all of the importance of learning to pursue our passions to make the world a better place. The kind of dreams that are born from a desire to serve others, and not yourself. Good family film...and the kids love it!


The Polar Express

This one's out on DVD now (and I think they re-released it into the IMAX theaters too). It was a bit of a sleeper hit last Christmas season due to the simultaneous release of The Incredibles (also good!). It got off to a slow start when it was initially release around Thanksgiving, but by Christmas had gained some real steam (no pun intended). It's another animated film, but different than the traditional animation -- this one is done fully on computer (aka - CGI). Tom Hanks stars in this one (not surprisingly) and voices 5 or 6 different characters (see if you can catch them all). Based on the very popular children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, this movie is primed to become a new Christmas family classic.


King Kong

OK...not even released yet -- but will be in a week and I'm there! But let's face it, these days, anything that Peter Jackson touches is bound to be pretty good. Check back in a month to see if I've been and what I think...will it be worth the $8???


White Christmas

When Irving Berlin penned this song in the warmth of a California summer, little did he know what lay in store for this now-classic tune. Many renditions of the song have been recorded and published over the years, but none as famous as the one crooned by Bing Crosby. But in 1954, Paramount produced and released a movie of the same name starring (you guessed it) Bing Crosby and, one of my other very favorite actors, Danny Kaye. Basically a story of faith, love and hope in the magic of Christmas and the Christmas season, White Christmas is truly a timeless classic. For me, you can't beat it for quality of music (I mean, come on...it's Irving Berlin!), quality of acting, and a great story that pulls you in and somehow, with very little effort, manages to get you to invest in these characters as they show that one of the greatest gifts we can give is hope and love. It's on DVD now so you can rent or buy...


Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Val and I went to see this when it opened in theaters a few weeks back. Although I'm not a reader of the books, I have kept up with the movies and liked them all. Although we didn't have Harry Potter growing up, we had other books and forms of fiction like it and perhaps that's why I enjoy the movies so much. I'd read the books but I just don't have time anymore. This is the 4th of the Harry Potter movies (and books) and I must say, this is by far the best one yet. It's a little more mature than the previous 3 (it's received a PG-13 while the others received only a PG) but rightly so. Harry and his friends are older and are experiencing the ups and downs with growing up. And being teenagers they face new challenges and learn that standing up for what is right can result in terrible suffering, even loss of life depending upon the force you are facing. It's a hard lesson to learn, but it is fact. This is a worthwhile movie-going experience -- but don't feel the need to rush out to the theaters either. It'll be out on DVD by spring I'm sure.

Well, that's it for now. Thanks for stopping by. Check back around Christmas as I'll be trying to post various updates and articles over the next several weeks to commemorate the 2005 Christmas season! Merry Christmas!!!!