Well the kids headed back to school today after 24 days of winter break—5 longer than planned thanks to a big snowstorm. I really enjoyed their being home once I got used to the change in routine. I found it difficult to give up my free time, but eventually I found ways to carve out a little of patch of it for myself when I really needed it. We played a lot of games, sang, danced around the house, watched movies, and read books. The kids played in the snow and stayed up too late night after night. We ate too many cookies, cake and plates of junk food, but it was fun and noisy and carefree, not to mention yummy. Now the house is quiet except for the muted drips of rain from nearby trees and the gutters overhead. The distant hum of the highway, which we never hear in this house when the kids are home, is in perfect harmony with the wind rustling in the crowns of the evergreens in our gully. It took a few days, but our Christmas prayers for peace on earth seem to have settled into my part of the world about an hour ago.
Now that I have a quiet moment to myself, I thought that I might share with you some of the media jewels that I discovered during the winter break. I have four movie recommendations (beyond Rocky Balboa listed below) and one book recommendation. Normally I just put my “must see movies” in their own section at the bottom of my page, but there are four of them so I thought they warranted their own post. The book post will follow.
1. WALL-E—Now I know that most Americans saw this movie ages ago, but we missed it in theaters and had to wait for the DVD. Still, if you haven’t seen it, do. Men and women, children or no, will enjoy this Disney Pixar picture. Without a doubt, a social commentary, WALL-E has the power to make you think. Unlike most Disney pictures where someone’s mom or dad or both have to die to create an emotional edge to the character’s adversity, WALL-E steps out of the Disney formulaic and allows us to view our planet’s predicament through the giant eyes of an unbiased robot. You will love this heartwarming tale of courage, love and hope and its invitation to social consciousness.
2. Snow Cake—This film stars one of my favorite actors of all time Alan Rickman, as well as Sigourney Weaver, and Carrie-anne Moss. Alan Rickman? Who is Alan Rickman? I hear you saying it. The reason you don’t know who he is is because he is never the same character twice. He’s a genius and no less so in this masterpiece. (By the way, you will know him as Professor Snape, The Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood, the German bad guy in Die Hard, the Captain in Sense and Sensibility, Emma Thompson’s cheating husband in Love Actually and on and on.) This story takes you into the lives of a sullen traveler, the young female hitchhiker he picks up, her mother and their neighbor. In a turn of events their lives are all changed. Sigourney Weaver gives an Oscar worthy performance as the mother. I promise you, you have never seen a film like this. That’s all I’ll say because I don’t want to ruin it for you.
3. The Kite Runner—Based on the best selling novel of the same name, the Kite Runner has an almost saga-like quality, where one act sets into motion an unstoppable stream of events. Eventually the main character must perform an act of bravery to right the wrongs he has caused others. Marc Forster brilliantly brings to life the story of Amir, a young Afghan boy whose family is forced to leave their home during the Russian invasion. When he returns, he finds the Taliban in power and his home forever altered by war and poverty. In this film of courage and redemption, not a hair is out of place. The scenery is incredible. The acting is astounding. The sound is transporting. The directing and editing are perfection. I should warn you that there are some horrific acts of brutality in this movie. Thankfully the director gives you ample warning to close your eyes. If you can handle this and you don’t mind that more than half the movie is subtitled, then there should be nothing to stop you from seeing this incredible work of art.
4. Marley & Me—Okay Moms. Have you ever thrown your hands in the air trying to describe what your life feels like after you’ve had kids? Well this movie lets Jennifer Aniston say it for you, and quite well I might add. My husband says that it should be required viewing for any couple getting ready to start a family. This true-to-life dramedy chronicles the lives of a pair of newlywed writers and their dog Marley. Unlike most “dog movies” this story is about a family, the dog being neither central nor supporting. You will laugh hysterically and sob like a baby, so pack your tissues and drag along someone to share meaningful glances with. Guaranteed to take you parents down memory lane whether you're a dog person or not. (Also stars Owen Wilson.)
Happy Viewing!
