Movie Review!

Okey dokey...so, I'm about 30 years behind in movie watching.
Yes.
I am 30.
I've not watched a bunch of movies in my life....life (or a book) was always more interesting. And, when I was pregnant I had serious trouble concentrating on anything longer than a 30 second commercial. But now? Sometimes it is really nice to just sit on my bum and watch a show.  Not a documentary (I have to be in a special mood for that) but a movie that tells a story of humanity.

I'm a sucker for a good story.

Which brings me to this whole movie review business. I recently asked, via facebook, what movies I should see while My Love is away.
Holyheckamama.
Did that ever get a response.
Apparently, people are attached to their movies. 
Which is exactly what I wanted!  
So I'm starting with whatever I can watch that is already on Netflix, then I will see what I can borrow from friends or the library, then I will pay to rent something...but it will probably take me so long to get through this massive list, they will be free by the time I get to those!

This past week I watched 
The King's Speech (2010) and 
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009) and
Tinkerbell and The Secret of The Wings (2012).

They were all excellent.
Seriously.

The King's Speech 
The King's Speech is definitely a grown-up only movie.
There is some serious language at parts - although it does make sense in the story line.  (Due to muting a couple curse words, they dropped the rating from R to PG-13. )  The movie tells the story of King George VI of Britain and how he learned to overcome his stutter. Honestly, I had not wanted to see it, because it sounded like it would be super boring. It was not. While I am sure the historical record reads differently than the movie (like most movies based in history), the over-arching story line rings true. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It is the story of a man not only finding his voice - but finding someone who wanted to hear it. That is what resonated the deepest with me - the universal struggle this movie captured. We all have speech impediments of some sort...finding someone who cares enough to listen, to give us the time to find our way through the difficulty...that is the point I gathered from this movie. Due to the language, I would recommend it with reservation. For me, the story, the characters, the inspirational aspect of facing fears and conquering them - far out weigh the language and make it worth your time to see.

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
This is a great movie for the entire family for a couple of reasons -
1. It is true
2. It clearly demonstrates the importance of self-discpline and hard work
3. The mom is an AMAZING person
4. It is a true-life rags to riches/hero story.
Honestly, I don't want to spoil the story - but know that Ben Carson overcame great odds (Through his faith in God, the determination of his mother, and his own personal drive) to become a Pediatric Neurosurgeon. I finished that movie - having laughed and cried - completely inspired. I was challenged as a mother, as a Christian, as a human. If you have a child who wants to believe they are dumb - or wants to cop-out on the hard work success requires - watch this movie. And read the book. You really will not regret it.


Tinkerbell and The Secret of The Wings
Now, before you skim over this one because it isn't some high-falutin' fancy pants movie...you should get off your high horse and give it a shot. And here is why:
1. The story is well told
2. The animation is beautiful
3. The music is lovely
4. It has a GREAT point and can be an excellent spot to start relationship discussions
First - we are interactive movie watchers with the Beans. Sometimes, when it is nearing a key moment, I'll pause the movie and ask the Beans what they think will happen. And why they think that. We really hash out and discuss many of our movies and shows....every single one is sending a message, and I want my Beans to be aware of that.  I am a HUGE fan of Tinkerbell because it is a story for little girls that doesn't revolve around a love interest. Tink is industrious, creative, determined, hard-working, loyal, dependable, and not perfect. (She has anger problems - she's working on them)  I like that throughout all the movies (this is the 4th installment), Tink realizes friendship is worth a sacrifice. The Secret of the Wings takes yet another twist on relationships - this time it is familial. The way they portray the importance of family - even when extreme self-sacrifice is required - is beautiful.
The clothing the fairies wear is shorter than I'd want my girls sporting, but we just talk about modesty whenever the issue comes up. (Jasmine showing her tummy in Aladdin is a pretty frequent conversation!)  Overall, I'd say it is completely worth your time.
(And there are enough fast-flying-fairy moments that it even held Boy Bean's interest!)

There ya' go! 

My thoughts regarding my most recent movies...what do you think? 

Any movie recommendations I should add to my list?

~Whitney
 Copyright 2013