Alice and Little Children: A Comparison

I watched Little Children a week ago and today I watched Alice (an older Woody Allen film). When I watched Little Children, I understood its message of letting go of some childish emotions that can be irrational disruptions in an adult life but I was disturbed just the same. In both films, an adult questions their role as a spouse to a successful mate, they start to consider why their dreams disappeared and they look for a way to change the future so that they don't feel inhibited. The adult character in Little Children, after his fantasy skateboard experience followed by a serious injury, resolves to ignore his frustrations and settle for his responsible and faithful wife. Alice, a woman who as a child dreamed of living like Mother Teresa, begins to feel uncomfortable with the values her children are being raised with and the husband that is responsive but empty of emotions for her and their life together. In the end, she knows that nothing will change unless she changes herself so that is what she does and it is beautiful. We all expect such monumental life changes to be too much work but that is all in our heads. Especially when we are talking about something intangible like values or attitude. Alice got herself to Calcutta but other than that, she did not need money to change the course of her life. Both were mediocre films, neither would I watch again, but I must say that the contrast between both perspectives of how life can be lived is unique.

Nell: What a Wonderful World To Live In

I guess its kinda like The Black Stallion. The spirit of a human being that has not had social boundaries is a free spirit just like 'the black' was never trained to be a tame horse. We all envy that, I think. The language she spoke, one that no one could understand, was the most easily observable eccentricity and therefore she was seen as special right off. I think there are many people who have eccentricities like this but they are not as obvious as this example. Thats why I like odd people. Or people who are different. Anyway, the acting was great, really great. Not anybody could have pulled off such a potentially ridiculous character but Jodi Foster sure did. The scenery was great- thats North Carolina Appalachians! And living in the woods, away from all the noise and the jerks. what a life that would be...I envy Nell.

New In Town: With the Class of an Oldie

What a nice surprise. Nothing too cheesy, nothing too predictable, and nothing provocative or violent. The story is common enough: city girl goes to small town America and learns about the downside of corporate business. And she meets a hottie too. Renee Zelleweger was not believable as a business woman but was very believable as a caring person. And she made me laugh! While the characters were a little cutesy, the feeling of personal connection and compassion was real. I often say that there are not any good movies coming out these days; this one is no Billy Elliot but it was certainly a diamond in the rough.