The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: I get it already

Its not that these were bad movies, because they were reasonably entertaining besides having ridiculously long battle scenes. But the simple story of good versus evil was just not enough and I'm guessing the book is about something deeper as well. I did think an interesting aspect of the story was how the powerful characters that were good, like Gandolf and the Lady of the Woods, could have been more powerful but they both contained any desire to become so and this kept any evil beginnings in check. They used their strongest powers only when necessary. The evil characters abused their powers, making them evil. It was neat to see that even the best people were enticed at least slightly by gaining more power, Frodo, Sam, and any one who encountered the ring. Power is like ice cream, once you start, its hard to stop but if you can stop at just enough, its wonderful. Too much and you'll get sick.

Gone Baby Gone: Ben Affleck did this?

Not what I thought it would be. An interesting look at the social rules determining what is good and what is bad and the unequal distribution of power that affords some people the opportunity to do bad things they think are good. The acting was better than average, directing also.

I would say that all the characters were well chosen to depict an average poor neighborhood in Boston, except for the girlfriend detective who was oddly immaculate looking compared to the others. Maybe they wanted some 'beauty' in the film.

To me, the most beautiful part was the very end when the young detective volunteers to babysit the recently returned little girl while her mother continues in her self-centered lifestyle. The best this guy, or anyone, can do to change what they think is wrong is to reflect what they think is right in their own actions. he decided not to take a self-righteous position of deciding what was best for the little girl, but instead thought that if no one was spending time with her, then he would. I like the message. good job ben affleck.

Ali: The Greatest is Not Always The Best

I liked this movie a bit more than I thought I would. Great music. Nice cinematography. Interesting directing. Good acting.

Ali was, if this movie is accurate of his life, one of the best athletes of our time. Able to focus on winning and, despite odds, win. He was so confident in himself and so sure he could win. The interesting part is that he also wanted to be a good person but struggled with this. The viewer sees this through his desire to be a Black Muslim and stand up for the cause he believed in. Yet in the end, is unfaithful to the Muslim religion because he cheats on his wife. He also goes back to the Nation of Islam even though he already knows they are using him. So he was the greatest fighter but that does not mean he has to be a great man in other ways. Malcolm X was his friend that he knew stood up for what he believed in and thought for himself and it seemed like Ali wanted to be that way to, after Malcolm's death.

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.

Breaking Upwards: Not Bad at all

Apparently this is pretty much a chapter taken from the actor's lives. they even kept their real names. They are film students from NYU and they wrote a script about a year in their relationship that they tried dating other people because things were getting boring in theirs. This might have made the acting easier since it was pretty much themselves they were playing but I still think that they played them well and the script was quirky and real. Half way through, I was sure the girl was just crazy and that they were bad for each other. I'm still thinking that might be the case...but some guys like controlling women. I guess this one does:)