FUN AND FABULOUS MOVIES VIA MY HUBBY

The month would not be complete it I did not ask my hubby the question, "What are your favorite movies?" I am a gal and this month has been from my perspective so it is nice to have a man's point of view. I do agree that most these movies are fabulous. In fact the Bourne movies where movies I asked for our collection. So here are a few of HIS favorites in no particular order!

Top Gun

Dumb and Dumber

The original 3 Star Wars

The Wedding Singer

The Bourne Trilogy

The first 3, original, Indiana Jones' movies

Percy Jackson & the Olympians The Lightening Thief

I remember in high school reading and learning of the mythical gods. The stories of Zeus, Hercules and Athena. I am a Christian and believe in only one God but these myths are interesting. This movie was fun for our whole family. My 6 and 8 year old enjoyed it greatly and were stunned to silence for pretty much the entire time. I can't say that about the "redneck" family behind us that spent the ENTIRE movie smacking, slurping, ripping and woot-hollering at the screen. OK, that is off topic but seriously annoying when a group of people ruin it for others. This movie is rated PG and not for really young kids. It isn't as scary as the Narnia movies so if they have seen those they will be OK with this one.

Law Abiding Citizen

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this movie. I like both the main actors Jamie Foxx and Gerald Butler, and I heard it was pretty good. So hubby and I watched it last night and I was on the edge of my seat the whole movie. I was upset at the beginning, jumping and scared in the middle, and bewildered and amazed at the end. There are a few surprises. This is definitely a movie for the hubby too, so no chick flick this time. Not a kid friendly movie wait until yours are sound asleep and if you don't like violence don't watch this there are a few scenes that could make you squirm.

I Hate Valentine's Day

OK, guys if you are reading this then run from this movie, this is a "chick flick!" I am a chick so I thought it was cute! Ladies if you want a little romance then get your guy to watch this movie, maybe they will learn a thing or two!

Everybody's Fine

Robert De Niro plays a father to four grown adults, who are spread all over the country. His wife has just passed on and he is trying desperately to have a reunion with all his children. They can't come to him so he travels the country by bus, train and a little help from a trucker to visit his kids. He discovers a few things on the way, a little joy and tragedy. The title says it all when describing his relationship with his kids. His late wife never told him bad news and just said that the kids were fine. He discovers along the way that he was "in the dark" and learns more about his children then he ever knew. This story was sweet and brought a tear to my eye. I think Robert De Niro did a fabulous job and reminded me a lot of my relationship with my own father; for example, calling home only to say, "Hi Dad, is mom there."

Hurt Locker

This movie deals with the Iraq war. I watched this movie with my husband who just returned from a year deployment in Iraq. The beginning of the movie reminded him a lot of Baghdad and to be honest I was worried the movie was going to cause some PTSD. I kept checking on him the whole movie, he was fine, in fact he was quiet at times and the rest he was picking it apart. This movie dealt mainly with the war it did not have any other story line. The whole movie it followed mainly 3 soldiers as they disabled bombs. So i was pretty bored the whole time. There were a few scenes that made my heart sink and I looked at my husband just to make sure he was OK. But to be honest I was paying bills, fluttering around during the movie. This is a "man" movie and yes I do enjoy a lot of action flicks this really didn't do it for me.

Surrogates

Surrogates was a very interesting movie. The idea was robots that looked any way you wanted them and they were you, they thought like you, did what you wanted without any harm to you or disease to you. You were home in your pjs hooked to a machine controlling your surrogate with your mind. Well the creator of surrogates decided that maybe this was not a way to live and set out to destroy all the surrogates. Murder happens and there is Bruce Willis to save the day. OK, so I was a little enthralled with this movie, it was an interesting idea. I will say I will not watch it again it was not one of those and definitely not the best movie Bruce Willis has made but overall not bad.

Zombieland

OK, I am beginning writing my blog while I am watching this movie. I would say that this is not a good sign. I am kind of bored but want to see how this shambles ends. I am sure many of you have done this before, you know you are watching a horrible movie but you just can't turn it off because you are curious if it will get better, have a good ending etc. HMM so I am too tired to turn it off so I guess I will finish watching it. I am enjoying Woody Harrelson if it is any consolation.

The Burning Plain

I couldn't make it through the first 5 minutes of this movie. I am going to sum it up in one word "TRASH."

Whip It

Ellen Page plays a girl from a small Texas town who is very unhappy. I know many of you remember your teenage years when you had not clue who you were, you were sad most the time, your mom drove you nuts, etc. Well this is what Page is going through in this movie. Her mother, played by Marcia Gay Harden, wants her to participate in pageants and be a good girl. Page plays her character beautifully she is a smart girl who gives her mom good grades and gets in little trouble. She then discovers Roller Derby and sneaks to Austin to play. She discovers her passion. This story shows a mother her child can be wonderful with out following her "drawn out path" and well the teenager was able to step out on her own and discover who she was. OK now that I have said all that here is the point. I hope I am not a mother who forces activities down my child's throat. Yes, I want my children to be awesome, respectful, good...BUT I want them to be them. There will be times I will say no. Morals always come into play and we are a Christian family but we don't need to tie them up and shelter them so much that all they want is what they can't have. I don't know if I am making any sense I am not sure anyone will read this will even get it but I know so many girls and guys that were sheltered so terribly when they were kids that they stepped out on their own and had no clue what to do, or they got pregnant immediately or went off the deep end. I guess what I am trying to say is give a little and take a little. It is ok if your teenager wants to have a purple streak in their hair! WOW, I just re-read this and it isn't worded eloquently and for that I apologize. But here's is the kicker I licked the movie and I guess that is all I really needed to say.

Avatar

Friday I wasn't feeling well and my husband put on Batman the Dark Night, let's just say I only made it through 5 minutes before I passed out not because I don't like the movie but because I was sick and tired...anyways I made up for it big time. Hubby and I had a date night Saturday night and we had the privilege of watching Avatar.

This movie was amazing. We saw it in 3D and it was definitely one of those movies you want to see on the big screen. The color was brilliant, the special effects amazing and the story beautiful. I again want to say I LOVED IT!

Before I saw this movie I read a few reviews. The critics said it was racial and their was strong sense of enviromentalism. OK the racism was a stretch and seriously can someone please just enjoy the movie without reading into it that deeply....As for the environmental issues. Yes I saw it and to be honest it wanted me to go home and be as diligent at recycling as my good friend Julie is!!

Sam Worthington who plays main character, Jake Sully did a fabulous job and Zoe Saldana complimented him wonderfully. I was in AH to find that CCH Pounder played the Avatar Mother, Moat. The beautiful makeup and special effects made this movie!

I believe this movie is rated PG-13 for a reason. I read in one Fandango review that a lady had brought her 4.5 year old grandson. Shame on her! This movie has language and I will admit I was holding on tight to my husband's hand because I was scared. I always know I am in a good movie because seriously the theater was silent the whole time, except of course for the two people who forgot to turn their cell phones off...ARG! Also there was applause at the end...I never clapped but inside I was!

Serious Moonlight

I really like Meg Ryan so when I saw this movie I thought I would give it a try. The gal that checked me out said she thought it was really good, I was sceptical. OK, so here is the juice, I thought this movie was hilarious! Now this is not my typical movie and I am sure it didn't cost a lot to make but I found lots of enjoyment out of it. Meg Ryan plays a scorned wife when she finds her husband had an affair, her revenge...DUCT TAPE. I am not going to tell you more, watch the movie and just a piece of advice for all you men, "never a good idea to cheat on your wife!"

Couples Retreat

I have been married almost 12 years. Yes, I think I have a wonderful marriage but after watching Couples Retreat it made me realize that even if you have a wonderful marriage it can always be better. Four couples set off for a "vacation" to Eden. They assumed they would be snorkeling and water skiing but were in for a big surprise when they were forced to do couples counseling and couples massage. One couple knew it would be work but to get a better deal they convinced their friends to tag along. Between the hilarious yoga scene and odd "head dude" most of these couples are happily surprised. I was also happy with this movie but if you don't prefer non-gross sexual humor, then don't watch this movie...you may be offended. I on the other hand was able to look past it and see this movie as an uplifting and funny NOD to marriage.

Time Travelers Wife

Although a pretty decent story I was bored with this movie. It was actually quite depressing. This is a definite "chick flick" and I am happy I watched it while my hubby was out of town. The idea of traveling through time leaving your loved ones traveling in time to visit them again...to be honest I got a little confused. I know my hubby would have made fun of the movie. So I would skip this one it is long and well snooze...

Amelia

Hillary Swank and Richard Gere star in the story of Amelia Earhart. Although much of this story was true, for example the flights she took, solo and in-partnership, I am assuming some of the romantic detail was for Hollywood. After watching this movie my childhood memories of learning of Earhart in history classes flooded back to me. I was intrigued with the story. Seeing the back story of Earhart, true or not, made the disappearance even more interesting and mysterious. I found my self googling Amelia Earhart to learn more. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelia_Earhart I was hoping my children would also be fascinated with the story. My daughter remembered Earhart from "Night at the Smithsonian." Both children made it for about 20 minutes of the movie before being distracted but returned to see the plane throughout the movie. I recommend this movie. It is a good look back at a piece of history.

My Life in Ruins

My hubby was gone for 3 weeks, I watched many movies and every time I stepped into the movie store I thought about renting this movie. Well I didn't...Hubby returned for two days and let me tell you there was no movie watching. We were too busy catching up, playing with the kids and having a birthday party and attending a Super Bowl party. Well my hubby left again for a few days and this time I didn't pass this movie up. I am so happy I didn't. This movie is so beautiful, full of life and history. It is adorable. Nia Vardalos, stars in this movie, and is so beautiful. No for real man that girl is a true hottie! I would recommend this movie to any of my girl friends.

Undercover Kids

It is Friday night and it is my youngest child's sixth Birthday. We are up late waiting for Dad to get home. So I swung by the movie store and got a kid movie to watch with the kids while we celebrated and waited. OK, parents you have got to trust me on this, DO NOT rent this movie. No matter if your child begs for this movie, spare yourself! I felt like I was watching a school play but a bit better filming and on my TV. Seriously as a parent I have seen some really stupid movies but this takes the cake.

Indiana Jones 1, 2, 3 and 4

Years ago my hubby and I bought the Indiana Jones movies on VHS. Of course back then there were only 3 movies. Well after almost 12 years the movies bit the dust. My kids fell in love with these movies and they helped in the viewing demise. So yesterday in the mail arrived the 4 DVD set of the beloved Indiana Jones. My kids were thrilled and the Temple of Doom, which is their favorite, has already been watched. So today I am going to look a little deeper at these movies. How about a little Indiana Jones trivia?? Are you ready? I am! The Jackson family loves Indiana Jones, even if the 4th one was a bit weird and cheesy!

What does Indiana Jones have a fear of? Snakes . In the Well of Souls in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark", the floor is covered with snakes. Indy's famous quote: "Snakes...I hate snakes."

In "Indiana Jones and the Temple Of Doom", which Hindu God did the cult worship? Kali. The cult in the movie was based on the real-life cult of the Thuggee, who worship Kali. Kali is the goddess "who devours time" and she is often portrayed as evil in some of her iterations, but without Kali, there is also no life-energy.

The price of immortality means the Grail can not pass beyond what marker? The Great Seal. The Great Seal is the sign above the entrance to the Temple that houses the Holy Grail. Despite the crusader's warnings, Elsa attempts to take the Grail out of the temple and causes an earthquake. She falls into a chasm, and could have been saved but for her greed, which leads her to try and get the Grail instead of saving her own life. Indy falls into the same predicament (literally) and his father convinces him to forget about the Grail by calling him "Indiana" for the first time

Steven Spielberg's wife starred in 'Temple of Doom'. What is her name? Kate Capshaw. The name of her character in the movie is Willie.

According to the people who know him best, what does Indiana Jones desire most in life? Fortune and Glory. This is mentioned throughout the trilogy. Many of Indy's adventures could explain this want for 'fortune and glory'. For instance, when he set out to find the Ark of the Covenant, which would obviously give him the fortune and glory he desires, if found.

All of these and other Indiana Jones fun facts and trivia was found at www.funtrivia.com Check it out for other great trivia questions.

No Greater Love

This is a family movie, maybe a little deep for kids but it has no swearing, sex or violence. This is a Christian based movie with the same undertones as movies like Facing the Giants and Fireproof. Despite the at times cheesy acting, this has a very good message. The overall love a husband has for his wife and the powerful message that Jesus Christ forgives us of all our sins and the fact that there is no greater love of that of Christ our Father. If you enjoyed Facing the Giants or Fireproof you will enjoy this one. Once again I shed a couple tears. The Ultimate Gift, a movie I did not watch today but have in the past. Once again a family friendly movie with the same Christian undertones as the previous movies I listed. This is another fabulous movie and if you have not had the pleasure in watching this movie I highly recommend it.

Love Happens

As I was searching Family Video for something to watch this afternoon. I came across a couple chick flicks. Now I had not heard of

Love Happens

rated PG-13, before I saw today's new releases but I don't mind Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart, well to be honest I like his dimples. I did not even bother reading the back of the DVD case but went purely on the actors themselves. I thought I was bringing home a love story...enough said. I was wrong. This movie dealt with healing and dealing with the loss of a loved one. Yes, there was an undertone of love and I don't want to give too much away but there was a kiss but it was not the focus of the movie. I would definitely define it as a "chick flick." The best part of the movie is it takes place in Seattle. Oh it made me long for home. I thought it was so funny that everyone who does not live in Seattle or the Pacific Northwest, thinks it rains constantly. Also the idea that grunge is still in, come on that was the 90's! Also Seattle of course revolves around Pike's Place and I definitely thought it was funny that they pointed out the traffic. Yes, Seattle traffic is horrible! I do think Jennifer Aniston's character, who is a florist in the movie, would never be able to afford a home overlooking Seattle, but hey it is a movie, make believe, and meant to entertain. Martin Sheen also has a small part and let me say he made me laugh at the end, just what I needed after I had shed a couple tears. I probably won't watch this movie again, it is just not "One" of those but overall I enjoyed it. It served my purpose for the afternoon: a couple hours of quiet, a good movie and relaxation.

Fun February!

I am ecstatic for a new theme for February and happy to say good-bye to the crock pot. I put it in the cupboard where it will stay for AWHILE! So are you ready for February's 30 Days of Fun? I am dedicating this month to my good friend Julie. She was the inspiration for this month, it was her idea. DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....

30 Days of Movie Fun

This month I will be reviewing movies, having fun with movie facts and anything else fun about movies I can think about blogging about! I love movies. I watch a lot of movies. I get taken in by movie characters. I am entertained by movies. Some movies make me mad. Some movies make me cry. Some movies make me laugh or yell. Some movies make me sleep and some make me just turn off the TV. I am a movie girl. I am very imaginative. I love living through the books I read and the movies I watch. Best is the books I read that are turned into movies I watch. I tend to tear apart these movies because the books ARE ALWAYS better. I am excited for this month! I don't have to cook or clean, I get to sit and watch and sit and watch. Well time to get started!! Here are three of my favorite movies. These are movies I have seen over and over. They are not deep or full of information but make me laugh, cry and entertain me over and over again. If you haven't see them do IT! You can thank me later.