Ferris Bueller's Day Off - M3.4/E6

This movie frequently comes up as one of the great movies of the past (IMDB - 7.9 and Rotten Tomatoes - 80%), and I keep thinking that maybe by re-watching it I'd understand where those viewpoints come from.  Maybe not a lot of great movies came out of the 80's or maybe I'm just missing it all together.  I like movies that make me think, and maybe I'm not thinking along the right wavelengths as those who praise it; but if a movie requires too much thought, it's not worth my time.

By all means, the story was fun and entertaining, it made me think back to high school (a fairly positive time period for me), so it definitely served its purpose.  It would have been more enjoyable on VidAngel given the amount of language (particularly religious profanity) throughout the show.  Otherwise, for a high school comedy, it was fairly clean.

Ferris is almost an idol worshiped by everyone in the movie, except for his sister and Principal Rooney.  Eventually the sister gives in and the Principal pays for his lack of devotion.  Ferris' example to his friend Cameron could be seen as a bit controversial.  He gets him to break all sorts of rules in the name of living it up and their soon parting when they graduate from high school.  The majority of the comedy comes from this unrealistic gushing adoration for the carefree Ferris.  His sister decides to take his side only after having a make-out session with a druggie in the police department...maybe being stoned is contagious?

Rango (2011) - M7.4/E8

I almost didn't see this movie.  The only reason I ended up seeing it (and so soon) is that it is currently on Nexflix Instant!  I'm glad I saw it too.  Despite the negative reviews from others (including Uncle Orson), I really enjoyed this movie, though would not recommend it for young kids, even though it is an animated PG-rated film (again, no thanks to the MPAA for consistency).

[Slight Tangent: How do movies like Kung Fu Panda, Despicable Me, How to Train Your Dragon, and Tangled get mixed up with movies like Rango and Shrek (1,2,3,4) - all rated PG?  Well, for one, there's never a clear line between one rating and another other than the types of swear words allowed, and that seems to be it. (I know Shrek didn't have much, if any, swearing; but the bathroom humor and off-color jokes were rampant).]

Rango has it's fair share of swearing for a PG-rated animated flick as well as some inappropriate comments for younger kids; but for those of us desensitized or mature enough, there's plenty to enjoy.  The number one thing I loved about Rango was the musical score provided by the mariachi owls.  I just might go out and buy the soundtrack.  It's not filled with popular music, but a vivid latin/mariachi sound that really draws you into the story and brings you right a long for the "riiiiidde".

I struggle with writing about the morality of movies.  People don't go to a movie to be educated or morally uplifted, they go to be entertained.  Hopefully the people that actually read my posts are looking for more than entertainment, but are actually looking for ways to deepen their movie watching experience.

There's a big difference in being entertained by a sporting event or the circus and watching a movie or reading a book.  The latter two have a lot of power to influence our lives for good or bad.  The spectrum of evil and good in these media is so much greater than in any other venue for entertainment.  This spectrum of Good and Evil is necessary to help us learn, it provides a laboratory where our thoughts can see the consequences of good/evil without us actually experiencing the consequences (providing the director/screen writer/author are competent enough to do this).

So, back from another tangent, there were a few quotes that really helped the movie make a lot of sense in my mind and really brought the "ride" to a point.  Of course, it all comes when Rango has hit bottom; he's been revealed for who he really is, just a lonely lizard who never had any real friends and not a gun toting sheriff.  He finally meets the Spirit of the West and is taught some important lessons that are not just trite platitudes, but really bring all the events of the story together.

The alabaster-carriage-driving Spirit says to Rango, "No man can walk out of his own story."  Rango's experience in Dirt wasn't an imaginative experience, even though he was acting the majority of the time he was there.  His actions and confidence touched real people and made real differences, it wasn't just one of his plays he rehearsed back in his lonely terrarium.  He needed to realize that.

Secondly, Rango's told that the people saw what they needed to see.  They needed a hero, so that's what they saw in Rango.  He filled that part well, even if he didn't believe he was a hero from the start.  Sometimes we need to get outside ourselves and be there for people in need.  When we stop lamenting about how pointless our life is and try in some measure to fill the voids in others' lives, we actually become somebody. (I'll have to watch the movie again to figure out exactly what was said and to whom it was said, but I think this covers the gist of it).

Last word, check it out, you might enjoy it.

Calamity Jane (1953) - M7.8/E8

This a fun family film. This movie is probably the main reason I’ve never really enjoyed Doris Day in other movies; her character in this movie is just ingrained in my mind as who she must really be. The music is good and the comedy keeps coming. The relationships are believable and true, almost standard; yet at the same time fresh interpretations of love and friendship.

The majority of the movie takes place in a bar/gentleman’s club, which isn’t the best setting for a family film. I had to explain to my daughter what it was that every one kept drinking (is telling her that it’s juice bad? In reality I doubt they had real alcohol on the set...) She knows that drinking alcohol isn’t good for us, but at her age it doesn’t matter who the person is, that person is a bad person if they’re doing something that my daughter is told not to do. So for the sake of allowing her to enjoy the movie, we fibbed. She’ll figure it out soon enough.

The movie focuses a lot on the female image. Calamity is a rough, saloon-frequenting, stage-protecting woman who is often confused for a man. It isn’t until she begins to understand what it is men actually want to see in a woman (and her own growing gender-awareness) that she feels that it’s time for her to change if she ever hopes of winning the heart of her Danny.

To some, this idea of femininity may seem appalling. However, I think it’s important for women to focus on their own natural characteristics instead of trying to become and do everything that a man is and does. Men and women are different for a reason, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Sure, the world tends to paint the picture as man being “better” just because they tend to be stronger and bigger, but if you rely on the world for your definition of man and woman and don’t have a strong understanding of your own individual self-worth and identity, it’s easier to give in and clamor for equality.

At any rate, this is a great show for the whole family. Music, Indians chasing a stage, gun fire, drinking, dancing, you name it... Check it out while you still can on Netflix Instant.

Crazy Stupid Love (2011) - M7.4/E9

Don’t be fooled by the trailer. If you enjoyed Date Night or Dan in Real Life, you’ll probably like CSL. The trailer made it seem like there would be a lot of sex and raunchy humor, and while there was plenty of implied sex and some coarse humor, it was totally in support of good relationships and striving to make marriages last and not giving up on your spouse (or the one you love). The only reason I pursued watching this was because of Orson Scott Card’s glowing review of the movie.

Cal and Emily’s relationship has reached a potential breaking point. Jacob helps Cal realize that one of the main reasons he “lost” Emily was because he lost his manhood. He had forgotten what was required to be a husband, a father, and ultimately a man. While this fact was very true at its roots, Jacob twisted it and suggested that the solution was to become a tomcat, like himself. Basically, that manhood is nothing more than knowing how to treat women as objects for your own gratification. Jacob’s character may seem very offensive to some, but it’s so obviously satirical, that you can’t take it at face value.

Cal follows Jacob’s advice and does end up reinvigorating his manhood, but knows that anything more than focusing on trying to win his wife’s affections again is unimportant. Amazingly Jacob ends up coming to the same conclusion, though through no searching on his own...it kind of just comes at him like a big, wet kiss. Jacob’s transformation, possibly because it’s so radical, is one of the most inspiring moments of the film. As he’s able to trust someone else with details about his own life, we see the wild tomcat tamed and domesticated.

The pining of the 13-year old for his 17-year old baby sitter was a well created, typical middle school crush (though a mere kiss at the end would have sufficed, those pictures should have been destroyed). I enjoyed how most of the truth and goodness in the movie came from the 13-year old and his faith that his parents would end up back together (and mostly that his father would do anything to get his soul-mate back.)

As mentioned before, there is a lot of coarse dialog and language and some scenes that weren’t necessary. That aside, this is easily one of the best films I’ve seen in the last year.

The Muppets (2011) - M7.8/E7

I know it's bad to go into a movie with any expectations.  Doing so can ruin the overall experience and limit the ability to fairly assess it.  I had seen most of the older Muppet movies and remember enjoying them.  From what I heard this was the Muppet of all Muppet movies, and I probably agree.  I enjoyed the movie, but was anticipating something a little more amazing than it actually was.  For one, it wasn't meant to be amazing, it was meant to be entertaining, and it was.

Thinking on back on some of the random songs sung through out (Muppet of a Man/Manly Muppet was great) and the interactive humor with the audience (pretty well done, considering that it wasn't performed live!) make me smile.  Though, my younger preschool age kids didn't seem to enjoy it as much as I did, I think there was enough slapstick humor and music for them to at least not dislike the film.

The overall plot of the movie (trying to bring the Muppets out of obscurity and back into the 21st century) seemed a little contrived, but from what I remember from other Muppet movies, not too far off from previous stories.

One interesting element in the story was the relationship difficulties between Gary and Mary and Kermit and Piggy - definitely over the head of preschoolers, and possibly a little too sentimental/emotional for my liking.  The film does try to do a decent job showing that when you know you love someone, it's foolish to let them leave your life.  Staying together means sacrificing some of your interests and desires and putting the interests and desires of your loved one above yours.  Interestingly, you don't lose your identity by doing this, you put faith in someone else to do it for you, which can do nothing but increase their love and concern for you.

Beyond romantic relationships, friendship is also brought up as we see Kermit and Walter try to round up the old Muppet gang and find out that they all wanted to be back together again, they just needed someone to initiate the process. 

I'm not sure how much longer this will be in the theater, but I definitely recommend looking for it to come out on DVD, and then make an effort to at least rent it, it's 98 minutes of well spent time.

Airplane! (1980) - M2.8/E5

I needed something light-hearted at the end of the day to help release some mysteriously acquired stress, and this helped. It is one of the most bizarre comedies I’ve seen in a while, and I’m not sure why it’s praised as one of the all time funniest movies. It had its moments, but still fell captive to cheap laughs (offensive material) for a small portion of the film.

Don’t let the PG rating fool you, not only is parental guidance more than suggested, I wouldn’t even recommend it for parents,

The one thing Airplane did have going for it, and did remarkably well, was constant play on words. I loved the random actions that would result from a statement that was taken literally. Here are a few great examples:

Rumack: Can you fly this plane, and land it?
Ted Striker: Surely you can't be serious.
Rumack: I am serious... and don't call me Shirley.

Elaine Dickinson: You got a letter from headquarters this morning.
Ted Striker: What is it?
Elaine Dickinson: It's a big building where generals meet, but that's not important.

Rumack: Captain, how soon can you land?
Captain Oveur: I can't tell.
Rumack: You can tell me. I'm a doctor.
Captain Oveur: No. I mean I'm just not sure.
Rumack: Well, can't you take a guess?
Captain Oveur: Well, not for another two hours.
Rumack: You can't take a guess for another two hours?

Ted Striker: I flew single engine fighters in the Air Force, but this plane has four engines. It's an entirely different kind of flying, altogether.
Rumack, Randy: [together] It's an entirely different kind of flying.

In addition to the play on words, Johnny was by far my favorite character (with Dr. Rumack coming in a close second). While not always working with a literal play on words, he would take lines out of context and exaggerate them for some extremely funny moments:

Striped controller: Bad news. The fog's getting thicker.
Johnny: [jumps to an overweight controller and shakes his gut] And Leon is getting laaaaarrrrrger.

Reporter: What kind of plane is it?
Johnny: Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big Tylenol.

Steve McCroskey: Johnny, what can you make out of this?
[Hands him the weather briefing]
Johnny: This? Why, I can make a hat or a brooch or a pterodactyl...

Johnny: The tower, the tower! Rapunzel, Rapunzel!

Johnny: Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, Toto! It's a twister! It's a twister!

Rex Kramer: All right, I'll need three men up at the tower. You, Neubauer. You, Macias.
Johnny: Me, John, big tree!

Ok, so it sounds like I enjoyed it more than I mentioned earlier, but the total funny scenes probably took up 70% of the movie, while the rest was either boring or offensive. As with most comedies, everyone finds different things funny, offensive, and boring, so if you’re pleased for half the film, the writers are probably pleased.

If you’re looking for great comedy go find an Abbott and Costello or Martin and Lewis film.

Puss in Boots (2011) - M9.2/E7

I did not have high hopes for this show, especially not being a fan of the Shrek franchise (I stopped having a desire to watch them after Shrek 2). We got some free passes for a pre-screening and thought it would be fun to go as a family. Oddly enough not all of our kids enjoyed it, but my wife and I really enjoyed it. We were spared of bathroom/juvenile humor rampant in the Shrek movies, and were given a clever, inspirational animated movie, worthy of multiple views.  We saw it in 3-D, but there was nothing spectacular meriting paying extra for glasses, if anything it made our kids want to talk more during the movie.

The moral messages presented were much more complex than is typical in a children's feature. One particular event shows one of the characters being betrayed by a close friend and accused of breaking the law. This character, instead of seeking revenge or running from or fighting his captors, lets justice take its course to potential exoneration through the help and friendship of others. This is a topic I've been trying to comprehend myself. It seems cowardly to not step up and let people know they are in the wrong and that you are right, yet examples are plentiful in the scriptures of prophets (especially Jesus Christ himself) that are restrained by the spirit to not say anything to their captors/betrayers, knowing perhaps that whatever they say would be falling on deaf ears. This is what meekness truly is, it is not weakness by any means.

Beyond the events previously mentioned, we see further betrayal and revenge, beyond the simple "I'm upset at you and am not going to talk to you anymore."  These actions eventually turn into guilt and sorrow and a realization of what true friendship and brotherhood really is.

Ghostbusters (1984) - M3.4/E7

This was a great movie, and believe it or not, I've never seen it in its 27 years of existence! It was a lot better than I had anticipated, and I had a lot of fun watching it in the theater. Bill Murray really made the film great, and Aykroyd and Ramis did a great job with the script and playing the most enthused and geeky parapsychology professors. I’m sure the purpose of the theater screening was to get us excited for Ghostbusters III coming out sometime next year. There’s still one more showing this Thursday, check your local listings for it.

I'm sure the main reason that I wasn't introduced to this movie as a kid is that it is not appropriate for young children, and if created today would probably garner a PG-13 rating due to a bit of sexual innuendo and coarse language.

This type of film is not meant to do anything but make us laugh. Laughter is healthy, but cheap laughs centered around sex are unnecessary for a great film.

State Fair (1945) - M7.0/E6

Entertainment Rating: 6 of 10

This was world’s better than Rodger and Hammerstein’s Carousel, though not terribly entertaining for kids under 5 or 6 - not enough goofiness (with exception to the pickle judging, which our kids loved) or action or dancing. If you’re in the mood for a nice musical, this one’s worth a watch.

Moral Rating: 7.0

Margy doesn’t get stuck with her nerdy admirer, but ends up with the ever more experienced and worldly news reporter, who has decided to stop all his gallivanting around because he’s actually fallen in love this time. I find this rather lame and if anything, morally degrading, because this is not how love or relationships really work out in the real world. Young women should avoid the likes of the journalist, no matter how much they swear the young woman has made them re-think their life. Marriage is too long a commitment to not have both people fully prepared for it, before saying “I do.”

Dinner for Schmucks (2010)

Entertainment Rating: 3 of 5

I found myself laughing a lot more than I thought I would. If this were to have had Will Farrell or Jim Carey in it, I probably wouldn’t have laughed near as much. While there was a fair amount of needless crude humor, there was enough good humor to create an overall positive effect on our enjoyment of the movie. I don’t think I’d recommend it to anyone, just because I’d probably be embarrassed to sit through it with some people.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Entertainment Rating: 3 of 5

Hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time, I was a little disappointed. The story was inventive and well put together. I enjoyed the way everything slowly tied together from beginning to end, even though it all seemed like separate stories at first. While there was an over abundance of swearing, looking back at the movie (replaying scenes in my head) the language is not what I remember. Can’t say that I’d recommend this one.

Moral Rating: 2 of 5

The coolest part of the movie was Samuel L. Jackson. I’ve always been curious about this movie and my curiosity was increased after reading Thomas Hibbs Arts of Darkness. Hibbs states,

“Tarantino’s repudiation of linear narration suits a world out of joint where character development and unified story telling are impossible. The sequence of events in the film pivots around a remarkable chance event, the interpretation of which determines the destiny of the two central characters, Jules and Vincent.”

The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968)

Entertainment Rating: 4 of 5

This along with The Ghost and Mr. Chicken are two of my favorite Don Knott’s movies. He does such a good job at playing a weenie. Check this one out with your family and you won’t be disappointed (it looks like you can watch the entire show on youtube.com in 10 minute increments).

Moral Rating: 3 of 5

Maybe you could say that even weenie’s can do some good sometimes, so don’t underestimate them. Don’t always trust your preacher, he could be selling guns to the Indians. People in California have a great need for dentists, being out in the wild west and all. The word “wahtay” can be used to get yourself out of all kinds of trouble, even though it’s translation is something like “this baby needs a diaper change, you change it.”

The Green Hornet (2011)

Entertainment Rating: 2 of 5

I may have enjoyed this because I was expecting garbage and it was actually better than some garbage I’ve seen. The movie was definitely not on par with other comic book movies, and I’m glad I didn’t spend the money to see this in the theater; it was ok at home for $1. The whole Bloodnovsky development was really lame, a good villain would have made this better; and a good hero could have made it great.

Moral Rating: 2 of 5

I was hoping Britt Reid would “come to himself” when his father died and realize the legacy his father left him, causing an earlier change for the better; this would have made the whole super-hero endeavor a little more interesting. Instead we get stuck watching a moron think he’s a super hero when his coffee making side-kick is really the only one doing anything of value. It took me a while to get into Seth Rogen's character - as far as stupid actors go, Ryan Reynolds did a much better job in Green Lantern, Rogen was just plain stupid in this.

The movie was filled with typical comic book style action, but too much needless profanity.

The Gold Rush (1925)

Entertainment Rating: 3 of 5

This silent film frequently pops up as one of Charlie Chaplin’s best films, and one that kids love because there is no dialogue to have to follow. However, it is rather long. Most old comedies have some good routines during the film, but they try too hard to tie in a story around those routines. It’s much more enjoyable to fast-forward to the next fun scene. The scene in the trailer is one of the good ones, you might recognize Johnny Depp's imitation of it in Benny and Joon, another good show.

Moral Rating: 3 of 5

Like Marx Brothers, nothing here other than good wholesome entertainment for the entire family.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Entertainment Rating: 4 of 5

This musical had a fun story and great music. The two main actors did a great job, and you can’t go wrong with a classic.

Moral Rating: 4 of 5

It’s rather ridiculous for a man to go down from the country into town one day, get married, and move back out to the country, not expecting much to change except getting some home cooked meals and laundry done. It’s also a bit of a stretch that a girl thinks that a man can just whisk her away from all her troubles and that married life will be loads better than what she was dealing with.

This exaggeration makes it fun to see the compromises that come with being married. The selfishness we experience while being single (though not bad selfishness, but we don’t have to worry about others) needs to give in to selflessness in order for happiness to exist at home. Husband and wife have to learn to communicate their needs and expectations and at the same time have to be willing to listen to the others needs and concerns.

Even though one of our kids mentioned that it was a long movie only 20 minutes into it, I think the whole family enjoyed it.

R.E.D. (2010)

Entertainment Rating: 3 of 5

This was an easy-going movie, nowhere near as intense as the previews made it out to be. The humor was great and the music did a great job at setting the tone. We watched it unedited and were able to enjoy it quite well, though there was some language and violence throughout it.

Moral Rating: 2 of 5

No real moral lesson was intended for this type of show, it was purely for entertainment.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Entertainment Rating: 4 of 5

This movie was awesome. There is a bit of language, a lot of gay/lesbian jokes, and one scene of sensuality (no sex occurs), so an edited version might best suit some people (we kicked Clearplay in about three-quarters of the way into the movie). Scott Pilgirm reminded us a lot of Napoleon Dynamite, only Scott didn’t appear to be mentally handicapped, just very dweebish. There was a great mix of action, drama, and humor through out the movie; and the music was pretty good too, though possibly a little loud.

Moral Rating: 3 of 5

For as funny as it was, it was also very well written and was more than just the sum of the jokes and action. In a very creative way we see that the amount of effort you put into a relationship determines your overall happiness and the amount of self respect you have.

For the first time in his life, Scott meets someone that he wants to be with and is OK, at first, with having to beat up a few of Ramona’s evil ex’s (not ex-boyfriends). But the evil ex’s get more difficult to face and Scott seems to doubt the worth of fighting for Ramona’s love.

Similarly in real-life relationships, everything is great during the honeymoon period, but when life starts to set in, the luster seems to get lost and the relationship isn’t new anymore. We tend to forget that love is only as good as the amount of effort we put into the relationship (providing the other person is also making an effort - Ramona had to fight her share of exes as well.) The ex’s in the film can easily be paralleled to “baggage” that we bring into relationships. We need to learn to accept the person for who they are and help each other put the past behind and work toward a better future together.

[Mild Spoiler Alert]
Another “deep-thinking” moment occurs when Scott uses his extra life to change his weapon at the end from love to self respect. While fighting for love sounds noble and is often a legitimate reason for fighting in many Romanticized tales, the greatest strength we can receive in combating evil or overcoming obstacles is the amount of respect or confidence we have in ourselves to overcome these trials. Self-respect and confidence don’t come by allowing ourselves to be overcome in thought by our love for someone else; it comes by knowing who we are, what our potential is, and what we want to do with our lives. This self-realization most assuredly comes with divine assistance and guidance, though this aspect of it wasn’t really shown in the movie (unless you consider the creators of the story the ones who bestowed these special powers on Scott, then it might be extrapolated).

When In Rome (2010)

Entertainment Rating: 3 of 5

A good romantic comedy, and for being PG-13 it had nothing compared to some other rom-com’s (sex-related humor, sleeping around, bad languange, etc.). I had a hard time liking many of the main characters in the film, with exception to Josh Duhamel (all the men chasing Beth around were hilarious, especially John Heder - Napoleon Dynamite). If you’re given the chance to watch it, it’s fun and worth it, but I wouldn’t go out of your way, unless you’d really like to see a brief reunion of Napoleon Dynamite (as a magician) and Pedro (as his filming assistant).

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

Flint's Inventions
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs at MOVIECLIPS.com

Entertainment Rating: 5/5

This is one of the best animated comedies I’ve seen in a while. Pixar movies are great, but seldom have you laughing so hard you fall out of your seat (whether or not that’s a good thing is a topic for further discussion - see Doctrine and Covenants 88:69). The comedy is on par with Emperor’s New Groove: constant, intelligent wit. If you’re looking for something kids and adults can fully enjoy, this is it.

Moral Rating: 3/5

Two relationships are portrayed, from which we can learn something of value. The first is the father-son relationship. There is an obvious communication barrier between Flint and his dad. Flint doesn’t understand his dad’s fishing metaphors and his Dad doesn’t understand anything about technology. This communication breakdown causes quite a bit of strain in their familial relationship. By the end we see them both make efforts to communicate with each other out of a need to express their love.

Flint’s relationship with Sam isn’t terribly deep, though Flint does help her understand that it’s important to be who you are and there’s no reason to be ashamed of your intelligence. Otherwise it’s a rather standard, awkward boy/girl relationship that gets better once they each are able to express their feelings.

In addition to better understanding the importance of parent-child communication, kids may learn that eating too much of anything can make you sick.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

How the Other Half Lives
Some Like It Hot at MOVIECLIPS.com

Entertainment Rating: 4/5

This is considered one of the best comedies of the 20th century, and at one point I agreed. After watching it over the Christmas break I’ve had second thoughts about it. The acting is great and it really is a funny show, but there’s a bit too much sexual appeal to it for my comfort.

Moral Rating: 2/5

There is no moral to this movie. The only message is that if you lie and cheat you get everything you want and your buddy gets stuck engaged with a person of the same sex.

Seriously, though, Joe takes advantage of Sugar's frustration with men and capitalizes on the information she shares with him.  In the end when she finds out Joe's just another sax player (and not a millionaire who owns a yacht) she throws out all her previously set upon standards and reverts to making the same bad decisions that made her unhappy in the first place.

Jerry seemed to be one of the few level-headed characters in the movie (though he fit in a little too well with the girls).  However, any reason or precognition he exhibited was rewarded by getting stuck engaged with a rich millionaire who ends up not caring that Jerry is not a Sherry.

If you’re looking for some witty comedy that is cleaner than any contemporary comedy, but still has a bit of an edge to it, this is worth checking out; though, I'd hesitate showing it to young kids due to the few scenes of automatic weapons massacring people and Marilyn Monroe's very revealing attire.