Hugo (2011) - M6.9/E6

One reason I was looking forward to seeing this film was the fact that there was quite a bipolar response to it.  Uncle Orson nay-said it, while other notable critics found it entertaining.  These types of responses are usually fairer to read beforehand, as they don't tend to bias one's opinion, therefore providing a more genuine response.  Though Card does have a negative review of the film, his points are well-made and I even agree with most of them, but still found a way to enjoy the movie overall.

In short, Card summarizes, "So the movie we were promised -- Hugo the orphan repairs a mechanical man to receive a message from his father -- turns into a movie we would never have paid to see: sad old forgotten movie director gets a round of applause."

The one character I actually hated and cringed at every time he came on screen was Sacha Baron Cohen playing a crippled policeman.  I probably won't choose to watch the movie again solely for him, though the fact that the movie was very slow might  also be cause enough.

The style of the movie reminded me a lot of Finding Neverland, and you might enjoy this film if you enjoyed Finding Neverland.  The music and scenery are amazing, and the story not terribly deep, but endearing.

We're shown the importance of family and the fruits of hard work as we see Hugo lose his father and then take us with him on his quest to remain connected to his father.  We also see him work tirelessly (without pay) to keep the clocks running in the train station, which keeps him out of more trouble than he already gets into, and allows him to stay a little closer to his deceased father.   Through Hugo's courage and intellect, he brings hope to a man who's dreams had been crushed and in turn gains the friendship and love for which he'd been longing.

Watch it if you're in the mood for something easy going, but I wouldn't recommend buying it; go for RedBox or you check it out from your local library.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2 (2011)

Entertainment Rating: 3 of 5

We were underwhelmed and a little disappointed with the final Harry Potter film. It was needless to break this movie into two parts, a single 3 hour long film would have been more enjoyable. When Harry defeats Voldemort at the end, we expected some sort of triumphant ending, but nothing happens. There’s no celebrating or feel of victory at the end. Additionally, Harry’s last encounter with Dumbledore was much less inspiring than I think it should have been. If a movie is going to try to stay faithful to the book, get it right. Besides the ending, the rest of the movie was pretty intense and a fun experience.

Moral Rating: 3 of 5

The importance of love is a very small message of Dumbledore’s time with Harry, when it should have been much greater. Otherwise, everything’s the same - good vs. evil, love vs. hate. Worth seeing if you’ve already seen the other 7 Harry Potter movies, and we’ll probably end up owning it just to have the entire set, since most of them are decent flicks.

The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

Entertainment Rating: 4 of 5

This was a great recommendation from a movie buff friend of mine (whether he’s a movie-buff or buff friend, I’ll leave that to your imagination). Coincidentally, the rec came just before Netflix removed the film from its streaming library. While not a laugh-out-loud flick, it was fun and very well written and acted. The PG rating is accurate, some of the themes may be for a more mature audience. When you find yourself thinking that this is the type of movie you would want to see again before the movie is even over, that’s a good sign. Definitely check this one out, you can’t be disappointed.

Moral Rating: 4 of 5

[Spoiler Alert]

I was a little worried at first where the movie was going with the broken marriage relationship and how far they would show the couple violating their marriage vows. It was a little uncomfortable to see Cecilia pursue another man, but only because she is portrayed as a victim of a bad marriage relationship; while the fact that her husband was a cheat was easily accepted because her husband, Monk, was a jerk. This brings up an interesting thought: With Cecilia’s and Monk’s relationship as bad as it was (possibly unworkable), is it OK to leave the marriage?

The scene in the brothel was one of the best in the movie. Woody Allen (writer and director) did a great job humanizing the prostitutes through Tom’s perspective. This is particularly moving in the discussion between Tom and the prostitutes on the topic of giving birth and the important role women play in life. The prostitutes are flattered and offer him a free pass with them. This act could be dismissed as awful and immoral, but in reality these women are presenting something to Tom that is the only thing of worth that they think they have. In this scene Tom is first perceived to be totally naive with respect to the purpose of a brothel, but in the end we discover the prostitutes exhibit a deeper naivete than Tom’s because they didn’t understand what love really was - something that should be special between two committed (married) people.

More could be said in praise of this movie, but I’ll let you check it out take from it what you will.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

Entertainment Rating: 3 of 5

The movie started off with some good potential. We enjoyed watching Dave learning about using his powers, but there ended up being way too much packed into the last half of the film. When a boy with a few days practice can defeat one of Merlin’s most powerful enemies, Morgana, when Merlin couldn’t (granted she was bodiless, so maybe weaker?) was a little too unbelievable. There was also little explanation as to all the other sorcerer’s imprisoned in the Grimhold.

While not a great movie, we had fun watching it. Don't forget to stay for the end of the credits as there's a secret scene that reveals something interesting.

Moral Rating: 3 of 5

If you step up to the plate, you will be surprised what you can actually do. This doesn’t mean you will acquire super powers or unearth your hidden wizardry destiny, but taking steps in the dark to do something you know is for the ultimate progression of good is an important element of faith.

The Secret of Kells (2009)

Trailer #2
The Secret of Kells at MOVIECLIPS.com

Synopsis

"Young Brendan lives in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids. But a new life of adventure beckons when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way. But with the barbarians closing in, will Brendan's determination and artistic vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best fortification against evil?" - IMDB

Entertainment Rating: 4/5

Great animation, I’ve never seen anything like it: simple, yet beautiful. The story was fun too, though never too clear on what the Book of Iona actually contained (perhaps left up to the viewers imagination). Our pre-schoolers seemed to enjoy it, the scary scenes were definitely watchable (as compared to How to Train Your Dragon where they were quite frightened.)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 1 (2010)

Entertainment Rating: A

The show was great. If anything, I’d agree with Orson Scott Card that the movie is better than the book because it keeps a good pace and doesn’t linger on some of the lengthy details. There are quite a few “jump” scenes that I think help make it worth seeing the film in the theater, don’t wait for DVD.

Moral Rating: 3

The presentation of good and evil hits a climax in this last installment(s) of the Harry Potter series, and the film does a good job of displaying it. I can’t say that it really struck any chord with regards to making me want to become a better person. The friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione displayed some good examples of real-world conflicts that can arise and how we can overcome our own selfish behavior in light of a greater good (the friendship itself over our own immature feelings).

In particular, even though Ron and Hermione are “together”, because Harry’s the focus of everything we can understand how Ron might feel a little cheated for attention from Hermione. So when Ron leaves out of frustration, it’s not a real surprise. What is a surprise (even though it was the needed thing to be done, but required quite a bit of courage and humility) is to see Ron return and ready to try to overcome his silly teenage jealousy and practice being a true friend.

Regarding the supposed nude scene in the movie, I think Orson Scott Card addressed the matter quite well:

“You may have heard of the mini-firestorm (a candlestorm?) over the "nude scene." My first thought had been, Why would the producers add a nude scene to the story?

Then my daughter reminded me that the scene in question was in the book. It comes when Ron, under the evil influence of one of Voldemort's horcruxes, pictures Hermione, the love of his life, in the naked embrace of his best friend, Harry Potter.

Of course, naked in a book is not the same thing as naked in a movie. In the book, you can gloss over it as long as the writing is not explicit; but in a movie, the actors are really naked, and there they are on the screen, second after second.

Still, the filmmakers did a fairly tasteful job. There were no more body parts visible than you might see on primetime TV, and a lot less than in the SPORTS ILLUSTRATED swimsuit issue. There was nothing arousing about it -- the whole thing was just to show us why it was making Ron so crazy.

Could they have cut the scene or made it even less nude? Maybe, and if some viewers decided to stay away because it's there, I won't argue with them. But I was not offended or even made uncomfortable with it. No child is going to learn (or even guess!) the facts of life from the scene. But it's the parents' call.”

I can’t say that I was offended or uncomfortable because of the “nudity” but it was a bit odd seeing Harry and Hermione together. The dance scene was fun, but the end was a little too awkward, it just didn’t jive with me (whether it was the characters or the actors’ portrayal of them I’m not sure).

V for Vendetta

Entertainment Value

Rating: A

This was a great semi-political thriller. Why is it that deep political thrillers are R? I don't think ratings mean a whole lot anymore, other than to try to market the movie to a particular audience. If you're an adult you want to see more violence and sex and hear more profanity than a 13 year old would want to see. Makes sense, right? WRONG! That is a rather odd perspective if you ask me.

I had read the graphic novel of the same name (which the movie was fairly closely based on) and was very much impressed and excited to see the movie. This movie was a better adaptation than Watchmen was. Not because it was a closer adaptation, but because the director made it a bit more his own, he made the movie more powerful and moving than Watchmen (which could have to do with the general themes of each of the original stories - V was less "graphic" and more inspirational, while Watchmen was more nihilistic).

Moral Value – Failure to Communicate?

Rating: 4

There was a strong message that an idea is more important than a hero. Once a person gets outside him or herself and realizes that living life is more than just making sure we get through everyday or are ahead of everyone else, that person is truly free.

Watchmen

Entertainment Value

Rating: B

I've really come to enjoy this story. I read the graphic novel and was quite impressed by it, even though it does present very mature themes. I don't know that I'd recommend the movie to anyone, if you're interested in the story go for the graphic novel first. The movie doesn't integrate the sub-story "Tale of the Black Freighter" which adds a lot to the meaning of the main story; for this reason it's not as good as it could be.  If you were to watch the edited version of the film (like we did) you will miss out on a lot of information.  The novel is less explicit than the movie (as far as I can tell by reading the reasons why this is R) - the swearing is not as heavy, there isn't any explicit sex, but it is still rather violent/disturbing.

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate?

Rating: 4

Overall message: Don't leave the saving of society to the "heroes." We may not have super heroes in our society today, but we do have politicians who believe they are super heroes. If we leave the correcting of society to those in power and do nothing ourselves, our society will end up like that in the Watchmen, quite terrifying. The saying came up quite frequently in the movie, and even more so in the graphic novel, if the Watchmen are keeping society in check, then who watches the Watchmen?

Sleeping Beauty

Synopsis

Two kingdoms plan to unite when a daughter (Aurora) is born that can wed the son (Phillip) of the other kingdom. The plans are at risk when the evil Maleficent prophesies that on the girl's 16th birthday she will die. The girls father, in an attempt to foil Maleficent's plan, sends her to live with the fairies deep in the woods. Aurora is found and Phillip must fight the powers of Hell to save her.

Entertainment Value

Rating: A

This is probably one of my favorite Disney princess movies (right up there with Beauty and the Beast). Maleficent's character particularly intrigues me (probably one of Disney's most evil villains) and the prince's fight against her at the end is pretty intense. The whole falling in love after dancing together isn't much of a story, it's kind of a side story to the battle between good and evil in the film.  The musical score is excellent!

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate?

Rating: 4

Love really is the thing that Satan cannot understand (in the movie Maleficent = Satan), particularly the love God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ have for us. Just as Maleficent tried to ruin the life of the princess, Satan tried to ruin God's plan, but Jesus Christ stepped in and put enmity between Satan and man (just as the fairies stepped in and blessed the child that she would not die, but sleep).

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Synopsis

On the brink of having to make a very important decision, Alice escapes to Wonderland where she must discover who she really is so that she can more effectively make the life changing decisions that await her.

Entertainment Value

Rating: B

Visually stunning, as most Tim Burton films are. The music was great, as usual with Danny Elfman. However, the story was a little slow and I didn't care for Alice's character; and even though named after her, Johnny Depp really stole the show as the Mad Hatter. It's worth seeing at least once.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Synopsis

Dr. Parnassus has made several deals with Mr. Nick (the devil), one of which includes the forfeiture of his daughter on her 16 birthday. Fortunately Tony joins the traveling circus and appears to have what it takes to save Dr. Parnassus's daughter.

Entertainment Value

Rating: C

This show was very interesting and very confusing. If it weren't for Wikipedia's candid explanation of why Terry Gilliam put this together and what he was thinking, I would have thought a lot less of this film (not understanding it's purpose of existence). Because the story was so confusing, it was hard to enjoy; and as my wife stated, "if you want to see what it feels like to be high, you'll get it by watching this show" (not that she would know what to compare it to).

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate?

Rating: 4

The most intriguing part of the story happens within the Imaginarium, where peoples dreams become a reality.

Inception (2010)

This review is coming only after one viewing of the movie, so I'm sure I'll miss something. This is a show that has to be watched multiple times.

Synopsis

Cobb is an expert extractionist (stealing mentally kept secrets) who longs to return home to his children. He's offered a chance to return if he can perform inception (implanting an idea) on the inheritor of a large energy business and get the inheritor to dissolve the company. Cobb is one of the few who knows inception can actually work, but he has some personal issues he must overcome for the plan to get pulled off.

Entertainment Value

Rating: A

This movie was amazing. This is what all directors should aspire to. Occasionally it is nice to be able to sit back and not have to think, but this is more than just a thinking movie; you get totally immersed in the film as if you were dreaming it yourself! Nolan has created a totally unique story so complex and deep that it begs for multiple views. Hans Zimmer does a wonderful job with the score as well. You have to see this in the theater.

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate?

Rating: 5

I'll try to avoid any spoilers, though there might be some minor ones (whether the movie ends happy or sad, so read on at your own risk).

The movie does a great job of illustrating a mindset that Elder David A. Bednar related in a youth fireside that was printed in the June 2010 Ensign entitled, "Things as They Really Are." (You should read through this before you see the movie and it will really help it sink in). Basically Elder Bednar discusses his concern that we look more towards cyber experiences that distract us from real experiences; real life experiences that actually help us progress spiritually and emotionally far better than any online game or website can. In the movie we see people who choose to live their lives through dreams. Because their dreams become more interesting and exciting than their actual life, they get lost in multiple levels of subconscious dreaming, making them ultimately unable to tell what's real life any more. Elder Bednar states,

"Sadly, some young men and young women in the Church today ignore 'things as they really are' and neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detours that have no lasting value. My heart aches when a young couple—sealed together in the house of the Lord for time and for all eternity by the power of the holy priesthood—experiences marital difficulties because of the addicting effect of excessive video gaming or online socializing. A young man or woman may waste countless hours, postpone or forfeit vocational or academic achievement, and ultimately sacrifice cherished human relationships because of mind- and spirit-numbing video and online games. As the Lord declared, 'Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment … : Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known' (D&C 60:13)."

One of Cobb's personal issues he is confronted with is a strong feeling of personal guilt for something he has done (revealed in the movie). He learns, through the help of a friend, that he has to forgive himself in order to move on. This forgiveness isn't only important to Cobb's personal progression, but for the well-being of those he's working with. As he learns to confront his fears and realize what is real and what is a distraction, he's able to continue on his mission with a brighter hope of being united with his children.

The love Cobb displays for his children (seen primarily through his dreams and discussion with others) is the love we should exhibit for our family at all times. It wouldn't hurt to imagine yourself being in such a situation to realize how much you need your family and how much they need you.

The PG-13 rating is primarily for the intense scenes of action and violence (though nothing graphic is displayed). There are some profane references to deity, but little else. No sex or nudity.

Bedtime Stories

Synopsis

A long-time hotel employee gets the chance to fight for a chance to run the hotel chain. During the process he learns what things in life bring him true happiness.

Entertainment Value - B

This was a great family film with original humor and a pretty good story line (the end was as ridiculous as Paul Blart's ending, you'd be better off cutting it off beforehand). Surprisingly a quality Adam Sandler show that you can watch without any editing.

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate? - 4

[Spoiler Alert]

The show provided a positive message on realizing that happy endings don't just belong in fairy tales. Happy endings tend to come to those who actually take charge of their lives and do good things of their own free will.

Throughout the whole story Skeeter (Adam Sandler) was waiting for others to tell him what to do (his father being the one telling the story, the kids being the ones that actually end up controlling his life to some extent, etc.). When Skeeter realizes that he has power to act himself instead of just being acted upon, he finds true happiness.

Where the Wild Things Are

Synopsis

This is an adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story. In this adaptation, Max has trouble getting the attention he demands at home. After throwing a fit he runs away and travels a distance to an island where the Wild Things live. After spending some time there and growing up a bit (emotionally) he realizes he needs to return home, and is ready to better contribute to his family life.

Entertainment Value - C

This was an OK show, with potential to be really good. For a kids show, the tone was rather depressing throughout, even the music did nothing to brighten up the film. The colors through out were a drab gray and brown, maybe a little too artsy for its good. The 5 year old behavior in an older kid was a little annoying. The Wild Things were not as wild as I thought they should be, no gnashing teeth or too terrible roars. I guess it is a children's story and can't afford to get too out of hand. I wouldn't go out of my way to watch this one. Save your self 96 minutes and read the book again.

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate? - 4

What a lonely life Max led! The movie did a decent job showing that the mom loved her son, but it was kind of odd she didn't mention anything about calling the police or running out after him searching for hours in the rainy night. I liked the ending in the book a whole lot better, where Max never actually leaves his room, but when he "returns" he finds his dinner waiting for him and it's still hot.

There is a lot of trying to "fit in." Max tries to fit in with his sister's friends; Carol tries to fit in with Judith and the other Wild Things; both end up stumbling over their lack of self-control and social skills.

Max really gets a good look at his own life when he becomes the person responsible for making all the Wild Things happy (the role he thought his mother owned back home). He realizes that it's no party being in charge, that life is tough for everyone all around and you've just got to carry on. The strongest message I found in the film was in seeing Max realize that stepping outside of himself really helped him put his behavior in perspective; he began to understand that he was not the only person in the world, and that others deserve happiness as well, to which he needed to learn to contribute.

It was kind of cool how they mapped a lot of Max's, Claire's, and the Mom's personalities in the different Wild Things. Obviously the place wasn't real and was more a figment of Max's imagination, but I think they did a good job representing his imaginative journey.

Coraline

Synopsis

A young girl finds a passageway to what seems like an ideal world. She finds a "new" family who wants to do nothing but please her. In order to leave her original world behind she only needs to give up her eyes for a pair of buttons to be sewn on in their place. At this realization her perfect new world seems to rapidly disappear.

Entertainment Value - C

I was rather disappointed with this film. The stop motion animation was great and the music was very good as well, but the story was very dull. We watched it in 3D, which was kind of cool, except for the reddish-green tint the glasses produced. Don't waste your time with this one.

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate? - 3

If anything could be gleaned from this, it might be that no matter how dull and busy your family may seem, they really are (should be) the main source for happiness in your life. We all need to be patient and not expect the world to revolve around us. Parents make a lot of sacrifices for us each day; we should try to do our part in supporting them in their endeavors.

Twilight: New Moon

Synopsis

This is the sequel to the movie/book Twilight. Edward is convinced that he is no good for Bella and leaves her in hopes of giving her a normal life to live. His absence causes Bella to enter into a deep depression. Her only way out is Jacob, who seems to be just what she needed, and almost gets pulled out of her slump, until he leaves her too. After Bella miraculously saves Edward's life (a self-imposed death sentence) she must choose between Jacob and Edward who turn out to be mortal/immortal enemies.

Entertainment Value - B

This sequel is a lot better than the original (I'm sure a new director helped), though the storyline in the first was more interesting. I would have liked to understand a little bit more about the werewolves and seen more interaction with the vampires (the scene in Rome was pretty cool). My wife (who's read the book) explained a little bit more to me and that helped.

Moral Value - Failure to Communicate? - 3

I don't think either Jacob or Edward are good for Bella. Both of them put Bella into a situation where she is forced to lie to her dad, who really loves her and should be most important in her life (at least until she moves out of the house to go to college, but she's still in high school!). Any relationship that endangers her family is probably an unwise one; not to mention the fact that Bella's obsession takes her so far as to almost kill herself various times only to catch a fleeting glimpse of her beloved.

Granted, Edward's influence over Bella is paranormal, however, the emotions this story pulls out of people who watch/read it are real and and unhealthy (particularly young girls/women).  Specifically with the novel, some of the people I know that have followed the story have expressed the emotions and thoughts that it draws out of them and how they have a hard time putting them aside. I wouldn't call these people unprincipled, I just think Stephanie Meyer is a talented writer that could probably write something with a little more moral fiber.

I failed to mention it in the earlier post on Twilight, but I made some comparisons to the chemistry between Edward and Bella and aggressive mimicry on my other blog. I still think this applies to this second installation.

Stepping down from my soap box, the story's a fun one to follow (though I'd recommend keeping your emotionally charged teenagers away from the books for as long as you can), so if you have a buck it's worth checking out at RedBox.

Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince

If the movie is going to keep the name "the Half-blood Prince" they could have done a much better job at including more that dealt with the mystery behind the title. Snape's confession to owning the title at the end was rather corny. Dumbledore's character was unimpressive as well, too many forced lines. Otherwise I thought this was a great movie. The director, David Yates, did a great job at showing the inner conflict with Malfoy, teenage romantic dramas, and the start of the search for the Hoarcruxes.

Even though this movie only received a PG rating, I thought it was darker than any of the other Harry Potter films. With the sixth installment proving that it can portray the darkness in the books with a PG rating, the only reason for giving two of the previous movies a PG-13 rating (particularly #4) was for the crass humor and language, not existent in the books.

Draco Malfoy's inner turmoil with fulfilling his task to kill Dumbledore was a very good representation of human beings innate desire to fight against evil. Draco may be quite obnoxious and idiotic, but he is not evil. We see a glimmer of his goodness in his inability to kill Dumbledore. Malfoy is too innocent and aware of what's right and wrong to let such a destructive decision tear his soul apart. On the other hand, you see his fear of failure and dread for what Voldemort will do to him and his mother if he does not succeed. In contrast with Draco Malfoy, Tom Riddle was evil and had compromised his soul at a very young age. As a result of Draco's hesitancy, Snape comes off as some sort of hero by keeping Malfoy from ruining himself by stepping in to complete the task himself.

The movie did an excellent job depicting the romantic awkwardness exhibited by teenagers. This lightheartedness did a great job at complementing the darker side of the story and providing some comic relief.

I've read some reviews comparing this film to the Empire Strikes Back of the original Star Wars Trilogy, it being more thought provoking and darker than the others. Some complain about the lack of magic in the castle (talking portraits, moving staircases, etc.), the lack of a decent battle at the end. I, however, was rather impressed with the film and consider it my favorite so far.

Water Horse, The: Legend of the Deep

Luke

Rating: 4

This is a movie you could find yourself smiling at when it's over; not because of the message the movie presented, but just because it was a good story and almost got away with you not feeling like this was a movie for kids. There was no overarching message presented to the audience. It was a fantasy about how a young boy found an egg that hatched into a baby Loch Ness monster and became the only friend that could understand the emptiness and confusion the boy felt at the loss of his father.

There really isn't a whole lot more to say. You could look really hard and extract some moral lessons from the character interactions, but nothing really stood out to me as a lesson to remember. The writers could have done without making the entire film a very long flashback. There was no purpose to the old man telling the story, other than to possibly show that you shouldn't discard all mysteries as lies. The monster at the end of the story goes from almost eating the boy to saving him, and we later find out that the boy who almost drowns because he stepped off a ledge under the water can miraculously swim. Why does the boy have to swim with the monster to the edge of the lake? Almost too much "Free Willy"-ness for me; but, again, it was enjoyable.