Thor (2011)

Entertainment Rating: 3 of 5

This was a fun movie. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot, since I didn’t know much about Thor to begin with. The little I’ve come into contact with him in the few Avengers graphic novels I’ve read hasn’t been deep enough for me to exert more time into learning about him. The movie told a good story when it took place in Asgard (Thor’s home planet) and Bifrost (planet inhabited by Asgard’s enemies). Even the part of the story when Thor is exiled to Earth and we see him change is decently depicted, until Natalie Portman enters the picture along with all the corny drama and romance that happen on Earth. There’s such a stark contrast in the story between Asgard and Earth that it makes the story less believable than if it had taken place entirely on Asgard and Bifrost. The movie might be worth checking out once, but expect much less than Spider-man, Batman Begins, and Iron Man.

Moral Rating: 3 of 5

Thor’s change of character is the strongest message in the film, even though it is a little too unbelievable. One of my friends commented that it was as if walking around without a shirt on and serving some earthlings some eggs, he became worthy of his hammer. Regardless of the process of the change, there was a marked difference between the naive and selfish Thor prior to his banishment and the Thor that returned to keep Asgard out of the hands of those who would destroy it. When our lives are devoted to helping others instead of satisfying our own selfishness, we are happier and we are able to be a much larger, positive influence in the lives of those around us.

Flipped (2010)

Entertainment Rating: 4 of 5

The trailer really sold me on this show. It had great music and what seemed to be a pretty promising story. The story was a little long, but told in a really cool way. We’re shown half of the movie from the point of view of a young boy and the other half of the movie is the same as the first (it’s broken up into more than just two halves), but told by a young girl who has a crush on the young boy and happens to live across the street from him. It was our Valentine’s day show, not terribly romantic, but a little lower key than what Scott Pilgrim might have been.

Moral Rating: 4 of 5

This was an easy going film, but at the same time presented some very deep issues. Beyond the awkward boy/girl relationships we get a good look at prejudices and heartaches from two different sides. A lot of times we only get the one perspective in a film (or in life), not multiple. We see that we can’t always lie or hide behind a lie; who we are will show through no matter what we try to do to cover things up. Bryce takes the whole movie to realize who he is and to be comfortable with it. He spends too much time trying to make other people happy (except Juli) and as a result he’s never really happy. Juli helps him (inadvertently) become the good guy he is in the end.

Juli was a very good girl, who had a strong character and really knew what she wanted in life and got it (at least as far as her influence reached, Bryce was a little harder to “get”). Bryce on the other hand was a lot weaker and struggled with knowing when to stand up for something that was right. A lot of the differences between the two could be seen in their families’ lives and how they treated each other and how they spent time together at home. While the mothers of Bryce and Juli shared something in common, the two fathers were quite opposite and had a lot of influence on how their families behaved.

The overarching symbol of the Sycamore tree added a nice touch to the overall flow of the show. We can choose to see life and the world from a broad, reaching perspective or be content to live our own lives in our own little world and never try to learn about or love others.

There was a little more language than in most PG movies, probably similar to the Sandlot and some dialog that contributed to the rating, but overall we enjoyed it.

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.

Dick Tracy

Dick Tracy is a movie of vivid cinematic art that compares to the great visual talent by the creator's of Hero. Dick Tracy is a great example of moral character and is still human enough for us to relate to.  Even in the face of diverse temptations he couldn't betray his character and what he stood for. His love for Tess was virtuous; he didn't have to live with her (or sleep with her) to show his love for her. Tracy showed love and respect towards the kid by trusting him and providing good fatherly judgment by making an effort to keep him out of danger, but at the same time he didn't hide his appreciation when the kid showed up with needed assistance.

Tracy seems a little flabbergasted at Ms. Mahoney's forwardness which causes some emotional interference between him and Tess. Eventually he's able to sort out his thoughts and feelings and realizes he loves Tess (though this happens after Tess leaves him). Tracy probably let Breathless get a little too close to him. Had he recognized the effects of this temptation on his and Tess's relationship earlier he wouldn't have put himself in the predicament that makes the rest of the movie happen (to our enjoyment).

As for the last scene, I think Tracy ultimately pitied Breathless - whether or not his move was appropriate is disputable. It (this is ambiguous on purpose) could have been more of a thank you, because she ultimately brought Tess back and helped get rid of Big Boy; or it could have displayed some true emotions he might have actually had for Ms. Mahoney.

Either way, this is a classic show with a good message. By today's standards probably should be thrown in the PG-13 category as some elements are not appropriate for a younger crowd.