Family-friendly Halloween Favorites

If you're looking for a non-gory, family-friendly, Halloween movie, take a look at the following list of some of our favorites:

• The Ghost and Mr. Chicken - A goofy Don Knott's film, a definite classic.
• It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! - Short and sweet, network classic.
• The Corpse Bride - Not as good as Nightmare, but still fun.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas - Not many Halloween musicals out there, and this is top-notch.
• Ernest Scared Stupid - Haven't actually seen this one, but my kids seemed to enjoy it - watch at your own risk.
• Garfield's Halloween - Another short and sweet network classic.
• Arsenic and Old Lace (on Netflix) - A great family comedy, one of our favorites.
• Scared Stiff - a fun Martin and Lewis comedy.
• Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (on Netflix)- There are a number of A&C halloweeny movies, and this is the best (followed closely by Whodunnit)
• To Kill a Mockingbird - Not really a Halloween movie, but the climax and ending scene happen on Halloween, plus it's a great movie to watch anytime.

Netflix Instant Picks - 4/20/12

A few gems on Netflix worth watching:

Ghostbusters (1984) - I still need to see the second one (also on Netflix Instant) to gear up for the third one coming out later this year.  Bill Murray at his best.

Rango (2011) - While not recommended for young children, this movie is a blast that will keep you going.  Think Chinatown for a wider audience.

The Road to Bali (1952) - Bob Hope and Bing Crosby were a great comedy duo.  While part musical, they manage to keep the comedy throughout the music to keep you engaged.

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) - One of my all-time favorite Cary Grant movies.  You get to see him out of his suave, debonair shell and see him as kooky as in Bringing Up Baby!  This is a must see classic comedy.  Chaaaaaaaarge!

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A few I haven't seen yet, but am anxious to check out:

• The Hustler
• Kramer vs. Kramer
• The Kite Runner
• Monkey Business
• Henry V
• My Man Godfrey

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.

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) - M6.2/E8

I haven’t read any Michael Connelly books, but I’m guessing they fit right in there with Grisham’s best legal thrillers (of which I’ve only seen the movies). This was a well done movie and even more enjoyable as I’m just being introduced to the TV series the Firm (even sharing Josh Lucas with this movie).

I’ve always wondered about defence attorneys. How can someone defend a person who has committed awful crimes? This show made me remember (along with the Firm) that we believe in innocence before proven guilty. That proof is offered in court and often decided by a jury. Even the alleged criminal deserves justice, and shouldn’t be labelled a criminal until decided in a court of law. (It could be argued that not all criminals are caught, and thus not “alleged,” but that’s not the point of this short insight.)

We tend to sympathize with the victims of crimes, which can easily cause us to demonize those who defend their aggressors. But I like the thought that everyone deserves a fair trial. Our justice system was created with the thought of “innocent before proven guilty.” Which is why, for example, it’s unlawful to target American citizens for assassination without a fair trial. Our laws and justice system aren’t meant to prevent bad things from happening, it is a reactive system. If we want dangerous people off the street, we need to figure out lawful ways to bring them to justice and prevent them from pursuing more evil.

Back to the movie, Mick Haller isn’t the noble lawyer that Mitch McDeere is in The Firm, but his nobility does shine through his sleaziness as he gets entwined in his new client’s case. When what he values most is in danger (his and his family’s lives) he straightens up and is able to put evil in its place. His gratitude shines through as he offers to work pro bono for one of his shadier frequented clients who’s team of motorcycle buddies do Mick a huge favor. The resolution may not come as much of a surprise, but it’s the journey, not the end results that make the movie a fun, worthwhile experience.

Mick and his wife appear to be separated, though not totally distant.  However, all that they end up going through and Mick realizing how much he loves his family, makes it possible to believe that they'll try harder to make things work.  This isn't really a main point of the movie, but another good thought that adds to its value.

Do be aware that there is some strong language and a few scenes of violence, but the overall content is extremely mild considering the rating this show received.

Netflix Instant Picks - 3/13/12

The African Queen (1951) - A classic, must-see, Bogart/Hepburn movie.

How to Succeed in Business (Without Really Trying) (1967) - This is one of my all-time favorite comedies and favorite musicals.  I fell in love with this back in high school (and wouldn't recommend it for anyone any younger).

The Secret of Kells (2009) - This is an amazingly well done (different) animated feature.  The story was intriguing, though a little scary for really young kids.

The Iron Giant (1999) - This is another great animated feature that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Peter and the Wolf (2006) - This is a short one, but a great, stop-motion adaptation of the story (and probably makes your kids smarter for listening to Prokofiev's beautiful score).

Valentine's Day Movie Picks

Here's a quick list of some of the Romance/Romantic-Comedy themed movies we've reviewed for any of you wanting to spend Valentine's Day on the couch with your lover.

• The African Queen (Available on Netfilx Instant)
• An Affair to Remember (Available on Netfilx Instant)
• As Good As It Gets
• Benny and Joon (Available on Netfilx Instant)
• Casablanca
• Crazy Stupid Love
• Date Night
• Fireproof
• Flipped
• Once
• Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
• Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
• The Adjustment Bureau
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• The Young Victoria
• When in Rome
• You've Got Mail

Other options we haven't yet reviewed, but recommend, on Netflix:

• McLintock!
• Return to Me
• Calamity Jane

Netflix Instant Picks - 2/2/12

My main sources of movie watching are Netflix Instant, the library, and my own movie collection - in that order.  If you're looking for something worthwhile to watch on Netflix Instant, I'll start posting these short lists weekly with a variety of movies I'd recommend checking out.

• True Grit (2010) - Remake of the classic western. Nice update and more faithful to the book.
• Shaolin Soccer (2001) - A great Stephen Chow film. I loved the comedic action.
• That Thing You Do! (1996) - Great song, though you are a bit tired of it by the end.  Fun story.
• Forever Strong (2008) - Great inspirational sports story.  Breaks mold of other formulaic sports films.
• Calamity Jane (1953) - Fun musical/comedy/romance.  Get a little culture by watching this.
• Mao's Last Dancer (2009) - Great movie.  Mostly in English, but good anyways.  Amazing dance routines, moving story, and good history lesson (though not sure of accuracy).