As I think back over my Christmas break, I realize three things:
- We have had some fairly major family projects: for example, moved my daughter into her new bedroom (but first had to move all my husband’s collections out of the “new” room!). That adventure turned every room in the house upside-down for a day or so!
- I have not gotten any papers graded…about to start on that!
- A theme interspersed throughout the break: going to the movie theater to see several new releases.
As I have begun a book review blog…thought I might as well start with my reviews of the four movies I saw this holiday season:
- Australia: an awesome movie about an incident during World War II set in this beautiful country. Three hours long and starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, this is a movie that I would love to see again. Truly informative and, oh, so funny at the same time. My husband and I saw this movie on our “date,” while completing our Christmas shopping. (By the way, I recommend dates with your significant other…a truly good thing.)
- Valkyrie: A movie for those of us in need of a “heroic” fix. Not nearly historically inclined as I should have been throughout my life, I gained another insight into the reign of Hitler when my husband (who is addicted to learning anything historical…and that is also a good thing) wanted to go and see this movie the day it was released…Christmas. On Christmas evening, we found ourselves “kidless,” so off we went to see, for the first time, a move on Christmas day, sure to what I just knew would be an empty theater. Not so! Lots of people go to movies on Christmas (maybe to escape the reality of a busy Christmas season?). Tom Cruise portrayed his character Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg so passionately, as he attempted to thwart Hitler. Although unsuccessful, he and his co-conspirators were true heroes.
- Marley and Me: A movie about a man (Owen Wilson, also starring Jennifer Aniston) and his best friend, a movie that my daughter wants to see again…which tells you that it has kid-appeal. Caution: although rated PG, this movie has a little too much language for my comfort level while attending a movie with nine-year-old. I do wish more of that had been left out. This movie took us on quite a jouney…from laughter to tears. Not to sound uncaring…but few movies drive me to tears…and this one nearly did. To any pet-lover or pet-owner…or to those of us who care deeply about our friends…both animal and human…as they age, this movie will touch you. We saw this movie while on our “girl day”…another fun time that I would recommend to all mothers and one that I hope to have more of.
- Bedtime Stories: A Disney movie, this one is great for kids…both young and old. One review I skimmed gave Adam Sandler a not-so-good rating…not sure why. My daughter and I (and a room full of other viewers on New Year’s Eve) laughed much…yes, a good movie. A great way to end 2008 (except that my husband had to work) and to begin 2009.
During the previews, I saw several more that I hope to see this year: Motel for Dogs, Inkheart, and, yes, a new Harry Potter movie…to be released in July!
Yes, 2008 was great…now on to an even better 2009!
