Trina Boice's Blog: The Boice Box, page 9

A movie to honor Martin Luther King Jr on his day

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I wanted to share areview of Lee Daniels' The Butler, released just last week on DVD.   I simply don’t understand how a mediocre movie like “American Hustle” can get nominated for Golden Globe and Academy awards when powerful movies like Lee Daniels' The Butlerare completely overlooked.
Movie Title:  Lee Daniels' The ButlerPG-13, 2 hours 12 minutes

Grade: A
In a Nutshell:  Packed full of awesome star power, Lee Daniels' The Butleris a sobering look at U.S. history and the evolution of black Civil Rights. The film begins with the quote “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”   “Light” has long been a symbol representing knowledge, truth, and understanding.
Lee Daniels' gripping movie begins in 1926 Macon, Georgia where slavery was outlawed, yet still practiced culturally in the south.  “The only thing I ever knew was cotton” are the first words you hear from Cecil Gaines, a black man whose family worked on a plantation and destroyed by the bigoted, evil property owner.  Cecil’s journey takes him to the White House to serve as a butler and experience first-hand the political changes that affected a family and a nation.
For those unfamiliar with black history in this country, this “crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice” is shown in a Forest Gump-like overview through significant milestones in Civil Rights, such as: the Executive Order in Little Rock, 1960’s Fisk University, Freedom Writers [Blu-ray], 1965 Malcolm X speaking tour, Bloody Sunday, Vietnam, The Black Panthermovement in the 1960’s, and on up through President Obama. You hear the “N” word used a lot, a word defined in the film as a “white man’s word filled with hate.”
Uplifting theme:  There are many uplifting themes throughout the movie that should spark interesting conversations about equal rights at your dinner table.  It was fascinating to watch father and son approach their desire for equality and respect in different ways: one with dignity and patience, the other with reckless passion.  The screen shows the words “This film is dedicated to the men and women who fought for freedom in the Civil Rights movement.”  Thankfully, the movie points out that the group includes both white and black patriots.  It’s hard to believe that only a few decades ago, black Americans were not allowed to drink out of the same drinking fountain as Caucasians.  While our society still has a long way to go in regards to racism, we have come far.
Things I liked:I thought the White House dinner scene was extremely powerful, combining it with scenes from the famous Woolworth restaurant scene.  Many of the film’s montages were very well done.I love Robin Williams in everything.  He plays President Eisenhower in this movie.  Cecil serves eight presidents during his tenure as a butler.I love Alan Rickman in anything.  He was a delightful Reagan.I also adore James Marsden and thought he was perfect as John F. Kennedy.  I appreciate it when actors actually try to use the correct accent when playing the role of a real person in history.I loved seeing real TV clips from history as the movie progressed through significant times in our country’s history.The beginning and end of the movie both show an old man sitting in a chair in the White House.  I love it when movies take you in full circle.
Things I didn’t like:Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey and many of the film’s actors did an excellent job, yet were left out of Golden Globe and Oscar nominations.I thought it was actually offensive to see Jane Fonda playing Nancy Reagan.  Casting her in any political role is sure to spark controversy.Mariah Carey wasn’t entirely believable as a wife of a black man, although she plays one in real life.   Oh, snap!Because there was so much history to cover in a short amount of time (although the movie is 2 hours 12 minutes long), some scenes seemed a bit rushed and superficial.
Funny lines: “We have no tolerance for politics here at the White House.”  - Maynard at the job interview.  The audience I sat in howled with laughter.John F. Kennedy says “I’ll be looking forward to working with you the next four years.”  Jacqueline Kennedy quickly corrects “Eight years.”
Inspiring lines:Referring to the White House, Gloria Gaines says “I don’t care what goes on in that house.  I care what goes on in this house.”“A hero is one who fights to save the soul of our country.”  - Louis“Americans always turn a blind eye to our won.  We look out to the world and judge.  We hear about the concentration camps, but these camps went on for 200 years in America.”  - Cecil Gaines
Tips for parents:  I thought it was interesting that the only F-bomb in the movie was spoken by the white Vice President of the United States.  There is some profanity, infidelity, lots of racism, and violence.  Not a movie for young children, but older teens may be introduced to some history that they never learned about in school.  

To see more of my movie reviews, visit my blog at Movie Review Maven!

Who tells the 47 Ronin story best?

Many books and movies have been created to inspire others with the famous story of the Japanese Samurai and these 47 loyal Ronin.  I've never read any of the books or seen the movies until now.  Have you?  I'm curious which ones have held true to the tale.  Here's my take on the newest film to bring the story to life from my movie review blog, Movie Review Maven:


Movie Title:  47 Ronin
Grade: B
In a Nutshell:  It’s as if this long movie couldn’t decide which one it wanted to be: epic war history or CGI action fantasy.  I love Keanu Reeves and wanted this movie to be legendary for him, but it just falls short of being very memorable.  It prides itself as telling a true Japanese story, yet it mixes in modern CGI villains that spoil the authenticity.  The movie takes itself very seriously, but has a few humorous moments, such as when a pudgy Ronin tries to cut a branch with Keanu’s sharp sword.  (Is Ronin plural?  What’s one Ronin called?  Roni?)
In case you didn’t know already, a Ronin is a masterless Samurai and the film is a remake of others made in 1994 and 1941.  While many critics have been quite rough on this version, if you’re interested in Japanese lore, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy here.
Uplifting theme: I thought the ceremony with bloody thumbprints on paper was powerful.  Oishi inspires with this short speech: “We will leave this record of courage so the world will know who we were and what we did.  Tonight, we will regain our honor and avenge our Lord.  None of us knows how long he shall live or when our time will come.  But soon, all that will be left of our brief lives is the pride our children feel when they speak our names.”
At the end of the movie, the narrator explains “the memory of the 47 Ronin who put duty and justice before their fear of death has lived down through the centuries as one of the greatest examples of loyalty and honor in Japanese culture.”  The screen then shows text, telling the reader that each year, on December 14th, thousands of people from around the world visit the graves of the 47 Roninto pay their respects.  This film was inspired by their story.”  That statement alone made me want to learn more about the true tale.
Things I liked:   I love symbolism and the movie provides a few touches, such as the candles blowing out when one of the Samurai dies or when the Ronin wear white robes to show purity in obedience, surrounding a white tree in the middle, representing the pillar of tradition.  I also love it when Keanu calmly tells someone he’s going to kick their butt.  Rinko Kikuchi gave a sexy and bewitching performance.
Things I didn’t like:  The boy who plays Keanu’s character (Kai) when younger speaks with a British accent, but the older Kai does not.  Someone should have caught that little inconsistency.  The prejudice against Kai, the “half-breed” seemed a little too familiar and tired for a movie theme, although certainly experienced in many societies still today.  Maybe I’m just tired of ignorance.
Funny lines: “I knew it was you.  I saw your belly sticking out from behind the tree.”  - Kai“I knew you’d come for me.”  - Mika  (Wow, how many times have we heard that from melting starlets?)My niece lived in Japan for a year and a half and told me oishi means “delicious”, so I thought it was interesting that one of the character’s names was Oishi.
Inspiring lines:“Mountains of corpses will not stand in our way.” - Witch (Wow, that’s dedication, eh?)“What I propose ends in death.  Even if we succeed we will be hanged.”  - Oishi  (It’s hard to inspire people with a speech like that.)“A Samurai does not take credit for victories of others.”  - Oishi“I will search for you to a thousand worlds and a thousand lifetimes until I find you.”   - SPOILER ALERT  - Kai  (Now that’s romantic, right?)When a crime goes unpunished, the world is unbalanced.  When a wrong is unavenged, the heavens look down on us in shame.” – Oishi“My father told me that this world was only a preparation for the next.  All we can ask is that we leave it, having loved and being loved.”  - Mika
Things to look for:wooden Japanese shoes worn by the King Lord guySamurai wear 2 swords
Tips for parents:  No profanity and mostly bloodless fighting.  It features honor and loyalty, but also revenge.  It’s certainly an opportunity to discuss those values as a family.  Young children may get a little bored.  

If you saw this movie, I'd love to hear what you thought about it!

In case you're interested in learning more about this famous Japanese story, check out these other versions of the retelling:

Popular Tom Clancy books spurs prequel Jack Ryan movie

I love it when a good book becomes a movie. Now a good movie has created a prequel that will result in a book!

Movie Title:  Jack Ryan: Shadow RecruitPG-13, 1 hour 45 minutes
Grade: A-
In a Nutshell:  Tom Clancy fans will love this prequel to the popular Jack Ryan save-the-USA stories.  Chris Pine, with his beautiful blue eyes, joins the club of fantastic leading men who have brought this patriotic character to life: Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, and Ben Affleck.  I would have loved to see some short cameo appearances with those guys!
Sure, the film is formulaic: inexperienced CIA analyst uncovers an attack on the U.S. and is suddenly thrust into operative status as he dodges bullets, guided by a crusty mentor (played by Kevin Costner).  It’s still a fun spy thriller that will get your pulse going as you yell “Hurry!” at the big screen.
Uplifting theme:  Jack is wounded in Afghanistan in the beginning of the film, but finds two unexpected motivations to recuperate: Cathy and protecting his beloved country.I loved the look in his penetrating eye (one was swollen shut) as he was wheeled off on a gurney.  It said so much about how this country felt after the 9/11 attacks. Meaningful motivation can push you beyond what you thought you could do.
Things I liked: Kenneth Branagh directs and plays a vicious Russian in the movie.  He proves he can equally navigate Shakespeare and Thor.  I liked that the setting is modern day and spotlights a very real threat of the collapse of the American dollar.  Jack warns “They’ll call it the American crisis, but after six weeks, they’ll call it what it is…the second Great Depression.”
Things I didn’t like:  I usually like Keira Knightley, but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between her and Chris Pine.  She seemed a bit forced with her American accent. There is an obligatory car chase scene and many of the tense moments feature pounding at computer keyboards.  One disjointed scene that annoyed me included a fight scene with Jack and Aleksandr in the water under the streets, but then suddenly they’re exchanging blows in a van moving above-ground.  With all of the recent talk in the news of NSA spying, it’s interesting to see how quickly the field agents can gather intel and act on it.
Funny lines: “You weren’t kidding…you ARE in the CIA” states Jack.  William Harper responds “Somebody has to be.”“This is geo-politics, not couple’s therapy.” – William Harper“You Americans like to think of yourselves as direct, but maybe you’re just rude.” – Viktor Cherevin“You Russians like to think of yourselves as poetic, but maybe you’re just touchy.”  - Jack“The first night can be brutal.” = Viktor Cherevin after he tries to get Jack killedWilliam Harper asks “Any way to get that Boy Scout look off your face?”  Jack laughs “Not a chance.”  Harper responds “Good.  That’s what I like about you.”“He drinks, right?” Jack asks.  The response: “Like a Russian.”“I’m in the CIA”  - Jack    SPOILER ALERT:  After surviving a frightening ordeal, Cathy sighs “Thank God.”
Inspiring lines:“Wait 2 minutes before you take that” counsels Cathy to her new patient Jack who wants some pain killers.  When he asks “Why?” she inspires “So you know you can.”
Things to look for:Read the words on the movie screen when Jack passes the data on to a field agent in the dark movie theater for a symbolic undertone.The 360 degree camera pan while Jack is in the taxi after just arriving in Russia.The picture hanging in Viktor’s office.  What is it? “Battle Of Bunker Hill”?  Interesting choice, right?
Tips for parents: One F-bomb, but not that much other profanity.  Lots of bloodless fighting scenes. Jack and Cathy are found in bed for a conversation only.

Add this one to your collection of other fun Jack Ryan movies.  These are some of my favorite movies of all time:

Two films to skip this weekend

See all the money I save you?!   Here are 2 films to skip this weekend and save your hard-earned money for something else.  Be sure to read my movie reviews to find out why:



  Read my review at Movie Review Maven at http://moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/2014/01/better-as-drive-thru-than-ride-along.html

      Read my review at Movie Review Maven: http://moviereviewmaven.blogspot.com/2014/01/skip-nut-job.html

Golden Globe winner Cate Blanchett may have an Oscar to add to her collection

 
With the season of award shows beginning, I thought I would share one of my movie reviews that features Golden Globe winner Cate Blanchett.

Movie Title:   Blue Jasmine
PG – 13, 1 hour 38 minutes
Grade: B+
In a Nutshell:  The best part of this Woody Allen film is the stunning Cate Blanchett, who just won a Golden Globe for this role, as well as an Oscar nomination with buzz of a win.  She plays Jasmine/Jeanette, a wealthy Park Avenuewife whose life unravels, leaving her to discover and reinvent herself. It’s a bit depressing, but darkly funny.  Some people will find some satisfaction in watching a rich snob fall to the bottom of the financial barrel.  Of course, Alec Baldwin is completely believable in his role as a Bernie Madoff type of husband.  Andrew DiceClay hardly has to act and British actress Sally Hawkins is delightful as Jasmine’s sister Ginger.

Uplifting theme:  It’s a cautionary tale of sorts for women.  Girls, pay attention to your finances; don’t “let” your husband take care of it all.  Be an informed partner.  Jasmine’s brother-in-law Augie said about her “She’s a phony and had to know.”  Did she?  We hear one of Jasmine’s wealthy gal pal’s advise her “Just don’t file a joint tax return.”  Jasmine sighs “I sign anything…I’m very trusting.”  Famous last words.   
Jasmine’s step-son asks “Did you not suspect anything or did you not care?”  Good question.  She turned the other eye at her husband’s dishonest business dealings, but ironically, she drew the line at his cheating.  Jasmine is so delusional that she makes a remark about another man who can’t seem to live without a woman, but in reality, she is the one who can’t live without a man.  She criticizes her sister for choosing to date losers, but Jasmine’s husband Hal is the bigger loser, albeit an extremely wealthy one.
Jasmine said “There’s only so many traumas a person can withstand before you take to the streets and start screaming.”  Perhaps those who judge “crazy” people mumbling on the park bench will now stop to consider what pains and sorrows brought the person to that point.
Things I liked:  Cate Blanchett is simply mesmerizing to watch. Woody Allen is a master at building characters and choosing his leading women.  I loved Jasmine’s gorgeous home on the beach.

Things I didn’t like:  I hated watching women being lied to by married men.  I was surprised that there was nothing interesting to see at the beginning…justrolling names on the screen. I might have panned across beautiful homes of the “rich and famous” or the The Hamptons: Life Behind the Hedges .  Same thing.  The film is a bit messy at times, but I suppose that matches the lives of the people in it.
Funny line:“I changed it. Yeah, Jeanette had no panache.”  - JasmineCan you believe I had to move out of my beautiful home and take a place in Brooklyn?”  - JasmineGinger asks Jasmine “How did you fly First Class” and Jasmine answers “I don’t know.  I just did.”“I suppose I’m going to have to invite them to my birthday party now.” – Jasmine“Tomorrow I’m definitely taking the day off. I’ve neglected everything: my yoga, my pilates…”  - Jasmine“Not bad taste for a Philistine businessman.”  - Hal when he gives Jasmine an expensive bracelet”“Nurses are hot to go to bed with.” – Ginger’s new boyfriend“They say every year millions of brain cells just die off.” – Jasmine as she throws back a glass of alcohol“He’s sexy and he doesn’t steal.” – Ginger“Edison’s Medicine – because they use electricity to get you thinking straight again.” - Jasmine
Things to look for:  The way she treats people in the service industry at the beginning.The “infinity pool” in her backyardJasmine checks her watch when Ginger & Augie come to visitJasmine’s gigantic diamond wedding ring
Tips for parents: This is really not a movie for children.  The film is a character study with no action.  In other words, they’ll be bored to death.  Some profanity, but no F-bombs.  Some sexual discussions and a terrifically awkward groping scene with a pathetic dentist.

Which book by Trina do you want to win?

I wanted to let you know about some freebies you can win!  There are 2 contests that are giving away my books for free!

Click on the "Enter to win" at Goodreads before January 21st and you could win!




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Goodreads Book Giveaway The Ready Resource for Relief Society Teachings of the Presidents of the Church by Trina Boice Giveaway ends January 21, 2014.
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Goodreads Book Giveaway How to Stay UP in a DOWN Economy by Trina Boice Giveaway ends January 27, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win

The Book Thief illustrates courage beyond words

As an author, I simply HAD to see this movie!
Here is my review, as posted on my other blog:  MovieReviewMaven



Movie Title:  The Book Thief
Rating: PG-13, 2 hours 5 minutes
Grade: A-
In a Nutshell:  I had to drive past several theaters near my home to find one that carried this film…truly a hidden gem. The sobering, yet inspiring film is based on the international best-selling novel by Marcus Zusak, The Book Thief , which was on the New York Times bestseller list for 200 weeks.  It introduces a provincial German town and how it experiences the close-up pains of WWII, contrasting life and death, darkness and light, hope and a haunting humanity.  We rarely see WWII movies that illustrate the “other” side of the story: how German families were affected by the Nazis, the Jews who lived beside them in their neighborhoods, and the sacrifices that would be required of them all. 
Liesel is exposed to her first book, ironically “The Gravedigger’s Handbook”, and becomes fascinated with reading and words.  The power of words is illustrated beautifully in so many ways: Nazi propaganda posters on the town’s walls, name-calling by school bullies and Mama, Liesel’s storytelling in the bomb shelter, the eery words narrated by Death, etc.  The film is guided by popularDownton Abbey: The Complete Seasons 1, 2 & 3 (9 Discs) director Brian Percival.
Uplifting theme:  There were actually so many positive messages around every corner that I had a hard time writing them all down in the dark theater.  This movie should have your family discussing many ideas for a long time.  (See list below in the parent section.)
Things I liked:  I’m an author of 17 books, so you KNOW I liked this movie!  There were so many things I enjoyed, such as the picturesque European streets, the visual contrasts between the stark white snow and the black shoes that crunched on it, the playful use of words and images, and the powerful acting. The lovely Sophie Nelisse (Liesel) was believable and adorable.  Geoffrey Rush (Hans) was a sweet foster papa you wanted to spend more time with, and Nico Liersch (Rudy) was a dear best friend who had the looks that Hitler would kill for…and did.  Roger Allam narrated the film as a character that is unclear until the end.  I loved the anticipation as I waited for his character to be revealed.
The talented Emily Watson (Rosa) played a stern German woman who Liesel describes as being a thunderstorm, but who Death knew had a big heart. I loved the image of her falling asleep with Papa’s accordion.  My German grandmother died when I was just a little girl, so I regret that I never got to know her well.  She seemed to me a typical austere German matriarch, but my father adored her and I knew there was more to her than I understood.  “Mama” in the movie was this kind of multi-layered woman.
Inspiring quotes:* “A person is only as good as his word.”   - Papa* “Better that we leave the pain behind, than ever forget the music.”  - Hans* “I am haunted by humans.”   - Death* “You’ll meet me soon enough.”  - Death* “A mother never gives up on her child.” – Elsa* “Memory is the scribe of the soul.”  (Aristotle) quoted by Max
Things I didn’t like:  The children don’t seem to age during the 5 year period.  I know that’s hard to do in a film, but still…I had my tissues ready and was prepared to cry, but I never did.   Perhaps it was all that German stoicism that prevented me from shedding a tear.
Funny line: Liesel asks “What’s an accountant?”  Papa answers “Something we will never need.”“He’s the dumbest kid in school, but he shaves.” – Rudy“It’s the best thing I ever threw up.”  - “Every mother loves her child, even Hitler’s” – Max“Words are life.” – Max Things to look for: Wintered old vines growing all over the schoolhouse facadeBe sure to read the subtitles for song the school children singI’ve always fantasized about having a library like Elsa’s that is so large you need a ladder to reach the books on the top shelves, complete with cozy chairs, Tiffany lamps and a window to look out and see the world in a new wayLiesel appropriately reads The Invisible Manto Max, the Jewish boy her family hides in their basementGerman Christmas tree with candles on it
Helpful German words to know as you watch the movie or read the book:auf wiedersehen    -  goodbyebahnhof                 -  train stationdreckiges               -  dirty  Frau                       - MissFührer                    - leadergesindel                 - vermin or lowlifegut                          - goodguten morgen         -  good morningherr                         - Mrja                             -  yesJuden                      -  JewsNein                       -  no saumensch              -  pig (used as an insult)und                          -  and
Tips for parents:  While two of the stars are children, it’s not really a film that will hold the attention of young children.  Mature, older children may find it interesting, but the theme is dark and requires some understanding of the dangers of being a Jew in WWII Germany.  There are some scenes with dead bodies, although they are mostly pale, not covered in blood.  There is some violence, bullying, and profanity in German.
The movie presents great topics to discuss with pre-teen children and older ones, such as Should censorship of books be allowed or not? What do you consider to be “intellectual dirt?”If your eyes could speak, what would they say?Liesel was a book thief.  How was Hitler one as well?Which emotion is the most powerful: love, fear, or hope?What did you think when Max painted over the pages of the book Mein Kampf? How did Liesel demonstrate courage beyond words? I would love to hear what YOU thought about the book or film!

J.R.R. Tolkien would have been pleased

Movie Title: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Special Edition  
Grade: B+
In a Nutshell:  I love it when great literature is made into movies! I wonder how J.R.R. Tokien really visualized all of the characters in his epic stories.  I don't know how he would have thought about Peter Jackson's versions, but I'm sure he would have been thrilled with the growing fan base.

Fill up your popcorn buckets early folks…this is a long movie. It feels good to be back in Middle Earth. According to the Associated Press, it looks like everyone was willing to spend Christmas with The Hobbit. The second part of The Hobbit trilogy won the weekend box office, bringing in $29.9 million over three days.  Tried and true fans of the Lord of the Rings have been supporting the Hobbit’s story, although most will admit this second trilogy isn’t quite as novel or spell-binding as the first.  (Terrible puns intended.)
Bilbo Baggins (the terrific Martin Freeman) continues his journey with thirteen Dwarves and Gandalf the Grey (beloved Ian McKellan) to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor within the grand mountain.  You can’t blame Director Peter Jackson for trying to cash in on a proven hit.  Did you know Pan’s Labryinth’s Guillermo del Toro was one of the writers?
Uplifting theme: Good vs. evil.  Light vs. darkness.  Courage vs. cowardice. In the first Hobbit movie, Bilbo was so frightened by the idea of a quest that he fainted.  With each progressing film, Bilbo develops heroic qualities and reveals hidden reserves of inner strength.  Mankind, and perhaps even WWI England, may be whom Tolkien wanted to inspire to greatness.  Epic literature often features swords with names to show the bravery of the holder, so it is fitting that as Bilbo’s courage grows, he names his short sword that killed the spiders “Sting.” 
Things I liked:  The dragon was amazing.  I loved how you could see the fire building beneath his throat and belly before he roared with flames.  Very cool.  It gives real meaning to their expression “the flames of war.” The barrel scene was whimsical and action-packed, albeit cheesy and not as polished as the rest of the CGI in the film.  You can see individual hairs blowing in the wind in the 3D version of the High Frame Rate.  At first, the 48 frames per second feels odd to the senses, but the quality is amazing.  I love the simmering Smaug played expertly by Benedict Cumberbatch. 
We learn another trick the ring can do: it allows Bilbo to understand what the giant spiders are saying.  Ick.  Fans of Lost will be happy to see Canadian beauty Evangeline Lilly take to the screen as Tauriel, one of the many new characters that don’t exist in J.R.R. Tolkien’s original book.
Things I didn’t like:  I tried to read The Hobbitwhen I was in college and shamefully admit I just couldn’t get into it.  While I loved The Lord of the Rings, there is something missing in this Hobbit trilogy.  I confess that I was completely exhausted when I watched this film, so I don’t know if it was that or because the movie was dragging that caused me to doze off a time or two.  What happened to sexy, playful Legolas?  He was angry and moody throughout the entire movie.  Poor Orlando Bloom.  Have you noticed that Orks never walk, but are constantly running at a wicked pace?
Humans are always so greasy and dirty in these films, have you noticed?  The Master of Laketown’s assistant had some “ripe” zits that were incredibly disgusting to look at.  Gandolf’s only power (although effective) was to slam down his staff and bring evil-destroying light.  Other than that, he was fleeing on a horse or running…it would be nice if he could contribute more magic to get everyone out of their never-ending dangerous predicaments.
Funny lines:  “What is that?”  “Our host!”“Did he offer you a deal?”  “I did.  I told him he could #$%!#$.”  (We assume that’s some kind of profanity in Dwarf lingo.)
Insightful quotes: “When did we allow evil to become stronger than us?”  - Tauriel“Do not think that flattery will keep you alive.”   - Dragon“What have we done?”  - Bilbo“He cannot see beyond his own desire.”  - Bard the Bowman“Such is the nature of evil.  In time all foul things come forth.”  - Legolas
Things to look for:  The comical self-portrait and statue of Stephen Fry as Master of LaketownSpeaking of Laketown…did you notice Stephen Colbert in the movie?!  He played a Laketown spy and was invited by Peter Jackson who declared him the king of Lord of the Ring geeks.  Rumor has it he may in the third installment as well.I know a guy in real life who looks just like the handsome Aidan Turner who plays Kili.  He’s an inspiring artist who makes super cool t-shirt designs at www.BeamingDownPeace.com   He’s in the 3rd & 6th photo on the “Us” page.  There’s a shout-out for ya Nick!Stunning black & white horses towards the beginning of the filmCool transformation scene when the “Skin Changer” turns into a humanThe Prancing Pony from Lord of the Rings at the beginning of the filmBeautiful, long Elf locks.  Someone from Loreal needs to make an Elf a spokes modelA quick peek at what a woman Dwarf and baby Dwarf look like in the photo inside the necklace.  Look fast!The rock that looks like Rodin’s famous “The Thinker” just outside a cave
Tips for parents:  Lots of fighting and some scary scenes with spiders, Orks, fiery dragon, and other creepy creatures.

Fun products if you're a Tolkien fan:

The Lord of the Rings (50th Anniversary Edition)
Tolkien Calendar 2014, The hobbit
Lord Of The Rings Sting Sword Letter Opener

Frozen will melt your heart

Movie Title:  Frozen
Grade: A
In a Nutshell:  Magical.  Visually stunning. Old school Disney romance with a modern feel, similar to Tangled.  This one is worth buying on DVD for the fam.  Somehow this is going to be made into a Broadway musical some day, right?  The detail and humor are Disney perfection.
Uplifting theme:  Love IS an open door.  It’s a bit of a dramatic illustration of believing the mistaken notion to “conceal it – don’t feel it.”  Embrace yourself and your unique strengths and weaknesses. Of your worries and stresses - let it go.  Girls, your handsome prince may not wear a suit with epaulets.
Things I liked:  Idina Menzel's beautiful voice…yes please. All of the snow-filled animation is simply gorgeous from the delicate snowflakes to glittering snow packs to icy palaces, foggy breath, windy flurries, and a lively snowman.  You can hear the snow crunch and you feel like you’re IN the fog and cold snow storm….watch it in 3D if you can!  The human movement, facial expressions, and Kristoff’s awesome hair are all amazing.  We’ll probably see Kristoff’s boots for sale in the Ugg store pretty soon.  Elsa’s cute figure is inspiring and yet false advertising at the same time.  Kristen Bell did a terrific job too.
Things I didn’t like: The African chant music seemed out of place.  My son (the animation student in college) thought the artwork was so elegant that Olaf the Snowman seemed out of place and a bit of an annoyance a la Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars.  My sister disagreed and thought Olaf was a welcomed comic relief, connecting the two sisters to their childhood relationship.  Speaking of Olaf, lovable Josh Gad, who voices the enthusiastic snowman, praised Disney’s animation talent by saying “If there’s something snow can do, Disney animators have absolutely discovered it!”  The Art Direction team was sent to Norway for inspiration for snow-filled mountains and even costuming on the film.
Funny line:  “We finish each other’s….sandwiches.”
Things to look for: [image error] Famous artwork on walls in the palace.  I especially love the Fragonard.  Drool on Anna’s mouth when she’s asleepAurora Borealis.  That’s on my Bucket List for things to see before I die.The axe in the beginning scene.Romantic robot dancing from the movie Hitchwhen Anna and Hans sing “Our mental synchronization can have but one explanation.”Anna sings through the keyholeSo much to see in the troll scene!
Insightful quotes:“Only true love can thaw a frozen heart.”  – Pabbie/Grandpa “Some people are worth melting for.”  - Olaf the Snowman “Don’t know if I’m elated or grassy, but I’m somewhere in that zone.”  - Anna “You sacrificed for me?”  “I love you.”  - Anna & Elsa   (something all sisters should say to one another)“The heart is not so easily changed, but the head can be persuaded.” "People make bad choices if they're mad or scared or stressed."  - Troll 

Tips for parents:  No bad language, but a tiny bit of a dark theme.  Enough action for the boys to be entertained, beautiful music for the girls to sing along to, and thought-provoking character development for adults to enjoy.  Thanks to YouTube, you’ll be able to watch some of your favorite songs and scenes again until the DVD hits store shelves.

Saving Mr. Banks features Disney Magic That Touches the Heart

Movie Title:  Saving Mr. Banks
Grade: A-
In a Nutshell:  This is an absolutely lovely film that wraps a perfect Disney bow around your heart.  It’s the untold back-story of how the beloved movie Mary Poppinscame to be.  Walt Disney is vividly brought to life by two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks.  Until now, very few fans knew that Disney spent 20 years trying to convince the curmudgeonly author of the Mary Poppinsbooks to allow him to turn her stories into the iconic film that we all adore.  The fantastic Emma Thompson, also a two-time Oscar winner perfectly portrays P.L. Travers, the author who struggles with her hidden fears and the ghosts of her past and who is the one who ultimately saves Mr. Banks in the end.  This should be Emma Thompson’s third Academy win…
Uplifting theme:  This spoonful of sugar touched a sensitive spot on aging Baby Boomers in the audience who cried like babies in the end. (weak grin)  While P.L. Travers reviews in her mind the tormented life of her charming father’s addictions, she too is caged by her personal demons.  SPOILER ALERT: It wasn’t until Walt Disney and P.L. Travers chose to change their painful childhood memories, focusing on the good and allowing the anger to melt away, that Mr. Banks was saved. We would be wise to do the same.
Things I liked:  While her prickly personality battles against the Disney machine during the day, she cuddles with the soft mouse at night in her hotel room.  I loved the moment when a giant Mickie Mouse offers to escort a hesitant P.L. Travers into the debut screening of the movie.  An underused gem, I loved Bradley Whitford in The West Wing: The Complete Series Collection and “The Good Guys” (Pilot [HD]), so it was great to see him again.  The handsome Colin Farrell and talented character actor Paul Giamatti added nicely to the star-studded cast.
Things I didn’t like:  The medicine that was spoon-fed included a dose of Disney branding that was a bit self-serving on the eve of the half-century anniversary of Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary Edition , albeit clever marketing.  I was surprised to learn that P.L. Travers didn’t want actor Dick Van Dyke in the Mary Poppinsmovie…I LOVE him and thought he was truly magical in the film!
Funny line: Walt Disney says to P.L. Travers who sits awkwardly on a carousel “I had a wager I couldn’t get you on a ride.  I just won twenty bucks!”  The author of a children’s book about a flying nanny ironically questions Disney by asking “Where is the gravitas?”

Insightful quotes: “Live a life that isn’t dictated by the past.”   - Disney“We restore order with imagination.”  - Disney“A leisurely stroll is a gift.”  Ralph“A mouse is family.”  - Disney“This world is just an illusion.”  - Robert Goff Travers
Things to look for:  Notice who says “Don’t leave me”, “Never.  I promise” and how it is fulfilled. Apparently, Walt Disney smoked like a chimney and was rarely seen without a cigarette.  It was decided in this movie to remove that portrayal, but there is one quick mention of it when Walt, himself, stamps out a cigarette to protect the children’s sensitive eyes. 
Tips for parents: Saving Mr. Banksis a bit slow-moving for children, without big action scenes to make up for it.  While it is about Walt Disney’s magical world, the film is more about character development and the magic of creating one’s future, rather than dwelling on the past.  

Interesting books to read on the subject:
How to Be Like Walt: Capturing the Disney Magic Every Day of Your Life

The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney

Mary Poppins - The Complete Collection