Summer Movie Reviews

Like many good citizens who are trying to save money (and gas), or else who are just flat broke, the Tasty Names family is going it without a vacation this summer. And by "vacation," I mean we are not visiting either Arkansas or Iowa. We're doing without other things as well, as are so many we know. But our one indulgence this summer is movies! Not at the cinema. No, I'm talking DVDs. This is in large part thanks to Netflix. I will attempt to give brief and concise reviews (as if I could!) of some of my very favorites that we've seen so far.

I have loved The Lord of the Rings movies. I'd never seen them until this summer! And I was taken in, as were so many. I need to read those books like my husband has. They intimidate me, though. Does anyone know some good reading material I could get my hands on regarding the symbolism present in the stories? It goes without saying that it's there; I'd just like to dissect it some more. At seminary, they had cinematology nights, in which they'd watch a film and discuss the Biblical symbolism. I never got to take part, but the Lord of the Rings trilogy was discussed. I'm sure it was great. I'm actually still waiting to see the last movie, The Return of the King. Nobody tell me what happens! Samwise is my favorite character. His loyalty to Frodo is amazing to me.

After Buffalo Wings and I watched The Village, we could not stop talking about it. M. Night Shyamalan never ceases to astound, does he? Did ya'll see this movie? I was really skeptical and almost afraid to watch it, because I just don't do ghouly scary movies. This movie is creepy, but not scary, especially after you figure out what is going on. BW and I pondered over the whole idea of the village itself. Trying to escape society, you create one of your own. It was brainwashing at its best. But now one of Those of Whom We Do Not Mention has been killed - by a blind girl, no less! At what point will someone begin to question? Also, the idea of trying to escape loss and hatred and having horrible things happen. Shyamalan paints a wonderful picture of what futility there is in doing such things.

One reason that I like Netflix is that I can get films such as Baptists at our Barbeque. It is an LDS film and it is possible to find these and many other types of movies at Netflix. It would probably be otherwise more difficult to get. I really liked this movie! It is cute and quirky, while having a great message attached to it. It takes place in a small town in which either belongs to the Mormon church or the Baptist church. One thing I really liked about the movie is that neither group is portrayed as better or worse, because each group has its own special annoying characters! In the end (you'll just have to get your hands on the movie to see how it happens!), both groups come together. The movie says a lot about how petty we humans can be toward one another, and about how people with differences can really coexist - even become friends! - if we look past everything we percieve not to like. I know it all sounds a little fluffy and cliche. It's not. Or it is. Either way, great movie.

Narnia. What else do I need to say? What a great movie! I loved the books, and I love how the movie stays so true to The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Chicken Nugget has enjoyed the movie very much, too. I was afraid it might scare her, but it didn't. You know, the fighting scenes with all the weird beasts and stuff. BW and I saw the movie in the theater, and I cried like a baby, even though I knew what was going to happen. But I cried when Aslan came back, too. Everyone in the theater was clapping! It was great. Aslan is on the move.

I don't know why I like the comic-book based ones, but I do. Spiderman is one of my favorites. I never read the comics as a kid. I never watched the cartoons. But now, as an adult, I have really enjoyed the movies! I can't wait for the third one to come out. Maybe it's the classic battle between good verses evil. Or maybe it's Peter Parker's plight in life and his nobility of character. Maybe it's the cool visuals of Spiderman, in his snazzy outfit, flying around New York City! Whatever it is, I think the movies are neat-o!

So there's my reviews. Hope it made you want to rent something you haven't seen.