I Am Legend

I Am Legend is some good sci fi filmaking and is based on the book by the same name that came out in 1954. There have been other adaptations of the book including the trippy movie Omega Man with Charlton Heston and a graphic novel. Basically, been there, seen that. Will Smith plays Robert Neville an Army scientist trying to find a cure to a pandemic that has infected, seemingly, the entire world. The results of the infection is that those infected display vampire like tendencies...drinking blood, long teeth, sensitivity to sunlight, etc. The disease was caused by a cure for Cancer, unlike other adaptations that blame some kind of germ warfare. Smith does an excellent job portraying a man that is dealing with an incredibly bleak future for himself and the world. He goes to day to with his routine (and his dog) of hunting for food, renting videos and most importantly broadcasting his message on the radio of where survivors can meet him. He has done this for 3 years. The vampires are wonderfully freaky with CGI distorted faces Ala The Mummy. Our first glimpse of the creepy dark dwellers is when Smith follows his dog, reluctantly, into a dark building. There is definite suspense building when all you see is the light mounted on his gun searching through the darkness. Then we see them- a group of them standing in a circle with their heads bowed. All we really see is the pale backs and bald heads. It's enough for everyone in the theatre to yell, "Run!" In some ways it would have been okay for the baddies to just stay in the shadows like that but when they do decide to descend upon him in the darkness it is not disappointing - they are very scary.
As I said in the beginning, we've seen some of this before...a little 28 Days Later with a dash of Children of Men and Lifeforce. And the scenes of the abandoned and grown over New York City is way cool. However, I think there was some stuff left on the cutting room floor that could have fleshed this movie out a little. For instance, Emma Thompson has what appears to be a cameo as the creator of a cure for Cancer and only through Smith watching recorded news programs do we find out the cure's role in what has happened. Even then it isn't clear. I feel Thompson must have had a larger role. It also isn't clear what Smith's character's role was in the disease. He seems to have a singular goal to find the cure and even sends away his family at the beginning of the outbreak in order to stay in New York City (ground zero of the illness) and continue his research. We see a brief glimpse of a Time Magazine cover that has his picture and "Our Savior" under it. What did we miss? Did Thompson and Smith have a scene together? True, a good filmmaker wants to give his audience some credit for being able to figure things out...this was a little to much. And we know with all the money they spend on effects and sets - that is what has to make it on the screen.
I did like this movie, it was good but it wasn't great. Will Smith gives great depth to his character and really makes this movie worth watching. I think this movie could have been great if it was a little longer. I hope when it comes out on video they have a "director's cut" that includes some things that just have to be there somewhere to have the movie really take hold of the viewer.
Rating: MMM (out of 5 M's)

Finally Excited About Christmas

Nothing can be more annoying to the mother of an infant, baby or toddler than someone saying, "Is he excited about Christmas?!" What 8 month old isn't?! Duh! Parents out there understand what I am talking about. At my son's first Christmas, he was more interested in playing in the pile of wrapping paper. His second Christmas, he was more interested in laughing when someone broke wind. At his third Christmas, he actually got the fact that unwrapping a box meant something was inside for him. Now, he is almost 4 years old and is excited!
NOW, you can ask me!
He knows that Santa will come and bring him presents - he asks every morning if this is the day. He likes to watch the Christmas specials - his favorite, right now, is the original animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I have to start him out with the classics and it is so cute to hear him singing along. He loves to hear me sing Christmas songs and insists that the tree be plugged in every morning - like I need the encouragement. He loves the lighted train that is in our front yard and opening the drawers in the train Advent calendar we have. He is just starting to get that it is only one drawer a day. He loves driving around and looking at Christmas light displays. He is excited.
The great thing now is that my daughter (just turned 2 years old) is also excited about Christmas! I know it's because of my son's excitement. I don't know if she understands about getting presents...but she will get that figured out soon enough. She can't say "Santa" - instead she just points and says, "Ho, ho, ho!" (in an incredibly adorable little voice). She likes the lights on the tree and in the yard. She knows something different is going on around here...and it's happy.
Christmas really does take on new meaning when you have children and that new meaning has finally happened to me.
I always loved Christmas but now it seems, "Christmas means a little bit more..."

The movie mommy strikes Back!

Finally...the movie mommy has rented some movies!

Ocean's 13: I rarely see a movie that I could own and watch over and over but this is one of those movies! Hard to believe coming from me...I found Ocean's 11 and 12 to be a waste of 4 hours of my life I am never going to get back. But there is just something about this movie that hits the nail on the head...at least for me. I did a full review of this movie when I saw it at the movies (you can look through my blog for it) and I like it even more now. George, Brad, Matt and Co. are not just doing a switcheroo big time heist for themselves...this is motivated by giving someone their comeuppance. That someone is a casino scumbag played by Al Pacino - a nice addition to the already established characters. Ellen Barkin is also part of the action and seemingly enjoying her role as the "cougar" assistant to Pacino. You might need to see it again and again and each time you will catch something different.
MMMMM (out of 5 M's)

Shrek 3: This is another one I saw at the movies and feel really blows away it's predecessor. I really never thought the Shrek movies were all that - this one finally lives up to the hype. I am probably the only one that feels that way. Shrek fans I have talked to were disappointed. Since I wasn't expecting much...I was pleasantly surprised. Much of the humor probably appeals to me because I am a parent. Shrek finds out he is going to be a father and there are some humorous scenes involving his anxiety over it, including a nightmare about baby Shreks - everywhere. I also like anything that has to do with the Arthurian legend and they did a fun take on it. Give this one a chance!
Must Rent.
MMMM

We Are Marshall: This movie begins with an unbelievably tragic event (I might as well tell you and spare you the shock...and it was a true event) of a plane carrying the entire Marshall University football team, coaching staff and prominent boosters all dying in a plane crash outside of the University's town - 75 people in all. The town is small enough that everyone in the town lost someone or knew someone that died. It is mentioned that the prominent boosters were the town's doctors and lawyers and that 28 children lost both parents. This leads the University to vote to close down the football program. When the news is broken to the 4 players that did not make the trip with the team, one team member decides there must be a team. After the player rallies support, the University president (played by one of my favorites, David Strathairn) goes on a search for a coach. No one wants to do it. There is the assistant coach, who gave up his seat on the plane, haunted by the event and he cannot bring himself to take the head coaching job. Even the town is still divided about having a team and it being a painful reminder of what they have lost. Mathew McConaughey plays the coach that wants to fill those shoes. The rest of the movie pretty formulatic and we have seen it before. The problem I have with the movie is that McConaughey's facial ticks and gestures (I suppose trying to be like the real coach) are distracting and actually take away from his performance. Rent if you have lots of tissues handy and just like football movies in general.
MM

Others to consider renting:
The Flying Scotsman - MMM
Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer - MMM1/2M
Hairspray - MMMM

The New Fab Four

Okay...so, I went to a Wiggles concert. If you are wondering what the heck I am talking about...don't feel bad. I never heard of them until I had children and found out the Wiggles were the biggest money making act in the world in 2005 (including CD, DVD, concert ticket and merchandise sales). They are HUGE. And I got the see them in concert. They have also been around for almost 15 years. Most children know them from their TV show or DVDs.
Without going into a large amount of detail...the Wiggles are four men from Australia that are musicians who also majored in early childhood education. I was turned on to them when my son was an infant. I was pretty impressed. The tunes are catchy and the foursome have a way with communicating with the children that is their own. The children really respond. I credit the Wiggles with teaching my son to dance and communicate...he was a late talker but could ask for a banana by rubbing his hands together (like in one of their songs about a smashed banana) at an early age.
There are three original Wiggles and earlier this year had to replace the fourth with an understudy (fans might know him as Professor Sing-A-Lotta-Song-A). A great choice. In concert they all get the job done.
On to the concert...
I have to admit that even I was excited when the Wiggles appeared on stage. I found my self whooping it up like I was seeing a rock concert - all the parents were. I mean I know all the songs as well as I know the songs from my favorite rock group and after seeing them on TV for over 3 years...I'm a fan. The toddlers in the audience were a mix between being mesmerized (like my daughter) and immediately dancing and singing (like my son).
After a few songs my son did get overwhelmed and had to leave the show for a while. He doesn't like crowds and I think the excitement and screaming were to much for him.
The Wiggles had very few special effects and a simple stage but lots of energy, dancers and all familiar faces. The Wiggles were joined by Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus (in large costumes) and every one's favorite pirate, Captain Feathersword. They performed all their hits including Fruit Salad, Rock-a-Bye Your Bear, Look Both Ways, Here Comes a Bear, Play Your Guitar with Murray, Shake Your Hips with Wags the Dog and Hot Potato. Yes, I know all those songs and all the words! My children especially liked the version of Captain Feathersword Fell Asleep on His Pirate Ship (Quack, Quack, Cockadoodledoo). By this time my daughter had really gotten into the show and was dancing up a storm. And my son was back in the party. The parents were amused by them going into the Can't Touch This riff and at the right place shouted, "Can't Quack this!" and shuffled across the floor in duck suites like MC Hammer.
The Wiggles had a great time on stage and the audience could easily pick up on that. They put as much or more into a show as any top performers that I have ever seen.
If you have small children and have been dreading seeing the Wiggles in concert...don't.
The BEST part of the whole experience was watching my children (song after song) dancing and singing. That's why every parent was there.

What A Little Moonlight Can't Do...

To say, "been there, done that..." in regards to the new TV show Moonlight would be more than redundant. Most viewers will think it is like the show Angel (1999-2004), the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spin off, about a vampire that is also a private eye. I didn't think that because I wasn't into the whole Buffy/Angel scene.
I say, "been there, done that" because of a show called Forever Knight (1989-1996). Forever Knight follows the evening activities of police Detective Nick Knight (Geraint Wyn Davies), an 800 year old vampire, who resides in a Toronto, Canada and drives a 1950s convertible Caddy. The episodes featured him solving crimes, on the night shift, with his partner (played by veteran actor John Kapelos) and avoiding the bad influence of the vampire underworld lead by, another veteran actor, Nigel Bennett. There is also Natalie, the night morgue worker, who lusts after our vampire hero - she knows he's a vampire. He of course cannot let himself love her because he's a vampire...yeah, yeah, we know the rest. There were many flashbacks during every episode, ala Highlander, but it never really got old because of how long his life spanned. An interesting episode is when you got to see how the head vampire was turned...just before the erupting of Pompeii. There is also a cool vampire club in town where Nick has to go on occasion to find a vampire that has been making trouble. Forever Knight was never actually on any network. At that time networks like USA and TNT were not in the major TV episode market. Instead it was on one of the big 3, after the news, on what they called "Crime time after Prime time." They also showed a wonderfully decadent show called Silk Stalkings (a fluffy Miami Vice type show). Basically, if you were up late...you may have seen an episode of Forever Knight.
This brings us to Moonlight. And here is a rundown of the originality...or lack there of. Moonlight follows the story of a private detective named Mick St. John - who was made a vampire in the 1950s and drives a 1960s Mercedes. Australian actor Alex O'Loughlin grumbles his lines, in his best American accent, through some pretty lame episodes (so far). He bounces his troubles off a vampire friend and you do see other vampires around Los Angles including ones that clean up after sloppy vampire activity. Mick also has someone he wishes he could be with and that is a young police detective whom he saved when she was a young girl. In the second episode of the season he tells her the truth about himself. I really don't know where the show is going to go at this point. I mean, the really can't do the whole flashback thing because...well...the guy only has about 80 years to flashback into. And there really isn't an interesting supporting cast. I have watched a couple episodes so far...I might stick with...but then again...I might not.
If you are into this kind of thing...rent episodes of Forever Knight.

Welcome Home

The movie mommy has dropped the ball lately when it comes to movie reviews...I know. But I have a good excuse...I have been moving.
I have moved a lot in the past 6 months...house to house...house to apartment...and now, in a week, apartment to home. Not just a house but a home. Everyone's definition of home is different. Some people think of home as being where they grew up, where their parents live, where they lived the longest, where they raised their own family, where they last lived or where they live now. There are countless more, I am sure. Mine is...where I can finally stay and not have to move again, for a long time. A place with my husband and children are waiting for me when I come home from work. A place that I can decorate anyway I want for the holidays. Those are just a few of my definitions of home. A home can be allusive for some people. Take my office and my desk - or lack there of. A home away of home...as it were.
Ever since I arrived at my office I have not had a desk of my own. I have been sharing desks with people. I refer to it as "hot desking." That is a term borrowed from shipboard living - an expression called "hot racking." That is when you have to share a bed (rack) with someone else. You go to work, someone else sleeps in your bed - can be several someones in a row. The bed is still warm from the other person when you go to get in it, thus the term "hot racking." Ew...I know.
Every time someone, in my office, went out for a few hours I would unplug their computer, plug in mine and use their phone. Sometimes even a few minutes. They understood. But sometimes when the office was full...I was stuck. I really do need a computer to do my job. Especially, since I am new and have a lot less busy work than my co-workers.
Last week my own desk dream came true. It's an old desk and will be replaced by a new one in a couple months...but to me it is my very own. Some of my co-workers think my desk arrangement and use of space is claustrophobic. I am in a corner, facing a wall and behind me is the back of a high walled cubicle. I have a computer and a phone. I call it my cave. And it is my cave and basically, I am the only one that has to like it.
Like a home.
As for my actual home...my new home...it won't be a home until next week when my family comes. After all...home is where the heart is.

Genesis Turns It On Again

When the Genesis show in Philly opened with the instrumental Behind the Lines/Duke's End from the Trick of the Tail album, I knew this would be a real fan's concert. Not that I don't like the Invisible Touch album or the "Mama" album, I love them, it's just that...everyone else knows those albums as well. I wanted to hear stuff that I have never heard them play in concert (I saw them twice in 1987) or thought they never would. They did not disappoint - even though they didn't play anything from the Abacab album. No biggie.
They, of course, rocked the place with Turn it on Again, Land of Confusion, Invisible Touch, Mama and Tonight, Tonight, Tonight. They also added some newer fan favs like In the Glow of the Night/Domino, Hold on My Heart, Throwing it All Away, as well as, other favs (that are not mine) like I Can't Dance and No Son of Mine.
The songs that surprised me were songs like Home by the Sea AND Second Home by the Sea - that was a treat. There were more to come!
Now, there were some clunky moments...like the crappy graphics on the screen behind them and the fact that the band doesn't have any new dance moves or new clever things to say. We've heard it all before...even the curse word during Invisible Touch. These things did not take away from the concert at all. I'm just being picky.
The real ultimate fan treat of the concert was the old stuff and instrumentals! When Phil Collins got behind the drums (where he spent half the concert) and sang Follow You, Follow Me - it was nostalgic and wonderful - I got goosebumps. Then when they rocked out with The Cage and went into the instrumentals of The Cinema Show and Duke's Travels it was incredible! They also did the instrumentals of Los Endos, Afterglow and Firth of Fifth. There was a wild drum solo and duet with looooong time Genesis tour/session drummer Chester Thompson.
Songs like Ripples and I Know What I Like had the fans singing full voice. Real fans that is. My attitude was - if you don't know these songs you shouldn't be here! I know that is harsh but I think for the most part...they were true fans. I know this, from the encore of Carpet Crawlers that had the crowd swaying along and singing like in some sort of trance.
This concert was a treat for the movie mommy on many levels.
Dinner at a place I would never go with kids: $40. Gas in truck for short trip to NJ: $50. Concert Ticket: $96.
Hanging with friends and family before the show: priceless.

The Closer

I have only a few television shows that I just have to see. Shows that while I watch them there must be peace and quiet. Children have to be in bed, chores must be done, cell phones are off, I have to be in my pajamas and I am ready to treat myself with The Closer. Even during the commercials, I am a serious viewer - no channel surfing. Don't even think about. I don't want to miss one delectable morsel of my one hour treat.
TNT advertises that The Closer is the highest rated show on cable. And so does TV Guide. Funny, since I only know one other person that watches it regularly. I ask co-workers and family if they watch it and I haven't found anyone yet. Their (and your) loss. It is a show that only comes on when the regular shows take their scheduled breaks - in the summer and somewhere around the holidays. New programming in the abyss of re-runs.
The Closer, in a word, is brilliant. TV Guide described it best when they said the formula of, "Unexpected moments of comedy, plucked heartstrings and a dash of gore - is working." It is really hard to describe. It's as if Lenny Brisco (from Law & Order) wrote a TV show. There are the wisecracks galore, over the top characters, wildly twisted plots and LAPD Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson played by Kyra Sedgwick.
You are asking yourself, "Who is she again?" She is and has been a working actress for over 25 years in television and films such as Born on the Fourth of July, Phenomenon, Heart & Souls and The Woodsman. All very different movies and very different characters. She is also a well educated and smart person. Smart enough to know that after rejecting even reading the script for The Closer, to listen to her husband, Kevin Bacon, and give the script a chance.
I am so glad she did! She is joined by such veteran actors as J.K. Simmons, Anthony John Denison, G.W. Bailey, Michael Paul Chan, Raymond Cruz and Robert Gossett. You may not know their names but they have very familiar faces and are the back bone of the LAPD's Priority Homicide Division. Chief Johnson directs these folks and works through their unique personalities and gets the job done. Catches the bad guy.
Her methods were unsettling for her team at first...they resisted but after seeing how she gets the suspects to confess (hence she is the closer)...they know she knows what she is doing. Johnson is the new Columbo. She has her catch phrases and that bag. She will come into the interview room with a suspect and start digging through this big tote bag she carries everywhere. It confuses the suspect and with her blond hair and deep southern drawl, they think she isn't that smart. That is their fatal error.
Never underestimate her. Or what this show will come up with next!
Watch The Closer and you will be a convert...but you will have to wait until the new season starts this winter. The season just ended. Sigh.

Something Wonderful

I have been experiencing something wonderful lately: I talk on the phone with my son. That might not seem like something stellar but to me it is. My son is 3 1/2 and when I first started this blog my son was just saying a few words and stringing very few together. Now, just like everyone warned me, he won't stop talking! I don't mind at all. I talk to him every night (we are currently living in different states because of my job) on the phone and he tells me about his day:
Me: Hi, Bill!
Little Bill: Hi, Mommy!
Me: Tell me about your day.
LB: Woke up...had cereal...go car with Daddy...go car with Bee Bee...Taco Bell...naptime...go park...have tee-too (pizza)...have ice cream...bubble bath...get pajamas on...bedtime.
Me: Goodnight, Bill.
LB: Goodnight, Mommy.
Sigh...The conversations do vary at times. Sometimes he just has me on the phone while he plays and when I ask to put Daddy on the phone he says, "No! Talk Mommy you me!"
I love talking to my little man. He can even say, "I love you."

For Babylonians Only

When it comes to Babylon 5 there are those that are fans and those that never saw and episode. It's not like Star Trek which is a show that everyone has at least seen one episode or at least know what it is. Probably because of it's longevity in the collective human pop cultural consciousness. Babylon 5 ran for five seasons and then just disappeared. There haven't been re-runs. Yet, the fans remain. Babylon 5 is like Farscape or Stargate SG-1, the fans just sit back and enjoy. It's sort of like being in on a joke that only you and your buddies are in on. And we are okay with that.
The latest Babylon 5 DVD is Babylon 5: The Lost Tales. It's terrific. The story behind the straight to DVD release is that these were stories that the series creator, J. Michael Straczynski, had been working on when the series was cancelled. Some B5 fans consider JMS to be "the one" or "great maker"...okay, you have to have watched the show to get that one. But you can probably get the idea. There are two "episodes" on this one DVD. The first episode centers around a Catholic Priest that is called to the Babylon 5 station at the behest of it's captain, Colonel Lockley. There is a man on board the station that appears to be a victim of demonic possession. Lockley carefully brings this to the Priest. She can't believe she is even asking for his help. In the end the demon puts a moral question to the Priest and we really don't know what choice he will make until the very end. The conversations between the Priest, Lockley and the demon are fascinating.
In the second episode the President of the Interstellar Alliance, John Sheridan, returns to Babylon 5 for the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Alliance. The return to station is bitter-sweet for Sheridan. He was once the captain of B5 and now returns for a celebration in his honor. A lot happened on the station when he was there and he comments that some was wonderful and some very painful. He gives an interview to a CNN type reporter (played by Teryl Rothery, nod to Stargate SG-1). It's interesting because it is a very dark room and there is no back ground music. It is almost like watching a play...more on that in a second. Along the way his transport picks up young Molari Prince that is third in line to the thrown. Sheridan gets a glimpse of the future, through a dream like state, and learns that this young Prince could cause the destruction of Earth...in 50 years. Now Sheridan has a moral dilemma, kill the Prince and save Earth or let him live and take those chances.
The interesting thing about these episodes is that there are only 2-3 characters in each scene. Each scene is like a scene from a play. There are not a lot of special effects (but the ones that are there are very cool!) just the characters devouring the scripts and working through each morality play. If there are more episodes done like this...I would love them. Of course, I would love more episodes of any kind but these are exceptionally well done.
Alas, my favorite character of the series does not appear in these episodes, G'kar, played by the late Andreas Katsulas. An actor who, through all that makeup, could leave the viewer speechless. Words are words when they are just spoken but to be spoken by G'kar...they were poetry.
"If I take a lamp and shine it toward the wall, a bright spot will appear on the wall. The lamp is our search for truth... for understanding. Too often, we assume that the light on the wall is God, but the light is not the goal of the search, it is the result of the search. The more intense the search, the brighter the light on the wall. The brighter the light on the wall, the greater the sense of revelation upon seeing it. Similarly, someone who does not search - who does not bring a lantern - sees nothing. What we perceive as God is the by-product of our search for God. It may simply be an appreciation of the light... pure and unblemished... not understanding that it comes from us. Sometimes we stand in front of the light and assume that we are the center of the universe - God looks astonishingly like we do - or we turn to look at our shadow and assume that all is darkness. If we allow ourselves to get in the way, we defeat the purpose, which is to use the light of our search to illuminate the wall in all its beauty and in all its flaws; and in so doing, better understand the world around us."

Licensed to Recruit

As I finish up my final week of Recruiter school, I look back at the times I have had and the times that are to come. Because we are in our last week of school, we have a great deal of confidence, like being seniors in high school. We can see our exit...just ahead.
There are 13 of us (considered a very small class) receiving our Recruiter badge or "cookie" as it is known in the field...or "rookie cookie" as ours will be known - at first. The badge is about the size of a half dollar coin and is emblazoned with the seal of the Navy and the words Navy Recruiter. After 5 weeks of some excellent training - we feel we have definitely earned it.
It has been an amazing experience for me at this point in my career and life.
First, I have been immersed in to the Active Duty Navy life. Having been a Reservist for 8 years, I had never been to a Navy school or been actively participating with so many of my Active Duty counter parts. Needless to say, I am older than just about everyone, not just in the class but probably the entire building (there are always students rotating in and out of the 5 week program). With that in mind, I prided myself in being able to finish our 1.5 mile run ahead of other students.
Secondly, I discovered how un-hip I am. Shocking as that may seem to those that know me - it's true. My pop culture references (and jokes) are not in the same framework as my classmates. I am dated. My classmates on average are probably 25 years old. So, with that being said...I was pretty clueless. It was painfully obvious that I was un-hip and I didn't mind poking fun at myself by making references to taking Centrum Silver and drinking Ensure (I don't do either!). Thankfully there is Star Wars which seems to be a reference across the generations. But in the end, I was told I needed to see the movie Boondock Saints and the Dave Chappelle Show (season 1 & 2). I guess if you don't know what I am talking about...sorry...you are un-hip too.
Lastly, it was fun to see the future of not just recruiting but of the Navy and ultimately our society. These are sharp and well trained young people that are confident at their jobs and their mission. I know they will all be great Recruiters and when they are done recruiting they will head back out to the Fleet. I do wish them well.
On Friday I fly back home and on Monday I report to my Recruiting Station (office). I will start the first day of the rest of my career. I am nervous but feel I have been prepared the best way the Navy can.
The rest is up to me.
Stand by.

Mimzy Whimzy

There are very few movies out there that strike that childlike chord with me. I don't mean nostalgic like watching the original Superman. I mean that somehow make you transform, as you are watching it, into a child. You have wonder, hope and a feeling that maybe, just maybe, there is a bit of magic in the world. Two movies that do that for me are Flight of the Navigator (1986) and Batteries Not Included (1987). These movies may seem dated and even corny but there is something about them. The Last Mimzy is now one of these movies in my book.
Mimzy is a stuffed rabbit found by boy and his little sister as they are playing on the beach. Life isn't horrible for these children. There father is a workaholic but they do have a nice vacation home on the beach. They are just ordinary. When they find Mimzy and some other strange artifacts on the beach something starts to happen to them. Mimzy attaches herself to the little girl with whom she communicates through a quiet purring sound and the boy is fascinated with a shard of colored glass. At first it's just childlike chatting and curiosity but then both children develop unusual abilities that include telepathy, increased intelligence and talking to insects. There is also the curious picture in a copy of Alice in Wonderland. The picture shows the real Alice holding what appears to be a stuffed rabbit and it looks just like Mimzy. Coincidence? It will keep you wondering. The children's abilities draw attention to them from the spacey science teacher who thinks the children are some kind of reincarnations of Tibetan Lamas, to the Department of Homeland Security who don't know what to think of them. The truth about why Mimzy is there does come out and then the race is on to return Mimzy to where she came from in time to save her own life and the lives of those that sent her.
By the end of the movie you will look in the mirror and see yourself or rather your inner child. And maybe, like me, you will find yourself on ebay bidding on a Mimzy. You will have to have one. Because you will miss your inner child...and your Mimzy.

Movie Time!

I have finally gotten to the movies and caught up on some rentals. I won't write lengthy reviews...except for maybe the second one:

In Theaters:

Sneak Peak!
Hairspray: Went to a sneak preview of Hairspray. I had no intention of all of seeing it. I loved the original non-musical movie and every time I saw John Travolta as a woman in the commercials made me want to puke. I was so glad I saw it. Maybe because I am a bit blue being away from home or maybe because of the passion of youth displayed in this film...I found it to be an absolute delight! The young actors in this film embraced every aspect of singing and dancing and bringing this story to vibrant life. John Travolta didn't ad anything to the picture and in fact took the audience away from his co-stars. Every time he appeared on screen there was a giggle and when he was singing and dancing it was a distraction. This movie does not need his gimmick - it can stand on it's own. The story of the chubby girl who wants to dance on the popular local dance show is timeless. And her victory over the nay-sayers and racists that existed in 1962 make you want to stand up and cheer. You have to really like a lot of singing and dancing! Lots of fun!
MMMM (out of 5 M's)

Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix: I have to first say that this is my least favorite book of the Harry Potter series and it is also the first of the real thick ones. It is sort of like the middle story of a trilogy. Not really moving along the plot but setting up for further adventures. I got bored with the book. The MOVIE however, has nothing boring at all happening in it! It is a wild ride start to finish. Be warned...it is dark. Readers of the books know that they do get darker. When a student died at the end of the last movie - that was a signal that things weren't going to be all fun and games anymore at Hogwarts. I have noticed that people say that each movie is better than the next, including this one. I think because the characters are older and dealing with more adult topics...these aren't children anymore and they don't want to be treated like children. The characters have to face real life, death and dangerous situations.
The movie did an excellent job of simmering down this thick book into the movie. Like the other movies, it covers all the things that a book fan wants to see BUT won't leave a non-reader of the books in the dark. Harry is a teenager and all the things that go with it. Daniel Radcliffe does an excellent acting job in this movie as he has to display a wide range of emotions while having to deal with all the special effects around him. You get a sense of Harry as a real person. Radcliffe has most of the acting and screen time in this movie and I think he has improved greatly because of having to work closely with such actors as Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman and Gary Oldman as well as the other well known actors who might carry only small parts in this movie. Harry has to face such things as facing ridicule from his peers, harsh treatment by teachers and nightmares he can't escape...just another day for a high school student, right? I won't go into the plot of the movie - just go see it on the big screen!
MMMMM (out of 5 M's)

Transformers: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/life/entertainment/news-article.aspx?storyid=85600
Okay, maybe this is cheating but this reviewer hit the nail right on the head. And pretty much said exactly what I was going to say...only better. One note: It is worth seeing on the big screen if you are a big effects fan.
MM 1/2M (out of 5 M's)

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer: I might be a bit late on this review as this movie is probably out of the theater by now! I was surprised they did another Fantastic Four movie. The last one got mediocre reviews and didn't even peak in the rental market...maybe it did better overseas. I liked the first movie - it was fun. I also like superheroes fleshed out on the big screen. This movie follows our four genetically mutated superheroes as they go through their daily life of being heroes. There is no secret identity...everyone knows who they are and they have trouble doing the simplest thing, like getting married. They have gadgets, costumes and their superhero lab - everything they would need except normal lives. The movie could have been boring but the special effects and humor keep the movie alive and enjoyable. The Silver Surfer is very cool! I would have rather seen an entire movie about his inception. He is an alien that searches the universe, for his "master," for planets that can be literally consumed. Earth is now the target and well, there is nothing that can be done about it. I think it will be very worthwhile renting and is something the whole family can enjoy.
MMM (out of 5 M's)

Ocean's 13: Okay, so I am late on this one as well! It's probably out of the movies or down at the dollar theater. Well, go see it! I admit, I am not a fan of the Ocean movies. They are clever but not impressive. This movie is the best of the three. I saw it on a whim because I arrived at a theater and it was the only thing playing at that time. I am glad I did!
Ocean and his gang decide to not just do a heist but a sting. One of the original 11 is cheated out of his dream casino by a nasty casino owner played by Al Pacino. His friends decide that the casino owner and the casino are going to get what is coming to them. With this they have to enlist the help of their old nemesis played by Andy Garcia. I can't go into to much or I will give away the clever sting and impressive style of the gang. I might actually go see this again...it's playing at the $2 theater on base.
MMM (out of 5 M's)

Shrek The Third: I am not a Shrek fan. Don't get the appeal, etc. BUT I did like this one! I have talked to several Shrek fans that feel this one is a disappointment. I didn't feel that way at all. I think this one was the best of the three. It has less gross humor and more real plot and emotion. I know...it's animated but there can still be plot and emotion. I guess because I am a parent and the plot has to do with Shrek being a parent and facing what that means. Instead of sticking to fairy tale references and characters, this movie introduces the King Arthur legend and characters. Shrek must go on a search for the heir to the thrown who turns out to be a geeky teenager named Arthur Pendragon. Meanwhile back in Far Far Away, the humiliated Charming decides that he and other fairy tale characters, that have been put in a bad light, should unite and take over the kingdom. A fun romp. Definitely put on your list of rentals!
MMM (out of 5 M's)

Rentals:
(Okay, you have read enough...some very quick ones!)

Astronaut Farmer: Heartwarming and fun! Something you can watch with your parents, grandparents and children. A must rent that will leave you hugging and happy!
MMMM (out of 5 M's)

Miss Potter: The story of beloved children's author Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit) and how she got published and fell in love. Charming and sometimes magical - it does have a very sad part that if you can get past it...you will enjoy the rest of the movie. *Box of tissues alert.
MMMM (out of 5 M's)

A Good Year: Russell Crowe...Russell Crowe...Russell Crowe in French wine country...what more can I say! Okay, there is a more universal appeal than that. Russell Crowe plays a bastard of a stock broker from London who inherits his Uncle's estate in France. At first he is just interested in selling it until he gets there and gets flooded with the memories of a happy childhood and who he used to be. Did I mention Russell Crowe?
MMMM (out of 5 M's)

Bridge to Tarabithia: This movie is good but sad. A pre-teen boy who is bullied at school makes friends with an odd new girl who opens his eyes to his imagination. His home and school life are unhappy but in the end does find happiness in the most important place...his heart. *Box of tissues alert.
MMM (out of 5 M's)

The Mov-ing Mommy

The movie mommy is tired. No recent reviews...the website is hurtin', I know. But I have been very busy. Just briefly...
I am now wearing the "cloth of the Nation" and I am going to school in Florida for the next 5 weeks.
I have had a busy couple of months. We moved from Florida to Virginia, got an apartment, got in my new job and now, as I said, I am back in Florida. It's hard to get used to but this is the life of someone serving their country.
It is something the family has to get used to as well. Long seperations and odd schedules are often common.
I don't complain though. This is not a complaint. I love the Navy. I love being active duty. The sailors in my class are young but worldy. They talk about stupid stuff they did as "young" sailors but now with 5 (or so) years in - they have learned better. Most are under 30 and most of those are under 25. They don't know about some things in life yet but are not stupid. I have learned the Navy is particular about who they take. And those that slip by don't make it out of bootcamp or through their first enlistment. When they do get out of the Navy they will have a leg up on their peers for sure.
One thing this does is give me hope for the future. I am a bit older than most of them and I have to have faith that these are the folks that can help make a better future. I suppose every generation thinks that of the next.
I suppose I got off the subject a bit. But that is what I am doing these days and why you haven't seen much from me on my blog.
I hope to catch a couple movies today and subsequent weekends that I am here at school.
More later!

More Movies

In Theaters:

Spiderman 3: Okay, so I was the last person on the planet to see this at the movies! I know! But I finally did! It was worth the wait. I enjoyed this movie for the same reasons that some people thought the movie was lagging: Peter Parker being human and not Spiderman. I enjoy Tobey McGuire's performance because he really brings something to the part of Peter Parker. I feel that way about all actors that need to play the hero without the mask. Parker, Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne, David Banner...are not just the alter-ego's of the hero...they ARE the hero. They aren't some split personality (okay, the Hulk is) but are the same exact guy in a hero suit (or CGI'd). The important character IS the human being. When these characters are in a comic book that may not be so, but if you are going to flesh one out...they really need to be fleshed out. That is why Michael Keaton did so well at the part of Bruce Wayne and better than any since. Not because he was the first to revive the character but because of the way he portrayed him. A human with all that entails. Peter Parker is also a person that wears a suit and when the suit becomes corrupted and therefore Peter himself...we see the dark side of, not just of Spidey, but of a person. McGuire plays the dark side of Peter with such glee (as does Topher Grace as a competing photographer later on) that you have to giggle. And I believe that was his intent. That is until you miss the old Peter and want him back. As far as the MJ/romance story line goes...yawn. That has always been a yawn for me. But it's there to motivate our hero. If you haven't seen this yet...go ahead and enjoy.
MMMM (out of 5 Ms)

On Video:

The Good German: Set in Berlin immediately after WWII, this is a strange film that was supposed to be made in the style of movies from the 1940s. It's filmed in black and white with stock footage edited in and has a Max Steiner rip off of a score...but falls flat or more like a bomb...a dud. It isn't totally period. Tobey McGuire (him again!) is completely wasted in this movie as an Army con-artist that is supposed to be George Clooney's character's driver. There are several narrations going on by many of the characters that it gets confusing (like Sin City). There was also a certain amount of sex, violence and profanity that makes it very un-period. I don't know what the filmmakers where trying to make here. Don't bother trying to figure it out.
Zero Ms

Letters from Iwo Jima: If you only want to rent one of Clint Eastwood's movies on this subject...rent this one. This movie follows one Japanese soldier as he prepares for the invasion of the Americans on this tiny island. The Japanese are outnumbered by probably 100 to 1 but they prepare and have the attitude that the number doesn't matter...much. This is sacred Japanese land and will be defended to the last man. Some soldiers feel stronger about this than others but they are all there to do their duty. The story is told by not only the characters but also, as the title implies, the letters they write home. Ken Watanabe (Last Samurai) plays the Japanese Army General (American educated) that is to lead this hopeless defense. He tries to apply his vast amount of strategic knowledge to this but deep down knows that he cannot hold the island. The soldiers fight on while trying to maintain the sense of honor that they came with. The terrain is difficult, hot and there is a lack of proper food, water and sanitation. By the time the Americans arrive...the Japanese have almost defeated themselves. This movie is 95% in Japanese but it won't bother you at all. You will find yourself just listening to the language and watching the acting...even if you don't read the subtitles, you will know what is going on. Must rent.
MMMM

Pan's Labyrinth: This movie is all you have heard it to be and more. Well worthy of the awards and accolades. This sad fantastical tale, set in Spain, follows young Ofelia through a tragic world that is so horrible that it seems that part of her life is the fantasy. Ofelia is taken by her pregnant mother to live with her step-father an Army Captain during the Spanish Revolution. He brings them to his headquarters on the front line so he can be there when his child, presumed to be a boy, is born - with no regard for the health of the mother. He is cruel and sadistic man and we see this through his treatment of his staff, prisoners and even Ofelia. He is basically insane. We sort of know what is going to happen...that at some point Ofelia is going to be left alone with this bastard. In the mean time she wanders into a garden and down through an opening in the ground, lead by a fairy she met along the way, where she meets a faun. The faun tells her that she is really a princess that must return with him to her home. She must first complete 3 tasks exactly as he asks her. She encounters some real terrors along the way and the make-up effects are stunning. At no point in the movie are we told or lead to believe that she is really imagining any of this or that this isn't real. The movie is not for children but the message is simple. One must follow orders, do what they are told and obey or bad things will and always do happen. The movie is sad and dark but in the end the Captain gets his comeuppance and Ofelia is believed to be happy. In Spanish with English subtitles.
MMMM

New Reviews!

At The Movies:

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Pirates 3): There has been an unsubstantiated rumor that I don't like the Pirate movies. This is not true. I guess I don't get what the fuss is about. Let me say now...that I LIKED Pirates 3...really I did! The last hour and a half is some the best special effects I have ever seen. You know the kind of effects that don't make you feel like you are watching effects. You aren't sitting there saying, "Nice effects," instead you are saying, "WILD!" One minute you are sitting there and the next minute you feel like you are the only one watching the movie in a swirl of action. Now that I love! For that...I take my hat off to this movie. AND during those effects are REAL pirate action. Finally, after 2 movies, pirates doing stuff pirates should do. Y'know swashbuckling and swinging from ship to ship with canons blasting away. All this during the stunning special effects.
That is where my kind comments end. And I would like to add that I am not the only one that doesn't see these movies as a big deal. I told my brother I saw this movie and he said, "Was it as lame as the other ones?" And someone at work said, "Did it suck?" In fact, after asking around...I haven't found the huge legions fans. The consensus being because these movies can't make up their minds (and real lack of pirate action). When Pirates 1 came out we expected...well...the ride. You don't take your name from one of the most loved rides at Disney and not make it as fun as the ride. Pirates 1 was a huge success partly because of Johnny Depp's over the top performance and I stand by my opinion that anyone could have played that part (I think Johnny Depp is a brilliant actor). Pirates 2 just started to get weird and ended way somber.
Viewing Pirates 3 I got confused. I felt like I really missed something in the last movie or two. I thought maybe it was explained how Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) came back to life at the end of Pirates 2 and I missed it. There he was traipsing through Pirates 3 and nothing is explained of this til half way through the movie. Also, I missed how the Davy Jones' locker thing was like some kind of limbo. We meet up with Jack Sparrow (Depp) on a ship manned by...himself, many of himself. It was pretty trippy, really. I am not going to give away the plot of Pirates 3 (not that I can...a co-worker and I confused the whole office because we couldn't get the story straight) but I will say that the supporting cast of Geoffrey Rush, Bill Nighy and Stellan Skarsgard (Hunt for Red October) were the real acting stars of this movie.
Back to how the movie can't make up it's mind...the beginning of Pirates 3 starts with mass hangings to prove what a bastard the bad guy is. Like we don't know this. A child is hanged before we even see the title. I was pretty shocked. If these were not going to be fun movies they should have changed the name.
MM 1/2M (out of 5 M's)

On Video:

Music & Lyrics: Love Hugh. Love Drew. Nuff said. Okay, I'll go on with the review! This movie got luke warm reviews and I just don't know why. Of course it would help...if they got it. People who will enjoy this movie the most are people that know 80's pop culture, especially music. The movie follows the present career of an 80's has-been. He was part of a pop music duo called, Pop! One member of the band went on to become very famous and the other...well, who cares? The movie is clever how it doesn't hide the fact that they are making fun of Wham! and those of us that were there for those times appreciate that humor. Hugh Grant plays the other guy from the duo that now plays Busch Gardens and Knoxberry Farm performing all those old hits to his graying fans. He makes no apologies for it...he knows what he is. He then is offered this opportunity to write a song for the current pop diva and she wants it yesterday. Enter Drew Barrymore, who comes in to water his plants and instead plants lyrics in his head. The pair work feverishly on a song for the diva and the rest is just fun to watch. I loved this film! Fun, nostalgic and with a great cast. Hugh Grant did all his own singing and the dancing was impressive. The filmmakers must have been inspired by his dance scene in Love Actually. Sit back and enjoy this one.
MMMM (out of 5 M's)

The following review is by the Super Mommy (guest reviewer):

The Fountain: Sometimes a great actor can rescue an otherwise unwatchable movie. Sometimes the sheer on-screen chemistry and passion of a leading couple can make a viewer overlook the short-comings of an unclear story line or befuddled director. Hugh Jackman's and Rachel Weisz's performances in The Fountain are almost one of those times. But not quite.
The always yummy Jackman pulls out all the stops in this movie to remind us that before he was Wolverine, bouncing around in a black leather jumpsuit and fake claws, he was a real actor. Jackman portrays Tom, a scientist desperately trying to defeat death before it steals away his beloved wife, Izzy. And Weisz, always watchable, is simply radiant as Izzy, who is slowly dying from an untreatable brain tumor. Unfortunately, you will have to watch a good 30 to 40 minutes of the movie before you are able to glean this essential, underlying plot. That's because mixed up in the modern-day scenes of Tom and Izzy are images of Jackman as a bald mystic traveling through space in a huge bubble containing nothing but him and a dead tree; and Jackman as a Spanish conquistador and Weisz as the Spanish queen who sends him off to the jungles of Central America in search of the Tree of Life.
This is a movie that could have been good if the director and/or writers were less concerned with achieving a Kubrick-like obscurity and mysticism, and more interested in giving the audience a plot they can follow. At the end - totally unforeseeable and impossible to spoil for you - the viewer is left with the feeling that the movie is still somehow incomplete. Or that you missed something. Which is a shame considering the obvious passion both the lead actors poured into their roles.
In the end, The Fountain leaves the viewer high and dry, thirsting for a satisfying - and understandable - resolution.

The movie mommy concurs with the Super Mommy on the review of The Fountain. Not only is it a waste of time but a waste of two of my favorite actors. I am afraid I couldn't really review The Fountain...I only got about 10 minutes into it.

A Case For Criminal Minds

There are lots of shows on television that have a large fan following like, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Heroes, 24, Desperate Housewives, all the CSI shows and all the Law & Order shows. Some also have a small but very loyal following like Numbers, Ghost Wisperer, Crossing Jordan, Boston Legal and House. Some of the aforementioned are very good shows and some I even watch on a regular basis. Then there is hands down the best television show on the air...possibly one of the best shows to ever be on the air: Criminal Minds. Never watched it? Your loss and I will tell you why.
Criminal Minds follows a team of FBI agents from the BAU, Behavioral Analysis Unit, in Quantico. They go around the country to try and solve cases that have local authorities stumped. Most are seriel killers, kidnappers and other crazies that if you knew were out there...you wouldn't go out there. They don't collect evidence, clean up crime scenes, work in the crime lab or even go to the morgue. They review the evidence and reports from the crime scenes and put together a profile of who they should be looking for. It takes a certain kind of mind to be trained to do this kind of work. Something that a person already has a talent for. This is what makes the team members different and the characters' flawed and human.
The team is lead by the stoic Agent Hotchner, played brilliantly by Thomas Gibson and advised by Jason Gideon, played by the ever talented Mandy Patinkin. Patinkin was the reason I started watching the show. A fixture on Broadway and the creator of many coveted roles (ex. Che in Evita), it was a pleasure to see him turn to TV. He had a small role in a Law & Order episode a few years ago and was unforgettable. TV needed a show for him.
Gibson on the other hand is known to some TV viewers from the sitcom Dharma & Greg in which he played a very square lawyer married to a very free spirited daughter of hippies. I never watched that show until I saw him in Criminal Minds and wondered how he could pull of a sitcom. Well, he is a natural straight man.
The rest of the team is made up of virtual TV unknowns and they flesh out the parts with a real human element. Not human like on Law & Order SVU, with characters roughing up suspects and marriages falling apart. And not obligatory affairs like on the CSI shows. There is that kind of character drama and then there is the character drama of just working through the story and not knowing if they are going to solve it or not. Sometimes they seem impossible. Sometimes the characters think they are impossible.
There is the brilliant but young Dr. Spencer Reed, the press conference face, of the pretty - AJ Cook and the computer geek that gets all the info anyone can ever need from any data base on Earth - Garcia. These characters bring with them all their baggage but are forced to leave it at the door. Not always easy and they are quickly forgiven for bringing any with them. There is no shouting about "keeping personal feelings out of it," "being to close to a case," etc. The personal feelings are what makes them able to do their jobs.
The writing and directing are also a credit to the show that doesn't rely on many formula plots or sensationalism.
On the last episode of the season, Hotchner's boss was trying to tell him that there needed to be a change in leadership at the BAU - basically him leaving. He proceeded to look around her office and profile her. She was livid. He asked her if she knew, why he knew, that she favored her middle son over the others. She said she didn't. And before walking out the door he said, "Because I am good at what I do."
Yes, indeed. See you next season on CBS.
The second best show on Television will be starting on June 18th on TNT and that would be The Closer.

Rental Rewind

Since, the movie mommy is not viewing as many rentals as she used to (hazard of becoming the moving mommy)...here are some movies that you may not have seen in a while or may have never seen, in that case - add them to your list.
Funny, romantic, thoughtful and just fun:
The Wedding Singer, Love Actually, What A Girl Wants, The Legend of Baggar Vance, The Devil Wears Prada, 13 Going On 30, Connie & Carla, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, About A Boy, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Elf, Ella Enchanted, The Replacements, Ever After and The Princess Bride.
Action, adventure and sci fi:
Soldier, 13th Warrior, Independence Day, Ronin, The Eraser, The Peacemaker, The One, The Mummy, Stargate, Behind Enemy Lines, Men In Black, XMen, Superman Returns, Star Trek: First Contact, Open Range, Outland, The Italian Job and Mercury Rising.

A Gem in Tampa

For those of you in the greater Tampa Bay area, you may or may not know about the jewel of the City - The Tampa Theatre. Even if you don't live in Tampa, as a fellow movie fan, you need to check out their website http://www.tampatheatre.org.
Opening in 1926, the theatre provided many, many years of entertainment to Tampa. The ceiling of the theatre boasts stars that twinkle and the lobby has over 200,000 pieces of tile. In the 60s and 70s though it fell on harder times and eventually closed. With the possibility of the wrecking ball looming, the City of Tampa bought this classic for $1 and it is now maintained mostly by donations. When AMC did their "Movie Palace Memories" movie series they premiered it from the Tampa Theatre. There are not many like her left in the country and the experience is unique. The theatre features art films, festivals, foreign films, classic films and concerts. I don't know anyplace else that you can sit enjoy such performers as George Thorogood, Johnny Lang, Lindsey Buckingham and Annie Lennox (to name just a few) in such stunning locale. I also don't know anyplace else where an organist comes up through the stage while playing the organ. And when the lights go down and the ceiling twinkles...I get goosebumps!
For more info on the history and architect of this gem go to their website.
If you are in town...
Summer Classic Movie Series The Summer Classic Movie Series schedule is set with the addition of a second silent film screening with the legendary Rosa Rio! You won't want to miss seeing these films in the grand setting they were meant for. All films are on Sundays at 3pm.
May 27: Beach Blanket Bingo, June 3: Silent Film Special Event - Silent Clowns Comedy Shorts, June 10: Rope, June 17: Top Hat, June 24: The Thin Man, July 1: Pal Joey, July 8: Touch of Evil, July 15: Gone With the Wind, July 22: The Great Gatsby, July 29: A Hard Day's Night, August 5: Blazing Saddles, August 12: Casablanca, August 19: Bedknobs & Broomsticks, August 26: Silent Film Special Event: Thief of Baghdad.

Confirm or Deny

I just got this link and want to know what my readers think:
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20036782_20037403_20037541_25,00.html
It is the link to Entertainment Weekly's top 25 Sci-Fi moments from the last 25 years.
They did a pretty decent job. I think there was a HUGE error for not including the Stargate franchise. Especially, Stargate SG-1. I mean it's been on for 10 seasons!
Never saw Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind...but is it sci-fi? And Lost?
You be the judge!
IF you want to geek out in a major way...check out www.memory-alpha.org.

Star Wars Fan Films

Fan Films have existed since there has been a fan with a visual recording device. They have been filmed in 8mm, super 8, VHS or digital. Great directors all started out making, basically, fan films of their favorite show or movie. Doing their own take on it. These aren't just silly spoofs like on Saturday Night Live ("Get a life!"). These can be really quality products...that poke fun at, yet pay tribute to their favorites.
The Star Wars universe has spawned tens of thousands of these fan films. Everything from kitchen utensils to action figures and animation to movie quality special effects. I would like to talk about my two favorites.
My first favorite is probably one of the first ones I had really taken notice of. In about 1997, I was at a science fiction convention (geek alert!) and saw a video playing behind a booth. I watched it over and over. It was the fan film classic, Troops. I was amazed. Was this for real? The vendor didn't have any copies to sell. But the next time I hit a convention, about a year later, I hunted it down. It's a poor copy and probably not legal but I didn't/don't care. I love it! Troops is a take off on Cops. It follows Imperial Storm Troopers on their daily patrol on the planet of Tatooine (for those who came in late, it's Luke/Anakin Skywalker's home planet). On patrol they meet all sorts of characters including Jawas, who may be selling stolen droids and Owen & Beru, local farmers who often have domestic problems. It is really like Cops! The beginning (using the "Bad Boys" song) and the way they handle the characters. For example, when interviewing the Jawas, they ask one of them who's droids are they selling and the Jawa chirps his response. The trooper says, "Oh, these are your cousin's droids. Is this your cousin...uh-huh..." The Storm Troopers have a Fargo-like accent which makes it even funnier. The effects are remarkable, especially for the time. You can view Troops at youtube.com or theforce.net. There is rumor of a Troops 2. I can't wait!
My second favorite is a very well known fan film called Star Wars Gangsta Rap Special Edition. It is a fall down laughing film! You can view it youtube.com but I suggest you go to http://www.atomfilms.com/film/gangsta_rap_se.jsp for the best copy of it. You don't want to miss a single word and you may (and will want to) watch it several times. This is an animated film that is reminiscent of jap-anime. It is very hard describe but you will find yourself quoting it, "We got deathstar..." and "Yoda, why you gotta be a player hater," while imagining the Star War's characters frontin' and maxin' like rappers. It has been out a while and has had almost 6 million views just on the Atom Films website. Thanks to my brother who kept bugging me to watch it.
View these films with a healthy sense of humor!

Mommy & Daddy Dayz

There is something important that parents...especially new parents...need to do and that is to reconnect. The best way to reconnect and enjoy each other is to have a day set aside for just the two of you.
With the arrival of a baby there is a lot of stress, time and energy directed toward the baby and new family unit. Mom and Dad are riding this wave that the baby is creating in their lives. And there is a new dimension in the parent's relationship that includes some new things to argue about. Even if you have an otherwise idyllic marriage this new arrival is going to throw a wrench into it. And you are both exhausted - all the time.
Time to take a day off from it all (once a month, if you can) and have a "Mommy/Daddy Day." Send the baby/babies off to the sitter/daycare/school as usual and then call in sick. Or you could plan a vacation day around it or do it on a weekend. Even if you are a stay at home/work at home parent and the baby is there ALL the time - get someone to watch the little one and DON'T feel guilty about it!
The best way to do this is not to tell anyone else you are going to do it - need to know basis. Don't answer the cell phone and hit the road.
We like to go out to breakfast and/or lunch and then hit Busch Gardens. We have also taken motorcycle rides out to the beach and had lunch overlooking the Gulf. We have done an early day activity and then taken a nap or just laid in bed and watched a movie.
Don't take the day to go over bills, paperwork, do housework, homework or yardwork (unless those things are what bring you unending joy!). Just take a day for yourselves.
You've earned it! (And your marriage will thank you!)

New Reviews!

Guest reviewer: The Super Mommy

Rentals:
Children of Men works as a good old-fashioned Sci-Fi thriller (think Blade Runner or Outland). But it's also very insightful social commentary as well. It's set in the very near future in a world we can actually see taking root around us right now. Mass infertility has struck every woman on the planet. No child has been born on Earth for more than 18 years. Stripped of the hope for the future that children personify, humanity has basically collapsed. Chaos reigns everywhere, except, it seems for Great Britain. The government has cracked down on all illegal aliens. Basically, anyone not born in Britain is considered a fugitive - "fugee" - and detained in Warsaw Ghetto-like camps. It's a crime to question the government and punishable by death to avoid fertility testing.
The story is also one of redemption. In his most layered performance to date, Clive Owen plays a washed up bureaucrat whose own child died long before the infertility epidemic. His character evolves from a man so deeply in the depths of despair that he cares for nothing, to a hero who sees and seizes upon hope for the future for himself and for all humanity. Michael Caine also turns in a scene-stealing performance as Owens' pot-cultivating, philosophy spouting friend. The ending is classically bitter-sweet. HIGHLY recommended.

The Marine: I don't remember seeing any trailers for this so I suspect it was direct to DVD. Probably because it's pretty low-budget. The movie stars a pro-wrestler whose name I've already forgotten. He plays a Marine who's forcibly discharged after he disobeys a direct order in favor of actually doing some good and saving some of his brothers in arms. He goes home to a dead-end security guard job and a drop-dead gorgeous wife who adores him. It's all downhill from there. The pair get mixed up with a crew of vicious, psychotic diamond thieves through a series of totally unbelievable circumstances. The movie has the marine hunting the baddies, who've kidnapped his wife, through some lovely South Carolina lowland swamp.
The guy from Terminator 2 plays the lead bad guy and he has some good moments, most notably when someone cracks that the marine is "like that dude from Terminator." Other than that, though, it's a mishmash of explosions, chase scenes and gruesome fights. Dishonorably discharge this dog from your DVD player.

In Theatres:
The Shooter was typical post-Marky Mark fare - lots of explosions, a few scantily clad buxom gals and Mark Wahlberg being his bad ass self. Not a whole lot of depth or thinking material here, even though the director seems to be trying to make a political statement. Ned Beatty delivers a chilling performance as Montana senator - a thinly-veiled Dick Cheney reference. On the other hand, though, there are lots of fun explosions, some interesting marksmanship and creative chase scenes. I think most guys will like it. Definitely DVD fare, though. Not worth the $9.50 for big screen consumption.

The Premonition was a predictable, been-there, done-that dog. Sandra Bullock plays a housewife whose husband is killed in a car accident on Thursday. She wakes up the next day and it's not Friday, but Tuesday, before he died. She begins living the last week of his life with the days in total disorder. The film revolves around her attempts to make sense of the situation and save his life. This movie isn't the first one to have its character living out of sync with the rest of the world in terms of time flow. Memento and The Jacket, however, did it much, much better. I'd recommend renting this on DVD, but only if both of those flicks were already out at the video store. And you didn't have any laundry to do.

TV Episodes Can Be Mini-Movies

If you have Blockbuster.com or Netflix you have to unique opportunity to watch episodes of your favorite TV shows without having to buy a whole season. This is fun because you can watch some great two part episodes (often season cliff hangers) like mini-movies.
Even if you haven't seen some shows for a while, you can still enjoy a good hour and half of it - free of commercials. I have to admit that my suggestions are all sci-fi shows...but fun stuff and you don't have to be following the show closely to enjoy (I know this because my husband watches these with me and hasn't followed these shows closely, if at all). Be warned that because some of them are season cliffhangers that you will have to get two separate discs and they both may not be available.

Star Trek: Voyager: End Game: Season 7 (last disc has both episodes): Voyager's final episode of the entire series! I believe the best of the mini-movies. It features messing around with the timeline AND the Borg queen. Yeah, I know she was killed off in a Star Trek movie...but there are many timelines and they ARE Borg. Alice Krige reprises her movie role as Her Slimy-ness and really makes this episode a treat.

Star Trek: The Next Generation: All Good Things: Season 7 (last disc has both episodes): This is another final episode of a great series. Another timeline mind bender with Captain Picard traveling through time and he is the only one that is aware of it. This episode also features John Delancie as Q who is always a fun and unpredictable character. A stellar episode to end a stellar series.

Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Best of Both Worlds: Season 3 (last disc) and Season 4 (first disc): Picard as a Borg. Gotta love that! Captain Picard is captured and turned into a Borg and in the process destroys most of Star Fleet. This season really turned the tide for this otherwise struggling series. Characters got fleshed out and plots became more daring. As a result of this encounter with the Borg, Picard's character gains an insight into himself and haunts him for the rest of series and into the films. Great stuff!
Other great Next Generation two parters also include Redemption (Klingons) and Unification (Spock returns!!).

Babylon 5: In The Beginning (made for TV movie): Okay, I'm cheating, this was already a movie but the best of the B5 movies. This movie was produced by TNT who took over the syndication rights part way through the 5 year run of the series. This movie is actually a prequel to the entire series taking place just before the war with the Mimbari that almost lead to the extermination of humanity. This is really for a fan although there was enough action and plot to keep my husband interested (he never saw B5 in his life).

Babylon 5: War Without End: Season 3 (episodes 16 & 17): I like this one because it takes a departure from the rest of the season - of course it does matter to the entire plot line of the entire 5 year series (as all the episodes do). This episode follows the original Captain of B5, Jeffrey Sinclair (now a Ranger), Captain Sheridan and Delenn (and company) as they travel through a time rift to Babylon 4 to mess with the timeline. There is a character named Zathros who may be one of the best sci-fi characters ever created. Great stuff for a fan of show!

Star Trek: Deep Space 9: Emissary: Season 1 (disc 1): This is the feature length pilot episode of DS9. Probably the best episode of the entire series. I am afraid the series did lose interest for me over it's run but this pilot can stand alone. Captain Sisko is to take over command of a dilapidated old space station that has been taken over by Star Fleet. Not a high profile command by any means and Sisko is fine with that. Sisko is trying to escape his demons of the death of his wife in a battle with the Borg (with Locutus/Picard in charge). There turns out to be a wormhole next to this station and now the real estate is very popular. Sisko goes through a very life altering experience that maybe we could all learn from.

Recent Rentals

MOVIE REVIEWS:
M = Mutt to MMMMM = Marvelous

The Holiday: I thought I would start with my favorite of this bunch of movies! I never even heard of this movie until I saw the trailer of it before another rental. The cast looked great and the premise looked amusing. Cameron Diaz (a movie trailer producer) and Kate Winslet (a newspaper writer) play women who are sick and tired of their lives, especially the men, and want a break. Diaz goes to a website that offers trading homes for the holidays. Winslet agrees to trade her home in the quiet English countryside for Diaz's home in LA for two weeks during Christmas. Jude Law (schwing!) plays Diaz's love interest and Jack Black plays Winslet's hopeful. I won't give it all away except it is a charming film with many memorable moments and excellent supporting cast. I especially enjoyed the "movie announcer" guy's voice coming into Diaz's head as she figures out her life..."she had the job, the house, the guy and gave it all up..." If you want to just sit back and enjoy a fun romantic romp...this is it.
MMMM
Rocky Balboa: I know what some of you are thinking, "Puhleez!" Right? If you just think about the first Rocky and maybe that was the only one you have seen (or want to remember) and you liked it...then you will appreciate this one. Forget all about Mr. T, Russians, etc. Just remember, Rocky. A guy who was being used as just dumb muscle but had a little faith and faith from others. Well...in any case...Sylvester Stallone should have only made TWO Rocky movies - the first one and this one. In this movie our hero, Rocky, is a punchy former boxer that owns a restaurant named for his late wife, Adrianne. The movie spends to much time on Rocky lamenting for his late wife...but the guy has heart. He tells the same stories over and over of his time in the ring, to his customers, while at the same time not forgetting that he could be the punch drunk boxer that is washing the dishes. He appreciates what he has. Then there is a computer generated boxing match between Rocky (back in the day) and a current heavy weight. Rocky shows to be the winner. The current Champ's handlers decide that this would be easy money and a way for their guy to look good to the fans, who don't like him. Rocky agrees and there you have it. I wish there was more boxing in the movie. The movie has surprising heart, much like the first movie, like it or not.
MMM
Happy Feet: You just gotta love penguins! There is just something about them that is adorable yet comical. This animated movie is a lot of fun and music is great. This clever movie follows the life of a penguin that instead of singing like his fellow penguins...he is born dancing. He has well...happy feet. He can't belt out a tune to show his emotion, instead he lets his feet do the talking. Needless to say, he is an outcast as if he had a red nose that glowed. Even though it is a penguin dancing you know someone had to choreograph the tap steps and in the credits I saw the name Savion Glover. Glover is one of the best tap dancers that has ever lived and you can tell he had fun with this premise. The dancing penguin, Mumbles, sets out to prove he can make something of himself and help his fellow penguins get through the drought of fish. This was just a totally fun and toe tapping movie. The animation is different than most animal animated movies. The animals weren't cartoonish, they actually looked like the animals but talked. I was surprised it beat out Cars for best animated movie but in some ways it was a toss up. Cars had a better story but dancing penguins...c'mon!
MMMM
Edison Force: Okay, this was a "who ever heard of it" movie by a "who ever heard of it" production company BUT has Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, Dylan McDermott, John Heard, LL Cool J and even Justin Timberlake...I had to give it a shot. This is an interesting crime/thriller that kept me with it as the plot followed a young newspaper reporter who wanted to prove corruption in the police department but really digs up corruption at the foundation of the city's government. All this happening as the city is going through a revitalization know as "Better Edison." Personally, I think that would have been a better title for the movie and the box would have been better served without LL Cool J on the cover with a big gun. Deep characters and a surprise rental for sure. As far as the production company goes...all I can think of is that it must belong to one of the stars.
MMM

The Movie Mommy will not be renting many movies in the next couple months and will feature guest reviewers! Thanks for reading!

The Little Man is Three

Another birthday come and gone. I can't believe it. Last night I was laying in bed thinking about when he was born. When I held him in the hospital and just coming home. Just quiet moments of him sleeping with his head under my chin and his feet not reaching my waist. Back when he was swaddled in a little cocoon. I would look at him and he would look expressionless at me. But I felt we had an understanding...like, I'm new at this too.
I remember thinking he was so awesome, beautiful and well...mine.
I thought about how his skin was only moments ago...my skin...in my body...that my body made him.
Now he seems so far from that. A big boy. But tonight he snuggled with me in my bed and it was nice. Just me and my little man.

TV as the Teacher

I was going to call this post "In defense of TV as the babysitter." But that opens up a whole can of worms and opinions.
Instead, I want to talk about how TV has worked to teach my children. It has not made them zombies or inattentive or whatever else TV has been blamed to do.
I swore I would never use TV as a "babysitter." But I have to admit I tried. When my son was an infant he insisted on being held all the time. I would be doing dishes and he would be sitting under me in his swing, screaming his head off. I mean I was right there! I would have loved it if he took an interest in TV...believe me.
When he was about one, he had an interest in The Wiggles. In case you don't know...The Wiggles are grown Australian men that dance and sing...and the children love them. They are very good at what they do. My son first communicated to me using a simple sign, for banana, that he saw The Wiggles do during a dance. I should have probably gotten sign language videos right away but didn't really put it together. I was working and exhausted...and a first time mom.
The Wiggles were great for a long time. He liked other stuff as well. But there is so much crap on TV that I had to really watch what was being dumped in his head. I set limits on his broadcast TV viewing. If I watched TV at night, he never had much interest except to dance to the theme songs and commercials. We got a DVD player in our van. I make no apologies.
He also watched Sesame Street and Little Einsteins. I even got him the acclaimed "Muzzy" language system from the BBC to teach him Mandarin Chinese. They had little effect. He does enjoy Thomas The Train because of the songs and even sings along (very funny to hear).
Then he branched out to Blue's Clues. In this blog you will find my lament to Blue's Clues. Then my son had a breakthrough in learning. I completely credit Blue's Clues and probably my son being ready to learn. Blue's Clues taught him all his colors. We of course reinforced it...but Blue did most of the work. I also credit the show with my son being more interactive. He interacts with the characters on the show and then wants me to as well. I would dance to The Wiggles but mainly get weird looks.
I slowly worked on his alphabet with him. Then someone gave us the Leap Frog learning DVDs. One of them is called The Letter Factory. This DVD follows a character that goes through a factory that teaches letters their sounds. Each letter is introduced and the sound is also introduced - in a sing-song manner that is easy to remember. Not only does my son know any letter he sees but he also knows the sound. Sometimes when he is announcing a letter he sees he might just say the sound the letter makes. It is amazing. I can't wait to introduce him to the other DVDs in the set.
Another favorite is the Potty Power DVD. Sounds silly but it's only 20 minutes long and goes into how to use the potty, wipe, wash your hands and the joy of being a "big kid" and wearing underwear. At the end there is even a story about "The Princess and The Potty." All of this is done with great enthusiasm and catchy songs.
My daughter now enjoys these DVDs. She is watching some of them younger than he did. I am okay with that...she can watch ALL the Potty Power she wants! She also responds to some more than he did. She loves his Mandarin Chinese video. She even grabs the "Muzzy" stuffed creature and brings it to me when she wants to watch it.
One thing to remember about TV and the children - is that WE have to watch it to. If I want to puke every time I see the beginning of Teletubbies...I don't want to encourage anyone else in the house to watch it.
TV as a babysitter? Not for me. TV as a tool? I think it can be used as one. And used well. I don't think my son would be where he is now in learning and communicating without it.
I admit putting on a DVD that they like so I can start dinner or take a shower...that is just surviving parenthood...and that's another story.

Lame Times

MOVIE REVIEWS

Harsh Times: Alfred Hitchcock invented the term: "The McGuffin." That is the event in a story that starts the action or sets the story in motion. For example, in most TV crime shows it's before the credits. In most movies it can be in the beginning or about a quarter of the way in. The movie Harsh Times has no McGuffin. Nothing ever happens thus no story. Not even the over the top performance of Christian Bale (I would like to see him play something other than a dark, brooding young male) can drive this driven-less film. The film follows Bale's character and a buddy as they drive around LA, get high, get drunk, talk like idiots about women and well...do nothing to drive the story. We kept waiting for something to happen...someone gets killed, busted, hurt, etc. - which seemed to be the only thing that these guys could be good at. Nope. Don't bother.
M (for Bale's performance only)

Man of The Year: Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, and Jeff Goldblum could not save this movie. I am sorry to say that critics were right...but they were. This movie was pretty lame. I would rather see Robin Williams take to the stage and do an HBO special than see him attempt to work it into this movie. Williams is to good of an actor for this film...as well as everyone else in it. It had some funny parts to it but the film wasn't committed to being a comedy or a drama. It really needed to be one or the other. Williams' character is someone who has his own interview/commentary show (like Bill Maher or John Stewart) who runs for President. At the same time there is something hinky going on at the company that makes the computerized voting machines. Comedy insues...ah, no it doesn't. It's a bit clunky and dissapointing. Robin, please go back to the stage and freshen up a bit.
M

Worthwhile Rentals

MOVIE REVIEWS:

Hollywoodland: I didn't know what to expect from this movie and I couldn't quite remember how the reviews were. I was afraid it would be another big disappointment like Black Dahlia but thought I'd get it anyway. I was glad I did! I have to admit that had I known Ben Affleck was going to have so much screen time I probably wouldn't have rented this movie. I have to say now that I wish he had more screen time. Affleck plays TV's Superman, George Reeves who in 1959 commits suicide. Big news at the time and an open and shut case. Adrien Brody plays a sleazy private eye who sees the Reeves suicide as a way to grab some headlines and bilk Reeves mother for money as he investigates it as a murder. The movie follows two plot lines at the same time: Reeves as he goes from Superman to not getting work and Brody as he investigates and doesn't like what he sees in the investigation and in himself. Backing up this pair is Diane Lane and Bob Hoskins. You don't have to know anything about Reeves story but if you did...it might help fill in some of the tragic blanks. I am willing to give Affleck a break now that I have seen his performance in this movie. I think it's a breakout role like Val Kilmer in Tombstone and he should take advantage of it. Kilmer didn't. Must rent.
MMMM

Stranger Than Fiction: This is another movie that I didn't know much about. I remember the previews and thought it looked funny. Odd but funny. Will Ferrell plays a boring man who works for the IRS. There is a narration by Emma Thompson describing his life up to this point. Then one day while Ferrell is brushing his teeth - he hears the narration. I could think how this could go cheesy but instead the movie stays fresh and fun. Ferrell goes to a psychologist who suggests that if he is not crazy that he see a literature professor. He meets one played by Dustin Hoffman. I won't tell you anymore because this movie is fun to discover on your own. I was pleasantly surprised by all the performances in this movie including Queen Latifah as Thompson's assistant. Watch this movie with an open mind and enjoy!
MMMM