Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

What I’ve Been Watching

April 7, 2012

So, yesterday it was music, today it is music! Don’t worry the book list is coming too :-). Anywho – here’s what I’ve been watching for the last 3 months or so.

1. “My So-Called Life” – I watched this on Netflix Instant back in December, and then I bought the set (I think I mentioned that) and watched it again along with the commentaries too. Fine, fine writing and also memories of a time gone by.

2. “Hey Boo: Harper Lee and To Kill A Mockingbird” – This is a documentary of Harper Lee’s life and her writing of To Kill A Mockingbird. It also goes into reactions when the book came out and the climate at the time it was published. Many interviews with writers and teachers which add to the beauty of this “film”. If you love To Kill A Mockingbird then this is a must for you.

3. “Temple Grandin” – This is a fantastic movie about a woman named Temple Grandin who has lived with her autism and made it work for her instead of running against it. Clare Danes does a beautiful job of portraying Miss Grandin and the movie portrays autism in a way that the rest of us can understand. You cannot go wrong with this one.

4. “Fahrenheit 451” – Yes, the movie from 1966 that is based on the book by Ray Bradbury. It is a good interpretation of the book, but it does fall short in my opinion. I usually read the book first and then watch the movie and alot of times it helps to fill in gaps that movies just can’t get to. All in all though a great movie and Ray Bradbury was definitely ahead of his time and a bit of a prophet of our modern age as well.

5. “The Muppets” – A great family movie although it really is more for the generation that grew up on the original Muppet Show in my opinion. My only caveat is that Frank Oz does not do Miss Piggy which I think is a travesty. He made that character – he IS that character – and only he can do her justice. Overall though, it’s a good movie that’s fun for everyone.

6. “Bridesmaids” – Fair warning – this is a vulgar chick flick. That’s right a chick flick written by girls and for girls, but it’s vulgar. Kind of a weird combo to be sure but it kind of works. I saw scenes of it on the Oscars and thought it looked funny so that’s what made me try it. Although overall I thought it fell flat in a lot of places, some of it was good. The bits about friendship are great. One thing that stood out for me is how women go out of their way to compare themselves to others and this tendency is brought out in one brilliant scene. Also, it has something to say about relationships with the wrong kind of men and how they make us feel if we are honest with ourselves. So, watch it if you dare, but like I said, it’s vulgar and some of it I just didn’t like. I think only women will get alot of it as well.

7. “Catholicism” – Yes, I’m following up my review of a vulgar movie with one that is the opposite :-). This is a great commentary on the Catholic faith by Fr. Robert Barron. There is just so much meat and potatoes in this that you can watch and watch and get more to think about each time you watch it. So, if you want to learn more about the Catholic faith or strengthen your faith if you are already Catholic you cannot go wrong here. If you can’t afford the dvd set, get the book by Fr. Barron by the same name – it’s going to be about the same except without the scenery.

8. “Out of Africa” – Here’s an oldie from way back when! I thought it looked wonderful when I was younger and it is lush and beautiful. But without information behind the story I think it doesn’t make sense. I had no idea it was a true story! So, do watch the commentary after the film. Otherwise, I liked it.

9. “The Way” – This is a movie that Emilo Estevez made and the lead character was made for his dad, Martin Sheen. It is also a collaberation between the two film makers – father and son. The movie is about 4 people who make the Way of St James – El Camino de Santiago – and find things out about themselves and each other along The Way. It was actually filmed on the pilgrimage road and the pilgrims are not extras but real pilgrims. They Way is 500 miles long and for the film they actually walked 300-350 miles of it and it took 40 days to film. A wonderful, powerful not to be missed movie and, again, watch the movie with the commentary – lots of good stuff there.

So, there you have it – what I’ve been watching for the last 3 months or so. Maybe you’ll find something to pique your interest too.

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» What I’ve Been Watching » Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

What I’ve Been Watching

April 7, 2012

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