Holiday Moviefest

So I'm beginning to see the writing on the wall: school starts back soon. It truly did fly by this year as compared to years past. But If you're still looking for movies to catch in, I'll give brief reviews of what I've seen.

1. Mama Mia

Okay, okay, I know...it's a musical. I got this one for my Mom for Christmas. Now I'll admit, I didn't like this one at all when I saw it on Broadway in NYC, but the movie gives a better backdrop to it in my opinion. So if you're not a fan of this, just check out the BEAUTIFUL film location of the Greek Islands, one of my favorite places on planet Earth. Also, I have to admit, Meryl Streep is pretty awesome in this one.

2. Lady Jane Grey

This is an oldie for sure. I checked this out this 1980s film with Helena Bonham Carter starring as the 9-15 day Queen of England during the conflicts between the Tudors. I have a specially love for the royals (though I'm not totally sure why), but to an extent they are family and played a large role in my own family coming to America. Though this movie creates a romanticized account of a true story of "one of the greatest female minds of her time" "who did not want the English crown," it is quite amazing to think how different the world may be if Lady Jane was the first female monarch rather than Queen Elizabeth.

3. Rendition

This thriller is quite thought provoking with an excellent cast. It delves deeply into the issues of torture, identity and the Patriot Act and makes you want to read the Prophets and start repenting. It also really gets to the root of the idea of "security." Where do we put our security? At what cost will we try to obtain it? And does it really make us secure? And of course the answer is that we can never truly be safe. We are our own worst enemy. In our myopia to find safety and security, we miss the dangers of what is right in front of us. Though it doesn't come out and say it, this movie does point to fundamental truths that are crucial to the Christian faith that involve issues of innocence and guilt. Although this movie does include torture scenes and violence, it has tastefully been put together (in my opinion) and it isn't gory or particularly sexually graphic--but rather proves its point without having to go there. However, it is still rated R, so don't go pick up a group of teens who won't be able to think deeply through the subject matter and watch the movie.

4. Marley & Me

This is such a great film about how pets become part of our families, no matter how weird they are. I would highly recommend this film as it is funny, virtuous, realistic, and heart warming. It is sad in the end (which the previews may not prepare you for), but it is appropriate and as a friend says, "truly completes the story and makes it meaningful." However, if you are still dealing with the loss of a pet, I wouldn't recommend going to see this movie yet, though in time it could be really healing, joyful and cathartic for you.