Movie Night

Who DOESN'T like movies?!?! Well, I guess not EVERYONE...but most people like movies of one genre or another. Those who don't like movies at least like the movie of a fireplace with a fire going... ; )

The world of cinematography and script writing strives to feed the public's insatiable appetite for material that is more shocking, exhilarating, or distinctly
different than that which has come before. This is because of desensitization. It's kind of like eating sugar. You become so accustomed to sweetness that it doesn't make much of an impression on your taste buds when you put 2 spoonfuls of sugar into your coffee instead of only 1.5 (your usual). If however you have a sugar-free diet(sensitized to sugar), adding 1/2 a spoon of sugar to your coffee will surprise your sweet-sensing taste buds.

The resulting effort of writers, actors, and producers to capture the interest of desensitized viewers leads to great works of art which can have one or more of many effects on an individual. Movies, whether fiction or non-fiction, can excite, frighten, discourage, motivate, encourage, relax, or enrage the viewer. The residual effects of the movie content and the emotional response which it evokes can either serve to enhance and benefit or reduce societal acceptance of language, behaviours, and norms.

I haven't found it particularly easy to find films of quality which I can confidently recommend to the common movie-watcher.....you know, the kind of movie that a teen can be comfortable watching with their parents...one that doesn't encourage the use of 'intelligence-limiting language' or contain innuendos or visuals unsuitable for younger viewers?

I am pleased to share that I have recently seen two movies that I can happily recommend (with a clear conscience) for your viewing pleasure. They are: The Blind Side and Amazing Grace. They are available on DVD so you can avoid situations such as this:

They do contain some mature themes so be forewarned. You may not want to show them to little children.

Two things that I appreciate about these movies is that they are both based on true stories AND they demonstrate the power of hope, determination, and goodwill.

Whether you watch movies to learn, to be challenged, to escape, or to simply be entertained, these movies are for you. So, the next time you want to curl up in your favourite seat either alone or with your favourite people, check out:

No, they're not chick flicks....sorry to disappoint.

If you've seen them, what did you think???