Movie Reviews - Toys and Fun

Toy Story 3 - Pixar - ****
One of the benefits of having a child in your life is that you can go see all the great kids' movies. So over 4th of July weekend, Miller and I had a date to see Toy Story 3. I know I have seen the first two movies but couldn't quite remember the details. In case you are in this predicament, don't worry. The movie is sweet and sad and funny. I cannot imagine coming up with a film that can hold the attention span of both a 3 year old and a 36year old, but the geniuses at Pixar have done just that.

Andy is all grown up and is going off to school and his little sister Molly wants his room. Andy has to get rid of everything in his room by placing it in one of three things: a trash bag, a box labeled 'Attic' or a box labeled 'College'. This is a huge moment for all his old toys who wonder if they are going to the attic or to college. By mistake, all the toys except Woody end up on the curb. (Woody himself getting cherished 'college' box placement.). The toys including Buzz Lightyear and Barbie escape the trash truck but end up being donated to a local daycare.

I won't go into anymore details, but know I cried at the end. Not just water sliding silently down my cheek; big sobs that shook my body. Miller spent the movie on my lap and I cried into his head. We walked out of the movie and he looked like he had dipped his head in a pool. I know what you are thinking "You cried at Toystory??" Yes, I did and no, Andy does not die. I related to the heartbreak Andy goes through realizing he is growing up and can't take his childhood with him. I also related to the toys who were so much a part of his young life, but have since found themselves gathering dust. I still have my childhood animals Charlie Bear and Moo Moo Cow. I still have my Cabbage Patch Kid, diaper and all. I am amazed that I am a "grown up" when so many times I still feel like a child.

For Miller it was just a good movie that had Buzz Lightyear and garbage trucks. He got the overall plot of the movie and found it entertaining to sit still for two hours. For me it was a great movie that spoke to both versions of me; the grown up who pays the bills and the child who still wants to snuggle with Charlie Bear, even if he got his nose bitten off by Belle the dog. Both versions of me want to be loved and that is the universal theme in this movie; no matter who or what or how old, we all want someone to play with us.

Knight and Day - Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz - ***
Some movies provoke thought. Some call for change. Then there are summer flicks like Knight and Day, which are just fun. Tom Cruise is a polarizing character with his religious views and his social life (which I think is ridiculous that it even matters in comparison to Mel Gibson) but regardless, you have to admit he can act, he has on screen charisma and for a man in his late 40s, he looks really good. He has always been known for his action movies and his willingness to do his own crazy stunts, but recently his comedic side is getting a lot of press (Hello Les Grossman!) and I am quite glad. His character is funny in this movie and overall it is a cute, light, summer flick. Will it win an Oscar? No. It isn't breaking box office records for sure. We went on opening day and had less than 10 people in our theater. But the movie is silly fun and will have you snickering for days. Tom Cruise has been beaten up for the last few years and I for one would be OK if the mockery stopped. Even if his name is not synonymous with blockbuster, he is still poised to be a Hollywood legend, more so now than ever before. Go see this movie and don't worry about Tom's prospects for a future; He's got this.

June Music

Song Title..................................Artist
Guns & Horses ........................Ellie Goulding
Wavin' Flag............................. K'Naan
Private Jet ...............................Gomez
Prayin' .....................................Plan B
Quiet Things ...........................Brand New
Commander ...........................Kelly Rowland
Miami .....................................Foals
Ivy & Gold ..............................Bombay Bicycle Club
We Speak No Americano .......Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP
Self Machine............................I Blame CoCo
Withcraft ................................Pendulum
Islands.................................... The XX
The Boy Who Murdered Love.. Diana Vickers
We Used To Wait.....................Arcade Fire