Movies

Bob got home from Yakima the other day, and we thought we might catch up on our Netflix movies that have been sitting around and go see Tropic Thunder at the theater. I would recommend both films for very different reasons.

I wasn't planning to see Tropic Thunder in the theater, or maybe even on Netflix, until I read a glowing review in Newsweek. I know this will make me sound old and out of touch, but it seems like the comedies these days are just sophomoric and borderline disgusting. The actors over-act, and the nudity it almost out of control. Take "Step Brothers" for example: Not funny at all. But the predecessors like Old School were pretty good, I thought.

Anyway, Newsweek said Tropic Thunder was an intelligent comedy. I was intrigued... do tell more! Robert Downey, Jr. was unrecognizable, in a good way that kept you watching. And Tom Cruise played the best role he's had in a long time. Notice him in a fat suit in the picture below. His dancing at the end of the movie makes every penny spent on the ticket worth while.

Oprah suggested Akeelah and the Bee. Of course I was on board almost immediately. I'm a sucker for movies about underprivileged minorities in rough schools. It makes me homesick for Anniston High School. Also, I love spelling bees. I can't begin to imagine the nerves that come in to play going to Scripps National Spelling Bee, but I sure did enjoy a feel good movie that portrayed little Akeelah's struggle to prove her intelligence and find her voice in a community that needed some positive energy.

If you find yourself with some free time this weekend, Tropic of Thunder is worth the admission price, and Akeelah and the Bee is a fantastic family flick that will make you wonder how you would measure up when asked to spell some of these words that middle schoolers are mastering. Amazing! And time well spent.