On Monday we took the kids to see "The Tale of Despereaux." Collin was the only one who had read the book, and he was upset at first when he realized it was very different. However, by the time he finished telling us all the things that were different, he concluded that the movie was better. Hmmm. Anyway, I thought it was cute.
My sister had a New Year's Eve Party/Sleepover for the cousins.... it's too bad Jay and I didn't have a party to go to. We are too old to go to the hip celebrations that the 20-somethings go to. And besides, Jay hates crowds.
Instead, we went to dinner at Carrabba's. It was busy and we didn't want to wait 45 minutes for a table (even though we had nothing better to do and no babysitter to pay... I guess we were hungry) so we grabbed a couple of seats at the counter overlooking the kitchen. What fun!
It was a blast to watch the action in the kitchen, and I enjoyed chatting for a bit with the couple sitting next to me.... "Snowbirds" from Minnesota who had just returned from a Panama canal cruise. It was quite fun.
Then we went to a late showing of "Valkyrie." It was quite good. It's always interesting to watch a movie based on a historical event and you know what will happen.... I still desperately want the characters to do something different, and find myself encouraging them to do so (only in my head, of course). This was one of those times. The movie has a sad ending (sorry, that wasn't really a spoiler, you know the assassination plot fails), so it was nice to know that eventually things work out... meaning Hitler is defeated.... even though it doesn't happen in the film.
The film isn't about Hitler though. It's about brave and honorable people who loved their country and were trying to do the right thing, no matter the consequences.... they were heroes even though their plan failed. There were others who knew what needed to be done, but were too cowardly to do it.
The kids had fun at their party, and they always enjoy playing with their cousins. Jay and I spent the rest of the week watching all three of "The Lord of the Rings" movies (extended versions!).... not all in one sitting, of course. Now, there is another story of courageous people! Fictional, yes, but a powerful story.
We saw Tale of Desperaux too and my son (4th grader) had read it. Ok, so his teacher had read it to the class but we're going to buy it so he can read it again and so I can read it. He was upset by all the changes too but still enjoyed the movie. Speaking of movies, if you haven't seen BOLT, it's really good. We don't get out much but Grandma and Grandpa took us over Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteWe've been watching The Lord of the Ring's Extended Version too. My 10 yr old is happy because we let him watch it EDITED on our ClearPlay DVD player.
Glad you had a good time and the kids had a fun party.
Hi Alice! Those recipies look tasty! I am excited to print those off. I liked your thoughts on Valkyrie. It gave that horrible time hope. I am glad there were couragous people who tried to stand up to Hitler. It was a good movie.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is darling!