Good Movie Alert

Brad and I saw two movies over the weekend that I'd like to let you know about, both very enjoyable. It is rare when we go to the local theaters (even matinee prices) to see something Hollywood puts out... but these were exceptions.

BELLA, rated PG-13, reviewed by Focus on the Family's Plugged-In website. Bring a hankie...or two. This movie doesn't shy away from the harshness of life, but all the while wraps you in the warm blanket of friendship, and the enduring love of family. One person reaching out to another can make a difference. The motive behind this movie is shared in the following quote from the producer:

"Eduardo Verástegui knows his little film (he also co-produced it) won't dominate the box office. But he doesn't mind. "I was caught up in the stardom and money of this business, like so many actors," he told us, "But I was drawn to do this. To just do something worthwhile." Thus, he and his fellow producers stepped away from successful careers to pursue an independent film with no guarantees. He said with emotion, "What I'd love to see happen with this film is to someday have this 12-year-old knock on my door and say that her mother was going to have an abortion. But she saw this film. That would be my Oscar." "

DAN IN REAL LIFE, PG-13, also reviewed at Plugged-In, is worth checking in to. Although this movie has some "issues" with the innuendos in various scenes, we thought it was an enjoyable adult romance. Read the review for a full summary of the movie to see if it is something you would be interested in. Coming from a big, noisy family...I found the family interactions refreshing. This quote from the review wraps it up:

"I can't remember the last romantic comedy I saw in which the leading couple didn't take each other out for a sexual test drive before the credits rolled. Which isn't to say that Dan is squeaky clean on that front—especially his impromptu encounter with Marie in the shower. But as PG-13 flicks go, it doesn't push the content envelope nearly as far as many do these days... The film's missteps are worth keeping in mind, but they're not enough to cancel out the Real lessons Dan and his girls live and learn in the context of their large, loving and loyal family."