thoughtful movies

sometimes it is just important to take yourself to the movies. it's foggy; just go! thoughtful movies abound!

over this thanksgiving ~ advent beginning week-end, i took advantage of not going to midnight madness by ducking into the local theater.

and a slight digression...the wizard of oz opens at playhouse merced on friday night for this holiday season! ok, back to the movies....

hugo. you have to know that i love time period films, and this is so very interesting because it takes place in paris (!) mostly at the train station! how many ways can you say awesome?! what this film did for me was to remind me to look for a now seemingly lost swatch watch in which i could see the inner workings. i love to see the inner workings of things, and so this was a movie that shows the inner workings of things. but it is very powerful. a wonderful seasonal film that has nothing to do with santa clause, but with the spirit of forging ahead! well done. and if you appreciate ben kingsly's acting ability, and how we get to be and act the way we do, you will appreciate this fine story that let's you in on how the characters ended up the way they did.

so, treat yourself to an matinee, indulge in popcorn and a soda -- or an icee (!) and enjoy...cautionary note: visit fort knox first, or just bring your atm card! worth the extra in 3d!

j edgar -- based on the fbi creator j edgar hoover, this is amazing. it is a period piece of our history, and does a great job of aging the characters as well. lots of 'i didn't know that' kind of information, but very engaging, and done with great direction by clint eastwood! who knew that the actor could become such a compelling director and composer?! i would say of this film, controversial, as we get to see a little 'behind the scenes' of the washington political machine. while we may be a great nation, we might all do well to be more involved in politics...i don't want to run for office, let me be clear! but what happens behind the scenes, and what we hear about are not always the same thing! the ending is very moving, and insightful.

so, i'd even say, take a break from holiday baking and shopping and decorating, and spend some time away. take a friend. make it a date. enjoy the company, and spend some time afterwards in conversation over a cup-of-something!

and, in case going to the movies is not an option, pop some corn at home, snuggle down with some homemade hot cocoa, and watch this (about) 10 minute utube

http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/TEDxSF-Louis-Schwartzberg-Grati

soothing to the soul.

may advent, as we journey toward bethlehem, be filled with the light of hope. take time to share hope with someone this week . . . .