FILM: The Lamp

The Lamp
based on the novel by Jim Stovell

This sweet film about loss, hope, faith, and finding happiness in life is not blatantly "Christian" but is inspirational and very uplifting. We found it on Netflix and it was perfect for "Family Movie Night."  We were entertained and it made for good discussion afterward.  It contains nothing offensive, though there are some mildly intense scenes that might be frightening for very small children.

Recommended for:  Everyone

FILM: Avalon High (2010)

Avalon High
rated PG

This made-for-TV Disney movie is full of factual errors, nonsensical situations, and plot holes, but my kids thought it was great fun and very entertaining.  There is some mild violence, but nothing offensive.  Good for family-movie-night.  Just remember it's a children's movie and ignore the goofy stuff.  You might even be entertained yourself.

I'm feeling generous because it made my kids happy.

TV MINI-SERIES: Wives & Daughter (1999)

Wives & Daughters (BBC)

The BBC got another one right with this wonderful 4 episode mini-series based on classic fiction.   There are plenty of nasty characters and good ones, including step-relations, lots of plot twists and turns, and enough romance to make you sigh again and again.  The cast is excellent as well.

Contains nothing offensive.

TV MINI-SERIES: Sherlock (Masterpiece Mystery)

Sherlock, Series 1 (2010)
Masterpiece Mystery

When it comes to television, the best of it seems to come from the BBC, especially under the banner of "Masterpiece."  Here is yet another wonderful, but, alas, too short, series based on the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and updated to present day London.  With clever, witty dialogue and stories that keep you riveted, each episode will leave you anxious to watch the next.  Unfortunately, there are only 3 episodes (though each is about 90 minutes), and the last leaves you utterly surprised, and desperate for more.  Fortunately, three more episodes will air this fall.

It's going to be a long wait.

Since murder is involved, naturally each episode contains some violence, though it's not graphic.  However, overall the subject matter is too mature for children and younger teens.   There is occasional mild language.

TV SERIES: Lark Rise to Candleford (2008-2011)

Lark Rise to Candleford
Based on the memoirs of Flora Thompson
(Seasons 1 & 2)

This is the perfect costume-drama/period-series... it just ended its fourth and final (sadly) season.  I devoured season 1 and I'm half-way through season 2 and I'm addicted!  You can't ask for more than this; a wonderful cast of colorful characters, great acting, delightful stories, sweet romances, and plenty of humor.... AND it's clean!

Yes, it's silly that I feel like I know these people personally and I'm so interested in their lives.  I root for them.  I get wrapped up in their sorrows and joys.  And I can't wait to find out what happens next.

FILM: Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Fantastic Mr. Fox (rated PG) (based on the book by Roald Dahl)
starring (voices) George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartmann, et al (the list of famous names is long)

Why did it take us so long to see this movie?  I really knew nothing about it, but had heard it was good.  I think it's now a new favorite for our family.... at least for me and Jay.  I think it's actually more of an adult movie, though kids enjoy it on a different level (for the slapstick, etc.).  The humor is odd and quirky, and there is much to be gained from multiple viewings. Wacky fun!

I'm always a little nervous about Roald Dahl (a lot of his books are weird and have language and creepy stuff), so I was pleasantly surprised.  I'm not sure why it's rated PG... I don't remember any "language," though there is some cartoon violence, and I guess some scenes that are mildly frightening.  There is some smoking, so that probably has something to do with it.  Otherwise, it's pretty safe.

Oh, and the soundtrack is wonderful!  Or, I should say, "Fantastic!"  :)

Recommended for:  FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

FILM: Five Children and It (2004)

Five Children and It (rated G)
(based on the novel by E. Nesbit)
starring Freddie Highmore, Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Izzard (voice)

We watched this via Netflix with our kids.  It was cute and the kids liked it.  Like most films based on novels, there is plenty of stuff left out or changed, but it works.  Freddie Highmore is always fantastic, and how can you go wrong with Kenneth Branagh and Eddie Izzard in supporting roles?  The story is a fun fantasy centered around 5 siblings (and their horrible cousin), so naturally, most kids will enjoy it.  There is plenty of action, nothing offensive (with the exception of a few naughty childish pranks), and there are some sweet emotional moments.

Recommended for:  Family movie night!

FILM: I Am Number Four (2011)

I Am Number Four (PG-13)
Starring Alex Pettyfer, Dianna Agron

We went out to dinner and a movie to celebrate Jay's birthday.  This was Jay's choice, but I found it entertaining.  I really didn't know anything about it before hand, but I noticed that the star of this film, was also starring in the film playing in the next theatre.... apparently, he is quite the hot item right now.  I feel so au current!

Anyway.... this is your typical action/sci-fi flick, with plenty of villains/creepy creatures, slow-mo action sequences, and explosions; several dumb lines of dialogue and minor plot holes; plus some moderately graphic violence, and a bit of strong language.  What else can I say?  Obey the rating.

Overall, it's entertaining and you probably won't fall asleep.  There a couple of interesting supporting roles, a mildly interesting romance, and the story is fairly intriguing.  It could have used a little more humor though.

FILM: Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker (2006)

Alex Rider:  Operation Stormbreaker (PG)
starring (get ready)....
Alex Pettyfer
Bill Nighy
Micky Rourke
Alicia Silverstone
Sophie Okonedo
Missi Pyle
Andy Serkis
Robbie Coltrane
Stephen Fry


Did I make my point there?  That's a pretty impressive cast list!  The lead is an "unknown" (well, was at the time anyway), but the supporting cast is jam-packed with some amazing actors.  Quite frankly, I was a bit surprised that so many of them would have taken such bit parts in a "little" film that is, well.... fun, but not quite on the same level with their other films.  But, it's all good.

I couldn't resist renting this one after reading the book.  The author wrote the screenplay, so I expected the film to follow the book quite closely.... and it did, until the very end.  An additional ending was tacked on that seemed, well, just that.... tacked on.  It was a bit silly, but my kids didn't seem to mind.

As a mother watching this with my children, I appreciated that even the mean tough-guys said things like, "What the heck are you doing?" though it made my husband and me roll our eyes.  Of course, the kids didn't think a thing of it.  The violence is very toned-down (Disney-style) where you know the bad-guys "got it" but you don't see anything.  The film gets it's PG-rating from the action.  No "language."

Overall, it was entertaining, but the book was much better.

FILM: The Ghostwriter (2010)

The Ghostwriter (PG-13)
starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Williams

Jay and I watched this last night, and I quite enjoyed it.  It's not an action flick, but a classic suspense thriller a la Alfred Hitchcock.  It kept me guessing.  Whether or not you find the ending satisfying or not will depend on how you like movies to end.  I won't say more than that.  :)

The film was well-acted and directed (by Roman Polaski, but he freaks me out.... he is creepy).  Ewan McGregor is always fantastic, and Olivia Williams.... well, let me just say, if I were brunette and English....and famous....I would insist that she be cast as the lead in a movie about my life.  Pierce Brosnan was perfectly cast. 

There is one "bedroom" scene in which you briefly see Ewan's naked bum, but that's where it ends.  The rest is implied.  There are also a couple of incidents of "s***" and the f-word, which I detest, and that's the worst thing about the movie.  There is a scene of violence, but nothing is really shown... just implied, which I appreciate.

FILM: Middlemarch (BBC mini-series, 1994)

Middlemarch 
BBC Masterpiece Classics
(based on the novel by George Eliot)

I don't love George Eliot like I do Jane Austen, but this is a good story with lots of interesting characters and plot twists.  I didn't love the main characters, and I found the romance between Dorothea and Ladislaw slightly unsettling (it might have something to do with the fact that I find Rufus Sewell irritating, and I can't take him seriously as a romantic lead.... he should only play villains).  However, it is definitely entertaining viewing and if you like period drama/romance you will most like enjoy this one.

FILM: Under the Greenwood Tree

Under the Greenwood Tree (2005-BBC)
adapted from the novel by Thomas Hardy

I am a sucker for BBC's adaptations of 19th century novels, and thanks to Netflix I have a ready supply to "Watch Instantly" whenever I want.... usually when I'm folding laundry.  Though I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, this one was not disappointing.  It's a sweet and simple story, the characters are interesting, though not well-developed, and the love story is nice.  Thankfully it wasn't a mini-series, so I didn't have to get sucked in to 8+ hours of...... what am I talking about?  I love the long ones!  Who doesn't love a good romance?

I also love these because I know they will be clean.  Modern romances are.... well, not so clean.