Hacksaw Ridge

As a general rule, I don't watch war movies because I find them so disturbing. But, because I like movies about true events, and because of the story, I forced myself to see Hacksaw Ridge. And I'm glad I did.

If you enjoy stories about humans doing self-less extraordinary things, you'll like Hacksaw Ridge, and won't forget it anytime soon. Plus the acting, and costume and set designs, are all Academy Award worthy.

Like Hidden Figures, Hacksaw Ridge is a story that took way too long to tell. And I think both are well-deserving of a Best Movie nomination.

Two Nominees In One Day

Saw La La Land at the theater today, and Hell or High Water through Amazon this evening. Two drastically different films, yet each left me wondering why the Academy nominated it for Best Movie.

While I enjoy an entertaining song-and-dance movie infrequently, I rarely think they qualify for Best Movie. How can a good drama compare to a good musical? Seems to me there should be a separate category for musicals.

That said, La La Land was just an OK movie. Fun but slow moving, and without any of the strong dancing seen in the oldies such as Singing In The Rain, Flashdance, or Dirty Dancing. Plus there weren't any new songs that you just can't get out of your head, or that make you want to get up and move.

Going from La La Land to Hell or High Water was a huge jump. Hell or High Water is far from a fun movie. Instead it's an extremely depressing story sprinkled with violence. I definitely would not have watched it had it not been a nominee. However, Jeff Bridges does deserve his nomination for Best Supporting Actor. And it was interesting to see Chris Pine in such a different role from that of Captain Kirk (Star Trek Beyond) and Jack Ryan (Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit).

So now I've seen three of the Best Movie nominees. Not sure I'll be able to, or even want to, see all nine. But it's a fun challenge during the slower winter months.

2017 Movie Nominees

These are the 2017 Academy Award nominees for Best Movie and we've only seen one, Hidden Figures. Time to make a plan!

Arrival

Fences

Hacksaw Ridge

Hell or High Water

Hidden Figures

La La Land

Lion

Manchester by the Sea

Moonlight

Hidden Figures

Yesterday hubby and I saw Hidden Figures, the best new movie I've seen in many years!

Although it was about three black women who were math geniuses in the 60s, the real-life story wasn't just about black prejudice. I feel it was equally about perceived male superiority during the time. In fact, my takeaway was the Russians beat us into space because Americans wouldn't let smart women play a bigger role in the space race sooner.

Another message of the movie I absolutely loved was proof that going after what you want can pay off. Nothing came easy to these women but that didn't stop them. Truly they are fantastic role models for all women, no matter their color. And it's a shame we're just now learning about them. Even their family, specifically children and grandchildren, were unaware of all the struggles these women overcame until they saw the movie.

Needless to say, I highly recommend Hidden Figures. There's no better way to start your 2017 movie watching. But, if you're emotional like me, be sure to have tissues handy. Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

Don't know how long we can get away with saying that. But I'm thinking at least for the first week or two of the new year.

Today hubby and I have been married 44 years. Wow! That's a long time and makes me feel even older. As if hearing on Tuesday that I'm looking at cataract surgery in 1-2 years wasn't enough. Yet another one of those ". . .if you live long enough" health issues. For crying out loud!

But I'm not going to focus on all my old-age problems. Instead I'm going to appreciate that, again this year, we're going to Europe. This time Italy!

Earlier this week we booked a two-week tour, again, with Globus. (Click here for the itinerary.) Globus was running an Early Booking discount on top of the the five-percent discount we get as returning customers, so we took advantage. We also decided we need to keep traveling while we're barely financially and physically able.

In 2016 we committed to a European trip nine months in advance. This time we leave in just four and a half months. So exciting! For me trip prep is part of the fun and will certainly help me get through the confinements of winter.

But now back to the whole-house purge of 2017!