Summer Flicks

"You're a movie snob" - that's what one of my co-workers said as we discussed what's out, what's coming out this summer at the theaters. She's right, I am a snob when it comes to who gets my $8+$popcorn+$drink money. I rarely want to see a film as "escapism", because there are cheaper ways to do that with HDtv at home, or with a good book. I tend to be choosey, and want to train our kids up to be the same way, asking questions about a film's value, its message, its artistic merit and its morality (we don't go see every kids' movie that comes out - instead, we research the language and the plot points to see if it's worth seeing or not). And I'm not into every thriller or raunchy comedy that hits the screen.

All that being said, here's what I'm looking forward to seeing this summer:

FANTASTIC FOUR - The FF and Spider-Man were the only Marvel comics I really got into as a kid, and from the trailers this one looks like it's going to be good. Value: Family, teamwork, heroic storyline, good vs. evil, making choices, being heroic and doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do.

BATMAN BEGINS - After the debacle named Val Kilmer and the other one named George Clooney (I thought Michael Keaton did a really good job!), I'm looking forward o Christian Bale actually having some depth and some decent dialogue as the Dark Knight. Value: Revenge isn't all it's cracked up to be; higher calling; heroic storyline; doing right thing because it's the right thing to do.

CRASH - Such a huge cast, and all of them take second place to the plot, which appears to be telling us that we're connected and disconnected at such levels that we can't begin to judge beyond our own prejudices. Value: Relationships matter; don't rush to judgment; we all bleed, all hurt, all need each other.

MR. & MRS. SMITH - I wasn't sold on this one early on, and I'm not a Jolie fan at all. Brad Pitt has his moments when he's not the pretty boy, though, and this might make a nice date night movie later on this season. Value: Lots of guns and stuff, but mostly it looks like the couple gets it right in the end; love is thicker than heavy automatic weapons

THE ADVENTURES OF SHARK BOY & LAVA GIRL - Another hero movie, this one for the kids. Looks alot like SpyKids, same director, and we thoroughly enjoyed those movies. Expecting the same from this one. Value: Kids being heroic, doing the right thing; imagination, creavitivity as heroic traits.

HERBIE: FULLY LOADED - Probably the one movie we'll see because the kids want to see it. The originals were fun (going to rent a few on DVD before the release!), and I'm hoping this one will make us laugh in spite of the cast. Value: Anytime a Volkswagen can win a NASCAR race, that's a good thing!

... to be continued...