Letters to God: Movie Review

I went to see this movie, Letters to God, today with my mother. I wanted to see if it was worth the hype... and it was, to a certain extent. For a full synopsis (as well as a differing review), please go here.

Without spoiling it, since I know some people will want to watch it, I will say that it definitely tugs on the heart strings. I went through about a full box of tissues (I wish I was exaggerating.) The protagonist, Tyler (played by Tanner Maguire) is an 8 year-old soccer fanatic... who has cancer. Throughout the movie, you see him writing letters to God (hence the title) and is one of the only positive characters (at least, at first) in the movie. I will stop right there because I will spoil the rest of the movie. However I think it's safe for me to say that, although this movie was entirely predictable, it still hit home and it still made me want to get even closer to God.

For mom and I, this movie really hit home because we went through something similar with my dad. We watched him get sick when he had chemotherapy, we felt what Tyler's mom (played by the lovely Robin Lively) felt -- that hopelessness when someone you love is suffering and you can't figure out what to do, and we definitely know what it was like to be affected (both positively and negatively) a single person. Needless to say, it reopened the wounds that are still healing from daddy's death... but, in a way, I'm glad for it. I am very grateful to have seen it because it made me realize things I hadn't while going through what I did with dad. I got to see it from a more rational perspective. Though I felt physically ill towards the end -- I'd cried so much and the emotions were so raw that I nearly fainted, I'm that sensitive -- I wouldn't have traded watching the movie for anything.

As I said, it was a very predictable plot but I still enjoyed it. I thought the casting was good, and was very impressed with Tanner Maguire (I'd previously seen him in the movie Saving Sarah Cain) and Robin Lively (my favorite Teen Witch ;D) and their performances. I thought they tackled Tyler's battle with cancer as well as the family friend's alcoholism with realism that wasn't overly preachy (which some movies tend to be.) In the end, I'd recommend it... especially if you can handle emotionally heavy films. Be warned: there was not a dry eye in the theater at the end. Not one, I was checking.

Anyway, if you can, this movie is one of the "safer" movies that a family can enjoy as a whole -- so enjoy. :D And that's all I'm saying 'cause I will spoil it rotten if I don't shut up now. lol

'kay, that's it. :D

As always, thanks for reading and God Bless.

"Bright Star" of Love: Review and Thoughts.

I FINALLY got a chance to watch Bright Star tonight, which was recommended by one of my best friends, Nannina, (who has an amazing taste in films) and many Catholic friends of mine including Rebecca of Modestia. (Btw, she recently wrote a blog about modern clothing that reminded her of that worn in Bright Star.) It was such a beautiful film. The acting was fantastic, the scenery was breathtaking, and the story was... *sighs*. lol. If you know anything about the life of English poet John Keats, then you know how the story ends; I'm not going to spoil it for those who don't. lol.

As I was watching the film, a plethora of questions and answers popped into my mind. "If I were in Fanny Browne's shoes and I knew the outcome of my love's fate, would I do as she did and hold on? Would I end it because of the ultimate outcome of the situation?" The answer was: yes, I'd stay and fight right beside him! If I were in love with someone and I knew I wouldn't have him for long, I would stand by him and do as Fanny did. I am not one to give up on something, and especially not on someone, I love because I know it's not going to end up the way I want it to. What I love about the love story of John Keats and Fanny Browne, and what Jane Campion beautifully captured, is that it wasn't idealistic in the sense that there's going to be a fairy tale ending. There is no such thing as a fairy tale ending, though I'm sure many have come close to it. It's not my being pessimistic about it; it's being realistic. I'm a hopeless romantic, I'll be the first to admit it, but I know that what is usually presented to us in the media isn't what a relationship will be like for every one of us.

One of the main reasons why I love period films like this and Pride and Prejudice is the innocence and honesty in the relationships. As Deal W. Hudson wrote in his review of Bright Star for Inside Catholic, there was "a level of mutual desire" that showed how deeply in love they were but they never overstepped their boundaries. Of course, in those days they reserved and they weren't overly sexualized like our modern secular society is. It's something that is severely lacking in most of the films that come out these days. Films in which a relationship isn't consummated or overblown into dramatics (I'm looking at you, Twilight) is almost unheard of... and that's very sad.

Perhaps I'm the only one that thinks this way. I long for films in which a relationship is gradually built, one that starts with a solid foundation and friendship, instead of the rush we usually see. Maybe I'm just an old fashioned girl who believes in courtship. It's quite possible that this Janeite is just so used to Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility stories that that's why I think they way I do. Either way, this film was such a breath of fresh air and it's further convinced me that courtship is the right thing for me. As I said months ago, I'm thoroughly enjoying being single but I am ready for whenever God wants to send me someone.

I believe the film is about to end its run in movie theaters (today was the last day it was being shown at the nearest movie theater to my casa) but if it's still being shown near you, I really recommend it. Be warned, though, you will most likely tear up during the film; I certainly did. This film was truly a "Bright Star" of love and sincerity that you can take a lot from, no matter if you're single or happily taken. :)

Alright, it's actually pretty late and I want to get some Old Testament reading done (missed my Judaism exam because of illness and now I will take it on Monday) before bed. I hope to blog again tomorrow or, at the very latest, on Saturday afternoon. Keep your eyes peeled for you... and fingers crossed I continue to feel as well as I did today.

Anyway, that's all for today. Thank you so much for reading and God Bless. :D