Movies that Matter – Hidden Figures

The power of this movie is like the title says, hidden. The children had seen the trailer and they come to us determined to see this movie and discover more about this once little-known story. When we sat down in the cinema we were all eager to discover the story.

Watching the struggles these women, Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson played by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe endured yet the determination they possessed was inspiring. They lived in a time when being a woman and one of colour was not exactly an easy thing to be. Despite that, these women learnt and discovered how to use their brains to be the author of ground breaking accomplishments that have been marked on history’s page to be acknowledged and remembered by all.

When we got out of that movie the quiet smile on my Kylie’s face was noted by all of us. The movie had does its part in continuing to inspire her to be more than just a drone in society but to strive to accomplish something noteworthy and significant. Also a line she noted that she is determined to take to heart was what Vaughan told Jackson when the latter kept complaining about the fact she could not be an engineer, “quit talking and do something about it”. That is now her attitude, making sure that she shows action rather just talking about it.

Movies That Matter – Mary Poppins

The kids and I were relaxing in front of the TV one day with no clue what to watch so we started to go through our old DVDs. That is when we spotted Mary Poppins and we jumped eagerly at the chance to watch it again.

An older movie done by Walt Disney in 1964, this musical stars Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins, Dick Van Dyke as Bert and Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber as Jane and Michael Banks. According to the write-up on IMDb.com, this movie is a

“In turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father.”

Have a peek at the trailer

In the midst of the singing and the dancing is an understory of the neglect that children of these times faced. They were often passed on to be taken care of by nannies or maids, evident is the outright dismissal of their opinions and feeling. Sadly we also see the belief that money or things will make everything perfect but as the show progresses it becomes evident that it does not.

When the movie is finished, the children and I had a chat about what we watched. In the middle of the catchy songs and acrobatic dancing, the key thing they noted was that the movie was that the movie pushed the idea of happiness and the joy of the simple things of life. We also talked fact that childhood is so fleeting and that the complications of daily life often distract parents for just taking the time to just be with their children. The movie made that painfully evident. In the end, we renewed our vow to be a strong, close family and always remember to find time to be together.

Later on, we had a look online and saw that “Mary Poppins Returns” seems to be in the cards for 2018. We can hardly wait to see the results. So for a laugh and good old fashion comedy perfect for the whole family look for Mary Poppins.

The Hidden Truth

 

Mr. Divine’s kisses can make every problem disappear. 

 

What is the meaning of you manhandling me? I don’t appreciate it one bit.”

“Will I don’t appreciate you avoiding my calls for the last few days. What is going on? Talk to me.”

I said nothing, determined to stay angry.

“Lindsay, you and my children are one of the most important things in my life. Knowing how you are is a must. Right now I know something is wrong. Even the kids know something is wrong and told me.”

My eyes widened at his statement. The children knew that something that something was wrong…that was not good. I looked at Mr. Divine then looked away.

“This is ridiculous,” I heard Mr. Divine mutter before he pulled me out of the car and tossed me over his shoulder. We had driven to the beach after he pulled me out of work and we had been just sitting there, him talking, me trying not to listen. That was when he dragged me out of the jeep and heading toward the water. When I figured what he intended I started to scream and kick. That didn’t stop him and I ended up being tossed into the sea.

I came up swinging but Mr. Divine was not about to be deterred.

“Tell me what’s going on or you are going under again.”

I started to protect and Mr. Divine ducked me again and when I came up again I could see we were attracting attention. I tried to escape but it was futile and I was subjected to several more ducks until all I could do is cling to Mr. Divine.

“The women,” I gasped.

He held me tight, “What women?”

I pressed my head against his chest and tears of frustration started to run.

“The women who are all around you, always trying to get your attention.”

Gripping my chin he made me look up and focus on him.

“Look at me and listened very carefully. I married you, Lindsay. I waited all those years for the right woman and I married you. You are my woman and I will not violate your trust so get the idea out of your head right now and keep it out.”

There in the water, he kissed me long and deep. “Don’t ever give me the silent treatment again. We talk about things and move forward.”

“Okay,” I whispered against his chest, ashamed of what I had done. I had allowed the past to creep in the fester and like an opened infected wound it had tried to destroy me. I should have known better by now.

Movies that Matter – Sahara

I love Clive Cussler books, and I really mean love. To me, his books are like a history lesson and a full-blown action/adventure movie all rolled into one. So when I saw that his book ‘Sahara’ was being made into a movie I was beyond excited. The movie didn’t disappoint then and it still doesn’t now.

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Penélope Cruz and Steve Zahn, the plot is based on the main character’s Dirk Pitt hunt for a civil war ironclad battleship called the Texas that Pitt was convinced was lost somewhere along the Niger. Along the way he and his long time friend Al Giordino meet up with U.N. scientist Dr. Eva Rojas on the hunt for a mystery illness that she is convinced is a plague. As the movie progresses the complications and revelations continue to a much deserving ending. Here is the trailer, check it out.

Did I like this movie? You can bet I did. I enjoyed it so much I bought it on DVD and I watch it often. When the kids first watched this movie they were in awe. To them, the movie was like a modern version of the Indiana Jones movie, only with the water related aspect involved. They loved the adventure, the discovery and the problem-solving element of it.

As usual, when the movie was done, the kids and I had a discussion and they had a lot to say about what they saw and heard.

They loved the comradery of the two main characters, as well as their adventurous, can-do attitude in the face of danger. Also the determination these men had to do the right thing at any cost. The thing the children found truly disturbing was the attitude of the villains in the story and some of the things they said. Lines likes the ones exchanged between two of the villains, Yves Massarde and General Kazim.

“Don’t worry. It’s Africa. Nobody cares about Africa.”

The words made them wonder how such a statement could be made or that type of sentiment exist. They also noted that greed was one of the driving forces in the plot and the lack of care or consideration for their fellow human beings displayed by the bad guys.

By the end of our talk, my children understood that having a good moral standpoint was not always easy and maintaining it was twice a hard. They also came to understand that some people were not just bad, but evil and the only thing that mattered to them was their financial gain. We talked a lot that night and the children even went as far a debating about what could lead a person to become like this.

Most would not think a movie classed as an action/adventure could fuel such philosophical debate, but it did. From ‘Sahara’, my children learnt it is sometimes a hard road being good and that come people only pretend to be good. Like I said, a movie worth watching again and again. Watch it and let me know what you think.

Family Getaway

I’m skipping forward a bit but here is what we got up to on a trip. We spent a few days in Canada just to see if the children might want to consider going there for college. Click the link to see the video of a part of our adventures. Let me know what you think.