Blue Streak

Martin Lawrence is a crackup in this film about a jewel thief named Logan. He managed to hide a stolen jewel in a building moments before being captured and put in prison. After being released from jail, he finds out that the building has been remodeled as a police station. Rated PG-13 primarily for language, Martin cuts down on the language in comparison with other films, presenting a slightly more family-friendly film. It's suitable for teens and older. Parental Concerns In our society, we pay too little attention to ratings and suppose that our children have the same level of perceptivity we seem to have. In reality, the youth of our nation are struggling because parents haven't taken responsibility for teaching their children. Public education is more than a right. It is a privilege and it is there to help parents, not to replace them. We need to start discussing films with our children instead of zoning out and paying little heed to whatever ideas a film might put into a child's mind - good or bad. Even though I have no children of my own, I have been a child and I have parents. I am most thankful that they did not leave me to fend for myself where films are concerned. They kindly set aside a moment after each film to discuss different aspects of it: what is real and what is fake, how to apply it to life. My parents aren't perfect by any means, but I think more people with children in their homes could learn by their example in this aspect of life.

Much Ado About Nothing

This film was very well done in my opinion. Of course, as I have never read the play, I cannot really compare it in that way. The characters, however, were wonderful. I find that the more I see of her, the more I admire Emma Thompson. It's possible I might even have a crush on her if she weren't nearly as old as my parents. In this film, she plays Beatrice, who is set up to fall in love with Benedick. This trap is set up by the young lovers Hero and Claudio, trying to pass the time with their fellow conspirator Don Pedro. Truly, Shakespeare's genius pays off in this one. The film is rated PG-13. You may also want to take a look at Shakespeare in Love or the much-acclaimed William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

The Last Samurai

Tom Cruise stars in The Last Samurai as Captain Nathan Algren, a bitter Civil War hero who gets roped into fighting renegade Samurai in Japan. Katsumoto leads the Samurai warriors and captures Algren, but decides not to kill him. Engulfed in their culture, Algren gains new perspectives on warfare and life in general. The film teaches some good life lessons. Rated R for warfare, it isn't exactly for children, but a good parent might watch this film with a more mature teen and discuss the story and lessons from it. There is no nudity or really any reference to sexual promiscuity in this film, so it comes highly recommended for a family without young children.

Casanova

Casanova, while definitely not a movie for the kids, is definitely a good laugh and an enjoyable bit of artistry. Don't let the pig in a boat with women's legs sticking up throw you off. This flick is by no means another Charlotte's Web, thank God. Neither, believe it or not, is this flick a sex thrill. It's a story of finding true love, even in a true "player" (using today's terminology). A very sinful criminal, Casanova (Heath Ledger) tries out as many false identitied as he can possibly use to make an attempt at winning the heart of the fair - and betrothed - Francesca (Sienna Miller). He nearly seems to find success when his plot is uncovered and he decides to fess up to his true identity. What an uproar it causes! This film is rated R for the sexual overtones of the entire story.

Minutes to Midnight

I enjoyed this CD very much. Despite the explicit lyrics (a bit of swearing here and there), the content is very good. I especially enjoy track 6 (What I've Done), the single that made the album; track 11 (In Pieces), an upbeat piece reminiscent of painful times; and track 12 (The Little Things Give You Away), a melancholy melody focused on love that is missing. Track 13 is a live performance of What I've Done.

Pride and Prejudice (A&E, 1996)

Anyone who has ever read Jane Austin's classic novel Pride and Prejudice will most likely love the film by A&E. My sisters, of course, are in love with Mr. Darcy. I personally try to emulate Mr. Bennet's attitude in life. I certainly hope that doesn't mean I'm bound to find a Mrs. Bennet type of wife. I suppose that I must admit that, like my sisters, I adore this film. I will likely never tire of seeing it and those sunday afternoons watching the entirety of the film I believe are well-spent for the lessons this story teaches. Though unrated, it is most definitely not unsuitable. This is a great film, and even though it could be labeled "a chick flick" it has plenty to offer the fellas too.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) [AUDIOBOOK] [UNABRIDGED] (Audio CD)

This audiobook (read by Jim Dale), written by J. K. Rowling is a wonderful bit of literature for a car trip, painting your house, examining the structure of literature, and so on. I encourage anyone to pick up the book, or if you prefer, get this CD version. While the book is literal genius, I found the CD version lacking primarily in the Jim Dale's voice interpretation of a few characters. Hermione, for example, seemed a slight bit misplaced. Hagrid, on the other hand, was perfectly represented. Anyone who enjoyed the book I'm sure will enjoy the film as well. Now, specially offered, you may buy Harry Potter Years 1-4 on DVD!