Family Movie Night
by Karyn Bowman
Over the past weekend, I was able to go to the play at the Grade School.
I thought the cast did a wonderful job and I don’t say that because my son was one of the pirates. Ok, maybe a little. But the rest of the cast did a great job as well. It was light and fun, a great piece of diversion.
Afterwards, I was talking to another parent whose child loves pirates. I know most people have come to love pirate movies thanks to Johnny Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean series.
Poster Image from IMDb.com
These movies are fun and lighthearted while being action-pack. And then there are the crazy costumes of various characters slowly being turned into creatures of the sea. These are movies best suited for intermediate grade school children because some parts are too intense and too sensual, in my opinion.
Another movie featuring pirates is Jonah: A Veggie Tales. This movie features our favorite vegetables is a re-telling of the biblical story of Jonah and the Whale. The comic relief comes from the “pirates who don’t do anything” and remind us to laugh during a serious tale. This is a great flick for pre-schoolers and up.
The rest of the week is the end of the Lenten season. Good Friday, and the rain that always seems to accompany it, will be here before we know it. That will be followed by Easter Sunday and the reminder of the Resurrection.
Ted Neely in Jesus Christ Superstar, Image from IMDb.com
There are several movies that discuss the crucifixion but few that talk about the miracle afterwards. One of my favorites is Jesus Christ, Superstar with Ted Neely in the titled role. I am blown away by the emotional depth and tragic insight of the score by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice throughout.
I know that there are many people who love The Passion of The Christ starring Jim Caviezel and directed by Mel Gibson. The movie has startling beautiful scenes that are reminders of famous paintings and sculptures of various parts of the crucifixion. But there are also shockingly violent moments that take my breath away as I look on in horror.
This movie is rated “R” for good reason and that does not include “right.” It is for graphic violence. It is not a scrubbed clean version and only the person(s) in charge of the house should decide if children younger than 12-years-old should view this movie.
Have a peaceful Good Friday and a happy Easter.
Until next week, see you in the rental aisle.
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 
I’m not sure why, but I like Johnny Depp. Maybe it’s his witty, devil-may-care air about him. Adventure flicks are not my thing, but I love watching this man act.
As for The Passion, I couldn’t take all the blood. War films, any hyper-violent films (even if they are not gratuitous in the violence) are ones I stay away from. They assault my senses and make me feel ill. I guess I’m too sensitive…
Don’t feel bad. I swore off horror movies long ago because they give me nightmares. As for Johnny Depp, if he is in a movie I am watching it. His choices are always interesting.
I agree about Jesus Christ ,Superstar. It is so uplifting. Godspell is another fav. But I have never watched “The Passion..” I have no desire to see the the torture and death of Christ. It is enough for me to know it happened.
Mel does not leave out one drop of blood. He had talked about doing a movie about the Maccabbes and that one would have been perfect for his blood-and-gore still of film-making.
Johnny Depp is always in the wackiest movies. I love the characters he plays.
Not a fan of grim movies…I go for entertainment. If I want blood, all I have to do is turn on the local news.
Please, a little escapism….especially these days
I agree on Jesus Christ Superstar. I also really like Godspell. But I have never seen the Passion and don’t plan to. I know Christ suffered, I’m more interested in the payoff of Easter morn.
I have done that more times than I have fingers.
Sorry about the double comment. My internet has been down or acting weird all day so I assumed my first comment didn’t go through.
The Passion should have been rated X.
JCS is one of my favs. I have this wonderful memory of my dad, surrounded by a bunch a teens from Sunday school class – listening to the soundtrack and debating and discussing. Such a powerful rendition. Then and now.