#31 -- Movies

I have no idea what platform will be most popular when you are in the midst of your movie watching prime, but however you watch -- enjoy!

My own categorization of movies goes something like this --

1. The Comfort Films: These are the movies that you are able to watch over and over and recite every line without fail. Even if you have these movies on DVD (or whatever you kids are using these days), you still stop to watch at least part of them when they are on TV (commercials and all). You will likely use quotes from these films on your Web page and just in everyday conversation. Maybe you will connect with the protagonist on a high level, or maybe the movie just makes you smile. Whatever the reason -- these movies keep you coming back for more. Here's a short list of mine (so far)...

The Diary of Bridgette Jones, The Wedding Singer, Love Actually, Chicago and Napoleon Dynamite.

2. Sappy Tearjerkers: Ok, so you know that these movies are not realistic on any level. No man thinks far enough ahead to send his wife flowers every anniversary after he's dead, or no mean-spirited boss learns that he or she is jerk and changes his or her ways forever. But there's something about the swelling soundtrack underneath, and the way the camera captures the perfect shot of a single tear that makes you somehow believe. These are not movies for any old Saturday afternoon. They are reserved for girls' nights, or date nights, or really anytime you need a break from reality (and are willing to give in to the unrealistic nature of the film without pessimism or eye rolling). Movies like this are strangely theraputic when employed at the right moment. My favs...

The Notebook, Where the Heart Is, Titanic, Serendipity, Steel Magnolias, Forrest Gump and Homeward Bound.

3. "Good" Movies: These are the films that have usually won numerous awards and been hailed by critics as having high quality writing, acting and cinematography. Unfortunately, these are the films that you will probably only watch one time. Some of them are so moving that you won't emotionally be able to handle a second viewing, and others reveal such surprising plot twists that there is no point in watching them again (knowing what you now know). These films are difficult to watch, but you walk away a better person for the experience. Again -- these are not for every mood or time of day. I have shut off many of these films because I just couldn't handle seeing them at that point in my life. But when I prepare myself and am truly ready, these films are enjoyable and inspirational. Some of them are...

The Hours, Sylvia, Schindler's List, Cold Mountain, Brokeback Mountain, Crash and Fight Club.

As you transition from cartoons and dancing bears to "grown up" movies, enjoy the journey. And don't be afraid to turn it off and return later, or watch it 100 more times.