Please Don't Take Offense

After a long weekend, my wife and I put the kids to bed on Sunday night, plugged in a DVD, and plopped onto the couch. I'm not too ashamed to say that we like to watch romantic comedies once in a while. Last night, we watched Definitely, Maybe. Plot: the parents are getting divorced and the father is telling his 9 or 10 year old daughter about his love life including all the sordid details.

Anyway, I got to thinking that I can't remember a recent movie (romantic or not) about a family that actually stays together. We watched the Spiderwick Chronicles the other day and that involves a family that moves to a spooky house because the mom and dad are getting separated.

I know that Hollywood has been trying to normalize divorce for a long time but haven't we gotten the message already? We understand: People get divorced and let's not make the kids feel any worse than they already do. But why do we normalize bad behavior.

At what point, in our culture, will we ever celebrate people who keep their commitments?

Horton Hears a Who!

Finally, an animated movie you can take your young kids to see. Horton Hears a Who! (2008) stars the voices of Jim Carrey, Steve Carell (having surpassed Carrey as hottest actor around right now) and Carol Burnett. Other than a few "stupids" and "idiots" this is a great movie for you and the kids. The animation is incredible and the story is great. Thanks Dr. Suess! They just don't write 'em like they used to.

Horton, an elephant, is a Christ-like figure who is willing to sacrifice everything to save a people (the Who's) who don't even believe he exists. He is opposed by a diabolical kangaroo that incites an angry mob to lynch Horton for stirring up things like imagination, faith and a different way of looking at life. Other themes include: just because you can't see someone it doesn't mean he doesn't exist and being different can be a good thing.

Check it out and a good time will be had by all.

Did you see the movie? Did you like it? Why? What is your take?