| The Sky is Definitely Falling-The Chicken Little Mini-Review
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I took my granddaughter to see the movie,
Chicken Little. The movie was nothing like the book; it was a little farfetched, and the sound effects were a little over the top.
The subtletities in the film include the effects of Chicken Little's mother's death, his father's grieving, his strained relationship with his father, and the bullying from others. After the movie, my granddaughter and I had a good talk and discussed the subtleties in the movie that I thought went over her head, but she was and is very insightful and nothing got past her.
I wonder if producers ever make these movies with the intent of teaching children life lessons instead of always making them specifically for entertainment value; i.e., profit. With Chicken Little, one gets the feeling that the movie makers figure that a cute little animated chicken
and sound and special effects will carry the day. And, for younger kids, I think this strategy will work.
Wait for the DVD if you can. Dan Foster
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| Mini-Review of The DVD Vanity Fair by Dan Foster
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Vanity Fair is a period piece. The movie was very slow. but interesting. Reece Witherspoon, the star, is always delightful and perky. What fascinated me about that time frame, England in the 1800s, is the "class" system.
When I was doing the General Lee book, I ran across a passage in his notes describing a time in England when he met the Queen. When his host, a British General and upper class aristocrat, said that he needed to bow to the Queen, General Lee said something like, "I thought we fought a war to avoid that." It was a tense moment. But then Lee and the British General laughed and Lee went over and bowed to the Queen; afterall, he was a genteel southerner.
Although panned by the critics, I thought Vanity Fair was a good movie. It would be nice to see it with someone and then go to Just Desserts or somewhere and discuss over cheesecake. You could talk about how it would be to live during that period, to be upper class, to be lower class, and to experience all the smells(just kidding). OK, I have an evening planned for you.
Dan Foster
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| ShopGirl: A Movie Review By Marjorie O'Keefe
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Shopgirl is based on Steve Martin's novella by the same name. Martin wrote the screenplay and stars in the film along with Claire Danes, and Jason Schwartzman(Rushmore).
Mirabelle(Claire Danes), a lonely, struggling artist, works at the glove counter at Saks Fifth Avenue in Los Angeles.
She meets Jeremy(Jason Schwartzmann) at the laundry mat and he awkwardly asks her on a date. A very lonely Mirabelle accepts his invitation.
Jeremy is a nervous, quirky, somewhat insensitive young guy; yet, he is funny and endearing to Mirabelle and, I think, to the audience.
He is a logo design artist for an amplifier company; He is very poor; so, on one date they go dutch to the movies instead of staying outside the theatre and admiring the marquee. Marabelle begins dating Ray Porter(Steve Martin) and tells Jeremy. Jeremy goes on the road with a rock band for eight months; and he, oddly enough, begins listening
to relaxation and self-help relationship books on tape. Believe it or not, Jeremy matures while on the road with the band. He thinks about Mirabelle and a possible second chance.
In the meantime, Mirabelle continues dating Ray Porter(Steve Martin), who she meets at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Ray is a 50ish(possibly 60ish?) wealthy, sophisticated, businessman who travels frequently and sees Mirabelle when he is in town. He and Mirabelle become lovers ( For those interested, she
bares her naked backside for the audience). Ray is generous, kind, but also somewhat insensitive. He is remarkably honest with Mirabelle about his desire for only a casual relationship, but she hopes for something more. Jeremy comes back in her life. See the movie; I won't spoil the ending.
Shopgirl is a good date movie. It is humorous, serious, and realistic. My favorite quote is(somewhat paraphrased): "How can I justify loving part of her and not all of her? I can't.
It's just life.- simple, but honest. Reminds me of the song by Bonnie Raitt: "I can't make you love me if you don't."
Get the point? Ok, enough rambling.
I really liked this movie. In my opinion, one of the best movies out this year. MJ
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Parachute Movie Ratings 
One chute- read the promo material.
Two chutes-Rent the DVD: just as good as seeing the movie.
Three chutes- See at Discount price.
Four chutes-Worth your time to see at regular price.
Five chutes-If you miss it, you'll be sorry. Need to see it on the big screen.
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