Bottle Shock (2008)

The Seamstress told me I should watch this film.  I fear it was talked up to me a bit too much, but then again, I did watch it whilst making dinner, so I was somewhat distracted for the first portion of it.

It seems a decent film.  It didn't change my life or anything, but I did enjoy it.  I must admit though, it didn't leave me with a great deal to say about it.  The underdog-makes-good storyline is a safe bet to receive audience support.

Alan Rickman's presence elevates the film.  Rachael Taylor, though I find her wonderful, her character isn't really there for any particular reason other than to foist irrelevant sexual tension on the tale.

I didn't really connect with it though, so I just... don't have much to say about it.

Final Thought: Perhaps I should have paid more attention to the first half of the film... 

Up Next:  The Bourne Identity (2002)

Billy Elliot (2000)

In my final years of high school, I had a great English teacher.  A teacher who made the syllabus interesting and who didn't expect you to fit in to a mold, but rather wanted you to find your own voice.  It was this teacher who one day insisted we go to the cinema and see Billy Elliot.  He also insisted that we go see Fight Club, but that will come later.

So I went to the cinema, not really knowing what to expect of this film, and within the first minute I loved it.  Billy is endearing before he even says anything.  Dancing is just something that he happens to find himself doing, though it is bewildering for everyone else in his life, and he is more than aware of that.

I think I like this film because it isn't self conscious.  It's just frank.  Yes, kids pick up on more about their parents than they realise.  Yes, you're more likely to get through to a kid if you talk to them as an equal.  And yes, dancing is pretty great.

Final Thought:  Just how many family issues could be solved by dancing it out?

Up Next:  Bottle Shock (2008)