A Night At The Movie

Last night Paige, Ellie and I went to a movie. Paige and I used to go to movies all the time, but a child and busier lives have a way of changing that. We went to see "National Treasure: Book Of Secrets." I loved the first National Treasure and, based on some very positive reviews I had read, was anxiously anticipating this one. The movie had a rating of PG so we felt really comfortable taking Ellie with us. It did not disappoint. Yet, again, the very creative plot line and the tie-ins with American history proved to be a very potent combination. I really liked it.

The point I want to make with this post is not a movie review, per se. I want to comment on movie-making- really the whole motion picture industry. Why are there not more movies like National Treasure? It is clearly NOT exclusively a kids movie, but I have seen more objectionable material in the Shrek trilogy than I have seen in the two National Treasure offerings. Whereas in most areas of life, occupying the middle ground is not the preferred, more movies should try. By that I mean you do not have to be all fluff, cartoonish and mind-numbing, nor do you have to have all the violence, language and sexual overtones. You can have thoughtful storylines and good acting in a family-friendly environment.

It was so nice to be able to have Ellie with us. Granted she could not understand every little nuance of the movie, but she could appreciate being with mom and dad, taking in the big screen and enjoying the goodies. Date nights are great and necessary, but, as parents, and if you are one you will understand, sometimes you feel guilty having to leave the little ones at home when you go out to enjoy a movie. Does it have to be that way? If the powers that be understood this, perhaps we would be happier and they would be richer.

Think about some of the top-grossing movies of all time- Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, et al. Some had a little more violence than you would like the kids to see, however, they had a much broader audience appeal than other movies and enjoyed success at the box office that was unparalleled.

Oh well, here's hoping Hollywood reads this.