Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump starts with a flashback story about a boy with polio. He was never supposed to be able to use his legs. But because of bullies, he brakes out of his leg braces and is able to run. His only friend, Jenny, remains with him throughout the story. As Forrest goes into the military, Jenny becomes a hippie. This long movie continues as Forrest tells it to random people at a bus stop.

The way the producers seemed to crop Tom Hanks into historical events is incredible and enjoyable. This movie is funny and sad at the same time. I give this movie a thumbs up.

Rated PG-13

King Kong (1933)

The classic story of a fifty foot gorilla who falls in love with an American woman, this is the original 1933 version. The island that Kong lives on is a true blast to the past, full of dinosaurs, including a massive t-rex that fights Kong. The movie is a spectacular example of early special effects and is the most famous work of stop-motion animation pioneer, Willis O'Brien.

It doesn't need to be said that the special effects in King Kong are completely ridiculous compared to today's effects, so I won't linger on them, although some people might find it hard to take this movie seriously with them. However, I cannot understand why this story is so famous and a classic. It is even more ridiculous that the effects. Most of the movie is spent with a bunch of men running around in the jungle to rescue a blonde bombshell from Kong, fighting off dinosaurs and Kong himself. Putting aside that dinosaurs could still be alive (and a fifty foot gorilla), the audience is then asked to believe that a gorilla could fall in love with a human, which is, of course, crazy. This is a good movie for someone looking for something brainless and easy to watch, but nothing else. However, everyone should see this movie simply for the pop culture references.

2-1/2 stars out of 5

-Maddy

The Wizard of Oz

A classic novel turned into a classic movie. Judy Garland has an amazing role in this film as Dorthy, a young woman from Kansas that is swept into a world of color by a huge twister. Unfortunately for Dorothy, her house that also gets swept away by the tornado land on the wicked witch of the East. Her sister, the wicked witch of the West, then seeks revenge on Dorothy and her new ruby slippers, taken off the feet of the dead witch.

Along with this magical scenery and story line, the true meaning of friendship is revealed as a group of people (or part animal in this case) go searching for the "wonderful wizard of Oz". A scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion are all in need of something human-like. Dorothy only wants to go home to Kansas. Witches and spells also crowd this world of munchkins and poppies. Good witches, bad witches, magic slippers, flying monkeys, this story is truly original.

This film is fun for the whole family. Drama, witchcraft, wild animals, and friendship are packed within this fantastic story. One of my all time favorites. My only problem with this movie has to be Toto, Dorothy's dog. I have nothing against the dog, just the role that the dog seems to have within the film. Why should Dorothy revolve her whole life around her dog? Risking her life to go back into the house when a twister is in view. Besides this, I love this movie.

Thumbs way way up.

-Megan

Miracle on 34th Street

As you may possibly guess, I have a thing for black and white Christmas movies. Miracle on 34Th street is one of my favorites. Santa Claus is loved by children across the world, who believe in him deeply. However, do the kids keep their belief when they grow up? Well, the adults in this movie certainly do not.

So when Kris Kringle comes to town, he gets a job at Macy's working as the in-store Santa. Of course the adults have no idea that this guy is for real. But one little girl proves the truth. The little girl just so happens to be the daughter of an important worker at the Macy's store, who has no belief what so ever in Santa Claus.

The young girl develops her belief of Kris Kringle while sticking around who she believes to be the real one, who actually is the real one. Okay, I just confused myself. I'm not exactly good at explaining this part of the film, so I'll move on.

This movie is not entirely about children and Xmas. The young girl's mother, falls in love with their neighbor who happens to be a lawyer. This lawyer ends up defending good old Kris, when the people at macy's start to believe that he has lost it. That's when the famous scene occurs with the letters from kids across the world, get adressed to Santa and sent to the corthouse. This film is truley spectacular and great for all ages.

Huge thumbs up.

-Megan

It's a Wonderful Life

It's a Wonderful Life. A movie about an angel sent to help a man who had done good deeds his whole life. They magically start this 1946 film with the man's life story. George Bailey (James Stewart) saved his brother's life when he himself was only a young boy, sacrificing his hearing in one of his ears. He also saved a man from jail, and another death by spotting poison in the shop that he worked in. these are only two of the deeds he did in his life.

The story continues with how George gives up his college career for his loved ones. He gets married and has kids. He also proceeds to take over his father's business, a local bank. However his bank, as well as many other local businesses, are in danger of being forced to sell out to the richest man in town.

George heroically gives up his honeymoon with his new wife, (Donna Reed), to give money to the people of his bank during the Great Depression. However all of these issues put stress on poor George Bailey. George goes out to end his misery, but that's where the angel comes in. The angel continues to show George how the world would be without him; and it's not pretty.

This is one of my all time favorite Christmas movies, and it is appropriate for all ages, however younger children may get bored with it.

I love this movie, but do not get the color version, it will loose its black and white charm. It's a wonderful life? Yes it is.

Thumbs up.

-Megan

American Graffiti

George Lucas's second (and somewhat autobiographical) feature film with an all-star cast, including Harrison Ford, Ron Howard, Mackenzie Phillips, Richard Dreyfuss, and Cindy Williams. It tells the story of four boys and the three girls who tag along with them on the final night of summer. The high school aged kids all are cruising around town in their now-vintage cars. It has all of the types you ever went to school with: Milner, the tough guy, Curt, the quiet thinker, Steve, the all-American class president, Terry, the nerd, Carol, the tomboy, Debbie, the bad girl, and Laurie, the good girl. This movie also had many firsts, such as: it was the first movie to have a soundtrack of contemporary music and was also the first movie to tell multiple, interwoven plotlines.

I recommend this movie for anyone who loves good, old-fashioned fun. It is not something you would expect from George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars. It has the good messages of valuing your friends, but don't look too deeply. This movie is pure fun- no great themes, messages, philosophical ideas, etc. Actually, there are more bad ideas that could come from this movie than good. Even so, I know I've said this multiple times, but it is fun. However, I feel I must warn you. Be prepared to learn who the characters are unless you want to be very confused. Please, enjoy, but don't take too seriously.

3-1/2 out of 5 stars

Rated PG

-Maddy