Old Dogs and Amelia

Hello all you non-followers!

Even though I have no followers, I am still going to post anyway. I like to get my thoughts down on paper, and this is one place where I can give my opinion and not have anyone tell me I cant!

This weekend I managed to see a couple of films. I saw Old Dogs and Amelia. One was ok, and one was pretty disappointing. Guess which was which?

Ok - Amelia was not very good. It was very slow and disjointed in the beginning and only finally gained some life at the very end. However, most of it was just boring. It was interesting to see the media machine at work - a precursor to the frenzy that today's celebrities go through. While most people know that Amelia was the first woman to make a transatlantic flight, how many knew that she was not actually flying the plane, but was just a passenger? Also, that she was married to the person who published her book and made her the star she was?

Knowing all the little details, such as the money it took to get the plane she would attempt to fly across the world? Still, those few interesting facts could not make up for the long, boring other parts of the film. Definitely NOT going to be an Oscar nomination for Hilary Swank this time! I actually enjoyed Richard Gere's performance much more. He showed a nice array of emotion, and it was all believable to me. As for those who were upset at the ending...really? Did you think that maybe this time she was going to make it? You are the same people who thought Valkyrie would end differently, aren't you? Or Titanic?

Old Dogs was not something I will be running out to buy on DVD, but it was worth the matinee price for a few laughs. John Travolta was a bit uncomfortable to watch trying to be the "cool dude". Still, when he turned on the serious face, such as standing by his friend to the end, those are the moments when he shone.

As for Robin Williams, he pulled off the not-quite-so-funny-as-usual role quite well. I liked seeing him be funny, but at the same time be serious. The whole running gag of them being the grandfathers instead of the parent was nice, but not overdone. It was really a G comedy, and I think kids will really like it, and adults will enjoy it, but don't go to it looking for gut-busters, or ribald Williams humor. It is not there at all. And I have to say, the Travolta daughter was a sweetie!

Well, if you find me, let me know what you think!