I rarely see a movie at the theater anymore, preferring the convenience, comfort and affordability of Netflix.  However, I do make exceptions.    Saw Angels & Demons with Kathleen while in Salt Lake (really enjoyed it) and took in Star Trek yesterday.  Loved it.   Some films just have to be seen on the big screen.   And one of the benefits of a movie at the theater is upcoming previews.

Here were the movies  I previewed at the theatre last night – along with my desire, or lack thereof, to see them.

Public Enemies.    I love Johnny Depp – and Christian Bale ain’t too shabby. This looks like it will be pretty good, though violent. It’s a “wait for Netflix” movie.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.     Definite theatre movie.  Can’t wait.

Transformers:  Revenge of the Fallen  -  meh.  No interest in seeing this at the theater or at home.

Year One.    LOL…  This looks like it will be a really dumb movie – typical Jack Black fare (and Mike Cera), but the previews made me laugh despite myself.   I think I’ll wait for netflix.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Ummm.  Not sure I’ll want to see this…

Are you looking forward to any of these movies?   Seen any previews that made you really want to see the movie – or really want to stay away from it??

In the early 80s, Kristin and I were watching HBO and happened upon one of the most memorable films of our lives.  It was a brief, animated short film which had won the 1982 Student Academy Award. 

It was called “Guess Who’s For Dinner” and in it, a spinach monster attacks a child during dinner.  It was hysterical and after 25 years is still a clear image in my head. Kristin and I have both spent hours over the years, searching for this in any form… if you stumble upon it, let us know!   The talented animator, Kathy Zielinski has gone on to career with Disney and animated the memorable character Ursula (the witch) in the Little Mermaid, in addition to others.

And then, of course, there were the midnight short film festivals at the Villa theatre where I saw some memorable, and not so memorable animated shorts. Who could forget…

Bambi vs. Godzilla?

I’ve been a fan of short films ever since. So I was delighted to find I can get the academy award nominated shorts for 2004 – 2007.   I got 2006 first (because that’s the one I noticed first) and watched them last night.   What a delightful evening.   Some were better than others, of course – but I enjoyed all of them but one.

I think my favorite live action short was  “éramos pocos” (spain).   Mom has left her slob of a husband and grown son, who are helpless without her. They liberate Gran from a nursing home to cook and clean for them.  Fun, with a twist.

West Bank Story is a love story and rivalry between Israelis and Palestinians and their fast food joints.  Made by students at USC, it actually was a musical – and won the Oscar.  It was fun.

My favorite animated short was The Danish Poet” (Canada-Norway) – which did win the Academy Award.  Simple line drawings and a sweet story. You can actually see this one on YouTube.

I’m looking forward to the other years’ collections!   Do you like short films?  Have you seen any that were memorable or that you’d recommend? 

Anyone else watching the spectacular show China is putting on for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics? 

I have found myself getting emotional on more than one occasion as I watch the artistry, beauty, creativity and awesome precision of the performances.  

15,000 individual performers, the worlds biggest LED screen on the floor, fireworks as only China can do them – and moving, moving art/dance/song.   Probably the most original, inspired and amazing opening ceremonies ever.  What an incredible undertaking.   

Can you just imagine how excited and proud the Chinese people must be about this?  It makes me teary.  

The only sad part is that the athletes didn’t get to see it : (  

Did you have a favorite performance?