moon

District 9 [Blu-ray]
$39.95
My first impression about a quarter way into this movie, was "Oh, NO! Another aliens-as-racial-minority metaphor!" Yes, yes, I know all that, I just wanna be entertained- that theme's been done, then done again, then again ..ad nauseum. I was thinking the only way to save the plot line was to have the aliens relocated to Chicago as new Obama voters. Then I was pleasantly surprised.

So what does save this movie and transcends it beyond the predictable racism-is-bad, apartheid-is-bad "message", what saves it is that ultimately it doesn't take itself seriously, at which point the movie becomes immensely entertaining. The matter of fact story telling absorbs the viewer to accept the premise despite one's common sense. Looking like something I ate at last summer's clambake, the alien CGI is nearly flawless.

Best of all, the witty screenplay has such wry humor that it leaves nothing and no one unscathed. From the Afrikaner elites, to the S.A. Blacks ( who, themselves victims of cruel apartheid, display the same sentiments to these new arrivals), to the aliens themselves portrayed more like insects with a gusto for cat food and tires, advanced technology notwithstanding. Not to mention the proverbial military-industrial complex (always a good villain). Even political correctness is mocked as we follow that dolt of a protagonist's rise via nepotism to a position of authority. His adventures inspecting the District is a rich example of sarcasm as mockumentary.

Of course the tired apartheid-alien message continues throughout the movie: segregated slums, Nazi inspired experiments, sham laws, forced mass evacuations, one from the "majority" transforming into one of the "minority". But as the movie progresses this theme becomes so cliche that it barely rises to consciousness and renders it meaningless. And that is a good thing. There's a world of serious cinema dealing with that subject more worthy to explore than a movie such as this. At best, maybe use it as a teaching tool on your middle-schooler about the lessons of apartheid.

So to all initially put off about this film, I say give it a view. It won't disappoint.

From the Earth to the Moon - The Signature Edition
$29.98
This is a fantastic miniseries about the history of the American space program. I don't know how or why I waited so long to buy it, but I'm glad I finally came around. It's a great series. It's got good casting, good acting, it's historically accurate, and it tells the stories of the astronauts, as well as of their families, mission control, and the general public. Some episodes I liked more than others, but overall I've got no real complaints.

My only bone to pick is that some of the special effects were a little poor, even when you consider that this was released in 1998. But that is forgivable enough when you appreciate how well this series does what it was intended to do - tell the history in a way that is entertaining, educational, and which does justice to the amazing men and women who were fortunate enough to participate in our country's early space program.

Moon In My Room
$29.99
Was rather dubious about this initially. I mean how much fun can a moon nightlight really be. But, having bought it for my kid who is doing about moon phases at school, I was really pleased about how much he enjoys it. In addition to the educational value of moon phases it is on everynight as a nightlight. No complaints.

Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me
$6.99
I just loved this book. When you open it and see what happens next on each page it becomes the sweetest story ever. You know the saying, "I would give you the moon" is about trying to please someone. This book is just that, a pleasure and a treasure.