Movies to See

To Rent:  The Butterfly Effect

A 2004 movie starring Ashton Kutcher, The Butterfly Effect is a rather complex story about a young boy who, growing up, blacks out during intense emotional situations.  His father, who is currently in a mental institution, suffered from similar memory problems growing up.  The movie keeps you guessing at every turn, leaving you just as confused as the characters themselves.  Although the complicated twists and turns of the story did cause me to pause the movie every so often just to reiterate what had just happened (good thing it was on DVD…), these same twists and turns also made the movie completely original and unpredictable.  The ending also came as a complete, and perfectly fitting, surprise, leaving me lying on the floor in front of the TV, still pondering the plot of the movie. 

In the Theater:   Jane Austen Book Club

Looking for a good, classy chick-flick?  The latest and greatest under this category is the Jane Austen Book Club.  The story follows the lives five women and 1 quirky man, who come together despite their differences to delve into the works of Jane Austen through their make-shift book club.  Though the characters may not realize it, their own lives parallel those of Austen’s characters in the books.  Between a cheating husband, a sci-fi lover, an adventurous lesbian, and a lonely dog-lover, there is sure to never be a dull moment.  Along with the witty dialogue and the stellar cast (including Kathy Baker and Amy Brenneman) this movie is definitely a must-see!  By the end it sure made me want to start a Jane Austen book club!  

By Sonja Thalheimer and Elizabeth Trent
( November 2007 Volume 5, Issue 1 )