Three Great Movies for the Start of 2013

This past weekend, I watched two beautiful movies with my boys.  The first was "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," one of the Chronicles of Narnia series movies.  Although it had been out for a while, we just got around to seeing it and it was brilliant.  It was such a thrill to watch Trevor completely absorb and articulate what Eustace experienced when Aslan turned him back from a dragon into a boy.  It was that idea of a good hurt, something that is painful while going through it, and something you cannot do for yourself, but despite the pain, brings something wonderful.

The second movie we watched was "Hugo."  It was the perfect sort of movie for Trevor and I to share together.  We thoroughly enjoyed the adventure of it.  As the back cover so eloquently articulates - "When wily and resourceful Hugo discovers a secret left by his father, he unlocks a mystery and embarks on a quest that will transform those around him and lead to a safe and loving place he can call home."  It was magnificent!  I think the strongest lesson Trevor gleaned was that each of us has a purpose and it is our job to find that purpose and fulfill it.  He loved the exploration of old movies, the artistic elements, and the happy ending for Hugo.

Then, as I was jogging this week on our mini-trampoline for exercise, I put in a library find called "Bella."  Made in 2006, this older film is incredibly inspirational and moving.  It was truly a masterpiece.

"An international soccer star (Eduardo Verastegui) is on his way to sign a multimillion dollar contract when a series of events unfold that brings his career to an abrupt end  A beautiful waitress (Tammy Blanchard), struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for.  In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down ... until a simple gesture of kindness brings them both together, turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience."

I cannot rave about this movie enough.  Be sure to have tissues handy.  It is a tear-jerker.  But, it is also a movie that will make you feel good about life and the choice to live it to its fullest, with grace.