Monday Movie Meme - In their absence...

If you follow the Bumbles, you are probably aware that Molly's grandmother passed away last week. Molly and Andy have been on my mind and in my prayers all weekend. Because of their focus on their family at the moment, I incorrectly assumed that we may not have received our assigned Monday Movie Meme topic this evening. (As it turns out, the Bumbles did come through, but after I had written this post!) So I made the executive decision to just chat about the most recent movies I've seen, both at the theater and through Netflix, starting with the most recent.

1. Drag Me to Hell (Netflix) - yes it is intentionally schlocky, but oh what fun. If you enjoy horror movies, this one will meet your needs. You have got all your bases covered...curses, demons, spewing bodily liquids...all of it used in a way that flies in the face of a traditional horror formula.

2. Paranormal Activity (Netflix) - I guess I got a little horror-crazy one evening on Netflix. Two in a row! This movie was made in some dude's house for something around a few hundred bucks, but was a sensation at the box office. The premise is that a demon has been haunting a young women on and off throughout her life, and recently has picked up where he left off. So said woman and boyfriend decide to video tape their bedroom at night to detect what is going on while they are sleeping. Don't watch this by yourself at night, I would say. I've seen scarier stuff, but it was entertaining.

3. The Hurt Locker (Netflix) - I'm impressed that this gritty, testosterone-packed account of a bomb squad in Iraq was directed by a woman. I was also impressed that the major film stars in this movie were thrown under a bus, playing only bit parts. I'm not sure it deserves to win the Oscar (does anything this year???) but was an excellent and intense film.

4. The Lightning Thief (Theater) - the kids had a day off from school and it was rainy. I had not read the book, and my daughter tried but couldn't get through it. It was mildly entertaining. I'll just leave it at that.

5. Food Inc. (Netflix) - OK, so now I don't want to eat anything ever. This was a great documentary about the truth behind the food we eat, the politics of farming and the ag business, and probably is responsible for a good number of people becoming vegetarians. Is nothing sacred any more? I can't just eat my food in peace? I have one more thing to worry about, on top of being chemicaled and caloried to death?

6. Avatar 3D (Theater) - I was a little put-off by the 3 hour run time, but I had to see what all the ruckus was about. Bottom line? Great effects, great premise, disappointing/mundane/predictable/Hollywood plot. It could have lost a good 30 minutes and nobody would have cared. It certainly does not deserve to win Best Picture. If it does, I will lose my faith.

7. The Lovely Bones (Theater) - My mom and I read the book, and for some strange reason the kids wanted to see it. I'd read it had been watered down to a PG-13 rating, so off we went. Some significant things were changed from the book, which irritated me, but it was a beautifully-shot movie. My poor dad didn't know what he was in for, and I think the movie still bothers him. I'm not sure he will get over it!

8. Inglourious Basterds (Netflix) - violence and wackiness to spare, with all the genius and flair you expect from Tarantino. He is one deranged fellow, but that is what makes his movies so much fun. Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz give stellar performances. I'm betting Waltz is going to take home an Oscar.

Of all the movies I've listed above, I probably liked The Hurt Locker the most, The Lightning Thief the least. What have you seen lately? Any good recommendations?