Stories We Tell (2012)

This is a genealogical documentary by Sarah Polley. A good portion of the film is spent listening to different people speak about Polley's deceased mother, Diane, and events surrounding her own birth. Polley interviews her father, her siblings, step-siblings, potential lovers of her mother, and her mother's friends. Through all of this we get an idea of the vibrant, energetic woman who was Diane Polley, the impact she had on others, and the impact they had on her.

While the family history is all fine and well, it is not exactly a thrilling film. It's essentially a slow-paced sleuthing process recounting memories strangers have of a mutual connection. Interesting, but not exactly thrilling. Then, in the latter half of the film, close to the end, Polley does something pretty interesting and reflects on the possibility of being able to capture a true memory of her mother. If it is indeed possible to really know her mother, or understand these past events. She poses the question to a couple of her interviewees and receives some interesting ideas about the nature of memory and whether or not a memory can be truly universally shared. There is an interesting statement put forward that, no matter how 'organic' a memory is, it still undergoes an editing process of sorts when it's shared. It is polished and touched up and segments may be removed or modified to suit the situation, and Polley does a remarkable job of echoing this sentiment throughout the entirety of the film. Before, during, and after the shooting of the documentary, we see establishing shots. People getting ready to be interviewed, cameras or lighting equipment, and even shots or Polley herself as she is directing the picture. On more than one occasion, the idea of the 'fourth wall' is broken down and the audience is acutely aware of the fact that this film is being manufactured, but that it is still an essential truth. She also reflects on her own motivations for pursuing this project, once we learn the some key details of the story, and we are let into a very personal and private portion of this person's life. Polley is really opening herself up to the world with this film, at least in terms of the details surrounding her early childhood and birth.

A side note on Sarah Polley and my bias toward her. I really like Sarah Polley. I was first introduced to her through the Road to Avonlea series (phenomenal), and have seen her in various other productions since then. RTA was taken on by Disney after the first or second season, and ended up letting Polley go because of her political activism and refusal to give into the corporation when they told her to stop. When most of the Disney child stars I can think of off the top of my head end up getting into some of the less than ideal situations, I can only think extremely highly of a person who possessed too much moral integrity for Disney to stand. I also just think that she's a very talented and genuine actor and director, and am usually inclined to think that whatever she's affiliated with is bound to be interesting. And it usually is. But that's just me.

Anyway, the story is not only interesting, but she takes it to another level. Ultimately worth the watch.

Yours, Mine, and Ours (2005)

I really disliked this movie. Not only does the movie run on the stereotypical plot and themes of countless movies that have come before it... but it's based on a movie that was actually very good. I suppose I wouldn't mind this version so very much if I hadn't seen the Lucille Ball version first, it would have been just another crude attempt at mashing together a feel-good movie about family values to get people to pay money to go see it, like a lot of the other things playing in theaters. But since I've seen and enjoyed the original, watching this actually offended me personally. I would have preferred that they take these characters and make a new movie.. not attempt to ride on the success of the original storyline. 

As for the movie itself, the mom was of course the one with the big heart and the dad a heartless dictator, stereotypical gender roles ftw. The mom of course had to adopt a kid from every visually different racial category so that all races were represented... while making them play out their 'racial role', one Asian boy was an effeminate designer, the other tech savy, the indian kids went barefoot and liked gardening, the black kid was 'gangsta' and made a rap song for them all at one point, and of course all the white kids were the focus of the story and required no racial marker because they're 'normal'... So they reaaaallllyyyy tried hard to create dynamic and interesting characters here, and at the same time did a most excellent job of challenging the status quo and the stereotypes that influence kids to perpetuate racist stereotypes. Not . There should be a committee or something for things like this. And of course the men made all the rules and the women had 'great personalities' and were 'strong' but did what the men said in the end. Again, great film for the kids. I'm getting a bit overly sarcastic now so I'll stop. Suffice it to say I was not impressed.

War of the Buttons (1996)

I love this movie and have since I was a kid. I first saw it in a movie rental place and thought the name was kind of funny so I picked it up and I thank myself for that day every time I watch the movie, which I now own. 

It's a story about two villages in Ireland who have this kind feud and every day the kids from each village have a 'war' that ends before dinner time. It's an enchanting tale of innocence, adventure, and community. I would definitely recommend it to all people of all ages. A timeless movie for all!!

The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)

This is my absolute favorite movie and has been ever since I was a little girl. My mother actually introduced me to this movie and since then I have become addicted to all things mythological (I probably would have gotten into it anyways, but this sped up the process). 

It's a story about a girl who goes to live with her grandparents for a while because her father is too busy with work to care for her. While with her grandparents, she visits an island her family used to live on. This is also the island where her younger brother was taken away by the sea. She snoops around the island and catches glimpses of a small boy she suspects to be her brother. As it turns out, selkies have taken him away. So the girl, with the help of her cousin, begin to make the abandoned houses on the island habitable again so that they can move back, thereby getting the girl's brother back from the sea. 

This film is subtle, yet superbly effective in giving you that evanescent, magical feeling. So many movies try to capture that evasive 'something else' but end up being fake and cheesy but this one makes the cut. It's suitable for all ages and is a definite must experience. The soundtrack isnt bad either.

The Balloon Tree by Phoebe Gilman

This story is about a princess who loves balloons and uses them to rid the kingdom of evil, with the help of some friends. 

It's a cute story with a simple but effective message. I love Phoebe Gliman, she writes amazing children's books that, though they are nothing complex, are truly epic. One of those stories you'll remember when you're older. This one isn't my favourite by her, I prefer something from nothing, or Jillian Jiggs, but this one is great as well... exactly what I would expect from her. I recommend this author.