When you combine two of my favorite things–movies and superb advertising–I cannot look away. This genius screening of Pixar’s Planes from Disney and a Dutch airline KLM is perfection. It shows that without an unforgettable experience, you don’t really have much to stand apart from everyone today. And why no detail should go overlooked (I mean, the outside atmosphere to this piece?!).
The fact it’s strictly for little kids is stellar. There is magic in the power of flight, even when you’re grounded.
With a membership to Cinema/Chicago, every few weeks there’s another screening of an upcoming feature. Over the year, I’ve been able to see some stellar films and hear inspiring Q&As with directors, writers and actors. As these screenings usually take place during the week, it’s a nice way to unwind after a work day.
This past week, we screened The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It features an all-star, British cast and does not disappoint. It’s about a group of ex-pats seeking solace, meaning and a new hip in India. The film is rich with colors, sounds and moments that feel all too real. But the film wasn’t the only thing I got that night.
As this film skews to an older, mature demographic, there weren’t many young adults there, sans the staff of Cinema/Chicago. Didn’t bother me one bit, but if it weren’t for this film, I can assure you I would not have met a most fascinating person named Sandy. Sandy is probably somewhere over the age of 70, rents library books, quotes philosophers and has spent his years doing good in Africa, Europe and Asia. He’s basically the kind of person I want to become.
We had great talks before and after the film where he told me things about himself and just things in general. When he found out I was a writer, we spent a lot of the conversation discussing linguistics, which I can honestly say, I’ve never given much thought to. We went our separate ways with the promise of catching an art exhibit.
The one thing I took away from Sandy, was his comment when I told him that he’s had such an awe-inspiring life.
“The best is yet to come.”
And if we learned anything from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, that’s exactly what’s to come.
Last night, went to a screening for Act of Valor. I’ll be honest, I didn’t look too much in to the film so literally walked in there not knowing what was about to happen. Which led me to sit in my chair with my mouth open in disbelief.
The film uses real U.S. Navy SEALs and documents them through faux missions. But I must say, seeing them go in to capture someone who was kidnapped immediately brought up a notion of the recent Somalia recovery. So while it’s fiction, there’s some serious truth to this film.
This film ensures I’m always continually thankful for all the branches of the armed services. Because fighting is more than just shooting a gun. And serving is more than just patrolling. It takes a certain human being willing to do so. Someone who’s signing up to leave and go without much direction. Someone who’s selfless. And that act of valor leaves you in awe.
The film is scheduled for a mid- to late- February release.
Hanna (Non)Tana 