guernsey

Atticus Finch, move over! There's another morally strong Southern lawyer, with a pretty wife and a rambunctious young daughter, and he's ready to take some of your case load!

"The Summer of Ben Tyler", set early during World War II, has a lot to say about love, honor, relationships, commitment and power. Keeping their promise to their dying black housekeeper, a white family takes in her teenage mentally-slow son. The movie details the joys and conflicts the family faces as a result of their decision.

Similarities to Atticus aside, I found this movie to be very emotionally satisfying. Everything in life may not turn out the way you expect, or the way you choose, but the difficult lessons you learn en route are "character building".

If you're seeking a strong drama that the whole family can watch, discuss and learn from, I heartily recommend this wonderful movie.

I was reading the newspaper this evening when my daughters started viewing this video nearby. By the time I finished the paper, I found myself watching "Sammy" "full-time".

Sure, it's typical Disney animal fluff, but I enjoyed it none the less, and found myself laughing out loud with my children at some of the silly stuff the seal did. (I don't want to spoil it, but my favorite part involved a toy poodle and a pool.) It was also fun seeing the variety of cars and fashions from the early 1960s. (Yes, the mother/housewife does wear a skirt while she cooks breakfast!)

So, find some kids and check out this funny movie!

This was a great movie. It worked as an intriguing slice of American history, as a drama of pure, youthful love and as a portrait of two grandparents' affection, pride and protection for their orphaned grandson.

Unlike some "made-for-TV" movies, the breaks for commercials were almost never awkward or noticeable, and production quality was worthy of the big screen. As an unexpected bonus, the rolling Nebraska landscape was surprisingly beautiful.

One of my great-grandfathers lived in a sod homestead in western Nebraska in the late 1800s, just like Antonia. I found it compelling to consider the contrasts between her existence in the movie, and my midwestern life in 1999.

"My Antonia" delivers a little heartbreak but lots of hope, and I rate it 9 out of 10 stars!