Year-ender: Feeding My Mind (Movies)

Normally, in the past, whenever I watched a movie, I was able to write about it in my blog. However, once more due to the lack of time, this wasn't possible going into the close of the year. At the same time, due to family concerns, watching a movie was difficult because either one, it had to be with the kids, or two, my wife and I had to make sure that there was someone who would be with the kids while we watched something more adult-level. Another factor curtailing movie-viewing was the prohibitive prices of theaters nowadays. Gone are the days that going to the movies was a cheap form of entertainment.

These were the movies we were able to watch in the theater going into the end of the year:

1. Captain America: The First Avenger

Part of the summer blockbuster gang, this movie failed to disappoint, and merely whetted our appetite for the upcoming "Avengers" movie. Chris Evans was great as the iconic Captain, and Hugo Weaving basically repeated his Agent Smith persona, albeit with a red skull for a face. Tommy Lee Jones had a witty role as the crotchety commanding officer.

2. Breaking Dawn, Part One

 I got roped into this one as a favor to my wife, so I tried to be game about it. However, the following things are clear: one, each of the major characters (Bella, Edward and Jacob) really only have a limited number of facial expressions; two, the story continues to be blah, with major holes in logic and plot; and three, one of the few bright spots is the fight scene between the vampires and werewolves, although the lack of actual casualties makes me wonder what the body count in the upcoming "Underworld" sequel will be.

3. Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn

There are mixed feelings about this almost-live action rendition of Tintin by Steven Spielberg (and produced by Peter Jackson). However, like Jackson's rendition of "The Lord of the Rings", it's likely that this will be the only time we will get to see the intrepid young reporter on the big screen. Two of the scenes caused my youngest daughter to laugh uncontrollably; I won't spoil them for those who have yet to watch the movie.

4. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Brad Bird ("The Incredibles") directed the fourth installment of the "Mission Impossible" series. I didn't realize that the first movie came out in 1996, but, 15 years later, the series hasn't lost its style. Tom Cruise continues to impress in this movie, with great performances from Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner. Ving Rhames makes a cameo in the end.