17 Again

M: I didn't expect to like this movie. For some reason, and as I reflect, for no reason at all, I have not liked Zac Efron. I don't remember ever seeing him in anything. He is in the High School Musical movies, which I have only seen parts of. I guess I just thought he was a young, pretty-boy, tween idol who had no actual talent. But, I really liked him in this. He was funny, touching, and yes, a pretty-boy. My only complaints were that his character was, at times, a bit hypocritical. After knocking up his high-school girlfriend, he, as a 17 again high school-er, tells his daughters class how important it is not to have sex before your married. But, to me, the theme of the movie was that he wouldn't change anything. It didn't quite add up. Also, like the movie Juno, which I also really liked, they took teen pregnancy and turned it into a happy ending where the dad loves the mom and child and takes care of them forever. This is a happy ending, for sure, but, I believe, is also statistically unlikely. But I am nitpicking here. All in all, I really-really enjoyed the movie. It took me back to high school. I sometimes wonder if I went back to high school now (my old self with my current knowledge and confidence) how I would fare, if I would be more or less popular. Throw in your kids being there for you to be a good example to and protect, and it makes for some very interesting thinking, and for a very good movie. 3 1/2 stars.

V: Zach Efron was delightful. The rest was just ok. 2 1/2 stars

Angels and Demons

M: I wonder if it is better to have read the book or not. Very violent, and not a good as the book, which was also violent, but which was also a page turner. I don't think that the Dan Brown books, and their thinking and talking about conspiracies and symbols, translates well to the big screen. But, in any event, pretty good movie, with good actors, that was a bit too long. 2 1/2 stars

V: I thought is was a good adventure. It kept my attention. There was no reason for the girl, except to have a female counterpart, so that bugged me. 3 stars