I have officially been on bed rest eight weeks now, six of them strict (e.g. Mostly in bed). At first, I really didn’t watch much television mostly because I cut the cable in our bedroom (genius idea I know). I started with a list of sedentary activities to occupy myself: order various items for the babies, read several novels, write thank you notes, fill out insurance forms, contact insurance companies and human resources for work….you get the idea. Being on bed rest has not been easy for this fiercely independent busy body. Under normal circumstances, I don’t even sit still for a 30 minute sitcom in the DVR. That’s because if there’s a commercial, I figure it’s a good opportunity to get a few chores done like run a load of laundry. I also used to hit the gym 3-4 times a week for yoga classes or kickboxing with our trainer. And, we walked the dogs nightly. It pains me that they rarely if ever get walked and the outlook for future walks is grim.

As the weeks pass, I have pretty much attacked my sedentary to-do list and honestly don’t feel up to doing much. I don’t sleep much at night so the fatigue is insane and I am mostly uncomfortable. Thus, I am becoming an official movie watching professional. Gross, I know. I decided I should review the current movies I’ve seen while on bed rest. The fact that I am taking the time to do this is probably a testament to my utter boredom and attempt to maintain sanity.

Young Adult
Synopsis:Charlize Theron plays Mavis Gary, a writer of teen literature who returns to her small hometown to relive her glory days and attempt to reclaim her happily married high school sweetheart (Patrick Wilson). When returning home proves more difficult than she thought, Mavis forms an unusual bond with a former classmate (Patton Oswalt) who hasn’t quite gotten over high school, either. — (C) Paramount

My Two Cents: I felt duped by this one! It is NOT a comedy (its listed as a drama/ comedy) or even a dramedy for that matter. It was somewhat depressing as Mavis is basically an alcoholic who falls on her face throughout the movie. I would not bother with this one.

New Year’s Eve
Synopsis: New Year’s Eve celebrates love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts, in the intertwining stories told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on the most dazzling night of the year. — (C) Warner Bros

My Two Cents: This was a good mood provoking movie even though it was predictable and didn’t have a ton of plot. It’s worth a dollar redbox movie night.

21 Jump Street
Synopsis: In the action-comedy 21 Jump Street, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are more than ready to leave their adolescent problems behind. Joining the police force and the secret Jump Street unit, they use their youthful appearances to go undercover in a local high school. As they trade in their guns and badges for backpacks, Schmidt and Jenko risk their lives to investigate a violent and dangerous drug ring. But they find that high school is nothing like they left it just a few years earlier – and neither expects that they will have to confront the terror and anxiety of being a teenager again and all the issues they thought they had left behind. — (C) Sony Pictures

My Two Cents: Okay, this one was pretty cheesy and predictable, but has it’s laugh worthy moments. I liked that Johnny Depp made an appearance as an homage to his days on the television show. Channing Tatum makes for good eye candy so that helps this movie. Again, worth renting from redbox for a buck, but that’s it.

Mirror Mirror
Synopsis: One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture event for the whole family, Mirror Mirror. A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over. The film also stars Armie Hammer as the Prince, and Nathan Lane as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen. — (C) Relativity

My Two Cents: I have to admit, I am a sucker for fairy tales so I liked this one a lot. The set and costumes were whimsy and I loved them. The story is mostly the one you know with a few twists. I say this one is worthwhile.

Wanderlust
Synopsis: George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) are an overextended, stressed out Manhattan couple. After George is downsized out of his job, they find themselves with only one option: to move in with George’s awful brother in Atlanta. On the way there, George and Linda stumble upon Elysium, an idyllic community populated by colorful characters who embrace a different way of looking at things. Money? It can’t buy happiness. Careers? Who needs them? Clothes? Only if you want them. Is Elysium the fresh start George and Linda need? Or will the change of perspective cause more problems than it solves? — (C) Universal

My Two Cents: Ugh!!! I like Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston, but this movie fell flat. There seemed to be holes in the story leaving me to think I missed something. The best parts were when Paul Rudd seemed to be improvising. Seriously, not worth your time.

We Bought a Zoo
Synopsis: This holiday season, acclaimed filmmaker Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) directs an amazing and true story about a single dad (Matt Damon) who decides his family needs a fresh start, so he and his two children move to the most unlikely of places: a zoo. With the help of an eclectic staff, and with many misadventures along the way, the family works to return the dilapidated zoo to its former wonder and glory. — (C) Official Site

My Two Cents: This was a sweet story inspired by a real family. I found it heartwarming and endearing. The little girl who plays Rosie, Matt Damon’s daughter, totally makes this movie. I say give it a whirl.

The Vow
Synopsis: A newlywed couple (Channing Tatum) recovers from a car accident that puts the wife (rachel McAdams) in a coma. Waking up with severe memory loss, her husband endeavors to win her heart again. — (C) Sony Pictures

My Two Cents: Although it was melancholy at times, this was a sweet love story by Nicholas Sparks. It makes you want to cherish each moment. Again, Channing Tatum served as eye candy at the very least. Worthy of a rental.

American Reunion
Synopsis: In the comedy American Reunion, all the American Pie characters we met a little more than a decade ago return to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion. In one long-overdue weekend, they will discover what has changed, who hasn’t and that time and distance can’t break the bonds of friendship. It was summer 1999 when four small-town Michigan boys began a quest to lose their virginity. In the years that have passed, Jim and Michelle married while Kevin and Vicky said goodbye. Oz and Heather grew apart, but Finch still longs for Stifler’s mom. Now these lifelong friends have come home as adults to reminisce about-and get inspired by-the hormonal teens who launched a comedy legend. — (C) Universal

My Two Cents: I have to admit….this one is sort of a guilty pleasure. The American Pie series came out when I was in high school so it is reminiscent for George and I. As the rest of the series, this one is down right raunchy and not for your mother. If you graduated in the 90’s you’d probably appreciate it.

Any suggestions about movies I should watch??? I have plenty of time for at home movies, and I have Netflix online.

Hugs,

Amber

Movie synopsis courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/

29 weeks, 6 days