Apparently, I see an abnormal amount of movies. Yesterday we saw Batman Begins. Wednesday, I’m going with JoAnn to see The Perfect Man. Friday, I’m probably going to see Bewitched. Last week I saw Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and on DVD, I saw Hitch. And this was in a summer that I didn’t think any good movies were coming out.

I didn’t realize my volume was unusual till we were at my folks’ for Father’s Day and I was talking about movies we’ve seen and movies we’re looking forward to and everyone just looked at us blankly. The only one who had any idea what we were talking about was my 16 year old brother. My 35 year old brother and sister-in-law saw Revenge of the Sith, and that was it.

So, let me give you a quick rundown of movies I’ve seen this year (at the theaters – DVDs would take WAY too long) and my opinion. Because I know you all put so much stock in that ;)

Dear Frankie: an independent Scottish film starring Gerard Butler, for about 45 minutes, anyway. It’s about a deaf boy and his mother who are on the run from his abusive father, only the boy doesn’t know. He believes his father is a sailor, and so he writes him letters. When his father’s ship is scheduled to dock, his mother has to find someone to act as his father. The black moment ripped my heart out the first time I saw it. And Gerry was lovely. I’ve already ordered the DVD.

Sahara: the Matthew McConnaughey comeback vehicle, from a Clive Cussler novel. I know I will get flak for this, but Matt came across as slimy in this. He was not my vision of Dirk Pitt. It was okay, lots of action, great in the way of escape but not much in the way of twists.

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: I listened to the BBC radio show, which was hilarious. The movie skimmed over so much, and didn’t translate well to the screen. Plus the two headed guy was creepy.

Revenge of the Sith: Plot holes big enough to drive my Land Cruiser through. I fidgeted through most of the beginning, most of the light saber scenes (and there were a LOT) and finally enjoyed the last 45 minutes or so. I did laugh aloud at an inappropriate scene, earning me dirty looks from the Star Wars fans. Hey, I WAS a Star Wars fan till these last three films. Why did you ruin the magic, George? Why?

Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Now THAT’S what I’m talking about. Great dialogue, fun characters, lots of action that isn’t same-old, same-old. And Angelina is just – cool. I will buy this when it comes out on DVD.

Batman Begins: I didn’t want to see this movie. I love Michael Keaton as Batman, and in my opinion, Tim Burton told the story just fine. Imagine my surprise, after grumbling about going to see it, that it might actually be my favorite movie of the year. It was compelling and absorbing and interesting. I did not think Christian Bale was as good as M.K., but he did do the soft creepy voice very well. I will buy this when it comes out on DVD, too.

Movies I’m looking forward to:
The Perfect Man
Bewitched
The Fantastic Four
War of the Worlds
Must Love Dogs (new John Cusack movie)
Into the Blue (I know, but the previews had some similarities to the ms I just sent in)
The Game of their Lives (another Gerard Butler movie)
Harry Potter
King Kong
The Legend of Zorro
The New World (this is Diana Duncan’s fault)
The Chronicles of Narnia

DVDs I’m looking forward to:
Miss Congeniality 2
Coach Carter
Hostage
Constantine
The Pacifier
XXX: State of the Union (I’m into action movies lately)
Alexander
Guess Who
Bride and Prejudice
Beauty Shop
The Wedding Date
Because of the Winn Dixie
Sin City
A Lot Like Love