A quieter week for film releases, thank goodness. I missed a preview because I had a school thing on, and I'd like to share something with you that happened there and get your feedback.
At this school event, we were asked to form groups of 6 parents and were given a sheet of butchers paper and asked to write down what conflict we had with our teenagers and, on another sheet, what worried our teenager.
Wow, these parents just went to town. We all did, sharing with each other the usual problems you have with teenagers... can't get them to get up in the mornings; can't get them to bed at night; they don't show enough respect; fighting with their siblings; disorganised; don't help enough around the house, etc., etc. We joined in, of course. We're just a normal family, and I do my fair share of yelling and berating.
However, almost immediately afterward I was racked with guilt. I'd just shared with complete strangers all the bad things about my kids without taking the time to tell them all the wonderful things about my children, of which I am hugely proud. My kids participate in sport, represent the school in swimming, basketball, cricket, and soccer, which they train for outside school time. They both put their hands up to be the representatives of their class this semester and both were voted in. My eldest also served in this position last year. Every teacher I speak with tells me how kind and generous they are and that they are greatly respected by the faculty, especially the fourteen year old who has also won, two year's in a row, a Character, Honour, and Integrity award, of which they only hand out 12 among a group of 325 students. Plus they work really hard on their homework, and my eldest is dyslexic, so it is no mean feat for him to do well at school.
It dawned on me, I would never sit with a bunch of girlfriends and share all my husband's faults (not that he has many), and he wouldn't do this either. I know, as much as it will happen, I wouldn't like my children sharing en masse how terrible I was and all the mistakes I made. So what was I doing sitting there happily joining in the other night? If my children heard us, how would they feel? When they had adapted to high school life so well, what did I really have to complain about?
My hubby thinks I'm over-reacting, and maybe I am. For me, though, I just feel it was against morals that I hold dear. From now on, I'm going to try my hardest not to complain about the children in public. I might have a whinge to a girlfriend, when it all gets too much, but I'm limiting it to that. Although, I completely understand why anyone would complain openly about their children, I'm giving, it up along with sugar. I'm not going to pretend to anyone they're perfect if the subject comes up; teenagers and parenting is the toughest job ever, but I'm going to try and look for the good and repeat the good more than the bad.
What's your thoughts? Am I over-reacting?
Of course, you really want to know about the films. Read on about one of my favourite films in years, Cinderella...
REVIEWS
CINDERELLA 5/5 Stars (opens 26th
March) – Screens at most cinemas
My Thoughts

Film Blurb
When her father unexpectedly passes away,
young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her
daughters. Never one to give up hope, Ella's fortunes begin to change after
meeting a dashing stranger.
A LITTLE CHAOS 3 ½/5 Stars (opens 26th
March) – Screens at most cinemas
My Thoughts

Kate Winslet is very good as the
landscape designer who is tasked with building one of the gardens at King Louis
XIV’s palace. The film does lack the build to a really dramatic moment, however
it’s pretty and interesting enough to make an enjoyable watch. If a little more
thought had gone into the script, it could have been elevated into something
truly brilliant. If it appeals to you, then you will certainly enjoy.
Film Blurb
A romantic
drama following Sabine (Academy Award winner Kate Winslet), a strong-willed and
talented landscape designer, who is chosen to build one of the main gardens at
King Louis XIV's new palace at Versailles. In her new position of power, she
challenges gender and class barriers while also becoming professionally and
romantically entangled with the court's renowned landscape artist André Le
Notre (Matthias Schoenaerts). (C) Focus features
INFINITELY
POLAR BEAR 4/5 Stars (opens 26th
March) – Screens at LUNA CINEMAS
Mark Ruffalo plays a man suffering from
bi-polar disorder, and he is fabulous in this role. You think it would be a
depressing film because the guy’s life is a wreck. His behavior because of his
illness drives his children crazy and embarrasses them constantly. In short, he
can’t be counted on to be a responsible parent although, sometimes, he’s a lot
of fun. The family has no money. The girls and he end up separated from his
wife, while she attempts to gain an MBA to better their lives. It’s a real mess
of a life, yet it is surprisingly
uplifting and respectfully handled. I even shed a few tears at the end. A real
gem of a little film, you will be glad you saw.
Film Blurb
A manic-depressive mess of a father
tries to win back his wife by attempting to take full responsibility of their
two young, spirited daughters, who don't make the overwhelming task any easier.
SPECIAL EVENT CINEMA
The 26th
annual Alliance Française French Film Festival
19TH MARCH TO 7TH APRIL Showing at Luna Leederville & Luna SX
& Windsor
Look out for THREE HEARTS and SAMBA
(by same producers as Intouchables)
I’ve seen half of SAMBA, before our digital print stopped
giving us subtitles, and we had to give up and go home. However, what we saw of
it was wonderful, amusing and thought provoking with French sensibilities. Reminds
me I must learn French.
LADIES NIGHT
THE
GAZELLES
Friday 27 March @
Cinema Paradiso (6pm)
Enjoy a screening of
The Gazelles with pre-screening treats courtesy of Choux Cafe. The night will
also feature a fashion parade by Simone Perele, complimentary hand spa
treatments and prizes to be won courtesy of sponsors Simone Perele and
L'Occitane En Provence.
SPECIAL EVENT SCREENING *GANGSTERS & MOLLS*
THE CONNECTION
Wednesday 1 April @
Cinema Paradiso (6pm)
Enjoy French wine and
pre-screening treats from Martineau Patisserie and partake in Blackjack in the
cinema foyer. Dress as a gangster or moll for your chance to win fabulous
prizes.
THAT SUGAR FILM
This
film is really gaining momentum at the box office. I’ve just received THAT SUGAR BOOK
to review and it’s brilliant. You can now see this film in general release.
It’s showing at:
Event Cinemas
Luna
Cinemas
Moonlight
Outdoor Cinemas Friday 27th March
Grand
Cinemas Whitford and Bunbury
For
more info on the film: http://www.thatsugarfilm.com
For
more info on the book: http://www.thatsugarfilm.com/thatsugarbook/
OUTDOOR CINEMA
LOTTERYWEST FESTIVAL FILMS - Somerville & Joondalup Pines
For Tickets and Times: CLICK HERE
Coming to a close on the 12th
April
CURRENTLY
SHOWING:
THE MAFIA KILLS ONLY IN SUMMER 23RD
March to 5th April
KUMIKO,THE TREASURE HUNTER 16th-29th
March
PHOENIX 30th March-12th
April
LUNA OUTDOOR CINEMA LEEDERVILLE
For Tickets and Times: CLICK HERE
DIOR & I
In Dior and I, one enters the storied world
that is the House of Christian Dior with a privileged, behind-the-scenes look
at the creation of Raf Simons’ highly anticipated first Haute Couture
collection as the iconic brand’s new Artistic Director. Beautifully melding the
everyday, pressure-filled components of fashion with an elegant reverence for
the history of Dior, Tcheng’s colorful homage to the seamstresses of the
atelier is nothing short of magical. [French w/English subtitles]
CAMELOT OUTDOOR CINEMA
For Tickets and Times: CLICK HERE
THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
WHILE WE’RE YOUNG (special Oysters and Jazz night) Wed April 1)
Stars Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts.
WHILE WE’RE YOUNG (special Oysters and Jazz night) Wed April 1)
Stars Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts.
Perth Jazz Society presents Perth's finest jazz musicians every
first Wednesday of the month at Camelot. Together with celebrity chef &
seafood extraordinaire Andy Grljusich, who shucks fresh oysters for your
indulgence.
McDONALDS COMMUNITY CINEMA
CINEMAS are at Burswood, Mandurah, Murdoch, Bassendean and Curtin
For Tickets and Times: CLICK HERE
Burswood Highlights
JUPITER ASCENDING
SEVENTH SON
SPECIAL EARLYBIRDS FAMILY SCREENING
25/03/2014 - 19/04/2014
SPECIAL EARLYBIRDS FAMILY SCREENING
25/03/2014 - 19/04/2014
Gates open 5:30pm with film
screening strictly at 6:15pm
Bring the kids and the kids at heart
for these special early evening screenings on Saturdays during the Easter
school vacations
WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS –
28th March
PADDINGTON –
4th April
PAPER PLANES –
11th April
HOME – 18th April
HOME – 18th April
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