AMELIA

http://www.theacornonline.com/movies/review-Amelia.html

AMELIA IS RATED PG

Considering how many celebrities there are in the world posing as role models—it’s wonderful when a film reminds us of someone we can truly admire.

Directed by Mira Nair and starring Hilary Swank, "Amelia" examines the life and loves of Amelia Earhart—the iconic aviation figure who has been clouded in mystery and intrigue since her disappearance several decades ago.

Although the story may be subdued, not soaring as high as one might hope, it remains a captivating tale that will provoke one’s mind (introducing for many an extraordinary woman in history). Perhaps after viewing the film, one might even be motivated to take action and reach new heights in their own life. Possibly flying higher than ever deemed possible.

Amelia (the woman and the movie) may have a few flaws (who doesn’t really?), but both are worthy of recognition. She is a feisty, fascinating female with an adventurous spirit who classifies herself as “a vagabond of the air.” She never lets anyone tell her that something can’t be done and believes that pursuing one’s passion is the only way to live. Swank captures the essence of Earhart, bringing to life the legendary aviatrix.

Earhart becomes the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, commanding (but not piloting) a crew in 1928. This flight brings notoriety and endorsement deals encouraged by her publisher, and later husband, George Putnam (Richard Gere). Feeling like a fraud, she would rather “face a watery grave” than let that be her only legacy.

Eventually she flies solo over the Atlantic, proving that a woman is fully capable of such an accomplishment. During her final flight in 1937 (a journey intercut throughout the film) she attempts to circumnavigate the globe. During that flight she vanishes and her fate remains unknown.

Amelia Earhart is a true heroine. She is a brave soul and someone that every individual—especially young girls and women everywhere—can be inspired by in regard to pursuing passion and following one’s dreams.

“If I listened to everyone who said it was impossible —I’d never be flying,” she said. “Don’t ever let anyone turn you around.”

WHIP IT

http://www.theacornonline.com/movies/review-whipit.html

WHIP IT IS RATED PG-13

Sports movies focusing on women are few and far between. And not since A League of Their Own has a female-centric sports story captured our hearts and inspired women to reach for their dreams.

Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, "Whip It," not only does both, but it enters a new league all its own. It’s a fun, feisty film that reminds girls (and women) it’s okay to be different—and that it’s actually pretty cool to be a chick. But guys, don’t roll your eyes just yet. It’s not a total chick-flick. There’s also plenty of action and humor to keep your attention.

The story revolves around Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page), a social misfit forced by her well-meaning mother (Marcia Gay Harden) to enter beauty pageants. With little going on in the small town of Bodeen, Texas, Bliss is living anything but a blissful existence. Her life is going in circles, and she feels like she’s going nowhere . . . until, that is, she discovers the sport of roller derby and joins a league called the Hurl Scouts.

Soon, going in circles begins to makes sense. In her journey to find a place she fits in, Bliss learns she can create a new life for herself without completely letting go of the one she’s always known.

Drew Barrymore, Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis and Jimmy Fallon round out a perfectly chosen cast. And Barrymore has brought about a real sense of camaraderie among everyone involved.

The movie’s message is clear: Other people may believe in you, but it’s only after you begin to believe in yourself that a whole new world of possibilities opens up.

Throughout the film, we are urged to embrace who we are. And that means embracing all of our imperfections, quirks and eccentricities. As the tagline says, Be Your Own Hero.

Who knows . . . you might finally discover that inner hero who’s been waiting to emerge.