How to Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon. Directed by Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois. Dreamworks, 2010.

Rated PG

This film is fantastically funny and action packed!  Here are some questions to think about while watching:

• Hiccup is sort of a scrawny nerd—hardly a Viking’s description. But what else sets him a part from the others?

• The group of teens is a scraggly bunch, but in the end how do they come together?

• Are the adults reliable? Why or why not?

• Speaking of adults, what’s up with Hiccup’s dad?! Why do you think he treats Hiccup the way he does? And what does Hiccup do to defy his dad?

• Overall, what comes out of Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless? How do they help each other?

• Which dragon is YOUR favorite?!

FYI: This movie was actually a book first!  It's even funnier in print--but keep in mind it's kinda of a lot different than the film (in a good way;). If you're interested check it out!

 


After watching the film please leave us your feedback! What was it about this film that impressed you? What was lame about it? Feel free to respond to any or all of the questions listed above!

Activity idea: After watching the film try reading the book and compare and contrast the various elements in both movie and book. Use some of the discussion points already listed above or come up with new discussion points and develop them further! Or come up with your own dragon, either by description, artwork, or BOTH! 


Trailer link: youtube 
Book cover link: amazon

The Year My Parents Went on Vacation

The Year My Parents Went on Vacation,  (O Ano em Que Meus Pais Sairan de Ferias).  Directed by Cao Hamburger.  Gullane Filmes, 2006.  104 Minutes.

Genre:  Drama, History

Rating:  PG

Language: In Brazilian Portuguese, Yiddish, and German with English subtitles

Soccer was all the rage in 1970, Brazil.  Twelve-year-old Mauro cannot wait until the World Cup- he will get to watch the soccer match at a diner with his new friends, and his parents will finally return from their “vacation” as his father promised.  They have been gone for some time, he does not know where, and has not even spoke to them since they dropped him off at his grandfather’s.  As political riots opposing the dictatorship break out in Sao Paulo Mauro wonders if his father, who is always late, will return in time to see Brazil’s victory.

Discussion:
·         After watching a live soccer match Mauro decides he wants to become a soccer player.  What do you want to be when you grow up, are you doing it now?

·         The Jewish community adopts Mauro as one of their own because his grandfather passed away before his parents could find out.  Do you think Schlomo, his grandfather’s neighbor, really wanted to look after Mauro? How does Schlomo show that he cares about Mauro?

·         Sometimes it’s hard to understand why adults do certain things.  Why do you think Mauro’s parents left him and didn’t tell him where they were going?

If you enjoyed this film you also may like Hope and Glory about a boy who lives through the World War II London bombings, or if you are interested in literature, consider reading Before We Were Free by Julia Alverez about a girl who is living under the dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. 

Hope and Glory.  Directed by John Boorman.  Goldcrest Films, 1987.  113 Minutes.  Rated PG-13.






Alverez, Julia.  (2002).  Before we were free.  New York:  Dell Laurel-Leaf, Random House Children’s Books.

Activity idea:  Political and social strife is yet another challenge to growing up.  Compare and contrast Mauro’s experience with other characters from similar films or books.  You may even want to write your own autobiography.  Example prompt:  Where were you when the Giants won the World Series?



Goal!  Kick us a comment below and tell us what you liked about The Year My Parents Went on Vacation.
ISBN:  0-440-23784 

Spirited Away

Rated PG

A fantastical journey that leaves a young girl much more prepared for the chaotic, corrupted, beautiful, and glorious aspects of growing up in the real world.

Discussion:

• After meeting Chihiro what is your opinion? Did it change by the end of the film?

• What can the abandon amusement park symbolize?

• The character No Face lashes out due to loneliness, but Chihiro defends him. Why?

• What do you think the message of this film is?

Intrigued by the animation in this strikingly beautiful film? Check out the director’s, Hayao Miyazaki, other films! My personal fave is Princess Mononoke, which looks at the age-old battle of nature and man.

Image link: teachwithmovies

A great book to pair with this film is T.A. Barrow’s The Ancient One. This book is about a young girl trying to save a forest only to be catapulted back in time 500 years! Once there she is thrown into a similar situation.

Image link: robertlhunton



What are your thoughts on this film? Creeped out by a certain character? Why? We may share the same one! Please give us your feedback in the comments below!

Activity idea: Hayao Miyazaki's films all have very similar themes such as mythology, Japanese history, the environment, and strong lead roles. Take two of his films and analyze at least one common theme. Another route you may want to look into is Miyazaki's choice in animation. How does this choice enhance his films?

The Year My Voice Broke

The Year My Voice Broke. Directed by John Duigan. Avenue Pictures, 1987. 103 Minutes.


Genre: Romance, Drama


Rating: PG-13


Freya and Danny have been friends since they were children. As teenagers they move in different social circles, yet often return to their secret rock cropping outside their small Australian hometown to be together. Despite Danny’s telepathic attempts to make Freya love him she falls in love with the school’s most wild student, Trevor. For a distraction Danny investigates the story behind a supposedly haunted house which leads to discovering a link to Freya’s past and a scandalous town secret. The Year My Voice Broke is an emotionally bittersweet movie about friendship, love, and everything in between.


Discussion:


· Unrequited love is when one person loves another, but the love is not returned. Danny is younger than Freya, but is that the only reason why she is not in love with him?

· What is so special about Freya’s locket? How did it make its way back to her?


· Danny knows Trevor is a bad match for Freya. Even though Danny cannot control Freya's thoughts and actions through telepathy, he still loves her, why?

This story is set in 1962, and has a fabulous soundtrack to match. If you like the songs you heard try these albums:
Peterson, Ray. (1960). Tell Laura I Love Her

The Shadows.  (2004).  The Best of the Shadows

If you enjoyed the rugged Australian landscape you may want to consider watching another Australian coming-of-age film, Walkabout, based off the book by the same name.
Movie:  Walkabout.  Directed by Nicolas Roeg.  Twentieth Century Fox, 1971. 100 Minutes. Rated GP (general purpose)

Book:  Marshall, James Vance.  (1959).  Walkabout.  Marlborough, MA:  Sundance Publishing.  ISBN:  0887410995

Activity idea:  The Year My Voice Broke's soundtrack captures the spirit of the era in which it is supposed to take place.  Music is a creative way to instill excitement about history.  Pick a decade or a year and research what songs were popular.  Talk or write about why you think certain songs were well received based upon what other details they research on their chosen era.  Also, compile a playlist of songs for your own personal soundtrack.

Let us know what your take on The Year My Voice Broke.

Trailer from Youtube
CD Cover Art from CD Universe
Walkabout image from Internet movie Database



Vitus

Vitus.  Directed by Fredi M. Murer.  Ocean Films (France), 2006. 100 Minutes.

Genre:  Drama, Family
Rating: PG 

Language:  In Swiss, German, and English with English subtitles

At six Vitus was deemed a “wonderchild” for having an exceptionally high IQ and an ability to play piano concertos flawlessly.  At twelve he attends high school, yet is ostracized by both teachers and classmates because of his age, intelligence, and wit.  Vitus yearns for a life of his own and not the ones his parents have fabricated for him.  Then, an encounter with a world renowned pianist ironically presents Vitus with the opportunity to begin living according to his own plans- which are, shall I say, absolute genious!

Discussion:

·         Vitus has a natural talent for playing the piano, what’s yours?

·         In order to stand up to his mother, Vitus sabotages her plan to make him a pupil of a renowned pianist.  Do you think he could have done something else to express how he felt about being pressured into doing something that he was not ready to do?  What would you have done?

·         Vitus’ only ally is his grandfather, a humble woodworker with a passion for flight, and he understands his grandson like nobody else.  Is there a person in your life who you talk to and always supports you?  Are you that person for somebody else?

If you want to watch a movie about someone who was a true boy prodigy, try Amadeus, about famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

Amadeus.  Directed by Milos Forman.  Warner Brothers, 1984.  2 hours, 38 minutes.  Rated PG.

Or for a comedy, check out School of Rock. 
School of Rock.  Directed by Richard Linklater.  Paramount, 2003.  108 Minutes.  Rated PG-13.

Also, if you love classical music, there are many albums floating around there, but one of my (Colleen’s!) favorites is an album Rondo alla Turka by William Kanengiser, who plays the work of Mozart and other composers on guitar.

Activity idea:  Doesn’t this film just inspire you to make some noise of your own?  Get your friends together for a movie night and jam session, and be sure to have plenty of Swiss chocolate on hand!  Play Guitar Hero or Rock Band, perform your own music, or compose your own little ditties using computer software.  Need more inspiration?  Head to your well-stocked library to explore their audio collection and books on how to read, write, and create music.

Let your fingers do the talking, and leave a reply below for what you think about Vitus!

Trailer from Youtube

Amadeus art from Rotton Tomatoes

School of Rock art from Internet Movie Database

The Sandlot

Who’s The Great Bambino? Scotty Smalls is clueless, but in order to fit into the new neighborhood his mom and stepdad move to he pretends to know. The neighborhood kids are serious baseball players and Smalls gets the chance to join their team. Unfortunately, due to his ignorance on The Great Bambino his life goes from good to worse and he and his teammates scramble to right a big time baseball WRONG!

Discussion:

• Who or what gets Smalls into baseball?

• Why does Benny give Smalls a chance? How does he help Smalls?

• How do the neighborhood kids bond? What keeps their friendship strong?

• Is teamwork important? How do the kids overcome The Beast?

• What was your favorite sandlot moment?

Love baseball? Try these awesome young adult books about the classic American sport:

Heat by Mike Lupica
Cover art link: allquizzes

The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter
Cover art link: leb

Heart of a Champion by Carl Deuker
Cover art link: booksamillion












And heck, want more movies dealing with kids and baseball? Check out:

Rookie of the Year
Image link: mimi

and Angels in the Outfield
Image link: impawards

Tuck Everlasting

Tuck Everlasting.  Directed by Jay Russell.  Walt Disney Pictures, 2002.  90 Minutes.

Genre:  Drama, Romance, Fantasy, Family

Rated: PG

A classic story about immortality, independence, and love.  Winnie runs away from home and finds, or rather is found by a family, the Tucks.  She falls in love with Jessie Tuck, but spending eternity with him would mean she could never go home, and never be safe.  She learns that death is as essential to life as love and freedom.  After watching go out and live, LIVE!

Discussion:

·         At the end of the movie, what did Winnie choose to do?  Would you have done the same?

·         If the Man in the Yellow Suit had become the owner of the spring, what do you think would have happened to the town of Tree Gap, or even the world?

·         Why does Angus tell Winnie not to fear death? 

If you liked the movie, you MUST read the book by Natalie Babbitt. 

Book:  Babbitt, Natalie. (1975).  Tuck Everlasting.  Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.  ISBN:  0374480095

You may also feel inspired to read (or re-read) Peter Pan, the story about the boy who wouldn't grow up.

Barrie, J.M.  (2003).  Peter Pan, 100th Anniversary Edition.  New York, NY:  Henry Holt and Company.  ISBN:  0805072454

Activity idea: 

Tuck Everlasting is about mortality as much as it is about immortality.  Compare the advantages and disadvantages of mortality and immortality and read about or discuss different interpretations of the afterlife with your family and friends. 

Also, what about all those wheel and time metaphors?  Have you ever wondered how people actually keep time?  Well, they have been doing it forever, and to find out how, why not dissect a watch?  Or find a book that tells you how it works or how to create your own time-telling devices like a sundial or a waterclock.

Drop us a line and let others know what you thought about the book, the movie, and if you would choose immortality over death.

Juno

Rated PG-13

This quirky film about a young teen getting pregnant mixes humor with life’s challenges. Juno decides to opt out on getting an abortion and chooses the adoption route, which is laden with hijinks and emotional discoveries that force Juno to realize the severity of her situation.

Discussion:

• After Juno finds out she’s pregnant whom does she turn to first? Why not her parents?

• Juno attempts to go to the abortion clinic, but changes her mind. Why?

• Juno sort of has an arrogant view of the world, but what incident (other than her pregnancy, but related to) shakes her core and forces her to reevaluate her decisions?

• Are Juno’s parents supportive? What are some examples of their support or non-support?

• What are your thoughts on Juno's choices? Is she a changed person? 

Dig the tunes of the movie? Then check out the killer soundtrack! It's totally awesome -- honest to blog!

Image link: blogs.mess

Interested in this topic further? Try these great young adult novels:

Forever by Judy Blume
Cover art link: avidbookreader

Someone Like You by Sarah Dressen
Cover art link: swap













Interested in books about young guys dealing with the struggles of teen pregnancy? Check out these amazing young adult titles:

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson
Cover art link: bookapex

Slam by Nick Hornby
Cover art link: trashionista
















Tell us how you felt after this movie or respond to some of the discussion points. What about that whack vernacular?! Did you find yourself loving it or despising it? Give us your feedback in the comments below!


Activity Idea: Juno deals with some controversial issues that some teens, unfortunately, have to face. Juno chooses to take one path, but what if she went another way? Write a story depicting another route Juno could have taken and the impact that path might have on her life. 

About a Boy

Please, tell us what you thought of this movie below.

About a Boy.    Directed by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz.  Universal Pictures, 2002.  101 Minutes. 

Genre:  Comedy, Drama, Romance

Rating:   PG-13

Twelve-year-old Marcus has attached himself to shallow, mid-thirty-year-old Will who, for the moment, eases Marcus’ troubles with bullies, his suicidal mother, and a recently deceased duck.  When Will is unable to see past his own problems to help Marcus the two go their separate ways, until Marcus makes a decision that will be sure to end in his own social suicide.  

About a Boy inspires audiences to believe that you’re never too young to help those you care about and you’re never too old to grow up.

Discussion: 

·         We hear it all the time, “act your age.”  Does that bother you?  What does that really mean?  Is there a difference between age and maturity?

·         Was there ever an adult that you envied?  Why was that?  Was it because of what they had or what they did?

·         Marcus experiences several challenged in the book.  If you could be his friend and talk to him what would you say?  What would you want him to say to you?

About a Boy was based off a book by the same title by Nick Hornby.  It is not considered a Children’s or a Tween book, but if you are interested, give it a whirl!  It’s very funny, well-written, and by the same author who wrote High Fidelity and An Education- other cool books that were made into movies!

Hornby, Nick.  (1999).  About a Boy. New York:  Penguin.  ISBN:  1573227371

And is it just me, or does this story line seem reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? You know, poor boy, indulgent man, learning to trust...no?

Dahl, Roald.  (1964).  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.  ISBN:  0394910117

Actvity idea:  What do you like about yourself and what do you hope will change in the years to come?  Write a letter to your future self, and place the letter in a sealed envelope that is not to be opened for 10, 20, or 30 years.  When you open it it will be like you’re having a conversation with the younger version of you, because you are!  You can e-mail your letter to a friend a vice versa, and agree on a age when you send them back to other eachother to avoid temptation.

About a Boy Trailer from: Youtube

Book cover art link: Powell's Books, http://www.powells.com/biblio/1573227331

Empire of the Sun

Rated PG

Jamie Graham is a spoiled British kid obsessed with jets and growing up in China. In 1941 Japan occupies China while WWII rages on. Separated from his parents Jamie/Jim struggles to survive in a war torn world. 

• How does Jamie change throughout the film?

• Is Basie a true friend to Jim? Why or why not?

• What does Jim do to survive? How does he live compared to his pre-occupation life? 

Interested in books about WWII? Check out these great titles:

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Cover art link: goodreads

 



Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli

Cover art link: puffin

Under a War-Torn Sky by L.M. Elliott
Cover art link: fantasticfiction

The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
Cover art link: bp

  
Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Cover link: bp














- check out the film adaptation as well!

Image link: bp