Summer Movie Night

I had a couple of movie nights with my parents. From the library, I rented: The Martian, Mom's Night Out, Woodlawn, and Aloha.

I'd heard great things about the Martian, but wasn't sure I'd like it, but I loved it. It starred Matt Damon, Kate Mara, Jeff Daniels, Jessica Chastain, and Kristen Wiig. He's with an team of astronauts. There's a storm and it looks like Matt's character, Mark got blown away in a really bad storm. So, everyone else decides that to live, they must leave right then without Mark. But, Mark is alive. His suit was hit by debris, which made the sensors think he was dead. He removes the metal debris from his chest and patches himself up. Now he's just trying to live.

He starts making videos. He takes inventory of the supplies left behind, including food. He doesn't have enough. Luckily, he's a botanist and goes about creating a garden.

There are many ups and downs along the way. His crew is still in space at another area. They volunteer to stay longer and attempt to bring Mark back.


Mom's Night Out was terrific. It was funny and was a great reminder of what really matters. It starred Sean Austin (Rudy), Patricia Heaton, Trace Adkins, and Sarah Drew. All Allyson wanted was a mom's night out. A chance to get dressed up and have dinner with friends. They don't get dinner, but they have a lifetime of adventure in one night. This is one the movies made by the church that made Fireproof and War Room. I'm continually impressed with the quality of these films.


Next, we watched Woodlawn another movie made from the makers of Mom's Night Out. The movie was about a football team. It features Jon Voight and Sean Astin. It shares "Touchdown Tony" Nathan's story. Tony is recruited by Bear Bryant. It shows the difference Christ can make in a life, football team, school, and community; loved it!


We also watched Aloha with Bradley Cooper, Rachel McAdams, Emma Stone, John Kasinski, Bill Murray, and Alec Baldwin. To be honest, this movie was really odd. Bradley's character, Brian used to date Rachel's character, Tracy. He returns to Hawaii for work, this time as a consultant to Bill Murray's character, Carson's company. Brian used to be in the military. For his new project, he's working with sharp Air Force Captain, Allison, Emma Stone's character. They are opposites but have to make it work.

He sees his ex, Tracy. She's married to an Air Force guy, Woody and has two kids. Brian and Tracy ended oddly, so things are awkward.

Brian and Allison work together, she's hard-charging and fun. He's an odd-ball, commitment challenged,and has a troubled past. Let me save you some time; don't see the movie. It was awkward and nonsensical. You're welcome!