Angels and Demons

Have you seen the movie Angels and Demons yet? The book Angels and Demons by Dan Brown is a prequel of sorts to The DaVinci Code. As much as I enjoyed The DaVinci Code, I loved Angels and Demons. It is a great story and takes place in Rome with all that amazing Italian art as a character of sorts.

I went to see the movie this weekend. I was a bit skeptical though. I rushed right out to see The DaVinci Code a couple of years ago and was a bit disappointed so I wasn't expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised! It has been a few years since I read the book which was good since I wasn't able to nit-pick every detail that was or wasn't the same as the book. There were a few funny (not funny ha, ha, but funny what?) moments like getting up close and personal with Tom Hanks' speedo in the beginning of the film and the priest (Ewan McGregor) smacking into St. Peter's Basilica multiple times while parachuting to safety at the end.

Overall though, it is a pretty exciting film, and from what I do remember of the book, the movie was pretty darn close. Plus, the city of Rome, its art and architecture, and cute Italian cops (even though they all get killed off) made for an enjoyable movie. If you haven't seen it yet, I'd highly recommend it.

And the Muppets Win By A Landslide!

Last week my 2nd graders earned a "Marble Party" by accumulating 100 marbles in a jar for outstanding classroom behavior since August. I told them that it was their party and they could democratically plan the party according to the majority's votes. After a short discussion, three choices were agreed upon - A Pizza Party, A "Potluck" Party, and A Rootbeer Float Party - I know how cute is that? Then we took a vote and the "Potluck" Party and the Rootbeer Float Party tied. Collectively we decided that we could do both. I would provide the rootbeer floats and if students wanted to bring in treats to share with the class, they were allowed to to do that. This year's class is sooo easy going that I could have just given them all a hug or high-five for the "Marble Party" and they would be thrilled, so a combination "Potluck"/Rootbeer Float Party is so fantastic they can hardly stand it. "I'm so excited!" one student exclaimed waving his hands, fanning his face.

I promised the kids that during the party I would show them a movie as well. I found a few movies that I could access to show on my "magic" whiteboard, and the next day we voted on them. Their choices were Madagascar, Meet the Robinsons (which I kept referring to as Mrs. Robinson), Ratatouille, and the Muppet Movie. I added the Muppets to the list at the last minute because in December I showed them the Muppet Christmas Carol after studding families/traditions in England. They really enjoyed it so I thought, "What the heck, this will give them another choice."

Much to my surprise, the Muppet Movie took all but a couple of the votes. The kids were thrilled with the choice. Now, as someone who grew up in the 80s, I love the Muppets. They are a hoot! I was really surprised though that the kids would be so excited about them. The Muppets aren't sleek and sassy (except for Miss Piggy of course) and the shows and movies certainly aren't fast paced. As a teacher, every year I see attention spans reduce and expectations increase as our world's technology advances. More of my kids have video games than books, so this vote threw me for a loop. I'm thrilled that my kids want to see a movie that's not popular and trendy and not only did they vote for it, they can't stop talking about it. The Marble Party is this Friday and all week they've reminded me that it is this Friday. "Don't forget the movie," they tell me. "I think that movie is going to be so funny," they tell each other. It's really very sweet.

Did you watch the Muppets (shows or movies) when they were popular? Who were your favorites? I think all the characters were very funny, but the two old guys who heckled in the theatre crack me up!