Is Avatar Appropriate for Kids?

 The movie Avatar  is a sci-fi masterpiece by director James Cameron. For the past six months, I have been waiting for its movie premier and here it is—bewildering thousands upon thousands of moviegoers around the world with its amazing technical feats.


I have been reading reviews on Avatar in the past three weeks. Some had the intention to be very critical, and lambasted on the director’s not-so-new movie formula but there were other reviews that gave high praises and acclaim to the director’s overall efforts to bring in yet another movie offering worthy of the Oscars.

Cameron’s 1997 movie blockbuster Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, was a worldwide success. It is a film about the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic and love story between two people from different social classes (this part is fictional). When I watched the movie in a theatre, I was so mesmerized by the awe-inspiring visual effects that made me feel I was with Jack and Rose in the big ship. The sound effects and heart-wrenching Titanic song theme, moved me thousands of nautical miles away from where I was seated—at least in my imagination. Just recently, I saw the music video of Avatar’s movie theme song “I See You” sang by Leona Lewis, it brings back memories of Celine Dion singing on the Titanic ship. I learned later on that the group of people who produced Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” is the same group who worked on Leona Lewis’s “I See You”—seems like Cameron knows how to make use of his old successes for his comeback blockbuster film.

You might think that I have already seen Avatar—well, not yet. If I were to see it alone, I could have gone to the premier but since I want my kids to see a movie this Christmas break, I am (still) considering whether to take them to see Avatar or not. Kids-in-mind.com gives an objective review of the film as far as sex & nudity, violence & gore, and profanity are involved. The PG-13 rating of the movie makes it look acceptable to younger audiences but much explanation is demanded from parents and guardians who plan to take kids under 13 to see the film. It would be a big mistake to downplay on this—kids are really smart; smarter than we think. It will be best to orient kids on what they are about to see and give them a background of what a sci-fi film is. I am pretty sure that at the course of watching the movie, you will be asked with endless questions—at least this comes as a warning to you; but considering the possibility that you are allowing your kids to watch Avatar requires much responsibility from your part. Don’t be tempted to dismiss any questions that they may have—otherwise, they might seek for answers in other ways and might probably misundestood the whole issue. This will be very important when explainng to kids why the Na'vi population wears loin cloths for instance.

At this point, we are still thinking of a date when to see Avatar. At this time, it’s not a priority in our family although my kids are requesting to see it. I guess that right after seeing the movie, we might head our way to McDonald’s—seems like it’s been planned and all set in place (McDonald's & Avatar).

So if you haven’t seen Avatar yet, be sure to set a date before the New Year comes. I think we will all be enthralled with its spectacular visual effects and computer-generated images. If your kids are to watch it too, do your homework first and be prepared to answer any possible questions they may have. And of course while watching, don't forget your barrels of popcorn that will surely be a timesaver.

Happy Avatar, everyone!

Time for 'Miracle'

The first term has been a success for me as far as getting all my work done, and coming to class regularly. It was a period of adjustment and having had to balance all my commitments in life--but I am thankful and happy that I made it- reason enough for some celebration.

This Christmas break, it will be a time to reconnect with friends and family, and a time for some recollection. It will also be a time to unwind, and reminisce the year that has been.

I have my itinerary all set (somehow) for some partying, shopping and spending some good quality time with my lovable hubby and kids. But this will also be a time to share our blessings with others.

This seaon, spare some time to watch a local musical production entitled, 'Miracle'. I have the opportuntiy to be part of it as the dance choreographer for over 20 children. It is a multi-generational play where everyone is involved. Most importatnly, it tells of a wonderful story that you shouldn't miss.

Performance dates are on  December 13, 18, 19 and 20. Show starts at 7:00 p.m. FREE admission, FREE parking. Venue is at Calvary Temple in downtown, Winnipeg.

Bordertown Café

A couple of weeks ago, I watched a play. I thought it's a play that everyone in my family (including kids) will enjoy--but unfortunately, it's not tailored for everyone. It's a good thing that I watched alone and made a 'review' on how well it went. At least from my point of view as a student.

Play review
Bordertown Café
Nov. 18, 2009
Prairie Theatre Exchange
Three stars out of five


The inviting smell of bacon and eggs cooked on the set of Bordertown Café awakened the senses of the audience. Minus the fat, the 150-minute comedy-drama was a big draw to the sixty-something and above audience but not particularly exciting to the younger ones.

Bordertown Café was far from being snappy and fast-paced. Directed by Rosemary Dunsmore, this two-act play was about living in the border and deciding what borders to cross in order to be your true self.

17-year-old Jimmy (Jamie Spilchuk) was about to start in grade 12 in Nowhersville, Alberta when his estranged trucker dad called and offered Jimmy to come live with him and his new wife in Wyoming. Jimmy thought that moving to the US will solve his problems and keep him away from the drab life at his grandparents’ roadside diner and farm.

The first act of Kelly Rebar’s Bordertown Café opened with a country music fading in. The pitch-black set soon revealed a single bed where Jimmy was sleeping. The sound of birds chirping and vehicles passing by the highway, woke Jimmy up. What happened next was a series of yelling between the teenager and his 34-year-old feisty mom.

Janet-Laine Green as Maxine was the showiest character. Her continuous rant against the Queen Mother dominated most of her dialogues. Green took charge of the stage with her loud, unpredictable singing and overpowered nasal voice which the audience fell for.

Jillian Fargey portrayed the role of Marlene as inward-looking and conflicted. There’s depth in her performance by bringing intensity to her emotions especially in the first act where tension was felt when she spoke about her ex-husband remarrying an American woman and her shortcomings as a mother to Jimmy.

Jamie Spilchuk as Jimmy, showed a lot of teenage-angst which justified his character. He delivered his lines convincingly especially in the first act where he continually chastised himself and said, “I’m a zero winner, an A-one loser!”

Paul Stephen acted the role of Jim, the grandfather. He appeared to be the most relaxed in the play, consistently speaking in a well-mannered tone. His meek personality blended well with the other characters.

The second act was more focused letting the characters have some breathing space to convey their feelings. Although it’s calmer than the first act, the actors didn’t rest and still had so much acting and talking to do.

Set and costume designer Brian Perchaluk, set the stage to a 1950s-1960s style diner. Details were visible such as a jukebox, retro candy machines and metal luncheonette stools—all bringing a sense of period realism to the audience.

All throughout the play, the audience remained responsive—laughing upon hearing puns and memorable lines that sounded humorous such as in the scene when Maxine was talking to Marlene and said, “He is the only kid in the world who has never seen the left side of his father.”

Bordertown Café premiered on stage last 1987 at Prairie Theatre Exchange. The play was definitely dated and dragging. Probably younger people will learn a thing or two about their old folks when they see this play.