Found Not Lost

What is your favorite film? Or, to be more specific, what is your favorite 80’s film? I’m a lover of movies in general, whether it’s a musical, action, drama, comedy or chick-flick. 80’s films are possibly my favorite genre of films. The music, the style, the actors, everything about them mesmerizes me. The teen films of the era are innocent but touching, something today’s teen films often miss.

Personally, I love The Breakfast Club. Truly, I love any “brat pack” film. However, The Breakfast Club, was my first “brat pack” film. Also, it is completely timeless and something any teen can relate to. The movie is about the superficial differences we see, the things that separate us, along with something as simple as detention to bring the differences so close we see what lies beneath. It shows how people who are so different, and keep walls up, can become best friends within a few hours.

Another great 80’s flick, WarGames, starring Matthew Broderick, is celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary by playing in select theaters nationwide on Thursday, July 24th. The showing is one night only and will include never-before-seen interviews with film’s creators and the cast (including Broderick and Ally Sheedy) and crew on how the movie was ahead of its time and its relevance today. Additionally, only at this one night event, get a sneak peek at the making of the sequel – WarGames: The Dead Code.

This anniversary shows us, that while 80’s movies are things of the past, they will continue to be forever remembered and loved.

Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros(author of The House on Mango Street) is told from the point of view of young Lala(Celaya) the granddaughter of the “Awful Grandmother,” Soledad and her love, “the Little Grandfather,” Narciso.

The story begins with Lala describing the yearly family trips during the summer; including the long drive from Chicago to Mexico with her whole family, bunched into three cars. She continues to explain her familial adventures from her fear of the Awful Grandmother, to her father’s secret past he has yet to reveal.

At a dramatic climax, where Lala’s parents have a heated argument in public, Cisneros ends that portion of the story with, “Then Father does something he’s never done in his life. Not before, nor since.” There beginning part two.

In part two of the story, Celaya tells the story of her “Awful Grandmother,” with help from Soledad herself. The two go back and forth saying portions of Soledad’s hard life.

I’ve yet to finish this book yet, I’m about half way through. I had planned to return it this week, but I’ve still got half the way to go, and I just can’t put it down! Caramelo is 435 pages of Mexican history, family history and excitement of what life and love is. A great read for summer, or any season.