A Redemption and A Saving

71. Saving Private Ryan (1998)- What can I say about Saving Private Ryan? I had seen this movie once before and was kind of dreading watching it again. If you like war movies full of gruesome fight scenes that showcase almost every imaginable way to die in WW2 then this just might be your movie! I like sad movies... but this movie is almost just too unbearable for me. I feel bad for the men that go to save Private Ryan (a group of men including a wonderful performance by Tom Hanks) and then I feel bad for Private Ryan himself (a young Matt Damon... yum!). This movie basically leaves me feeling sad because it is a depressing movie that is based off of events that actually did take place. Overall, I have to respect this movie. I have a hard time putting down anything that Tom Hanks does. I also have a hard time putting down Stephen Spielberg as well, even though I am a bigger fan of his earlier work vs his newer work. So to sum this review up... Saving Private Ryan is a respectful movie that I would suggest if you are in the mood for a depressing war movie! I'll give it a Thumbs Up! (surprised?)


72. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)- I had seen parts of this movie before, but never in it's entirety. My husband had however (more than once) which made it an interesting viewing in our house (I have a tendency to ask questions with people who have already seen a movie I have not). Anyways, I want to say that I did not like this movie. It is sad, kind of gross, and depressing. However, it is probably the most depressing "feel good movie" I have ever seen! I want to not like it, but then there are parts that make me just love the movie. Those parts are probably Morgan Freeman. I don't know if I have seen Morgan Freeman in a movie and not like his performance. Thank goodness for Mr. Freeman. because without him this movie would have been a horribly depressing flick! The ending is wonderful and the best part of the movie. We also learned that it was based of a short story by Stephen King called, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, which makes complete sense once you see this movie. Which I would recommend! I give it a big Thumbs Up!
ps. If you like this movie, watch The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)!