Valiant (2005)

Friday, October 3, 2008
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7:00pm: I discuss the idea of doing Movie Night (DVD+popcorn = bonding) with my 5-year-old, provided he can get into his jammies quickly. The evening’s wide open: No dishes to do (ordered pizza), no baths needed…why not go for it?

Plot (stolen from the Internet Movie Database): Valiant tells the story of a lowly wood pigeon named Valiant, who overcomes his small size to become a hero in Great Britain's Royal Air Force Homing Pigeon Service during World War II. The RHPS advanced the Allied cause by flying vital messages about enemy movements across the English Channel, whilst evading brutal attacks by the enemy's Falcon Brigade.

8:03pm: Make popcorn, pour drinks, and go up to my bedroom to watch movie (FilmMother wants to catch up on her TiVo in the living room). Put two husband pillows against the bed’s headboard, sit back with our separate popcorn bowls and drinks.

8:08pm: Start movie.

8:19pm: Pause movie to see if 5-year-old understands what’s going on. Swears he does.

8:32pm: He lies down across my lap, his left cheek on my stomach. “You tired?” I ask. “No,” he says, “I just want to snuggle.”

8:42pm: I wonder how he can see the screen with his head at that angle. I crane my neck out and see he’s asleep. I gently sit him up to get a better grip to take him to bed. He springs to attention. “Is it over?” “No buddy, you fell asleep.” “But I wanna watch more!” he protests as he reclines against his husband pillow.

8:43pm: He’s out again. And frankly, I’m beat too. I stop the movie and take him to his bed.

Note to self: Only do Movie Night on Saturdays; Fridays are too tough on both of us.

Rating: I (Incomplete).

Valiant
* Director: Gary Chapman
* Screenwriters: Jordan Katz, George Webster, George Melrod
* Stars: Ewan McGregor, Ricky Gervais, Tim Curry, Hugh Laurie, John Cleese, Jim Broadbent, John Hurt, Olivia Williams
* MPAA Rating: G


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