Review of Amelia on DVD

We watched a heartbreaking movie tonight.

It was "Amelia," the new movie about the life of Amelia Earhart, and it took me by surprise. Why? Well, it caused me to question a lot of things about women: what they can do, what they should do, and how far you should go to follow your dreams. The story presented in this movie was complex, as was the main character.

I loved many things about the movie, like how she did things with her own sense of style (or in this case her own sense of non-style. She wasn't a very stylish person, at all.) I learned a little about what it was like for a woman in that day: the politics and the changes.

Some things about the movie made me very uncomfortable: Amelia's somewhat non-committed marriage, her boyfriend, her insistence on doing everything her way, even when it was impractical or treacherous.

All in all, however, it was a great story. While I can't verify much of the historical accuracy, it did spur me on to learn more about this inquisitive character in America's history. (And Richard Gere, Hillary Swank, and Ewan McGregory were all very charming -- even as they were slightly disfunctional.)

Amelia left me teary, even though I knew how it would end. Her strange disappearance over the ocean didn't seem to do justice to the strong and complicated woman that led this film. I watched it with my 11-year-old daughter, and while she seemed to have many questions at first (especially regarding Amelia's somewhat tangled love life), she seemed to understand the importance that this woman made in history. For other women.. and for everyone.

Rated PG for some very mild language, a few romantic scenes (which were mild, as well), and a reference or two to drinking, it was not something you had to worry about showing the kids. Younger kids, however, will find it not entertaining enough to stick around for. (I'd say it will hold the attention of around 9 years and up.) A family-friendly drama, this picture from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will make a good way to spend an evening at your house. Check it out on Amazon (aff) or your favorite video retailer.

Wanna Win? We have 3 copies of this film to give away. To be entered, just comment on this post with why you think you might want to catch this flick! You have until February 27th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

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* A DVD screener was provided for this review.