I may have to live at the movies for the next two months

I was thrilled to finally make it to the movie theater today. I was greeted in the parking lot by my future 75-year-old plus movie mates. Remember this is Ohio and everyone is extremely polite. Turns out these feisty great-grandmas were going to Babel as well. As they entered the theater, I heard them giggling. You see the one didn't realize Brad Pitt was in the movie. "You should have said something," she gushed. "I love Brad Pitt."

The movie trailers were almost has good as the movie. We were treated to a sneel peek of Mel Gibson's Apocalypto. He make be a angry anti-semitic drunk but this new movie about the downfall of Mayan civilization looks amazing. It was tense, vivid and a bit scary but I was fascinated. I might have to see it. Notes on a Scandal starring Cate Blanchett and Judy Dench (that's Dame to you) looked straight up crazy and engaging. The Good German had a film-noir quality and George Clooney and that ain't bad. Cate makes another star turn as a smoky German siren in the movie. I finally saw a sizable clip of Dreamgirls and you know how momma likes Broadway. It's a colorful musical tribute to the Motown era. I can't wait to see it.

Babel directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu was even better than I thought it was going to be. I wasn't expecting to be so emotionally moved by all of the storylines. I was a mess through much of the movie. It sent a clear message of the interconnected nature of life in our global community. A simple childhood mistake can become an international incident. The Japanese arm of this story seemed like separate movie but none the less was relevant to the rest of the movie.

Rinko Kikuchi was touching as teenage Chieko trying to make it through one of the most trying days of her life. I love the fact that she could have been from any country and it would have been relatable. Coming of age is a universal theme just like trying to fit in with your peers. I see a Golden Globe nomination for her. Adriana Barraza turns in a heart wrenching performance of a Mexican housekeeper who pays the highest price for looking after her little American charges.

Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt round out this cast as an affluent American couple Susan and Richard who encounter tragedy and self-discovery on an ill-fated trip to Morocco. Cate is easily earning her place as a Meryl Streep to a new generation. She is a chameleon who steps effortlessly between serious roles and comic characters in big budget movies and quirky independent films. Brad Pitt once again sheds his movie star looks to bring us a real person we could relate to. He doesn't get enough credit for being a diverse actor especially in comedies. The scene where he talks to his son through his anguish is perfection. Too much is made of his looks (the Diva included) and his personal life. He will find himself with several nominations when award season opens.

Overall, the movie was brilliant in setting a calm tone despite the chaos on-screen. The use of silence was important in expressing emotion and letting us focus on subtle cues from characters. Music played an integral part in establishing tone and setting. The theme of children and love was an overwhelming part of the movie. Inarritu dedicated the film to his children.

If you've seen this film, tell me what you thought? Was it love?