Courtesy makingdifferent.com

Do you watch a movie strictly for it’s entertainment value, or can you usually see deeper messages in it? I have Netflix, and there is always the iTunes store, so I basically can view any movie anytime. I have seen some good ones this year. “American Sniper” and “McFarland” were my favorites.

When I leave the theater, I will say how good the movie was. But later, when I have had time to mull it over in my head, I can usually pick out things we all can relate to.   Take “McFarland;” it basically said through hard work, anything is possible.

Some of my favorites have similar “morals.” I have no idea when I will have nieces and nephews, but the following few movies they can watch with Auntie Erin. Besides being a good story, the movies have a meaning that is essential.

“October Sky” and “Gifted Hands” tell about how education is the key to anything, be it a rocket scientist like Homer Hickim, or Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon turned now presidential candidate.

“That Thing You Do” is just a fun story of four or five friends who have a garage band turned number one hit in the early sixties. Sometimes you just have to have a little fun!

If I had to narrow it down to just one movie that sums up what it means to be human, I’d be here all day!