The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

These days it's rare that my wife and I get out to see a movie in the theater, and even rarer that we share a movie experience as rich and captivating as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. While everyone may take away different messages from this movie, we both felt that it clearly and charmingly conveyed the message that regardless of how you look or, in the case of Benjamin how you age, the body is only a vehicle for the soul. Yes the performances were excellent, the makeup effects and cinematography, exceptional, but I didn't leave the theater thinking about those elements. Instead, both Elizabeth and I were compelled to turn our thoughts to our own mortality, our obligations and roles as we move through time. But don't get me wrong - this wasn't a runaway sappy flick! Stragely enough, although emotionally draining at times, the movie was so well crafted that it felt more cathartic than burdensome - more life-afirming than preachy. Look, we are all aware of our short engagement on this planet and most of us don't need a movie to remind us of that. What if though, there was a movie that didn't set out to do anything but tell a beautiful story, but ended up making you feel great to be alive? That's the power of this movie. If you've experienced this movie and feel the same, or walked away with different messages, please share.