AMELIA

(PG)

I was lucky to have parents who gave me books about accomplished American women, driving home the point early that women and girls can do anything as long as they dream big and work hard. Amelia Earhart was one of the shining lights. Now comes a movie that casts Hilary Swank as the famous aviatrix, costarring Richard Gere. The movie is titled Amelia but should have been called "George and Amelia." The story of Earhart, all her remarkable accomplishments and courage, is backseat, with a sappy love story and love triangle in the front. Is this the Amelia Earhart that inspired and instructed so many girls and women? This is a slap in the face to women who knew Amelia's story and another nail in the coffin of girls who are looking for American women of real accomplishment. Director Mira Nair, a strong filmmaker in movies like The Namesake and Monsoon Wedding must have been ordered to throw the movie to Gere as well as to turn it into the hated chick flick. Turning Amelia into a Barbie doll goes flying..break my heart. One hat for a few movie moments of Amelia's promise..then find a documentary or any of the many books..because the heart, soul and sacrifices of this woman are not in this deeply disappointing film.