Friday, July 17, 2009

Up, More Than Just an Animated Movie

As many may or may not know, I have had to reflect on life recently, the meaning of life, love, eternity, purpose, the whole bit. I have done this knowing the reality that my mother was getting closer to the end of her life. A few weeks ago I was finishing up a concert series with a wonderful band named Shel. Between promoting them in 8 concerts and being a part of the opening act we got to spend a lot of time together. On Fathers Day, the band decided to take my wife and I to the movies so we went to watch Disney/Pixars’ summer hit, Up. I had wanted to see this movie as I love great animation and Pixar had yet to let me down, they didn’t just impress me though Pixar provided a movie that for me, up until this point in time, the middle of July, is simply put, by and far, up and away, the best, most entertaining, enjoyable movie of the summer. As of this writing, Up is still in the top 10 films of the summer, and is the third highest grossing film of the summer. I expect that by the time it is all said and done, (including DVD release and sales) Up will even surpass the sixth installment in the Harry Potter series.

Up provides a tremendous story of growing up, letting go, and dreaming. It provides much more than that though, what Up does is causes one to reflect like few films of recent memory. Surprising to some, but not to me, Up is far more of an adult story than a story for children. We see the growth and development of Carl Fredricksen, voiced by Ed Asner, from childhood to old age. In fact the first 15 – 20 minutes of this film could work as a stand alone short, and may be the most emotional 15 – 20 minutes of a film in its opening sequences ever filmed. I would anticipate that easily 70% of the audience is in tears as we see the growth of Carl. This establishes a back drop into old age that any of us past 35 can likely relate to. One of the attributes of a great film though is that it causes one to reflect when they normally wouldn’t. That being the case, one could say that Up goes beyond this point of being a good film to being a great film as it is likely the overwhelming majority of the audience, even young adults watching this film reflect on life in a way they wouldn’t have normally.

Not only does Up provide an incredible first 15 – 20 minutes, it also provides an entertaining joy fest and heartwarming event for the eyes and soul. Everything from the story to the visuals, to the voice talent and music is special. This animated feature does something unique and rare; it takes the viewer into the special world of animation, where only certain things are possible, and then has the viewer forgetting that they are watching animation. In that sense, UP is magical.

While many think the movie is primarily about the young boy, Russell, it is really about the development and growth of Carl, even in his old age, he has lessons to learn, and while it may be hard to teach an old dog new tricks, Carl is open to learning and in that learning process, we all learn there is something we can learn even in old age. We learn things like recognizing and seeing the important things around us. We learn that while we should always be willing to go for our dreams, sometimes the real dreams, the real joys are the things around us. We learn to see that we should never take for granted the things we have, especially the loved ones around us.

Simply put, I loved this movie and now, almost a month later, haven’t been able to get the film out of my mind. As mentioned earlier, I have done a lot of reflecting on life lately. I returned from my mothers funeral a week or so ago, and Pixar did something that we sometimes fail to see in movies, or if we do see it, we are often afraid to let the filmmakers do what they long for, that is allow a movie to touch us, touch us somewhere deep inside the heart, deep inside the soul. I will forever be grateful to a band called Shel for this blessing in life when I needed it. While the movie isn’t perfect, it isn’t far from it. But more importantly than a critical review of a film, it is important I as a person who on occasion reviews film, often watches and enjoys film, realize that film, especially film like Up is a work of art that can reach in, grab the heart, and cause the mind to see things in a different light, and often cause us to walk along a different path in life. In that journey, it is important to understand that loving others is in fact a spiritual journey. I realize that in my faith, God tells me, that loving others in essence loving him. That includes loving my wife in the same way Jesus loved the church, but it also includes loving an orphaned child in a way as to let that child know I am there with them, even in the special moments when they need a loving parent the most. While we may not all be fathers or mothers best friends, or teachers to children, we can be one that provides love to someone in need. I doubt any movie will illustrate these points more seriously and more poignantly this year than Pixars’ Up.

I could write many more paragraphs about this movie, but why do that, I would simply encourage you, if you haven’t seen it, go see it while it is still in theaters. You are going to see a great short from Pixar prior to the start of the movie, but then you are going to see a great movie. You won’t be disappointed, I promise you that. On a scale of 1 – 10, for the 5 letters in Pixar, the two in Up, and the one special feature, I give a very deserving 8. Heck forget that, it is better than an 8 let’s go with a 9, like I said, not quite perfect, but almost.

To see an advance trailer for the movie, just click on the video listed below. If the video don't appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyyrYPTjPJg


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Harry Potter, and the Half-Blood Prince

Here we go again, another Harry Potter movie from the series by J.K. Rowling. I wrote about the series back in 2001/2002 with the release of the first film in conjunction with my views regarding the comparison between Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. In that review, and subsequent others, I noticed these films in many ways aren’t really that different. Despite a few die hard religious fanatics, I hold and contend today, just as I did then, Harry Potter is fantasy much like Lord of the Rings, The Wizard of Oz, and other films of the sort. With the exception of some fanatics holding to their conceited theories regarding the film; let me hold to a point I made back then, very few of those individuals have seen the film, read the books or are consistent with their logic as to the ridicule of the film. There is their supposed giftedness of discernment which is not theologically sound or supported in logic or reason either, especially since so many of those with that giftedness have since apologized since Rowling has written her last book with what according to some, is an even clearer Messianic Christ figure than is contained in The Lord of the Rings.. In one way I am saddened by the inappropriate dogmatic views of some, and on the other, I find pleasure in knowing their criticisms help promote a quality, and worthy story filled with religious analogies not much different than the analogies used to support such films as The Chronicle of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis or the Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien. I find that J.K. Rowling may be on the fast track to associating herself among those great literary giants who understood the power of using a children’s tale to teach lessons on the impact of fantasy in addressing the battle of good versus evil, not only for children but also adults who find themselves on the journey with their children.

The sixth in the series of Harry Potter films, Harry Potter, and the Half-Blood Prince is not only a continuation of a beautiful tale, but a beautiful visual experience. The fact that the producers have kept the cast intact has allowed us to watch the characters grow. This includes not only the young characters who have attended Hogwarts, the school where Harry and his friends are fine tuning their crafts, but we have also seen a progression in the staff and background characters. The development of such actors as Daniel Radcliffe is a refreshing thing in movies such as Harry Potter. The young actor, in fact, the entire cast, seems to understand the epic journey they are taking their audience on. Not only have the actors matured, so has the production team. Don’t take me wrong here; this is an accomplishment due to the fact that the first movie of the series started off on an exceptional standard. The continued progression of this series is nothing short of astounding. Among the excellent direction, story telling, sound score, and more, we also see wonderful special effects, especially in the very opening scenes of the movie.

Another wonderful, and unique, aspect of this series is that each movie, although a part of a series, stands alone in its own merit. The viewer doesn’t have to watch all of the preceding movies in the series to enjoy any film in and of itself. This holds especially true for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. One of the reasons for that is the development of the characters and the fact that we see the characters in different stages of their life. We see for example characters that are now older and discovering their sexual identity, not in an inappropriate or disgusting way, but a way each person can relate to that have gone through this age. We also see adult characters allowing the younger characters to grow up, and in the process, helping them become young adults to accomplish their purpose. In this we see the impact of both a good adult and a bad adult influence. The responsibility of adults is strongly addressed. This is seen especially so in the development of relationship between the characters of Harry and Professor Dumbledore who have developed a keen relationship over the years. There is an understanding between the two that is explored throughout the film, an understanding where there is testing, and yet through that testing, the development of a deeper and caring love for each other. We also see the use of manipulation in a bad way though, in a way where the desires and concerns are not towards the youth, but the manipulation of the youth to get what one wants for their own selfish desires.

Harry Potter, and the Half-Blood Prince, along with each film in the series, despite the beliefs that many espouse, is a deeply spiritual film that searches out the struggles involved in the battles of good versus evil. We understand there is a good and dark side that each of us have a choice to follow. Amazingly, despite the criticism of many, there is a large amount of symbolism used in the film, from images of baptism and resurrection, to the concepts of crosses painting the landscape. There is also the symbolism of giving up ones own life for the sake and salvation of another. All images that can be used to open spiritual discussion, but another thing I especially appreciated with this film, is the respect shown by Harry towards his elders. There is an understanding from some who are older, of the abilities of youth, but in that understanding, we also see the respect of youth for those who are older and an appreciation of the wisdom they often possess. In this is also the need to learn of the importance of learning those lessons of life, often love comes at a sacrifice, and Harry, his friends, professors, and even the viewer see that lesson from the examples in the movie.

While slow at parts, and an extremely dark film, I found plenty enough bright spots in Harry Potter, and the Half-Blood Prince to enjoy it a great deal. I enjoyed the film so much in fact, that I found myself doing something I haven’t done before; committing to reading all of the novels prior to the release of the next movie. While I know there are some Harry Potter enthusiasts that aren’t quite pleased with the film, I enjoyed it, it wasn’t perfect, heck not even the best movie of the summer for me, but it was enjoyable and well done. It was a movie that addresses issues I like seeing addressed, growing to maturity chiefly among those. The series continues to prove certain critics wrong, and impress open minded individuals like myself.

If a fan of fantasy, or other film with spiritual allegory, you will enjoy this movie. On a scale of 1 – 10 for the fact that I like the Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia series better, I will take those two away to come up with a deserving score of 8 for Harry Potter, and the Half-Blood Prince.

To see a 30 minute clip on the premiere of the movie, simply click on the video below, if the video don't appear, just click on the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcFPDtmpsU8



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Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

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Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

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Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

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