Monday, April 19, 2010

Kick Ass

I just saw Kick Ass this afternoon, I can't think of a more repulsive, offensive movie in a very long time, and you know what? I loved it! This one is not for the kiddies, in any way, and most 'decent' people will be offended at some point in the movie, but for those a little off like myself, who likes to find meaning in movies, this one is exceptional, albeit rude, vulgar and violent in just about every way. This blending of Kill Bill and Romper Room will please most any Quentin Tarantino or Robert Rodriquez fan and offend most any politically correct person alive.

Imagine a society where we had regular people who took on the role of a super hero? This hero may be kind of like Bruce Wayne of Batman Fame, but without all of the gadgets and with maybe a little more violent temper. Imagine no real super hero powers, no special gadgets, just a desire to fight evil and to stand up against the wrongs of society. Then imagine those heroes being the people who have been abused, hurt, and misunderstood. Mix in some teenage humor, social commentary and in the process shocking scenarios and you have much of what drives Kick Ass.

Kick Ass staring Aaron Johnson as Kick Ass, (who when in costume sounds an awful lot like Toby McGuire, another super hero in another movie,) Chloe Moretz as Hit girl, and Nicholas Cage as Hit Girl’s father, Big Daddy. Kick Ass, (Dave Lizewski) is a typical teenager, going through typical teenage issues, including sexual issues has had it as a nobody. Under the direction of Matthew Vaughn, we see the character develop from the opening comedic and shocking scenes, to the growing up by facing tragedy and difficult circumstances. From the very opening scenes, we see that while there may be humor in this story, there are also moments that shock and amaze the viewer. We also ultimately see Kick Ass come across an organized crime syndicate that has had its way in his city. His super hero persona becomes a hero of sorts in the city, but he also becomes a motivating factor in bringing out others to take part as a Super Hero.

Kick Ass is well directed, edited, with a moving soundtrack that doesn’t stop. I was either entertained or repulsed for virtually every frame of this movie. The special effects, especially the fight scenes are rather remarkable, especially when considering the age of the cast, especially Hit Girl. There is blood and gore, and action that by its very nature are sometimes difficult to watch. It is these things that takes this absurd idea of a movie and makes it work. While there will be, and have been, critics of the movie, primarily because of its violence and the age of one of the actors, I found that contributing to the disgust of the movie, which I think we should find repulsive. Some scenes are more remindful of a video game than a movie. We should consider that our children may be participating in more action of the nature presented in Kick Ass than we realize. I was expecting an action packed funny film. I got a film with some funny moments, yet was action packed with a rather remarkable plot.

Kick Ass portrays the desire for heroes in society. Just as in the movie, we live in a society that has been robbed of its innocence, which has influenced the evil around us, even evil among those who are supposed to be our protectors. Just like another hero I respect, it is as if sometimes we need a savior, a savior who may be a child, or a young person to help point us to justice, and truth. Of course the methods used in Kick Ass are not the best methods; in fact there is a great deal of violence used in that justice, but it doesn’t negate the need for justice. We can ask; what lessons are we teaching and using in society? Are we as adults standing up for justice? Are we just looking through our stained glass windows, doing nothing and letting good and decent people have to face the consequences of evil due to our own inaction and irresponsibility? Underneath the violent portrayals in Kick Ass we are forced to think about those questions. There is a scene where an adult is looking out his window, watching a robbery, seeing someone beat to a pulp, and that person, does nothing. Then we see a young ambitious hero come to the rescue, only to face what appears to be certain death, all while others look on. Which character are we? Do we realize that sometimes, standing for what is right, may result in harm? I am reminded here of the verse, no greater love has anyone than this, that they are willing to lay down their life for another. In Kick Ass, we see characters that are willing to do just that, lay down their life for the innocent.

As stated in my first paragraph, I have to admit, I loved this movie. I will get criticism for it for a variety of reasons, but one thing I appreciate is originality and taking a story line to a new level.

If super heroes existed, if a common person became one of those super heroes, I don’t think we would be much different than what is presented in Kick Ass. We would have weaknesses, sometimes the bad guy would still win because like the Bible says, it rains on the just and the unjust and bad things sometimes happen to good and decent people. Many will be upset by the use of a small child in the role she plays, and the language she uses, but do we realize that by our own inactions as adults, as parents, that sometimes we are leading children to these very behaviors we find so repulsive on screen? I challenge, some of us have children much more like this than we would like to admit, maybe not the killing machine this character is, but certainly using the language and having the thoughts. We have to ask ourselves, are we causing our children to grow up way too fast? Do we understand that we can, and should be the heroes our children look up to? Or do we stand by and let injustice continue to rule and do nothing about it. In that regard, due to the story, action, and yes, adult themes, I found myself liking this movie because in taking such an absurd idea, I found myself believing and accepting the struggles of these characters. I realize it isn’t for everyone, but it was for this guy.

On a scale of 1 – 10, for the perfect 10 that sometimes looses the one they love, I give a very enjoyable and surprising 9

The following is the PG trailer of the film, there is a popular R rated trailer out there, but out of respect for some reading this, I posted the milder version. I will remind you though, this film is rated R for a very good reason.

Just click on the trailer to watch it, if it don’t appear for some reason, just click on the following link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrKHu2UX1vA


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Saturday, April 3, 2010

Clash of the Titans 2010

As a kid I loved stories filled with mythology. I don’t know what it was, but the stories of Zeus, Medusa, Perseus and the like was just, well, just fun. I loved the 1981 film Clash of the Titans with Laurence Olivier as Zeus, Harry Hamlin as Perseus and other notables such as Ursula Andress, Claire Bloom, and others. While the 1981 version missed some of the luster from the previous mythological movies of the 1950’s and 1960’s, it was still a fun time, mainly because the concepts and stories of the time were not just fun and entertaining, but for a small boy, magical.

Many people forget the origins of these stories are rooted in the search and understanding of God. Rooted in much of the mythology was the search to understand humanity in its relationship with God. The search exemplified in the new movie Clash of the Titans stars Sam Worthington of Avatar fame as Perseus a demigod who is half human and half God, Liam Neeson as the domineering jealous God Zeus who created humans to worship him, and Ralf Fiennes as Hades, a God sought on the destruction and downfall of not only humans but also Zeus. The story tells the search for the salvation, despite the rejection of God.

One of the things I appreciated about Clash of the Titans is its attention to the simplicity of story. The direction of Louis Leterrier is quite nice and while there are some holes in the plot, I found myself more entertained than I did in some recent movies. I didn’t experience the heavy handed commentary of James Cameron and while there was plenty of commentary related to the human condition in relation to God, it was done in a respectful way that will allow the viewer to be entertained and at the same time have them thinking. The special effects were nice, the sound and editing was exceptional as one would expect for a film like this. The only disappointing thing for me was the 3-D effects. If doing it over, I would see the movie in 2-D as opposed to 3-D. Don’t take me wrong, it isn’t a slam on the movie, it is just if able to save a few bucks I would have chose the extra $3 or $4 and purchased a larger box of popcorn.

In Clash of the Titans we see a blending of the early mythological concepts that give some of the background of Perseus in a way that resembles the Easter story. Perseus is discovered by a fisherman in the open sea. The fisherman and his wife are without child and take in Perseus and raise him as their own. Through them he learns of humanity, and the love of family and the loyalty and love that exist between many humans. It is later in life when he and his family witness an attempt of some humans to rebel against God and to recognize themselves as God. He is forced to ultimately recognize and begin his own journey which will allow him to become the savior of the world. Along the way he has to encounter many demons, witches, and evils that would destroy him and humanity. Those forces are used as tools for the God Hades, who is a representation of the evil God who has dominion over the earth and rules beneath the earth. The symbolism to Satan and Hell is easily recognized. Perseus is forced to battle not only his own humanity, but to come to a place where he accepts and practices his own deity.

Whether by intent or not, this movie oozes with commentary regarding the religious nature of man and God and the need of a savior. It explores the rebellion and rejection of humans against God, even in the face of evidence that God exists. I can’t help but believe there are lessons there for society. In Clash of the Titans, the religious are the ones doing the harm in understanding God. We see a willingness to sacrifice people to meet their evil needs without the willingness to offer praise and worship to Zeus. Zeus is a jealous God and wants to provide that salvation; he is betrayed though by Hades and ultimately realizes the need to work through his own son to bring about salvation. There are sacrifices along the way that have to be made, and ultimately, for some, resurrection.

I didn’t go to see this movie to experience some deep social commentary. I was wondering even prior to going, why there wasn’t an appropriate Easter movie released on Easter weekend. I found some things I did appreciate. I found a relevant Easter message, and I had a fun time at the theater, in fact, I had more fun than I anticipated. Outside of the disappointing 3-D effects, I would have considered this a great retelling of some of the old myths. Sure there could have been more story as some of the creatures and characters are just touched on, but I still had fun. It is a good film for the entire family and most will be glad they spent the afternoon at the theater, reliving some of the stories of their youth.

On a scale of 1 – 10, While not a perfect movie, it was rather entertaining. For the 8 letters in Passover on this Easter weekend I give a very deserving and enjoyable 8.

Click on the following video to watch the Behind the Scenes Video of Clash of the Titans, if the video don't appear, just click the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXF6aLumYAE


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

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Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

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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.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

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

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew

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