Just a brief notice, we are going to be doing many more video reviews for the page. While there will be the ocassional written review, most will be video via our page The Movie Guys. I encourage you to check out the links below and subscribe to the channels. We are pleased to be working with Wichita State University and their Shocker Studio along with Teen View Magazine. We will be filming the shows at the studios and Teen View along with staff from Shocker Studios will be assisting in the production of the shows. You can find out more about Shocker Studios by checking out their Facebook page at the following link:
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The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
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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One of the things I often hear is, "how great it must be to get to do movie reviews." Most of the time that is correct, it is an awesome thing but what a lot of folks don't think about are the times that a part of doing reviews are movies you know prior to sitting down in the theater that you know from the outset you are going to hate and ultimately at the end of the experience after the credits have rolled, you were correct.
The Saw series is a horror series that with exception of the first one, (which I didn't like) I have hated with all the sequels, prequels and everything else associated with the franchise. I was so excited when I heard they had concluded the series only to recently find out it was all a lie and that for the love of money they resurrected it with the new release of Jigsaw, the character behind the Saw movies who supposedly died in the last feature of Saw.
If I had to point out any aspects of the film that were quite good it would be the sound in the picture. Horror movies have mastered the use of sound as a character to scare the viewer. The use of sound and music to draw upon emotions is a trait many styles of film and directors could learn from.
There were other attributes of this movie that were better than expected. To the surprise of many, Jigsaw can be seen as a continuation of the television show The Glades. The star of that show, Matt Passamore takes on the character of Logan Nelson in Jigsaw which is a similar role for him. He has either been typecast so plays the same character from one role to another or this is the only kind of role he can play It isn't that he is a bad actor, in some ways he is the best part of Jigsaw which features a decent cast including, Tobin Bell as Jigsaw, Callum Keith Rennie as Detective Halloran and Hannah Emily Anderson as Elanor Bonneville among others. Then again the sound and score is exceptional and the special effects are real enough to make one cringe throughout the movie which has as a feature, torturous deaths.
I had to wonder when watching this movie about a few things, one is the desire to see what I would consider violent, gory torture porn portrayed in such a real way that it was hard to watch. I also had to question the viewers in the theater who find humor in this with their literal laugh out loud some have through the most gruesome scenes. What has moved a segment of society to find humor in this type of imagery?
There were other attributes that had me thinking. One of the themes is the justified judgment of those who seem to deserve to die and be tortured in the process. In some ways Jigsaw is portrayed as a God like character handing out judgment to those who have sinned in a horrible way. It plays on a philosophy of an evil judgmental God. The problem with this is that the character is virtually void of love, redemption or forgiveness of those who have done wrong. I am also reminded though of the words of Jesus who complicated things, teachings such as, "those without sin cast the first stone."He also said things like "while some talk of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, I tell you to love one another."Then He went so far as to say, "that if you look at a woman and desire her, you are guilty of adultery," and "if you are angry at someone, then you are guilty of murder."Under those guidelines, whom of us wouldn't Jigsaw find some justification for killing and torturing?I would like to see a movie that finds redemptive attributes of at least a few characters, Jigsaw provides none.
We live in a world where it seems as if we are motivated to violence, from politics to religion and from one sporting team to another. Is it any wonder that concepts of civil discourse have been lost and are so desired by some in our world?
Let me make clear if I haven't already, seeing this movie was a job, there was little fun about watching Jigsaw. I don't think I can clarify enough how much I dislike this series.While it was a tad better than most of the other films in the series, there are far better films to see in my opinion. Unfortunately, this film, during October will do a fair box office and likely make money, otherwise, they wouldn't keep making them. Personally, I wish for a major flop so they would quit making these movies but I don't expect that, I expect profits to keep driving the franchise. I hope for at least characters deserving of redemption and something positive to come about other than spending time feeling guilty about watching a type of vile, torturous pornography.
On a scale of 1 - 10 while some positives regarding film making, for the 3 letters in the word YUK, I give a lowly not worth it 3
To see the trailer for this movie, click on the following video, if it doesn't appear, try the link.
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Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
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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Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Some people think that getting to do movie reviews and talking about movies would be great, truth is, most of the time it is but then there are the times you see a movie and it is a let down. This is especially true when you look forward to a movie, finally get to see it and it doesn't come close to your expectations, such is the case for the new release of American Assassin starring Michael Keaton and Dylan O'Brien.
Many don't realize, there is a real skill and talent to creating movie trailers, as anyone who has ever been let down by a movie after anticipating it from watching the preview trailers knows. I have had the honor of sitting in on several film making workshops in the past including the ways to create trailers. People should know, trailer are not so much about telling you about the movie as they are in getting you interested in seeing the movie. Those responsible for the trailers for American Assassin did a great job, they created trailers that had me wanting to see this movie.
American Assassin is a movie that has as a backdrop, the CIA and their forces responsible at times for the assassination of various individuals, whether they be terrorist threats or world figures looking to do great harm to the interests of the United States. I will address this reality a bit later in the review.
While this movie is technically pretty good, it is seriously lacking in story and unfortunately the very predictable direction and script did not help. Not only is the dialog weak but the acting overall sub standard. The fight sequences are often unbelievable and seems to want the audience to take them seriously. A much more violent film that is currently out, The Hitman's Bodyguard understands the comic book touch that scenes like this needs and provide in being effective. American Assassins don't go there though. The sequences are not choreographed well and the audience sees it. There are scenes of torture that is a bit more believable, but even here, there is that something that seems to be lacking. It isn't in the acting which involves Keaton, he is a formidable actor that makes these types of scenes watchable.
With the political climate as it is around the world today, there seems to be many, from faith and non faith perspectives that questions the activities of groups like the CIA. Unfortunately, many of those groups seem to forget about the threats of those in our world who out of either vengeance, or a serious conflict of belief systems, want to kill and destroy others. There are thought provoking questions that comes from movies like American Assassin. The serious conversation of such needs by various governments need to take place. Some take a wait and see approach, sometimes, even governments take that position, but those positions, for the evil that exist in the world could and likely have and will result in even more deaths from rogue nations, terrorists and groups, whether they driven by politics or religion. The wait and see approach, often leads to an evil action, a response to an evil action can, and often times does, result in unneeded deaths. It is not to say that all political involvement or certainly not all religious involvement falls into this category but the wait and see approach certainly does exist within some groups and sub groups as does the intent to do evil, destructive things. The question then becomes, how do you deal with it? In American Assassin we see this played out in a way many may be able to relate to, that is, what should be the response if a rogue group obtained a nuclear weapon or as many call it, a suitcase bomb?
The question of how to deal with this seems to permeate the news now a days related to terrorism and North Korea. Many Christians and people of faith seem to either take this from a nationalistic point of view or others strictly from a "peace loving" never do harm to others "Jesus" sort of way. Unfortunately, many in both groups seem to take lightly passages like Roman's 13 that speaks of Governmental responsibilities. Many have become a part of a over sensitive world where we can't even seem to discuss passages like this any more. without getting angry and writing the other group who disagrees with us off. If anything, American Assassins helps illustrate the need for that discussion, what is the responsibility of the individual Christian or person of faith, whatever that faith and what is the responsibilities of Government, whether it be from a local police department to a national group like the CIA? These are serious questions that have to be given some thought, thankfully, from at least this one reviewer, I can ask those types of questions, and hopefully people take seriously those questions as they search out the truth of their actions. Can we, should we (people of faith who hold to spiritual truths), recognize the different responsibilities and actions of us as individuals versus those of government? How do we, or should we force our religious views on those governments and should they be held responsible, as secular governmental groups, to the same standards that people of faith are held to?
The discussion that can come about from American Assassin is one of the positive attributes of the film, there are some decent special effects and surprising moments but as a whole, this movie fell short for me. It isn't a horrible movie, but it isn't a great movie either, outside of the questions it can cause the viewer or reader of this review to ponder it is unfortunately, for me, just an average movie that is worth seeing, but only for a matinee or later via DVD or streaming option. Until then, or even now, those questions I ponder are questions I think appropriate for discussion, so if you see fit, and are willing to discuss respectfully, let's discuss.
Romans 13 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Obey Rulers
13 Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power. 2 People who oppose the authorities are opposing what God has done, and they will be punished. 3 Rulers are a threat to evil people, not to good people. There is no need to be afraid of the authorities. Just do right, and they will praise you for it. 4 After all, they are God’s servants, and it is their duty to help you.
If you do something wrong, you ought to be afraid, because these rulers have the right to punish you. They are God’s servants who punish criminals to show how angry God is. 5 But you should obey the rulers because you know it is the right thing to do, and not just because of God’s anger. 6 You must also pay your taxes. The authorities are God’s servants, and it is their duty to take care of these matters. 7 Pay all that you owe, whether it is taxes and fees or respect and honor.
Love
8 Let love be your only debt! If you love others, you have done all that the Law demands. 9 In the Law there are many commands, such as, “Be faithful in marriage. Do not murder. Do not steal. Do not want what belongs to others.” But all of these are summed up in the command that says, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” 10 No one who loves others will harm them. So love is all that the Law demands.
The Day When Christ Returns
11 You know what sort of times we live in, and so you should live properly. It is time to wake up. You know that the day when we will be saved is nearer now than when we first put our faith in the Lord. 12 Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. 13 So behave properly, as people do in the day. Don’t go to wild parties or get drunk or be vulgar or indecent. Don’t quarrel or be jealous. 14 Let the Lord Jesus Christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear. Then you won’t try to satisfy your selfish desires.
On a scale of 1 - 10 for the average movie it is, I would give a basic C rating, or in a 1 - 10 scale, a rating of 5.So take your chances if you will but in this busy movie season, don't be surprised if you are a little disappointed. To see the trailer for this movie, just click on the following video, if the video doesn't appear, try the link.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER 2017 AT AMAZON AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Today's movie going audience is unfortunately conditioned to fast paced action laced with violence, sex and more often than not, void of story. We are used to thirty second blurbs and communicating in styles requiring less than 128 characters. As a result of our conditioning many have unfortunately lost sight of and seldom engage in real story which takes time for character development and the potential to draw our innermost thoughts and questions into the story. It is a shame because as a result of our conditioning we have lost sight on the beauty of such films and story included in films like Wind River. We seldom read stories or books and unfortunately for many, seldom see movies like Wind River.
Last years little hit movie Hell or High Water with Jeff Bridges garnered deserving Oscar consideration in various areas. It was a delicious delight for people like me who appreciate a well crafted story. Thankfully Hell or High Water film had an audience, and that audience and others will likely love Wind River.
Wind River reminds me of the well reviewed and loved television show Longmire with a taste of storytelling resembling Hell or High Water. In other words, it is a movie I loved. Jeremy Renner plays Fish and Wildlife Officer Cory Lambert who is a tracker and hunter whom removes vermin such as coyotes, wolves and mountain lions who kill ranch animals on the massive Indian Reservation, Wind River. After coming across the dead body of a female he knows while out hunting he gets involved in trying to solve the death along with tribal law enforcement headed up by Ben played by Graham Green and FBI agent, Jane Banner played by Elizabeth Olson. While there is a good supporting cast, these three drive the film with their tremendous acting and incredibly well crafted story directed by Taylor Sheridan who also wrote the script.
Wind River is euphoria for the eyes and more importantly, the mind. Sheridan has a habit of being involved in quality movies as of late including Sicario and my favorite of last year, Hell or High Water. He continues that quality craftsmanship in Wind River. While there isn't any over the top cinematography as an example, what we do have is so realistic that we don't feel like we are watching a documentary as much as we as the viewer are engaged in the story that is taking place before us. There is something to be said about the ability to do this, the story does not have any technical aspects that take away from the story, instead everything from the sound to the cinematography as an example, only contribute to the story. We don't have as much of an art experience as we do an engaging story, while having a few faults, is still so rare now a days that one can't help but still be thrilled by the experience.
Much of the story in Wind River deals with coming together in uncomfortable settings to stand up for and speak out against those who are often forgotten about. We see this especially in the character of Jane, an FBI agent stationed in Las Vegas who is terribly out of her element in the early Spring, yet still very cold and snowy climate of Wyoming. She as a character has something inherently good about her and is observed as she chooses to care for an Indian lady who has been found dead by Fish and Wildlife officer Cory Lambert. She recognizes early on that she will need to depend on his skill sets to go out of her way to find resolve to a death that the system seems to care very little about or has little funding to focus on.This part of the story is incredibly accurate to the real Wind River as will be illustrated later on, but in a community the size of Delaware in the United States of America that has a life expectancy similar to that of a third world country, it would come across from observations, that just like in the movie, few seem to really care about the plight of these peoples.
The message of coming together, carrying for each other is an important message for those of us recognizing much of what is going on in today's world where it seems as if there is so much more of a focus on self than there is others. While some may see a drug addict or a father or mother that may seem to not care, we must go beyond the obvious outward signs to search deeper to discover the reality of what is going on. This is especially true when there are the cultural differences that may exist and the conditions, whether self inflicted or inflicted by society that makes life for people difficult.
There is a need if you will to discover that just as we can read about in the Bible, there are universal similarities and in some ways, while we may focus on the differences, we should also look for and recognize the universal similarities.
"no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help." ~ Romans 10:12
"Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman." ~ Galatians 3:28
We must also realize, that when Jesus was asked, "Am I my brothers keeper?"His response could be easily translated, "You're darned right you are!"
Is there a need to care about the oppressed in our world today?You bet there is, for example, one of the examples pointed out in Wind River is that “While missing person statistics are compiled for every other demographic, none exist for Native American women.”Details such as this should motivate us to action; action like what is illustrated in Wind River. We should care about our fellow human being enough to make a difference, even when that involves coming together with those who may be so different that we would have never expected to go together on the same journey.
Wind River is not a perfect movie, but it may be a perfect movie for today's world, a movie that could cause us to think, and one that could, for some if willing to try, could have us engaged in not just story, but story that could make a difference.
On a scale of 1 - 10, for the 9 letters in Wind River I will give it a very thought provoking, and wonderfully appreciated rating of a 9
To view the trailer for the movie Wind River, just click on the video below, if the video doesn't work, try the following link:
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER 2017 AT AMAZON AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Like most people in America, I had heard about the story of
Benghazi on the news. One can’t help but escape the story from a political
perspective. How does one determine who to believe? What is the truth? Were the
attacks about a video? Was it an organized attack? I could go on and on as it
seems the story has gone on and on. I was excited to see the movie for a simple
reason, it was directed by Action Director Michael Bay, noted for such films as
the Transformers series, Armageddon, The Rock, Bad Boys and numerous other
films I have really enjoyed. To think that he would take on this true to life
story, while at the same time, involving those who were there at the actual
events gave me reason to believe, I could likely get much more truth about the
actual events detailed in the movie than I would politicians and pundits who
had something to gain one way or the other. After watching 13 Hours, The Secret
Soldiers of Benghazi I realized, this particular piece would be as much an
editorial as it would be a review of the film.
Benghazi is a city in Libya, the home of former dictator
Muammar Gaddafi. Currently Libya is considered a fallen state with 1/3 of the
state being controlled by ISIS as of this writing. We see images from the
outset of the movie of the dysfunction within Libya as well as the fall of
Gaddafi. We also see from the outset upon the arrival of one of the military
contractors to Benghazi to be stationed at the CIA Station, approximately 1
mile from the US Consulates Office where United States Ambassador Chris Stevens
was located. We see this soldier’s connection to his fellow soldiers, as well
as to his family back home in the United States. We also see the compound where
United States Ambassador Stevens was located having at best lackadaisical protection,
low numbers of qualified men to protect the compound with not enough firepower.
We also see the involvement of insurgents and others where little background
and dependability on them was in place. It was clear that Stevens was well liked among
many of the Libyan people and that he had their best interest at heart, it was
also evident upon his death in the number of Libyan people who stood up to
protest his death. Please note, while some may consider this a spoiler, I am
assuming most reading it are well aware of the death as it has been major
political news and a point of discussion for several years now.
While 13 Hours does not delve into the political discourse
on this movie, we do see the role, and clear lack of understanding of the
situation by those in authoritative positions. I am aware that I need to be
careful with my language but the movie does a terrific job of detailing the
complete cluster f**k that was taking place in Benghazi and amongst many political
figures who oversaw the operations of a militaristic need. From the opening
scenes of 13 Hours until the closing moments, the viewer is on the edge of
their seats, questioning outright the decisions that are being made by
politicians and administrators having no understanding of the sacrifices being
made and the consequences that could result from their lack of understanding.
It is also clear that those involved with the making of this movie, including
those on the ground at the time, believe that there were organizational efforts
being made to make the attack on Consulates office and more prior to the
attacks taking place. It was not as reported, and referenced in the movie, the
result of a movie which was promoted from within the White House and others in
Washington for some weeks after the event. Now we know that lies were told in
this and that is a shame and disgrace to those who so valiantly fought to
protect American and Libyan lives who served. What is not clear as of yet, is
why those lies continued for so long and the purpose of those lies unless it
was an attempt to escape one’s own culpability in the lack of understanding the
situation.
One of the terrific things Michael Bay does in his direction and screenwriter,
Chuck Hogan who based the screenplay off of the book written by Mitchell Zuckoff,
(with the collaboration of those who served and fought during the events) was
to tell a story where we feel for those serving and their families. The CIA
Contract workers consisted of men who had extensive military training and
experience from The Navy Seals, The United States Marine Corps, The United States
Army Rangers and Special Forces. I was surprised at another concept that was
included in a movie, dealing with such intense scenes and horrific terrifying
experiences, that is, the use of humor. That comes about and is a tribute to the
men and women who serve in the United States Armed Services. Their humor and
the way they look at the battles and conflicts they are engaged in when their
life is on the line shows something about their fortitude. It also shows though
that one of the only ways to get through the battles they face, knowing that
they could and in some cases likely will die while thinking of their families
back home can only be dealt with in many ways with humor. As a result, we see
what I believe to be an accurate representation of the men and women who have and
do serve as well as the way they live their lives.
One of the things about 13 Hours that makes it work is the
amazing acting, filming sequences, editing, sound and more. In my opinion, this
is the best work from a Director I have always enjoyed, Michael Bay. As far as
I am concerned, with the seriousness of getting this story right, it is clearly
the best work Michael Bay has done. Not only is this his best movie, I consider
it a must for any American who truly value freedom, or for that matter anyone who
values freedom. 13 Hours shows the courage and sacrifices many make to insure the
freedom so many take for granted.
Now for another bit of editorial comment. The movie 13 Hours
is being heavily promoted in Christian circles, let me be clear about something
I seldom do in my reviews. This movie is rated ‘R’ for very good reasons. There
are graphic scenes of violence, coarse language, (as one would expect with some
military personnel.) There is also crude sexual oriented jesting. One of the
issues I had was the way this is being promoted to some extent within the
Religious, Christian Community and the encouragement of a blend of a Nationalistic
Religious movement in the promotions. I personally find that to some extent,
offensive as my faith is to my God and while I appreciate, love and value my
country, the marriage of politics and faith often results in a compromise of
faith, at least in my observations. This isn’t just a phenomenon amongst the
Religious Right but also amongst those who have Leftist positions. That isn’t
to negate the importance of this movie, it is to say however, that one needs to
draw clear distinctions between the responsibilities of the follower of Jesus
and the responsibilities of those in Government and that of Nations.
Individuals like myself who considers myself a follower of Jesus should also be
concerned when those responsibilities clash or are not fairly and honestly
represented. That concern should certainly come about when politicians and
others are less than honest in their reasoning and responses that include
dishonesty.
I have friends on both extreme sides of the political aisle,
that said, the issues that occurred in Benghazi should be addressed and looked
at in a fair and honest way. This movie cannot be ignored, it is in many ways,
more than just a movie. When it comes to those who serve on the front lines
protecting our freedoms, whether they be to dissent, free-speech, practice of
faith, or even disagreements, I would say, "Make a point to see it
because, 'it matters,' and will matter to those in the future, serving in harm’s
way as to who their Commander and Chief is. It is in the area of politicians making
decisions that impact the lives of those serving be they Christian, Muslim,
Atheist, Red, Black or White and those they are called to protect that we see
the great failures of Benghazi and understand, this is more than just one
political side against another, it is a matter of doing what is right and in
the best interest of all people. Those who gave their lives trying to protect the
Compounds at Benghazi, and those serving at risk of life, bodily injury and the
impact on families left at home deserve that respect as do all of those who
have made these sacrifices.
There are moments of courage that we see represented in 13
Hours that should challenge all of us to be courageous. There are times we see
the importance of standing up for something you believe. That should of course
be done with integrity and honesty, especially if we value that which we stand
up for. We see that in 13 Hours not just amongst Americans, we see it amongst
Libyans who love their country, their faith and clearly stood up against those
making the attacks and seeking to obtain power within their country.
Unfortunately, as time progresses and moves on, it seems as if the bad guys are
winning the war in Libya, and at times, one has to wonder if they are not
winning globally. There were those in Libya during the 13 hours of the Libyan/American
Consulates Crisis that sold out to the almighty dollar. There were clearly
those who were more concerned about their own reputation than they were doing
what was necessary to protect lives. It was clear that there were those who
were so concerned with political correctness that their own political
correctness cost lives. It is also clear though, that one has to evaluate where
they stand individually, what freedoms they respect and appreciate and who they
want representing those who are on the front lines standing up for those
freedoms. We can if you will, have grandiose wonderful ideas that things will
work out and we don’t have to be involved in such decisions, decisions
involving honesty, integrity and so forth, but those grandiose ideas are often foolish
and ultimately will allow those who want to kill ever bastion of Western
Civilization to win. The question is, can we, will we be motivated to stand up
for what is right, especially when it comes time to listening to those on the front
lines fighting those battles that would seek to do harm to all of us, whatever
that conflict and battle is about?
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi isn’t a perfect
movie. It could have delved a bit more into what causes the hatred some have
towards America, it could have answered a few more questions but in the end,
the movie is a 2 ½ hour representation of what happened during a specific time
and period. There is some background which is good, I would have just liked to
see a tad bit more. I do appreciate the reality that it does not make all
Muslim people look bad, it shows many in a favorable light and with a great
deal of respect. There are certainly enemies though, those on the ground with a
Radical faith who would kill and destroy but also, those with a Radical
political agenda who would kill and destroy. I left the theater feeling that
one enemy is just as dangerous as the other. Many will take issue with that but
it is what I felt and I believe many others felt.
This is a movie that every Freedom Loving American should
see but not just Freedom Loving American, but any soul on who values the
freedoms they have. I don’t believe it is a propaganda piece, I believe it is
instead, as accurate a representation of what actually took place as we who have
watched the news, read the stories, will get. I believe it is because those who
were there are telling their story, and 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of
Benghazi is in reality, their story but not just their story it is also the
story of the failures that took place then, and since then from a political
perspective and agenda.
Ono a scale of 1 – 10, for the near perfect movie going
experience that shows the power movies can have, I give a very deserving and
thought provoking 9 for the number of letters in the word, provoking.
To see the trailer for the movie, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, just click on the video below, if there are problems, click on the following link:
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Welcome to my review page. You will find reviews for everything from books to music, but especially movies. Enjoy the page and don't forget while you are at it to check out all of the other blogs I do as well as my web site www.furches.org and www.thevirtualpew.com where you will find message boards that have open discussion about all kinds of issues related to faith.
Mike Furches heads up The Virtual Pew, some say, the first Online Church. He speaks nationally on various topics and; is a freelance writer. He has published 2 books titled The Keystone Kid which has received rave reviews and thechildren's book with his late wife Mary Jane, Herald The Angel.. The short film, The Long Walk is also based on the book The Keystone Kid. Mike’s ministry is to those often called The Last, The Lost, and; The Least. Mike has worked with some top music artists and has an active interest in film. He is also an inductee into the International Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Musician from the State of Kansas. He is available for speaking on a various topics. Mike has also been in some capacity as a pastor at various churches over the years. Thus the name Pastor Mike, which is a part of his Blues Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band which has been endorsed by numerous Blues Hall of Fame Members from across the world.
