I have started a new group, The Movie Guys that you can find at Facebook. We are doing a regular Vlog as well as a television show that is seeking syndication and will soon be playing on local television in Wichita which will cover parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri and all of Kansas. Make sure you subscibe to the page at facebook as well as subscribe to the page at youtube. Information on doing so follows the following video review. We always welcome appropriate comments on either of the formats although we do approve comments prior to posting due to past issues and inappropriate comments. We want to be a place open to discussion, but not to debate the appropriatness of movies and so forth, after over 40 years of doing reviews now, I am confident in what we do and how we do it.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
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
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
Let me first of all state, I am an unapologetic, Bible Believing follower of Jesus, I actually believe in and love the Bible, including the stories in it, like Samson. Of course many may have issues with that, and even if you do, there are still valuable moral lessons one can learn from those stories. I have read the Bible from cover to cover, studied it and value it for all kinds of reasons. I need to give this disclaimer though, even before I was a follower of Jesus and had read the Bible from cover to cover, I loved and valued the story of Samson. One might even say that learning about the Biblical and Old Testament account of Samson was one of the things that first inspired me to read the Bible. This character that crosses into the faith systems of Christians, Jews and Muslims is a character well known and love among various faith groups. I have alwayshad long hair, and Samson has been throughout my life, as a reason that it was okay.
Like most kids, there was a love from me for Super Heroes and Samson and Hercules were two characters in my early childhood that in many ways gave an illustration that the superhero concept has existed for thousands of years. I am sure that there are mythologies about both of those characters that have been contributed to their legends, but they were such great characters that were deserving of that mythology and legend. While I loved Hercules, he was a tad below Samson in my opinion, at least Samson was a character who would exact revenge on those who had done him wrong. In a recent conversation with Brittany Yost the producer of the movie Samson, she stated that even the folks at Pure-Flix had recognized the value of the story of Samson in an age where the super-hero dominates the movie screen. You can listen and see that interview on YouTube at this link, click here:
Samson is a film made by Pure-Flix. They are known for their God's Not Dead movies and one of the most recent films, The Case for Christ among others. As mentioned in that review, I have not been pleased with most of the Pure-Flix films, The Case for Christ was however an excellent film in just about every way. I was hoping for the same thing for the story of Samson. Brittany Yost in our conversation spoke about how one of her desires was to use faith based films to not only provide entertainment for Christians or people of faith going to movies but to also make movies that would be used to reach people who did not know Jesus Christ. Samson, the Nazarite from the Bible that we read about in the book of Judges, along with his mighty strength, his desire for Delilah, and his long hair was one such movie.
In many regards Samson is a film that continues to make progress for Pure-Flix. The sets, (shot in South Africa,) the direction, lighting and so forth are done quite well. The cast features several well known actors in meaningful roles, not just the brief cameo. Those include Billy Zane, Rutger Hauer, Lindsey Wagoner, and Taylor James in the part of Samson. James does a very good job at depicting Samson as does his nemesis Delilah played nicely by Caitlyn Leahy who has mostly done television work. The sets, location and other aspects of the movie are also nicely done.
One of the issues I had with the movie, as I often do in period pieces is the lack of authenticity in the characters, dress, make-up and so forth. A recent film done very nicely is The Hostiles. In that movie we see authenticity from the raveled outfits to the poor haircuts, dirty faces and teeth and much more. In Samson there was so much potential, but for me to see actors on screen playing characters from early history without blemishes, perfect make-up, lily white teeth, and so forth created a distraction that took away aspects of better understanding the characters in this world. I love continuity in movies and unfortunately for me, this concept was lacking in Samson. There ismost certainly a lack of continuity to the period of time the story takes place and the images of the characters largely playing the parts of those characters.
There were things I loved about Samson.The movie did a good job at showing the humanity and frailties of Samson, his pride, his attraction to Delilah, and at times, self conceded attitudes and mannerisms. Samson certainly comes across as one lacking humility and the trouble he often finds himself in is trouble he often created. I like the aspect though that we see that even the heroes of the Bible were not perfect and that God chose to use imperfect people. Often times Bible Heroes are presented as people other than human, it is one of the reasons that some can't relate to those characters. They are often presented as people we can't relate to, this aspect of Samson presented on screen however gives a believability and relational component to the character. It is through the recognition of his own failings that along with the story in the Bible, we see a Samson we can relate to and who turns back to God and the Holy Spirit for the strength that he once had once he has had a downfall to the tease of Delilah. He recognizes that the things provided to him from God are really the things that made him the legend that became, Samson. The portrayal of this Samson is a portrayal the viewer can relate to, and even consider making the same types of decisions to get their life back in order, just as Samson did.
One of the things that could hurt this movie initially is that Samson is opening alongside another highly anticipated Marvel Superhero Film, the highly anticipated, The Black Panther. I suspect that many of those attending the theater not being able to get tickets may end up seeing Samson. Pure-Flix has put out a decent add campaign to notify the public of the film and I expect that not only some non-religious film goers will see the movie but I also expect the film to draw a large Faith Based audience as the story of Samson crosses over to those who are Jewish, Muslim, and Christian. I don't think any aspect of the film will be offensive to anyone within those belief systems nor those outside of those belief systems.
I liked Samson even though I felt the film was a step down from Pure-Flix's last film, The Case for Christ. I didn't love it though, it was lacking at times and seemed as if some of the acting while largely good was just a reading of the script. It was if you will, at times, over acted. As mentioned earlier, there was a lack of continuity in many ways. I would still recommend the movie though, especially for a matinee or for a family who may have issues with some of the concepts of the Marvel and DC Universe and would like to present to their children characters they can look up to and follow, characters like Samson, one of the first superheroes.
On a scale of 1 - 10 for the letters in the name Samson, I give a someway, okay, but not great rating of 6.
To see my interview with Producer Brittany Yost, click on the following:
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
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
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
In 1998 Lee Strobel wrote the book, A Case for Christ. Strobel is former reporter for the Chicago Tribune, with a journalism degree from The University of Missouri and a Masters of Studies in Law from Yale Law School, Strobel prior to writing the book was also a devout Atheist. Shortly after his marriage, and while working at the Chicago Tribune he began to question the claims of Christianity shortly after his wife became a born-again Christian.As a result of his research from the book, he interviewed 13 Evangelical Christian Scholars regarding their defense of Christianity. After the process, Strobel later on became a Christian who was convinced with the evidence that he had studied and discussed with scholars from various groups, including non-Christians as to the resurrection of Jesus. He later on went to serve as one of the pastors at Willow Creek, one of America's largest churches. As a disclaimer, I interviewed and was offered a position at Willow Creek as Pastor of the Harvest Division Ministries prior to 9/11/2001. After the terrorist attacks that opening was no longer available due to funding issues. I also initially met Strobel at a Leadership Conference at Willow Creek around 2008 / 2009.I have been a fan of his writings for some time and have promoted them from an apologetic perspective for some of my friends looking for truth as to the evidence of Jesus Christ.
Pure-Flix is a film production company that has of late been making numerous Christian films, some of them have done well at the box-office and as a result, they decided to work with Strobel to make this film.Strobel told me in an interview that he agreed only after making sure he could dictate the director of the film and the screenwriters to ensure that they got the story right. I am convinced that Stroble's involvement in the process is one of the reasons A Case for Christ comes across as nicely as it does. I have had issues with some of the earlier, and heavy handed films done by Pure-Flix but as of late they seem to be doing a much better job and the production of their movies, A Case for Christ helps illustrate their journey in a positive direction.
A Case for Christ is in many ways as much of a love story as it is an Evangelical film trying to prove its supports of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. It presents the struggles of Strobel during his search and investigations. His character is played nicely by Mike Vogel, known for his television work and on such films as Cloverfield, The Help, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and numerous others. Erika Christensen known for her work in the films Parenthood, Swimfan and others does a nice job as Strobel's wife Leslie. The chemistry between the two actors and supporting cast contributes a great deal to the quality of the movie. One of the things this film also does is not become so preachy that it turns off those in the non-Christian audience.
A Case for Christ presents in an honest way, an honest search for the truth regarding Jesus Christ and his claims to be the Son of God. I suspect many Christian's, just as in the God's Not Dead movies will appreciate and support this movie, as to whether the movie has the potential to reach across and bring in the nonreligious community is yet to be seen. It deserves that audience and it deserves an open and honest discussion regarding the conclusions of the film. I suspect the film also has the potential to continue to divide people of faith and the non-Christian community, if however, people are open to an open and honest discussion, with mutual respect for each other, the film also has the potential to open up dialog regarding the serious issues of faith specific to the person of Jesus Christ. I will note, the film does not go into a great deal of detail as to the specifics of the conclusions Strobel came to, it instead gives a taste of that research and focuses more on the story of the relationship with his wife and his own struggles. I would personally recommend, that if wanting more detail as to his findings then one can easily pick up the book A Case for Christ or any number of other books that Strobel has written.
I have to comment on the insistence that Strobel made the film as an honest portrayal of himself and what he was like during that time of his life. It took courage to do this as there are times Strobel, prior to his becoming a Christian comes off as nothing less than a jerk. While I met him a number of years ago, I found that aspect of his life as surprising as the time spent with him when I met him, as well as the time I spent interviewing him for this film, he came across as a pleasant, easy to get along with guy who takes his faith seriously but also has a respect, appreciation and legitimate concern for those he spends time with, despite their religious beliefs or lack thereof. While he may have critics due to the actions of many Christians who use his material, his actions and respect is noteworthy and something that should also be followed by those who read his books.
A Case for Christ is not a great film, it is however for Pure-Flix one of their best films and compared to other theatrical film releases holds its on as an entertaining, thought-provoking story that has the viewer caring for the characters and thinking about the subject matter covered. For that reason, I can recommend the film and would have no difficulty watching and discussing it with any of my friends, Christian or not.
On a scale of 1 - 10, for the number of letters, there are in the name of a man I like now more than ever, Strobel, I give a deserving and entertaining 7.
To see the trailer for the film click on the following video, if the video does not appear, follow the link.
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.
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
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.
