Showing posts with label movie reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie reviews. Show all posts

Monday, September 20, 2021

Lessons from Netflix and Bob Ross

 


Did you ever have one of those days where it seems everything is off kilter?  That’s kind of been my day, a day where it is easy to get to a depressed state and not really knowing why, so, it was, I decided to watch the Netflix Documentary Bob Ross, Happy Accidents Betrayal and Greed.  It was then I realized, sometimes, no matter how hard you try, there are just some things out of your control.

This documentary is fantastic, let me say first, I was never really a fan of Bob Ross, just wasn’t my kind of entertainment. Now that said, as I’ve gotten older, I realize, kind of like Mr. Rogers, what all I missed out on. This documentary, well done and produced in part by Melissa McCarthy, tells a story that pays tribute to the man, while also telling the catastrophic story of how ultimately, some of the things that meant  the most to him, according to the filmmakers, gets left behind and here we see their presentation of betrayal and greed.  Of course, the driving force of that in the documentary is the desire for money, a selfish self interest that seems to take little concern and passion to the real desires and wishes of Bob Ross. 

 

It is at this point this changes from a film review, which I would give an 8 star review out of 10, but more into a commentary on life. A commentary driven by some research done on Bob Ross after viewing the film, but also reflecting on my own life.

 

Many in this world seek to do good and, for a period seem to do good. That comes about for various reasons, for me, my driving force is my faith, for others it may be an epiphany moment where they realize that their life while in the military drives them to be a kinder and gentler person, as is apparently the case of Bob Ross from some of the research I’ve done.  Nevertheless, all of us will have some force that will cause us to reflect on life and not just the life we lead now, but the life and example that hopefully carries on after death.  Sometimes, as in the case of the corporate world, or even our lives living from day to day, there are others around us who may have motives outside of our own desires to where our lives benefit them as opposed to the things we wanted. I wonder, what drives the desires of others?  Is it love? Compassion? To get something for themselves.  What is it? 


(122) Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube


 The Following is information about Mike Furches Reviews and The Virtual Pew and ways you can support our work. 

The truth is we can only control a part of who we are and the legacy we leave in life. If lucky and blessed, we will have loved ones who care enough about us to maintain that legacy as opposed to “profiting” in some way off that legacy.  Are we and do we work at maintaining the relationships where we love people more than profits or money?  I am reminded after the documentary of the Bible verse that says the “love of money is the root of all evil.”  Then again, I kind of wonder, are there things that are just as important as money to individuals, say status, or the opinions of others?  I think anything that ultimately has us focusing on things, or feelings over the needs of people can fall into that category.

 

While we never see any indication of faith related to Bob Ross, we do see a representation of what appears to be a good man, with a few mistakes who came upon hard times. He didn’t focus on those times, instead of giving up when it was discovered he had cancer, he worked harder to make sure his legacy and work lived on.  Yet, others around him according to the documentary tarnished his desires and wishes. That doesn’t take away from Bob Ross and those types of things, as much as they may take away from our efforts and lives either.

Today, I’ve reflected, largely alone and truth is, I would have rather had someone to reflect with, but I didn’t, so I deal with those reflections of life, service, and so forth alone. Am I or is my work appreciated? Much like most people at times I think it is okay to reflect on these things. It is then we realize, maybe all we can do is do what we can and understand that there are some things in life we have little, if any control over. That isn’t an upbeat reminder, but it is a truthful reminder, one I think each of us can learn to focus on and think about. I know that in the case of Bob Ross, I may have never watched him, but now, I sure think about him and his efforts, despite the apparent lack of appreciation from many of those around him who saw profits as opposed to the dreams and work the man did which inspired then, and continues to do so now, so many around the world.

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter


Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. 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.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

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

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

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Wednesday, August 18, 2021

RESPECT, Aretha Franklin's Gospel Message and Movie Review


Sometimes a movie comes around that is as close to a classic as one could hope for. It seems as if in recent years some of those films are what are called biopics, specifically biopics in relation to musical artists. The most recent stars the great Jennifer Hudson in her portrayal as Aretha Franklin.  I was excited to see the movie with my fiancĂ© who is Afro American. She as well as I love music. We both love Aretha and I had wanted to see the movie since I first heard of it. Last night, we made it to the theater and to say the least, I was so far from disappointed it was unreal, in fact, I already have plans to see it with another friend for a Friday matinee. 

 The story follows closely as far as I can tell the story of Aretha, (Rhea as called by her family) from the time she was a little girl through adulthood to the time of the recording of her Gospel Album and live video concert. The concert was recently released as a movie, Amazing Grace, and this will tell you something about the movie and ultimately, life of Aretha Franklin. 

 The movie stars a host of notable stars, many who are among my favorite actors out today.  Aretha’s father, Pastor C.L. Franklin, by one of my favorite actors ever, Forest Whitaker. Marlon Wayans also does a terrific job playing the part of her first husband, Ted White.  There are so many others like Marc Maron who plays the part of famous producer Jerry Wexler. The direction by female director Liesl Tommy is impeccable, especially in considering the totality of work involved in this 2-hour, 25-minute movie. While there is a moment of it getting a tad boring due to the length, it quickly picks back up and is the only flaw in the movie, from the score, soundtrack, editing and more. This will certainly be an Oscar contender next year.

 This movie shows the tragedy of life with Aretha, much of what I did not know about, from an abusive father who is a famous pastor to the sexual assault, rape, and pregnancy by another person when she was a small girl. We also see her relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and her role in providing crowds for his Civil Rights movement and speeches. There is so much more to Aretha’s story than many casual fans will not realize. That said, there is another side of the story so eloquently demonstrated. That story involves the story of her faith.

 There is no doubt that Aretha had every imaginable reason to hate God and the Church, from her abusive father to the tragedies she experienced, but, despite all of that, she held on to parts of her faith and when abusing alcohol to the point of alcoholism, it was her faith and belief in God, specifically Jesus Christ and the Church that brought her back to her faith. All along her life there were those like Reverend James Cleveland who was there to remind her of how she was loved by God and that God was always with her to help her through the tragedies and mistakes she had made. In that regard, as the movie ends, it is as if one is at an evangelical church meeting and the message of the Gospel of Jesus, a rarity for a popular movie in today’s world.

 There are many people of faith who complain about the lack of good movies and the disrespect shown to their faith in today’s movie going audience. This movie is a movie that should be heralded, praised, and attended by those people. The numbers to support movies of this nature will only lead to more openness in future movies regarding issues of faith. All movies will have some measure of spiritual concepts to them, few more than movies like this where faith has played such an important role in the characters life.

 Did I like this movie?  NO! I LOVED IT!  My fiancĂ© and I were cuddled up dancing in our seats, and for me, tearing up at the gospel message and revival taking place at the end of the picture. Jennifer Hudson had Aretha Franklin’s character having me repent and thanking God for His Amazing Grace. 

Except for a bit or boredom, (only a bit) it was enough to keep it from being a perfect film, but it does receive an incredible score on a level of 1 – 10 for me. For the near perfection that this movie is, I give a heart pounding, hand raising, glory to God moment of Hallelujah, 9. 

To see the trailer for this movie, click on the following link:

(100) RESPECT | Official Trailer | MGM Studios - YouTube  

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter


Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. 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.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

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

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

 

Friday, July 9, 2021

The Forever Purge, Immigration in America


Okay, here goes from the git go, a guilty confession, I have appreciated and enjoyed the Purge series for the most part, including the television series.  I know some will call me demented for it, but I think it embodies much of quality allegory in story. As in the sense of true and quality science fiction, we see a story that is a commentary, often politically focused on today’s world, and few things in recent years has done that as well as The Purge as we look at themes of violence, prejudice and much more. 


In the latest rendition of the story, we have The Forever Purge which looks at attitudes of the extreme right on issues such as immigration. Now note I said extreme right, it is not meant to necessarily be a representation of the entire right, but it is to be intended I believe as a representation of how we look at each other as human beings, especially in our current environment as related to immigration into the United States from Mexico and Central America as through the Southern border.

 

The premise in The Forever Purge is that in the past a government has come to be that allows for various reasons one night a year for all crime to be legal including murder. Apparently while being taken over in the past, that government has once again gained control, however this time after the 12-hour period of the purge there is a group of organized extremist who seek to bring purity to America and extend the purge, or legal time of crime including murder to extend forever as to bring white purity back to America.  I can tell you from this point on in this review, there will be those who are critical for political reasons, some possibly legitimate, others driven by conspiracy theories.

 

The Forever Purge is provided some excellent direction by Everardo Gout. There is also a very well told story here with character development. We see characters who change throughout the story from what is perceived as a racist attitude only to come to understand it isn’t racist, it is more of a differing opinion. We also see characters change and of course with a movie like this, as change begins to happen, we also see tragedy with some of those characters.

 

I was impressed with the movie, more so than I thought, and will say it is better than some of the recent Purge movies. I would go so far as to say that for the times we live, and with the current climate regarding immigration this may be the most thought provoking and best movie of the series. That isn’t to say it is for everyone, it clearly isn’t as it is a violent telling carried out to the extreme that some people apparently have for each other, especially with the immigration issues we see.  It is to say though, that if the purpose of this movie is to create thought and dialog, this is a very well-done movie. 

There are questions we need to ask ourselves that are worthy of discussion. What in our belief system is based off stereotype or assumption as opposed to reality? Are we willing to go out of our comfort zone to get to know people who are different?  If we were faced with the same struggle that some in Central America or other countries face, what would we do to be willing to escape to freedom or a better life?  Are we willing to sacrifice our lives to help others out in their need?  What drives our actions and belief system?  While we may not condone murder as is the case in The Purge, do our actions condone the unjust treatment of other human beings?  These are all questions that for people of faith, followers of Jesus, we must ask ourselves, and The Forever Purge certainly provides some assistance in formulating our views on those questions in a serious way.

 

On a scale from 1 – 10 for the seriousness of this movie and the thought provoking questions it causes us to ponder within ourselves, I give a deserving and thought provoking 7

To Donate via Pay Pal, donate at paypal at mike@furches.org

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

You can also always donate to The Virtual Pew at 1249 North Saint Francis, Wichita Kansas 67214


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. 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.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

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

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Separation Movie Review, Impact of Evil Around Children


My last review was one where I spoke about the disappointing experience of some movies I review. This is one about how a movie you didn't expect much of can have you thinking about and finding yourself loving the writers attempts to tell a story with purpose and meaning, A concept not all see in horror films, but I personally love. Horror films it seems to me can tell a story of pain, suffering, and light conquering darkness better than any genre.

On the surface, Separation comes across as a demonic horror film and in some ways it is, in others, it is much more. This brilliantly directed, scored, and scripted film causes the viewer to think about more than what is presented on screen. It should also cause you to think of societal issues and impact many films, especially in the horror genre present.

With the exception of Brian Cox, who plays Rivers, the grandfather, in law in this movie the cast is largely unknown although there are some good film credits for them. Casting of this nature I believe makes the film more believable as you associate the characters to real people not just actors on screen. The terrific script as well as visual storytelling sucked me into the film. While many critics don't like this movie, I found myself loving about everything about it.

We see early on the parents of young Jenny, played by Violet McGraw begin to let evil into their home. Jenny's father Jeff played nicely by Rupert Friend is a horror, comic book artist who has come upon tough times despite having a successful outing in the past. Over a period of time of working at home, trying to have the next hit comic or story, his wife and he begin to have arguments and ultimately a separation takes place. They have a home keeper who is supposed to be watching Jenny while her father works and the mother is on her day job. Meanwhile the help ends up spending time with Jeff and Jenny plays in the attic and with demonic styled monster toys based off her father's earlier work.

A lot transpires that without a bit of understanding and thought can fly right over the viewers head, although I think it is clearly intended by the filmmakers. I love it when the director and screenwriters bring alive a script that opens up doors to larger and needed conversations and I believe Separation does that.

In separation we see the importance of not introducing dark, scary and demonic activity to children. The filmmakers have to be given credit as those characters, both real actors and I CGI do a great job at presenting horror. So many think these things are innocent and not much more than games. Yet, there is an inherent danger in the ways children think and see things, often times, they may see reality better than we as adults.

The real horror in Separation isn't as much about Demons but instead, I believe, the danger of displaying hate, arguing, and pain around children. We see the impact on a child with things like divorce, greed and the desire to hurt the other party whether it be a husband to wife, or wife to husband. We also see how outside family can be drawn into hate, all while the parent doesn't realize the long term harm they are doing to the child. It's a sad reality that I have seen to often. 

As a society where separation often occurs, it isn't to say there aren't reasons for it, it is to say, there is a drastic need to protect the child and without taking that child into consideration, we may do irreversible harm to the long term life of the child.

All of this said, it isn't to place blame or anything of the sort in a broken relationship, it is to say, the innocent around us, especially  children have to become more important than our own desires to satisfy self. Is it possible to place the needs of the innocent, the hurting above our own desires and so called "needs?" 

This is a horror movie deserving of an audience. It was sold out on a Tuesday night when I saw it, so maybe it will get that audience.

On a scale of 1-10 I think this was a well made movie that I gladly give a desirable 8 to for the perfection of a movie minus two parents who have lessons to learn. - 8

To see the trailer for this film click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ0fzKnXVCA

To Donate via Pay Pal, donate at paypal at mike@furches.org

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

You can also always donate to The Virtual Pew at 1249 North Saint Francis, Wichita Kansas 67214

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. 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.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

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

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:
To see the video for the trailer of this movie, click on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Saturday, April 3, 2021

Godzilla Vs. Kong The Monster is Us


It is finally out, the movie that may be largely responsible for saving the theater going experience, or at the least, getting viewers back into the seats. I've been anticipating this movie since discussions on it started some time ago. The advance trailers made it look terrific and so there I was, at the theater on opening day.

In this world, King Kong and Godzilla can't exist together without trying to kill each other. There can only be one alpha. The two have been separated for years and through a series of events, they come together, engage in battle and one has to question, just how will the world survive? Now while that is the basic premise there are other things going on, in fact, so much it is easy to get lost.

There are various plots and characters to Godzilla Vs. Kong and not all are easy to follow and they don't add to the story. In this regard, I was highly disappointed. There is very little character development and the script is lacking at best among the human characters. While we have had epic battles on screen in the past, such as Batman and Superman, this most epic battle deserved more. I was also disappointed in the special effects. 

Now there are some good themes in the movie that takes place among the two monsters, especially King Kong. This comes about especially with his ability to interact and communicate with a small deaf child. There is more in their connection though than the ability to use sign language. There is an inherent understanding of each other that tends to come between people who are around each other a great deal of time.

I loved the original premise of the original Godzilla movie. The need to take care of the planet, the danger of nuclear war, and so many other characteristics as it was made shortly after the dropping of 2 atomic bombs on Japan. While there are traces of caring for the earth here, they are only traces and fall short from the story line. We do see the obtrusive nature of man in not being satisfied, trying to take power and showing a lack of empathy for the world around him, no matter what the consequence. It is a reminder while not necessarily intended that still hits home for me. Do we care about the destruction and harm that comes to our planet, but to each other. As Kong and Godzilla and others battle in this movie the destruction and loss of life is massive, yet we don't ever get drawn into the characters and it is as if we are numb to the loss of life in the movie. Are we so caught up in this world's political systems and situations that we are oblivious to the impact on people in our world? Is it possible that we as a society are Kong and Godzilla and not giving a rip about the destruction and loss of life around us? 

Without giving too much away, there is hope, but hope only comes when reconciliation takes place. Are we willing to overlook our differences in order to save those being impacted by our own individual or societal wars? 

I was disappointed in this movie to say the least. It's enjoyable and I am glad I saw it but my expectations were too high and it didn't fulfill those expectations for me. I wanted more, and I got less. I still think people will enjoy it though if not going in expecting a great movie, but instead, a fun time at the theater.

While not great. Godzilla Vs. Kong is still better than average so I'll give it on a scale of 1 - 10 a little better than average score of 6.

 To see the trailer for this film click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odM92ap8_c0

To Donate via Pay Pal, donate at paypal at mike@furches.org

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

You can also always donate to The Virtual Pew at 1249 North Saint Francis, Wichita Kansas 67214

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. 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.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

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

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:
To see the video for the trailer of this movie, click on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Nobody, But a Trinity of Saviors


Bob Odenkirk is one terrific actor! Known from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul as a kind of wimpy character with issues one would never imagine he would be in such a violent, revenge action movie as the new release of Nobody. I knew I wanted to see it from the first trailers that came out over a year ago prior to Covid. It is one of those movies that had to go to the backburner and be delayed in release due to the restrictions on movie theaters from Covid. Thankfully it was released only in theaters. As a result, the theaters this weekend due to this and the new Kong Godzilla movie was packed, for the first time in over a year on a Friday early afternoon. 

Let's make something clear from the outset, this movie deserves the 'R' rating due to violent content. It is brutal and as violent as anything on screen in some time but the story, because of the characters and Odenkirk's character in particular Hutch Mansell draws the viewer in and it is here that Odenkirk's acting ability shines through. 

Odenkirk plays the part of a family man, going through his daily routines with his family, constantly missing the trash man, eating breakfast with his wife, son and daughter, day after day the routine resembles Groundhog Day. Then through a series of events, we quickly learn that he had a former life, I won't spoil it, but will simply say, his former life involved him doing things that were not so nice and as he puts it, having him meet people who would rather not meet him. He has retired from that life where he was quite good. As a result, after holding back for the duration of his marriage and his family not knowing about his past, he takes offense at some things that has happened in of all places, his most sacred space, his home.

The action in Nobody is constant. Many movies of this nature you see all of the action in the trailers and then at the movie there is a huge let down, not here. The trailers only touch on the action that goes on. Ilya Naishuller does a very nice job at directing this film and keeping the flow going. There is a great soundtrack that adds to the story and virtually everything about this movie is flawless.

One of the themes that comes up is that we all have a past, that past for each of us varies. Some have a dark past, whether or not they have found light and peace in their lives is debatable. One has to be careful to not wake the old beast that was. Of course, there are times that old beast, being a part of who one really is, may be able to be of benefit to a particular surrounding or situation. This is especially true when one has encountered love for their family and sees the potential harm that could come to their family.

Accept it or not, evil exists in the world that would do us harm. In those times, it may be important to rely on others to help, a Father who may be wise that we can speak to and learn from, or a friend, we often may not see but is there for us in a time of need to give direction. Of course these characters all three can resemble the Trinity of God the Father, A Friend who mirrors the Holy Spirit, and one who would deliver to freedom and provide salvation for those he loves and the rejected. While some will see this as a stretch, those similarities are clearly in Nobody and just as in the spiritual world, there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. Ultimately, the blood shed on the cross by Christ provided freedom for those who received it.  Hutch Mansell, is willing to shed blood and offer his life to protect and provide salvation for others.

I actually loved this movie, I was anticipating it which gave the huge likelihood that I was going to be let down, I was not disappointed though and this will be a rare one I likely see again. Just like the character who is a savior and deliverer, being pierced in the side, sacrificing himself to save others, and willing to lay down his life for his friends and family I was reminded of the gift offered at Easter.

On a scale of 1 - 10 for the 6 letters in the word Nobody, plus the help of 3 who are there to help, I give a very good, almost perfect but not quite 9.

 To see the trailer for this film click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZti8QKBWPo

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Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Coyote Ugly

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There are movies you love to hate, and movies you hate to love.  It seems as if over the years Coyote Ugly falls into both categories.  Recently when asked to share my opinion on the movie I had to refresh my own memory of seeing the movie several times, and in a guilty sort of way, say I am one of the few that falls somewhere between the two above categories.

The movie has a poor rating of 23% at Rotten Tomatoes despite its direction by Jerry Bruckheimer is known for such films as Armageddon, Pirates of the Caribbean, Training Day and a myriad of television series. Coyote Ugly, however, is a movie that for some time put him in the dog \house in so many ways.

The movie has a number of actors that have since become somewhat well known, including John Goodman, Johnny Knoxville, Tyra Banks, and Bridget Moynahan who has become well known recently for her role in Blue Bloods.  In fact, the movie had a lot of female characters in this story of a young country girl looking to make it well in the music world for her song-writing who ends up being a sort of minor league exotic dancer, a bartender in a bar in order to make ends meet. Depending on who you talk to, the movie is either a sexual exploitation of women or a story that shows that a woman has to work harder than men to accomplish their dreams.

https://www.facebook.com/Wichitamovieguys/All of the music performed in the music regarding character Violet Sanford played by Piper Perado is in fact in reality sung by LeAnn Rimes who herself has a part in the movie.  It seems as if Violet finds herself in a place of confusion in the searching out of her dreams as she tends to at times forget her dreams and is easily distracted from everything from men to bar scene she is working in. While she does an adequate job in this role, it seems as if there is confusion on the part of the director David McNally as to what direction he wants to really bring home in the movie, is it of a girl overcoming obstacles or is it a simply T&A movie that takes advantage of the women on screen and "their attributes" as much as the men and bar Coyote Ugly?

This is one of those movies that seems to contribute to the sexual exploitation of women and sees them as more productive for their bodies than it does their minds. This attitude is one of the reasons we see such places now as Twin Peaks and Hooters that recognizes the monetary benefits of showing off parts of your body in restaurants and bars visited frequently by far more men than women.

https://www.facebook.com/Wichitamovieguys/All of that said, as mentioned early on in the review, I find myself between the hate it and love it, crowd. I recognize its sexual exploitation of women, (one only has to see the directors cut 'R' rated version of this film as opposed to the 'pg-13' version to realize the movies original intent,)  yet I find myself appreciating at times the reality of the world as is presented in the film. Unfortunately, many women have had to sell themselves in areas that have more of a focus below the chin than it does a focus on their brain. I just wish the movie had delivered a stronger message in this way and because it doesn't, I can hardly recommend the movie other than to create a discussion regarding the way men look at women and the ways women overcome that sexual tension often created by a sexual drive as opposed to a thoughtful evaluation and process.

On a scale of 1 - 10, for the indifference I have toward the film as to whether great or horrible, I have to give a dissatisfying 5.

To see the trailer for the film, just click on the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6vLz1TjeVY



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Video Review: SamsonAlso 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.

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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.

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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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Saturday, March 24, 2018

Video Review: Samson

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.

Review of the movie Samson:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX12xpvmKZI&t=5s

 


 To subscribe to our Facebook Page, click here: Facebook The Movie Guys

To subscribe to our Youtube page click here: Youtube The Movie Guys

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.

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

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.

http://www.mosaicwichita.com/#!store
Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News