One of my favorite films in recent history was A Quiet Place. It
was prior to Covid that we begin seeing the advance trailers for A Quiet Place Part
2. With a great deal of excitement I anxiously awaited to see the movie, then
Covid shut down the theaters and put on delay many releases, including A Quiet
Place Part 2. I recently had the opportunity to finally catch the movie in the
theater. I had heard mixed reviews but knew I needed to make up my own mind by
actually seeing the movie. The movie was at a disadvantage as I had such high
expectations.
First, the entire cast is back and under the direction of John
Krasinski who also directed and helped write the original. His wife Emily Blunt
is back as Evelyn Abbott and her children played nicely by Millicent Simmonds
and Noah Jupe. Also, which will bring some confusion as this is a sequel and
not a prequel is the return of John Krasinski as Evelyn's husband. I won't give
much away as this is part of the draw to the film. Also added to this nicely
shot, scored, and edited film is Cillian Murphy as Emmett, a critical character
to the story.
In a Quiet Place Part 2 we see the continuation of the story
in large as to what happens after the first movie. It makes seeing the first
movie essential to fully understand and appreciate this film. We see creatures
that while blind have an incredible sense of hearing thus, requiring quiet. In
Part 2 there is more dialog than the first film but the importance of silence is
still a mainstay of the film. Thus, when there is sound, it brings the audience
into the story with a measure of perceived fear as at that point we know
something is about to happen, we just aren't sure when or how. \
I love the themes carried over from the first film which involves the
importance of family and the love family should have for each other but there
are other aspects here that are added. We see the importance of overcoming fear
and taking on responsibility, as well as the continued story line of a
willingness to make sacrifices from others. Even the times when one may not
want to make sacrifices but comes to the realization that one often has to take
chances and do something seemingly against their nature to help others. We see
what it is for a heart that has been turned cold to come back to the place and
willingness of serving others. What we see is a story of changed behavior,
seeking redemption and purpose in life and in that search, the importance it
can have on others.
There are continued lessons of morality and sacrifice here,
much like the first, but with different themes. For me, while it is not quite
as good as the original, it is still refreshing and worth seeing. In
comparisons to the near perfect original, it falls a little short, however, in
comparison to other movies as of recent, it still stacks up well.
This is a wonderfully acted and told story. It will have
some scares but more importantly cause you to think beyond what you see on
screen. It does what good film and in particular good science fiction does. It
incorporates elements resembling of Aliens but it goes beyond the original Quiet Place and takes
you beyond. Not in a way that takes advantage of the audience, but respects the
audience and the times we live in, where the message of hope, love and sacrifice
is needed as much as ever.
On a scale of 1 - 10 for the two children old enough to make
decisions that make a difference, thus a reminder of each of us doing the same,
I take them away and am left with a very enjoyable 8.
To
see the trailer for this film click on the following link:
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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
On the Plains of Kansas, every October during the Fall Harvest, there is an event that brings attention to the fair city of Wichita. It is known as Tallgrass, but despite what some may think, Tallgrass isn’t some form of vegetation, it isn’t the bastard brother of Shortgrass, it is none of those things. It is something that is garnishing more and more attention from the Independent film world and this year, I was honored to cover this up and coming Film Festival for Hollywood Jesus and The Virtual Pew. The film festival places an emphasis on Independent Film and this year, the seventh for the festival, was as good as ever, and it continues to grow despite what some past supporters may believe. Tallgrass is at a point where it has the chance to take off to become one of the premiere film festivals in the country.
This year was a rather interesting year as a number of events placed some challenges on the festival, among those was a large theater chain in the community who pulled out most of their support. Their reasoning according to one insider is because they essentially believe, “Tallgrass has gone as far as it will go and there is nothing else for us to gain.” If this is true, some need to understand, sometimes one participates not so much because there is something to gain, but because of the support of the fans which have largely contributed to the success of a business that involves going to the movies.
It is a shame this occurred as the people of Wichita are largely dependent upon this one theater chain as they operate a number of theaters in the community, including a complex in the downtown area that had received a multi-million dollar grant in the last year. In fact, this theater chain virtually has a monopoly on the movie going industry in this city. Many in the community believe this theater chain should be obligated to support the arts in the community, including of course, film. The chain, Warren Theaters has been a large supporter over the years, but this year, their withdrawal of hosting films for the festival put the organizers in turmoil to find appropriate hosts for the events. This festival that has a chance to take off and become more, was in fact hurt and the reputation of the festival lessened due to the actions in part of the Warren Theaters. The reality is that depending on who you talk to, Warren has plans on being back in the future. Only the actions of future support will indicate who to believe regarding this concern. The fact that the events that occurred did in fact occur, is a shame, but leave it to the ferocious independent spirit of Wichitans, and those involved in The Tallgrass Film Festival to work to make more with less. As a result, while many a movie going audience has a sour taste in their mouth towards a theater chain they have supported over the years, they have a refreshed and exciting attitude towards the efforts of the Tallgrass organizers to move forward with this event. Many noticed the festival this year didn’t worry about featuring a theater complex but instead highlighted and featured the city of Wichita.
With over 400 submissions this year prior to selections, Tallgrass organizers had their hands full, but thankfully they found 5 venues in the downtown area plus Wichita State University to host the various events and screenings. There were other locations which provided services, and attendees this year was able to attend most everything within a 3 block radius. It would have still been nice to see this event take place in one of the cities premiere locations, the downtown square in the Old Towne District that is the home of the Old Town Warren. Especially since recent renovations to that location would have provided a wonderful atmosphere in a unique location. My personal hope for the future is to see the possibility of combining the efforts of this year, while at the same time using the downtown Old Town Warren Complex. Unfortunately, while The Warren Theaters did make available the use of some projection units, (at a reduced fee), there has been obvious discord between many individuals related to both sides as has been seen on bulletin boards and in private conversations with some of the individuals involved.
This is a sad statement to the potential future success for The Tallgrass Film Festival. I have been one that has been a supporter of Warren Theaters, will again in the future, but as a local owner, who has started chains in other locations outside of Wichita, and Kansas, I had hoped for more ongoing community support of especially Independent Film. If having other options in Wichita, many a fan of movies would now choose to attend those theaters. This has a potentially negative consequence for the festival, but if this year’s actions and efforts are any indication of the committees desires to see this festival continue and expand, there is also clear indication that hope exists. This isn’t a slam against either the festival or Warren Theater’s whose withdrawal also cost a reported minimum of $20,000 in cash and more in support (a number provided by inside sources), then not only the festival looses, but the fans of movies, which support the theaters in this community also suffer.
While there were many good things about Tallgrass, while talking to various individuals associated with the festival, as well as the Warren Theaters, along with fans the above background needed to be mentioned as it seemed to at the very least be a dominant point of discussion in various locations around Wichita during this years events. That is a shame because unfortunately, those things could easily have outshined the reality of what this festival represents.
In order to understand the significance of a festival like this, one has to look at those submitting film, as well as those in attendance and the awards it has handed out in the past. The premiere award handed out each year at Tallgrass is known as The Ad Astra Award. This award is named after the Kansas state motto, “Ad Astra Per Aspera” (To The Stars Through Difficulties.) The award is presented to an individual chosen by The Wichita Association for the Motion Picture Arts (WAMPA) who has made significant contributions to the art and process of filmmaking or the film industry. Past recipients of the award include, in 2004, Cloris Leachman, in 2005, late Film Festival Founder Timothy Gruver, 2006, Laura Lee Bahr, 2007, Don LaFontaine, 2008, Dan Glickman, and this years recipient, Seymour Cassel. Each of these individuals has significantly contributed to the world of Independent Film and each has had unique and wonderful contributions to the world of film in general.
This year the festival, as mentioned earlier had over 400 submissions. Those included eventual award winners, Sweet Crude, an Independent Documentary which looks at the 25 year non violent resistance to the oil companies’ damage to the people of Niger which has an average oil spill of more than one per day in their Delta region over the course of a year. It is a documentary which looks at the plight of the people to stand up for their future, and their children. Sweet Crude won the Audience Award for Choice Feature Film. Winning the award for Audience Award Winning Short Film was Lost Paradise from France and Israel. This film is billed as a modern day Adam and Eve story.
Tallgrass also included various other great films, among my favorites were the feature films Saving Luna, and Kabul24. Also featured were such films as Fish out of Water, Gogol Bordello Non Stop, The Only Good Indian which also had in attendance for the duration of the festival, star Wes Studi, Reach for Me with Seymour Cassel, also in attendance, Underbelly with star Pleasant Gehman in attendance, Mommy Is At The Hairdressers, Tony Mannero, The Worlds Greatest Dad with numerous other features, documentaries, and shorts. Over 3 days my schedule had me seeing 10 features, and 26 shorts. I will be featuring reviews on my favorites but this festival is so ambitious, and so successful in what it is attempting to do, that I was in film making heaven for 3 days as were many others. There is simply no way to see everything, and any attendee will be greatly pleased. In fact, I would hope in the future that even more people would come out. My two favorite films were actually sparse in attendance, and both deserving of much higher numbers of people in the seats. I can’t help but believe the locations of these films had some reasoning as to the low numbers in the seats. A general location, like a movie theater with multiple screens, would be ideal, of course I have already written as to why that didn’t take place.
The above is not to say that there can’t be, or shouldn’t be improvements to Tallgrass. I believe an expansion of views on the selection committees may also be appropriate. While the selection committee has done a wonderful job I was amazed at speaking to several members which had not seen some of the films submitted. I also believe it would be appropriate to look outside of traditional genres. I would personally love to see the inclusion of horror, and of course, while there is a ton of junk related to faith based movies, (not just Christian, but all forms of faith based movies), there is also quality avant-garde films that are exceptionally well done within the independent spectrum that include feature, horror, documentary, and short. I am not speaking of lessening the quality of film, but including more of the independent work within these genres of all faith spectrums. While there are some that would claim Tallgrass has done this, I would assure you, at least over the course of the last several years, with the exception of Kabul24 this year, I haven’t personally seen it. A larger view on the selection committee would help with this; of course this may mean that some like me would have to be willing to help out. That is a fair expectation. I love all film, including quality horror, and quality faith based film, despite the religious worldview being presented. One of the beautiful things about film, is its ability to educate, in a world filled with spiritual individuals, various spiritual views should be welcomed, including the views of people we may not agree with.
In a time when finance and personal difficulties seem to be so prevalent in society, it is nice to have a venue to find escape. For many individuals that escape, which provides so many things that are needed in society, such as hope, inspiration and more, are found in film. While I am grateful for an industry that provides that on a large scale, I have found that Independent Film maintains a spirit that is largely lost to so many people. It maintains a spirit of adventure, hope, and inspiration though for a very simple reason. I think that reason is largely centered on the reality that those people, those organizations making those independent films are individuals that are making them out of an almost pure love, if not a pure love of the forum they are involved in. They are making film about subjects they love, subjects they have experienced and in fact live. These are films that often if ever, have the budgets to advertise and promote. They are largely dependent on word of mouth and film festival success in order to get the word out about the quality of their product. I can’t speak for all films at Tallgrass, but I can speak for what I saw. I saw some of the best films I have seen all year, and in the case of Saving Luna, quite possibly the most moving inspirational movie of the year. To the people who organize and put on The Tallgrass Film Festival, I say thank you, I say thank you for bringing one a premiere event to the plains of our country, to the center of our country, Mid America where we can indeed find out, the people of the Heartland can love good, quality, exceptional film, with an Independent Spirit and attitude that should be envied across the country. Hopefully that spirit continues, it continues with or without the support of the powers that be, especially the powers that have made their fortunes from the movie going audience that loves film, are a part of the future or not. For some reason I believe it will continue, and will continue to grow in quality. Why? Quite simple, that same spirit that drives independent film, I believes drives Tallgrass, for that, this one regular guy who is blessed to write about movies, her stars, and her attributes, also believes in the spirit of those movies, and of course, the spirit of Tallgrass.
The following are a few film clips that I can recommend which are related to the festival. Just click on the video, if the video don't appear, click on the direct link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUWQ2CTTbM
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
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.
