Cloverfield

I was looking forward to the weekend, breakfast, some shopping, and a trip to see one of the most anticipated and hyped movies of the year, Cloverfield. Much of the hype was centered around the controversy of presenting images that many felt was taking advantage of the images of September 11, 2001. I don’t know if the controversy is true or not? I will say there are many images that resemble those we saw on this day. What I do know is I am fan of the television series Lost and Lost and Cloverfield producer, JJ Abrams. That said, as a result of seeing the movies preliminary trailers, I was excited.

The best way I know how to describe Cloverfield is to say it is like a bad ass Godzilla, with a twist that resembles The Blair Witch Project. The movie starts with what seems to be an official government comment that states the film was found at Central Park in New York City. Shortly after the commentary, we see what appears to be a home made film, that shows a group of friends celebrating one of their friends, Rob, who has taken a job as a Vice President of a company in Japan. Intermingled with the video we see the video being used is taped over of another video. We see a love story played out amongst the film congratulating Rob for the new job. While the action is jerky and resembling of someone actually shooting this as a home video, the viewer is drawn into the story as it develops. We don’t know what all is going on but director Matt Reeves does a great job of using this technique to tell a story, and developing characters. While not all of the principles are developed in the way I would have liked, the primary characters and story is. Not only do we get drawn into the lives of the characters, once all hell breaks loose and we see that New York City is under attack by some beast, it is as if we are there, along for the danger. Part of the reason this works is that Cloverfield don’t use well known actors in this role. As a result, we as viewers can better relate. It is as if we are watching real people, not actors.

At first, as New York comes under attack, we don’t know what is going on. There are loud explosions and earth shaking moments. The primary person shooting the video, Hud, continues shooting through everything, from the party to celebrate Rob’s new job, to the attack by the creature. There is a lot of shaky hand held footage and some not used to this type of filming, just like in The Blair Witch Project, may end up with motion sickness. While one may have issues with this, I felt it added to the enjoyment and realism of the movie. The viewer becomes a part of the movie, from moments including running with the characters, to the surprises along the way. There will be enough surprises to have you jumping out of your seat, and squeezing the hand of the person you are at the movie with if on a date. The story flows, the surprises keep your attention, and there are enough scary moments that if you have a heart condition, you might best stay home. The direction, script and everything else works about as well as it could for this roller coaster thrill ride with enough scares and moments the viewer will have to remind themselves to breathe.

As the movie developed, I thought about a passage from the Bible, John 15:13 states, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

We see this love in a various ways. While Rob realizes that he may have let the one love of his life slip away, he insists on going into the face of danger to have a chance at retrieving that love. Along the journey, several friends go along; not knowing what is ahead of them. They know they want to be with a friend, one they love. We may think these friends are crazy but one should not loose sight that these individuals genuinely love each other, and want to help each other. The horrors and dangers they face in order to be there for each other is what the movie is about. Sure there are scares and sickening things along the way but the constant theme is to press on out of finding and reestablishing love. While there are costs there is ultimately hope.

While the basics of Cloverfield seem to work, there are a lot of holes in the story. Holes surrounding what one would think are key components. What is the creature? Where does the creature come from? Why is the Creature there? And I could go on and on. I came to the conclusion that while the creature is a key part of the movie; it is really more of a sub plot than a primary plot. It actually reminded me of the movie, The Village by M. Night Shyamalan. One could take that comparison too far, but it is easy to get so focused on what we think the story is about that we likely don’t see the real story.

I was reminded of the tactics used by JJ Abrams in the television show Lost. There are many parts of the movie easy to miss if we glance away or don’t pay attention to the full picture or sounds on screen. I know part of the ending of the movie after the credits have rolled, and most people have left the theater certainly give to this tactic used by Abrams and others. I won’t give anything away, but there is a great deal of discussion about the ending of the movie. There are other scenes and aspects that fall into this. It is why I will see the movie again and I suspect others will do the same.

I would have liked to have seen another 15 – 30 minutes of Cloverfield, it was short in length. For all practical purposes the movie worked, and the hype while falling just short, still was close to being on track. I can’t guarantee a sequel or prequel, but I won’t be surprised. Without giving a spoiler, I will say if you stay until after the end of the credits, you will know why this is possible.

Cloverfield is certainly a worth while movie; it is one worth seeing if you like this kind of film. For that reason, on a scale of 1 – 10, I am taking away a 3 for the characters who appear to live and give it a satisfying 7.

To see the trailer for the movie just click on the video below, if the video don't work, click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvNkGm8mxiM


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You 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.

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Joshua (2007)

I have to admit, I didn’t know what to expect from this movie. I had heard about how it was a cross between Rosemary’s Baby and The Omen. I don’t know if that got my hopes up or what, but frankly, outside of the quality number of special features on this DVD, I was extremely disappointed in this movie. This highly anticipated thriller directed by George Ratliff received broad ranges of reviews when released. Some presented Joshua as a thinking person’s thriller and others as a waste of time.

Joshua follows the changes in the Carin family after the birth of a daughter. This young family has a son, Joshua who is a talented protégé pianist. What transpires is enough twists and turns to keep you thinking through out the movie. As strange things happen to the family and Abby, Joshua’s mother played brilliantly by Vera Farmiga begins to develop signs of postnatal depression, we the viewer are either totally confused by the poor script development, or amazed at the hodge podge of story we see on screen. One of the things I thought of is the concept some have in a fine art museum. When some view contemporary art, some see value, some are totally confused. Enter into the story an uncle we can’t figure out, and in-laws who are strong fundamental Christians and the story goes in so many directions it becomes difficult to stay focused.

One of the interesting story lines, not nearly developed enough is the interaction between the Carin family and their in-laws. Abby is Jewish and is married to Brad, played very well by Sam Rockwell. As Abby begins to show signs of either a previous mental illness, or postnatal depression we see the involvement of Brad’s parents. Especially involved is the grandmother, Hazel, played brilliantly by Celia Weston. Hazel has issues that the children have not been baptized and is emphatic about finding ways to have Joshua become a Born Again Christian. Joshua, while seemingly responsive has other intentions. If anything is certain about this movie, Joshua is one confused little boy, confused so much so we have a hard time determining if he is a role model in an Occult sort of way, or if he is just a confused and possibly abused child. None of those questions are ever answered, and it is a script that depends on the viewer to write most of the story line with their own imagination.

There are so many weaknesses to the plot and story development it would be hard to say anything positive. If positive attributes are there, they are in the casting and acting. Sam Rockwell, Vera Farmiga, Celia Weston and young newcomer Jacob Kogan as Joshua are wonderful. The cinematography, sound, and music are also wonderful, but the story is just horrific. I was hoping to get some additional insight from the special features on the DVD, but despite a good number of special features, there is no new insight provided outside of the directors’ commentary. Even here, while I normally enjoy this feature, it was like torture having to see and hear this feature.

There are so many concepts I would have loved to see developed further. There is the apparent desire for the director to present some form of supernatural spiritual thriller. Unfortunately it never developed. From a deeply fundamentalist Christians desire to see her grandchildren converted to Christianity, even a scene in church where an apparent salvation takes place, to the difficulties between Jewish and Christian blended marriages. We see all kinds of issues addressed that could have provided some measure of thought provoking commentary, unfortunately, these themes are used as background and never seems to get on track and find a point in the plot development. While the religious themes could have provided some thought provoking questions, I was disappointed in the lack of development.

Joshua is a strange sort of movie and DVD. There are great special features, great acting, quality sound, great cinematography, but an incredibly boring, and confusing movie. I had a hard time watching and enjoying this movie. It is not a movie I can recommend, even if just renting it. That is sad because of the wasted talent displayed on screen. I sincerely hope to see more of the principals in the future, especially Vera Farmiga but I can promise you, I won’t watch this again. I guess I’m just not smart enough to see all of the things everyone else did that thought Joshua was a brilliant masterpiece. Then again, maybe my schizophrenic tendencies hadn’t set in yet.

On a scale of 1 – 10, for the terrible time I had watching it and the confusing plot lines, I give a disappointing 4, one for each of the principal actors who did their part.




To see the video trailer for Joshua, just click on the video below, if trouble, click on the following link:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpeTkVEJqDE



Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

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Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry. Click to subscribe to my blog

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

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.com

You 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.

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The Bucket List

One of the first things my 18 year old son noticed as we entered the theater was he was one of the youngest ones there. Later, as the theater filled up, he was one of several less than 20 years of age. In front of me were an 85-year-old-lady and her family. I would overhear them say it was the first time she had been to a movie in years. Of course a movie featuring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman dealing with terminal illness in the later stages of life was something that would appeal to an older crowd. The direction provided by Rob Reiner and a wonderful script provided by Justin Zackham would provide a story of excellence for any age.

From the outset it was obvious this project was close to the hearts of Director Reiner and actors Freeman, and Nicholson. The production, shooting locations, music, editing and so forth brings the complete package. There is not an ounce of wasted film. Not only are we treated with these wonderful components but a script that knows exactly how to blend comedy with the pairing of Nicholson and Freeman, two of our most brilliant actors but it also knows how to bring out the drama as we see these two face death. While a serious subject matter, Reiner comes through with his best direction since the early 1990’s. We see a story we think we know the answers to from the opening narration. The twist at the end brings us back to reality and forces us to think even more about the story we have just seen.

The Bucket List starts of with two individuals facing the reality of death. Mechanic Carter Chambers played by Morgan Freeman, and Billionaire Edward Cole, played by Jack Nicholson end up sharing a hospital room. Here Reiner brings these two contrasting characters together and shows the audience that not only are there the obvious differences, such as race, social economic status, and more, but there are also similarities. While each character may not recognize the similarities at first, they build a bond and friendship that moves them to the point of trying to achieve a few of their life dreams and desires before they kick the bucket, thus the creation of the bucket list. What transpires is not only heart inspiring, but laugh out loud funny, featuring some of the best lines ever and a tear jerking conclusion that will require a Kleenex or two.

Along the journey we see a deeply spiritual man, Carter Chambers who is loyal to his wife of over 40 years. He is unapologetic about his faith, and recognizes his life will not end with his death. He shares those attributes, hopes and dreams with his new found friend Edward Cole. Unfortunately, Cole is a man of science, not of faith. He is also a man who has lost a great deal of purpose. As these two live life to the fullest, they learn to love each other, and Cole sees a sermon of living, life, and faith lived out before him.

The Bucket List is in many ways a sermon, a sermon not just for Cole, but for each of us observing this wonderful portrayal of friendship and love. The sermon starts as we see a man who loves and gives to his children be consistent in his faith and willingness to share that love with others. While we see his faith and practice in various areas, we also see the struggle of Cole. Cole while he is praying to Jesus is so caught up in his own lack of belief that he refuses to recognize his own prayers, even to the point where he states he is talking to himself.

As we see Cole struggle we see Chambers find various ways to share his faith. From various discussions about faith, Heaven, love, and hope we see Chambers unapologetic about his faith. We even see scenes where his family is praying. Unlike many religious Christians, Chambers knows when to turn off the speech, and turn on the actions. He has learned through life how to let his life be the messenger of his faith. Chambers understands the importance of letting his light shine, and let it shine he does.

Luke 11: (33) No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a clay pot. A lamp is put on a lampstand, so that everyone who comes into the house can see the light. (34) Your eyes are the lamp for your body. When your eyes are good, you have all the light you need. But when your eyes are bad, everything is dark. (35) So be sure that your light isn't darkness. (36) If you have light, and nothing is dark, then light will be everywhere, as when a lamp shines brightly on you.

Chambers also understands the concept of joy, while in a Buddhist Monastery Chambers shares with Cole of the importance of joy. It is in being joyful, and living a life where others find joy through your life that we can ultimately find Heaven. Cole has trouble with this, while he has found happiness, he recognizes his life has seldom, if ever given joy to others. It is here the movie takes a twist. It isn’t just the things in life that should be important to us but the people we could have and should have loved, the relationships we may have lost, or the family we may have ignored. This concept was a message in itself. A message that shows people our faith and our lives are really what matters most. We see this ultimately in Cole as he crosses off the list the item of kissing the most beautiful woman he has ever met.


There are many other lessons and sermons preached in The Bucket List. One of those is the concept of how one finds God. While Chambers is sharing this, Cole is hesitant to receive it or understand it. We see Cole struggle to the point where he ultimately understands. This particular scene could have come directly from the Bible itself.

1 Kings 19: 11-13 (11) “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. (12) And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. (13) When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

The truth is I loved this movie. It is one I will see again, and one I will purchase when the DVD comes out. While funny, it is also serious and moving. While entertaining, it is also deeply spiritual and thought provoking. It preaches a sermon, but not just any sermon, but one that will resonate. I was never bored, and left the theater deeply entertained. I don’t know what more I could have gotten from the experience.

On a scale of 1 – 10 for the number of items on my bucket list, a resounding and grateful 10

The following is the video Say by John Mayer from The Bucket List. Click on the video below, if the video don't work, click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ0z86LmXBM


The following is the trailer from the movie The Bucket List. Just click on the video, if the video don't work, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OltHNarHA9A


Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

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

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

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.com

You 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

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

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Oprah Winfrey Presents: Mitch Albom's For One More Day, Interview with Mitch Albom

What would it be like to have one more day with someone you loved that has died? This is the premise of the new movie, based on the book written by Mitch Albom, One more Day. One More Day will air this Sunday night on ABC television. The movie, presented by Oprah Winfrey causes us to look at, and reflect on, family, parenting, blame, difficulty, alcoholism, divorce, and so much more. It is, unfortunately, a reflection on real life. I have to admit, as a child growing up in dysfunction, never knowing a father, seeing the affects of alcoholism and more, I related and reflected on my own life while watching One More Day, more than I would have liked but in a way that was ultimately positive for me. Mitch Albom knows about the characters he writes about, because he bases many of those characters on his own experiences and observations. It is one of the things that have allowed him to be so widely accepted among not only viewers, but readers, and those others he comes into contact with. While he writes about reality, he hasn’t forgotten his own obligations to help those less fortunate.

One More Day stars Michael Imperiolli from the Sopranos as Chick Benetto and Ellen Burstyn as his mother Posey Benetto. This exceptional cast presents a rarity, a story that requires focus, and reflection. Absent of all the trends that currently seem to permeate movies, such as car chases, explosions, murder and the like, what we have here is reflective drama. Drama that has to be understood and appreciated to be enjoyed, and thankfully Albom writes about reality, a reality we can all understand. I recently had the opportunity to discuss among other things, the movie One More Day with author and screenwriter Mitch Albom. After learning more abut him, more about some of the underlying themes of the movie, I will admit, I will watch the movie again.

Enjoy now as I present the discussion with Mitch. Be on the lookout for the audio version of the interview which I will include on a future HJ Live Radio program. Until then, here is the interview with a man I greatly respect, Mitch Albom.

Mike Furches (MF): Hey Mitch How are you doing?

 Mitch Albom (MA): I’m doing good, and you?

MF: I’m not doing bad at all. I really appreciate you working with me on this and getting it done as I am doing some training with Boys Town right now. I really appreciate you again, doing this with the tough schedule I have had.

 MA: Sure no problem at all.

 MF: You ready to get started then?

 MA: Yea man.

MF: I know we have about 10 minutes so I want to respect your time on that. You have a new movie coming out, For One More Day, a story that you wrote, so if you don’t mind, tell us a little bit about the story.

 MA: Well the story is about a boy who grows up in the 50’s and 60’s kind of worshiping his dad who tells him he has to be a “daddy’s boy” or a “mommy’s boy” but he can’t be both so he picks to be a “daddy’s boy and then he sees his father disappear when he is 11 years old and he never comes back. His mother is sort of left to raise him and he never really appreciates her because he’s always chasing after his father. Even when he is an adult he becomes a baseball player for a period of time to try and get his father back into his life. After that, when he is in his 40’s he goes chasing after his father one last time and the weekend after he does that his mother dies and he’s not there. He begins to regret all of the time he didn’t spend with her and his life starts to go downhill, he becomes an alcoholic, he looses his job, and his family. He actually decides he wants to kill himself because he doesn’t want to live anymore. He goes back in the middle of the night to the little town he grew up in. He goes to his abandoned old house and he pushes in through the door planning to kill himself and he hears his mother’s voice calling him from upstairs as if she was still alive and had never died. She comes downstairs and she is right in front of him as if she had never died. All of a sudden he begins this one last day that he gets back with her where he doesn’t know if she is dead or alive or if he’s dead or alive or whatever. She spends the day with him and kind of walks him through his life and shows him all of these things he didn’t understand about it, and him, his father, and all the rest. He finds out that a lot of things he should of done while she was alive he gets the chance to do on this one last day with her.

MF: I saw the screener for the movie and was kind of impressed with the presentation and the story. How much does it differ from the book that you wrote? How pleased are you with the final product?

MA: Well I wrote the screenplay so I had pretty decent control over making sure it didn’t veer into left field. But, you know, a screenplay is just sort of a blueprint and then you kind of turn it over, and the director and the actors kind of take it. I think the essence of the story is very much there and the relationship between the mother and the son is there. Obviously, it is only a 2 hour TV movie and if you allow for commercials I think it is a total of about 90 minutes or so movie, so you can’t have everything. You can’t have every scene; you can’t have every age, and all of the rest of it. As a good movie representation of what the book is about, I think it does a very good job.

MF: One of the things I appreciated is as mentioned earlier I have been involved in training with Boys Town this week, and I come from a situation where I never knew a father. The movie touches on, and I was impressed from a reality perspective in the way the movie addresses issues like alcoholism, family relationships, not knowing your father, being without a father.

MA: Right

MF: Where did you draw your storylines from?

MA: Unfortunately, I have a lot of divorce in my family. I see the effects on the kids and I see how hungry the kids are for just any kind of attention, or how much they just want to get the family back. How often the one that stays behind and is the one who does the raising is the one that’s resented and the one who leaves is the one who is longed after and pined after. That’s kind of sad, but it’s the truth. Sometimes the person, in this case in the movie, the father ended up, we find out in the end this dirty secret that he had kept all these years, but he was kind of the bad guy, and yet the little boy is always taking it out on the mother. Unfortunately, that’s from real life, I see that all around me.

MF: I was really impressed from looking at the bio that was provided to me. You have tried to take that component of working with families, and working with people with disadvantages on and into your own life. Would you share some about some of the charity work you have done because I was really impressed with that?

MA: Yea, Thank you! You know, I live in Detroit and for better or worst, there’s lot’s of charity opportunities here in Detroit. We need a lot of help, and I started a volunteer group that is called Time to Help about 10 years ago to try to get people, particularly people who live out in the suburbs and were doing pretty well for themselves to come into the city once a month and interact with people and help out doing everything from building houses, or rebuilding houses, to refurbishing places, or packing up food for homebound people, or going to homeless shelters and doing parties or painting, fixing up broken down schools, or things like that. In 10 years we’ve done well over 300 projects and it’s really been great to sort of show people that the dividing line between the suburbs and the city is not as great as people think. I started another one a couple of years ago called Save Detroit which is to help the homeless. It came out of the Super Bowl where during the Super Bowl they kind of took the homeless people and took them off the street and put them into this one shelter to try and give them a party, quote unquote, but really it was just to get them off the streets so that no one has to see them. They thought that was really cool because come Monday morning they kicked them back out and into the streets. I started this group which just grew, and grew, and grew and has become this big charity now. It is very well funded and it builds facilities for homeless people, kitchens, a veterans shelter and a day care center and a women’s shelter and things like that you know, really tangible, brick and mortar stuff to help the people who need it the most in our city.

MF: One of the things people may not know about, and again, saw this from the bio, you were named Man of the Year for the National Hospice Organization in 1999. What is your association in regards to your work with Hospice?

 MA: Well because of book Tuesday’s with Morrie which was the story of a dying professor from ALS, that’s a true story that happened to me in my life and I wrote a book about it. Morrie was helped by Hospice quite a bit so when I started going around the country, people wanted to talk to me about Morrie and all of the rest so I kept pointing out how valuable Hospice had been to him. One thing led to another, and they asked if I would join some of their local boards and then joined their national board and do some speaking on their behalf and so I have become a big advocate of those Hospice organizations, local and national. I just think they do so much good and they were kind enough that year to give me that honor.

MF: How do you respond when you get recognized by a group like that? Especially when you do a movie or story that relates to that particular issue? Especially when that group sees that, and respects and appreciates your work?

MA: I think mainly, you should just feel like maybe you are on the right track and just keep doing it. I don’t think you are supposed to pat yourself on the back or go, “Wow isn’t this great I need to tell everybody!” I think it’s sort of just something that just maybe gives you a small sense of comfort, for want of a better word that the path you are walking on is probably a good one. I mean you don’t know that, we spend so much of our time wondering if we are going in the right direction or anything, so when something like that happens, I think it is just a moment where you say, “Well maybe I am,” and then I need to continue it. It wasn’t like, “Well I’m done with them because they gave me awards.” I think you want to work even harder for causes like that and I have tried to do that since then.

MF: For the movie coming out this weekend, Oprah has helped produce that, I think she did that with your other movie Tuesday with Morrie as well,

MA: Right

MF: One of the things I want to touch on, as a final question, if I may. For One More Day is obviously a story that is not “action packed” or anything like that, it is a story and a personal story. To me, even a reflective story to think about, one each person who is watching it can think about their own lives and people they have come into contact with, especially, people who have gone without fathers, or had issues with family relations and that type of thing. What would you want the viewers to get out of the story or movie as they watch it this coming weekend?

MA: Well, you’re right, I think people will watch it and sort of insert themselves where, I could be that son, or I could be that mother, or my father left when I was young or I wish I could have a parent back. I guess what I hope people will get out of it is that if it moves them when it is over, they will pick up the phone and call a loved one who maybe they were planning on waiting to call, or go see, or spend time with and just schedule the meeting now. Just schedule the visit now. Go sooner rather than later, because as it happens to him in the movie you never know when you are going to loose somebody. He was lucky in the movie, he got a day back, but that’s just a movie. That’s not how real life works and you should grab those days with the people when you have them, right now.

MF: Mitch, appreciate it. Again, as a kid who grew up without a dad, and who works with kids and who don’t have dads and has had family issues, I appreciate your work.

MA: Well thank you very much. Thanks for taking the time to watch the movie. That was very nice of you.

MF: Well I will watch it again.

MA: I hope you liked it.

MF: I enjoyed it and will watch it again this weekend with the commercials.

MA: (Laughing) okay

MF: We want to support those sponsors.

MA: Thanks very much, have a great day.

MF: Thanks to you, God bless you.

MA: Bye

MF: Bye

To see the trailer for the television show, click on the video below, if the video don't appear, just click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1daBiHjxHbc
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 ministry I do; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry and ongoing costs.  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 expenditures that go out.  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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American Gangster

Last week on the HJ Live internet radio program I predicted the number one movie over the weekend was going to be Bee Movie. Man oh man was I wrong. I went to see Bee Movie at one of the metroplexes in town, saw the feature I wanted to see was sold out, so went ahead and got a ticket to the nearly three hour long feature, American Gangster. I knew I wanted to see this movie, had high expectations in fact, but as high as those expectations were, I wasn’t expecting what I got. What I ended up getting was a viewing of one of the best gangster movies made in recent years.

American Gangster is the violent bio picture that follows the lives of Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts. Lucas and Roberts are both played brilliantly by leading men Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe respectively. Lucas is a black man originally from Greensboro North Carolina who lives in Harlem a burrow of New York City. While working under the tutelage of a Crime Boss Bumpy Johnson played by one of my favorite character actors, Clarence Williams III, Lucas learns the tricks of the trade that allows him to become one of the top crime lords and drug dealers in the country. This film does a tremendous job at character development with one of the best ensemble groups in a very long time. In fact, American Gangster is filled with quality, from editing, to story, to sound for a picture that in many scenes reminded me of Apocalypse Now. Just about everything about this movie from a technical perspective is near perfect. Ridley Scott has directed what will surely be an Oscar contender in a number of areas.

There is so much that can be said about American Gangster, there will be the inevitable comparisons to other gangster movies, from The Sopranos to The Godfather. While the comparisons are somewhat understandable, I think they are a mistake for a variety of reasons. In this tale, we follow the life of Richie Roberts played wonderfully by Russell Crowe. Roberts is a cop who has a heart that is too good to be true. He is so pure in fact that he has a difficult time getting along with his fellow police officers. His goodness for doing what is right isn’t lost though on the government as he is eventually selected by the Federal Government to head up a drug task force to eventually take down the drug lords of New York. While we see a side of honesty and purity, we can also quickly see a side of Richie that shows his short comings and faults. His wife and daughter see those faults, and eventually he sees the faults in himself.

The person on the opposite end of the spectrum is Frank Lucas. Here we see a person who doesn’t think twice about murdering someone, or in selling drugs that kill those in his own community. While we see him for the evil person he is, Ridley Scott does a great job at also letting us see a side of him we wouldn’t normally think about, a side that has him loving his family, his wife, and in fact being faithful to even take his grandmother to church, and to offer a prayer of thanks during Thanksgiving to his Lord, Jesus.

Throughout the progression of American Gangster we see conflict, and difficulty. We see it in the issues related to the characters, but also, ultimately in our own perceptions of people. Who is good? Who is bad? What makes one evil? What makes one good? Entwined with this conflict we see not only the struggle of character, but a spiritual battle where the characters on film and those sitting in the seats watching the movie are forced to come to some resolve on those very questions.

I liked virtually everything about this film, even with its length. The only thing I felt lacking was the rush to conclusion towards the end of the film. There are brief moments where the quality of the first 2 hours of the movie is lost towards the last 45 minutes. Don’t get me wrong, those last 45 minutes are still exceptional film making, but they do not meet the expectations of the first two thirds of the movie. From the sound to costumes, the ensemble cast and the brutal reality of the violence this movie is dark, dirty, vulgar, and ultimately reflective and redemptive. American Gangsters is a movie I will see again in the theater, and will ultimately purchase via DVD. It is a movie to be experienced on the big screen as well as enjoyed for the technical superiority and historic content.

American Gangster is a movie some will hate and some will love. Thankfully, the reviews have so far been very positive from a fan perspective, and somewhat good, but not great from a critical perspective. Take away that critic concept and listen to this fan of the gangster genera. This is a brilliant film, not perfect, but nor far from it. On a scale of 1 – 10 I will remove the critic element and give it the near perfect score of 9.

To see the trailer of American Gangster, double click on the video, if the video don't appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOSOYSLDuQE


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You 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.

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Home of the Brave DVD

As a fan of war movies, especially those that show the horror of war, I had high expectations for the release of Home of the Brave. I wanted to see this movie, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Beal, and 50 Cent among others in the theater. With the past work of director Irwin Winkler I thought this would be a “can not fail movie,” and the DVD would feature a ton of special features that would enlighten the story.

The movie Home of the Brave starts off with a group of soldiers serving in Iraq. It is one of the few times that some of the deleted scenes would have helped the movie. These soldiers, many a part of their local National Guard units have just been given the news they are going to be headed back home to the states shortly. They have another mission to complete, an escort that provides service to a local hospital when they are hit with an attacked by the enemy. The attack leaves these good intentioned soldiers at a place where they will forever be emotionally trapped with the horror of war. Not everyone makes it through the attack, and while the remainder gets to eventually go home, they continue to deal with the difficulty and horror of war. Home of the Brave follows the lives of four individuals who end up uniquely tied together.

Home of the Brave has an extremely talented cast with wonderfully filmed sequences, whether fighting in Iraq or struggling with the difficulties faced back home. Unfortunately, while there is a talented cast, the story is not tied together and what we end up having is a hodge podge that leaves the viewer lost and at times confused.

We see struggles among each of the characters; Samuel Jackson is having difficulty at home with his wife and children. Jessica Biel’s character Vanessa has relational issues and finds it difficult to trust, while Tommy Yates, played by Brian Presley is searching for answers to the conflict and pain experienced but not having success. One of the surprises is with the character Jamal Aiken played by Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson. This character played surprisingly well has life changing horrors that follow him home. Unfortunately we don’t see enough of the character. As each of these characters struggle with the consequences of war the story attempts to bring them together, although not nearly as tightly as I would have liked.

Despite the failures of story, and character development, there is much this movie causes one to think about in a beneficial way. It is easy to look at the headlines of the war in Iraq, or any war for that matter and not think of the long term consequences of war. There are long term consequences that do not end on the battlefield but often continue on in the battlefield of life. The battlefield of others accepting and understanding what the troops have been through, and the struggle of any one facing the difficulty of not being understood by those they come into contact with, whether family or friend. If in fact, family and friend have difficulty understanding the horrors faced by loved ones, we see how difficult it is for others outside the circle to understand. We see characters trying to understand themselves, from moments of reflective prayer, to having to face serious issues with family, friends, and ultimately with ones self..

I appreciated that Home of the Brave did not take a stand on the war; we have enough political pundits telling us what to think. Instead the focus is on the individuals it needs to be on, those who have served and come face to face with the horror of war, not just the soldier, but the family member at home having to deal with all of the issues faced in day to day life while their loved one is away. I just wish the story development for this would have been given more attention. I was also disappointed with the DVD as there are not nearly enough special features to give clarity to the story, film making, and understanding. In fact the DVD was somewhat bland as DVD’s and special features normally go.

While Home of the Brave is worth watching, don’t go into it with high expectations. If you go into it just to enjoy a couple of hours, you will be good to go. It may help you truly understand the troops in order to actually support the troops, not just in war time, but in their return home. If looking for a more powerful story, one that deals with tragedy and war, there are other fine examples of movies to see, from Full Metal Jacket, to The Deer Hunter among others. Home of the Brave may not be nearly as intense as these movies, but, it will provide subtle thoughts as to the horror of war, and the tragedy of war that often comes home with the troops.

To see the official trailer for Home of the Brave, double click on the following video. If the video don't appear, click on the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPeggaEOwf8


Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

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

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry. Click to subscribe to my blog

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

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.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew

P.O. Box 17731

Wichita, KS 67217

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
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To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

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Thou Shalt Laugh: The Deuce

I love to laugh, in fact, my faith tells me a great deal about the importance of joy, laughter, and having a good time. Unfortunately, many within my faith practice haven’t done the best job at getting people to laugh. I take a little joy that I was watching people like Jeff Foxworthy in the comedy clubs before anyone knew who he was. I always had a special appreciation for humor that made me laugh. I especially enjoy humor that does not go over board. While I can appreciate cultural humor and language is not that offensive to me I find people like Red Skelton, and others who learned their craft without offending. Don’t get me wrong, there are many comedians I have learned to appreciate over the years, people like Richard Pryor and more recently Chris Rock, but unfortunately, there was always something that made me feel a little dirty about their humor, but more importantly, something that kept me from sharing those experiences with my young children at the time.

Thankfully, Phil Cooke and the Producer of The Blue Comedy Tour: The Movie realized the importance of producing a comedy DVD the whole family could enjoy. The makers of the DVD are sold so much so on the fact that you will laugh and think the DVD is as funny as other comedy DVD’s they have a free DVD guarantee offered on their web site.

The predecessor of Thou Shalt Laugh The Deuce, Thou Shalt Laugh is the biggest selling ‘Christian’ Comedy DVD of all time. Fans of that DVD and of laughter in general will not be disappointed in this venture, especially since the entire family can sit down and laugh together.

Thou Shalt Laugh The Deuce is hosted by legendary comedian, Tim Conway. The program shows 5 comedians doing their own routines. Comedians on the DVD include Bone Hampton, Dan Nainan, Victoria Jackson, Thor Ramsey and Taylor Mason. All provide unique aspects of comedy in their own style, ranging from stand up routines to routines using mannequins, music and audience participation. Surprisingly, not only do we find ourselves laughing we find ourselves being given subtle messages of responsibility to our society, respect to all races, and an understanding of various cultures. There isn’t only comedy here; we have messages of hope and examples of how to be better citizens.

I was very surprised with the times my own son, a somewhat critical 17 year old who is into hip hop, Dane Cook, Chris Rock, and others laughed during this DVD. I have been even more impressed with his willingness to go back and watch the DVD several more times, even having some of his favorite spots bookmarked so he can show his friends the routines. In short, for me, this proves the worthiness of the DVD which is done from a Christian perspective. When Victoria Jackson shares a touching moment about sharing her faith with the Late Phil Hartman from Saturday Night Live prior to going into a routine, we see, hear, and feel the sincerity of her faith. When she goes into her poetry and song related to those experiences, we understand the seriousness of which she is speaking, but we can find ourselves laughing at the touching moments. It was later on in my interview with Victoria Jackson on the internet radio program, HJ Live that I come to understand, and appreciate even more fully not only her commitment to her comedy, but her faith, and family. On HJ Live she shared of her real life experiences from sharing with Johnny Carson, on which she appeared on his show with him 20 times over the years, to her relationship with her long time husband. While Victoria Jackson is the most obvious regarding her faith on the DVD, she is still respectful and the same Victoria Jackson many have come to appreciate from her 6 seasons on Saturday Night Live and her nationally touring comedy show.

There is something for everyone in Thou Shalt Laugh The Deuce. From the antics of Tim Conway to the satirical humor of Dan Nainan, it is all there. If needing a good laugh, and who don’t? I would suggest picking up a copy of Thou Shalt Laugh The Deuce. Thankfully this is a product the whole family can sit down together with and watch, whether a fan of Dane Cook or a Baptist Preacher in a Georgia Church, you will laugh, feel good about it, and in the process get some subtle messages of loving for, and caring for all people.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

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

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

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

To see a video of Thou Shalt Laugh: The Deuce, click on the videos below. If the video don't appear, simply click on the links:

The Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg1U0tIf3nc



The Doctor's Office
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG4VI1huVrM



Taylor Mason Calling God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzuI7Q6sMto



Dan Nainen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgXAgAh_On0



Bone Hampton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxk48RalN2I



Victoria Jackson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx9XkuiiDSQ



Bone Hampton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYfA6QmFNyY



Blonde Jokes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eFuvNv5vsk



Some Races Don't Belong in Some Jobs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvoBQBFtV1o



Movie Prices
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWnrgNWDhLk




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.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

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

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew

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