I have started a new group, The Movie Guys that you can find at Facebook. We are doing a regular Vlog as well as a television show that is seeking syndication and will soon be playing on local television in Wichita which will cover parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri and all of Kansas. Make sure you subscibe to the page at facebook as well as subscribe to the page at youtube. Information on doing so follows the following video review. We always welcome appropriate comments on either of the formats although we do approve comments prior to posting due to past issues and inappropriate comments. We want to be a place open to discussion, but not to debate the appropriatness of movies and so forth, after over 40 years of doing reviews now, I am confident in what we do and how we do it.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
I have started a new group, The Movie Guys that you can find at Facebook. We are doing a regular Vlog as well as a television show that is seeking syndication and will soon be playing on local television in Wichita which will cover parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri and all of Kansas. Make sure you subscibe to the page at facebook as well as subscribe to the page at youtube. Information on doing so follows the following video review. We always welcome appropriate comments on either of the formats although we do approve comments prior to posting due to past issues and inappropriate comments. We want to be a place open to discussion, but not to debate the appropriatness of movies and so forth, after over 40 years of doing reviews now, I am confident in what we do and how we do it.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
I have started a new group, The Movie Guys that you can find at Facebook. We are doing a regular Vlog as well as a television show that is seeking syndication and will soon be playing on local television in Wichita which will cover parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri and all of Kansas. Make sure you subscibe to the page at facebook as well as subscribe to the page at youtube. Information on doing so follows the following video review. We always welcome appropriate comments on either of the formats although we do approve comments prior to posting due to past issues and inappropriate comments. We want to be a place open to discussion, but not to debate the appropriatness of movies and so forth, after over 40 years of doing reviews now, I am confident in what we do and how we do it.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
I have started a new group, The Movie Guys that you can find at Facebook. We are doing a regular Vlog as well as a television show that is seeking syndication and will soon be playing on local television in Wichita which will cover parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri and all of Kansas. Make sure you subscibe to the page at facebook as well as subscribe to the page at youtube. Information on doing so follows the following video review. We always welcome appropriate comments on either of the formats although we do approve comments prior to posting due to past issues and inappropriate comments. We want to be a place open to discussion, but not to debate the appropriatness of movies and so forth, after over 40 years of doing reviews now, I am confident in what we do and how we do it.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Let me make something clear from the very outset, I am normally very critical of Christian based films because they are simply not that well done and are made in a lackluster, embarrassing way. As a follower of Jesus as a person of faith, I strongly believe that films made by followers of Jesus should be done in an exceptional way, be it by the story, film quality or whatever as I could go on. Unfortunately, over the years, the overwhelming majority of films made by Christians have been garbage! There, I said it and that elephant is out of the room. That said, I find myself finding a great deal of pleasure in sharing my review of Paul, An Apostle of Christ.
There is something unique about the intro to this review. I have been doing reviews for approaching 40 years now. This is the first one I can recall primarily for Christians or followers of Jesus. That said, I hope those who are not followers of Jesus will appreciate my review and comments and that something can be garnished from it.
Paul: Apostle of Christ from a historical and faith perspective is tremendous and is in my opinion, right from the get go, possibly the most important and best Christian themed movie since The Passion of Christ which stared Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ. In Paul: An Apostle of Christ, Caviezel plays the part of Luke the Doctor magnificently. Luke was a doctor who shortly after the death of Christ became a leader in the Christian Church. He wrote several books of Scripture of which the most well known may be the Christmas Story which most people around the world are familiar with. He also became a companion of Paul. Luke felt it was important to write down the thoughts and teachings of Paul while he was imprisoned by Rome. It is the later part of this description that this movie surrounds itself.
Jim Caviezel does his usual fabulous job of portraying a loving, mild mannered and caring individual. There are few actors who can portray this type of role which Caviezel has banked on. Even in the television show, A Person of Interest where he played a type of secret government operative undercover agent well trained in martial arts, firearms and so forth, he had that calm, easy going demeanor. Caviezel is as brilliant as ever in Paul: Apostle of Christ.
The quality of acting doesn't stop with Caviezel, while he has the primary role in the movie, the movies namesake, Paul is played beautifully by James Faulkner,Faulkner featured in such programs as Atomic Blonde, Game of Thrones, Da Vinci's Demons, Downtown Abbey, and Underworld: Blood Wars among others is also terrific. He does an incredible job at presenting a beaten down, imprisoned, yet loving compassionate Apostle Paul. It is his portrayal and the writing that has this movie having the potential for such a terrific impact.
There are other notable portrayals in Paul: Apostle of Christ but the acting isn't the only thing to take notice of. The sets used, location, cinematography, direction by Andrew Hyatt who also co wrote the story, are terrific. In many ways, Paul: Apostle of Christ should be the model that "Christian Themed" or "Faith Based" movies should pattern themselves after. The quality of the production in this film is one that anyone can watch and easily understand my assumption about the disappointments of other so called "faith-based" films.
The power of Paul: Apostle of Christ isn't all of the above mentioned technical and acting concepts, the power of the movie is it's story and the possibility to get those who call themselves followers of Jesus to think about in regards to the current political situation in our world where it seems to be an appropriate thing to blend faith and politics, especially with an impression that seems to show compromise in the concepts of ones faith.
I truly appreciated the message that clearly shows the teachings of Jesus and presents a perspective from the Apostle Paul, (the author of most of the New Testament.) The concepts presented with a heavy dose of a hard to taste castor oil is done so largely with teachings directly out of the Bible with direct quotes. Blended in and mixed with that is a fairly historically accurate representation of what was going on in the early church shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus. The message of the tyrannical Roman Government and what they were doing to the earlier followers of Jesus is critical to understanding as to my conclusions as to what Christians and followers of Jesus can learn from this film. While it is easy to be a nationalistic follower of your nation, to call yourself a follower of Jesus demands a following not of your nation but instead, the teachings of Jesus. Paul clearly understood this concept as he was a man who was in a unique position of being a Jew, yet also a citizen of Rome. He understood as one who had made a drastic change, as one who had been responsible for multitudes of deaths of Christians but also one who came to passionately loved Jesus. Despite what issues we face in our world, in our society's they pale in comparison to what Jews and Christians faced under Rome.
It will be interesting to see the view of this film from those who have blended politics and faith. I imagine many will be critical of the love even your enemies, to be non resistant and so forth approach the movie takes. I doubt however that many of those who are critical of this approach will have an easy time debating their points with scripture, especially when it comes to the concepts of loving others not just from a Biblical view but also from a historical view of which Paul: Apostle of Christ does a very good job of presenting. If God is truly the same yesterday, today, and forever, then the approaches that many use to justify their actions of being so nationalistic could have also been used by Paul and the earlier followers in the early church, but as we know, they weren't.
I don't believe a "Faith-Based," film has had the potential to have as much impact on encouraging followers of Jesus since The Passion of the Christ. Paul: Apostle of Christ is a movie that has a perfect release week, prior to Easter, to challenge its audience about knowing and following the teachings of the Jesus as presented by Paul in this movie. I can imagine 2001 excuses to disregard this review but I know the impact the movie had on me. As stated I know it is easy to mix faith and politics, especially in today's world, especially in America. This movie was for me though, a powerful reminder of why it is ultimately the teachings of Jesus that I need to look at, and when I do that, I will be challenged because following the teachings of Jesus will not be easy, to follow them though is necessary if I want to carry the name Jesus, (Christian,) which means in many ways, "Little Jesus."
While I strongly recommend this movie for all audiences, I especially recommend it for those who say they are followers of Jesus and among them, those who think they know the story of Paul. Paul: Apostle of Christ shows us in many ways, more realistically than ever, the relationship between Paul and Christ followers, Paul and Timothy, and ultimately, what the relationship that those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus should have between ourselves and Jesus the Christ, Savior of the World.
On a scale of 1 - 10, there are a few bits of the film that is a tad boring, but not much, just enough to keep it from being perfect.Therefore when you add the letters in the name Luke and Paul I give it a very deserving, very good, well worth watching 8, bordering on a 9.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Let me first of all state, I am an unapologetic, Bible Believing follower of Jesus, I actually believe in and love the Bible, including the stories in it, like Samson. Of course many may have issues with that, and even if you do, there are still valuable moral lessons one can learn from those stories. I have read the Bible from cover to cover, studied it and value it for all kinds of reasons. I need to give this disclaimer though, even before I was a follower of Jesus and had read the Bible from cover to cover, I loved and valued the story of Samson. One might even say that learning about the Biblical and Old Testament account of Samson was one of the things that first inspired me to read the Bible. This character that crosses into the faith systems of Christians, Jews and Muslims is a character well known and love among various faith groups. I have alwayshad long hair, and Samson has been throughout my life, as a reason that it was okay.
Like most kids, there was a love from me for Super Heroes and Samson and Hercules were two characters in my early childhood that in many ways gave an illustration that the superhero concept has existed for thousands of years. I am sure that there are mythologies about both of those characters that have been contributed to their legends, but they were such great characters that were deserving of that mythology and legend. While I loved Hercules, he was a tad below Samson in my opinion, at least Samson was a character who would exact revenge on those who had done him wrong. In a recent conversation with Brittany Yost the producer of the movie Samson, she stated that even the folks at Pure-Flix had recognized the value of the story of Samson in an age where the super-hero dominates the movie screen. You can listen and see that interview on YouTube at this link, click here:
Samson is a film made by Pure-Flix. They are known for their God's Not Dead movies and one of the most recent films, The Case for Christ among others. As mentioned in that review, I have not been pleased with most of the Pure-Flix films, The Case for Christ was however an excellent film in just about every way. I was hoping for the same thing for the story of Samson. Brittany Yost in our conversation spoke about how one of her desires was to use faith based films to not only provide entertainment for Christians or people of faith going to movies but to also make movies that would be used to reach people who did not know Jesus Christ. Samson, the Nazarite from the Bible that we read about in the book of Judges, along with his mighty strength, his desire for Delilah, and his long hair was one such movie.
In many regards Samson is a film that continues to make progress for Pure-Flix. The sets, (shot in South Africa,) the direction, lighting and so forth are done quite well. The cast features several well known actors in meaningful roles, not just the brief cameo. Those include Billy Zane, Rutger Hauer, Lindsey Wagoner, and Taylor James in the part of Samson. James does a very good job at depicting Samson as does his nemesis Delilah played nicely by Caitlyn Leahy who has mostly done television work. The sets, location and other aspects of the movie are also nicely done.
One of the issues I had with the movie, as I often do in period pieces is the lack of authenticity in the characters, dress, make-up and so forth. A recent film done very nicely is The Hostiles. In that movie we see authenticity from the raveled outfits to the poor haircuts, dirty faces and teeth and much more. In Samson there was so much potential, but for me to see actors on screen playing characters from early history without blemishes, perfect make-up, lily white teeth, and so forth created a distraction that took away aspects of better understanding the characters in this world. I love continuity in movies and unfortunately for me, this concept was lacking in Samson. There ismost certainly a lack of continuity to the period of time the story takes place and the images of the characters largely playing the parts of those characters.
There were things I loved about Samson.The movie did a good job at showing the humanity and frailties of Samson, his pride, his attraction to Delilah, and at times, self conceded attitudes and mannerisms. Samson certainly comes across as one lacking humility and the trouble he often finds himself in is trouble he often created. I like the aspect though that we see that even the heroes of the Bible were not perfect and that God chose to use imperfect people. Often times Bible Heroes are presented as people other than human, it is one of the reasons that some can't relate to those characters. They are often presented as people we can't relate to, this aspect of Samson presented on screen however gives a believability and relational component to the character. It is through the recognition of his own failings that along with the story in the Bible, we see a Samson we can relate to and who turns back to God and the Holy Spirit for the strength that he once had once he has had a downfall to the tease of Delilah. He recognizes that the things provided to him from God are really the things that made him the legend that became, Samson. The portrayal of this Samson is a portrayal the viewer can relate to, and even consider making the same types of decisions to get their life back in order, just as Samson did.
One of the things that could hurt this movie initially is that Samson is opening alongside another highly anticipated Marvel Superhero Film, the highly anticipated, The Black Panther. I suspect that many of those attending the theater not being able to get tickets may end up seeing Samson. Pure-Flix has put out a decent add campaign to notify the public of the film and I expect that not only some non-religious film goers will see the movie but I also expect the film to draw a large Faith Based audience as the story of Samson crosses over to those who are Jewish, Muslim, and Christian. I don't think any aspect of the film will be offensive to anyone within those belief systems nor those outside of those belief systems.
I liked Samson even though I felt the film was a step down from Pure-Flix's last film, The Case for Christ. I didn't love it though, it was lacking at times and seemed as if some of the acting while largely good was just a reading of the script. It was if you will, at times, over acted. As mentioned earlier, there was a lack of continuity in many ways. I would still recommend the movie though, especially for a matinee or for a family who may have issues with some of the concepts of the Marvel and DC Universe and would like to present to their children characters they can look up to and follow, characters like Samson, one of the first superheroes.
On a scale of 1 - 10 for the letters in the name Samson, I give a someway, okay, but not great rating of 6.
To see my interview with Producer Brittany Yost, click on the following:
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
There was a the day, not so long a go, where many of us will remember that the Western ruled the box office, whether it be a smash hit at the theater , a Saturday matinee or even a program on television. The Western was a format that looked at the old west in America, (sometimes in other countries) and the story featuring the old west incorporated the challenges of either settling the west, bank robbers, or battles between Cowboys and Indians or gunslingers trying to kill someone. There were the black hat Cowboys who were always bad and the white hat Cowboys which were always good.In the simplicity of some of those Westerns we could watch John Ford movies and enjoy the pop-corn; then there was popular director William "Wild Bill " Wellman who gave us Westerns like The Ox Bow Incident that ended up being a full course steak dinner. While some always put Ford in pop-corn category he also did meaningful Westerns that were like a fine meal ordered at a fine restaurant with tons of social commentary along with a great story such as The Searchers. Unfortunately, over the last number of years, while there have been Westerns released on the big screen, some quite good such as Tombstone, Unforgiven, Dances with Wolves and Open Range among others, those are rare and few between.All of that said, thankfully, a new classic, one that could also be considered epic, has just entered the genera. That movie is directed by Scott Cooper from Crazy Heart fame is Hostiles.
Hostiles opens with a masterful, cinematic image of a homestead in the wild frontier of New Mexico. The homestead faces the potential of an Indian attack from a brand of Comanche whom have not given into the treaties which placed them under supervision of the United States who had moved them onto a reservation in Montana. The homestead is attacked in a brutal way and we see the hostility and hatred these Indians have for Whites and other settlers in the area.We jump next to a scene of Fort Berringer in New Mexico. where Captain Joseph Blocker, played brilliantly by Christian Bale, has captured some Apache up risers and is taking them back to the fort. Shortly after his return he discovers that he, along with some of the soldiers who have served with him for years are given the orders to escort Comanche dying war chief, Yellow Hawk, played brilliantly by Wes Studiand his family to Montana where his people liveand call home.One thing is clear from the directives given and Berringer's response, he hates Indians, especially Yellow Hawk.While reluctantly following orders under the pretext of losing his pension, he ultimately agrees to provide the escort as long as he can pick the solidiers of his choosing to go along with him.
The journey of Blocker and his crew escorting Yellow Hawk and his family ultimately has him meeting up with loan survivor of the attack on their homestead, Rosalie Quaid, also played brilliantly by Rosamund Pike. We see her struggles with her own PTSD and the response given toher by not only the soldiers escorting her, but also Yellow Hawk and his family. One thing both groups understand is the grief and loss of someone like her and the struggles she is going through as a result of such suffering. Here, you can see influences from directors like John Ford from movies like The Searchers, but Hostiles delivers as much as The Searchers and a whole lot more.
This movie is beautiful to watch and while seeing the opening on a early late night release, ending way after midnight, I was never bored, never tired, and not only entertained but challenged to think throughout the duration of the movie. My wife, a Western buff who had several hours in college graduate studies on Westerns was also entertained while watching the incredible, well crafted story portrayed on screen before us. There were a number of things that made this movie even more incredible for us.
Not only is the story well told in Hostiles but the imagery on screen is also incredible. I have seen most of the Oscar Contenders for the year 2017/18.Of all of the movies I have seen this last year, if in the same awards categories, this movie would have garnished my vote in numerous categories including, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Original Screenplay, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Make-Up and Hairstyling, Directing, Actress in a Supporting Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actor, and Best Picture.This movie is that good, and that deserving. It is as excellent as anything on screen during the 2017 Movie year, and frankly, one of the best Westerns ever made in my, (in this case) not so humble opinion.
There are several aspects of Hostiles that I was blown away with, not only is there an entertaining story over the 2 hours and 14 minutes of the film, there is ample social and spiritual commentary throughout the film. We see a strong religious connection between many of the characters in the movie, likely, the strongest men of faith in the film are the soldiers on the escort. There are poignant scenes where there are discussions about such themes as where is God?How does one grow in their faith and life despite tragedy? There is much more but we also see portrayed in a powerful way, the power of forgiveness and what it means to be a brother or sister to someone. I haven't seen a movie that shows the power of forgiveness as strongly as this one in several years. The possibility that exists from getting to know your enemy, learning to love them as opposed to always hating them and finding a way to hate is powerfully portrayed. One of the beautiful things about Hostiles though is this is portrayed in the simplest of ways, yet, it is in that simplicity that we ultimately see the power of these themes. In the end, we discover all men and women are capable of evil, and in many ways, have done evil. We also see though that God loves all and that we have the potential to love all people, whether they be red or yellow, black or white. These are not just realities regarding God though, they are possible for humanity. Not only are these things possible amongst those who have loved or hated little, they are available for those who have loved and hated much.
The Bible reminds us of such themes, that all are accepted to God in many areas, we can read for example that illustrate this such as Colossians 3: 10 - 14:
Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.
These words, these themes are played powerfully in the movie Hostiles. I for one am glad I was reminded of them, of the need to live them and better yet, challenged to learn to love, even those I may have perceived in the past who have been my enemies.
On a scale of 1 - 10 for the letters in the "rare nature" of me to call a film epic, of which I call this movie, an Epic film and among the best Westerns ever, I give a rare and deserving 10.
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Welcome to my review page. You will find reviews for everything from books to music, but especially movies. Enjoy the page and don't forget while you are at it to check out all of the other blogs I do as well as my web site www.furches.org and www.thevirtualpew.com where you will find message boards that have open discussion about all kinds of issues related to faith.
Mike Furches heads up The Virtual Pew, some say, the first Online Church. He speaks nationally on various topics and; is a freelance writer. He has published 2 books titled The Keystone Kid which has received rave reviews and thechildren's book with his late wife Mary Jane, Herald The Angel.. The short film, The Long Walk is also based on the book The Keystone Kid. Mike’s ministry is to those often called The Last, The Lost, and; The Least. Mike has worked with some top music artists and has an active interest in film. He is also an inductee into the International Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Musician from the State of Kansas. He is available for speaking on a various topics. Mike has also been in some capacity as a pastor at various churches over the years. Thus the name Pastor Mike, which is a part of his Blues Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band which has been endorsed by numerous Blues Hall of Fame Members from across the world.
