Reviews With Mike Furches

Friday, August 29, 2014

If I Stay

There is a popular theory that none of us are separated by more than six degrees. I wonder about that as I write this review. The star of the new movie If I Stay was in her first film Heart of the Beholder which I reviewed for Hollywood Jesus back in 2005. Darlene Lieblich discovered little Miss Chloë Grace Moretz for that film. Ms Lieblich also helped produce my own short film The Long Walk. Chloë Grace Moretz has grown up from the little girl seen in Heart of the Beholder to a full grown, beautiful, award winning actress. There is no doubt about it, the new movie, If I Stay is a character driven love story with a unique twist that depends largely on the incredible talents of Moretz.

The premise for If I Stay is rather simple, life is going good for young Mia Hall, an accomplished cellist. While using numerous flash back sequences, director R.J. Cutler does an admirable job of weaving the story together over a period of years following the life of a young Mia being raised by her Rock N Roll and Punk Rock mother and father up to her years prior to entering college. This Portland family has had a history of involvement in music and while Mia is taking her musicianship as a cellist seriously by extra practice she catches the eye of a up and coming Rock and Roll singer and guitarist Adam played by Jamie Blackley. Their love that seems to have promise until a tragic accident that has the potential to change everything.

We have seen a number of near death experience movies recently, even in the Christian media we saw Heaven is for Real which seems to present a popular position that some people, prior to or near death have near death experiences where they experience the supernatural. After a tragic car accident this is exactly what happens to Mia, she has an out of body experience where she supernaturally sees everything going on around her as she fights for survival in a hospital. Without giving to much away, she is told by a loving and caring nurse who prays for her and cares for her that the choice of life is hers, she can give up and die, or she can fight to live. The out of body Mia sees all of this as the body of herself is in a coma. We see her facing the tragedy of the car accident her family is involved in and the response of those in her life as they visit and speak to her at the hospital including her lover and boyfriend, Adam.

As a musician I found some weaknesses in the film that bothered me. It is clear that many of the musicians in the film are not musicians. There are many continuity problems in the music sequences and with the lack of continuity and various edited shots that most of the musicians are not real musicians. While Chloë Grace Moretz does not actually play the cello, she does an admirable job at acting the part, many musicians would think that she is in fact playing. There are also issues with some editing sequences in the area of continuity. For many film buffs this will be an issue, however for those looking for a good story, with some decent acting, I suspect much of my criticsm will be overlooked as we see some very good acting sequences including a terrific job by Stacy Keach who plays the part of Mia's grandfather, her fathers father. Keach does as much in a limited role as any movie I have seen him in in some time. He does so good in fact that at the very least he will get consideration for a supporting actor award once the award season starts.

The story is quite thought provoking, especially when considering how one small thing can change ones life. If I Stay also has a Wonderful Life type of feel. We are challenged with whether or not we can make a difference or what type of impact have we had on the lives of others. If we had the chance, would there be things we would change? Have the decisions we have made, made any real difference? While the use of flashbacks can be difficult Chloë Grace Moretz does a very nice job at following direction and making their usage believable and not too distracting. She is very nice at the subtle things that will impress viewers.

While the movie is not overly religious, we see some instances of prayer and there is the proverbial white light that Mia has the option to walk into or stay out of. She is conflicted with the option of living or dying and the direction has the viewer wondering about what decision she will make until the very last film sequence. It is clear, there is more to life than the life we live on this earth.

I liked the reality that life continues after death. While I don't fully accept the premise presented in the movie, the truth is, I don't know. I believe the movie does a good job at getting the viewer to think about the decisions they make regarding life after death. The choices one is confronted with and the life one leads makes a difference. I also appreciated the family presented in the movie. Mia comes from a strong, loving family where we see a father willing to make sacrifices and provide for his family. He loves his children and has made the effort to be there for them while they grow up. We see his love for his wife and the love of family is one of the things that makes the sequences so emotional. We see a grandfather who is willing to admit his mistakes and in the process of admitting those mistakes making it clearly known that he wants the best for his granddaughter, even at the point of supporting whatever her decision regarding life or death. If I Stay doesn't provide the answers many may be looking for but it leaves many of the answers up to the viewer. In the process we see something unusual in film a strong loving family.

If I Stay is not a great movie but it is a very good movie with some very good acting. It is well worth seeing and I suspect it will have an audience that will last beyond the time in theaters. It was nice to see a movie that caused me to think and was intelligently crafted despite some continuity issues. I have no regrets in seeing it and would be willing to watch again in the right circumstance. I suspect that most will be surprised that in the summer spectacle involving chase sequences, shoot outs and so much more action, that sometimes, good thought provoking stories can still entertain.

On a scale of 1 - 10, for the eternity sign which looks like an 8 on its side, I give a surprising 8.

Click the following video to see the trailer for this film, if the video doesn't work, try the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH6PNeTy6Nc

The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.

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Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Doctor Who 2014

If I asked you to name the longest running science fiction series in television history, what would you say it is? While some may guess it, I suspect many won't. The answer with just over 800 episodes and on the air for over 50 years is Doctor Who, the BBC Series which just recently started a new season.

The series started in 1963 and is noted for among other things, its reincarnations or reintegration's if you will, of now 12 different Doctors over the years. From his battling creatures such as Cybermen, Ice Warriors, Sontaran's and many others, one is of which is among primary concerns is The Dalek's. We have seen various forms of social commentary come about in this long standing, fan favorite series. This year we see the regeneration of a new Doctor, the twelfth played by Peter Capaldi. We will see how he gets along with his traveling partner this season, Jenna Coleman who plays Clara Oswald.

Capaldi takes over the role of the Doctor previously played by Matt Smith. There has been some controversy surrounding the new Doctor and series amongst British and some American audiences. Is the new Doctor too scary for children? Will Capaldi's age be a factor, he is the oldest Doctor since the shows incorporation back in 1963?

Over the years the show has been a wonderful tool to address much of the worlds events in a real science fiction kind of way. Of course, being a person whose Christian faith is important to him, I also suspect the series will continue on in the way it has for the previous 50+ years, finding ways to get those watching it to think beyond their expectations, to explore the faith verses science question as it has many years prior, and at times, will cause its viewers to think beyond themselves. Stay tuned as reviews of some of the episodes of this wonderful series are to follow in the near future, all along the while, casting a watchful eye as to how the new Doctor, Peter Capaldi handles the role and lives up to the hype of being, The Doctor.

To see the advance of the BBC Trailer for the new season of Doctor Who, just click on the video below, if the video doesn't appear try the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TivqZTq5u6Y

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

Eight Men Out

In 1988 I was actively involved in Greenville South Carolina with attempting to get The Greenville Braves Double A Baseball Affiliate to display a memorial plaque for Shoeless Joe Jackson at the baseball stadium/field. Joe Jackson grew up in Greenville South Carolina and retired in that area. He is likely, next to Pete Rose, the most well known, deserving player to ever be banned from the game of Major League Baseball. This simple man who started out playing as a child for the local mill teams was one of the best players in the history of the game. I appreciate the history of the game and him so much that while living some years in Greenville South Carolina I used to visit his grave on a regular basis. The cemetery where Joe Jackson is buried didn't allow flowers so I did something unique, I used to empty a pack of chewing tobacco on his grave. For those that know the history of Joe Jackson, you know the appropriateness of this act.

Eight Men out came out in 1988 and to the surprise of many actually lost money. The movie tells the story of the 1918 Chicago White Sox who was charged with throwing the World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. Eight players from the White Sox, including Joe Jackson who was on the team later named The Black Sox. Jackson and seven others due to the allegations were banned for life from the game of baseball. In a trial before a jury the eight were acquitted of all charges. The new Commissioner of Baseball however, Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, decided to ban all players allegedly associated with the scandal from Major League Baseball for life. Two of the players fought until their death to have their names exonerated. Those two, Bucky Weaver and Joe Jackson were banned not for their play or attempt to throw the World Series, but for their complacency in knowing about it and not reporting it. These two, especially Joe Jackson over the years have drawn the support of fans and had numerous attempts to have them reinstated into the game of Baseball so they could be considered for Hall of Fame induction. Even after death for both of these men, fans still adamantly believe they should be reinstated.

Some have called Eight Men Out the best baseball movie ever made. I personally think it falls short of that category and while well done in many regards, unfortunately, also just short as a film. The film labors at times in the editing and flow of the story as there is so much to contain for such a historic event. While it does a good job in numerous other categories, the one I think it does an exceptional job is how it used actors at the time, not that well known who had experience in the game of baseball. From college players to players who had some minor league experience the actors were able to carry off the game and the images presented on screen. It also well done for the low budget it had, only around 6 1/2 million dollars, but it only grossed 5 1/2 million dollars. Over the years though, the film has lasted and done well in DVD sales and television airings.

It should also be noted that director/writer of the script John Sayles did a terrific job on the film working with what he had. He was able to use unique film sequences depending on the weather to get the shot for the day he wanted and his use of actors with baseball abilities such as Charlie Sheen, John Cusak, and DB Sweeny, having quite advanced baseball experience was a quality move. For the baseball fan, it is tough to watch a movie knowing that it is obvious the actors can not play the game of baseball. That was not the case in Eight Men Out.

One of the things I thought of as I watched this film again is the situation that put the players into the position of being open to throwing the game when confronted by gamblers. The team was owned by Charles Comiskey who was noted for being a cheap skate and not rewarding his players. The White Sox of the era was recognized not only as a great team but by many, as one of the best teams in the history of the game, yet, they were among the lowest paid teams and Comiskey seldom did anything to reward his players or show them appreciation for their talents. When approached by gamblers with promises of large sums of money to throw the series, many were open to the idea. It was the days before players unions, which brought their own issues but it certainly showed a need, in an era, where the players wanted to be rightly compensated for their efforts. While the movie shows this to a large extent, we are also fortunate to see that even when given options of selling out, some players held to their values of doing the best they could.

Over the years, I have loved, and studied the man known as Shoeless Joe Jackson. I will be blunt, I think he was wrongly convicted and while possibly knowing about the attempt to throw the series, gave an outstanding performance in the World Series that many baseball critics say was among the most outstanding performances ever in the history of The World Series. I would like to personally see the man reinstated to be considered for The Hall of Fame, as I would Bucky Weaver. There is a lesson for all of us. Sometimes we are guilty by association due to those we hang around with and the things we know and don't speak out against can have a level of impact on us, not just temporarily, but over the long haul. If this is true in life with the game of baseball, what parallels are there for those who know spiritual truths, such as the need to love all people, care for the orphan the widow, the poor and needy, or to worship a Holy and Just God who is also a Jealous God and despite knowing these things, we find reason to not do what we know needs to be done. For the people of faith who love the game of baseball, the lessons in this movie and in the real life Chicago Black Sox we can see and learn lessons related to our faith. How seriously will we take it? How much will we respect it?

While I think the movie falls just a tad short as a movie, it is still a movie that especially during this time of year has things we can learn from. There are moral lessons for the person who doesn't worship or believe in God but also valuable lessons for the person who does. It reminded me of the awareness I need to have regarding the situations around me but also the need to make sure I work towards doing the best I can for the things I know. It is a reminder that just like Joe Jackson and Bucky Weaver, I may do my best, but still fall just short. I may be judged at times by the company I keep and while it is one thing to have associations with those who don't play the game whole heartedly, I need to make sure I do all I can to make sure I at the least have peace with the knowledge, that I did my best. Of course I am also grateful, that I believe my faith, my eternity is not based so much on how I do, but on who I know. That doesn't change the reality of doing my best, but it does at least give peace that I won't be banned from the ultimate outcome that comes out of my relationship with Christ.

Does Joe Jackson deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, check out the following video. Click on the video and if that doesn't work, click on the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJkbkm7o6Wc

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

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Basketball Diaries and Jim Carroll

It was 1995 and one of my old friends had contacted me telling me about a movie: "Hey Mike, you really need to see this, it is so much of what our past was like." I hadn't heard of the movie at the time although it had had some success in theaters and was picking up a cult audience on VHS (the format prior to DVD and digital streaming.) The movie, The Basketball Diaries starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Jim Carroll, and Mark Wahlberg as a friend named Mickey. It was based off of the true story by Jim Carroll a kid who had some talent in basketball who had experienced numerous sexual escapades and ultimately becoming addicted to Heroin while living on the streets of New York. To this day the movie is the best depiction of inner city life and drug addiction I have seen. It moved me so much I went on to write additional verses to a song featured in the movie, written and performed by Jim Carroll, People who Died.

"Cherry got stabbed from a deal gone bad, Sue was a friend and she huffed Pam. Jeff was a friend he jumped from a bridge, Daryl used a bullet and Dinky OD'd. All my friends who died my friends who died on me."

"These are the people who died died. 4X

They were all my friends and they died."

"You're friend Eddie must have been a good man, my best friend his name was Stan, a musician, writer and a thinker to. Stan took a shotgun put it to his head, now my friend named Stan is dead."

"These are the people who died died. 4X

They were all my friends and they died."

The Basketball Diaries is in a few words, "A brilliant movie." It exemplifies for many the horrors of growing up in the inner city, the power of drugs over ones life and the unfortunate death of ones close to you. With the recent death of Robin Williams this movie resonates more than I would have thought after seeing it again after all these years. While there were other excellent movies with Leonardo DiCaprio, Basketball Diaries helped launch him as a serious star. The film directed by Scott Kalvert who used the music video style he was familiar with directed a brilliant bit of work. Unfortunately Kalvert died on March 5, 2014 of suicide. He was preceded in death on September 11, 2009 by the author and subject of The Basketball Diaries, Jim Carroll. Carroll upon his death at the age of 60 looked emancipated and appeared as if he had continued drug issues causing his heart attack. There has also been speculation that his appearance was in fact due to other health issues such as Hepatitis C.

Just like the auto biographical character in the movie Carroll struggled with addictions for some time. There was even some speculation due to his appearance of his possible usage of drugs prior to his death which was classified as a heart attack from his former wife and long time friend Rosemary Carroll.

One of the beautiful things about movies is they sometimes mirror real life. Yet, one of the terrible things about movies, is at times, they some sometimes mirror real life. This is the case of The Basketball Diaries, and while the movie leaves us as viewers thinking that life moved on and all was well for Jim Carroll, that simply wasn't the case. There was a continued addiction, albeit at times looking like he had defeated it, yet, despite having hit songs like Catholic Boy and People Who Died with his band, The Jim Carroll Band, having interacted with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, The Rolling Stones, Patti Smith, Andy Warhol and many others, he still died in a desolate state with those haunting memories of his past living in the neighborhood where much of his earlier story had taken place. He was unable at times to get to the store and was reliant upon others helping him with the most simple of tasks.

The Basketball Diaries is in my opinion, one of the most thought provoking independent films ever made despite the controversy surrounding the film in the past in relation to a dream sequence involving a school shooting. From a former user of drugs who grew up in the streets, living a life at times similar to that of Jim Carroll, this is an incredible film. Unfortunately, just as in the movie, it is also a reflection of an individual some had issues with being around, unfortunately, even people of faith. Jim Carroll was open about his search for spiritual truth, both in the movie, and in real life. Yet, many, just like today, look at his addictions and depressive states as something to mock, make fun of, claim that Jesus was needed to cure all of his problems and much more. It isn't to say there aren't answers and solutions in Jesus but I can't help but wonder, if one illustrated the true love and mannerisms of Jesus by offering friendship, help beyond just words, could there have been a difference? Would Jim Carroll or those others like him we may know respond appropriately to that love? It seems as if many at times choose to, willingly or not, drive people away, ignoring their pain and by the actions at times of rejection, drive them to the solutions they think is best for themselves while often rejecting faith while at the same time substituting drugs and in the case of some even suicide. Jesus stated that his followers should draw all men and women to him, unfortunately, for many, we tend to drive them away. It is sad and ultimately the sadness we see in the real life conclusion of The Basketball Diaries continues on for long periods of time after we think the story is done.

The Basketball Diaries is a harsh movie showing the reality of some. I can attest to witnessing the life of Jim Carroll in the lives of others and at times my own life. I long for a Church, a people, that would love people like Jim Carroll, in both his good and bad times, people who seek solutions to the cause of his pain, not just ignore it, make fun of it, or mock it. Jim Carroll was considered a genius, some compared him to Bob Dylan and state that his writings, especially his poetry early on as some of the best prose ever written. While there is some speculation over his death, there should be none over his talent. God lets it rain on the just and the unjust and he gives talents and gifts to each of us. The Basketball Diaries for what it is, is a terrific reminder of that. It is a reason it remains until this day as one of my favorite movies of all time. For those who haven't seen it, look for it, watch it, see reality as it has seldom been portrayed on screen. While it may be unfortunate it is also a reminder to love those who are less than fortunate, including those we may get to see talent in, if we give a chance. It does something else though, something beautiful, it shows that movies can educate us as to the reality of others and of our own need to understand. In that regard, I believe The Basketball Diaries is one of the best movies I have ever seen. God bless those who hurt and help those of us looking in from the outside have the compassion of Jesus.

To see the following video by The Jim Carroll Band, People Who Died from the movie The Basketball Diaries, click on the video, if there is problems with the video, click on the following link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bOjc70f4p8

The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.

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

Monday, June 30, 2014

Gojira Godzilla 1954

I know it is early in the Summer and the Summer blockbusters seem to be lacking this year. As a result I have been looking back at some of the old blockbusters of the past. While I don't think the movie for this review was released in the summer, or even if it was a blockbuster at the time, it certainly was the precursor to at least 2 blockbusters based off of the original movie, Gojira/Godzilla. This summer season, so far, the best movie I have seen is not the remake of Godzilla but the original, remastered, uncut, version released in 1954. The film making its rounds this year in various theaters courtesy of Rialto Pictures on the giant screen in an uncut version which is not, repeat, is not even close to the version shown in most American theaters over the years. This version is in fact, SUPERIOR and additional sights to see it on the big screen can be seen at their web site; http://www.rialtopictures.com/godzilla.html

In Wichita Kansas we are blessed in many ways, one is the presence of a dear friend Leif Jonker. Leif, well known for his own release of Leif Jonker's Darkness, considered by many as one of the best gore horror movies ever made, it is a gem, Leif is a real life diamond in the ruff kind of gem. He cares about movies and as a result brings some classics to some wonderful Wichita theaters. One such upcoming example will be Sorcerer, the 1977 William Friedkin classic starring Roy Scheider. One of the earlier Summer wares that Leif blessed our community with was the original Gojira/Godzilla. It played to sold out audiences and I have to admit, I had never seen the film in its original version, only the television dubbed versions. My friend Steve and I went to the movie at one of our classic theaters and sat next to Leif at this sold out show which had been moved to a larger theater to accommodate the crowds. Man oh man was I in for an incredible pleasurable moment watching this movie in the way it was meant to be watched, on the big screen, subtitled from the original Japanese which added a great deal to the dubbed and earlier edited versions.

One of the first things to take notice of is the date of this film 1954. The Japanese were fresh off the heals of World War 2 and the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Imagine, going through the horrors of that war and those bombings only to a few years later make a movie that deals with nuclear weapons and the effects of the bombings on the land and water. Out of this came a virtually indestructible monster to terrorize the people and landscape of those who had just gone through these horrors. In the original Gojira/Godzilla the emotions, feelings and horror of the situations comes across the screen through the actors and story. I couldn't help but think of the Japanese people, going back in time and in history thinking of their lives during the making of this movie, for many, even going through the difficulties of the war and bombings.

I have to admit, the special effects don't come close to holding up to today's standards, but in an innocent kind of way, the effects add to the concept of the story. While they don't hold up, it takes the viewer back to the time frame of when the film was made, it also helps us draw on the emotions and story. It did so enough that the audience attending the showings was applauding at the conclusion of the film due to the magic they had just witnessed. Now let me make it clear, this audience while consisting of many art film fans, was far from just this type of audience. Many were fans who came just wanting to see a version of Godzilla, the typical movie fan, who in the end, were also applauding.

Some see films of this nature and wonder; are there any benefits or things we can learn today? It is likely that if they give it a chance they will see one of the best examples of how we can learn from films like this. Through the power of the acting you can see the lasting impact on the destruction we often do to each other, despite what one may deem as appropriate for any given society. This isn't to say if nuclear power or weapons are good or bad or if it was justifiable to use nuclear weapons to end the war or not, those are questions that are open for debate on other forums, it is to say however, that as a Christian, who is commanded to love my neighbor and even my enemy, I must be concerned of the impact of such actions, and certainly their after effects. Godzilla in a way as only film can, becomes a parable of sort to such thoughts of those suffering through the difficulties of such things. It is one of the beautiful things of quality science fiction and horror that when done in an appropriate way, causes us to think far and wide beyond just the images we see on screen. Godzilla in many ways is more than a movie monster, he is a metaphor for the consequences of our actions as humans. Godzilla is not just a beast from beyond, he is a creation of our own actions and lack of understanding and care for those around us, including the children who also occupy the spaces we dwell.

Gojira/Godzilla is an incredible movie, not so much the remakes, they are barely okay and entertaining at best. I don't know if they even come close to the social commentary of the original. Unfortunately though, even here, most of us have only seen the Americanized, edited, watered down version of this film. That in and of itself also says something else about film, the audience and at some level of spiritual and political commentary even more about ourselves as a movie going audience. If wanting to see an incredible classic though, just as some of us are blessed here in Wichita to do due to an incredible loving caring man, Leif Jonker, a man many mischaracterize because of his horror experience. We can enjoy quality, wonderful films from all genres, just as Steve and I were able to do with Gojira/Godzilla. I would encourage, if never seeing this film in its original, uncut restored version, see movie magic the way movie magic can be. Either look up the DVD or if given a chance, check out Rialto Pictures web site and try to catch a theatrical showing of the film. In the process, think about those impacted by the actions of society, governments and even neighbors. Think about the real monsters in life. While we may do what we can, we are impacted by our surroundings but can make a difference for the future if we choose, even when it means going out of the way to show others understanding. Gojira/Godzilla is a terrific example of that, in fact, the best I have seen so far this year as far as movies go. Don't believe me, see the uncut, restored original for yourself and tell me otherwise after seeing the film.

To see the original trailer for the film, just click on the following video, if having trouble with the video, click on the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1Rm3bnFxKs

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Armageddon 15 Years Later

I did a brief review for Hollywood Jesus some 13 years ago for the movie Armageddon after it first came out on DVD. I focused then on the powerful relationship between the father and daughter but now, on the 15 year anniversary of the film I have watched the film again and realized, the themes are just as powerful as ever.

Armageddon is a film that is self described in its title. An all star cast in the special effects laden flick features the upcoming likely demise of the earth by a giant asteroid. A rag tag group of astronauts and others are brought together by NASA to help make a last ditch effort to save the earth before being struck by the asteroid. There are multitudes of stars from Liv Tyler, to Billy Bob Thornton and Bruce Willis to Ben Affleck. While many were critical of the film when initially released, I found it then and still do, very entertaining and quite emotional. Just as the film caused me to reflect on family, loved ones and the willingness to sacrifice for those loved the first time I saw it, it still maintains those emotions for me all these years later.

Armageddon is directed by the king of the Summer Blockbuster, Michael Bay and is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. It seems as if Bay has a way of directing movies that gets blasted by many critics yet loved enough by fans to have them flocking to the theaters. Armageddon was in fact the 2nd highest grossing film of 1998 right behind Saving Private Ryan. It has everything Summer audiences seem to enjoy, the potential destruction of the earth, lots of special effects and a love story that involves sacrifice and salvation. The formula has worked well for Bay in many of his films.

The special effects for Armageddon are spectacular but as good as they are, there was something else special about the movie, something that touches the soul. There is a story of the love between a father and daughter and the willingness of the father to make a sacrifice not just for his daughter but the world around him. In that sacrifice he thinks and knows what is important. While he is willing to sacrifice for others, he also understands that his daughter has a special place in his heart. It is the thing many critics seemed to make fun of, even ribbed the movie for but it got to me as I think about the sacrifices for the ones I love as it would most any parent watching the movie.

Another theme addressed in many movies of the summer as in Armageddon is the potential destruction of the earth. It seems as if people are always thinking about the end of the world. How will the world end? Will it be an asteroid, drastic changes in weather, or even a giant monster from the ocean or a virus from outer space? For many Christians this is due to our beliefs from the Bible. Is it close to the time to the end happening? While these may be appropriate questions, Armageddon the movie also does a good job at addressing and making sure we address and observe important factors in this scenario. It causes the viewer to take into consideration not just the future but the present. What about the relationships we have with family, friends, coworkers, etc...? Are we doing our best to make sure we enjoy and thrive on life while at the same time, making a significant difference now? As I have gotten older, these themes still resonate and the desire to love has grown over the last 15 years, thus driving my own mortality even more home. Movies like Armageddon can actually contribute, inspire and move people towards a better life, not just for themselves, but those around them. Armageddon illustrates limits on life and none of us are guaranteed of tomorrow. At the end of life on this planet, hopefully we have made a difference and those around us will know of our love and sacrifice for them.

Armageddon is one of those movies that when I first saw it I was a little more critical of than I should have been. There are other movies over the years I rated higher that I tire of but that has not been the case with Armageddon. Even in the case of that years bigger movie, Saving Private Ryan, I gave a better, more critically praised review, but truth is, I have only seen that movie twice in the last 15 years. Armageddon though has caught my eye at least 5 or 6 times. I think it is one of those movies many can relate to. If looking for a good, enjoyable, thought provoking, tear jerker of a movie Armageddon is a good reminder of one that the audiences loved despite what the critics say. It is one that moves the audiences to contemplate those they share the earth with and for this father, thinking back on his daughter over the last 15 years to need a tissue to wipe some of those dust mites away in his eyes that cause a tear or two.

To see the movie trailer for Armageddon, click on the following video if the video link does not work, click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq6q2BrTino

Friday, June 27, 2014

Twister, Some 20 Years Later

Every Spring for the last 20 or so years life gets exciting. Living in Oklahoma and Kansas over that period of time I know for a fact, those of us living in Tornado Alley get to experience, the excitement that comes with the weather. Weather for us isn't just a conversation topic, it becomes a way of life that keeps our attention and unfortunately for some, death.

We had lived in Oklahoma for 1 year after arriving on January 1 1995. Then on May 10 1996 there was a release of a little movie called Twister. It received a lot of criticism from the critics and praise from many in the movie going audience. The movie starred Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. Paxton's character Bill Harding was a somewhat eccentric storm chaser who ends up working together with his former wife Dr. Jo Harding a meteorologist to chase some serious storm in Oklahoma. The movie filmed in Central Oklahoma was riddled with good weather and clear skies leaving production depending heavily on cinema special effects provided by Industrial Light and Magic. Those effects helped draw multitudes to theaters with Twister becoming the 2nd highest grossing movie of 1996.

Much of Twister was objected to by many who had gone through tornadoes, experienced damage or loss of life but the movie also was found to be humorous by many storm chasers in our area who I spoke with regarding the movie, albeit extremely entertaining. The experts have said the scenes are outlandish but didn't take away from their enjoyment of the film because it brought recognition to real storm chasing including those chasing storms for safety purposes and research as was the case with most of the chasers in the movie. Unfortunately, according to several chasers, there are also those chasing for pleasure with little or no training or appreciation on the real destructive properties of a tornado. Dangerous traffic situations can occur due to that attitude as was exemplified last year even as an experienced storm chaser was caught in a tornado outside of Oklahoma City due to the amateur chasers and spectators.

As is the case in Twister, those of us in society often get caught up in our surroundings and in the latest habits or popular activities. We don't think about the potential dangers we may be getting into. There are at times dangers for those not following safe guidelines, not only in storm chasing but in life. It is one of the areas Twister does quite well. It shows dangers yet at the same time tells a story many cam appreciate, whether it be the dedication to chasing storms and the attempt to save lives or the rather incredible, albeit, unbelievable special effects presented in the movie. The same could be applied to our lives, how do we look at life, what do we look for, and will we recognize the real from the fake? Can we spot danger and see our surrounding for what they are? Or do we become mesmerized to the point that we put ourselves in dangerous and life threatening situations.

I enjoyed Twister the first time I saw it and have seen it several times since. I know that much of the film isn't realistic, yet I also know that there are parts that are. There are those who constantly put themselves in harms way, just like in life. Some for good reasons others out of stupidity. The earth has a way of letting others know of the power of God if willing to listen, unfortunately many don't. Truth is, in both Kansas and Oklahoma and I suspect other places, when the sirens go off, more times than not many go outside looking for the tornadoes, knowing full well of the dangers. We know of the power, yet, in our own stupidity we confront those dangers face to face. For some, at times, with devastating consequences. In that regard, Twister addresses in an allegorical way that aspect of many of us not just in the chasing of storms, but the storms of life.

Twister is a film that is still enjoyed by many. There are also questions that challenge us. Will we respect God and His power? What about the power of Nature? Will we use our own abilities and desires to seek out ways to help others or be foolish and take advantage of or think we can control either God or nature? If we go into dangerous places, doing dangerous things, we should be prepared and understand, that just as in the storms of nature, the storms of life can also present some dangerous and eventful consequences.

Twister is an entertaining movie that keeps most viewers on the edge of their seats due in part to the story and the incredible special effects. The situations that bring that about on screen for many of us also brings about similar concerns in real life, whether it be the break up of a relationship, the unexpected harm to another, or horrific events to seemingly innocent people. While the movie may at times exaggerate those aspects, in some ways, it also presents an appropriate allegory for those of us experiencing hardship in life, or the need to rescue a friend or family member going through the difficulties they do. I like many others realize this isn't the most Oscar considered story, the most believable of circumstances and so forth in a movie, but it is a movie that holds its own after some 20 years. People like to dream, they like to have a thrill, they like seeing that which seems to be unbelievable. In all of those areas, in a way many can relate to, Twister still succeeds. Now as the tornado sirens blare outside, what should I do? Give a second, I have to go take a look outside.

The following is a brief documentary about real storm chasers. To see the video just click on the video, if the video doesn't appear or work, just click on the following link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fl89cj_wsQ

Friday, August 29, 2014

If I Stay

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Doctor Who 2014

Eight Men Out

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Basketball Diaries and Jim Carroll

Monday, June 30, 2014

Gojira Godzilla 1954

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Armageddon 15 Years Later

Friday, June 27, 2014

Twister, Some 20 Years Later

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