Hotel Transylvania

I have to tell you, Disney has a way with movies, especially children’s movies and animation. It is nice to see others like Sony Pictures starting to do the same. While their newest release Hotel Transylvania isn’t what one would consider a classic, it is a very good animated movie that is rather enjoyable and quite entertaining. While I saw this in Real D 3D as opposed to the 3D with the glasses, I still had a good time and the visual and sound aspects were quite good. This October, during the month of Halloween, we some classic characters from horror bring a new taste to the treats of the season. There is no trick here, we have a treat that emphasis family and community and as a result, families will see old horror characters in a new way, one that illustrates that despite our differences, we can, and should, come together.

Hotel Transylvania is the story of a single father, Dracula, played actually quite well by Adam Sandler who has lost his wife to humans. He now lives in Transylvania with his daughter Mavis, played innocently enough by Selena Gomez. Dracula, in his heartache and intent to protect his daughter from humans he builds a Hotel where all of his and her friends needs will be met without ever having to venture around humans. Mavis is turning 118 years of age and entering into adulthood, or would that be monsterhood? While the Hotel plans to open numerous guests arrive as Dracula has a grand-opening and Mavis Birthday Party to kick everything off. Everyone from The Abominable Snowman, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, The Blob and many others arrive to celebrate. Also appearing, quite by accident, is a young human, (humans are feared among the monster kingdom for their treatment of monsters in the past) named Jonathan. Jonathan and Mavis meet up and a Romeo Juliet themed plot advances. Forbidden love mixed in with quite a few laughs and some surprisingly scary moments for a contemporary animated film, in fact, some moments that had me feeling better about not taking my 2-year-old granddaughter to the advance screening I attended. The story is an enjoyable, if not predictable one that picks up quite nicely.

There is quality stamped all over this film, from the acting to sound and from the visual 3-D effects to the quality of story. There is a surprising cast that not only includes those already mentioned but the likes of Kevin James as Frankenstein, Fran Drescher as Eunice, one of my favorites Steve Buscemi and others like CeeLo Green, David Spade and Jon Lovitz among others. There is little doubt the cast had fun making this movie and they wanted to do something for their children. This is especially true in the case of Adam Sandler who uses 2 of his own children as voice actors. One can rest assured, this will be an entertaining evening if taking your family to the movies.

In Hotel Transylvania we see an advancement of character in Adam Sandler’s character Dracula partially because of the quality of animation. Sandler is not known as the most remarkable actor in the business but he can tell a good story, as he has indicated from his contributions to other film, he can also have fun with his voice. Fortunately, the animation captures emotions in his character that I am not sure could be caught from his own natural appearance. We see his character in regards to his opinion of humans and his relationship with his daughter grow. It isn’t just his character we see something in though; we also see it in Mavis and Jonathan. We see a love blossom that transcends animation; it moves to tell us something about ourselves as humans and the role some of us have taken on as parents.

There is a strong story concept in Hotel Transylvania that would not only be wonderful for us as adults to explore, but to explore with our children for those of us with children. There is a bias many individuals have towards others that are rooted in hatred, prejudice, and perception or stereotypes. We can especially see this now when politics, religion or election cycles are in place. It doesn’t take long for those involved in social media such as facebook to see these things. Old friends take on bitter roles, opinions are based on who is of one party or another and long lasting relationships can be ruined. One has to wonder what small children learn when watching their parents behave in such a way. Even for those who don’t have children, we as a society have to have some level of concern of the perspectives presented. As is the norm for many children, there is often a place where rebellion occurs, rebellion against the things observed by ones parents and others in society. We certainly see that here. It is one thing that gives some measure of hope though. It is possible that in areas where we as parents and/or adults have blown it, that a small child can relearn or learn anew for the first time something of value, such as the way to treat others, to love anew, and to throw away the prejudices and hatred of the past. It is here that Hotel Transylvania shines. We don’t just see the ability of a child, even an adult child, to change; we see the opinions attitudes and actions of adults can change.

Another beautiful byproduct of this story is the willingness of a father to recognize his own wrongs and failures and be a big enough human, (or vampire in this case) to change and do what is right. Dracula is at least in this film, a role model for adults. Are we as adults, willing to recognize our own sins, prejudices, stereotypes, hatred if you will and change to establish a better model for the children of this world, or as some would say, this planets future? When willing to make that change we see illustrated how some things aren’t always as we thought and of the potential of a mighty powerful word, the four letter word, HOPE. It is with the potential of hope that things can change but all parties have to be willing to address the need for change, specifically in how we see each other. In Hotel Transylvania we see the potential of hope come about in a powerful way by the goodness of humans. While humans at one time were afraid of certain things, even doing harm and killing monsters, we see their ability to change. I can’t help but believe there are strong moral and spiritual messages for us seeing this movie. Just as a pastor or speaker may deliver an eloquent sermon that inspires change, Sony Pictures through the message of Hotel Transylvania does the same thing.

Unfortunately as mentioned above, Hotel Transylvania is not a classic by any measure but it is very good with some very good and exceptional lessons in it for all of us. There is a lackluster opening and closing credit sequence and the plot could have been a little tighter. The film drags a little in the first 20 minutes or so but picks up and becomes quite good towards the end. I seldom talk about the appropriate content of a film but will say, very small children may experience some scary moments. I couldn’t recommend it for them. I certainly think it is well worth the price of a regular admission ticket, and if taking a family, to save a few bucks certainly a matinee. I think the real D 3D is quite good and don’t think the extra price for a regular 3D ticket is necessary. That all said, on a scale of 1-10, for the better than average family experience a worth while 7

To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4RK3jY7AVk

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 material is provided.

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

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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 subscribe to my blog

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Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

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Salvation Boulevard on DVD

Imagine a mega church, with thousands of members, having a debate on the reality of God VS Atheism with a prominent pastor and a prominent Atheist. Unfortunately a tragedy happens in an after debate get together, the Atheist is accidently shot, the pastor has to find a way to continue the building of his new mega church and in the process, decides that the sacrificial lamb, much like the character of Isaac in the Bible must be sacrificed. That sacrificial lamb, a former Dead Head as of the Grateful Dead Dead Head and new convert has to save his life and in the salvation of his own life, he can hopefully save to his new found faith in God. Unfortunately, those he now associates with, his new wife, friends and others are so into religion and the church they can’t see anything negative as truth when it comes to the critique of their pastor, church, or faith. Consequently, the Dead Head will need an act of God to get him out of the mess he is in.

Salvation Boulevard has an all-star ensemble cast including Pierce Brosnan as mega pastor Reverend Dan Day, Greg Kinnear as newly converted Dead Head Carl Vanderveer and Jennifer Connelly, his wife and church devotee, Gwen. This movie, while far from perfect, offers some thought provoking insight into the world of religion and the way religion often misrepresents God and those dedicated to following him through their involvement in church. The film while well acted comes up somewhat short on direction and story. There is so much more that could be said and so many ways, the story could have been better developed. That doesn’t take away from some of the entertainment value but it does keep it from being a very good movie to being just an interesting and thought provoking movie.

In Salvation Boulevard we see an opening scene that looks like it could have come out of any number of American Mega Churches, churches where attendance is in the thousands. While not disrespectful, we see a debate between two scholars and authors, one a Pastor of the mega church, the other a prominent Atheist played by Ed. Harris. After the debate the two, along with a parishioner meet with the Atheist to discuss a possible new book. The Atheist is accidently shot and a massive cover-up takes place. The pastor and some of his congregation, expecting the Atheist to have died attempt to set up the innocent by stander and new convert, Carl Vanderveer. What transpires next is a comedic romp where Carl attempts to prove his innocence while at the same time, having his faith challenged by the actions he observes.

While this particular DVD has a very good cast, none of the characters are as well defined or developed as Carl Vanderveer. We actually see some of his conflicts and struggles. While the other characters including Pierce Brosnan do a good job, we just see little character development in them. It is one of the things that distracts from this particular film.

I suspect there will be many people of faith who have issues with this movie. That is sad. The movie does not attack the concepts of faith; in fact it affirms them, especially so if you see in the very end that it is God who sets the captives and prisoners free from the chains that bind them. The issue isn’t God; it is those who speak on behalf of God while having their own self interest in mind. In that regard, I found Salvation Boulevard exceptional. There was some concern as to the intent of the film makers, but much like an older film with Steve Martin in Leap of Faith, while not done nearly as well Salvation Boulevard recognizes the ability and reality of God and his superiority over many of his followers. The concepts of selfishness, deceit, and lies among the Christians in this movie are clearly presented, but depending on what book of the Bible you are reading, you will also see the same types of characteristics being presented. In fact, the Bible clearly warns its followers to keep their eyes on Jesus. While there are good people that often fall into doing wrong things, that doesn’t negate the power of God or the ability of others to forgive. There is a danger in placing ones faith in humanity, we have and ultimately will if we haven’t, fail.

While Salvation Boulevard isn’t a great movie, it is okay, and it does raise some rather good questions worthy of discussion and thought. I was disappointed though, the DVD has no special features and there is really nothing exceptional about this film where I could encourage one purchase it. I could recommend one watch it via a cheap rental or queue on their streaming programming. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value, just not enough to justify a purchase of the product.

To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:

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


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 material is provided.

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

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew 

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

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

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

The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219

Email: mike@furches.org

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

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

Last Ounce of Courage

Last Ounce of Courage opens this week. I first saw the movie 2 weeks ago via an advance screener. It was with some anticipation that I wanted to see this movie since it was being promoted like crazy on FOX news and on various outlets during the Democratic and Republican Presidential Conventions. I am unapologetically a Christian, although not as ultra-conservative as some, I follow politics, love motorcycles, and watch some FOX programming which is one of the networks the film is being advertised on. I didn’t know what to expect as I love film and am a fairly critical reviewer of film, especially film that does not follow high technical merits. Oh yeah, did I also mention that I love Christmas? In Last Ounce of Courage a father who is a part of a MC (Motorcycle Club) is also the town’s mayor and owner of a local pharmacy. He loses a son in war and realizes the freedoms his son and he when younger, he fought for included the freedom to celebrate Christmas. Freedoms are being taken away by individuals who strongly emphasize the concept of The Separation of Church and State. Anything having to do with religion is being taken away from society; even those who choose to celebrate and honor those freedoms.

One of the things I am critical of in movies is the technical aspects, things like acting, sound track, story or plot lines. While this movie is far from a high dollar budget film there are certain things I was pleased with. While there are no major stars except Fred Williamson who plays the part of Warren Hammerschmidt who seeks to stop the town from celebrating any concept of Christmas. The overall acting is quite good. Williamson resembles an ACLU lawyer and while he has many individuals scared of the potential law suits, Mayor Bob Revere played by Marshall Teague will have none of it. After being challenged by his grandson, Christian Revere played by Hunter Gomez, the son of his son who is killed in battle, to do something now; to stand up for freedom. The mayor decides to take a stand, a stand that comes at a cost. The acting is actually quite good, especially Hunter Gomez who plays the part of a teenage grandson trying to find out what his father stood for. I was also surprised at the excellent sound track, playing and incorporating some good old Vietnam and war themed music. While the film is a iffy in certain aspects, it is clearly not a big budget film that could afford high quality CGI, it has an interesting plot that while certainly leaning to the far right politically, pulls off an entertaining hour and a half.

Last Ounce of Courage starts off with a family sending their newly wed son off to war. The story is revisited some 15 or 16 years later after the son is killed in combat. The son’s wife, Kari played by Nikki Novak is living with her son, father in law, Bob and mother in law, Dottie, played by Jennifer O’Neill. When her son gets into trouble for taking a bible to school the Mayor is challenged by a school janitor and his grandson to stand up for freedom, including the freedom to celebrate Christmas. The story, using footage from Fox’s Bill O’Reilly challenges the public that there is a ‘war on Christmas.’ We see a progression of ideas that are strongly influenced by Christian Nationalistic politics. While the film takes a strong position in this area, it is not overtly preachy and does so in such a way as to challenge the viewer to think, while at the same time, being entertained. It is in the entertainment concepts that I found the movie somewhat surprising. In the development of story, we also see adequate development of character. We see this especially in the characters of the Grandfather and Grandson. Both characters struggle and we see a presentation where the quality of story makes up for the shortfalls of this movie.

One of the issues this film will have if it hasn’t already had is that approximately half of the population who have strong political views on one side or the other, will likely see and consider the film propaganda. While it has issues that I personally struggled with, the mixture of faith and politics this film still finds ways to touch the viewer. The themes of the freedoms our soldiers fight for and our nation represents could have been just as strong, and just as respected without ones faith also having to be wrapped in the flag. I know it likely seems strange to hear me say that, but I personally wish the film had chosen one direction either or the other to focus on. While there are certainly those who fight wars that have a belief in God, there are also those we fight against, who likely share the same beliefs. It isn’t always an “us versus them” mentality that best represents the concepts of faith, especially when many from all nationalities can share a particular faith.

I have to wonder, why is a God, who is a jealous God and clearly states that none should have other Gods before him, is often seen by some in a Nationalistic perspective as a God who is draped in the Red White and Blue of the American Flag. There is nothing wrong with loving country but when a loving God has to be draped in that flag, one has to wonder as I and others I saw the film did, about the role of God in supporting or endorsing war. While war isn’t a primary theme, it is a theme that when mixed with religion, had many I watched the film with wondering about. Now realize that those I watched the film with included about 20 homeless individuals, half of whom were veterans.

While I and the others I saw the film with didn’t like the heavy handed approach of mixing faith and politics, we agreed with much of the premise. For example, regarding the men and women truly fighting for America and her freedoms, does it make sense that those freedoms are being taken away? Is there legitimately a war on religion and as in the case of the movie, on Christmas? As one who has tried to be unbiased on certain political issues, it sure seems that there is indeed, an effort to limit the influence of such holidays as Christmas in the public square. While Last Ounce of Courage does not present a very compelling, deeply thought out argument to the issue, it does present a compelling emotional argument to the issue in a rather simplistic but effective way. It was so compelling that by the end of the movie at least half of the men I was watching the film with, requested Kleenex as the movie makes numerous attempts to pull at the heart strings and yank out the tears. While I appreciate emotional movies, I don’t appreciate the manipulation of emotions. Unfortunately, I felt Last Ounce of Courage in the end, not only pulled at the heart strings; it went so far as to rip them out.

As I spoke to some of the veterans I watched the film with I was also surprised at another emotion that was expressed by several individuals. They ended the experience by expressing that the movie made them angry. Not angry at the war on Christmas or other things, but angry because they felt the military was fighting and engaged in wars now not based on the good of America and its people, but based on the good of politicians and wealthy business people. Without giving the ending away, there is an effective and powerful moment where we realize the horrors of war. We realize that people do in fact die for freedoms, but unfortunately, those freedoms are not always appreciated by the people those soldiers are fighting for.

I was frankly surprised by Last Ounce of Courage, it was better than I expected, and despite its faults it was and is thought provoking. Should ones religious faith be wrapped in the flag? What are our men and women dying for in combat? How does one stand up for their own individual freedoms? What freedoms are others trying to take away from the populace, and why are they trying to take those freedoms away? Are we as individuals taking for granted the freedoms we have? And in the freedoms we have, are we willing to stand up for those freedoms, especially when others are willing to die for those freedoms? All of these concepts are vitally important in our day to day lives. That includes some of the points Last Ounce of Courage makes effectively, it is in our own exercise of individual freedoms that we must also stand up and express ourselves.

I suspect that with the massive ad campaign, Last Ounce of Courage will do better than expected at the box office. While it isn’t a blockbuster film, it will be a film likely to make a profit because there are those this film will speak to, many who agree with it, and many who believe the film is in fact speaking for them. I would hope that not just one side of the political spectrum would see the movie, but all would. The issues addressed are worth discussing and talking about around the coffee table, water fountain, or any other place where civilized discussion still takes place. Unfortunately, I have learned that civilized conversation exists less and less. I just asked a question about a movie last week, and the question was enough to have someone unfriend me at Facebook. Unfortunately that is a part of the battle Last Ounce of Courage faces; for those who believe the message, they will see it, for those who believe it is propaganda, they will condemn it without seeing it. That is sad, especially when there are those dying and hoping for the freedom to among other things, disagree.

While far from a perfect movie, Last Ounce of Courage is better than expected. For entertainment value and the encouragement to think, I would say give it a shot. It is most definitely worth the price of a matinee ticket, and for some, a premium ticket price. For me, for the 7 letters it takes to spell courage, on a scale of 1 – 10, I give Last Ounce of Courage, a respectful 7.

To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUsa-eO6A2A

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 material is provided.

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

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew 

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

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

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

The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219

Email: mike@furches.org

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

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