Reviews With Mike Furches: May 2021

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Finding You Movie Review, The Power of Dance

My girlfriend and I love to dance, so we dance. It is a romantic and enjoyable act for the both of us. One would think that has nothing to do with a movie review, but wait.

I had seen the previews of the new movie Finding You starring Katherine McNamara as Taylor, Jedidiah Goodacre as Beckett and Vanessa Redgrave as Cathleen. The film is nicely directed by Brian Baugh who also wrote the story. He is noted for his work as a cinematographer and his work in numerous inspirational films. His experience in these areas help in the telling of this story, rated PG and appropriate for the entire family.

Taylor is a young violinist auditioning for a prestigious school of music in New York. After her auditions she is told she needs to work more and audition again later on. She decides to visit Ireland, a place where her late brother had studied and lived for a period of time. She is accepted in by the host family who her brother stayed with. They are the new owners of a bed and breakfast in a small Irish town. On her flight from America to Ireland she meets young movie star Beckett after being given a seat in first class. She is seated next to Beckett but doesn't know who he is until ruffling through a magazine. Their is a chemistry between the two although she is quick to write it off. After arriving at the bed and breakfast ran by her host family, she finds out by accident that Beckett is also staying there. Thus the romance starts to develop.

There is an awkwardness about the romance between the two that is difficult to put your finger on. As the story develops a lot comes to light with background information critical to the story. We are confronted with the influence on children being raised as a child actor. We see the differences between the dreams of a parent and the those of a child. We are confronted with ways that influences children but more importantly how the expectations of others often drive the actions of those who are attempting to impact others dreams. The movie also has two subplots that illustrate this in varying ways.

In one subplot, as a part of her studies abroad Taylor is given the responsibility of spending 20 hours a week visiting someone in a retirement home. Her study is a stubborn, not very well liked Cathleen played beautifully by Vanessa Redgrave. There is a reason she is not liked. She wants nothing to do with Taylor at first but Taylor and Beckett begin to get to her. It becomes a mission for Taylor to find out what it is about her that others don't like. In this story line is the concept of sacrificial love but also the importance of not prejudging others. It is a beautiful, and in the end tearful moment.

Another beautiful story regards the old drunk of the village. Seamus played beautifully by Patrick Bergin is an excellent fiddle player who is loved and respected by many in the village, especially down at the pub. Taylor and Seamus are introduced by Beckett and we see that the initial impression of the town drunk is also a mistaken impression by Taylor and some others. There are things Taylor needs to learn about her violin and learning to appreciate the fiddle style, (a violin and fiddle are the same, just played differently). The emotion and love of what one does comes through via their heart.

A lot develops between the relationship between Beckett and Taylor. It all comes to a head and the attention of others at the big community dance, (told you dance would come up again.) The legend is that many a marriage came about due to the dates and dances that took place at this event. The event features the best of Irish Music and illustrates the dreams and visions, hopes and desires of many a young lady and man in the community. Without giving to much away, it is here we see things that can be interpreted wrongly by others. We also see the need of sacrifice in areas such as love and the importance of following dreams. We also see the importance of prayers and desires for others. It is here Taylor gets some important information. It is as if a message from the grave rooted on a cross. All through the movie Taylor is looking for a specific cross with a message from her brother.

I loved the imagery of the cross. There is the importance of honesty in a loving relationship, the recognition of sacrifice in finding true love. It was so touching it had my girlfriend not just holding hands, but taking two of her hands to hold on to my one. It was a love story that, well, had me wanting to dance.

One of the beauties of this film is it is rated PG and this wonderful love story has very little offensive material. There is no sleeping together, no nudity, very little if any cursing and normally while I never mention such things, it was refreshing to see a well crafted story told in a way that a parent would have no issues with seeing the movie with their preteen or teen. It is suitable for adults though as well. In fact I was inspired in the movie to dance. So, at the end of the movie, I did something I have never done. During the credits I got my girlfriend up out of her seat, and we danced.

On a scale of 1 - 10 for the fact that we danced, for the number of letters in we danced, I give a very enjoyable and delightful 8

To see the trailer for this film click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PWZL0DGFCY

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Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Spiral From The Book of Saw, Who is the Judge?

The Saw franchise has been interesting to say the least. The torture horror genre was largely created by the franchise. I was impressed with the premise of the first movie back when the series started some years ago. I was shocked and in a sad sort of way, entertained with the first movie although it and the following predecessors were difficult to watch at times. None of the follow up's to the original movie was nearly as good as the first movie in the series but I felt an obligation to continue to review the series. I was glad when the series ended as I had grown to despise the movies. Then last year, I saw trailers for Spiral, From The Book of Saw a continuation of the Saw series that starred Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson. I was once again intrigued.

Chris Rock plays quite nicely the part of Detective Zeke Banks, a detective who earlier in his career had to turn in a bad cop. At the time his father Marcus Banks played by Samuel L. Jackson was the Chief of Police and did what he could to protect his son from the other police who sought to follow the code of conduct where police officers protect, even bad police officers. It is as Detective Zeke Banks character starts the investigation of police murders that the viewer quickly realizes that Saw or a copycat has brought the character back and is taking out vengeance on bad police officers.

The movie actually develops quite nicely and is shot and filmed well. It is easy to tell early on that Chris Rock is a natural for comedy, there are a few comedic moments that while he is not a great dramatic actor, he does an adequate job and has potential for more dramatic roles in the future. The good cop nature of Zeke Banks is still in tact and he seeks to uncover the mystery that is. He at times gets himself into trouble and is assigned a new partner, Detective William Schenk played by Max Minghella. Zeks doesn't want a partner but he gets one anyway. What begins to transpire as the two investigate the case is a mystery. Who has taken on the new role of SAW?

In the development of the story we see the strained relationship between Zeke and his father. The case brings the two together with an understanding not had previously. We also see how a good cop can be damaged by a good ol boy system.

There are parts of this movie that seriously address the WOKE generation but not from one side or another, but in a way that asks questions. We see the difficulties police go through, seeing that there are both good and bad cops. All of these discussion points are most definitely relevant in the times we live in and the reports we often see on the news and read in our news sources. We see themes often discussed on social media. At least we see an open discussion and presentation that presents all aspects in a entertaining way, without telling us how to think, it allows us to make our own decisions. Hopefully we ponder various perspectives. One question asked, is do we choose to live in a world that allows vengeance or will we live in a world where we fairly judge each case on its individual merit?

I was pleasantly pleased with Spiral The Book of Saw. It had less gore and torture than previous episodes, I felt it could stand alone and be enjoyed for what it is. It truly plays out as more of a mystery thriller than it does a horror film. There are not the long drawn out episodes of torture which made the earlier films so difficult to watch. Sure, there are graphic images of torture, but they are mostly bearable.

In the long run, I was left with the question, are we as individuals the ones to execute justice in a broken world? Can I/we be effective in the execution of justice? Or, is it possible that God is the final authority on justice? Can we wait? Will we be patient? Are those of us who choose to execute justice in such a swift way without considering the facts, the possibility of redemption and change, the real Saws that exist in our world? If judged for past actions, are we all guilty?

On a scale of 1 - 10 while not the best movie ever, take away the 3 letters of the word Saw and this one ranks an entertaining and thought provoking 7

To see the trailer for this film click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzy6ORqE9IY

To Donate via Pay Pal, donate at paypal at mike@furches.org

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Thursday, May 6, 2021

Separation Movie Review, Impact of Evil Around Children

My last review was one where I spoke about the disappointing experience of some movies I review. This is one about how a movie you didn't expect much of can have you thinking about and finding yourself loving the writers attempts to tell a story with purpose and meaning, A concept not all see in horror films, but I personally love. Horror films it seems to me can tell a story of pain, suffering, and light conquering darkness better than any genre.

On the surface, Separation comes across as a demonic horror film and in some ways it is, in others, it is much more. This brilliantly directed, scored, and scripted film causes the viewer to think about more than what is presented on screen. It should also cause you to think of societal issues and impact many films, especially in the horror genre present.

With the exception of Brian Cox, who plays Rivers, the grandfather, in law in this movie the cast is largely unknown although there are some good film credits for them. Casting of this nature I believe makes the film more believable as you associate the characters to real people not just actors on screen. The terrific script as well as visual storytelling sucked me into the film. While many critics don't like this movie, I found myself loving about everything about it.

We see early on the parents of young Jenny, played by Violet McGraw begin to let evil into their home. Jenny's father Jeff played nicely by Rupert Friend is a horror, comic book artist who has come upon tough times despite having a successful outing in the past. Over a period of time of working at home, trying to have the next hit comic or story, his wife and he begin to have arguments and ultimately a separation takes place. They have a home keeper who is supposed to be watching Jenny while her father works and the mother is on her day job. Meanwhile the help ends up spending time with Jeff and Jenny plays in the attic and with demonic styled monster toys based off her father's earlier work.

A lot transpires that without a bit of understanding and thought can fly right over the viewers head, although I think it is clearly intended by the filmmakers. I love it when the director and screenwriters bring alive a script that opens up doors to larger and needed conversations and I believe Separation does that.

In separation we see the importance of not introducing dark, scary and demonic activity to children. The filmmakers have to be given credit as those characters, both real actors and I CGI do a great job at presenting horror. So many think these things are innocent and not much more than games. Yet, there is an inherent danger in the ways children think and see things, often times, they may see reality better than we as adults.

The real horror in Separation isn't as much about Demons but instead, I believe, the danger of displaying hate, arguing, and pain around children. We see the impact on a child with things like divorce, greed and the desire to hurt the other party whether it be a husband to wife, or wife to husband. We also see how outside family can be drawn into hate, all while the parent doesn't realize the long term harm they are doing to the child. It's a sad reality that I have seen to often.

As a society where separation often occurs, it isn't to say there aren't reasons for it, it is to say, there is a drastic need to protect the child and without taking that child into consideration, we may do irreversible harm to the long term life of the child.

All of this said, it isn't to place blame or anything of the sort in a broken relationship, it is to say, the innocent around us, especially children have to become more important than our own desires to satisfy self. Is it possible to place the needs of the innocent, the hurting above our own desires and so called "needs?"

This is a horror movie deserving of an audience. It was sold out on a Tuesday night when I saw it, so maybe it will get that audience.

On a scale of 1-10 I think this was a well made movie that I gladly give a desirable 8 to for the perfection of a movie minus two parents who have lessons to learn. - 8

To see the trailer for this film click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ0fzKnXVCA

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In The Earth Movie Review

Most of the time I love the movies I am blessed to review them, then at times I'm so liking the movie that I realize, while I'm blessed to do reviews, sometimes it's work. Unfortunately, this review of In The Earth, was work.

Covid is a horrible reminder of 2020. It didn't take long to take it to the movie screen. In The Earth is a movie set in a world where people are wearing masks, has to go through concepts of isolation, contamination control and more. Any of that sound familiar? Unfortunately the world in the movie is convoluted enough that it becomes difficult to figure out what is going on as scientists explore things around them and try to figure out in their world and the woods and wilderness that is void of contemporary conveniences.

Starring Joel Fry, Reece Shearsmith, and Hayley Squires we see a group of characters searching for truths related to the virus. Martin and Alma, played by Ellora Torchia working as a team exploring some abnormalities taking place in the wilderness surrounding them. They come upon the character Zach played by Reece Shearsmith who has been overcome by the elements and isolation. His is playing havoc on his psyche.

In The Earth is confusing and I am uncertain what it is trying to address. Using a psychedelic style of filming used in drug culture movies of the 70's we see some bizarre filming styles and special effects as well as story that resembles the drug culture films.

One thing the movie does is it causes us to question the methods we use to care for the earth. Are we doing more harm than good? Clearly Covid and it's origins and the questions that surround it come into play and is an influence on this film. We see attitudes come about that causes some to the extreme. There is little compassion and understanding, and if anything, we see the need to be careful in who we trust as we don't really know the motives behind the actions of some or if they can be trusted or not.

I am reminded of the importance of caring for the earth as expressed in the Bible. The need to show love towards each other, yet to be careful as we don't know what is going on. We need to be reminded that even Satan appears as an angel of light when in reality, he seeks to kill and destroy.

There are parts of this movie that were extremely difficult to watch for various reasons, those seeing it will know what I'm speaking of. It is interesting in many ways, but for me, it fell short. I truly appreciate what I "think" the filmmakers are trying to address, I just don't know for sure what their intent is.

I like leaving a movie feeling like I've been entertained, learned something or it has had some value. Unfortunately, In The Earth didn't just fall short for me, It fell way short. I imagine there are those that would appreciate this style of art film, as for me, I didn't.

On a scale of 1 - 10 for the concept of the third planet from the sun, (the earth which we should care for) I give a disappointing 3.

To see the trailer for this film click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1EeY5lvIcg

To Donate via Pay Pal, donate at paypal at mike@furches.org

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Finding You Movie Review, The Power of Dance

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Spiral From The Book of Saw, Who is the Judge?

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Separation Movie Review, Impact of Evil Around Children

In The Earth Movie Review

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