Reviews With Mike Furches: June 2021

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Love and The Movies, Matchmaking at Hollywood Jesus

I started writing or Hollywood Jesus back in the early days in the late 1990’s. My wife at the time and I loved the movies. The movies in fact were a part of our weekly ritual for the duration of our married life and our dating life up until her death in 2019 of Pancreatic Cancer. Even during that year and a half battle prior to her death, we still found a way to go to the movies. Typically, an early matinee when the crowds were small and there was little risk of her already low immune system due to chemo being compromised. The movies for us, were still a way we experienced our love together.

When Mary Jane died it hurt. I like many others through the history of cinema have attended the movies for an extension of romance. There is no doubt, that over time, many relationships have been built and marriages have taken place that were enhanced because of theatrical experiences. Several years ago, I was even honored to be asked to do a wedding at a local cinema. The couple and their love for each other grew and developed over going to the movies and they could think of no other place to get married. Yes, Mary Jane Erwin Furches was a wonderful part of my life for over 40 years and the movies were critical to that love. So it was that after her death, along with the advent of Covid that my movie going experience would change. I didn’t think I would ever experience the “romance” of movies again.

It was around 2002/03 that a Sheila Tracy Mitchell came to a church I was pastor at as she had read my reviews on Hollywood Jesus and wanted to meet me. It was an innocent enough gesture, but unfortunately the Sunday she attended I was not there. Then a few years later she did come and meet me at another church in Wichita I was pastor at, Mosaic. She had read my reviews over the years at Hollywood Jesus and was one of several over the years that have met me and told me they had read my reviews and writings.

As time moved on, I continued my reviews, played with various bands including the band Big Mac Combo. It wasn’t unusual to see Sheila at those concerts and Mary Jane, my wife and I would speak to her, and we would have some kind exchanges. Even then, I was impressed with Sheila’s love for Jesus, and her willingness to live a life that involved movies and was more about building bridges than it was putting up fences.

As time passed, Sheila followed my journey with Mary Jane’s cancer. Sheila’s father had gone through a similar story and as a caregiver to others, Sheila knew what I was going through. She was supportive and kind, attending Mary Jane’s last birthday party and her Memorial service here in Wichita. While I appreciated Sheila’s faith and witness, the last thing I wanted was to get into another relationship, I was grieving the death of my wife and it was a process where I largely wanted to do alone.

Over time I started to get lonely, and as I got lonely, I made several mistakes in dating. The people I dated weren’t mistakes, I was the one making the mistakes and broke off each relationship. I dated one lady who as a Christian I felt the need to explore relationships and discovered that maybe, just maybe, in a rare situation Billy Crystal’s character Harry may have been a little wrong in the infamous conversation with Meg Ryan’s character, Sally regarding whether men can be friends with women. Pam and I were in fact friends and that was it. Through that process though I realized I was at the place that I wanted romance again, I wanted someone to be with.

As I processed this, I had a short list of Godly women I would like to explore that possibility. Women holding to many of the same values and characteristics I had in common with who could possibly be a mate or a wife someday. It was an old school approach that dating was a kind of testing the waters for possible long term companionship route that I chose to take. At the top of that list was Sheila, but I never thought Sheila in a million years would accept an invitation to a date. I decided to test the waters though by inviting her to dinner and of course, a movie. I was pleasantly surprised at her answer to the request.

I could go into a ton of detail here, but will refrain, but I will say, Sheila and I hit it off and awhile ago went “Facebook Official” regarding our relationship. It is time to go another official though, I’ll call this Hollywood Jesus official because Sheila initially reached out to me because of my involvement with Hollywood Jesus, in fact Hollywood Jesus has been about building bridges and relationships since it’s inception, but, this may be the first time that an engagement to be married has taken place because of a relationship started because of Hollywood Jesus, I would think most likely the case for one of the staff writers at Hollywood Jesus. I asked her after a local jazz concert recently, expressing to her my love for her and my desire to be with her to love for, care for and protect. She gladly said yes.

In short, the movies, among other things have continued to be a building block for love. Not just the love of God as promoted here at Hollywood Jesus but in this case, also the love between two partners who have committed to spend life together. We both realize in that, that our commitment to the God of the Universe and His Son Jesus Christ is to be catamount in our love for each other. We can’t fully love each other without our love for Christ being a top priority. The concept of loving Him and loving them is not lost on the two of us. Neither is the power of story that can bring about conversations and understanding between two people who engage in conversation due to many factors, including, the movies.

So it is, the work of Hollywood Jesus in this fellow’s life continues to play a vital role in my life. I would have never imagined it would play a role in God putting two people together, thanks in part, to the movies,

For a companion story explaining more detail, click here.

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Monday, June 21, 2021

In The Heights

Sometimes in the world of cinema we see the birth of greatness. I am starting to wonder if we aren’t seeing that with the director of In The Heights, Jon M. Chu also the director of Crazy Rich Asians among others. Sure, there have been the growing pains, but it sure seems as if Chu has found his niche of focusing on cultural influences and actors in the telling of his stories. In In The Heights we see a remarkable story, in the form of a musical telling the story of the Haitian and Puerto Rican cultures in The Heights district of New York City.

In In The Heights we see primarily the story of Usnavi, played very nicely by Anthony Ramos, a young man operating a bodega (small inner city grocery store) serving the community he lives in. While he loves his community, we see him striving to get back to his father’s homeland. His father has passed, and Usnavi has the dreams of his youth. We see him telling the story off and on to a group of small children, so early on, we are under the impression that he ultimately ends up back home, in his homeland to the place he has longed for for most of his life. There are friends in the community he lives in though, there are those he clearly loves and one he longs to have a relationship with, even though he is shy by nature, the girl of his dreams is a frequent visitor to the bodega.

From the outset, understand, I love theater, and especially musical theater. That does not always transfer over to liking musicals in the form of cinema. In fact, I largely don’t care for them at all. There are occasions like Moulin Rouge, or Les Misérables musical film blows me away, but it’s rare. I felt from first seeing the previews and trailers for In The Heights this may be a movie I would enjoy. From the quality story, wonderful cultural references, good acting, likeable characters and yes, even the song and dance, I more than enjoyed this movie I loved it. I loved it mostly for the thought it gave me though; thought about various things that seem to permeate the news as of late.

First let me say, while I recognize the importance of understanding that my reviews are read by a worldwide audience, I am one who also loves my country. That does not mean I always love some of the things my country does or the positions of many of our people. The one thing In The Heights brought out in a clear way is the absolute beauty of the melting pot aspect of America. The cultural influences be it from wherever such as Puerto Rico or The Dominican Republic, or other nations, yes, even Mexico, Canada, Honduras or wherever are a part of what makes America America.

I realize that for some this can and often does become a part of a controversial subject, that being immigration. In the defense of the movie, let’s also remember that Puerto Rico is an American territory. As one with Native Original American Heritage I am always confused by the reality that America is itself a nation of immigrants, and how unfortunate it is that so many forget that. In The Heights illustrates the strengths that come to America because of immigration. While a fair and reasonable debate about legal versus illegal immigration, the concept of the contributions of others to this nation should not be debatable and unfortunately is far too often debated in ignorance, stereotypes or even at its worst, flat out racism.

In In The Heights we also see the power of one person to change a community. It is so easy in life to say things like, “Well what can I do by myself,” or things of the sort. We see a wonderful illustration of that in this movie in several ways, one a father played by Jimmy Smits who makes numerous sacrifices to provide the best life possible for his daughter, as well as Abuela played beautifully by Olga Merediz. She is the glue of the community, the one who emphasizes the importance of coming together, being a family that goes beyond blood. She gives life to the community by bringing people together. There are others though, we see example after example in a brilliantly directed supporting cast and let’s not forget, as one who does not typically appreciate or like musicals, the music and dance contributes greatly to this feel-good gem of a movie.

This is as close to a near perfect movie as I have seen in some time. With a few minor flaws in the story telling and choreography, (which is largely brilliant) it would have gotten a perfect score of a 10. However, for those flaws, I hate to do it, but I reluctantly give on a scale of 1 – 10 a 9 for this movie. In The Heights is worth seeing, it is worth the thought and discussion about such things related to immigration and those who are here now, contributing to the beauty of this thing called, America.

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

In The Heights - Washington Heights Trailer - YouTube

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The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman and Selma Hayek along with Antonio Banderas bring a star-studded cast to this action comedy, The Hitman’s Wife Bodyguard. A follow up to the phenomenally successful The Bodyguard. This new film picks up where the first one left off. Ryan Reynolds character Michael Bryce has been downgraded from a AAA listed bodyguard and decides after therapy he may need a respite. It is while taking some time off that he is forced back into the world of not only being a bodyguard, but a bodyguard for Selma Hayek’s character Sonia Kincaid and her husband Darius played by Samuel L. Jackson. What transpires is a foul mouthed, action driven escapade that has Reynold’s character in comedy bit after comedy bit while trying to live in a world of not reverting to his old ways, but, at the same time, having to do so.

In many ways the action sequences in this movie rival what one may come to expect from a James Bond 007 movie. With each scene though is a laugh out loud moment that keeps the viewer highly entertained. From sound to editing and direction, this delivers for what it is, a not to be taken too seriously action film with laughs. It is what we have come to expect from Ryan Reynolds, and he delivers in his typical fashion.

As the movie develops, we see several worthwhile themes, from the importance of sacrifice for another, the power of love, even among the least desirable people as well as the concept of family. While done in a light way, the importance of such themes is not lost, sometimes in fact, one may discover that those they are least likely thought of as family may be more a part of your family than those you have recognized as family for years. It is more than just a birthright, it is a willingness to love, accept, and be a part of another’s life that true family comes about. Remarkably like those in various faith systems who practices the concepts of others being a brother or sister we see that concept played out here. Even in rare situations, where one may recognize the power of one to be in a parental role when the one in that role never expected it.

Now understand, this movie is rated R for a reason, the language is quite offensive but that is done by intent. It is in the foul-mouthed characters that we see an ability to be loved and value, just as much as in the lives of those who may have grown up in pristine circumstances. It is a shame that many will be critical of the language, but in fact, the language and unpleasant characters are characters we see with not only the desire to be loved, but the ability and willingness to love others. A lesson we can all learn from when making judgements of others we think may not be the most pristine people we meet. There is value in all life, even those who may not live up to our standards.

On a scale of 1 – 10, for the perfect number that is needed in a not so perfect movie, I still give an enjoyable 7

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

Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021 Movie) Trailer – Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek - YouTube

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Wednesday, June 16, 2021

The Conjuring 3, The Devil Made Me Do It

The Conjuring 3, The Devil Made Me Do It, is the third installment in the Conjuring story line, all supposedly based off true stories and the 8^th in the Conjuring Franchise. This story is supposedly based off a true story investigated by Ed and Lorainne Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga in each of the Conjuring movies. This story involves the story of the first prosecuted criminal case in the United States that involved a Not Guilty Due To Demonic or Satanic Influence in the defense. Although the original defense was not allowed they play out the premise in the movie.

The true story took place in Brookfield Connecticut and was the first murder case in the history of that town. In the true story Arne Johnson stabbed Alan Bono to death. Bono was the landlord of his girlfriend Debbie Glatzel. Glatzel had a younger brother David they and the Warrens had claimed to have done an exorcism on some months earlier. The actual audio of that exorcism is played during the closing credits of the movie.

What happens in stories of this nature on screen is the overdramatization with scare tactics by the filmmakers. After doing some research on the story there is little doubt that the filmmakers took a great deal of liberties in embellishing the story and turning it into the final product that is on screen. That isn’t to say it isn’t an enjoyable story or entertaining film. It is to say that what is often presented as true may in fact, not be entirely true. I’m not here to evaluate the authenticity of the movie though, I’m here to express my thoughts of what I saw on screen.

I have enjoyed each of the Conjuring movies over the years with Ed and Lorraine Warren. I haven’t enjoyed all the programs in the franchise, but I do especially find myself intrigued by the characters portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. There is just something about the way they do it that in a way, turns them into the real characters. Of all the series in the Conjuring movies, let me say, I like this one much more than the 2^nd movie in the series but not quite as well as the first Conjuring. The scare tactics are still here, and the questions are as well, especially when it comes to the reality of demonic possession and the attributes of God.

The issues are brought up in the film, that if God exists, why can’t we come to the conclusion that evil via demonic and satanic characters exist. It is a belief that for many seems to be lost and in the loss of that belief we see as presented in the movie, that if Satan and his demons do exist, then the potential of influence on others, even to the point of possession and having them do things contrary to their nature must exist. The movie does a good job of asking the question, at the point of influence; who is to blame when bad things happen? Ultimately in this movie we see the primary character asking for what he gets without taking seriously the overall risks of what he is asking. As a result, great harm comes to others.

There is a great debate on the existence of good and evil, yet experiences on the earth, be it an Adolph Hitler or Mother Theresa seems to indicate that yes indeed there are clearly good and evil forces. The question then becomes how do we counter or fight evil? The role of love, with the understanding that ultimately, despite the perversions of truth of many, that God is ultimately the purveyor of love. Of course, it is ultimately in our ability to love each other. In that love we can obtain the strength to overcome evil. The question is not in the how to overcome evil, and the schemes of Satan and his demons, but are we willing to keep our focus on and ultimately practice love for others? It resembles the great command by Jesus as mentioned all through the Bible, the ultimate command is to Love God and the Love Others.

I really liked this movie, again, not as much as the first but a great deal. This type of film is in all honesty not for everyone as there are scary moments and the truth is not all people can handle movies with themes that have demonic aspects to it. I will say in The Conjuring series and most movies of its sort, Good ultimately wins and we see the power of good over evil, God over Satan, the power of love over hate. But as I said, some themes are tough and not everyone is mature enough to handle such themes. I would also say that it seems as if examples of demonic attacks as portrayed in the movie happens less and less than what the Warrens seemed to observe in real life. I hold out the possibility that may be just because Satan has us ultimately where he wants us, at a place that loving others is the last thing on our mind.

On a scale of 1 – 10, take away the Warrens from the number 10 and you still end up with an enjoyable 8

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

THE CONJURING 3 Official Trailer (2021) - YouTube

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Monday, June 14, 2021

Wrath of Man, And The Movie Audience

We live in a world where a little action, adventure and revenge make for a good entertaining night out for most of us, well, one would think so anyway.

Jason Statham is a terrific action star who many seem to enjoy, me included. His most recent work in theaters now is Wrath of Man. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the story, also starring Holt McCallany among others is a story that has a lot of promise. A former hit man and mafia insider seeks revenge against those who killed a member of his family. He goes undercover with a security company to find out who is responsible for the murder. He barely gets by his tests to get hired on as to not give anything away, unfortunately, he soon comes under scrutiny as he is just too good at his job while guarding an armored truck.

While the action sequences are well shot and graphic, something I always enjoy in an action movie of this sort, there are things lost in the apparent theme. The obvious concepts of revenge, vigilante justice are themes well worth discussing. Can we, or should we seek vengeance or is that a concept solely for God? How far do we go in the execution of “justice?” What about the impact on others, even innocent others who may be impacted by the justice and restitution we may seek? All themes well worth asking and can be adequately addressed in a movie of this sort if having a character with redeeming values. A character you are pulling for and like, whether they win out in the end or not, is something that can cause the audience to think and process the questions. While some may always want a happy ending and good to happen, I sway from that approach as I appreciate the reality that it rains on the just and the unjust. In Wrath of Man however, we unfortunately don’t have a redeeming character at all.

I attended this movie with two other people, we all left the theater feeling the same, shortchanged by the story and not one redeeming character. We all felt the movie was so poorly put together that it was hard to follow. I have seen the videos on YouTube titled, “Explaining The Wrath of Man.” Well let me be clear about something, if I have to watch a YouTube video to explain the movie or have to see it multiple times, I would just rather not see the movie, especially if I am having to pay for it.

I love Jason Statham action movies, I had high hopes and expectations for this one but was let down. It wasn’t the concept, the concept of justice, vengeance and so forth are great topics. I just felt the movie fell short and therefore have an obligation to express my feelings, especially since I was looking so forward to seeing it. That all said, how do we deal with issues such as retribution, justice, vengeance and so forth? How far should we or are we allowed to go when we experience wrongs? Is vengeance truly God’s? Does God ever use people in that process? Do we live in a world where there seems to be more of a desire to execute vengeance than to find a point of reconciliation and brotherhood? I don’t have the answers, but the questions are worth discussion, at least I think so.

On a scale of 1 – 10 for the 3 other friends I went with, I did enjoy their company so in their honor I will give the movie a disappointing score of 3

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFYEni2gsK0

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A Quiet Place Part 2, Coming of Age

One of my favorite films in recent history was A Quiet Place. It was prior to Covid that we begin seeing the advance trailers for A Quiet Place Part 2. With a great deal of excitement I anxiously awaited to see the movie, then Covid shut down the theaters and put on delay many releases, including A Quiet Place Part 2. I recently had the opportunity to finally catch the movie in the theater. I had heard mixed reviews but knew I needed to make up my own mind by actually seeing the movie. The movie was at a disadvantage as I had such high expectations.

First, the entire cast is back and under the direction of John Krasinski who also directed and helped write the original. His wife Emily Blunt is back as Evelyn Abbott and her children played nicely by Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe. Also, which will bring some confusion as this is a sequel and not a prequel is the return of John Krasinski as Evelyn's husband. I won't give much away as this is part of the draw to the film. Also added to this nicely shot, scored, and edited film is Cillian Murphy as Emmett, a critical character to the story.

In a Quiet Place Part 2 we see the continuation of the story in large as to what happens after the first movie. It makes seeing the first movie essential to fully understand and appreciate this film. We see creatures that while blind have an incredible sense of hearing thus, requiring quiet. In Part 2 there is more dialog than the first film but the importance of silence is still a mainstay of the film. Thus, when there is sound, it brings the audience into the story with a measure of perceived fear as at that point we know something is about to happen, we just aren't sure when or how. \

I love the themes carried over from the first film which involves the importance of family and the love family should have for each other but there are other aspects here that are added. We see the importance of overcoming fear and taking on responsibility, as well as the continued story line of a willingness to make sacrifices from others. Even the times when one may not want to make sacrifices but comes to the realization that one often has to take chances and do something seemingly against their nature to help others. We see what it is for a heart that has been turned cold to come back to the place and willingness of serving others. What we see is a story of changed behavior, seeking redemption and purpose in life and in that search, the importance it can have on others.

There are continued lessons of morality and sacrifice here, much like the first, but with different themes. For me, while it is not quite as good as the original, it is still refreshing and worth seeing. In comparisons to the near perfect original, it falls a little short, however, in comparison to other movies as of recent, it still stacks up well.

This is a wonderfully acted and told story. It will have some scares but more importantly cause you to think beyond what you see on screen. It does what good film and in particular good science fiction does. It incorporates elements resembling of Aliens but it goes beyond the original Quiet Place and takes you beyond. Not in a way that takes advantage of the audience, but respects the audience and the times we live in, where the message of hope, love and sacrifice is needed as much as ever.

On a scale of 1 - 10 for the two children old enough to make decisions that make a difference, thus a reminder of each of us doing the same, I take them away and am left with a very enjoyable 8.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpdDN9d9Jio

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Thursday, June 24, 2021

Love and The Movies, Matchmaking at Hollywood Jesus

Monday, June 21, 2021

In The Heights

The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

The Conjuring 3, The Devil Made Me Do It

Monday, June 14, 2021

Wrath of Man, And The Movie Audience

A Quiet Place Part 2, Coming of Age

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