RESPECT, Aretha Franklin's Gospel Message and Movie Review

Sometimes a movie comes around that is as close to a classic as one could hope for. It seems as if in recent years some of those films are what are called biopics, specifically biopics in relation to musical artists. The most recent stars the great Jennifer Hudson in her portrayal as Aretha Franklin.  I was excited to see the movie with my fiancé who is Afro American. She as well as I love music. We both love Aretha and I had wanted to see the movie since I first heard of it. Last night, we made it to the theater and to say the least, I was so far from disappointed it was unreal, in fact, I already have plans to see it with another friend for a Friday matinee. 

 The story follows closely as far as I can tell the story of Aretha, (Rhea as called by her family) from the time she was a little girl through adulthood to the time of the recording of her Gospel Album and live video concert. The concert was recently released as a movie, Amazing Grace, and this will tell you something about the movie and ultimately, life of Aretha Franklin. 

 The movie stars a host of notable stars, many who are among my favorite actors out today.  Aretha’s father, Pastor C.L. Franklin, by one of my favorite actors ever, Forest Whitaker. Marlon Wayans also does a terrific job playing the part of her first husband, Ted White.  There are so many others like Marc Maron who plays the part of famous producer Jerry Wexler. The direction by female director Liesl Tommy is impeccable, especially in considering the totality of work involved in this 2-hour, 25-minute movie. While there is a moment of it getting a tad boring due to the length, it quickly picks back up and is the only flaw in the movie, from the score, soundtrack, editing and more. This will certainly be an Oscar contender next year.

 This movie shows the tragedy of life with Aretha, much of what I did not know about, from an abusive father who is a famous pastor to the sexual assault, rape, and pregnancy by another person when she was a small girl. We also see her relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and her role in providing crowds for his Civil Rights movement and speeches. There is so much more to Aretha’s story than many casual fans will not realize. That said, there is another side of the story so eloquently demonstrated. That story involves the story of her faith.

 There is no doubt that Aretha had every imaginable reason to hate God and the Church, from her abusive father to the tragedies she experienced, but, despite all of that, she held on to parts of her faith and when abusing alcohol to the point of alcoholism, it was her faith and belief in God, specifically Jesus Christ and the Church that brought her back to her faith. All along her life there were those like Reverend James Cleveland who was there to remind her of how she was loved by God and that God was always with her to help her through the tragedies and mistakes she had made. In that regard, as the movie ends, it is as if one is at an evangelical church meeting and the message of the Gospel of Jesus, a rarity for a popular movie in today’s world.

 There are many people of faith who complain about the lack of good movies and the disrespect shown to their faith in today’s movie going audience. This movie is a movie that should be heralded, praised, and attended by those people. The numbers to support movies of this nature will only lead to more openness in future movies regarding issues of faith. All movies will have some measure of spiritual concepts to them, few more than movies like this where faith has played such an important role in the characters life.

 Did I like this movie?  NO! I LOVED IT!  My fiancé and I were cuddled up dancing in our seats, and for me, tearing up at the gospel message and revival taking place at the end of the picture. Jennifer Hudson had Aretha Franklin’s character having me repent and thanking God for His Amazing Grace. 

Except for a bit or boredom, (only a bit) it was enough to keep it from being a perfect film, but it does receive an incredible score on a level of 1 – 10 for me. For the near perfection that this movie is, I give a heart pounding, hand raising, glory to God moment of Hallelujah, 9. 

To see the trailer for this movie, click on the following link:

(100) RESPECT | Official Trailer | MGM Studios - YouTube  

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

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

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News