There are movies you love to hate, and movies you hate to love. It seems as if over the years Coyote Ugly falls into both categories. Recently when asked to share my opinion on the movie I had to refresh my own memory of seeing the movie several times, and in a guilty sort of way, say I am one of the few that falls somewhere between the two above categories.
The movie has a poor rating of 23% at Rotten Tomatoes despite its direction by Jerry Bruckheimer is known for such films as Armageddon, Pirates of the Caribbean, Training Day and a myriad of television series. Coyote Ugly, however, is a movie that for some time put him in the dog \house in so many ways.
The movie has a number of actors that have since become somewhat well known, including John Goodman, Johnny Knoxville, Tyra Banks, and Bridget Moynahan who has become well known recently for her role in Blue Bloods. In fact, the movie had a lot of female characters in this story of a young country girl looking to make it well in the music world for her song-writing who ends up being a sort of minor league exotic dancer, a bartender in a bar in order to make ends meet. Depending on who you talk to, the movie is either a sexual exploitation of women or a story that shows that a woman has to work harder than men to accomplish their dreams.
All of the music performed in the music regarding character Violet Sanford played by Piper Perado is in fact in reality sung by LeAnn Rimes who herself has a part in the movie. It seems as if Violet finds herself in a place of confusion in the searching out of her dreams as she tends to at times forget her dreams and is easily distracted from everything from men to bar scene she is working in. While she does an adequate job in this role, it seems as if there is confusion on the part of the director David McNally as to what direction he wants to really bring home in the movie, is it of a girl overcoming obstacles or is it a simply T&A movie that takes advantage of the women on screen and "their attributes" as much as the men and bar Coyote Ugly?
This is one of those movies that seems to contribute to the sexual exploitation of women and sees them as more productive for their bodies than it does their minds. This attitude is one of the reasons we see such places now as Twin Peaks and Hooters that recognizes the monetary benefits of showing off parts of your body in restaurants and bars visited frequently by far more men than women.
All of that said, as mentioned early on in the review, I find myself between the hate it and love it, crowd. I recognize its sexual exploitation of women, (one only has to see the directors cut 'R' rated version of this film as opposed to the 'pg-13' version to realize the movies original intent,) yet I find myself appreciating at times the reality of the world as is presented in the film. Unfortunately, many women have had to sell themselves in areas that have more of a focus below the chin than it does a focus on their brain. I just wish the movie had delivered a stronger message in this way and because it doesn't, I can hardly recommend the movie other than to create a discussion regarding the way men look at women and the ways women overcome that sexual tension often created by a sexual drive as opposed to a thoughtful evaluation and process.
On a scale of 1 - 10, for the indifference I have toward the film as to whether great or horrible, I have to give a dissatisfying 5.
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Over the last few years I have had interest in the story of
Spartacus. Despite that interest I hadn't seen the Oscar winning film with Kirk
Douglas until recently. This epic film follows the story of a slave named
Spartacus until his death in 71 BC. Spartacus is taken as a slave at the age of
13, he later becomes a gladiator for Lentulus Batiatus played by Peter Ustinov
who won an Oscar for supporting actor. Spartacus ends up leading a revolt
against Rome. The
movie, almost 55 years old still holds up, especially when considering the
making of this film was done with real sets and special effects. Initially
budgeted at 5 million dollars it ran over to 12 million dollars, all funded by
Kirk Douglas. The film made millions, maintaining the highest grossing film for
the studio for many years.
What was done for 12 million dollars is astounding by
today's standards. While the film is dated, the direction by Stanley Kubrick is
brilliant, although the final print was something Kubrick was not so favorable
of.The all-star cast features the likes
of Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas and Peter Ustinov as mentioned above along with
Jean Simmons as Spartacus love interest Varinia and Laurence Olivier. I watched
the 50th Anniversary edition on Blu-ray and was shocked and pleasantly
surprised at the quality of transfer of picture and the quality of the sound. The
transfer and restoration of the film was pushed and headed up by Steven
Spielberg with the blessings of Kubrick. While over 3 1/2 hours in length, the
movie flows nicely and the cinematography, which also won an Oscar, is
stunning. While the film was initially blacklisted for political reasons,
President John Kennedy crossed the picket lines to bring the film to national prevalence.
The irony of this particular review is that it is a part of
the Lenten Series Reviews for Hollywood Jesus. While looking at it's placement,
during Holy Week, I couldn't help but notice the similarities to not only how
the movie was made but the content and story of the movie in regards to the
world situations that seem to constantly exist and the need of so many who feel
oppressed, abused and used by a system who doesn't appreciate or take seriously
the potential and importance of the people around them. It is likely one of the
reasons the movie got into so much trouble when made. There were Communist
threats and the world was in the middle of the Cold War. There were clear
distinctions between the wealthy and clear evidence of the power of the
political elite. The savior, for that system was Spartacus, based on a historical
character who had gone from freedom to slavery to gladiator to attempted
liberator. Spartacus realized, that when some profit off of the experiences of
the least of these, including slavery or a form of servitude including the
abuse of the poor for the gain of the wealthy and politically powerful, there
is a problem.
The movie Spartacus had clear intent in its making to show
the power of Christianity as well as the references to the cross and
crucifixion, even going so far as in the opening voice over stating that
Christianity would be the eventual fall of Rome. While we don't see the primary
characters as adhering to any particular religious belief system, we do see
them praying, recognizing not just the power of God's but of a God. We also see
the conditions which made it right for the eventual coming and birth of Jesus. We
also see a great deal of imagery that focuses on the willingness of one to live
out their convictions, dedicated to not only serving the least of these, but
also having the least of these become disciples of a leader.
Spartacus is not presented as a god, although many saw him as a god. We see him
as a "simple man willing to serve thousands and the day he would die,
thousands would not only be willing to die for him," many would die for
him. In the oppression of Rome,
Spartacus realizes, "death is the only freedom a slave knows and to die is
gain."We see Spartacus towards the
conclusion of the film willing to give himself up on the cross to prevent a man
many say in the book by Howard Fast and in subsequent other versions of the
story was a gay man from enduring the pain of the cross. While the character, Antoninus,
played by Tony Curtis here only hints at
his homosexuality, there is still a clear willingness for Spartacus, the
Messiah Figure to offer his life to prevent the ongoing pain and agony of the
cross for Antoninus. We also see that character, like so many others, willing
to give their life for Spartacus because while he may not have liberated their
bodies from Rome,
he has liberated their souls. We see a concept presenting the power of hope
when Spartacus says; "When one man says no, wrong begins to fear." There
is power among the people especially those who have been hurt, abused and enslaved.
We see that power towards the end of the film as Rome is seeking to single out and make an
example of Spartacus. Rome
has won the final battle against the rebel forces. The movies infamous line
comes about as each of Spartacus
soldiers, stands up, one by one, yelling out as they have been asked by Rome for Spartacus to
volunteer himself for certain crucifixion to save the lives of the rebels who
will become slaves, "I am Spartacus!" In their willingness to stand up, they are
showing they are willing to give their lives up for this man, Spartacus.
As I watched the dramatic presentation of Spartacus, during this Lenten season,
I couldn't help but think of the obvious comparisons between the character of
Spartacus, and the willingness of his followers to follow him, and my own
willingness to follow Jesus. Am I willing to surrender all, even if need be, to
the point of death? While the cross is not as pointed and brutal as we see in
the movie of The Passion of the Christ, we still see the horror of the cross as
it existed in the Roman Empire. People were
executed by the thousands in what is thought by many to be the most brutal form
of execution ever. Yet we still see the love Spartacus has for others in his
willingness to take up the cross so those he loves doesn't have to suffer it. I
was reminded of the Biblical concept, that no greater love has any of us than
our own willingness to lay down our life for a friend.
I really like the story of Spartacus, that said, this 3 1/2 hour epic really
does little justice to the story and complexity of the character of Spartacus,
the time he lived and the people around him. It, isn't to say this isn't a
great movie, it deserves all of the acclaim it has garnished over its 50+
years, but the character and the story is much more complex than even a 3 1/2
hour film can present. While the 1960 film touches on much of the sexual
oppression and abuse during the time, due to the time the film was made, the
late 1950's, many things were glossed over. These things are a critical
component in the times of the story and the environment it took place. Knowing these
things adds to the power of the story and in its lead character we see a simple
man, holding true to his values where others can glean from and follow in a sacrificial
way. Spartacus is willing to sacrifice for the multitudes.
As we celebrate the Easter season, let's remember that a
more complete and perfect sacrifice was offered that allows us to follow not
just a simple man but a God who provides eternal life. While on this earth Christ calls us to love
our fellow human, to stand up for them, despite their sexuality, income, country
of origin, color of their skin, whatever. We are called to love just like
Christ loved, whosoever. We can sacrificially
display that true freedom comes from within, it is available to all people and comes
through Christ. Spartacus is a wonderful reminder during Lent, the sacrifices are
worth it. In those sacrifices we discover, real freedom despite our
circumstances, a freedom that comes from a servant leader, whose life we
celebrate that ended on the cross, Jesus.Thankfully Jesus story doesn't end at the cross though, but through his
resurrection. It is that resurrection that gives the eternal hope of a bright
and glorious future.
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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
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feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that
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provided.
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As of recent there seems to be a plethora of faith based and spiritually themed films, some have been better than expected and others fall into the same ol same ol, mundane embarrassing films. When a movie is released and one of its primary tag lines on the packaging is that it is only available at Walmart it should have one wondering. While starring some memorable actors Heaven’s Door unfortunately falls closer to the same ol category than it does the exceptional category. There are times the feel good tear jerkers are appreciated; there are other times they seem to be overdone. Not only did I have some problems with the theology of this film, I had issues with its quality. That isn’t to say this is a worthless movie, it is to say you get what you pay for and this low priced feature at Walmart is mediocre at best.
Heaven’s Door starts with a young girl, Riley spending some quality time with her grandfather. In the opening scene the grandfather suddenly dies from a heart attack. From there we see the turmoil her family is going through, especially her mother, Julie and father Leo, played by Dean Cain. There is also the bitter separation and divorce procedure where ugliness raises its head at the grandfather’s funeral. The grandmother seems to have her own issues but is a person of faith and after a near death experience where Riley discovers the doorway to heaven she begins to share a hope in God, in faith and in the reality of angels, Heaven and the like. As is the norm in films like this there is the doubt, questions, and conflict that is challenged by adults, in this case, Riley’s mother Julie.
Unfortunately the story is old; the plot is predictable, complete with all of the heart tugging score and music throughout; even the acting as a whole is a let down. We see Riley asking questions, searching for truth and all of the predictable circumstances we have seen in films like this before. While there are moments of fantasy in the story, it is still predictable and formulated.
Throughout the film we see Riley take on Christ like concepts, being able to see and dabble into heavenly things as well as have the power to heal others, even raising some things from the dead. While we do see character development we see it primarily in the life of Riley’s mother, Julie. Julie has questions and there are times where the performance of Charisma Carpenter who plays Julie is effective. It is just that her character at times is so unreasonable, and so unlikeable that it distracts from the enjoyment of the film. Frankly, she and most of the supporting cast do as much with the script and direction as they can.
While I didn’t like this film, I do find it somewhat fascinating. As mentioned in the opening of this review I find it fascinating that so much film focuses on spiritual themes. The theme and discussion of Heaven is certainly a fascinating subject, and one worthy of discussion. The question I have though is what version of Heaven is being promoted? As a person of faith I take a traditional Biblical view of Heaven. The presentation presented in the film here is one that takes a feel good, happy in the sky, and everything is going to be wonderful approach. I would much more appreciate a program offering questions as to how to get there, varying views, the possibility that some other existence besides heaven is possible, and as a person of faith specific to Christianity, for me, the role of Jesus, or other religious leaders for that matter in their role or perspective of Heaven. Unfortunately not only does Heaven’s Door present a differing view of Heaven other than traditional Christian belief, it is also presents an interpretation that is more fantasy than reality.
In the attempt to present Heaven and spirituality in the way this film does I find issue. In such an important area as the afterlife, if the reality of Heaven is true, then a more serious discussion is needed. That isn’t to say it has to be all serious, a light hearted attempt, using family themes would certainly be fine and appreciated. But I wanted, expected something other than fantasy here. I also have issues with films like this that are just below normal broadcast standards, not just in the acting, but lighting, sound, special features and score. Can a family watch this? Yes, if they can get through it, I can’t imagine a child or even a teen being able to endure this movie, and it seems as if much of it is pointed towards children and youth. That is unfortunate, the topic is certainly deserving, the cast does about as well as they can with the script. I just didn’t find it entertaining and with the myriads of film out there, including quality family film, I can honestly say there are more quality family films, even in the discount bin at Walmart that one would be better served by purchasing. Of course there are likely those who will disagree, feel free to, but as for me, I could have spent my time in better way than this movie.
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I have to say, I am a byproduct in part of the 70’s and 80’s. I was there, lived it as a music fan, band manager and musician. In 1988 according to Poll Star and Performance Magazine I managed a band that had the top grossing show in North America in Theaters 2,500 and under, the Judd’s were #2 and The Blue Oyster Cult was #3. We also had 3 of the top 10 shows in Clubs 800 and under, the largest of all markets. The Rob Cassels Band, (AKA as Rob Castles) competed with such mega groups as The Alarm, Poison, and others in this market. Why do I mention these things? Rock of Ages starring an ensemble cast including Tom Cruise is a movie about the 80’s and the desire for one, through the craziness of their surroundings, to find ones self. In that regard, I think I am uniquely qualified to comment on this movie. To screen this movie I sat down with my wife to watch it. She thought it was okay, she is more of a folk music gal, but me, well as a guy who lived through this life, I absolutely loved it and found myself singing along to virtually every song in the movie and that was one heck of a lot of songs because this movie is loaded with a lot of things, among which mostly is the music I loved and experienced while living through this time. I think I have seen live, the original band playing the original songs from almost every song in the movie. Some of the bands I either met, worked with, or on a couple of occasions, helped promote in one way or another. Like I said, a little more than qualified.
Rock of Ages starts off with a small town girl, Sherrie Christian, played by Julianne Hough known for her role as a dancer on Dancing With The Stars television show. She is also known for the numerous rumored affairs and the reality that she is a pretty decent country singer. Sherrie played by Julianne is a small town girl from Tulsa Oklahoma. She is seeking notoriety and to move into the music world, she is also searching for her own dreams and her identity. Unfortunately this is one of the only areas of weakness for the movie. The character is from Tulsa a well known area for music, especially in the area of Country Music, but not just country, many a rock legend has also come out of the Tulsa area. As one familiar with the music industry, for me this was the only let down in authenticity. In real life most people from Tulsa in the music industry will get their start in the Tulsa area. Of course this isn’t about real life, it is a movie that recognizes the absurdity of the era and has no reservation in making fun of that era in a respectful and fun way. It is just a bit of research I would have rather the movie recognized.
In Sherrie’s journey she ends up at the Sunset Strip in the Los Angeles Hollywood area where she meets Drew Boley played by relative unknown in America, Diego Boneta. Drew works at The Bourbon Room on the Sunset Strip. This area was historically notorious for their role in influencing the music scene in America in the 1980’s. It is here that Sherrie starts her own journey in her self discovery, but in her journey others are also involved. They live in a world based on fun, excess, and above all, partying. There are also those who would attempt to stop the influence of the Rock N Roll world on their own perfect little worlds. We see this especially in the part played by Catherine Zeta-Jones as she plays the part of Patricia Whitmore the wife of the cities mayor. She is a religious fanatic who seeks to use her religion as a means of stopping the long haired, drug using, enjoying life Rock N Rollers.
When Rock of Ages first came out I wanted to see the movie, I remember being involved in various discussions critical of the movie because of its depiction of Christians in particular. As a member of a well received Christian Band who was among the first to start playing non Christian venues with non Christian artists, I know well from first hand experience of how many Christians were opposed to Rock N Roll. Even being protested at times and seeing the plight of many a Christian who had issues with not just the artists playing the music but the form of Rock N Roll in general. While I think the movie goes to the extreme on the Christian protests, I don’t think it is done in an unfair way as the movie goes to a comedic extreme in virtually every area of the film. To deny the reality of Christian protest in this area though would be to not recognize the reality of the time. Not only were top notch non Christian bands being attacked, so were many bands who had professed a faith in the same God as those protesting the musical style. While Rock of Ages may take this to one extreme, the reality is, it happened and in some ways not quite so far fetched. I recall our band playing with the popular band Steppenwolf on one of many occasions. There wasn’t only a measure of protest but those turning their backs on us because we didn’t ‘proselytize’ the members of the band the way they thought we should, by giving them ‘Christian’ tracts. Little did they know the impact we would have by just being friends with members of the bands we worked with, but also the fans of those bands. In Rock of Ages we see the hypocrisy of some played out in this sense but I don’t like spoilers so won’t give any more away than that.
Patricia Whitmore is married to the mayor, played by Bryan Cranston. Cranston known for his multi Emmy award winning role in Breaking Bad is hilarious in the few scenes he has in the movie, especially one spanking scene which has to be seen to be understood. His expressions alone will make one laugh out loud. Whitmore along with the support of her husband begin their crusade to bring down The Bourbon and the Sunset Strip in general. What they don’t realize is that their attempt to attack Rock N Roll is their own attempt to discover their true self.
I have to comment on the technical merit of this movie. The outstanding choreography from Mia Michales from Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance is absolutely outstanding. What she does with non dancers in their movement is incredible. Of course her friend Adam Shankman, a colleague from those television shows and an exceptional director in his own right also contributes wonderfully. These two clearly know how to work with actors and non dancers to get them to feel comfortable in situations outside of their comfort zone. In their ability to get the actors outside of their comfort zone and have fun with it, the viewer is impacted and touched, at least those of us who lived in the era and enjoyed it so much. Shankman is also smart in getting experts in their fields, like Brett Michaels from the band Poison to coach Tom Cruise who plays legend Stacee Jaxx in the film. Jaxx a fictional character takes on the persona of many a rock star from the 80’s. For those who have read my writings in the past, you know I am not a huge fan of Cruise as a person but I have a great deal of admiration for him as an actor. Hopefully he is getting his own personal life straightened out and as I watched the movie I honestly couldn’t help but feel some sorrow for Cruise as a human being. Knowing what many of us are now hearing about him I couldn’t help but wonder if the reason he was so good in this part was due to the possibility of the ways the part mirrored his life. The movie transcends some expectation in that at least this part was played so well by Cruise that I couldn’t help but find myself rooting for the real man to go beyond the character we see on screen.
Other technical merits of Rock of Ages I must comment on deal with the reality of the costuming and hair styles and yes, I had the very same types of dress and style but I must also comment on the set design, music, and I could go on. I was even more amazed when I found out the film was filmed in Miami Florida as opposed to Los Angeles. The research, effort and replication of the 80’s were spot on, in all areas.
We also see growth in the characters in the film. While there is a tad bit of a let down in the storyline we still see appropriate character development. Music is the mechanism and tool used to tell most of the story and a lot of it is used. We also see a great deal of change and challenges in the characters. Among the most enjoyable for me was watching the development of two characters in particular, Russell Brand who is at his absolute best as he plays the part of Lonnie and his co worker and owner of the Bourbon Room, Dennis Dupree played by Alec Baldwin. Both bring out real laughter but there is one dance duet musical scene that is among the funniest most enjoyable scenes I have seen. If there was ever perfect casting, casting these two off of each other was a beautiful thing to see.
When I think of Rock of Ages I think of a dual meaning. I think obviously of the song by Def Leppard, Rock of Ages, but I also think of my faith and the one I worship, often called the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ. My faith perspective teaches me of the reality of being made in a unique and wonderful way, created with special gifts, talents and abilities. The personal nature of my faith tells me of the desire God has for each of us to discover who we are and be the best we can be at what we were created to do. In many ways, Rock of Ages the movie also addresses those concepts as we see each character on their own search and discovery to be who they are. So often in life and our faith experience there are those who would have us be something other than what we were created to do and be who we were created to be. In that journey and search we must discover these things. They are the same types of struggles, weaknesses, faults and victories we see in the movie. In that way, Rock of Ages the movie can be a parable of our own spiritual journey.
I found myself loving this movie. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a fan of musicals and it needs to be made clear, that said, this is definitely a musical based on the hit Broadway Musical by the same name. I like the fact that much of the music used is used in a performance format, but even the music used outside of a performance or concert format is enjoyable, it plays like a long music video from the old MTV days and I as an old rocker who still has much of his hair, still enjoys the jeans and leather had fun with this movie. I don’t think it is for everyone, there will be those who for one reason or another can’t deal with it, they either don’t like the music of the era, although I do think the story is timeless, or they may have some moral hang up of watching Tom Cruise as the sleazy character he is in the movie. Of course I think that is sad as his character is also searching for truth and redemption which is a reflection on the desires and search of many people in this world. That said, I still really had a blast watching and singing along (quite well with a few songs I may add) the myriad of songs of the era.
There is one last note I have to mention, that is the special features. WOW! Those who read my reviews know of my mention of things related to DVD’s including the special features. This product is LOADED! The visual and sound quality transfer on Blu-ray is EXCEPTIONAL and as much as I loved this movie, I have to say, I love the Special Features MORE! There are interviews with the original band members who performed the songs, the visit of Def Leppard to the set to see Tom Cruise perform their song was outstanding but there is more, from Brett Michaels to members of other bands sharing their thoughts on the movie and the era. In the Blu-ray Package I reviewed, there is the Blu-ray, a Digital Download, and the standard DVD. This is one of those movies that so good in the Blu-ray version that for the rare few who still don’t own a Blu-ray player or a high definition television, it makes the purchase worthwhile.
Now how should I conclude this one, I think it is actually quite simple, hopefully Rock of Ages not only brings on great memories and fun music but it also inspires you to discover yourself. That journey many of us were on in the 80’s continues on for new generations despite current musical taste. For me and my generation this is a wonderful experience as it brings back our memories, other generations also know of the great music as it is still drawing young crowds and getting more than its fair share of air play on the radio stations around the world. There is more to the 80’s than we maybe realized at the time. Those hair styles, clothes and attitudes were a part of a search for identity for a generation. I lived it, loved it, and am keeping my own tradition alive. Now to the rest of you… ROCK ON!
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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.
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.
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It is hard to believe, but 40 years ago one of the most enduring, memorable movies of all time was released Deliverance. While Jon Voigt was already a star in his own right, with an Academy Award nomination, Deliverance would also make Burt Reynolds a star and the casting of two newcomers, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox gave them desirable careers in film. This action adventure film hovered in the category of horror, all while having as its primary theme, the conflict between human nature and their relationship with nature. The film has 4 thirty-something friends deciding to take a whitewater river trip in Georgia prior to the region being dammed up to make a lake. Along the way the four have to deal with the river, interpersonal relationships amongst each other and a band of mountain people they have offended who decides to take revenge and justice into their own hands. What transpires is a horrifying adventure that leaves the viewer on the edge of their seats. While the story is 40 years old, it is still fresh and for those not seeing it in the past, worthwhile. The movie is historic for a reason; the impact is lasting and enjoyable, for me, even some 40 years after first seeing it. While experiencing it as a youth, over the years, I have seen the movie many times and each time, it continues to amaze and educate me.
One of the unique attributes of Deliverance is it is filmed in sequence. For those who may not know, most movies are not shot this way, it isn’t unusual to shoot the last scene first or any other variety of combinations of filming. Deliverance was different however, the remarkable director of the film, John Boorman decided early on to shoot in sequence to the story. Part of the reasoning for this was that as the story evolved around the circumstances of 4 friends taking a canoe trip of which some had never been involved in before, the skills, attributes, and respect for the river would show through in a natural way. This and other reasons for the sequence filming not only works, it works terrifically. There is one scene made mention of in the special features that help explain subconsciously the viewers understanding. This centers around a sequence where Jon Voight’s character is climbing a cliff, we see his watch glazed over with the moisture shining through from the inside of the watch crystal. In a discussion of the film, it was noted that in most situations a prop man would have overlooked this little facet. Yet, filming in sequence, wearing the same clothes from day to day, helped bring about a natural look to the film. The film is also edited well; there is ample foreshadowing and more to drive home the impact. There are also natural aspects of the story included in the final version of the film that is quite remarkable. One such instance communicated to me in my interview with Ronny Cox, the character Drew well known for his musical performance on the guitar during the gas station scene where the song Dueling Banjos is played. As the performers are acting out the scene, (which took only 2 hours to film) we see in the background an older man start dancing, another whistling. This was not scripted and happened naturally during the magic of the moment as the scene and song was filmed. That magic transcends throughout the film until the heart-tugging, final scenes.
While Deliverance isn’t a perfect film, it may very well be one of the best cast films of all time. Few films have held together as well over the years and the cast of Voight, Reynolds, Cox, and Beatty are as perfect as one could get. Reynolds has spoken over the years, as has the other cast members about Reynolds that he knew during the filming of Deliverance, that he was a star about to be born. The perfection of each actor in their role is remarkable, not just for Reynolds, but all of them. From Ned Beatty who will have to face horrors unimagined, to Ronny Cox’s character Drew which maintains some semblance of humanity as the story starts to get complicated. This adds to the genius of the film with each actor being outspoken as to how this helped them advance and experience their characters. They aren’t so much acting the lives of their characters as they are in some ways, living the lives of those characters.
Deliverance is in many ways the story of deliverance of each character and their shortcomings. It is also a story of survival of not just people who have little morals, but the survival of nature. In many ways, it is nature that ultimately challenges the characters the most. In this journey of deliverance though is also the need to face the adversities of life. In that battle, it becomes quickly realized that without community, without brotherhood, there are certainly horrors in life and in some situations, little chance of survival. Deep down inside are characteristics that one must change in order to find fulfillment and purpose. How one comes to those conclusions is different for each person and being a good person is no guarantee of survival. Unfortunately, there are many, including those in the faith community who believe that good will ultimately win and that there is a great deal of protection provided by others or even God in some situations, yet, the truth is, it rains on the just and the unjust and there are bad, even horrible things that happen to the best of people. There are lessons in life that can be learned in these difficult situations though. Just as Ned Beatty’s character has a better than thou attitude at the start of the film, mocking and teasing the mountain people he comes into contact with, there is a price to pay, even those mountain folk in their simplistic lifestyles expects respect. He learns how little his opinions matter in the film in one of the most memorable scenes of the movie, one which has become a part of the vocabulary folklore of film. Here through his character, we can learn of the respect that needs to be given to all people, no matter how much better we think we are, we are in reality, just different.
Deliverance has held up well over the years, and this special edition of the film on Blu-ray not only has a terrific transfer and sound quality, it has some remarkable and thought-provoking special features. There is an excellent book packaged into the packaging of the DVD which tells some terrific stories on the filming of the movie. There are also several special features that look at various components of the film, my personal favorite was the discussion among the four actors at Burt Reynolds home in Florida. There is no doubt of the love each of these actors has towards this movie but also of the love and appreciation they have for each other. For fans of the movie, this DVD is almost worth the purchase price for this interview alone. There are also terrific stories related to other aspects of the film that will likely be educational for most viewers, even for those who are long time fans of the film. For a perfect companion piece, I would recommend the purchase of the new book release by Ronny Cox, titled Dueling Banjoes, The Deliverance of Drew. While a short book, it adds much to the understanding of the film.
Deliverance, The 40th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray DVD is well worth the cost and is a must-own for fans of the show. It is a deserving special edition and one fan will love, not just for the movie, but for the background of the film available through the book in the packaging and the special features on the DVD. For more on the story, including my interview with Ronny Cox, click here. Otherwise, for fans of the movie, enjoy the DVD, it is well worth revisiting, for those who haven’t seen it, this is a great place to start and a chance to see why this movie is so historic.
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:
Presently we are going through a tough time where my wife of almost 40 years is in a serious battle with pancreatic cancer. The prognosis is not good. You can follow the exploits of that battle by following me at Facebook, via The Mike Furches Page by clicking the following link:
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BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ. The audio book is also available for a Free Download at Soundcloud.com Just search for Mike Furches The Keystone Kid.
The Virtual Pew and our other work are 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.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audiobook 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.
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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Wichita Kansas, 67214
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Ronny Cox is a man who was in many ways made famous by the movie Deliverance. There is little doubt that he would have made it in music or some other life vocation had without Deliverance but it was in fact, the movie Deliverance which catapulted him into the world of film. Ronny has been in many favorites over the years, from such movies as Robocop, Total Recall and Vision Quest to television roles in Dexter, Apple’s Way, and The Starter Wife. He has recorded numerous albums and tours nationally playing his music. There are interesting tidbits I learned while doing this piece, for example, the scene in Deliverance where he plays Dueling Banjos took all of 2 hours to record. The movie Deliverance was filmed in sequence, an almost unheard of thing nowadays, but one of the reasons many believe the actors did so well in their parts, as the story developed, so did their characters because the characters were, in fact, developing along storylines as they developed.
Ronny has a new book out, titled Dueling Banjos, The Deliverance of Drew. The book is available in paperback, hardback, and e-reader versions. It is a captivating story of stories related to the movie Deliverance. Included are stories of how Ronny Cox was largely responsible for the author of Deliverance being asked to no longer be on set during the initial filming of the movie. There are other well told, captivating stories such as the story of Billy Joe Redden, the 15-year-old boy at the time who played the banjo in the now infamous and iconic scene in the movie. While the 40th Anniversary Blu-ray DVD version of the movie has a mini-book that comes with it, Ronny’s book carries far more detail than previously told before. The book in itself is a worthy companion to the film Deliverance. I have seen the movie many times, seen various features on the making of the movie, but the book Dueling Banjos, The Deliverance of Drew was a captivating, page-turner of a read that I couldn’t put down until completing it.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Ronny in an exclusive for The Virtual Pew and Hollywood Jesus. I enjoyed the short time we had together, and hope that others glean some information about Ronny and of course, the movie Deliverance. The interview was about much more than the movie though and in it are lessons we can all learn from and things of interest we can learn about Ronny Cox. Enjoy and hopefully, you will have as much fun reading it as I did getting it.
Ronny Cox (RC): Hi Mike
Mike Furches (MF): Hi Ronny, how are you doing?
RC: I’m good, how about you?
MF: I’m doing pretty well; I guess you’re staying pretty busy right now?
RC: Yeah!
MF: I have a number of questions, don’t think I’ll be able to get through them all, but over the years I’ve been a huge fan of Deliverance. One of the questions is related to music as I’m also a musician. Some of your music has intrigued me over the years. Can you tell me some about your music and the guitar you play?
RC: Well, I have one off the great guitars in the world. It is a hand made guitar by Dave Bertoncini. He is a luthier out of Tacoma Washington. He made this guitar for me. I’ll drop just a little bit of names; I live here in L.A. and I have a guy who works on my guitars and to drop just a few names, Paul McCartney picks this guitar shop as does Jackson Browne and people like that, and according to the guy who works on my guitar, he said none of those guys have a guitar as good as mine. So that’s about as good as it gets.
I play acoustic stuff. I am a really simple player who plays with a 3 finger picking style. I play more acoustic and rarely play with a pick.
MF: I love your style of music, would you say you play more of a folk style than anything else? I also have seen that you are going to be coming to my neck of the woods in Kansas.
RC: Yeah, but I like all kinds of music, but I am a singer-songwriter and I play a whole lot of folk clubs, folk and music festivals and things like that. When I come to Kansas I’ll have a piano slash accordion player and a fiddle slash mandolin player with me.
MF: I look forward to seeing you when you are out here. Another question though, how did you develop your love for music?
RC: I actually started playing when I was 10-years-old. I grew up in New Mexico and most people don’t realize this but where I grew up in New Mexico is a little town called Portales New Mexico. It is 19 miles south of Clovis New Mexico. In the late 50’s and early 60’s, Clovis was a hotbed of recording. I was actually at the studio where they were cutting the Buddy Holly cut Peggy Sue. Do you remember Jimmy Boyle and Buddy Knox?
MF: Oh yeah!
RC: Remember I’m Sticking with you, the Fireballs, Sugar Shack?
MF: Yeah I remember all of that.
RC: There was a country artist named Charlie Phillips who had a song called Sugar Time: (Ronny starts singing here) Sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar at suppertime. (Ronny starts speaking again) Those were all cut there so I was cutting records when I was in high school. I had a rock-n-roll band back in those days, Ron’s Rock Outs, (starts laughing.) I put myself through college with a rock-n-roll band and then when I started struggling as an actor I went to Arena Stage in Washington DC and I was in New York so I was playing folk clubs at the same time. I was struggling sort at the same time as an actor as I was struggling as a musician. I got the role in Deliverance because I could play. My second film was a film called Bound For Glory, a Woody Guthrie film, I also played music in that.
MF: I see that you’re going to be playing the Woody Fest down in Oklahoma?
RC: Yeah, I’m going to be at the Woody Fest in almost another month.
MF: Have you been there before?
RC: Oh yeah! This will be my sixth or seventh time there. I just got back from another Folk Festival. What kind of stuff do you play?
MF: I’ve played everything from a little bit of classic rock to with my wife I play some folk music, so it’s kind of a full-circle thing.
RC: Okay!
MF: You have a new book that has just come out which I have been reading. Can you tell us some about it?
RC: As you can see from the book, it is a book of stories about the making of Deliverance. The film meant so much to me that I just wanted to write about what it was like. I was a total unknown and to get to be in a place where I was one of the stars in a picture, but not only just a picture, but a picture that ended up being one of the most talked about, and iconic films that have been made in the last forty or fifty years. It really was an incredible breakthrough for me. It was my first time in front of a camera and it was Ned Beatty’s first film. While the film is 40-years-old it still holds up pretty well today and it is I think an incredible film. Now did you get the Blu-ray version of the film?
MF: Yes
RC: Are you enjoying the book?
MF: Yes I am, one of the things I appreciate is that it reads like a story. One of the questions I have is that the editor of your book makes mention of the fact that you are a storyteller. I love the Harry Chapin style and the art form. Do you think that storytelling as an art form is kind of lost in today’s society?
RC: I think that is part of it. The music just becomes so important. These days, I spend most of my time playing music. I don’t mean to be cavalier about this but most of the acting jobs I get offered these days I say no to just because I would rather go and play music.
MF: I have a question about possibly the most iconic song in the history of film, at least in my opinion. The song is Dueling Banjos. I can’t think of any single song that has had the impact in film. There is likely no one left alive to better tell the story of the song in the movie than Ronny Cox.
RC: Well, you know it was originally played with two banjos. In the book, they were playing Wild Wood Flower but Jim Dickey had heard Dueling Banjos and recommended to John Boorman. Warner Brothers weren’t too in favor of it because they didn’t think that anyone listened to Bluegrass Music. (laughter,) It became a huge hit. I think Dueling Banjos along with the theme from Bonnie and Clyde and Oh Brother Where Art Thou are primarily responsible for the popularity of Bluegrass in America today.
MF: Why do you think that scene is so iconic and has such a lasting memory?
RC: Well, I think there is an energy about that scene. It is also the incredible connection that music makes with a scene like that. One of the reasons that Drew, my character, has no fear of the mountain people like the other characters is because he was able to make a connection with that young boy through the music. It shows the power of music. I think that people, without maybe even realizing it consciously, subconsciously get it, they feel the power that that energetic piece of music occurring between two human beings. It becomes that energy which brings about a connection for everybody and it becomes infectious. If you notice that the old man starts dancing, there is another guy that starts whistling, people start moving and there is something about that piece of music that transcends the movie for a little while.
MF: I have 2 friends that asked me to ask you specific questions. One was a great fan of the show Apple’s Way. He wanted me to ask your thoughts as to if you think there is still a need for strong families in television oriented programs?
RC: Yeah, I loved doing that show in that it was a kind of modern-day Walton’s. Shows that talk to the human condition are I think, really important in television and movies and I think needs to be done. Now, I am in no way in favor of censorship, but it seems to me that we are just doing these reality shows where people trash other people and I just don’t know what those are all about.
MF: Another friend wanted me to ask your long love affair with your wife Mary who passed away several years ago. He wanted me to ask, what you think was the reason for the success of your long love affair and marriage with your wife?
RC: You know, I was just lucky that I found that love of my life, early in my life. Mary lived in my hometown and we met when she was 11 and I was 14. We started going together when she was 15 and I was 18 and we got married when she was 22. I’ve never had another date or another girl in my life. I think one of the reasons for our success is I married someone way, way, way, way smarter. (Each of us, including the publicist present during the interview starts laughing here.) Mary had a Ph.D. in Chemistry, that is the secret for us guys, to marry up. (Myself and the publicist start laughing again, but Ronny stays serious) I said that to Mary, thinking I would get some brownie points, “Mary I know the secret to our great marriage.” She said, “What?” I said, “I married up.” She looked at me kind of funny and she said, “What? All men do!” (we all, including Ronny, start laughing again.)
Mike Furches here, with just a thought, there are so many places I could have gone with this interview, so many things I could have concluded with, but I think it appropriate that Ronny and I ended our conversation on a note about his long love affair with his wife. In a world where so many couples just don’t seem to make it, there is something to the concept that a husband loves his wife so deeply and sees her as much more than he. It is a concept of servitude I think Ronny lives by, it is a concept many of us can learn by. His character in the movie, Drew is the one who tries to maintain a sense of normalcy with the world around him, with his surroundings, with doing what is right. It was a role in many ways made for a man like Ronny Cox, it is a character, that through the actor Ronny Cox we can still learn from, not just in the things presented in the movies, but in this thing called life which Ronny has continued to live for some years now. You can find out more about Ronny, his touring schedule, plus listen to his music at his website: www.ronnycox.com
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:
Presently we are going through a tough time where my wife of almost 40 years is in a serious battle with pancreatic cancer. The prognosis is not good. You can follow the exploits of that battle by following me at Facebook, via The Mike Furches Page by clicking the following link:
You can also follow us at twitter by following either #thevirtualpew @thevirtualpew or at #dancewithjesus2 @dancewithjesus2 the twitter account set up specifically to follow what is going on. We also have a Go Fund Me Page at the following link.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ. The audio book is also available for a Free Download at Soundcloud.com Just search for Mike Furches The Keystone Kid.
The Virtual Pew and our other work are 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.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audiobook 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.
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
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Welcome to my review page. You will find reviews for everything from books to music, but especially movies. Enjoy the page and don't forget while you are at it to check out all of the other blogs I do as well as my web site www.furches.org and www.thevirtualpew.com where you will find message boards that have open discussion about all kinds of issues related to faith.
Mike Furches heads up The Virtual Pew, some say, the first Online Church. He speaks nationally on various topics and; is a freelance writer. He has published 2 books titled The Keystone Kid which has received rave reviews and thechildren's book with his late wife Mary Jane, Herald The Angel.. The short film, The Long Walk is also based on the book The Keystone Kid. Mike’s ministry is to those often called The Last, The Lost, and; The Least. Mike has worked with some top music artists and has an active interest in film. He is also an inductee into the International Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Musician from the State of Kansas. He is available for speaking on a various topics. Mike has also been in some capacity as a pastor at various churches over the years. Thus the name Pastor Mike, which is a part of his Blues Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band which has been endorsed by numerous Blues Hall of Fame Members from across the world.
All of the music performed in the music regarding character Violet Sanford played by Piper Perado is in fact in reality sung by LeAnn Rimes who herself has a part in the movie. It seems as if Violet finds herself in a place of confusion in the searching out of her dreams as she tends to at times forget her dreams and is easily distracted from everything from men to bar scene she is working in. While she does an adequate job in this role, it seems as if there is confusion on the part of the director David McNally as to what direction he wants to really bring home in the movie, is it of a girl overcoming obstacles or is it a simply T&A movie that takes advantage of the women on screen and "their attributes" as much as the men and bar Coyote Ugly?
All of that said, as mentioned early on in the review, I find myself between the hate it and love it, crowd. I recognize its sexual exploitation of women, (one only has to see the directors cut 'R' rated version of this film as opposed to the 'pg-13' version to realize the movies original intent,) yet I find myself appreciating at times the reality of the world as is presented in the film. Unfortunately, many women have had to sell themselves in areas that have more of a focus below the chin than it does a focus on their brain. I just wish the movie had delivered a stronger message in this way and because it doesn't, I can hardly recommend the movie other than to create a discussion regarding the way men look at women and the ways women overcome that sexual tension often created by a sexual drive as opposed to a thoughtful evaluation and process.
