Most of the time I love the movies I am blessed to review
them, then at times I'm so liking the movie that I realize, while I'm blessed
to do reviews, sometimes it's work. Unfortunately, this review of In The Earth,
was work.
Covid is a horrible reminder of 2020. It didn't take long to
take it to the movie screen. In The Earth is a movie set in a world where
people are wearing masks, has to go through concepts of isolation,
contamination control and more. Any of that sound familiar?Unfortunately the world in the movie is
convoluted enough that it becomes difficult to figure out what is going on as
scientists explore things around them and try to figure outin their world and the woods and wilderness
that is void of contemporary conveniences.
Starring Joel Fry,
Reece Shearsmith, and Hayley Squires we see a
group of characters searching for truths related to the virus. Martin and Alma,
played by Ellora Torchia working as a team exploring some abnormalities taking
place in the wilderness surrounding them. They come upon the character Zach
played by Reece Shearsmith who has been overcome by the elements and isolation.
His is playing havoc on his psyche.
In The Earth is confusing and I am uncertain what it is
trying to address. Using a psychedelic style of filming used in drug culture
movies of the 70's we see some bizarre filming styles and special effects as
well as story that resembles the drug culture films.
One thing the movie does is it causes us to question the
methods we use to care for the earth. Are we doing more harm than good? Clearly
Covid and it's origins and the questions that surround it come into play and is
an influence on this film. We see attitudes come about that causes some to the
extreme. There is little compassion and understanding, and if anything, we see
the need to be careful in who we trust as we don't really know the motives behind
the actions of some or if they can be trusted or not.
I am reminded of the importance of caring for the earth as
expressed in the Bible. The need to show love towards each other, yet to be
careful as we don't know what is going on. We need to be reminded that even
Satan appears as an angel of light when in reality, he seeks to kill and
destroy.
There are parts of this movie that were extremely difficult
to watch for various reasons, those seeing it will know what I'm speaking of.
It is interesting in many ways, but for me, it fell short. I truly appreciate
what I "think" the filmmakers are trying to address, I just don't
know for sure what their intent is.
I like leaving a movie feeling like I've been entertained, learned something or
it has had some value. Unfortunately, In The Earth didn't just fall short for
me, It fell way short. I imagine there are those that would appreciate this
style of art film, as for me, I didn't.
On a scale of 1 - 10 for the concept of the third planet
from the sun, (the earth which we should care for) I give a disappointing 3.
To
see the trailer for this film click on the following link:
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:
To see the video for the trailer of this movie, click on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg
It was with some hesitation that I decided to see the new
Disney movie, Raya and The Last Dragon. This animated movie has been pushed heavily
by Disney for some time and it is now available via theatrical release and on
Disney+. I decided to see the movie on the big screen.
Raya is a fantasy tale with Asian influence that takes place
after the disappearance of Dragons in the world. One village has the remaining
stone that is thought to contain the spirit and essence of Sisu, the last great
dragon. The people of all nations, all a part of the world called Kumandra
worship Sisu but are divided by geographical location, beliefs and more, much
like in today's world. It is here we see Raya, the princess of the Heart tribe
and her father Chief Benga. Chief Benga has a dream of bringing all people back
together as it was before the loss of dragons. His only problem, while he is
willing to work with other tribes they are not and prefer to hold onto their
differences. After an accident and the release of evil spirits called the
Druun, evil is set loose on earth and the spirits turn everyone they come into contact
with to stone. Thus begins the quest of Raya to gather the pieces of stone that
contains the spirit of Sisu to hopefully bring unity to the world.
One of the things about this movie is the beautiful
animation, but before I go there, I HAVE TO COMMENT ON THE OPENING SHORT PRIOR
TO THE MOVIE, ONCE AGAIN. Much like the opening scenes in UP, the opening short
story in Raya is nothing short of brilliant. It has to be considered for an
Oscar for best short. It is the most beautiful, touching scene since Up and the
short itself makes the ticket to see Raya worth the cost. Without too much
detail, while there is no dialog, the animation and story will bring tears to
your eyes. It's beautiful!
Now as to be expected, with the union of Pixar and Disney in
recent years no one does animation nearly as beautiful and brilliant as Disney.
The animation in Raya, for the most part is fantastic, at times, trend setting
and as realistic as any animation seen in years. As I mentioned though, I said,
for the most part. Unfortunately, there are aspects of animation that were
lackluster and fall short to the excellence most scenes contain. In what should
have been among the most beautiful scenes with the best animation, one would
think the scenes with dragons would be among the best, but unfortunately the
dragons were bland and nothing to write home about. The same can be said for
the voicing of some of the character. I didn't care for the voice of Sisu and
while I recognize the talents of voice actors, there was nothing really special
in the voicing of any of the characters. There is no doubt, that ultimately, it
is the story and some innovative animation scenes that are the stars of this
movie.
We live in a world where we in America ask questions and make
comments about getting along, not hating, coming together, unity and so forth.
In those regards, the movie addresses themes that we can learn from. While we
may talk about getting along, specifically in America after our recent political
history, are we willing to give up something important to us to make unity
happen?Or will we hold on to what is so
important to us that we ignore the potential and lives of others, despite their
beliefs. Can we quit throwing blame and condemnation and find ways to bring
about needed change to our world?These
themes, and the potential consequences of finding reasons to hate as opposed to
love, permeate the themes of Raya. I am reminded of the Bible verse that
states, No greater love has any than this, their willingness to lay down their
life for another.
Raya is a film I recommend for the big screen as opposed to
the television streaming option. When the animation is good, which is most of
the time, it is amazing and deserves to be seen in large screen format.
Unfortunately, if not for the animation and the brilliant opening short movie
this movie would score around a 5 1/2 on a scale of 1 - 10, still better than
average but not great. However, because of the short movie Once Again the movie
experience here is better.
On a scale of 1 - 10, for the willingness of the princess warrior
Raya to sacrificially bring about love and show that love to others over her
own needs; I give a 7 for the letters in the word warrior, for it takes a
warrior to sacrificially love. 7
To see the trailer for the movie click on the following
link:
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:
Just a brief notice, we are going to be doing many more video reviews for the page. While there will be the ocassional written review, most will be video via our page The Movie Guys. I encourage you to check out the links below and subscribe to the channels. We are pleased to be working with Wichita State University and their Shocker Studio along with Teen View Magazine. We will be filming the shows at the studios and Teen View along with staff from Shocker Studios will be assisting in the production of the shows. You can find out more about Shocker Studios by checking out their Facebook page at the following link:
I certainly thank you for your support of this work over the years and as things grow and get bigger and better, we want you to know, we will continue to listen to you and appreciate your input and views.
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 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 materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. 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.
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
Let me first of all state, I am an unapologetic, Bible Believing follower of Jesus, I actually believe in and love the Bible, including the stories in it, like Samson. Of course many may have issues with that, and even if you do, there are still valuable moral lessons one can learn from those stories. I have read the Bible from cover to cover, studied it and value it for all kinds of reasons. I need to give this disclaimer though, even before I was a follower of Jesus and had read the Bible from cover to cover, I loved and valued the story of Samson. One might even say that learning about the Biblical and Old Testament account of Samson was one of the things that first inspired me to read the Bible. This character that crosses into the faith systems of Christians, Jews and Muslims is a character well known and love among various faith groups. I have alwayshad long hair, and Samson has been throughout my life, as a reason that it was okay.
Like most kids, there was a love from me for Super Heroes and Samson and Hercules were two characters in my early childhood that in many ways gave an illustration that the superhero concept has existed for thousands of years. I am sure that there are mythologies about both of those characters that have been contributed to their legends, but they were such great characters that were deserving of that mythology and legend. While I loved Hercules, he was a tad below Samson in my opinion, at least Samson was a character who would exact revenge on those who had done him wrong. In a recent conversation with Brittany Yost the producer of the movie Samson, she stated that even the folks at Pure-Flix had recognized the value of the story of Samson in an age where the super-hero dominates the movie screen. You can listen and see that interview on YouTube at this link, click here:
Samson is a film made by Pure-Flix. They are known for their God's Not Dead movies and one of the most recent films, The Case for Christ among others. As mentioned in that review, I have not been pleased with most of the Pure-Flix films, The Case for Christ was however an excellent film in just about every way. I was hoping for the same thing for the story of Samson. Brittany Yost in our conversation spoke about how one of her desires was to use faith based films to not only provide entertainment for Christians or people of faith going to movies but to also make movies that would be used to reach people who did not know Jesus Christ. Samson, the Nazarite from the Bible that we read about in the book of Judges, along with his mighty strength, his desire for Delilah, and his long hair was one such movie.
In many regards Samson is a film that continues to make progress for Pure-Flix. The sets, (shot in South Africa,) the direction, lighting and so forth are done quite well. The cast features several well known actors in meaningful roles, not just the brief cameo. Those include Billy Zane, Rutger Hauer, Lindsey Wagoner, and Taylor James in the part of Samson. James does a very good job at depicting Samson as does his nemesis Delilah played nicely by Caitlyn Leahy who has mostly done television work. The sets, location and other aspects of the movie are also nicely done.
One of the issues I had with the movie, as I often do in period pieces is the lack of authenticity in the characters, dress, make-up and so forth. A recent film done very nicely is The Hostiles. In that movie we see authenticity from the raveled outfits to the poor haircuts, dirty faces and teeth and much more. In Samson there was so much potential, but for me to see actors on screen playing characters from early history without blemishes, perfect make-up, lily white teeth, and so forth created a distraction that took away aspects of better understanding the characters in this world. I love continuity in movies and unfortunately for me, this concept was lacking in Samson. There ismost certainly a lack of continuity to the period of time the story takes place and the images of the characters largely playing the parts of those characters.
There were things I loved about Samson.The movie did a good job at showing the humanity and frailties of Samson, his pride, his attraction to Delilah, and at times, self conceded attitudes and mannerisms. Samson certainly comes across as one lacking humility and the trouble he often finds himself in is trouble he often created. I like the aspect though that we see that even the heroes of the Bible were not perfect and that God chose to use imperfect people. Often times Bible Heroes are presented as people other than human, it is one of the reasons that some can't relate to those characters. They are often presented as people we can't relate to, this aspect of Samson presented on screen however gives a believability and relational component to the character. It is through the recognition of his own failings that along with the story in the Bible, we see a Samson we can relate to and who turns back to God and the Holy Spirit for the strength that he once had once he has had a downfall to the tease of Delilah. He recognizes that the things provided to him from God are really the things that made him the legend that became, Samson. The portrayal of this Samson is a portrayal the viewer can relate to, and even consider making the same types of decisions to get their life back in order, just as Samson did.
One of the things that could hurt this movie initially is that Samson is opening alongside another highly anticipated Marvel Superhero Film, the highly anticipated, The Black Panther. I suspect that many of those attending the theater not being able to get tickets may end up seeing Samson. Pure-Flix has put out a decent add campaign to notify the public of the film and I expect that not only some non-religious film goers will see the movie but I also expect the film to draw a large Faith Based audience as the story of Samson crosses over to those who are Jewish, Muslim, and Christian. I don't think any aspect of the film will be offensive to anyone within those belief systems nor those outside of those belief systems.
I liked Samson even though I felt the film was a step down from Pure-Flix's last film, The Case for Christ. I didn't love it though, it was lacking at times and seemed as if some of the acting while largely good was just a reading of the script. It was if you will, at times, over acted. As mentioned earlier, there was a lack of continuity in many ways. I would still recommend the movie though, especially for a matinee or for a family who may have issues with some of the concepts of the Marvel and DC Universe and would like to present to their children characters they can look up to and follow, characters like Samson, one of the first superheroes.
On a scale of 1 - 10 for the letters in the name Samson, I give a someway, okay, but not great rating of 6.
To see my interview with Producer Brittany Yost, click on the following:
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.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys 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 materials provided.
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. 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.
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.
