Showing posts with label Spirituality in Film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spirituality in Film. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Meet Me at the Oscars, Nightmare Alley
Nightmare Alley is another visual masterpiece by previous Oscar winner for The Shape of Water, a beautiful tribute of sorts to Creature of the Black Lagoon, Guillermo del Toro. I must admit from the outset, I have been a huge fan of del Toro since his work in Pan’s Labyrinth back in 2006. He is back with a vengeance in Nightmare Alley, the recipient of 4 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Production Design, Cinematography, and Costume Design. In my opinion del Toro was a snub in the omission for Best Director and there is no way anyone is going to convince me that Bradley Cooper didn’t deserve a nomination for Best Actor. Both were not only deserving of nominations imho, but he should also have been a real contender for the award.
Bradley Cooper’s
character is the drifter, Stanton Carlisle who has a past. The viewer knows
something is amiss but can’t quite put it together. Carlisle joins up with a
circus led by Clem Hoatley played nicely by William Dafoe. Carlisle soon joins
up with a carnival doing a mentalism act. During his time in the circus side
show Carlisle continues to carry an air of mystery about him. He is a man who
has been conflicted, but also a man who has learned to use the system to get
the things he needs. He soon falls for another circus performer, Molly Cahill
played by Rooney Mara. The two fall in love and decide to leave the carnival
together, much to the displeasure of some in the circus including her late
father’s best friend, Bruno, the carnivals strong man played by Ron Perlman. Their journey away from the carnival seems to
lead to riches and fame, but they also provide opportunity to get caught up
into the life that has befallen many before them who sought stardom.
The visuals in this movie
and the craftiness of weaving this story together is nothing short of
incredible. This is a movie that for a very brief moment has a lapse, but it
quickly comes back together. It is a movie that if the viewer pays attention,
they will have questions and think a great deal about the characters in the
movie and where they are going. We will have questions about Bradley Coopers
character but rest assured, in the end, those questions are answered.
One of the incredible
things about this movie is its ability to have us questioning what we think is
progress or goals in life. We must question how far we are willing to go. So
many times, we think that our current situation is far from the place we want
to be in life only to later understand and realize that where we were or where
we are, may in fact be the best place we will ever be. While there may be a
desire for fame and riches, the people around us, the basic needs may provide
more joy than we ever realized. There is a price to pay for fame, sometimes the
price we pay will cost us more than we will ever realize. There are images and
thoughts of things that came to my mind like the story of the Prodigal Son in the Bible, but in that
story the son realizes the need to go back to the father. What if the son never
returned or didn’t have a loving father to take him back in? In some ways, Nightmare Alley is a proverb
along that thought. In other words, what about the consequences of ones
actions, or inaction?
I loved this film, for
me, it should be one of the strong contenders for Best Picture of the Year.
While it had a moment with a lapse, it quickly came back and now weeks later,
still has me thinking. So far, it’s the only Oscar nominee that I’ve seen
twice, it’s that good. If you appreciate
the concept of thinking and pondering, with a possible life changing area, this
is for you.
On a scale of 1 – 10 for
the one momentary lapse I think the movie is deserving of a very good 9. Watch it, then ponder, can you enjoy the
place you are currently at in life without having to have more?
To see the trailer for Nightmare Alley, click the following:
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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.
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.
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
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Cobra Kai, Season 4
Cobra Kai, Season 4 has
just been released to Netflix. This
highly acclaimed follow up series to The Karate Kid has drawn fans from season
to season and this series which started originally on YouTube has gone on to
become on of the most binged, watched, fan favorite seasons of any television
series.
This program and season once again bring back many of the original characters
in the series. The series largely follows the much older Daniel LaRusso played
by Ralph Macchio, and Johnny Lawrence played by William Zabka. The Characters John Kreese played by Martin
Kove and Thomas Ian Griffith makes his return as diabolical Terry Silver.
This season is again,
well directed with some twists and turns as if follows the dojos Cobra Kai, Miyagi-Do
and Eagle Fang. We continue to see changes in the characters of Johnny and
Daniel as well as their children, and those they are closest to developing
their own identities outside of the ones that would typically be chosen by
their predecessors, no matter which dojo they happen to fight for. We see
struggle with letting go as well as struggle in areas like forgiveness and cooperation.
Of course, all of this comes at a cost, much like it does in real life and
those consequences are one of the things that continues to make this series
among the top-rated series in television.
This season we see
attempts at working together, but with such strong personalities, and so much
pride can two leaders, who haven’t resolved their conflict come together to
defeat a common enemy who could, would destroy their very existence? Can anyone be trusted in a world where pride rules? Then how can two views of life, and/or karate
coexist? Those are all questions among
many others that are approached in season 4 of Cobra Kai.
Cobra Kai is about much
more than karate. It is about family, conflict, opposites, working through
problems, consequences and much more in conjunction with living life in a sometimes-difficult
world. It is a series I highly recommend
and appreciate due to the real-life situations approached.
I personally really
enjoyed the season, but I have enjoyed all the seasons and appreciate the binge
ability of this. I watched all 10 episodes in less than 24 hours. The series
has a way of doing that and then keeps you thinking even after you have
completed it.
On a scale of 1 – 10, for
Season 4 I give a very deserving 8 and am already highly anticipating Season 5
as I know many others are.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Midnight Mass on Netflix
Over the years I’ve been ridiculed, praised,
unfriended, friended, called a heretic, called a prophet and on and on
regarding my appreciation for horror. To be honest, I’m at this point used to
it all and if one doesn’t like my positions, they don’t have to read, but I’ll
be honest about it, sometimes, I think I have insight into a few things that
are worth exploring and thinking about. Sometimes I am as well impressed with
the quality of a series, movie, show that has me thinking beyond the norm,
especially using the genera of horror. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again,
nothing addresses spiritual themes quite like horror. With that said, few shows
in recent years has done this in such a thought-provoking way as the new Netflix
Series, Midnight Mass.
Midnight Mass, created and directed by Mike Flanagan is a brilliant, thought
provoking story that has at it’s heart religion, specifically Christianity, and
the influence of evil into the concepts of the church. In fact, the miniseries
stars Kate Siegel known for various roles including her role in the late
television series, Hawaii Five-O, Zach Gifford well known as the High School quarterback
in the great television series, Friday Night Lights and many others including, Rahul
Kohli playing a Muslim Sheriff on the small island town and Hamish Linklater as
pivotal character Father Paul. Each
actor gets their fair share on screen and one of the wonderful things about a
series like this is the ability to explore various subplots and focus on the
characters in the story. This series does a terrific job at this.
The first 2 2/3rds episodes would have one from a
fundamentalist Christian perspective praising the series, even though the
primary religion portrayed is Catholicism. Even with that the case, from a
Christian perspective, the series never really disrespects the ideals and
calling of Christian responsibility, but the last third of episode three of the
8-episode series has the series taking a drastic twist for the remainder of the
series. Remember this is classified as a horror series and for good reason, but
that reason and the story is such a dramatic epiphany twist that it will shock
many a viewer and for some who may be offended at the strong “Christian”
message and themes at the beginning, and, throughout the entire series, will be
pleasantly surprised at the twist the series takes. It frankly reminds me of
the movie Dracula 2000 that has as a part of Dracula’s origins, Judas
Iscariot.
There are serious questions asked in the series, among
of which the greatest is what is good and/or evil. How do we interpret that
which is good verses that which is evil? How can the intentions of one destroy
the goodness and potential around them?
There are serious questions about healing, can God heal? Is it possible for healing to take place
under the appearance of being from God but, come from other sources? One of the great questions surrounding faith
questions is the concept that Jesus and the writers of the New Testament
advocated, that is, that no greater love can any human show than their willingness
to lay down their life for another. There is another question though, that is
brilliantly answered at the conclusion of this series. Is there the potential
for redemption for those who have gone astray, done wrong, been deceived and if
so, how does one obtain that redemption?
As I clearly stated, without giving a spoiler here, I think that last
question and the way it is dealt with in this series is dealt with brilliantly
and frankly, makes great sermon material. There are so many other themes
wonderfully addressed in this series that to address them in a review would
have me going on and on and on.
The Bible states that Jesus never taught them anything
without first telling them stories. I can, frankly, see Jesus using stories
like what is presented in Midnight Mass to get people to think and to drive
points on issues like redemption, good vs. evil and so many others home. While
not quire perfect, it is refreshing to see something as good as Midnight Mass.
Sure, I expect a few to once again be extremely critical, going so far as
calling me a false teacher or heretic for praising the story lines of this
series, but let the dirt fly and land where it lands. In my opinion this program
has a far greater chance to challenge one to think about their faith than it
does to turn anyone away from their faith.
Each episode of the 8 series season is right at or a
little over an hour, yet I binged the entire series in less than 24 hours. It
held my attention and challenged me to think regarding my own faith, heck, I’m still
thinking about the themes, and this is a rare series that will likely have me
watching it again.
On a scale of 1 – 10 it is very hard to not give this
series a perfect score, but I just can’t go there, I almost can, but not quite,
therefore, I give Midnight Mass a still very good score of a 9.
The Following is the trailer from Netflix for Midnight Madness
(155) Midnight Mass | Official Trailer | Netflix - 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.
You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon
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
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
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.
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
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Black Widow, The Power of Family
Okay, I know, on this one I’m a little behind the 8 ball. This is a movie I would like to have reviewed earlier but since it’s still doing quite well at the box office, I figure, better late than never. Black Widow is a Marvel movie I wanted to see when the trailers first started coming out pre Covid. I finally got to see it, but it unfortunately suffers from the curse of many a movie with great trailers. This new continuation of the Avenger story line for Marvel is enjoyable as it follows the character of the Black Widow and her family. It has much of what has come to be expected for a Marvel movie and in many ways it delivers.
Directed by Cate Shortland we see Scarlett Johansson back as
Natasha Romanoff, AKA the Black Widow. This time we also have the pleasure of
having her family tagging alongside as we see a kind of origins story for the
character that transfers over to Marvel’s current storyline. It is here the
story becomes somewhat convoluted and hard to follow. It isn’t that the movie
is short on action, I unfortunately heard how some thought the movie struggled
and was boring, if it is boring it is in the attempt to figure out the storyline
in the movie. Truth is, there is enough action and comedic moments to keep one
going and entertained, it is in trying to figure out what is going on that
becomes difficult. The action sequences in the film in my opinion are terrific,
well edited, and well shot. Unfortunately, I appreciate story and The Black
Widow just falls short and becomes too complicated in trying to figure
everything out, including the characters and who they are and what drives them.
There are several worth while aspects of the movie. The
characters and heroes in the movie are female driven. I appreciate movies like
this that attempt to present women in strong roles. The success of Wonder Woman
was an example of how this can be done. Of course, there is a well-played
father figure, Alexi, played by David Harbour.
He provides comedic relief and while I had high hopes of his role from
the trailers, he just isn’t in the movie enough and we could have had more of
him as he was one of the most enjoyable characters on screen. There were times
that it seems as if even Scarlett Johansson gets lost on screen with her
character.
One of the great questions of the film, is what is it that
constitutes family. While the Romanoff family is trying to save the world,
there are clearly aspects of dysfunction in their family. Without giving
anything away, one of the things that eventually comes into play, and in some
ways is a theme of the movie is that true, real family is often far more than a
blood association, but sometimes more of a spiritual concept. I am reminded of
the power of adoption as an example. I have an adopted son who is as much a
part of my family as my biological daughter. I don’t see or recognize a
difference. It is a reminder of the concept the Bible speaks about in being
adopted into the family of God. In Black Widow we see a form of this taking
place. We see that despite rough times, disagreements, differences in
personality, that family, in the end can conquer all when seen as family. It is
in family that everyone can use their specific strengths in overcoming the
difficulties and surroundings around us. In that regard, Black Widow delivers,
more so than I thought it would, despite the lack of story.
This is not a great movie, but it is entertaining and
enjoyable. It has good themes and like I said, it is still drawing crowds. I
saw it on a Tuesday night, and it was still a sellout. It’s worth seeing but
don’t expect the strength of some of the other Marvel films, don’t be disappointed
that it doesn’t seem to fit up to the trailer for the movie. I will give
another hint though, make sure you stay until the end of the credits for the
closing hepiloguej that gives details as to an upcoming and future Marvel
storyline.
On a sale of 1 – 10, it is still definitely better than
average and will provide for a fun time at the movies. So I give it an
entertaining 7
To see the trailer for the movie, click on the following link:
Marvel Studios’ Black Widow | New Trailer - 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
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins
Okay, let it be known from the very start, I am not now, nor have I ever been happy with the redirection and retelling of the G.I. Joe story and characters as presented in recent movies. I am old enough that I grew up with the original G.I. Joe and appreciated the origins of the characters being American Soldiers who fought for good. Unfortunately, it seems as if that is just not possible anymore to present in any positive light the American Soldier and I believe that could be one reason so many look down on the soldier, and many first responders including policemen. Now that said, let me move on since I’ve gotten that major pet peeve out of my system,
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, is just that, an origins story of the G.I, Joe
character Snake Eyes played by Henry Golding. He is a martial arts artist who
saw his father killed when he was a child. As he becomes an adult, he is
obsessed with finding his fathers killer and exacting revenge. He is driven by
anger and hate. It is as he is working undercover for a government agency that
he decides to defend Tommy/Storm Shadow a Japanese man of wealth and power to prevent
him from being killed. Snake Eye gets into Tommy’s family and goes through a
difficult initiation process to become a part of the family, while at the same
time, working for a group attempting to take the family out. In his efforts to
get in with the family Snake Eyes discovers that they are more loyal and
ethical than those he is working for. What transpires is a martial arts action
film complete with car chases and all the things that make some people happy in
a movie.
I’ll admit, I on occasion like a good action movie that delivers, and while
Snake Eyes clearly delivers on that front, it lacks in other areas that are
also important to me, say, like plot and story. Unfortunately, it doesn’t just
fall short in that area, it falls way short. I think a lot of it has to do with
the formula some of these types of movies have taken on. It seems as if the
primary driving force is the action, often enhanced by CGI and part action,
part fantasy. In that regard Snake Eyes follows the formula to a t. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t a boring film,
there are even some good attributes to think about, but while it’s certainly
watchable, it’s just a tad better than average, some may say, a tad below.
The
one thing about the story I liked is the redemptive journey of the character
Snake Eyes. We not only see this to some extent with his character, but we also
see him move from a character of vengeance to a character that can display
mercy. In part we see his character change because his character learns to see
people for who they are and in that he also sees their value. Of course, there
are those who would present themselves as friends who deceive him, but
thankfully for the sake of some story that is presented in a positive way, he ultimately
recognizes who the good guys are as well as the bad guys.
Unfortunately,
in life we are all faced with aspects of deceit. The Bible tells us that the
Devil is the author of confusion or deceit if you will, but we need to also
remember that the Devil also tried to deceive Jesus and, in the process, used
scripture to do so. Saying good things, using good holy books and things of the
sort do not guarantee one of truth. Sometimes though we seek the feel-good
approach and attempts of those who would deceive us to the point that we don’t
ultimately search for truth in the things they say or the causes they promote. Snake Eyes in this movie goes through some
tough times and there are consequences to those around him due to his actions,
but he has time, a script written around him to help him succeed, but those of
us in real life don’t always have that written for us on a movie screen because
we live in a real-life world. In that case, we can use movies like this to
cause us to contemplate on things like; Are there areas I’ve fallen short? Do I
check out my surroundings and those around me or do make quick decisions to
feel accepted? Am I willing to change
once I recognize my mistakes? What ways are there in my life where I’ve made
mistakes to correct those mistakes? How do my actions impact others around
me?
Snake
Eyes ultimately must come to the realization that there is a power that is beyond
the powers we should possess, and those powers can be used for good and evil.
Just as in real life, yes, even in Christianity, there are those who would use
it for their own purpose and do harm to others as opposed to representing a
faith that was founded on the principles and concepts of love. A love that when sacrificially given can make
a difference not only in our lives, but the lives of others.
At
least the movie Snake Eyes touches on many of the above concepts which is why I
will give it a slightly above average score. It’s okay, not great, not boring
but not exactly memorable either. It is for that reason, on a scale of 1 – 10 I
give Snake Eyes, an okay 6.
To see the trailer for the movie, click on the following link:
Snake Eyes | Final Trailer (2021 Movie) | Henry Golding, G.I. Joe - 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 Pay Pal, donate at paypal at mike@furches.org
To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches
You can also always donate to The Virtual Pew at 1249 North Saint Francis, Wichita Kansas 67214
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
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