Showing posts with label The Virtual Pew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Virtual Pew. 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
Netflix's Procession, Sexual Abuse In The Church and Its Impact
Procession is a
documentary movie that explores the impact of sexual abuse at the hands of some
in the Roman Catholic Church from various priests largely out of the Kansas
City Kansas, Kansas City Missouri locations. Released in November of 2021 on Netflix this
documentary maintains legs and continues to draw viewers. The issue of sexual abuse is one that hits
hard as me as an award winning short and documentary regarding my own abuse,
along with 2 hours of special features has been released as well as my book The
Keystone Kid chronicles my life of abuse and its impact. My own experiences
made watching the film difficult and although my abuse didn’t come at the hands
of the church, some within the church were involved and the longtime trauma was
certainly much the same as what I saw on screen and that is something unique
about this documentary. So it was, after being made aware of this movie by a
listener to the weekly radio show I participate on at KFH Radio in Wichita
Kansas with Jeff and Bob Lutz that I decided to watch this one right away after
the recommendation. My willingness to appreciate the listeners and readers who
make recommendations is one of the few smart things I’ve done in life. This is
an example of that.
Procession is a documentary
that is largely directed and edited by Robert Green. The film follows the
stories of 6 men who have been sexually abused. The uniqueness and beauty,
complete with its own sadness is that all 6 men are involved in the telling of
the story where they reenact there, and each other’s stories in dramatic form. As
the men go through the process, we see their stories and the impact of their experience’s
years later not just on screen, but in real life. I could personally relate to
the dream and nightmare sequences we see portrayed as well as the triggers of
going back to locations where the abuse took place. We see the long-term impact of abuse as well,
especially in situations where people either don’t want to hear, know about, or
act on the abuse of the perpetrators of abuse. We see the impact of many within
the “Church,” that either does not seem to care or certainly is unwilling to
act on the abuse. They focus more on maintaining the image of the Church and
less on the life-time trauma on the victims of abuse. The place of healing is difficult to come to
in part because of the long-term trauma and the realization that people either
don’t seem to care or are more concerned about their religious dogmas.
This film is powerful as
we see everyone relive and work through their stories. Each person’s
experiences are responded to differently. We see one individual who is gone to
a place of withdrawal from society, another who has developed difficulty
relating to others, another who has become a rather brash confrontational
individual, and more. They feel largely misunderstood
because they are misunderstood. Their being misunderstood is a point I strongly
related to. I often tell people, if they really want to understand me, they will
read my book, but often, if not most of the time, they won’t. For those who have they understand the impact
of abuse on the life of an individual, it is painful to relive experiences of
this sort, and this movie details that, not just me, but the six characters in
the film and ultimately, for virtually everyone who has gone through a level of
abuse. I don’t know if it is different for women, but as a man, this is very
much the case.
There is a lot to ponder
in this film. I ponder the reasons as to why the Roman Catholic Church, and I
believe other churches, are so reluctant to address sexual abuse cases within
their congregations? I know from
experiences as I offer to speak at churches and other groups regarding my own
abuse, that I have had people actually get up, walk out of a service, because
according to those individuals as they have told me, these are issues that
should not be addressed in churches. I also know for a fact, that virtually
every church I have ever spoken at I have had individuals in every case come to
tell me about abuse in the church, from janitors, to pastors, and from deacons
to others in the church. Yet, many
churches do now want to have this discussion despite the reality that I know I
have seen healing from people being able to discuss it for the first time in
their lives. That is the starting point of healing.
As questioned in the documentary,
I wonder what these religious leaders will say to Jesus when they see Jesus regarding
their abuse. I can’t help to think of Jesus own words in Luke 17: 1-3 “that it
would be better to tie a heavy stone around your neck and throw yourself into
the sea than to do harm to a little one.” Yet, many, (not all) of those in
ministry purposes where they are called to help others, spend time doing a
lifetime of harm instead of good, to of all people, initially children when in
reality, the harm to that child doesn’t just last for a moment, but lasts for a
lifetime.
In today’s world of
social media and a world where it seems easier to argue, be critical and
condemning of others for whatever reason, maybe just maybe we can take the time
to learn more about issues like abuse. One of the beautiful things about some
things we can see on the screen can have an impact on providing knowledge and
understanding. Maybe the person we don’t understand has reasons or things that
are going on that have driven them to that point. While this isn’t always the
reason, sometimes maybe it is. I do believe though, again from my own experiences,
that sometimes, a friend who is willing to be there during tough times, or even
someone who cares enough to say things like, I would really like you to watch
this movie to let me know what you think in one way, or another is being used
by God to help you address issues you are going through. Then again, maybe
writing about a movie like Procession is a way to let others know who may read
this review realize they are not alone.
To those who have been
abused, male, or female, you are not alone. I realize that due to the trauma
for some of reliving experiences reliving or being reminded of those
experiences may not be a good thing, for others it provides a sense of reality
that you are not alone. I can’t
recommend this to everyone for that reason, but I can say, think about it, consider
it. For others though, I highly recommend it to understand the emotions, traumas
that some have gone through. I also challenge though to the Church and
individual churches, STAND UP! Speak out against abuse and provide help to
those abused in your congregations. We
either act on the concept of love, or we just run our mouths and are no better
than those priests/pastors with their clanging bells on their robes who make a
lot of noise but in reality do nothing more than make obnoxious deafening noise.
On a scale of 1 -10 I would really like to have seen the documentary acted out
in docudrama form in its entirety. This
one would have made two great movies, instead of one very good documentary, so
I give it a very well deserved 8, just a tad short of what I wanted, but still
what I needed.
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
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Sandra Bullock Returns in Netflix's The Unforgiveable
In life we often make choices, those choices are made for
various reasons, some for good and in wisdom, others foolishly that end up
having horrible consequences. The thing is, we never know why one makes the
decisions they do but unfortunately that doesn’t change the consequences of the
choices we make. Such is driven home in the new Netflix movie starring Sandra
Bullock, The Unforgiveable.
Bullock is back in full force in this story driven narrative that explores the
life of a “convicted cop killer.” Along side her are such notables as Richard
Thomas, who to me will always be John Boy from the Waltons but a deserving
actor none the less along with the great Viola Davis, Vincent D’Onofrio, John
Bernthal and others in this nicely cast Netflix Movie.
The Unforgiveable raises many questions that are answered in
the flashbacks throughout the movie. Typically, the use of flashbacks can be
tricky but the script and direction provided by Nora Fingscheidt is spot
on. While there are some minor setbacks
in the character development and story line, it is still nicely woven.
As a society and as individuals we often make judgements as
to what is and what is not unforgiveable. Even in faith there are many
questions as to what is “the unforgiveable sin.” It is amazing at times the various answers
one gets as to what that “sin” might be and unfortunately, we all have our own
individual reasons as to what we deem to be unforgiveable. The movie The Unforgiveable does a good job
at raising questions about judgements about things we may be too quick to
judge. We often base our opinions on our knowledge of a situation but is it
possible that we make those judgements with only partial judgement when our
opinions would change if we knew the whole truth. How does that effect the consequences
on may have to go through because of those quick judgements we have made. Even
there though, sometimes we make voluntary judgements based not on our own need,
but quite possibly in many situations the needs of others. Yet, the consequences
are often the same, and in reality not fair. Who is to blame for those
consequences, the one who voluntarily took them on themselves or the ones
making judgements without knowing the truth?
The Unforgiveable is not a perfect film but it is a film
well worth watching if for no other reason to get us to think about how we
sometimes make poor judgments not just in the doing but in the judging. It was nice to see Sandra Bullock back in
full force as a truly powerful force in the acting field. The supporting cast is superb and quite enjoyable.
The best part of this story though, is the story. The writers of The Unforgiveable
have done an excellent job. The last thing I will mention here is the amazing
trend that streaming networks such as Netflix and Amazon seem to be providing
top notch quality movies that while are deserving of theatrical release are
instead released directly onto those streaming networks. My oh my how the world
of movies has changed.
On a scale of 1 – 10 except for a couple of minor flaws I
give a very deserving and thought provoking 8
To see the trailer for The Unforgiveable, check out the following link:
https://youtu.be/JNUjx7LZoiU
The Following is information about Mike Furches Reviews and The Virtual Pew and ways you can support our work.
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
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
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