Tallgrass Film Festival, 2014, Arts on the Plains

Over the last 4 or 5 years I have had the honor of covering The Tallgrass Film Festival in Wichita Kansas. It is according to some, one of the top 10 film festivals in the country and some say one of the top 2 or 3 in the Midwest. Let me tell you from personal experience, as both a reporter and filmmaker who has attended and had films shown at Film Festivals, from North Carolina to California; Tallgrass is at the top on my list of festivals I have attended as both a reporter and more importantly, a filmmaker. To put it bluntly Tallgrass has a volunteer organization that is among the top in the country with over 200 volunteers and a Board of Directors and Executive Director that are also among the tops, bar none.  They are not only good at what they do, they are passionately in love with film. What they have done in my opinion is nothing short of miraculous. This year Tallgrass which runs from October 15 - October 19, has partnered with Vimeo and numerous other sponsors and had submissions go from around 600 last year to over 1,200 this year. They have over 200 films showing this year and each year during October Tallgrass brings to Wichita one of Kansas premiere events. 

Last nigh as I watched Life Itself, the documentary about Roger Ebert, I was reminded of the blessings I have as a film reviewer and filmmaker to be able to take part, once again, with this terrific festival, this year as a reviewer of film. I was reminded by a movie about the life of Roger Ebert as to the role of film, especially independent film. A Concept Tallgrass uses in its press, "Stubbornly Independent," gives credence to the support this terrific festival gives the independent filmmaker, offering not just accommodations and support for those coming from out of town but also classes on making and understanding film for the attendees to the festival. It also says something about a mid sized Midwestern Plains town and their respect for film. Wichita has among the top theaters in the country, including a weekly top 5 grossing theater with one of the largest IMAX screens in the world and a blossoming arts community that continues to grow despite idiotic cuts in funding to the Arts by those in our political system.  A confusing cut this reviewer and fan of film hasn't forgotten about that had the arts bringing in additional revenues to Kansas above and beyond the financial support. In other words, the arts in Kansas didn't just use tax revenues for support, they returned what was given and then more for a profit. Wichita is a community which clearly loves film, and comes out in groves to support film. Film by independent filmmakers is something Roger Ebert supported throughout his career and the recognition of that last night with a large crowd of supporters on hand, along with the Producer of the film Life Itself, Zak Piper was a reminder of that support. Not to mention a packed house at the Old Depot in Wichita for the after party Gala. 

Today I am ready to get busy to check out 3 more films, Down and Dirty the documentary feature about Johnny Winter, Fight Church a documentary about churches using MMA to promote the Gospel and Mad as Hell a documentary regarding Cenk Uygur a controversial talk radio show host who had his hands tied once moving to MSNBC for a television program. There is one thing I know for certain, there is no way I will be able to see all 200+ films but I will do my best to see what I can. An opportunity on the Plains of Kansas where I am honored to check out and report on the movies. Roger Ebert inspired me in that regards, I love what I do and I  have to give thanks to all of those wonderful people behind the festival that have blessed me and literally, thousands of others through this incredible, blessed event called Tallgrass.

To see Rod Pocowatchit take on the following video, just click on the video, if the vid doesn't work, click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPhZft9b2wg

Photos from the opening night at The Orpheum

 

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.


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Basketball Diaries and Jim Carroll

It was 1995 and one of my old friends had contacted me telling me about a movie:  "Hey Mike, you really need to see this, it is so much of what our past was like." I hadn't heard of the movie at the time although it had had some success in theaters and was picking up a cult audience on VHS (the format prior to DVD and digital streaming.) The movie, The Basketball Diaries starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Jim Carroll, and Mark Wahlberg as a friend named Mickey. It was based off of the true story by Jim Carroll a kid who had some talent in basketball who had experienced numerous sexual escapades and ultimately becoming addicted to Heroin while living on the streets of New York. To this day the movie is the best depiction of inner city life and drug addiction I have seen. It moved me so much I went on to write additional verses to a song featured in the movie, written and performed by Jim Carroll, People who Died.

"Cherry got stabbed from a deal gone bad, Sue was a friend and she huffed Pam. Jeff was a friend he jumped from a bridge, Daryl used a bullet and Dinky OD'd.   All my friends who died my friends who died on me."

"These are the people who died died.  4X

They were all my friends and they died."

"You're friend Eddie must have been a good man, my best friend his name was Stan, a musician, writer and a thinker to.  Stan took a shotgun put it to his head, now my friend named Stan is dead." 

"These are the people who died died.  4X

They were all my friends and they died."

The Basketball Diaries is in a few words, "A brilliant movie." It exemplifies for many the horrors of growing up in the inner city, the power of drugs over ones life and the unfortunate death of ones close to you. With the recent death of Robin Williams this movie resonates more than I would have thought after seeing it again after all these years.  While there were other excellent movies with Leonardo DiCaprio, Basketball Diaries helped launch him as a serious star. The film directed by Scott Kalvert who used the music video style he was familiar with directed a brilliant bit of work. Unfortunately Kalvert died on March 5, 2014 of suicide. He was preceded in death on September 11, 2009 by the author and subject of The Basketball Diaries, Jim Carroll. Carroll upon his death at the age of 60 looked emancipated and appeared as if he had continued drug issues causing his heart attack. There has also been speculation that his appearance was in fact due to other health issues such as Hepatitis C. 

Just like the auto biographical character in the movie Carroll struggled with addictions for some time. There was even some speculation due to his appearance of his possible usage of drugs prior to his death which was classified as a heart attack from his former wife and long time friend Rosemary Carroll.

One of the beautiful things about movies is they sometimes mirror real life. Yet, one of the terrible things about movies, is at times, they some sometimes mirror real life.  This is the case of The Basketball Diaries, and while the movie leaves us as viewers thinking that life moved on and all was well for Jim Carroll, that simply wasn't the case. There was a continued addiction, albeit at times looking like he had defeated it, yet, despite having hit songs like Catholic Boy and People Who Died with his band, The Jim Carroll Band, having interacted with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, The Rolling Stones, Patti Smith, Andy Warhol and many others, he still died in a desolate state with those haunting memories of his past living in the neighborhood where much of his earlier story had taken place. He was unable at times to get to the store and was reliant upon others helping him with the most simple of tasks.  

The Basketball Diaries is in my opinion, one of the most thought provoking independent films ever made despite the controversy surrounding the film in the past in relation to a dream sequence involving a school shooting. From a former user of drugs who grew up in the streets, living a life at times similar to that of Jim Carroll, this is an incredible film.  Unfortunately, just as in the movie, it is also a reflection of an individual some had issues with being around, unfortunately, even people of faith. Jim Carroll was open about his search for spiritual truth, both in the movie, and in real life. Yet, many, just like today, look at his addictions and depressive states as something to mock, make fun of, claim that Jesus was needed to cure all of his problems and much more. It isn't to say there aren't answers and solutions in Jesus but I can't help but wonder, if one illustrated the true love and mannerisms of Jesus by offering friendship, help beyond just words, could there have been a difference? Would Jim Carroll or those others like him we may know respond appropriately to that love? It seems as if many at times choose to, willingly or not, drive people away, ignoring their pain and by the actions at times of rejection, drive them to the solutions they think is best for themselves while often rejecting faith while at the same time substituting drugs and in the case of some even suicide. Jesus stated that his followers should draw all men and women to him, unfortunately, for many, we tend to drive them away. It is sad and ultimately the sadness we see in the real life conclusion of The Basketball Diaries continues on for long periods of time after we think the story is done. 

The Basketball Diaries is a harsh movie showing the reality of some. I can attest to witnessing the life of Jim Carroll in the lives of others and at times my own life. I long for a Church, a people, that would love people like Jim Carroll, in both his good and bad times, people who seek solutions to the cause of his pain, not just ignore it, make fun of it, or mock it. Jim Carroll was considered a genius, some compared him to Bob Dylan and state that his writings, especially his poetry early on as some of the best prose ever written. While there is some speculation over his death, there should be none over his talent. God lets it rain on the just and the unjust and he gives talents and gifts to each of us. The Basketball Diaries for what it is, is a terrific reminder of that. It is a reason it remains until this day as one of my favorite movies of all time. For those who haven't seen it, look for it, watch it, see reality as it has seldom been portrayed on screen. While it may be unfortunate it is also a reminder to love those who are less than fortunate, including those we may get to see talent in, if we give a chance. It does something else though, something beautiful, it shows that movies can educate us as to the reality of others and of our own need to understand. In that regard, I believe The Basketball Diaries is one of the best movies I have ever seen. God bless those who hurt and help those of us looking in from the outside have the compassion of Jesus.

To see the following video by The Jim Carroll Band, People Who Died from the movie The Basketball Diaries, click on the video, if there is problems with the video, click on the following link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bOjc70f4p8

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.


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You're Next

Let’s get one issue out of the box, right off the bat, I will admit, I like horror, especially good horror. I will also admit, right of the bat, I don’t like bad horror. Now to clear up another expected misconception, I review film, I hardly endorse it. Some people think I endorse film simply because I review it, wrong! This view irritates me to the max. So, now that I have that off my chest, let me start, a new release I expect to do incredibly well on opening weekend is the release of the new slasher film, You’re Next. I went out with some friends for the advance because it was available to see. I didn’t expect much from the trailers, didn’t really want to see this movie as I am not generally a fan of slasher films but I decided to go anyway. What did I get? Exactly what I expected.

You’re Next starts off with a couple engaging in some rather explicit love making, my inward thoughts, (maybe I said something out loud to my friend Robert who was with me) was; their dead! Don’t they know Rule #1 in all horror movies? No Sex! Now to give you fair and advance warning, there is virtually no way to do a review of this film without giving some spoilers, I will try my best not to do it, but be forewarned. Now, back to Rule #1, opening sequence, involves sex, seemingly for no other reason than to show the sex, by the way, like I said, everyone should know Rule #1 prior to being someplace where there is creepy music (not the soundtrack it was actually quite nice hearing long time favorite Dwight Twilley) but the soundtrack, situation, back in the woods away from everyone else, well, remember Rule #1.

Shortly thereafter we are introduced to a rather strange and large family. We see a mom and dad driving back into the countryside to their seasonal home. While the home is large and isolated they are going there to celebrate 35 years of marriage. There have been some psychological issues but things are looking up for the wife. During the first couple of days there are a few strange occurrences in the house but all the children arrive along with boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives. The family is together and like many families there is conflict and sibling rivalry. Mom and Dad don’t care though; they feel blessed that the family is back together. They sit down for dinner, complete as a family with guests on the first night they are all together. They pray over the meal they are about to eat in an apparent sincere way. One of the boyfriends notices something outside, goes to look and during the midst of an argument between two brothers he is shot through the head with an arrow from a crossbow. Immediately the onslaught starts and a blood fest takes place over the next 90 minutes or so. What happens on screen next may be enough to garnish the favor and awards from film festivals and patrons but I just didn’t enjoy it.

You’re Next is a low budget film and it shows, from the sound to the direction, to the very predictable plot I
wasn’t impressed. The acting at times is okay and the exception is Sharni Vinson the Australian actress who plays the part of the heroine, Erin. She is exceptional at playing a believable heroine who as a strong woman who caries the load not only within the plot of the movie, but in many ways, for the movie itself. Oh yeah I did enjoy the Dwight Twilly songs in the soundtrack even though I heard them, over, and over, and over.

There are themes in You’re Next that I think worthy of discussion, including how it seems that many in our society have a lackluster perspective of the family. While sibling rivalries are to be expected, one has to wonder, has the family unit gone the way of the dinosaur? We see presented here, a mother and father who have gone through some difficulty, from the actions and attitudes of their children one wonders of the contribution the children may have played in the ultimate downfall of this family. Families in general, now don’t sit around the table, don’t play, they compete, fall apart and out of love with each other. While there are evil people involved in this story, the real tragedy is rooted in the lack of and inability of this family to legitimately love and care for each other. It is unfortunately more about the individual than it is the family unit. There is no respect for the parents and what they have gone through in life. While many of the patrons in the half way filled auditorium I saw this film in laughed throughout the movie, I didn’t, I found the movie poorly made but also sad in its themes. Is this what we have come to? Is there no hope for loving families anymore?

For me, outside of the good job done, and the strong female themes played out particularly by Sharni Vinson, I found this movie to be a waste of time and money. While the themes regarding the breakdown of the family are worthy of discussion, I can’t help but wonder, could the family, especially the mother and father, have done a better job at teaching their children about a relationship with God as opposed to just knowing of God? I wondered are we as a society doing any better today. Do we run the risks presented here, not of a bunch of killers with masks killing us off one by one, but instead, of us as families growing a part day by day. There are lessons here not just for the family unit but also this thing called church, which often refers to itself, as a family. It is here, in the not knowing, loving, and sharing in life together that I wonder, are we all experiencing the potential horrors represented in You’re Next?

Due to not really enjoying myself at all, seeing a movie where the themes and plots have been done far better many times before, I unfortunately give this movie a rather distasteful review. On a scale of 1 – 10 for the things three things they were lacking in life, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I give a very disheartening 3

To see the trailer for the film just click on the video posted below, if the video doesn’t appear, click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufUQWpEkbf0


The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

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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.orgYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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Immigration Tango

Sometimes you see the advance reviews on a movie and they are so bad you say to yourself, ‘Those reviews are so bad I don’t know why I would bother to waste my time watching this.’ Unfortunately for some like me who do movie reviews, we get stuck seeing those movies. When this happens and the movie is bad, it doesn’t matter how much fun people think it is reviewing movies. Of course there are times that one finds out things aren’t nearly as bad as those reviews have stated. When you have the opportunity to see it with an audience and the audience claps at the end of the movie, you know it is possible some of those high brow movie reviewers need to get a life. Immigration Tango is such a movie. While it isn’t a classic in cinema, it is a rather entertaining crowd pleaser that had the audience I was watching it with laughing and clapping at the end of the movie.

Immigration Tango has a rather predictable premise, four friends, two couples, one of the couples not US citizens and in threat of deportation. The couples plan a fake marriage to prevent deportation. Elena Dubrovnik is from Russia and her fiancé Carlos is from Guatemala. Elena, played by Elika Portnoy agrees to marry friend, Mike to obtain citizenship. Carlos, played by Carlos Leon, decides to move in with Mike’s girlfriend so they can later pull of the same scheme. What ensues is easy to predict but as bad as this movie is at times, it is innocent and fun enough to make it entertaining.

As is the case with most low budget films there is not the use of popular music in the soundtrack. Much of the music is from indie bands and some of them are quite good. The acting isn’t the best but it isn’t half bad. The character of Elena played by Portnoy has an innocence about her that makes the part work. There is actually some decent acting and funny moments, not of the belly laugh variety, but the cute, this is fun type. Much of that is provided by Carlos Leon. Then for every comedic moment you need a straight actor to play off of. In this, McCaleb Burnett who plays the part of Mike White also does a decent job. I have to also give credit to a decent job of direction provided by David Burton Morris. He has a not so bad script by Martin L. Kelley. It is the cute factor of this movie that keeps it from being half bad and Morris understands that.

While this isn’t a half bad movie, as stated earlier, it is predictable. As the characters spend time with each other, you can predict the things that happen. In a crazy sort of way though, even though it is predictable, it is entertaining. One of the things that add a little to the comic relief is the investigation by Immigration Agent Ravencourt played quite nicely by veteran character actress Avery Sommers.

One of the things that Immigration Tango does quite nicely is it addresses the aspect of marriage. We see two individuals in a marriage of convenience recognize and speak about the real issues related to marriage. There is a since of morality with one couple that prevents them from acting on the desire to see the other nude. In a world where many have little respect for what some call the ‘institution’ of marriage the director plays to this with a measure of respect. I couldn’t help but think of how in America, it seems as if our society says it marries out of love, but I have to question, do we? With the divorce rate as high as it is, we have to ask, where the love is. One of the things I appreciated is that as two of the characters spend more time with each other, there is a mutual respect that develops and there is a time where love happens. We see that love isn’t based on sex, or other areas that many associate it with; it is based on spending time together, learning the other’s interest, liking the other, and then, ultimately the physical relationship can develop.

Immigration Tango is not a great movie, but it isn’t a bad movie. It is entertaining with some laughs and some cute moments. It isn’t what I would consider a DVD worth owning but it is one I would feel comfortable recommending renting. It could be a fun date movie, and while rated R it wasn’t offensive to me. There aren’t many special features on the DVD other than a Filmmaker Commentary, which features the director and cast, and a theatrical trailer. I suspect most seeing this won’t be into the features anyway. It will still provide an entertaining evening for some. As stated earlier, I watched this with a number of friends on the big screen projection unit. It transferred well and the 40 or so friends watching it with me, applauded, laughed and had a good time. I suspect their recommendation will speak for itself.

To see the video posted below, click on the video, if the video doesn’t appear or appears in distorted form, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8PuaaX_mrI


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A Cold Day In Hell

A tagline on a DVD box can catch your attention, and ultimately sell the product. I recently had the assignment of reviewing the DVD A Cold Day In Hell and the taglines had me pretty excited about the review. Mr. Stuart Alison from Independent Film Quarterly had a couple of dynamite sounding tags on the product. “3:10 To Yuma Rides Up Next To True Grit.” And “The Best Film Michael Madsen Has Starred In Since Reservoir Dogs.” These make it sound exciting doesn’t it? After reading these tags and then watching the movie, I had two prevailing points of view. If the rest of Mr Alison’s reviews were of this nature, he needed to quit doing movie reviews as he is depriving the public of truth. The other was this, if horribly bad films often turn into cult classics, A Cold Day In Hell just became the leading contender for the all-time classic cult western.

In looking at this movie technically, I honestly don’t know where to start. I could simply say that virtually every technical aspect was horrific and among the worst I have seen in many years. Let me be brief here as I want to be respectful in my review. This movie had some of the worst acting, set design, costuming, plot, continuity, and virtually every other aspect of filmmaking in a movie I have ever seen. I could go into so much detail here such as contemporary houses in a western scene, the usage of bad wigs and poor make-up in such an amateurish way that I am personally amazed at how this movie received the funding it did to be made. One would wonder if it was the intent of the director to make a bad movie, but you just don’t get that feel.

The story line in A Cold Day In Hell is so hard to follow that I am still in a state of confusion trying to make sense out of it. While Michael Madsen is in the movie, I am trying to figure out his role other than a name actor in an independent film. He is in so few scenes; you are never quite sure what his role is other than a sort of dishonest Marshall. There is virtually zero development in his role other than to provide a name to the movie. The closest thing to character development is in the role of Tether played by Ronald Bumgardner and his daughter Savannah played by Kimberly Campbell. Tether is a long range shooter who left home after the death of his wife. He has moved from place to place and he is now searched out by his daughter. It comes to be that as their relationship starts to develop, he realizes the need to come back to reality to provide defense to his former town. There is a land baron, in the disguise as a banker who intends to wipe the town out for financial gain. He has had others killed for their failure to give their land and property over to his band of outlaws. Tether comes to the rescue with shootouts and fights that resemble nothing like we have ever seen before. There is such a bad display of filmmaking including non exploding explosives during one scene where dynamite is shot with a rifle that one has to wonder, ‘What was this director thinking?’

My faith tells me at times to beware of a thief who would come in the night. Sometimes in life we have to be warned of those who would take advantage of us. This movie, its quality is one that unfortunately takes advantage of the viewer who would either rent, or purchase it. There is an admirable concept on the need to look after those who are weaker, but this story is done in such a poor way that I for one think more about how the consumer who purchases the movie will be taken advantage of than I am the characters in the movie. I am also reminded though of reviewers who for whatever reason will give a quality review for a movie no matter how bad it is. I have always found it critical to watch all of a DVD when reviewing it, what special features exist, (for this one, they are virtually non existent) what is it like from the start to the very end of the credits and so forth. I owe it to those who are spending their hard earned dollars to either rent or purchase a film. I have purchased movies before because of the taglines; I may have at least rented this one as I love True Grit and 3”10 to Yuma. I would have been even more disappointed had I done so. A Cold Day In Hell is a perfect reminder that when in doubt as a consumer, check things out before putting the money on the table. There are far too many people who have limited funds and just as there those who will take advantage of others in regards of finance, there are movies that will take advantage of the consumer. The Western is a loved genera; many of its viewers include older citizens on a fixed income. My faith also tells me to watch out for, to help and look out for the interests of orphans and widows and those in despair. This movie also reminds me of another concept that drives my faith, which is to do all I do with all of my potential. Unfortunately, the 1.5 million dollars spent on this movie was a waste of money that could have been spent in more effective ways.

This may be the worst movie I have ever seen, it is certainly the worst western I have ever seen. There is virtually nothing positive I can say about it. It is that bad, and being that bad almost makes it worthy of cult status. I could have a lot of fun with people watching it in a cult series; I just can’t imagine that people would watch it enough to memorize the lines which would make the mocking of the movie fun. Of course the same could have been said about other films that were bad, who knows what would and could happen here.

Personally, I feel as if I was robbed of my time watching A Cold Day In Hell. In no way that I can think of would I sit down to watch it again, even if you paid me. Now of course I may take the offer of pay if in a dark theater, with ear plugs in, and the potential to take a nap, at least then I would have a dream that would have some level of plot, and if really bad, the potential to forget and not remember. I wish I had a good western to recommend for you, unfortunately, this isn’t it. I hope you don’t find out how right I am.

To see the video posted below, click on the video, if the video doesn’t appear or appears in distorted form, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9EOPVjLV14


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The Dry Land

Sometimes we hear so much about a film. Our expectations are high, our hopes are endless. I had heard so many good things about The Dry Land. It dealt with a subject close to my heart; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and regarding an issue we should all be concerned and knowledgeable about, soldiers returning home from war.

The Dry Land is a film with promise, promise because it has a wonderful, young cast of up and coming actors such as America Ferrera, Ryan O’Nan, and Jason Ritter among others. The movie is doing quite well on the Film Festival circuit with such accolades as an official selection at Sundance and others. The film, directed by Ryan Piers Williams follows the return of United States soldier James, played quite nicely by Ryan O’Nan to his small community. He has his wife, a dog, and a job that many would hate, working at a slaughter house. On the surface this is what James has upon his return as a United States Soldier. What he also has though is suppressed memories, and some tragedies he would just as soon forget. As a result of these difficulties and others, James has some emotional issues to deal with.

The Dry Land looks like a good independent film bordering on the edge of greatness. I suspect it depends on what side of the fence one is on which will determine how one sees and views this movie. As for me, I couldn’t help but notice how close it was to greatness in some areas, and yet so far in others. One of my biggest pet peeves in movies is the quality of sound and the quality of lighting. Unfortunately, The Dry Land at times failed miserably in both areas. There were times there were obvious weaknesses in both areas. I was also disappointed in the plot and advancement of the film. While dealing with some tough subject matters, it fell just a tad short in the quality of final product presented on screen.

The movie follows James on his return home from war and the ultimate conflict that develops between him and his wife. While he obviously loves her, there is a lack of understanding on her part as to his new persona, and a lack of knowledge and understanding on his part as to his current state of mind. The exploration of understanding between the characters almost makes this film worthwhile. I personally admired the willingness of the character to seek out help once he understood his own need for understanding his war experiences. He has experienced things in war he doesn’t remember, and those things are impacting who he is, and how he relates to others. These realities cause conflict with not just himself but with his friends.

The Dry Land does adequately explore the horrors of war, after the return home. Many, believe that war ends when you get on the plane to come home. The reality is though, that for many there are the nightmares, the explosive anger issues, and the relationship issues that can come about once the person returns to the so called ‘normalcy’ of life. While this concept is evident within many a returning soldier from war, one can also be challenged to think about and reflect on the unseen horrors and experiences of those we come into contact with. While many soldiers and victims of sexual abuse have experienced unimaginable horrors that impact their psyche, others in life have experienced things we may not be aware of. Here the movie impacts a couple of areas that are somewhat powerful. One is the willingness of one to recognize their own weaknesses, and the other is the sacrificial love of others that has the potential to come about. Unfortunately for some, that sacrificial love is all too late, for others, it is just in time. Each individual has a need to figure when and how they fit into the spectrum, when do we need help and are we willing to go after it, and if at a semi healthy place, when do we respond to others who need help, and will we respond. It is when we recognize the greatest love we can display for another is to step between them and a life threatening situation that we can ultimately come to a place where we can save a life. It reminds me of the concept in the Bible that states, ‘No greater love has anyone than this; that they would lay down their life for another.’

I felt The Dry Land was so close to brilliance, that I could taste it. I wanted it, I hoped for it, but I felt the movie unfortunately fell just short. For many others though, they have seen what they consider a great movie with a lot of important areas that it addresses. This is one that will depend on the viewer I think. For many this movie will be long and drawn out, as the action is the interpersonal conflict among the characters. For others this movie will be an emotional, thought provoking experience that causes them to reflect on not just the ongoing horror of war, but the reality and hurt within ones own personal experiences. I can’t determine what you will think, what you will experience, I just know that for me, I left wanting more of a story, more about the background characters, and more hope. I wanted more out of The Dry Land, I just didn’t get it. I am glad others are though, I just wasn’t one of them.

To see the trailer for this film, click the following video. If the video doesn’t appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMAIzrmgeIQ

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Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

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

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Winter's Bone

Independent film is normally done out of love. It is often made without the big budgets of studio movies, and there is an authentic touch of love and appreciation involved in the stories portrayed on screen. Often times those involved work for scale if there is any pay involved at all. There are hopes the film will take off and if there are financial rewards it often comes on the back end where profits come about due to the success of the movie. One of the things that help an indie obtain success is recognition on the Film Festival Circuit. Of those, there are none more respected than Sundance. Opening this week in limited release is a film that has garnished many Film Festival Awards, including the Sundance Awards for Best Picture and Best Screenplay. Winters Bone is a film of brilliance often ignored. One will discover here that there are ample movies being made on the indie circuit that is simply put, incredible.

Winters Bone is the story of a family in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Jennifer Lawrence is already garnishing Oscar Buzz for her incredible portrayal of 17-year-old Ree Dolly. Ree is the primary caretaker of her family. It is obvious that she has quit high school to care for her disabled mother a small brother and sister because her father has disappeared. He was involved in the manufacturing and distribution of illegal drugs, primarily crystal meth. Ree discovers that her father placed their house and property up as collateral for his bond after an arrest. She soon realizes the courts and bail Bond Company is going to take ownership of the property if the father doesn’t show up for court. In her search for her father and in the effort to save the family she starts asking questions, and going places she is told she has no business in. As a result, the story takes the viewer on a dramatic roller coaster ride based not on the thrills expected in big budget films, but in character development and story. Winters Bone slowly sucks in the viewer and has them enthroned until the movies dramatic conclusion.

Debra Granick, the writer and co-director does an incredible job of researching the topic of which she is presenting. While the Ozarks are a beautiful area, we have seldom seen the reality of Ozark living among the poor as is presented in Winters Bone. While not all families are involved in the drug trade, in fact far from it, what we see is a way of life presented that is a part of the life of many, a way of life often either forgotten about or ignored by the general populace. The reality is, there are many that live the lives presented. From those dependant on the land for food, whether meat or crops, to those who live in abusive and difficult situations. One of the things Jennifer Lawrence does in her portrayal of Ree is show us a strong female character. Not since Sally Fields portrayal of Norma Rae have I seen such a strong, real female character. We see the character played brilliantly, but the direction, editing, and cinematography certainly add to the credibility of this film.

One of the strong, thought provoking points presented in Winters Bone is the strength of family. We see the importance of family and the responsibility to family. While many may have forgotten about this concept, we see a portrayal where the poor value and honor this tradition, largely due to their own realization that they have little, it isn’t possessions they want, it is the love of family. We see it as Ree goes from one family member to another trying to find out about her father. She questions their commitment to family as she searches for answers. In her search she reminds her extended family of the importance of family. In the process, she converts many of those around her to the things that are important. The process isn’t easy; there are sacrifices made and consequences for her actions. Not everyone wants or respects the closeness and value of family, but Ree has a commitment she won’t compromise on. She understands her own need to sacrifice in order to see to it that her younger siblings have the chance she never had. She has them practicing spelling and math as she walks them to school, and teaches them not just about love, but how to live. Her example reminded me of an old missionary concept where; ‘it is better to teach a man to fish than it is to give him a fish. When you give him a fish you feed him for a day, when you teach him to fish you feed him for a lifetime.’ As I left the theater and reflected on Winters Bone, I wondered, do we really value family enough to make sacrifices, even the hard sacrifices that shows we love our family?

Winters Bone is a tremendous film, while a little slow, especially at the start, the character development is needed to draw the viewer in, and that, it does. By the end of the film I was sitting on the edge of my seat, anticipating and wondering what would come next. Much of the credit has to go to the cast, while much hype has deservedly been given towards Jennifer Lawrence; I was personally drawn into the character of Teardrop, played brilliantly by John Hawkes. I will likely see this movie again just to watch this artesian paint a masterpiece. This is an independent film that deserves an audience. During the summer hype of many major releases, this is one that deserves an audience, especially if the viewer wants quality acting, and quality story. I anticipate it may get lost in the Oscar Buzz to come about at the end of the year, if it does, it is a shame, it deserves all of the kudos it gets.

On a scale of 1 – 10, while not quite perfect, not far from it a very deserving and enjoyable 9

To see the following videos, just click on the video, if the video don't appear click on the link:

Comments from the Director Writer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-xangQaLTg


The following is the official trailer for Winter's Bone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE_X2pDRXyY&feature=related


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Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

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