Deliver Us From Evil

Sometimes a movie you don’t expect much from will surprise you, when that surprise produces quite possibly one of the best directed, acted, thrilling, mesmerizing scripts you have ever seen that surprise is more than just a surprise, it is a memorable moment that sticks with you days, and even weeks, months and years after the viewing. Deliver Us From Evil the Danish film directed by Ole Bornedal is one of the best films I have seen in some time, and deserving of moving into my top 25 of all time, maybe even higher.

Deliver Us From Evil is the story of two brothers, one who has moved back into his quaint Danish town with his wife and children. It seems as if for the one brother everything goes right. The second brother is one where it seems as if everything goes wrong. Jens Andersen who plays the bad brother of Lars seemingly has a horrific accident where he tries to pass the accident off on another. As a result people are blamed for things they may not have done and this working class small town, used to drunken escapades from its town’s people decides to take revenge on an innocent family. In the process, the concepts of faith and decency are challenged with the precept that all persons, even people of seemingly strong Christian beliefs, are challenged with the reality that certainly the potential of evil, if not evil itself dwells within each person.

Deliver Us From Evil opens with quality filmmaking. The opening sequence reminds me stylistically of the noted Richard Attenborough shots of what is called long shots, without any cutaways or edits. The cinematography in this film is simply put, breathtaking. There is more about the direction of Ole Bornedal though. His use of edits, music and quite possibly one of the most unique usages of sound I have seen in a movie in quite some time is cinematic genius. One of the usages of sound he uses is silence, at times when we would expect noise, or harsh reality we hear silence. In one horrific scene towards the end of the movie there are the images of a horrific event, with no sound other than the birds chirping in the background. Deliver Us From Evil has caused me to search out more work from Bornedal because his work is that good.

Deliver Us From Evil starts off with the bad brother, Lars, making a delivery on a delivery truck. Along the way, he has an accident. In his attempt to hide his responsibility in the accident he gets a Bosnian immigrant who has faced his own horrific events to drive the truck as to appear as if he was the one involved in the accident. The Bosnian, Alain works for his brother and family. When the tragedy comes to the awareness of the town’s people, they go after Alain. Lars Brother, Johannes, takes in Alain to protect him. The owner of the truck company, Ingvar, played by Morgens Pederesen, is a highly religious man following in the footsteps of his wife, who is known as one of the most Christian women of the village. Morgens has an evil side though, and before long, many of the good people of the small community is moved to evil in order to execute what they believe is just vengeance.

One of the things we see in Deliver Us From Evil is each character change from their original impression on screen to become a different person at the conclusion of the movie. Where there is the impression of evil from the start, we see that character eventually show some positive traits, we also see characters perceived as good, become evil. Bornedal presents in a provocative way the potential of evil and its impact. The development of these characters is mesmerizing and thought provoking.

Deliver Us From Evil using as a backdrop to its story the exploration of evil, specifically in reference to what is commonly referred to as The Lords Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Bornedal explores the concept of where evil come from. He presents that there is the potential of evil in each person, and it is more easily accessed than we think. What happens once evil is released is presented in a powerful, horrific, thrilling way that leaves the viewer thinking about what they have seen on screen for some time; for me days after the initial viewing. The importance of protecting ones self from the evil in others and especially the potential of evil within ones self has an impact that will either have us being grateful for the decisions we make, or regretting them and hopefully moving on to something better.

I loved this movie and its power. While there is something I suspect many will dislike, I have held back mentioning it up to this point to hopefully create interest in the film and the willingness of others to see it. For some though, they will have difficulty with the subtitles. While the film is subtitled, it is done so in an interesting way that is easy to read and keep caught up. I love film that incorporates faith perspectives in a real, thought provoking way. While there are harsh realities in this film, from nudity, to language, and even a harsh rape scene, the movie presents in a real way, the dangers of evil and the potential for people to do evil. Sometimes we fight battles around the world without seeing the evil in our own backyards.

One of the things I appreciate, especially in DVD’s is the special features and Deliver Us From Evil delivers. From the Making of Feature to deleted scenes and more, there are things to learn about this movie from watching the features. One thing to learn is the intent of Bornedal regarding the themes of the movie. While many are skeptical of the connection between the religious parallels and themes of a movie, if taking time to watch and listen, especially the commentaries, one will often times find they are not simple illusions they are concepts strongly intended by the makers of the film. There was nothing I didn’t like about this movie; it was as perfect a movie as I have seen in a very long time. It is certainly a movie that entertains but also causes one to think and contemplate on important themes surrounding life.

While Deliver Us From Evil may not be for everyone, it was for me a movie worth owning. It is for a mature audience which appreciates character development, thematic events, quality filmmaking, and good storytelling. If you fit into that audience, this is a must own. If you don’t, at least give it a shot via rental, who knows, you may find yourself liking film the way it should be made, with genius and intelligence.

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=K51Uv_tFpbQ


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The Least Among You

Last week, I just reviewed one of the worst movies I have seen in a long time. It was a faith based film and those who know me, know, I have some reservation about most of these types of film. Unfortunately, in my experience, faith based films are halfway done, and frankly, most of the time, unbearable. There are some good movies though that have story in them, well done, well acted, and have faith as a backdrop. It has been that way for years, and I suspect will stay that way for some time to come. I just had the pleasure of sitting down and watching a film that not only portrayed a part of history but also had faith as a backdrop that was presented in a real and honest way.

The Least Among You is a small independent film which has been picked up for distribution by Lionsgate. Lionsgate in fact has done a good job of picking up good indie films for national distribution. This is no exception. The Least Among You, while having a small budget for a ‘Hollywood’ movie plays quite large on the screen and is quite nice. While there are some story concepts that could have been explored a little more, the overall direction provided by Mark Young, (also the writer of the script) is quite exceptional. The story moves nicely, and there is a very good score for the film with some fun moments. The cinematography and lighting is appreciated and one of my pet peeves of indie films, the sound, is actually very well done. One of the only criticisms is at times the lighting and makeup just do not mesh up. While this is a minor issue, it is at times noticeable.

The Least Among You is a story based on the actual events of Reverend, Dr. Charles Marks. The story, with a name change tells the story of Richard Kelly, played by Cedric Sanders, (who is currently featured in The Social Network). Kelly is a young student with promise who is arrested during the Watts Race Riots of 1965. His mother works diligently to get him into an all white seminary and as a condition of his probation he is accepted into the seminary program. Kelly becomes the first African American student accepted into the prestigious seminary. While there, while one would think the attitudes and reality of racism wouldn’t exist, especially since it is a Christian Seminary. Kelly however has to prove himself on a regular basis and deals with racism and prejudice, even among the Seminary staff and student base. Along the way he deals with a less than honest Seminary President, Alan Beckett, played wonderfully by William Devane, and a professor who was a former missionary going through her own crises of faith, played by Lauren Holly. In a world filled with prejudice, despite the Christian setting, Kelly is befriended by a gardener and maintenance man, played by Louis Gossett Jr. It is here that Kelly rediscovers faith and the ability to persevere through hardship.

In The Least Among You, we see the challenge and questions faced by Richard Kelly as he progresses through stages of faith, and thus, eventually having to take stands for his faith. There is no doubt, Kelly is the featured story but it isn’t just his story. For the first time in a while we see Lou Gossett Jr. play a critical role. Gossett has always been there for emotional moments, and has been recognized for his abilities here, I have little doubt that he played a pivotal role in helping Cedric Sanders in his role as Kelly. We see the characters develop and there is a place for each role in the film, even those small roles. We see for example the importance and influence of a white roommate of Kelly from Texas in helping him understand his own areas of life in need of adjustment. While this character plays a bit part in the film, there is no doubt as to the his importance in the film.

The Least Among You uses faith as a backdrop, and it is done in a respectful, yet thought provoking way. It holds no punches in helping the viewer understand areas where some faith leaders hindered the progress and acceptance of African Americans, even in the Christian community. We are reminded though of the roles many individuals played in the decline of things like segregation, even within the faith community and at such places as seminaries. There was a price to pay, and Dr. Charles Marks was among those to pay a price. While the character based on his life, Richard Kelly is a representation of a real person, in real life, some like Dr. Marks had to live that life. There is the challenge beautifully portrayed and written for the screen that challenges the reality of faith, and the ways and reasons we as people of faith, either act on that faith or, deny it. We often talk about a God who cares, but few seldom listen to and responded to the voice of God. The question is asked, how would one know it is God who is doing the speaking if they bothered to listen? In the faith of Kelly, we see that life isn’t always a bed of roses. The message is not for the faint of heart, there are often consequences for living out faith, and there are sometimes difficult situations we face, it is often in the difficulty that others see the reality of faith, and at that point, are maybe willing, to be inspired.

While The Least Among You had some flaws, I loved this movie. It isn’t just one of the better films I have seen in a while with faith as a backdrop, it is one of the better, and most thought provoking films I have seen in a while, period! From the technical aspects of this film, including especially the acting and story, to the challenge to the viewer to understand our history, and those who paid a price for their beliefs, I liked almost everything about this movie.

One of the things I also liked about the film is the ample, and meaningful special features. I especially liked the interview with the real Dr. Marks, to see and hear him, now a college professor, telling his own story, and seeing him tear up and show emotion, all of these years later, when speaking about that gardener and grounds keeper played by Lou Gossett Jr. was a nice addition to this package. The reminder that even a gardener, even a simple man living a simple life can have such a dramatic impact on the life of another was touching and moving. In many ways, that feature lets the viewer know that in many ways, the real hero of the success of Dr. Marks, wasn’t Marks himself, but a man looked down upon by many, who took on a lowly job of serving others to sacrificially give of himself to better serve someone else. In many ways, that sounds like another named Jesus doesn’t it? In a world where so many strive to be all they can be, it is nice to have a reminder like this movie to challenge us, and move us to the concept of loving and serving others, from no matter what position in life we live.

Among the Least of You, isn’t just a film to educate African Americans, or history buffs, this is a movie to move and inspire all of us, whether we be a teacher, a truck driver or even a janitor working the halls of a school. We can all make a difference if we will but choose to show compassion for our fellow man. It is after all, Among the Least of You, that we will truly change the world, and the lives of those around us, not because we are least, but because we can use our lives to mirror the service and sacrifice of the one who is great, and presented himself as least. That was a lesson that changed the world, and we though our own examples, as presented by the example of Kelly, can at the very least, change the lives of those around us.

To see the trailer for the film, just click on the video, if the video doesn't appear, simply click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEVte1yNEFY


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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

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Open Water, Open Water Adrift DVD Blu-Ray Double Feature

I love the water, I love movies, I love Blu-Ray DVD’s, I love movies about the water, I love good horror, I wish I could say I love the double package DVD of Open Water and Open Water Adrift, but the truth is, I don’t.

Blu-Ray DVD’s are generally worth the few extra dollars they cost, you get a lot more in sound and quality in images. Blu-Ray players coming down in price recently makes for a worthwhile purchase. For many, like me, they find themselves checking out some of the double features on Blu-Ray to save a few dollars. One of the upcoming releases on the double feature disc is the Open Water series based on true events. Many consider these films as fitting into the horror genera so I figured it would be worth giving these films from 2003, and 2006 a first time look.

The premise of the two films is that horrid events lead up to individuals being left in the ocean to face their own demise. In Open Water, we see two scuba divers accidentally left behind in the ocean through a series of events, and in Open Water Adrift we see six friends celebrating a reunion of sorts, along with the birthday of a friend overboard a yacht, unable to get back on board due to not having a ladder. While the themes are largely the same, the movies are uniquely different.

In Open Water we see a horror story, not just in the story itself, but the way it is told. Having to sit through the one hour and twenty minutes of this movie may have been the most horrific and horrid movie experience of my life. While the special features and makers of this movie dwell on the aspects of indie film, I have seen and personally worked with several indie films and filmmakers who are far more deserving of having their work make it to the big screen. Everything from the direction, camera angles, acting, and story are enough to have had me wishing the two principles in the movie would die sooner than later so I could quit watching the movie. There is an underlying theme in both films that causes one to think about what they would do in the last hours of life, how one would respond to loved ones or friends if with those loved ones and friends. Unfortunately in Open Water, these themes are so poorly explored there was little value I could find. It would have been better if for the larger part of the movie there would have been other characters to explore and more of a story to watch. Of course there is value in the inspiration and the process of how an indie film can find national distribution and a large audience as is illustrated in the special features, but that isn’t the film itself, although it is a part of the product.

In Open Water Adrift, we see a poor movie come close to looking like a masterpiece due to the horrific nature of its predecessor. Here we see some 20 minutes of character development and the six characters play off of each other throughout the film. There is an effective use of flashback sequences that helps the viewer sympathize with one of the characters. There is a fair exploration of the role of religion on individuals when they are close to death, or facing what appears to be certain death.

Throughout Open Water Adrift we see persons either turning to faith, remembering faith, or questioning faith as they face death. We see one character who is reminded of the cross and the conflict and pain that came about through the image of that cross. We see pain as a part of her past, her present, and see that it will be a part of her future.

Another character turns to the Lords Prayer as a means of hope and salvation. She is seeks peace despite actions that show how little her faith meant to her in her past. In the end, she realizes the importance of faith, but in the words of another character, there is the question of where is God in the reality that millions of people die without God’s intervention. There is the question of why she and her friends should believe that God would hear their prayers when it is clear there are so many whose prayers aren’t heard.

Many seeking spiritual truth will find those questions troubling. Many people of faith seem to ignore the reality of the world around them. The reality is that for some people, their preconceived notions don’t work. There are innocent people killed in war, dying from starvation and more. There seems to be people isolated by their environment who have difficulty distinguishing the difference between reality, faith, and perceived notions of what their faith is supposed to be.

Open Water Adrift was worth a view, but compared to many movies on the big screen, it still falls short. I wish I could give it a higher recommendation, but truth is I have seen better television movies.

Overall, I wasn’t a little disappointed in this double feature Blu-Ray DVD, I was extremely disappointed. From the sound quality, to story, and from the transfer quality, to special features, there was little of value. Unfortunately, the only aspect of the Blu-Ray that was worth watching in high quality was the previews of other movies and some of the special features of Open Water. I would be okay with watching Open Water Adrift, but would enjoy the conversations started from the questions and points mentioned above more. Other than that, I would say get a bag of microwave popcorn, pull out an old VHS version of Jaws, sit down, and enjoy. The horror from that movie will be far more enjoyable and thought provoking than the horror of having to sit through these two movies.

To see the trailers for these movies, click on the videos below, if the videos don’t appear, click on the links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc7-biVJlJQ

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

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

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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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Up, More Than Just an Animated Movie

As many may or may not know, I have had to reflect on life recently, the meaning of life, love, eternity, purpose, the whole bit. I have done this knowing the reality that my mother was getting closer to the end of her life. A few weeks ago I was finishing up a concert series with a wonderful band named Shel. Between promoting them in 8 concerts and being a part of the opening act we got to spend a lot of time together. On Fathers Day, the band decided to take my wife and I to the movies so we went to watch Disney/Pixars’ summer hit, Up. I had wanted to see this movie as I love great animation and Pixar had yet to let me down, they didn’t just impress me though Pixar provided a movie that for me, up until this point in time, the middle of July, is simply put, by and far, up and away, the best, most entertaining, enjoyable movie of the summer. As of this writing, Up is still in the top 10 films of the summer, and is the third highest grossing film of the summer. I expect that by the time it is all said and done, (including DVD release and sales) Up will even surpass the sixth installment in the Harry Potter series.

Up provides a tremendous story of growing up, letting go, and dreaming. It provides much more than that though, what Up does is causes one to reflect like few films of recent memory. Surprising to some, but not to me, Up is far more of an adult story than a story for children. We see the growth and development of Carl Fredricksen, voiced by Ed Asner, from childhood to old age. In fact the first 15 – 20 minutes of this film could work as a stand alone short, and may be the most emotional 15 – 20 minutes of a film in its opening sequences ever filmed. I would anticipate that easily 70% of the audience is in tears as we see the growth of Carl. This establishes a back drop into old age that any of us past 35 can likely relate to. One of the attributes of a great film though is that it causes one to reflect when they normally wouldn’t. That being the case, one could say that Up goes beyond this point of being a good film to being a great film as it is likely the overwhelming majority of the audience, even young adults watching this film reflect on life in a way they wouldn’t have normally.

Not only does Up provide an incredible first 15 – 20 minutes, it also provides an entertaining joy fest and heartwarming event for the eyes and soul. Everything from the story to the visuals, to the voice talent and music is special. This animated feature does something unique and rare; it takes the viewer into the special world of animation, where only certain things are possible, and then has the viewer forgetting that they are watching animation. In that sense, UP is magical.

While many think the movie is primarily about the young boy, Russell, it is really about the development and growth of Carl, even in his old age, he has lessons to learn, and while it may be hard to teach an old dog new tricks, Carl is open to learning and in that learning process, we all learn there is something we can learn even in old age. We learn things like recognizing and seeing the important things around us. We learn that while we should always be willing to go for our dreams, sometimes the real dreams, the real joys are the things around us. We learn to see that we should never take for granted the things we have, especially the loved ones around us.

Simply put, I loved this movie and now, almost a month later, haven’t been able to get the film out of my mind. As mentioned earlier, I have done a lot of reflecting on life lately. I returned from my mothers funeral a week or so ago, and Pixar did something that we sometimes fail to see in movies, or if we do see it, we are often afraid to let the filmmakers do what they long for, that is allow a movie to touch us, touch us somewhere deep inside the heart, deep inside the soul. I will forever be grateful to a band called Shel for this blessing in life when I needed it. While the movie isn’t perfect, it isn’t far from it. But more importantly than a critical review of a film, it is important I as a person who on occasion reviews film, often watches and enjoys film, realize that film, especially film like Up is a work of art that can reach in, grab the heart, and cause the mind to see things in a different light, and often cause us to walk along a different path in life. In that journey, it is important to understand that loving others is in fact a spiritual journey. I realize that in my faith, God tells me, that loving others in essence loving him. That includes loving my wife in the same way Jesus loved the church, but it also includes loving an orphaned child in a way as to let that child know I am there with them, even in the special moments when they need a loving parent the most. While we may not all be fathers or mothers best friends, or teachers to children, we can be one that provides love to someone in need. I doubt any movie will illustrate these points more seriously and more poignantly this year than Pixars’ Up.

I could write many more paragraphs about this movie, but why do that, I would simply encourage you, if you haven’t seen it, go see it while it is still in theaters. You are going to see a great short from Pixar prior to the start of the movie, but then you are going to see a great movie. You won’t be disappointed, I promise you that. On a scale of 1 – 10, for the 5 letters in Pixar, the two in Up, and the one special feature, I give a very deserving 8. Heck forget that, it is better than an 8 let’s go with a 9, like I said, not quite perfect, but almost.

To see an advance trailer for the movie, just click on the video listed below. If the video don't appear, just click on the following link:

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


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

http://www.furches.org/donations/index.html

The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

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Dallas Season 11, A Huge Dissapointment

There are a few things that are without question, while growing up during the Dallas television show’s heyday, I have to admit, I was never a fan. I just didn’t care for this prime time soap opera. While there were characters I liked, even liked the spin off Knott’s Landing, I just didn’t find any interest in Dallas. There is another thing without question that is the popular television show didn’t need my support to become one of the most successful television series of all time. Dallas contributed not only to the type of programming broadcasters showed for years, it also contributed to the folklore of American television. One of the strange things about the show is that it wasn’t just an American phenomena, Dallas did and still does some 30 years later, entertains people all over the world.

Warner Brothers just released the 11th Season of Dallas on DVD. This 30 episode season brings back some of the old and a few new characters. While it could be debated that the program was on its downward spiral, it still had multitudes of fans and was doing quite well in the ratings.

Technically; season 11 comes off as a television show in the DVD release. I would have hoped for some remastering work on the sound and picture, but unfortunately if those things were done, I couldn’t tell. There is a feel that came about from the 80’s television programs that today would resemble a b-grade television networks regular series. Between the heart tugging strings of the soundtrack and story, and what appears in many of the characters as giving just enough to get by, by their acting, I was reminded as to why I never really liked the show. What Dallas lacked in its later seasons though, it gained some with story and cliff hanger endings that have become popular in television programs today.

Season 11 of Dallas had some rather interesting story lines. We see a resurgence of JR, one of the primary reasons for the success of this program due largely to the ability of Larry Hagman. He never lost a step in the portrayal of one of the great television villains of all time. Bobby, played by the wonderful character actor, Patrick Duffy, loses his wife but finds new love, and Cliff Barnes played by Ken Kercheval continued his hatred of JR and his attempt to destroy JR after he resurrects his oil business. There are times each of the actors contributes greatly to their skill, but the lackluster supporting roles helped doom this for me.

Dallas Season 11 progresses with its typical soap opera story. For those who could follow all of the love affairs, divorces, and rekindling relationships, there was plenty to follow. Does Pamela Ewing, the wife of Bobby live or die? Of all the characters that still want JR dead, who will try to kill him? What will happen to the popular ranch South Park? It was no wonder this series required 30 episodes to complete a season, there is so many arcs to the story to keep you guessing from week to week, and the deception flows from episode one until the completion of episode 30.

Dallas had another lasting attribute as exhibited in season 11. We see the ultimate battle of good vs. evil and the ultimate impact of greed. Dallas displays a story similar to the story of Job in the Bible. We see who to trust, who not to trust, what happens when a good man looses everything, and how does greed play into the attitudes of those who are supposed to love? The directors and producers of Dallas understood the benefit of portraying greed in a deceptive way. We see it and in return can learn lessons for life.

Unfortunately, at least for this one street kid who never had much, I couldn’t then, and I still don’t relate well to the characters in Dallas. I don’t per say have an issue with people having money, but I have an issue with the greed that often surrounds money. Just as it states in the Bible, it is the “love” of money that is the root of all evil. It seemed as if the primary focus of Dallas is the exhibition of that greed. Thankfully, some three years later when the series came to an end, we would see portrayed on screen the struggles and battles JR in particular faced with his inner demons, not just in a metaphorical way, but in a hallucination where he sees himself being influenced by demons and the struggle he had with Satan.

While I can appreciate the attempt to draw these parallels, I still struggle with watching this show. Unfortunately there are no special features to help me understand the characters better, nor any input from the actors themselves. One of the things I personally appreciate about DVD’s is the special features, and this particular DVD is sadly void of anything in that category. I did enjoy seeing some of the characters of this series that become legendary. It was almost worth it to see the character played to excellence by Hagman, unfortunately there is enough wasted time between his scenes and the characters we care little about to make that journey worthwhile.

For those who are Dallas fans, this collection and season may be worthwhile, but with the advances in production quality, remastering, and the potential to offer special features to the viewing pleasure of those dedicated fans I can’t help but think most fans will be disappointed. With a $39.98 retail price I can’t help but think they will be disappointed unless the price is greatly reduced. I wish I could say better things about this DVD, but I have to say it the way it is. There are far better season compellations that respect the fans. I am not certain that the greed exhibited by JR Ewing hasn’t in some way been taken in here to shortchange the fans of the series with the lack of production and special features. Then again, that is a thought from someone who never really liked the series to begin with, I was wanting more, looked for more, but unfortunately, was only reminded of why I didn’t like the show the first time around.

To see the following just click on the video, if the video don't appear click on the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjY3-vaGB_U


The following is from a semi controversial sequence that still has fans wondering from Season 11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY1Ze28Rygw


Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

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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

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

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Forbidden Hollywood Collection Volume Three, William Wellman

TCM Archives
Forbidden Hollywood Collection Volume Three
Six Classic provocative films directed by master filmmaker William Wellman
Other Men’s Women
The Purchase Price
Frisco Jenny
Midnight Mary
Heroes for Sale
Wild Boys of The Road
Reviewer, critic, which am I? I have often thought about this and this is what I know, I don’t especially think much of critics. I am just a regular guy who tries to give a regular take on movies, heck I don’t even know if I am a reviewer, just someone who loves talking about movies. There are benefits of that, I can find a small gem and really have a sense of excitement. When I find a large jewel it is more than excitement, it can be life changing. I have to admit, like most regular folk, I had never really heard of “Wild Bill” William Wellman. Getting the honor and privilege of reviewing Forbidden Hollywood Collection Three, I have discovered a wonderful gem that will likely change my life. While all who enjoy film, including the novice is likely familiar with his movies, William Wellman was a man that is unfortunately not known by many, and one could easily say most, of today’s movie goers are not familiar with William Wellman. That is a shame as Bill Wellman was truly one of the great film makers of all time.

The Forbidden Hollywood Collection is a series of film that was made prior to the MPAA ratings codes. When looking at the films included in Collection Three, I found myself thinking of the criticism many place on film today, the thought where individuals refer to the wholesomeness of “The Good Old Days.” Often people refer to how everything was always pro family, never had adult implications. A look of film in the early days of film can easily change that position. Filmmakers like Bill Wellman was making real life film, facing real life issues since the early days of the movies. From early on in the silent films such as Wings which won the first ever Oscar for Best Picture, to the late 1950’s, Wellman had a lasting impact on movies that will endure forever.

Born in 1896, on Leap Year Day, February 29, this film maker came onto the movie scene directly off of the battle fields of World War One where he was a decorated war pilot. He was a rare breed that believed in the war cause so much that he joined the fight early as an American by fighting for the French, and from there, would take the free spirit, fighting attitude of real life into the legendary films he would direct over the next decades, over 75 films at that.

The Forbidden Hollywood Collection Volume Three, (FHCVT) is a collection of some of the lesser known films by Wellman. Their impact and riveting drama however are not lost in the production. We see some of the imagery that Wellman is noted for, from using driving rain to emphasize part of the struggle and drama, to real life scenarios between characters that could have come directly out of today’s storylines. While these films are not included in the set, some of the impact films that Wellman wrote and directed such as the tragedy of movies like A Star is Born, or the horror of war as illustrated in such films as Ernie Pyle's Story of G.I. Joe . We see those story lines and styles included in FHCVT. We also see the early development of actors like Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, James Cagney. Wellman while using Cagney in some of these films was later credited with the tough guy development of Cagney in his role in Public Enemy, but there were other contemporaries like Clint Eastwood that was highly motivated and molded by Wellman. I have to give it up for Warner Brothers and TCM as well, they have done a wonderful job at restoring the prints and we have a visually beautiful copy of films to watch, especially when considering the age of these movies.

Wellman was a true maverick, true to his values, and strongly molded from his early days as an airman. The lessons of the impact of youth are not lost in these movies. We see real life struggles yet we see that happy endings are not always to be expected. As with real life, there is often tragedy involved as a consequence of poor life decisions. While there may be an attitude of repentance, or one may seek forgiveness, there is still a price to pay for the actions of ones past. We can’t blame anyone else, and certainly not God, we only have to look in the mirror to see who the one to blame for past actions. All one can hope for is to do what they can with the remainder of their life to correct those things, knowing that there are some things that can never be corrected. William Wellman understood this, it is why his career lasted as long as it did, and why it had the impact it did.

Each of the six films in this collection is old, yet has the unique and wonderful attribute of being relevant. That isn’t all though; there is a special disk with this collection that has two features I must comment on.

Wild Bill Hollywood Maverick is a documentary that spans the career of “Wild Bill” William Wellman. Featuring numerous greats telling the story of Bill Wellman it is one of the best documentaries I have seen all year. In fact, with the exception of the second documentary on this film, The Men Who Made The Movies: William Wellman, it was the best documentary I have seen.

The Men Who Made The Movies: William Wellman, is mostly an interview with Wellman with history and film footage weaved into the interview. This is not only the best documentary I have seen this year; it is the best interview I have ever seen put on film. Wellman’s fire, spit, and directness comes across the screen right into your face. This one interview alone is well worth the total purchase price of this entire 6 DVD Collection. Don’t get me wrong, the rest of the DVD’s are exceptional, especially the special bonus features on each DVD, but this interview is exceptional.

I could go on and on, but rather than having to write more about it, I think I am going to sit down and watch some of these features again, and again, and again. It is a collection you will be glad you got if you bother to purchase it. It is indeed that rare gem, that can change a life if you will but let it.

I don’t normally do a score for the DVD reviews unless I really didn’t like the DVD or I really do like it. I would consider this collection a must have for any fan of the movies. For this wonderful collection, on a scale of 1 – 10 I give a very well deserving 10.

Wellman addressed many social issues of the day, many of those issues are still applicable today. The following is a documentary about the wild man himself, Wild Bill Wellman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=250&v=FOmJq7C67U0



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The Dirty Gospel of Reverend Vince Anderson

I was recently asked by a reporter from a popular New York City publication about my thoughts regarding one of my MySpace friends, Vince. Well I had to respond back, “uhhhhmmmmm excuse me, but I have a number of friends named Vince, which Vince are you asking about?” She quickly replied, “The Reverend Vince Anderson.” Well to say the least, I got this great big smile on my face. You see one of my favorite folks at MySpace I have gotten to know, even if only a little, is the Reverend Vince Anderson.

Reverend Vince Anderson you see is an icon in the Brooklyn New York area. He is an assistant pastor at The Revolution Church in NYC. His record label is titled, Dirty Gospel, which is what he calls his style of music. Reverend Vince has four records on that label, which I regret to say I own none, but I listen as much as possible to his music on his page, as well as his YouTube videos. I may just have to remind my wife, and children, that a Reverend Vince CD would be a most excellent Christmas present.

Now I know from the get go, a lot of people will be critical of me paying tribute to someone like Reverend Vince, but I have to tell you, the man makes me think of ways we should be sharing the message of Jesus with folks out there. He made the commitment some years ago to take that message to the bars and taverns around NYC, and over the years has been able to take that message all over the world to various places. Now his methods may be unorthodox, but for some reason, I can’t help but think that his methods bring a smile to the face of Jesus. While many Pharisees will be critical of the approach of going into bars, I know from my own experiences years ago, for those who love Jesus, for those who want to share Jesus with those who aren’t religious, there just isn’t many places better and Reverend Vince is doing a fantastic job of taking his music to the places people need to hear it the most.

While some may not like his methods, I have to ask, is getting people to think about the person of Jesus Christ have benefit? I think it does, I think that if truth be told, Reverend Vince may have gotten more people who aren’t in church to think about Jesus than most any pastor I can think of. You see, the same old methods of the church reaching out to those who aren’t in the church just don’t work. The church has this position that those who don’t know God, don’t love Jesus will come to the church while we are in the process of putting those people down, condemning them to hell and on and on. Well if you ask me, those methods of yelling at, chasing away, and so forth don’t work with dogs, they sure won’t work with people. Reverend Vince in that regard has a concept that works.

I have to tell you, I don’t care much for how the top friends and all are used at MySpace. I personally have my top friends set on random and love it as it prevents me from having to pick out my so called favorites, but ol’ Reverend Vince has his set up the old fashioned way, he has his top friends ordered. I know pride is a terrible thing, but I kind of have this sense of pride in knowing that Reverend Vince, for whatever reason, has had me on his top friends list for some time. I don’t know why that is, but it is and to tell you the truth, I kind of find it as a badge of honor. A man I respect, a man who is doing a lot of things right who understands, values, music and Jesus for some reason sees something in me. I only hope it is Jesus, I know when I look at Reverend Vince, I see a lot of Jesus. For those non religious, spiritually truth seeking folks out there, who happens to love a good measure of blues music laced with organ and horns, check him out for yourself, you will see real quick, he is different.

I have never had the honor of meeting Reverend Vince; have never had the opportunity to visit his church. I hope to someday, I know there will be things we disagree on, I also know there will be things we agree on, we will agree on a good tune laced with the blues, a good friend who many will consider a sinner, and a good savior named Jesus. In the process, we will also agree on the importance of letting people, all kinds of people, know that God does in fact love them. Our methods will likely be more similar than not, and there will likely continue to be many Christians who disagree with the approach we use, but in the long run, I know the methods work. I know they work because there are people listening, just as I am still listening to the music of Reverend Vince Anderson.

Here is the question I would ask each person reading this, are people still listening to you? Is your life, your music intriguing enough that people want to know more? There is this old fashioned, almost Pentecostal concept presented by Reverend Vince in the song, Water To Wine, the concept that “miracles don’t stop!” Yet for many who follow after Jesus, for many who seek spiritual truth it is almost as if we believe that Jesus is somehow different today and that his miracle working power of reaching those in bars, in taverns, the smoker, the toker, Jim Bean lover, sexually addicted, Atheistic, pornographic loving, three pieced suit wearing drug dealing gang banger don’t exist anymore. Well let me tell you, I disagree. Jesus and those who follow him should still be accused of being drunks, gluttons, partying, heathens because of those they hang out with. Not because we are under their influence, but because we are using the influence of Jesus of Nazareth, and his Holy Spirit to share God’s love with a world Jesus came and died for.

Jesus came to earth to give of himself and share his love; surely we can find it in ourselves to go to the places across town where the “sinners” live that need to hear that message of love and forgiveness. Now that song of life that involves sharing Jesus love might be laced with the blues, but it is concluded with a victory party that ends up in heaven. A party I can’t wait to participate in, a party that God is reminded of every time folks like Reverend Vince, Pastor Dave at Third Day in Fresno, David Bruce from Hollywood Jesus, and hopefully I and many others like Reverend Z engage in! In those moments we experience life and do the things we love. We know others can be touched if we do what we do out of love and out of obedience of doing the things Jesus told us to do. We know we have to take Jesus' message of love and salvation to all corners of the earth, not just the fancy smancy, suburbs and theaters of worship filled with gold hungry, pride seeking people in the places often called churches. God forgive us of that sin, and the sins of being critical of people like Reverend Vince who is doing, somehow, and in some ways, the very things I think Jesus would have us all doing.

I hope you enjoy some of the music of Reverend Vince Anderson.


Just click on the following videos, if the video don’t appear, just click on the provided link;

Dorothy’s Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdsvILhLE5E


Abide With Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YeqGqDjBFM


Live from Black Betty’s in Brooklyn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7DaQXzfVic


Live at Black Betty’s, Water Into Wine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3J9imfQu0Y


Dear Lunatics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v9UyFlHoBo


Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

http://www.furches.org/donations/index.html

The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

Hollywood Jesus

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To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

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