The Waltons, Season 9, The Final Season

One of my favorite shows of all time was The Waltons. While I had many struggles as a kid, one of the things I could look forward to in my adolescence was the hope of peace and family that was illustrated in The Waltons. From 1972 until 1981 this television series captured the hearts of multitudes of viewers. I remember watching the show at my grandparents’ house in my troubled years. I will never forget my grandfather and I getting into a rather serious argument because he had another show he wanted to watch during the times The Waltons aired. He wasn’t up for new shows and he wasn’t going to change his mind. I would recall those arguments for the rest of the time my grandfather lived because it wasn’t long after that he and my grandmother became a huge fan of the show. It was a show we would share together, and I in return shared moments of what I hoped family could be. I lived with my grandparents for good reason, and while things were far from perfect on the nights The Waltons aired, I found moments of peace in a difficult life during a difficult time.

To the delight of many, Warner Brothers recently released Season 9, The Final Season of The Waltons. This 22 episode DVD is one that will please not only those original fans of the show, but it will draw in new fans to the series. While the show finished its last season around the top 20 in the Neilson Ratings, it had previously been as high as a #2 show on network television. Some would say it may be the best family series ever. It would be hard for me to argue that particular point.

While I was pleased to revisit the last season of the Waltons, and despite the numerous cast changes over the years, there were some of the typical issues related to some of the WB releases as of late. The series while still providing a quality story line up until the end offers little new to the DVD release. There are no remastering and no special features. While the visual quality of the transfer is easy to view, it is lacking in any high quality that some may be accustomed to. What remains is quality story telling and an ability to portray the characters. While there were changes over the years with some of the characters, most of the actors were able to remain in their roles over the 9 seasons, and not only did those actors remain constant in their characters, we see some of those characters develop and progress. There is especially strength in the development of the female characters, especially the Walton daughters.

Season 9 of The Waltons starts off addressing many issues the series is noted for. This season address issues from the remnants of racism, to the growth and strength of women. We follow the family near the conclusion of World War 2 and the turmoil the family goes through, from the women back home to the sons and others who are involved in the war. The Waltons, just like in the early days of 1972, continued its subtle ways of addressing social and religious themes until the completion of the series in 1981.

The Waltons continued to use as a back drop the importance of faith in not only the rural American Family, but the lives of most Americans in the 1940’s, the time frame the series took place. One of the brilliant aspects of The Waltons, is while it is made in the 1970’s and early 1980’s the show did a fabulous job of replicating the era it is made in. I believe that is one of the things that had many individuals like my grandparents loving the show, it showed in a realistic way what life was like during depression and 1940’s during World War 2. It portrayed the strength of family and for many the importance of things like religion. It isn’t unusual to see the characters turn to their faith and to prayer when trouble comes about. You even see in this season, just like others, religious issues, specific to Christianity addressed and the characters struggle with those issues, whether it be interfaith marriage, or the struggle of how African American’s were treated by many during the time frame.

As a DVD buff, I have to admit, I continue to be disappointed at the lack of special features on many of the WB DVD’s. I loved The Waltons and so many of the themes of this television show is especially relevant today. The show has more to offer and the concluding season of The Waltons is as appropriate today as it was almost 30 years ago. Among those is again, the importance of family. We see a family that loves each other, helps each other, values parents, while at the same time, valuing the concept of serving others and pulling together resources to help each other and their neighbor out.

All of those years ago that I watched The Waltons, I realize now I wasn’t that good of a person. I sometimes wonder if I am now. I do know the value of loving others, serving and speaking up for the disadvantaged is something I learned someplace. While my faith is important to me, I can’t help but wonder if those images of my youth, before discovering my faith, weren’t somehow influenced by The Waltons. I think they were. The value of loving and serving others is something many appreciate; a review of The Waltons is a good way to rekindle some of those feelings. While there is not always good from “The good ol’ days,” sometimes we need to realize, that not all was so bad either. Remembering this classic television show is one of those things that isn’t so bad, in fact, it is pretty darned good.

While the retail price of this DVD set runs around $40, you should be able to find it at various locations for around $30 or even less. Despite the lacking of special features on the DVD, the double sided discs (which I really don’t like) it is still worthwhile because the times, the reminders and the stories are worth it. If looking for earlier seasons, you can find those for less than $20 with a little searching; now those seasons, they are really worth it. Enjoy it and until next time; “Good night John Boy.”

The following is a film clip from Sesaon 9 of The Waltons. Just click on the video, if the video don't appear, just click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5qekcPImbw


The following is 10 minutes from the episode The Carousel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZArxQCN1KKQ


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The Velveteen Rabbit

I have to admit, while growing up I followed Michael Landon Sr. and his work. I really liked and admired him. I felt that after his death we had all lost something valuable. Society needed someone to drive home the concept of family. I was cautious when his son Michael Landon Jr. came onto the scene and appeared to take over his fathers’ vision and work. Despite the caution, I have been pleased with his efforts, and after seeing The Velveteen Rabbit which Michael Landon Jr. wrote, and directed, I have to say, I think his father would have been so proud of what his son is doing. Landon Jr. is keeping the family movie, alive with integrity and quality. For me, The Velveteen Rabbit is without question, one of the year’s big surprises.

Sometimes I get advance screeners worth watching, and others that are a waste of time. When getting The Velveteen Rabbit, I was expecting a hokey animation story done trying to capitalize off a popular story. What I got was a live action / animation blend with a very good story that was extremely entertaining and very moving emotionally. Michael Landon Jr. has directed and provided a movie sure to surprise many who see it. It is so good that I would have liked to have seen wide spread commercial theatrical release. The timing of the release of the movie is the only thing I personally question. This classic story, with a strong Christmas theme is beautiful. It isn’t the first time a potential Christmas Classic has been released outside of the Christmas season, can anyone say, It’s a Wonderful Life. While this surely won’t become as big as that movie, few will, it is destined, at least in my house, to be a regular Christmas viewing.

The first thing I noticed about The Velveteen Rabbit is the cast. While the part of Mom played by Jane Seymour is minimal we actually see quite substantive roles given by Tom Skerritt who plays Horse, and Ellen Burstyn who plays the part of Swan. Between these three we have numerous awards from Emmy’s to Oscar’s. All give credence to their craft in their contribution to the animated segments in the film. The quality doesn’t stop there in the acting. I was also quite impressed with the young boy Toby played by Matthew Harbour. This youngster gives depth to his part, and is a young man the viewer finds themselves caring for. He is surrounded by other notables like Kevin Jubinville who plays Toby’s father, John, his grandmother Ellen played Una Kay also provides wonderful depth as Toby’s grandmother. You find yourself disliking her, and then growing with her character as her character grows. Another wonderful portrayal is by Michael Sinelnkoff who plays the Butler. While having minimal screen time, he provides a voice of reason in this fascinating and addictive story.

I was concerned about the blending of animation with live action, but Landon does a very good job of blending the two to where it is not a distraction. The quality editing, direction, cinematography and periodic costuming is done very nicely and given the detail expected in a major theatrical release. I was impressed with other components of the film often neglected. The quality of sound and lighting were very well done. These are things I seldom make mention of but the effort here is worthy.

The story develops as Toby’s dad, takes him to spend the Christmas Holidays with his grandmother. Toby has lost the joy of family in the death of his mother and his father has never adjusted. Instead of giving Toby the time he needs, he isolates him and spends most of his time at work. This old tale as portrayed in the song Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin, is a reminder of not only fathers but adults who take time away from their children’s lives. Unfortunately for Toby, just like many other children, the adult presence with the child is limited because there is just too much going on for adults to spend time with children. In fact, Toby hasn’t even learned the most basic of skills for a boy, how to throw a ball.

While at his grandmothers, Toby finds a magic attic and it is here that life lessons occur, for Toby but also the viewer if they allow. Toby befriends a stuffed rabbit, and while shedding a tear, the rabbit comes to life and Toby discovers an animated world where he discovers love. It is here that children, in their imaginations discover the things God intended for them, often in the little things we can even learn in the faith of a child.

My son loved the television star, Lassie. I used to watch Lassie every Sunday night on television when I was young. My son, Nathan took it a step further, he would go around for what seemed like hours pretending to be Lassie, never speaking but barking, and doing all of the things Lassie did. I could have, like other parents, ignored this, but my wife quickly taught me this was okay, and to play along. We did, and I still treasure the moments of having Lassie follow me around on all fours as I would give her a treat for being such a good dog. While some think these things were crazy, we knew God gave the imagination of a child to the children for a reason. The treasured moments of spending that time with my own children, who are now both grown, is something that built relationship, it was showing each other love. The Velveteen Rabbit takes this concept of loving and being there for your children to a level that not only children will appreciate, but so will the adult audience.

As Toby goes through his journey, many things happen. We see the results of what occurs when a parent is too busy to provide these moments. The Velveteen Rabbit also shows the joy that occurs when these moments are allowed to occur. We see transformation in the lives of the live action characters, but also in the lives of the animated characters. There is one tragic scene where we learn that no greater love has any toy than to give up their life for a boy. This is an obvious lesson on the passage from the Bible that talks about loving each other.

There are other lessons and examples; we see an illustration of the great Michelangelo art, The Hand of God where we see God reaching down to touch humanity. The touch of a loving parent can resemble in some ways the touch from God. We see illustrations that loving another are worth the risk and when giving love to others we discover life. There is a concept presented that love makes us real but a beautiful reminder that it’s not love that makes us real, it is loving that makes us real. Learning to love means simple things like playing ball together, teaching a child how to hold a bat, knit a darn, it involves spending time with each other, doing things together.

Just as in real life, there are few excuses. We have all had lessons in our life; we know the joys, hurts, pains, and wants. We have people who still get it to give us reminders. One example of this in The Velveteen Rabbit is Neil, a Christmas tree salesman. While a small part, it gives illustrations and lessons to this point. We all have those reminders, unfortunately, it often takes a tragedy, or potential tragedy, to bring us back to a place of understanding, a place of, if you will, loving.

The Velveteen Rabbit is a Chronicles of Narnia type of tale filled with magic and allegory. It is a movie that touches all audiences, not just children, but the child buried in each person. It is those types of lessons where we can find joy and escape the doldrums that hold us down. Children still have the magic if we allow it to happen and don’t squelch it. The magic can be contagious if we as adults join in the fun, join in the journey with our children.

I loved the Velveteen Rabbit because it is a wonderful reminder of loving others and being a parent. My wife, a teacher of over 30 years now, and I both unexpectedly teared up while watching this film. I didn’t expect this movie to do that for me. It was more than joy though, it was a life lesson I wish I would have had some years ago to remind me of my own needs. I can’t help but think, Michael Landon Sr. is looking down from Heaven, realizing, and knowing that his son is carrying on his vision and dream. I expect he is smiling and for those who have longed for quality family entertainment, seeing this movie will have you smiling as well.

While not a perfect movie, The Velveteen Rabbit is an exceptional movie. On a scale of 1 – 10, for the 9 letters in the word Christmas, minus a little boy named Toby, I give a very deserving and enjoyable 8.

To visit the official website for The Velveteen Rabbit movie click here.

To see the trailer for the movie, just double click on the video below, if the video don't appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq0TVEQIaVA


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

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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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Slumdog Millionaire

I had been wanting to see Slumdog Millionaire since hearing of the premise based on the book Q & A by Vikas Swarup. The movie is essentially the story of a young man who grows up in the slums of India, falls in love with a girl, and realizes the opportunity to get back with her after a series of tragic events by appearing on the Indian Television Program, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. With the success of the television program in America, and the reality that many wonderful movies have come from India in recent years, I couldn’t pass up the temptation to see this movie. Slumdog Millionaire is a movie that is catching steam and with recent accomplishments at the Golden Globe Awards, a movie that may get serious Oscar consideration, as it should. Hopefully beyond that, it starts to get into more movie theaters for patrons to see.

I was somewhat upset going into the movie as a movie theater employee refused to let my sons girlfriend into the movie, despite her being 17 and with us. I gave the employee at the Warren Cinemas in Wichita the benefit of the doubt, as my son and his girlfriend went off to a local establishment nearby while my wife and I went to see the movie. After seeing the powerful film on screen, one of my first thoughts was a thought of anger, the MPAA rates, terrible films that glorify sex, violence and more PG-13 and here was a movie rated R that refused entry to for a 17 year old with adults. A movie that has more potential to get the self gratifying, selfish attitude of many in America to consider the realities of the harsh world we live in. There has to be something done at some point to get people to realize the overall redeeming value of a movie beyond the rating.

Whew, I got that off my chest, but now about the movie. Danny Boyle is a terrific director who just won the Golden Globe for direction for this film. To understand the talent of Boyle you have to consider that he is the same person who directed films such as Trainspotting, A Life Less Ordinary, and the terrific zombie style film, 28 Days Later. Slumdog Millionaire is a tale much different than any of these stories, and the diversity and talent of Boyle shines through in what may simply be one of the best directed films and efforts at storytelling in some time.

In many ways, Slumdog Millionaire is a terrific effort of storytelling. We follow the lives of three children to adulthood and the tragedy of growing up poor in India. Two brothers, Jamal played by Dev Patel, his older brother, Salim, played by Madhur Mittal, and Latika, played by Fredia Pinto. We follow these three primarily through a series of flashbacks and via three stages of life where the primary characters are played by other cast members from childhood, to youth, to young adults. The horror, the tragedy displayed throughout the film should have the viewer considering the plight of the poor, but more than this, we eventually come to an extremely satisfying conclusion where we see the power of hope, although we see that the hope one has isn’t based on whether or not one finds satisfaction in wealth, but whether or not one finds love.

I must comment on several components of this film, from its direction to acting, editing, and soundtrack it is a near perfect film. Not only does it in my opinion address the reality of the poor in the world, thus making fantastic social commentary, but it finds in a way to captivate the audience with beautiful storytelling, laced with terrific sound and song, and a story that is terrifically entertaining. In the two hour movie I was never bored, not an instant, not a second, I didn’t want the movie to end it was so good, but it does end, and after looking back on it, it ends in a way that transforms many in the audience of the things that are really important. Faith, Hope and Love!

I can think of a passage from the Bible this movie drove home. 1st Corinthians 13:13 states; “For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.”

While there is truth here, there is also truth we can learn regarding the faith and hope love can bring, and the inspiration it provides others. Slumdog Millionaire in a beautiful way, also reminded me of the story of Cane and Abel from the Bible. Slumdog Millionare also shows the power one can have when they exercise faith and live life as if there is purpose, a life driven by love, focused on love despite heartache, difficulty, terror, and at times resembling Hell on Earth. We see how one can conquer adversity, even coming at the hands of one who is supposed to love, we see the horror of hate, even when it comes at the hands of religion. We see it all, but ultimately, we see the power of love and the ability of that love to delver faith and hope to the multitudes around them.

I loved virtually everything about this film. It was a rare gem where I expected a great deal, and it delivered beyond my lofty expectations. I will see it again, no ifs ands or buts about it. Slumdog Millionaire deserves an even larger audience than it is getting. It is a film that does everything a film is supposed to. I am fairly confident that most will be glad they went to see this movie if they in fact make that decision.

How good is it, well it swept all 4 categories in the Golden Globes it was nominated for including, Best Drama, Best Director, Best Original Score, and Best Screenplay. For a little known film that a lot of people haven’t heard about, we can see that even when it comes to awards, the underdog, the unknown, the orphan of the movie world can still win, the inspiration continues.

On a scale of 1 – 10, while this is not the most perfect movie you will ever see, it is pretty close, so, for each of the actors that played the primary three characters in the film, plus the obnoxiously evil host of the millionaire, (not Regis or Meredith) I give a very deserving 10.

To see the trailer for the movie, Slumdog Millionaire click on the following video, if the video don't appear, just click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIzbwV7on6Q


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

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Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

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The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

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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