Showing posts with label western. Show all posts
Showing posts with label western. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Video Review: Hostiles
I have started a new group, The Movie Guys that you can find at Facebook. We are doing a regular Vlog as well as a television show that is seeking syndication and will soon be playing on local television in Wichita which will cover parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri and all of Kansas. Make sure you subscibe to the page at facebook as well as subscribe to the page at youtube. Information on doing so follows the following video review. We always welcome appropriate comments on either of the formats although we do approve comments prior to posting due to past issues and inappropriate comments. We want to be a place open to discussion, but not to debate the appropriatness of movies and so forth, after over 40 years of doing reviews now, I am confident in what we do and how we do it.
Review of the movie Hostiles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZANbevMwF1w&t=24s
To subscribe to our Facebook Page, click here: Facebook The Movie Guys
To subscribe to our Youtube page click here: Youtube The Movie Guys
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys
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.
Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor
The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards
Click to subscribe to my blog
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.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
The Movie Guys
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
Review of the movie Hostiles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZANbevMwF1w&t=24s
To subscribe to our Facebook Page, click here: Facebook The Movie Guys
To subscribe to our Youtube page click here: Youtube The Movie Guys
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys
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.
Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor
The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards
Click to subscribe to my blog
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.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
The Movie Guys
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
Friday, January 26, 2018
Hostiles
There was a the day, not so long a go, where many of us will remember that the Western ruled the box office, whether it be a smash hit at the theater , a Saturday matinee or even a program on television. The Western was a format that looked at the old west in America, (sometimes in other countries) and the story featuring the old west incorporated the challenges of either settling the west, bank robbers, or battles between Cowboys and Indians or gunslingers trying to kill someone. There were the black hat Cowboys who were always bad and the white hat Cowboys which were always good. In the simplicity of some of those Westerns we could watch John Ford movies and enjoy the pop-corn; then there was popular director William "Wild Bill " Wellman who gave us Westerns like The Ox Bow Incident that ended up being a full course steak dinner. While some always put Ford in pop-corn category he also did meaningful Westerns that were like a fine meal ordered at a fine restaurant with tons of social commentary along with a great story such as The Searchers. Unfortunately, over the last number of years, while there have been Westerns released on the big screen, some quite good such as Tombstone, Unforgiven, Dances with Wolves and Open Range among others, those are rare and few between. All of that said, thankfully, a new classic, one that could also be considered epic, has just entered the genera. That movie is directed by Scott Cooper from Crazy Heart fame is Hostiles.
Hostiles opens with a masterful, cinematic image of a homestead in the wild frontier of New Mexico. The homestead faces the potential of an Indian attack from a brand of Comanche whom have not given into the treaties which placed them under supervision of the United States who had moved them onto a reservation in Montana. The homestead is attacked in a brutal way and we see the hostility and hatred these Indians have for Whites and other settlers in the area. We jump next to a scene of Fort Berringer in New Mexico. where Captain Joseph Blocker, played brilliantly by Christian Bale, has captured some Apache up risers and is taking them back to the fort. Shortly after his return he discovers that he, along with some of the soldiers who have served with him for years are given the orders to escort Comanche dying war chief, Yellow Hawk, played brilliantly by Wes Studi and his family to Montana where his people liveand call home. One thing is clear from the directives given and Berringer's response, he hates Indians, especially Yellow Hawk. While reluctantly following orders under the pretext of losing his pension, he ultimately agrees to provide the escort as long as he can pick the solidiers of his choosing to go along with him.
The journey of Blocker and his crew escorting Yellow Hawk and his family ultimately has him meeting up with loan survivor of the attack on their homestead, Rosalie Quaid, also played brilliantly by Rosamund Pike. We see her struggles with her own PTSD and the response given toher by not only the soldiers escorting her, but also Yellow Hawk and his family. One thing both groups understand is the grief and loss of someone like her and the struggles she is going through as a result of such suffering. Here, you can see influences from directors like John Ford from movies like The Searchers, but Hostiles delivers as much as The Searchers and a whole lot more.
This movie is beautiful to watch and while seeing the opening on a early late night release, ending way after midnight, I was never bored, never tired, and not only entertained but challenged to think throughout the duration of the movie. My wife, a Western buff who had several hours in college graduate studies on Westerns was also entertained while watching the incredible, well crafted story portrayed on screen before us. There were a number of things that made this movie even more incredible for us.
Not only is the story well told in Hostiles but the imagery on screen is also incredible. I have seen most of the Oscar Contenders for the year 2017/18. Of all of the movies I have seen this last year, if in the same awards categories, this movie would have garnished my vote in numerous categories including, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Original Screenplay, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Make-Up and Hairstyling, Directing, Actress in a Supporting Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actor, and Best Picture. This movie is that good, and that deserving. It is as excellent as anything on screen during the 2017 Movie year, and frankly, one of the best Westerns ever made in my, (in this case) not so humble opinion.
There are several aspects of Hostiles that I was blown away with, not only is there an entertaining story over the 2 hours and 14 minutes of the film, there is ample social and spiritual commentary throughout the film. We see a strong religious connection between many of the characters in the movie, likely, the strongest men of faith in the film are the soldiers on the escort. There are poignant scenes where there are discussions about such themes as where is God? How does one grow in their faith and life despite tragedy? There is much more but we also see portrayed in a powerful way, the power of forgiveness and what it means to be a brother or sister to someone. I haven't seen a movie that shows the power of forgiveness as strongly as this one in several years. The possibility that exists from getting to know your enemy, learning to love them as opposed to always hating them and finding a way to hate is powerfully portrayed. One of the beautiful things about Hostiles though is this is portrayed in the simplest of ways, yet, it is in that simplicity that we ultimately see the power of these themes. In the end, we discover all men and women are capable of evil, and in many ways, have done evil. We also see though that God loves all and that we have the potential to love all people, whether they be red or yellow, black or white. These are not just realities regarding God though, they are possible for humanity. Not only are these things possible amongst those who have loved or hated little, they are available for those who have loved and hated much.
The Bible reminds us of such themes, that all are accepted to God in many areas, we can read for example that illustrate this such as Colossians 3: 10 - 14:
Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys
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.
Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor
The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards
Click to subscribe to my blog
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.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
The Movie Guys
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
Hostiles opens with a masterful, cinematic image of a homestead in the wild frontier of New Mexico. The homestead faces the potential of an Indian attack from a brand of Comanche whom have not given into the treaties which placed them under supervision of the United States who had moved them onto a reservation in Montana. The homestead is attacked in a brutal way and we see the hostility and hatred these Indians have for Whites and other settlers in the area. We jump next to a scene of Fort Berringer in New Mexico. where Captain Joseph Blocker, played brilliantly by Christian Bale, has captured some Apache up risers and is taking them back to the fort. Shortly after his return he discovers that he, along with some of the soldiers who have served with him for years are given the orders to escort Comanche dying war chief, Yellow Hawk, played brilliantly by Wes Studi and his family to Montana where his people liveand call home. One thing is clear from the directives given and Berringer's response, he hates Indians, especially Yellow Hawk. While reluctantly following orders under the pretext of losing his pension, he ultimately agrees to provide the escort as long as he can pick the solidiers of his choosing to go along with him.
The journey of Blocker and his crew escorting Yellow Hawk and his family ultimately has him meeting up with loan survivor of the attack on their homestead, Rosalie Quaid, also played brilliantly by Rosamund Pike. We see her struggles with her own PTSD and the response given toher by not only the soldiers escorting her, but also Yellow Hawk and his family. One thing both groups understand is the grief and loss of someone like her and the struggles she is going through as a result of such suffering. Here, you can see influences from directors like John Ford from movies like The Searchers, but Hostiles delivers as much as The Searchers and a whole lot more.This movie is beautiful to watch and while seeing the opening on a early late night release, ending way after midnight, I was never bored, never tired, and not only entertained but challenged to think throughout the duration of the movie. My wife, a Western buff who had several hours in college graduate studies on Westerns was also entertained while watching the incredible, well crafted story portrayed on screen before us. There were a number of things that made this movie even more incredible for us.
Not only is the story well told in Hostiles but the imagery on screen is also incredible. I have seen most of the Oscar Contenders for the year 2017/18. Of all of the movies I have seen this last year, if in the same awards categories, this movie would have garnished my vote in numerous categories including, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Original Screenplay, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Make-Up and Hairstyling, Directing, Actress in a Supporting Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actor, and Best Picture. This movie is that good, and that deserving. It is as excellent as anything on screen during the 2017 Movie year, and frankly, one of the best Westerns ever made in my, (in this case) not so humble opinion.
The Bible reminds us of such themes, that all are accepted to God in many areas, we can read for example that illustrate this such as Colossians 3: 10 - 14: Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.
These words, these themes are played powerfully in the movie Hostiles. I for one am glad I was reminded of them, of the need to live them and better yet, challenged to learn to love, even those I may have perceived in the past who have been my enemies.
On a scale of 1 - 10 for the letters in the "rare nature" of me to call a film epic, of which I call this movie, an Epic film and among the best Westerns ever, I give a rare and deserving 10.
To see the trailer for the movie, click on the video below, or you can also click on the link, also please note, subscribe to the videos put out by The Virtual Pew when checking them out on Youtube, we really do appreciate it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrD0I-vLsXM
These words, these themes are played powerfully in the movie Hostiles. I for one am glad I was reminded of them, of the need to live them and better yet, challenged to learn to love, even those I may have perceived in the past who have been my enemies.
On a scale of 1 - 10 for the letters in the "rare nature" of me to call a film epic, of which I call this movie, an Epic film and among the best Westerns ever, I give a rare and deserving 10.
To see the trailer for the movie, click on the video below, or you can also click on the link, also please note, subscribe to the videos put out by The Virtual Pew when checking them out on Youtube, we really do appreciate it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrD0I-vLsXM
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK, HAROLD THE ANGEL, NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, BOOKS A MILLION, BARNES & NOBLE AND OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS, OUR BOOK THE KEYSTONE KID IS ALSO STILL AVAILABLE AT MOST MAJOR RETAILERS AND IS A TERRIFIC READ.
Also make sure to check out the new video VLOG The Movie Guys and look for the syndicated television show of the same title in your community. For more information check out the pages at Facebook by clicking here. The Movie Guys
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.
Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid
You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audiobook at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor
The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards
Click to subscribe to my blog
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.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
The Movie Guys
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Cowboys & Aliens
This summer, for me at least has been one hot, difficult, letdown of a season. Not just for movies but also regarding life. During one of the hottest seasons on record in the state of Kansas, I needed a good reminder of what I was about, what Kansas is in part about, and something to take my mind off of the difficulties of life. One of the things I normally enjoy doing to escape the reality of the world is the movies. This weekend the movie Cowboys and Aliens looked like it had the potential to be a perfect pick-me-up of a movie to see. I was far from disappointed.In the 1950’s and early 1960’s there was a core of ‘B’ movies that normally had something in the plot that involved monsters or some of the really good ones had things like Cowboys fighting dinosaurs, giant tarantulas or something of the like. This summer with Cowboys and Aliens I expected something similar to those ‘B’ movies except with an exceptional cast consisting of the likes of Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, Keith Carradine, Sam Rockwell, Adam Beach, Abigail Spenser and more I should have known there was going to be a surprise on the Western Prairie.
On the surface, the plot of Cowboys and Aliens seems unbelievable and unlikely, but isn’t that what the movies are for at times, a time and a place to escape reality? Then in the escape of reality, maybe just maybe, it would be possible for one to learn a lesson or two or at the least, make life a little better. The early scenes of the movie has cowboy, Jake Lonergan, played by Daniel Craig waking up bootless and alone in the western desert. It doesn’t take long as Jake is approached by a trio of roughens for the viewer to realize, there is something special about this cowboy, and those that cross his path better watch out. Jake also has this strange bracelet on his wrist which we find out about later in the film. He also has a case of amnesia and doesn’t rightly remember all that has recently transpired. After taking care of some needed business on the plains, Jake makes his way to a town where he comes face to face with the son of a ruthless barren. The father, Woodrow Dolarhyde is played to perfection by Harrison Ford. One night in the town of Absolution after a confrontation with the local pastor, Jake is told that one has to be willing to look for God if they are to find God. The town is later attacked by something not commonly seen in the wild-west, aliens. The alien space craft has this knack of roping some of the townsfolk like a cowboy ropes cattle, and hauls them off to who knows where, for God knows what. Jake and Woodrow form an unlikely alliance to find the townsfolk, and bring some justice on the wild frontier.
The acting here is brilliant, but it isn’t just the acting that is tight; the overall direction by Jon Favreau, known for his work on such films as Ironman among others is brilliant. This movie is technically superior to the old ‘B’ movies. The town looks like a town from the old west and it wouldn’t take much for one to think they smelled the smells of the old west. It isn’t just the look and sounds that impressed me, I expected the good special effects in the present world of CGI, what I didn’t expect was the tight story with a super plot and sub-plot. Cowboys and Indians deliver in all aspects.Favreau delivers a tight story with a strong sense of development that allows the viewer to see characters we don’t like, change into characters we do. The transformation of characters is so powerful it is hard to tell much without giving away too much of the story. Once in the seats, you will see characters change, as you get to know them and the things that make them who they are, even those who aren’t liked have a story. Special mention has to be made not only to the exceptional work done by Daniel Craig, who is as good as anything he has been in a while, but also Harrison Ford who is back in a stronger role and character where the brilliance of his acting ability comes through like no other role in some time. Also making a valuable contribution to the screen is an actor I have appreciated for some time, Adam Beach, who plays the part of Nat Colorado. I won’t say much here other than to notice towards the conclusion of the film; you will appreciate how good of a job he has done when the heart strings are pulled and the viewer finds themselves reacting to a pivotal scene.
Cowboys and Aliens is loaded! In the opening scenes one of the first to help Jake is the town doctor who also doubles as its minister. It just so happens that the healing in the town of Absolution starts at the town’s church. It is here Jake is confronted head on with the concepts of good and evil, and each individuals own bearing on the good and evil that surround them. We don’t know much at first about Jake’s past but one of the things we see is the ability to turn from the past. We are challenged of the possibility of a bad individual changing and their ability to become a new creature. As the story progresses, just like for many who consider themselves followers of Jesus, there has to be a willing sacrifice of life to ultimately show the magnitude of love. The willingness to die for another does not necessarily bring salvation. It is through the resurrection from the dead that one ultimately receives the power that brings salvation. In that salvation and sacrifice one can find reason and the power to change. We see all of this and more transpire until the last scene of the movie when we see one of the primary characters who have gone through their own individual changes, that change starts at the church, and concludes at the church with the cross blazing. It is as if Favreau is telling the audience that the church and the faith represented by the church allows for the power to conquer the demons of life, but it also bring about the ultimate change each individual needs. It is at the cross where the town of Absolution finds the power to forgive.I didn’t think I would like this movie as much as I did. It has everything, for those who love westerns and for those who love thrills and aliens, it has all one would want. In a summer with a lack-luster group of films, it takes over as my new favorite of the summer spot from Super 8. Cowboys and Aliens is a film I will see again. I suspect that for those who love spiritual symbolism in films, as well as a entertaining good time, they will enjoy Cowboys and Aliens.
How much did I like this movie, on a scale of 1 – 10, while the 13 letters in Cowboys and Aliens add up to the unlucky number of 13, I will transform that number to a number of perfection, a very deserving and entertaining 10.
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=8i7OaFi_-WY
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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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Monday, June 13, 2011
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.
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