Reviews With Mike Furches

Friday, August 6, 2010

Winter's Bone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Horseman on DVD

The Horseman is a 2008 Australian film starring Peter Marshall. One would think an apparent duplicate of the popular movie Taken starring Liam Neeson. While Taken is filled with action, special effects and a lot of money, The Horseman is more of an examination of the psyche of a father who is hell bent on retribution for the death of his daughter.

While the plot is similar in some regards to Taken, the budget is quite a bit smaller, and the overall quality is not as good. This shouldn’t take away from the wonderful direction of Steven Kastrissios and the perplexing acting of Peter Marshall. In fact, in many ways, Marshall is just as good as Neeson. We see a complexity that is riveting and Marshall does as much with the script and direction as one could expect. His performance alone makes this movie worth watching for the fan of action, thrillers, and horror. This revenge movie is smart, while calculated, and riveting for the full 96 minutes.

Christian is a man who finds out that his daughter was found dead. After receiving a porno in the mail from an anonymous source he puts two and two together and realizes she was involved in activities outside of her own choosing. Christian becomes a version of the Biblical Horseman; he distributes justice to those involved in his daughter’s death. Along the way he picks up a hitchhiker who causes him to reexamine his purpose, and his mission. He is reminded of his own faults as a father, and the need to make things right. What happens on screen as a result of his actions is not easy to look at, it is not enjoyable, but like the Biblical Horseman in the Apocalypse, there is hell to pay, and many who will be sent to hell by the one who would execute justice.

From the early scenes there is some confusion as there is not clarity as to what is happening due to the use of flashbacks and not knowing what is real time or a flashback. While director Kastrissios brings things together there is still some confusion which makes the film hard to follow. As the characters developed I am not so sure I liked the character of Christian. There seems to be a point where love drives him to hate. While he is the executor of vengeance, he crosses a line and one wonders if vengeance is worth it. One of the nice things about the direction and script is that Christian struggles with this issue. He realizes there is more to life and love, but just when he understands this and the viewer thinks everything is worked out, a twist occurs that illustrates there are consequences for actions, even to those who would execute vengeance.

While the graphic nature of this movie will prevent many from watching it, I didn’t find it so bad. The graphic violence could have been much worse, and much of the violence is left to the imagination. This doesn’t take away from the concepts presented. All of us are challenged with the concept that we may be judged for the wrongs we have done. Just as Christian represents the Biblical Horseman of Judgment, will we face the same kind of judgment? The movie symbolizes that no matter the level of involvement in wrongs, the judgment is the same, and it may result in a terrible consequence. While The Horseman illustrates this in a graphic way, one can’t help but wonder is the story implying there may be consequences in a spiritual nature. Are we in fact more like those who sit back and watch evil occur around us, doing nothing, or are we something else? Then just as Christian, are some of us purveyors of what we think is justice, when in reality, we have gone too far?

Let me be clear, this movie is not easy to watch. While it resembles Taken in some ways, Taken was entertaining, and enjoyable, there was hope. The Horseman is difficult, and hard to watch. It is graphic, even if it is left to the imagination, but it is also thought provoking. How far would a parent be willing to go to execute justice? What would constitute one needing justice? Who makes those decisions? One may often think they are awarded the right to execute justice, what about those people? Movies like The Horseman reminds me of my own need to step back and let God be the judge. I questioned, are there too many Christians’ taking on the role of God, sometimes even hurting those around them and themselves? It illustrates there is hell to pay for the wrongs we do. Prior to doing evil, it is good to think of the consequences we may face. I wouldn’t want to face this Christian, certainly not in the role of a Horseman out for vengeance.

On a scale of 1 – 10 for the 7 letters in the word revenge, a disturbing 7

To see the trailer for this film, click on the video, if the video don’t appear, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ogAVtIeJi0

The Crazies on DVD

I have to tell you, I am a big fan of George Romero, so much so that I own virtually every movie he ever made. It all started with Night of the Living Dead, the rest is history. This isn’t to say I love everything that has come from the Romero camp; I haven’t, the one I thought had potential, but was a huge let down was the original 1973 version of The Crazies. While there were certainly shocking moments in the original, for me, it fell short.

It was some time ago when I saw the original trailers for the remake of The Crazies. I was disappointed when I found out Romero wasn’t going to be directing it, but the faithfulness to the original looked promising. With the direction of Breck Eisner, and his commitment to Romero, I was hopeful.

The Crazies has a unique plot that takes place in the little town of Ogden Marsh Iowa. This small quaint town loves coming out to watch a community baseball game, and everyone knows everyone else. The sheriff is a young man who has grown up there and has a deep passion for this town. After the crash of a military plane carrying waste from a government experiment, a virus impacts the town and the normal, good, God loving people of Ogden Marsh take on violent attributes. While resembling the Romero zombies of the past, there is enough of a difference that keeps me from categorizing them as such.

The Crazies is more contemporary than the original. One of the things I appreciated is some of the detail in the story missing in the original. We see a credible job of acting, but the primary difference is the story. While some of the horror of the original, a relationship between a father and daughter with sexual overtones are left out, there is enough horror that has the viewer thinking. Virtually everything from the cinematography, to the editing is better than the original. There are things that have this version working, among those, are the examination as to who the real crazies are. One of the things I think Eisner does a better job of than Romero in the original is the questioning of the government and the power they have. We question not only their power, but their purpose in the execution of that power.

It is almost as if Eisner is presenting an Anabaptist point of view. Anabaptist is a religious belief system started by Menno Simmons and others that promote a concept many have heard of known as; The Separation of Church and State. In this belief is the ideal that the state, or government is inherently evil and does not always react to the best interest of the people is supposedly represents. Eisner and the story of Romero certainly raise this question. The question of does the state, does the government really care about the population it supposedly serves. Ultimately, we see a battle of good and evil, a battle where the good people of Ogden Marsh, are impacted by the evil around them. It ignores much of the religious belief that all things always work out, and looks at the reality that it rains on the just and the unjust, and sometimes good people pay the consequences and price of the actions of others. This is the real horror presented by The Crazies. As nice as our surroundings may be, there are situations or people that impact us. The reality of bad things happening despite our efforts is real for many who have homes in foreclosure, or lost jobs, they will understand the premise presented in The Crazies. It is a place where the sometimes empty answers and help from the religious community may be questioned. People need more than a continuation of their surroundings and difficulty, they need action. There is a passage in the bible that says so much, it says something like, “If you see someone in need and have the means to help them, and refuse to do so, how can you say you have the love of God within you. Let’s stop saying we love people and start showing it by our actions.”

In the true sense of Horror, The Crazies delivers in many ways. Unfortunately, in many others, it doesn’t. The story is still not as developed as nice as I would have liked, and while it is better than the original, it still falls a little short. One of the things this DVD does do though is it delivers on the special features. The special features, along with the movie make it a worthwhile purchase for fans of Romero or Horror. There are ample features, including the long lost sinful pleasure of at least 4 Easter Eggs that I found. For those that don’t know an Easter Egg is a hidden special feature. I won’t tell you where they are, but will say, go through all of the menu’s play with the control bars on your remote, with a little effort, you will find them.

If like me, you will be questioning the reality around you after seeing this movie. That is okay, just remember, sometimes the questions raised in horror, especially good horror like this intends to do just that, scare you. Not per say against the boogie man or the zombie like creature around us, but the things we are supposed to trust and believe in. In that regard, The Crazies delivers.

On a scale of 1 – 10, for the 7th inning break that may bring about bad events in a baseball game, I give a somewhat satisfying 7.

To see the trailer for the movie, just click on the following video. If the video don’t appear, just click on the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEMZwQulT1Q

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Preacher's Kid

Over the years faith based movie companies have sugar coated their truths, and frankly, made crappy movies. As one who reviews film, who enjoys film, and has the opportunity to comment on film, I am more often than not embarrassed by what I see on screen. To comment on those movies that are hap hazard in their approach, and content, is hard because while some have good intentions, those good intentions just don’t matter to me. If one believes in God, has a movie based in part on their belief in God, I don’t understand why they present their story in such a horrible, lazy way.

I recently had the opportunity to interview the writer, director and producer of a new film, Preacher's Kid, Stan Foster prior to seeing his movie. This is always a dangerous thing, I don’t like being swayed in my approach to a film, and I know my greater responsibility is to the audience seeing the film. I was reluctant to interview Stan prior to seeing the movie, but it is the way it happened.

I saw Preacher's Kid on DVD. It had a short theatrical run and was recently released on DVD. I was cautious because the cast included individuals not well known for their experience in the medium of film. Preacher's Kid stars LeToya Luckett, formerly of Destiny’s Child as Angie, and Durrell ‘Tank’ Babbs, a real life R&B artist. Normally, using musicians and performers in a movie indicates there is likely to be good music, but often times, sub par performances. To have had such for this Prodigal Son scenario was what I expected, what I didn’t expect was the quality of acting. Much of the credit for the quality performances goes to the direction of first time director Stan Foster. While Foster has had his hand involved in numerous television and movie aspects as an actor, writer, and producer, this is his first venture into directing. What transpires on screen is beautiful. Foster understands when to use the craft of his cast, in most cases involving music, to tell a part of the story. As a musician myself, as one who enjoys good music, this is where the movie shines.

While Preacher's Kid has as a starting point, the church, it quickly realizes that the story isn’t about the church, as much as it is the concepts of leaving the things we love and living through our regrets. We see the pressures, in a respectful way, to both the Christian Church, and the non Christian world. It is a wonderful reminder that many of the stories in the bible are relevant. Preacher's Kid, through the direction of Foster addresses real life, spiritual issues while at the same time respecting the audience.

In Preacher's Kid we see Angie going through the struggles of being a preacher’s kid. As a pastor myself, who spent a great deal of time in the real world prior to being a pastor, this is presented in an honest and real way. We see a human pastor, Angie’s father played nicely by Greg Alan Williams. We see pressure coming down on a preacher’s kid from the congregation of a church, and the unknowing pressure sometimes presented by a loved one, in this case, a father who happens to be the Bishop of the church.

While Angie has a wonderful voice, sings in the church choir, she has a desire for more. One evening while out with a friend she decides to join a traveling gospel theater production. She quickly learns the road is not what she thought it would be, and the people on the road, even those in a ‘Christian’ production, are not always living up to what they are presenting. Angie quickly learns, and subsequently fails at following her beliefs, and living the life she was raised to live.

The spiritual applications are well presented and portrayed, and the story of The Prodigal, is lived out in a compelling way that many can relate to, even those who aren’t religious. We see real world situations, presented in a way that is refreshing, especially for a film which has as a starting point, the church. There is no sugar coating here, and while the movie could have been a little more realistic in its approach, especially with language, it gets the point across. We see things take place that are often ignored by those in faith communities. While faith communities may not address those things, there are ample stories that do, and ample examples many have lived.

The movie reminded me in many ways of another release featuring the story of The Prodigal son, The Gospel. While there are similarities, there are enough differences that both films are worth watching. Preacher's Kid is worth the package deal being offered by Wal-Mart and others where you can purchase the DVD and get a copy of the DVD in regular format, Blu-Ray and a downloadable digital copy. The music is exceptional, the transfer is quite nice, and the Blu-Ray offers some wonderful special features including a reflection on the concept of The Prodigal, a feature on LeToya Luckett and more. The Blu-Ray version is superior in the special features to the standard DVD, but the combo price again, makes both available to the buyer.

While the movie, Preacher's Kid did not do well at the box office, it is worthy of purchase and viewing. The Story of The Prodigal has been told for generations and is among societies most popular concepts. Foster presents a unique twist that will have those not familiar with the story thinking about not just the story, but on their own lives of where real love comes from, and the need for some to go back home, home in both a physical, and spiritual sense. For many a prodigal, those who are lost, this may be the message they need to hear, and a film like this could be the tool that gets them to hear that old story, uttered over 2,000 years ago. It has relevance for a society so desperately looking for ultimate love, and the realization that forgiveness exists.

On a scale of 1 – 10, while not a perfect movie, it is still a very good one and well worth watching. This is a movie with a quality young actress, LeToya Luckett. If you take those 7 letters in Luckett, you come out with a rather respectable score for the movie, a quality 7

To see the following video, just click on the video, if the video don't appear, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9AB8RlYCI4

Interview with Stan Foster, Writer, Director, Producer

Stan Foster is an up and coming writer, director producer who has been working in numerous projects over the last several years. From writing the screenplay and producing the Film Woman Thou are Loosed, a somewhat controversial film featuring the story from Bishop TD Jakes dealing with physical abuse and adult themes, to experience from appearing on the Mo’Nique Show and producing the television program Homeboys in Outer Space, Foster is sure to raise eyebrows with his blending of spiritual themes with real life events, episodes, and language.

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Mr. Foster regarding his work and to discuss some about his new DVD release of his most recent film, Preachers Kid. The following includes some of the insights of Mr. Foster including the making of film in general.

Stan Foster (SF): Hey Mike

Mike Furches (MF): Hey Stan, how are you doing?

SF: I’m doing well, how’s it going?

MF: Doing great

SF: Have you had a chance to see the film yet?

MF: No not yet, I am planning on seeing it this weekend. I do have a few things I am interested in talking to you about if I can, including of course the film.

SF: OK

MF: What is it that you as a director have brought to the table in the making of the film Preachers Kid?

SF: You know, it’s interesting as I started as an actor, then I mingled into writing, then producing and now directing. What I’ve learned the most is that in all four mediums, which are so closely related, I’ve found that your life experience is your color palate. It’s like all of these wonderfully vivid colors have been lived, viewed and experienced, and so when you paint, you are painting from experience. As a director I brought my own personal experiences to the table. It was very important to me; I remember in shooting the movie, in one of the last scenes that you will see, which is of course the story of The Prodigal, and I know that at the end of the prodigal, that his father greeted him with a robe and a ring. I was adamant about that because in my own personal experiences the story of the prodigal really resonated with me. I don’t know how many conventional directors would insist on something like that, but it was very important to me. There was one cut of the film in the editing process that the studio actually wanted to take out the ring. When I saw the version without it I said this is not right. So I think I bring my own personal experiences and values as a director.

MF: Where do some of those values and principals come from?

SF: You know, I didn’t grow up in the church, I actually grew up in a sort of really rough neighborhood, in the projects, drug dealing from the time I was in the 3^rd grade drug use, physical abuse, there was sexual abuse that was rampant and I didn’t get saved until I got to college during my first year of college. I met a guy from Augusta Georgia, and you talk about bringing your personal experiences to the screen, which is why The Preachers Kid takes place in Augusta. It was because of that individual, who is a lawyer now in DC now named Eric Seabrook, but he was from Augusta Georgia and so I decided to use that as my backdrop.

MF: Speaking of abuse, you did some work on the film, Woman Thou Art Loosed…

SF: Yes, I was the writer and producer of Woman Thou Art Loosed. That story was actually the story of my ex-girlfriend in college. Her name was Michelle which is why her name is Michelle in the film. In the play that we did, her name was Michelle Foster, but for the film I changed it to Michelle Jordan, which was my mothers’ family name. You know, long before Precious, there was Woman Thou Art Loosed and it really dealt with some of those same issues, in a real, no holds barred, kind of way. I think it is really another wonderful film that has proven over the years to be able to be cathartic and actually help some people through and dealing with some of their past pains.

MF: With Woman Thou Art Loosed, there was a little bit of controversy, mainly because it went outside the norm of typical Christian movies with the theme, language and so forth. If not mistaken it was one of the first ‘R’ rated Christian movies?

SF: Yes, one thing that TD Jakes and I talked about early on, he told me, that if you get the Bible, and you shot a movie about the Bible and showed every scene that the Bible describes, what would the rating be? (laughing)

MF: It would be NC-17

SF: (still laughing) You know that, or worse. It’s like, it’s real. I think a lot of times we as Christians kind of get caught up in the beliefs that once we get saved, once we start going to church that our worlds going to be perfect, so when we go out into the real world we’re faced with the dilemma that the world brings us. We don’t know how to deal with it in a real, practical sense. Sometimes, we can’t just pray it away. Sometimes, we have to make tough decisions. I think that in Woman Thou Art Loosed and in Preachers Kid these characters have to make some tough decisions, and it doesn’t mean that they have to be right all of the time. In the end, whether it’s Preachers Kid or Woman Thou Art Loosed, or any other movie that I write, God’s going to get the glory, and he’s going to get the credit, and there will be redemption.

F: When you do a film that deals with spiritual themes, yet it addresses the real world, how do you go about getting financing and funding for something like that? Is that something that Hollywood will normally jump on or did you have to work at getting the funding, and did how did you get the funding for both Woman Thou Art Loosed and for Preachers Kid?

SF: Well, Woman Thou Art Loosed was unique because we actually went about getting independent financing with some entertainers, Oprah Winfrey put up some, Johnny Corcoran’s estate put up some, athletes, Gary Sheffield the baseball player, Cedric the Entertainer, and other celebrities and they are all credited at the end of the film with thank yous. Then there were just regular folks, lawyers, doctors and regular business people that just gave money as we broke it up in increments and raised the money independently and we raised and shot it for just under $2,000,000.

With The Preachers Kid I was introduced to Warner Brothers through a friend, and my friend told me that I should not pitch my faith based movie to this division because they weren’t interested in doing that. They were going to do prequels, sequels, and remakes. Then I get in the room and I start pitching, prequels, sequels, and remakes and the executive is looking bored and he goes, ‘You know that Tyler Perry is amazing, you got anything like that?’ And I went, like ahhh, yeah! (laughing)

You know at the end of the day, what makes people like Tyler so important is that if we can show that faith based movies, and that’s not just Tyler but Fireproof and some of the other ones that have done pretty well, and if we can show Hollywood that there is profit, then they will put up the money ultimately. I believe that there is a large group of people that want to see movies that are in this genera, that will not compromise their walk and their faith.

MF: So when you were trying to get the money, was that just individuals that you knew, or did you just pound the pavement trying to get the doors open?

SF: It was sort of a mixture of things and circumstances. One of the producers was friends with Oprah Winfrey and some other people who had invested in one of his other films. He just told her about this project and they were like, oh yes we love TD Jakes, ok. You know, you just kind of put the word out to people. There was a banker in Los Angeles who was helpful, and she dealt with investments for some of the people in Hollywood. She just sort of mentioned to them what we were doing and they were like, wow I want to be involved in that. So there is really no formula for financing. You just kind of play it by ear.

MF: In trying to relate to the common person who may not know that much about the role of a director, can you tell us what all is involved for you as the director and in what parts of the movie are you involved in?

SF: This is my first time directing, so I had no idea how intense a process this is. When I tell you that every single frame of this film has my stamp on it, that film has as much as Stan Foster in it as a painter, painting every stroke on a painting and handing it to you. I work with every bit of music, to get it to specification, every graph, every table, what the characters are eating, what they are wearing, how their hair is, how the acting is directed, the editing process, do we use this angle, or do we use that take, what kind of cars are driving by, every department comes to you. I’ve been a writer before that and as a writer you just write, okay, so and so sits in a car and they are eating a sandwich, then they say x, y and z. As a writer that is a real simple life, but when you’re a director that so and so becomes how do you want things. The wardrobe department comes to you about dressing her, what do you want her wearing, this, this and this or something else? The hair department comes to you and asks how do you want her hair, like this, or this or do you have something else in mind? The prop department comes you and says, what do you want in the car; do you want these kind of seats? The transportation department comes to you and asks what kind of car is it, what kind of car is passing by. These are the guys that are saying, what kind of music do you want in the background playing? The actors are asking you, what is our motivation here? So the director is involved in every bit of it. Then when you are done shooting the film, the editor is saying, which take do you want to use? Do you want to use that one, or this angle? Your DP is saying do you want to use a dolly wrap or a steady camera or a hand held? Every bit of it is your decision and your call, where the actors are lined up or who speaks first. Sometimes you are rewriting scenes on the fly, it is really intense. Yet, I loved it! I loved the whole process.

F: That gives some detail as to the direction, as the writer though; do you give up the baby?

SF: It’s different in every case when you are the writer and director as I was on Preachers Kid, it’s the same baby. You do understand that you may have to sacrifice some of the baby for a greater good on down the road. I was also the producer so I determined which scenes also got cut. It’s hard but I would rather make that decision than have someone else make it.

In Woman Thou Art Loosed I was just the writer and producer and the director was really, and he didn’t have to be this way, the director was really considerate of what my intent was, so when he would set up a scene, he would look at me and ask, is this what you had in mind or did you see it differently? There are other projects where the writer is never on the set, and not allowed on the set and somebody takes it and you go, what movie did they make, what were they reading?

MF: As of late, it seems like there has been a lot of movies made with the Black church that is used as a backdrop. What do you see going on there? What is happening to where we are seeing more of that now and is there the potential for crossover?

SF: I think that for this genera, the African American genera, the black church is really the starting point. There was a time, right after slavery it was our everything, it was where we had our socialization, it is where we had our political meetings, it is where we met our wives, it’s where we did everything, it where we worshiped, so the church was everything, it is where we voted, it was, everything for the African American community. I think there is usually a fundamental belief in church and God, I think in the genera.

In terms of it being the backdrop for this film, it really is the starting point, but not necessarily the backdrop. We’re in the church for a few scenes to show where our character starts out before making her journey and it helps us understand her better. I think whether it is a trend or not, I’m not sure. I would like to see some other films. I don’t think I have ever seen that many films that really depicts what happens in the church. You know what’s interesting is there is films that Christians seem to ignore, but it’s true there seems to be a Black church and a White church and a Latino church; the worship is different, there is something about being able to embody a hybrid of the two. I realized this when I did Woman Thou Art Loosed, in that same year I did a film called Hangman’s Curse, which was Frank Peretti’s book brought to film. I was a writer on both of those and we were doing screenings and Fox had distribution for both films. There was a guy named John Scott at Fox and so we would give a screening for Woman Thou Art Loosed in a theater and John would say Stan is a wonderful writer and he also did Frank Peretti’s book and they would go, who’s that? Then we would be at the Peretti screening for Hangman’s Curse and John would go, Stan is a wonderful writer and he also did Woman Thou Art Loosed by TD Jakes and they would go who’s that? (laughter) You know, sometimes it’s just two different worlds. Hopefully, if we continue to make movies that have universal themes and stories that will resonate, whether it’s in the church, or the circus, or the boardroom that it will be relatable, because I think that relatable themes and issues are important. The church should happen to be a jumping off point in any film.

(At this point the publicist steps in): Mike We have time for one more question

SF: Make it a good one Mike, (genuine and warm laughter)

MF: One more question, goodness gracious. (both of us are laughing at this point.) Here is one, what do you think is the importance of getting spiritual themes out into the mainstream of movies and into the general market?

SF: I think if there is a word more than important, I think it is crucial, I think it is vital, I think that the problem with Christian movies in the past is that they had to be word for word, literally as they were read in the Bible, or as they were taught. But I think the Biblical theme and message is what’s important. It’s sort of like when Jesus was talking to the Pharisees and they were complaining about working on the Sabbath. He is like looking at them like; you’ve missed the whole point. You’ve taken it literally word for word and you’ve missed the whole message. I think this film, and the films I hope to do in the future, and Woman Thou Art Loosed is that the theme is what resonates, and the theme is what we’re selling. Just quickly; when I was on TBN about a month ago promoting the film I was with a pastor named Kenneth Ulmer who’s got a huge church in Las Angeles and I said, Bishop, I was concerned about getting this movie right for Christians, I was a stickler for details, and he said, that’s not your calling. You are called to reach with your movies, people who would never show up in the church and you’re supposed to get your film into them, instead of bringing them into the church. So I think that is my responsibility.

MF: I sure do appreciate it Stan.

SF: Thank you Mike.

The following is a video of cast interviews of Preachers Kid, just click on the video to watch, if the video don’t appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81tbd-7-XaI

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Monday, April 19, 2010

Kick Ass

I just saw Kick Ass this afternoon, I can't think of a more repulsive, offensive movie in a very long time, and you know what? I loved it! This one is not for the kiddies, in any way, and most 'decent' people will be offended at some point in the movie, but for those a little off like myself, who likes to find meaning in movies, this one is exceptional, albeit rude, vulgar and violent in just about every way. This blending of Kill Bill and Romper Room will please most any Quentin Tarantino or Robert Rodriquez fan and offend most any politically correct person alive.

Imagine a society where we had regular people who took on the role of a super hero? This hero may be kind of like Bruce Wayne of Batman Fame, but without all of the gadgets and with maybe a little more violent temper. Imagine no real super hero powers, no special gadgets, just a desire to fight evil and to stand up against the wrongs of society. Then imagine those heroes being the people who have been abused, hurt, and misunderstood. Mix in some teenage humor, social commentary and in the process shocking scenarios and you have much of what drives Kick Ass.

Kick Ass staring Aaron Johnson as Kick Ass, (who when in costume sounds an awful lot like Toby McGuire, another super hero in another movie,) Chloe Moretz as Hit girl, and Nicholas Cage as Hit Girl’s father, Big Daddy. Kick Ass, (Dave Lizewski) is a typical teenager, going through typical teenage issues, including sexual issues has had it as a nobody. Under the direction of Matthew Vaughn, we see the character develop from the opening comedic and shocking scenes, to the growing up by facing tragedy and difficult circumstances. From the very opening scenes, we see that while there may be humor in this story, there are also moments that shock and amaze the viewer. We also ultimately see Kick Ass come across an organized crime syndicate that has had its way in his city. His super hero persona becomes a hero of sorts in the city, but he also becomes a motivating factor in bringing out others to take part as a Super Hero.

Kick Ass is well directed, edited, with a moving soundtrack that doesn’t stop. I was either entertained or repulsed for virtually every frame of this movie. The special effects, especially the fight scenes are rather remarkable, especially when considering the age of the cast, especially Hit Girl. There is blood and gore, and action that by its very nature are sometimes difficult to watch. It is these things that takes this absurd idea of a movie and makes it work. While there will be, and have been, critics of the movie, primarily because of its violence and the age of one of the actors, I found that contributing to the disgust of the movie, which I think we should find repulsive. Some scenes are more remindful of a video game than a movie. We should consider that our children may be participating in more action of the nature presented in Kick Ass than we realize. I was expecting an action packed funny film. I got a film with some funny moments, yet was action packed with a rather remarkable plot.

Kick Ass portrays the desire for heroes in society. Just as in the movie, we live in a society that has been robbed of its innocence, which has influenced the evil around us, even evil among those who are supposed to be our protectors. Just like another hero I respect, it is as if sometimes we need a savior, a savior who may be a child, or a young person to help point us to justice, and truth. Of course the methods used in Kick Ass are not the best methods; in fact there is a great deal of violence used in that justice, but it doesn’t negate the need for justice. We can ask; what lessons are we teaching and using in society? Are we as adults standing up for justice? Are we just looking through our stained glass windows, doing nothing and letting good and decent people have to face the consequences of evil due to our own inaction and irresponsibility? Underneath the violent portrayals in Kick Ass we are forced to think about those questions. There is a scene where an adult is looking out his window, watching a robbery, seeing someone beat to a pulp, and that person, does nothing. Then we see a young ambitious hero come to the rescue, only to face what appears to be certain death, all while others look on. Which character are we? Do we realize that sometimes, standing for what is right, may result in harm? I am reminded here of the verse, no greater love has anyone than this, that they are willing to lay down their life for another. In Kick Ass, we see characters that are willing to do just that, lay down their life for the innocent.

As stated in my first paragraph, I have to admit, I loved this movie. I will get criticism for it for a variety of reasons, but one thing I appreciate is originality and taking a story line to a new level.

If super heroes existed, if a common person became one of those super heroes, I don’t think we would be much different than what is presented in Kick Ass. We would have weaknesses, sometimes the bad guy would still win because like the Bible says, it rains on the just and the unjust and bad things sometimes happen to good and decent people. Many will be upset by the use of a small child in the role she plays, and the language she uses, but do we realize that by our own inactions as adults, as parents, that sometimes we are leading children to these very behaviors we find so repulsive on screen? I challenge, some of us have children much more like this than we would like to admit, maybe not the killing machine this character is, but certainly using the language and having the thoughts. We have to ask ourselves, are we causing our children to grow up way too fast? Do we understand that we can, and should be the heroes our children look up to? Or do we stand by and let injustice continue to rule and do nothing about it. In that regard, due to the story, action, and yes, adult themes, I found myself liking this movie because in taking such an absurd idea, I found myself believing and accepting the struggles of these characters. I realize it isn’t for everyone, but it was for this guy.

On a scale of 1 – 10, for the perfect 10 that sometimes looses the one they love, I give a very enjoyable and surprising 9

The following is the PG trailer of the film, there is a popular R rated trailer out there, but out of respect for some reading this, I posted the milder version. I will remind you though, this film is rated R for a very good reason.

Just click on the trailer to watch it, if it don’t appear for some reason, just click on the following link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrKHu2UX1vA

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Clash of the Titans 2010

As a kid I loved stories filled with mythology. I don’t know what it was, but the stories of Zeus, Medusa, Perseus and the like was just, well, just fun. I loved the 1981 film Clash of the Titans with Laurence Olivier as Zeus, Harry Hamlin as Perseus and other notables such as Ursula Andress, Claire Bloom, and others. While the 1981 version missed some of the luster from the previous mythological movies of the 1950’s and 1960’s, it was still a fun time, mainly because the concepts and stories of the time were not just fun and entertaining, but for a small boy, magical.

Many people forget the origins of these stories are rooted in the search and understanding of God. Rooted in much of the mythology was the search to understand humanity in its relationship with God. The search exemplified in the new movie Clash of the Titans stars Sam Worthington of Avatar fame as Perseus a demigod who is half human and half God, Liam Neeson as the domineering jealous God Zeus who created humans to worship him, and Ralf Fiennes as Hades, a God sought on the destruction and downfall of not only humans but also Zeus. The story tells the search for the salvation, despite the rejection of God.

One of the things I appreciated about Clash of the Titans is its attention to the simplicity of story. The direction of Louis Leterrier is quite nice and while there are some holes in the plot, I found myself more entertained than I did in some recent movies. I didn’t experience the heavy handed commentary of James Cameron and while there was plenty of commentary related to the human condition in relation to God, it was done in a respectful way that will allow the viewer to be entertained and at the same time have them thinking. The special effects were nice, the sound and editing was exceptional as one would expect for a film like this. The only disappointing thing for me was the 3-D effects. If doing it over, I would see the movie in 2-D as opposed to 3-D. Don’t take me wrong, it isn’t a slam on the movie, it is just if able to save a few bucks I would have chose the extra $3 or $4 and purchased a larger box of popcorn.

In Clash of the Titans we see a blending of the early mythological concepts that give some of the background of Perseus in a way that resembles the Easter story. Perseus is discovered by a fisherman in the open sea. The fisherman and his wife are without child and take in Perseus and raise him as their own. Through them he learns of humanity, and the love of family and the loyalty and love that exist between many humans. It is later in life when he and his family witness an attempt of some humans to rebel against God and to recognize themselves as God. He is forced to ultimately recognize and begin his own journey which will allow him to become the savior of the world. Along the way he has to encounter many demons, witches, and evils that would destroy him and humanity. Those forces are used as tools for the God Hades, who is a representation of the evil God who has dominion over the earth and rules beneath the earth. The symbolism to Satan and Hell is easily recognized. Perseus is forced to battle not only his own humanity, but to come to a place where he accepts and practices his own deity.

Whether by intent or not, this movie oozes with commentary regarding the religious nature of man and God and the need of a savior. It explores the rebellion and rejection of humans against God, even in the face of evidence that God exists. I can’t help but believe there are lessons there for society. In Clash of the Titans, the religious are the ones doing the harm in understanding God. We see a willingness to sacrifice people to meet their evil needs without the willingness to offer praise and worship to Zeus. Zeus is a jealous God and wants to provide that salvation; he is betrayed though by Hades and ultimately realizes the need to work through his own son to bring about salvation. There are sacrifices along the way that have to be made, and ultimately, for some, resurrection.

I didn’t go to see this movie to experience some deep social commentary. I was wondering even prior to going, why there wasn’t an appropriate Easter movie released on Easter weekend. I found some things I did appreciate. I found a relevant Easter message, and I had a fun time at the theater, in fact, I had more fun than I anticipated. Outside of the disappointing 3-D effects, I would have considered this a great retelling of some of the old myths. Sure there could have been more story as some of the creatures and characters are just touched on, but I still had fun. It is a good film for the entire family and most will be glad they spent the afternoon at the theater, reliving some of the stories of their youth.

On a scale of 1 – 10, While not a perfect movie, it was rather entertaining. For the 8 letters in Passover on this Easter weekend I give a very deserving and enjoyable 8.

Click on the following video to watch the Behind the Scenes Video of Clash of the Titans, if the video don't appear, just click the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXF6aLumYAE

Friday, August 6, 2010

Winter's Bone

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Horseman on DVD

The Crazies on DVD

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Preacher's Kid

Interview with Stan Foster, Writer, Director, Producer

Monday, April 19, 2010

Kick Ass

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Clash of the Titans 2010

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