Reviews With Mike Furches

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Hall Pass on Blu-ray

Bobby and Peter Farrelly are two brothers that seem to have a knack for making what many consider obnoxious and obscene movies. They also have a knack for making movies that some consider modern day parables. There is a new movie on DVD, Hall Pass that fits both of those criteria and while it reminds me a great deal of the feelings I felt with the movie The 40-Year Old Virgin, there are enough unique attributes to it that I expect the DVD release will attract a growing audience.

The premise of Hall Pass is quite simple; two married couples have over their years of marriage gotten caught up in the monotony of marriage, including sex. There are the consistent wondering eyes from two husbands, Rick, played by Owen Wilson and Fred played by Jason Sudeikis. Rick’s wife Maggie, played by Jenna Fisher has grown cold towards her husband. While she has fallen into suburbia, complete with the kids and nice home, she has obtained many of her dreams but has become cold in the bedroom. Rick has wondering hormones and desires his wife sexually. Fred on the other hand is married to Grace, played by Christina Applegate. Grace is similar to Maggie; the difference is that Fred has found some dangerous solutions to his problems. While he thinks he is pulling things over on Grace, she is fully aware of his actions.

One night during a poker game Maggie over hears on the baby monitor the ‘guys’ talking about getting hooked up with other women. The wives later decides with the advice from a friend to give the guys a ‘Hall Pass’, or a one week exemption from marriage. They can do as they wish, no strings or questions attached for the week. What neither of the couples realizes is that not only does a Hall Pass constitute freedom for the husbands, but also for the wives. In the exploration for freedom not only are their some funny moments but also poignant moments regarding relationship and marriage.

One of the things that make Hall Pass work is the Farrelly Brothers know how to make an audience laugh. They provide quality direction that has most everything working. From the quality of acting, to lighting, and from the soundtrack to the editing process it all works. The excellence of the brothers seems to be their ability to get real life moments into a movie while at the same time addressing real life issues. Many of those moments are gross, yet, funny. There is also the ability to develop characters in unique situations that add to the enjoyment of the story.

One of the things I have liked about the Farrelly Brothers over the years is their ability to not only develop their primary characters, but also their ability to have memorable minor characters in a move. Here we see each of the primary characters develop in such a way that while we are laughing at their experiences we care about the situations they are in. I found myself caring so much that I was talking to the screen, (one of the benefits of watching the DVD.) While there is humor in each character there are some funny moments that come about as a result of the minor characters. Included here are some wonderful bits by Richard Jenkins who plays the part of Coakley, a legendary womanizer, and Derek Waters who is hilarious as Brent.

Many are offended by movies of this nature, including the methods used in telling the story. I am not so put off by it because like it or not, the bottom line is important themes are being addressed with people who may not get those themes any other way. There are so many levels of spirituality addressed in a Farrelly Brothers movie that it is hard to figure out where to start. I will touch on one I felt strongly about in the movie.

In Hall Pass there seems to be a level of distrust which exists in many marriages and relationships. In that place one comes to a place where one forgets about things that are important, such as the love and trust that should come about in a meaningful relationship. All through the movie we see individuals who have forgotten about relationship. There are distractions, sometimes even good distractions like children that take one away from their original love. Another problem comes when the focus of what is important is placed on self as opposed to those around you. It is when one takes their eyes off of the one that is to be loved, and focuses on self that trouble ensues. Unfortunately, that is the way it is in life. I am reminded in my own faith of the need to love my God with my all, and to love my neighbor as myself. It is in the way I love others that I ultimately love God, and in that place, find God’s love for me. For many that love starts at home.

I have to admit, there are many laugh out loud moments in Hall Pass. I liked the characters and I liked the story. I know many will take offense at the material. There are times, as is the norm with their films, that some of the things portrayed on screen are either on the border of being offensive, or clearly crosses the line. There are some crude moments that for even me were difficult to watch, especially in the extended cut of the DVD. I liked the movie though and think it is one worth watching if one can be okay with the crude moments. For many, just as I think the brothers intend, there are ample thought provoking moments that can lead to good, meaningful discussions.

As to the DVD, while worth owning, it still falls somewhat short in some of the features I look for. There is an extended cut of the movie that is even cruder than the theatrical version and a few special features including a deleted scene and a gag reel. The transfer for Blu-ray is quite nice and there is a nice soundtrack which accompanies the movie. While this isn’t the best Farrelly Brother movie, it is still entertaining and enjoyable. If bothered by sexual content, discussion, and portrayals, it likely isn’t for you, but much like The 40-Year Old Virgin there are some really good themes that will have an impact on many watching this movie.

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=tvqbOPX3wBs

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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.

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

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Super 8

It’s been a long time since there was a movie that was powerfully driven by a young cast. Some may say it has been since ET; that is until this summer. With a wonderful new story in the Steven Spielberg camp we have such a movie. Super 8 is a cross between Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Aliens, and ET. With the benefit of living in one of the top movie towns in America I just had the chance to see the film on the largest IMAX Screen in North America. It was perfectly entertaining and was driven with as much an enjoyable experience as I have had the honor to partake in for a movie in some time.

JJ Abrams noted for the television series Lost has written and directed one of the best new stories in some time. As per the norm with Abrams there is attention to story which is done in an entertaining, thought provoking way. In Super 8, we see a family impacted by the death of a mother in a drastic way that has an impact on two different families. The Lamb family has lost a mother and the Dainard family is impacted in a way we are not quite sure of until later in the movie. There are two single dads, raising children and facing the difficulties on dealing with teen children.

Young Joe Lamb and his friends are into making movies. It is while making a zombie movie with a Super 8 camera; they involve the girl of their dreams, Alice Dainard. More than one of the boys in the group have a crush on her and while she makes a perfect cast member in the movie they are making, she also brings a level of conflict that contributes to the tension in the movie.

One night while filming near an old train depot outside of town there is a horrific train crash. The train is an Air Force train and is carrying a strange cargo. It doesn’t take long for the military to get involved. Strange things start to happen around the town and the young filmmakers know more than they let on with the town that starts to have strange occurrences. Of course there is a lot more they don’t know then there is they don’t, but that is for us to discover as the movie progresses.

Technically Abrams has done his best work in a feature film as of yet. From a taught script to incredible special effects, a great sound track, and unbelievable set and prop design. I normally don’t comment on this but there is such a good job of replicating the late 1970’s including the things a young man would have in his room I had to make mention of it. I lived during this time and it is as it was. Even the soundtrack and movie starts with the music of my favorite bands of all time, Electric Light Orchestra with the song Don’t Bring Me Down.

One of the magical attributes of Super 8 is the cast and development of characters. To think that two of these young actors, in lead roles, has never been in a motion picture before gives credit to Abrams on his ability to do one of the most difficult things in movies, direct and get quality results with children. The children in this picture, virtually every one of them are magical. I adored every single one of the primary cast, especially those in the lead roles, Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney. I especially enjoyed Riley Griffiths as Charles a young heavy weight child, with a deep friendship for Joe Lamb. Griffiths also carries off quite well the temperament of a young movie director. Abrams starts developing the characters from the very opening scenes and that development continues until the completion of the film. We get to know what drives them and their innermost thoughts. Not since Stand By Me with River Phoenix has there been the potential in a young cast that we have in Super 8.

Abrams does such a good job in his direction that there are multiple themes addressed in the movie, none as important as the themes of forgiveness and learning to let go of past mistakes and moving on. The concept of being able to forgive is critical to the need to let go and move on in the themes here. It is also the formula that allows love to take place when one may not have expected love, whether with a friend or a parent. For many, it is only when they come close to losing the things they love most before they realize the importance of forgiveness and moving on. We see that many are held hostage to their situations because they are unwilling to forgive. Sometimes the bitterness that exists in ones heart is there for unfounded reasons but we won’t know that until we take the step to forgive. This can create conflict that lasts for years and impacts others around us that we love. Some would rather die with an attitude of hate or bitterness than to experience the freedom and liberties that can come about when we forgive those we believe have done us wrong. Super 8, from the very opening scenes until the closing scenes drive these themes home in a way to force us to contemplate on their own need to forgive others.

I loved Super 8! It is without a doubt one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. I loved the tributes in the film by Abrams, not only to Stephen Spielberg but to the great Zombie creator, George Romero. It is a modernized, more sophisticated film than any child cast film since Stand By Me. It is fun, entertaining, with a wonderful message. It is frightening at times with a number of jump out of your seat moments. The only negative I would even dare to bring up, was it could have been longer as I liked the characters so much I wanted to see more of them. I suspect there will be some that don’t like the negative portrayal of the military, but I honestly don’t think that is any thing intended by the makers of the film. I have stated in the past that it would be hard to imagine many films better than this one this summer. While I have been wrong before, and may be again here, it is still hard to imagine a better film this summer. I suspect that word of mouth will have Super 8 making its 45 million it cost to make returned this weekend and from there, it will be one of the hits of the summer. I honestly don’t think you can go wrong here unless you take very small children to the theater. It is appropriately rated PG-13 but families will enjoy seeing it together. I know I enjoyed it and I fully expect to see it again before the end of the summer.

On a scale of 1 – 10, for the 9 letters in the name Spielberg who has once again, produced magic, I give a very enthusiastic 9

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=tCRQQCKS7go

Monday, June 6, 2011

Fall Down Dead

Do you ever dream or hope for sequels to horror, slasher types of movies? If so pray that one never happens for this pitiful excuse of a movie titled Fall Down Dead, that follows serial killer, The Picasso Killer played by Udo Kier. This 2007 theatrical release now available on DVD is one that would have been best left behind.

If you haven’t picked up on it to this point, this movie is horrible with an unbelievable script and some of the worst over acting I have ever seen in a movie. Unfortunately I think I would rather listen to finger nails going down a chalk board as to have to listen to or watch another minute of Dominique Swain in the lead role of Christie Wallace. Normally, Swain isn’t a bad actress; it is for that reason I have to give the dubious credit of worst director of the year award to Jon Keeyes. From the script, to the lighting, and from the acting to the score, this one is not only deserving of a few rotten tomatoes, but one could throw in a stalk of rotten celery or two.

The story line is as convoluted as any slasher film I have ever seen. We see an opening scene of a murder, then a scene where Christie Wallace is in an apartment with her roommate and her son. We then see her at work as a waitress at a city café, and the next thing we know she is on the streets alone, attacked by a homeless guy she has just helped. She stumbles on a murder, runs to a large office complex where the night guard, Wade played by David Carradine in one of his last roles lets her in. The power is cut to the building after two police officers arrive, and these four, along with a few other victims show up and are left alone in the complex to be stalked and murdered, (especially those who break the rules for characters in horror movies) by The Picasso Killer. Now for the kicker, all of this takes place on Christmas Eve and we have the wonderful score, (note sarcasm) including Christmas music in the background.

There are no likeable characters in this movie; the acting is so bad I found myself laughing when certain characters met their demise. The exception, (and this is a spoiler) was the character Wade played by David Carradine. I found his death scene rather sad as his character is hung. This being one of Carradine’s last roles I would have rather seen his character meet some other form of demise, especially since in real life, hanging was a part of his death.

There are certain rules in movies and in life. Some would say there are certain rules regarding horror movies, for example, you have sex, and you are going to die. There are also rules to life that no matter what condition we are in, no matter how smart we are, we have to follow. Where one gets those rules becomes the point of question. Recent discussions from various faith groups have determined that the one universal rule in all religions is the ‘Golden Rule;’ ‘Do unto others as you would have others do to you.’ In Fall Down Dead, the respect for others is overplayed beyond the point of believability. I think that mirrors some ways the way many live. We say we care, but in reality we don’t and are more in it for ourselves than we are those around us. Unfortunately, people suffer and horror pursues. We have to think about the people around us, and the situations we put ourselves in. Unfortunately Fall Down Dead addresses all of these issues, but in a poor way.

I anticipated watching this movie and appreciating one of the last movies with David Carradine, a Hollywood legend. Unfortunately I was saddened and disturbed by his role, and his manner of death in the film. I felt it was disrespectful to the man and those who loved him.

I wish I could recommend this movie, but all I can recommend is to run as far from this as you can, it isn’t even worth a dollar rental from the overnight machine. Personally, I think I would have rather ran across a hot Kansas parking lot barefooted for an hour and a half as to have to watch this movie again, it is that bad, especially when considering it gets pretty hot in Kansas in the summer time.

There are plenty of good horror films out there with redeeming values and lessons. Some of those have incredible acting, beautiful story, and scenes that will scare you as opposed to making you laugh. If you want a comedy, check out some of the old classics for free at the library, if looking for a horror or slasher film, stay away, stay far away.

I will leave a closing note for those who insist on watching the movie; stay through until the end of the credits to see the hepiloguej.

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=RAFYMcERh8s

Agatha Christie's The Pale Horse

Outside of the Bible and William Shakespeare, no one has sold more books than Agatha Christie. In The Pale Horse we have a story originally aired on A&E Television that explores in part, the mysteries of the dark world and witchcraft. When the young sculptor Mark Easterbrook played by Colin Buchanan is leaving a pub one night he witnesses the tail end of a murder. The victim, a priest leaves a piece of paper in Easterbrook’s hand with a list of names on it. When Easterbrook discovers that he is a suspect in the murder he begins his own investigation to prove his innocence. During the investigation he comes upon a small establishment called The Pale Horse which is run by three witches. Do they have a role in the murders that are taking place and the one Easterbrook is suspected of? Easterbrook and his girlfriend must discover answers before the bumbling police department investigating the case convicts him of the crime. Kate Mercer, played by Jayne Ashbourne comes along for the investigation and before long she becomes a part of the investigation in a way she would have rather not.

Let me be clear from the start, The Pale Horse is not a tale or movie to watch with distractions. I actually had to start and restart the movie 4 different times in order to stay with it to the conclusion and keep up with what was going on. Once I was able to sit down with no distractions, I actually found this made for television movie quite good and compelling. While there is story involved, it is an intelligent story for those who choose to follow along. The editing is quite nice and while the acting and cinematography is what one may expect for a television movie, it is still impressive.

As the story evolves it is quite believable outside of the bumbling detective heading up the case. There are moments that make it possible to follow along and figure things out regarding the mystery. The direction provided by Charles Beeson is quite nice and keeps the viewer involved and entertained. The lead character, Easterbrook is done quite nicely by Buchanan and he plays it with an innocence that has the viewer liking him. Another nice addition is provided by Sergeant Corrigan played nicely by character actor Andy Serkis. In some ways Serkis steals the show. Beeson does a nice job at taking the talents provided by Serkis and has him contribute to the story.

One of the things this taught little mystery addresses is the vulnerability of people who believe in the supernatural. The Pale Horse is an establishment that has three witches running it. Their pride and joy is a painting called The Pale Horse which represents the horse outlined in the Bible in the book of Revelations, chapter 6. Easterbrook during his investigation is challenged with the concept that he will see things as he chooses to see them. He is also challenged by the witches, while many may not believe or have the ability to see spiritual things, it doesn’t change the reality of the dark things around them. Of course the belief in those things doesn’t mean they are real, but neither does it negate them. Easterbrook comes to a place of belief but realizes there is more; it is love that can conquer the darkness. Whether the supernatural is real or not, those practicing it believe in their abilities, powers and other aspects of the supernatural.

Easterbrook learns the importance of being careful in dealing with the supernatural. He learns the lessons that ultimately, if one is not careful, they can loose the very things they love and care about. This lesson is a prevailing theme of the story by Christie. We see it through out the story line, and she challenges the viewer to contemplate this concept.

In most all faith journeys, individuals are warned about darkness and the concepts of evil. They are told to follow the example of love and the importance of love in their salvation. In Christian belief, central to that is the love provided by Jesus. While many focus on aspects of vengeance, judgment and so forth, the bottom line is that God is love, and, that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son. Just as death in Revelation 6 is represented by the Pale Horse, so is life represented by love.

Depending on the price of the DVD, this could be a keeper, but I think it tends to be more of a rental. The DVD has a few features but nothing of much value. There is a brief biography of Agatha Christie and a bit of a filmography of 4 of the featured actors. Outside of a few trailers there are no video oriented features.

In a world filled seemingly with action, it is a shame that one has to find the time to sit down, without interruption to enjoy a good story. This DVD plays in many ways like a book. It is imperative that to enjoy it you turn off the cell phone, sit down, and stay focused on the story portrayed on the screen. If you can do that, and especially if you like a good mystery, this is a fun popcorn movie. There are some pretty good clues along the way, but none as important as the message of how love conquers all.

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HBO's When It Was A Game on Blu-ray

When I was a boy I played about every sport known to man, from handball to football, and from hockey to basketball, I played them all if I had the chance. I loved organized sports because they provided some direction and purpose for me. There was one sport, that while I loved to play it, I never really played an organized version of it other than a brief moment in the 8th grade. As strange as it may seem that sport became one of my favorites as I aged, that sport is baseball. Up until the last players strike of Major League Baseball I could tell you the daily box scores, who did what, which team was where in the standings and more. I loved the game, from playing on the sandlots to the history. It could be said the history of baseball was the one thing that started giving me an appreciation for history. From Shoeless Joe Jackson and his days in the South Carolina Textile Leagues to the search for that Honus Wagner baseball card, I knew about the incredible history of this game that not only represented the sport but it represented the working man and woman and the love they had for a game which would be passed down to many children prior to the advent of video games. It was an era where one glove could service two boys and a bat and ball was all you needed to have a full day of summer fun.

HBO has just released their wonderful documentary When It Was A Game on Blu-ray DVD. The DVD visits the game from its early roots, primarily the depression era. We see the story of baseball told using video and images from fans and players. Using a documentary style it has former players and fans doing most of the monologue and we see a beautiful portrayal of a time many have forgotten. From Pee Wee Reece to Hank Aaron and old footage of Babe Ruth prior to his death along with others and many of the old ball parks we see a presentation that for many will bring back memories of a time that is in some ways, long lost, yet deeply loved.

HBO does an incredible job at editing the footage in telling the story. There are moments where the musical score is so good I had to stop and rewind the DVD. There is a beautiful telling and the passion of many of those providing the commentary, many of which include the original players and those who knew them.

When It Was A Game is a documentary that reminds many of the importance of taking the time to stop and smell the roses. There is a presentation of heroes, yet heroes who loved what they were doing enough to make sacrifices to do what they loved. Those heroes also recognized the importance of the fan. While some of those like Ruth and Cobb may not have the best history to emulate, they still have a history. There are others like Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron that not only provided inspiration; they changed history. They chose to be among the first and the best despite the circumstances they had to face during a time where seemingly, race mattered.

The memories that When It Was A Game brought to me caused me to reflect, is the hustle and bustle, the obese epidemic in America being reinforced by the games we now play with our fingers worth it? I for one miss that community represented in the early days of the game of baseball, especially the game that represented the working man and woman who could afford to come together and either listen to the games on the radio, or in some cases, go to the games they could afford. The game was in many ways like a good church, folks celebrating a common purpose, a common theme, having heroes they could root for and in the process, enjoy the times together enough so that in the every day life of a child there were dreams of aspiration, players to emulate, games to be played, and no matter what, win or lose, a respect for those on the other team. What would happen if those of faith practiced those concepts? Even the time to sit back and reflect was available, now the rush to this, and rush to that philosophy that many seem to possess, has lost the importance of human contact and relationship. I have to wonder, was this era the end of an era where community was lost, and me was found? Then I have to reflect on my experiences of both eras, is the loss of community worth it?

I had not seen the documentary and have to tell you, I loved it. I will watch it again, and in fact have already seen most of it twice. The footage including the players, story of the game, its fans, ball parks and more contains footage and history that every fan of the game will appreciate. That all said, there is one question I have, and I don’t mean this as a criticism, but to be honest, I have no idea why anyone would purchase the Blu-ray version of the DVD. The old footage consisting of 8MM and 16MM film does not transfer with any improvement to the Blu-ray technology. While the sound track may have some improvements, they are not noticeable enough to justify the extra costs. There was another huge letdown in the DVD though, there are no special features. It seems that on a subject matter like this, it would have been easy to have ample special features, yet not a single one. For fans of the special features like me, this will be a huge letdown.

With all of that said about the Blu-ray deficiencies, please don’t misunderstand me. For the fan of the game, this is a must own if you can find the lower priced standard DVD, if you can’t find it, it is still a must own. The memories, the story as presented is outstanding. For those who remember these players, this era, or knows the history, they will be reminded, When It Was A Game is about more than a game, for when baseball was a game, it wasn’t just a game, it was a way of life that at least for this one fan, represented a much better time. As for me, give me a ball, bat and glove with a few friends any day of the week. I would rather play a game of Pepper, Baseball or even Indian Bat Ball any day of the week than I would have my fingers play some video game.

To see the video below, simply click on the video, if the video doesn't appear or appears in a non complete form, click the following link:

Here is part 1 of the documentary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZPXjb2ixPs&feature=related

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Shenandoah, 1965 With Jimmy Stewart

It has been quite a few years now since I stumbled onto Hollywood Jesus. It has in fact been some 12 or 13 years ago now that I started writing reviews for Hollywood Jesus. I originally posted in the comment sections and later on, around the year 2,000 was asked to come on board by David Bruce as a regular reviewer. It has been enjoyable and I have made many new friends over the years.

In the early days of Hollywood Jesus it wasn’t unusual for people to visit the web site and make comments on movies that were not in current release. Remember, even here the real hay day of the DVD’s or VHS rentals hadn’t exploded. A lot has happened in the 10 plus years in the world of movies. One of the things that were quite the norm at Hollywood Jesus was to search out older movies and make comment on them, even on occasion, do a review of one. That is what I am doing today, giving a review of an older movie I recently watched on television for over the 10th time. The film is one of my all time favorites, Shenandoah starring James Stewart.

I remember first seeing Shenandoah, the 1965 release as a small child. The movie was released in the shadow of the Vietnam War and while the backdrop of the story happens during the Civil War, the images and horrors of war, beyond the battlefield left a haunting impression on me. The story of a widower living in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia during the Civil War fighting to keep his land, and his family out of the war movingly tells the story of how a family can become involved in the complexity of war, whether they want to or not. Charlie Anderson, a widower, played by Jimmy Stewart has 7 children, a daughter in law expecting a baby and a new son in law on the way, all of which stay in his home. He doesn’t see the Civil War as his war and does what he can to stay out of the war until his youngest son is taken hostage by the Union Army under the pretext that he is a Confederate soldier.

While Shenandoah was released in 1965, its themes, acting, score, direction and story withstand the test of time as well as anything of the era. Simply put, there is a reason Shenandoah is a classic film; unfortunately, it is also a film that is still relevant, especially in the time of war.

We see Charlie Anderson as a man of principal and direction early on in the outset of the story. Whether standing up for his beliefs, or his family, he is a non compromising man of principal. While his bluntness may have caused trouble with many in his community, especially those encouraging him to fight and send his sons to war, he holds true to his convictions, almost to a point of fault. We see a man who loves his family. He visits the grave of his wife on a regular basis, and while he isn’t per say a religious man, he honors his former wife’s request to raise the family in a home where they go to church and pray before each meal. While the prayer is not a typical prayer, it is a prayer with sincerity and one of honesty between Charlie and God.

We also see in a beautiful way the love of brothers and sisters, and the love of a father for a daughter about to be wed. Shenandoah does an excellent job at developing characters we care about. While there are numerous siblings, we care about all of them, especially the principals in the story. The direction provided by Andrew V. McLaglen has certainly passed the test of time.

Shenandoah is a film that addresses so many vital points of faith that are relevant to this day. Among the themes addressed are the complexities of war and its impact on family. So many times, war is presented as something light without ever taking into consideration the lives changed, not just the soldiers in the field, but the families left behind. The reasoning and justification of war in reality doesn’t really take away from the distraction and pain caused on the families left behind. In Shenandoah, after Charlie’s youngest son is taken captive, Charlie and the remainder of his family get involved out of the love for family. What transpires is a horror that leads to a deeply moving experience. The love and appreciation of family is strongly displayed as is the complexity of war. In one of the closing quotes by Charlie as he visits the grave of his wife, he summates quite well the totality of war: “There's not much I can tell you about this war. It's like all wars, I guess. The undertakers are winning, and the politicians who talk about the glory of it, and the old men who talk about the need of it, and the soldiers, well, they just wanna go home.”

Seen by many as an anti-war movie, Shenandoah was made at a time when American’s largely supported the war in Vietnam. Stewart himself was a Brigadier General in the reserves when the film was made. It is in Stewart’s honesty of the portrayal that gives strength to Shenandoah.

In the struggle of family, the difficulty of war, we see a man who loves his children, learn to love and appreciate even more his children. He sees and understands the value of family but he also starts to see and develop an even more complex understanding and acceptance of God. While there are times of doubt, there are also times of grief that has God as the only one he can turn to. The mirroring of real life relationship displayed on screen was one of Jimmy Stewart’s greatest attributes as an actor, he shines in Shenandoah. To the viewer, Charlie Anderson isn’t just a character being portrayed on screen; he and his family are like real people that we find ourselves caring about. In the growth of Charlie, in his heartache, we also see his prayers change, from prayers where he wants credit for everything, to prayers where he has legitimate value and appreciation for God. He realizes that while he may have lost a great deal, he needs to appreciate what he has left.

Shenandoah has one of the most memorable, touching closing scenes I have ever seen in a movie. In that scene, even though I have seen the film 10 or more times, I am still touched to tears. It takes place in a church while seeking and being faithful to God that one discovers the unexpected miracles. It is here the viewer is touched as Charlie, his family, and the congregation experience one of those miracles. It is here that we are reminded that we, just like the characters on screen, can experience God in a powerful way with honesty and a heart that is sincere.

How much do I like this movie? I like it enough so that some years later, I decided to do a review on it, hoping it may inspire some to seek it out and watch it. If you have never seen Shenandoah before, see it now, if it has been some years since you saw it last, find it and watch it again. You will be touched, and reminded of how good some actors were, and how good movies can be. Some 45 years after its original release, Shenandoah has withstood the test of time. It is worth a review, and thus I have presented one for one of my top movies of all time.

To see the trailer below, simply click on the video, if the video doesn't appear or appears in a non complete form, click the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec-lmjqBOw0

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Hall Pass on Blu-ray

Monday, June 13, 2011

A Cold Day In Hell

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Super 8

Monday, June 6, 2011

Fall Down Dead

Agatha Christie's The Pale Horse

HBO's When It Was A Game on Blu-ray

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Shenandoah, 1965 With Jimmy Stewart

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