Nutcracker and the Four Realms

     Sometimes, when you’re young, you see a movie, or read a book, and know that your destiny has just been sighted. Things don’t always work out that way, but one can dream. I grew up in upstate New York, so there were definitely times when it was cold and snowy. There was a pond behind our house, and during the summer we could swim, fish and chase frogs. But during the winter, that pond became something else. Frozen, it turned into another world, running and sliding on the ice worked for a while—and then I read about Hans Brinker and his silver skates.  

    A dream, coincidences, God moments, and a young boy getting an opportunity to be a hero. I knew that if I just had my own pair of silver skates, that I too could be a hero. Or a famous athlete, or an Olympic medalist. The world at my fingertips.

   I begged, I left reminders, circled skates in all the catalogs, wrote my letter to Santa, included a plea for skates in my evening prayers, and promised to be good. And then on Christmas morning, there they were.

    Skating wasn’t quite as easy as it looked, and I managed to spend more time sitting on the ice than gliding across it, but eventually I got the hang of it. I never got called to play professional hockey, my speeds didn’t qualify me for anything, and as a figure skater—well, let’s just say that my figure 8’s looked more like a kindergartner using a crayon to learn how to write, than anything done by a calligrapher. 

    But in my mind, I was the heroic Hans, living a dream, restoring the family, and selflessly allowing someone else to shine. 

    The magic of a dream: a boy, a frozen pond, a pair of used skates, and a big imagination. 

     And there’s another dream that we watch for every year: the magic of the Nutcracker, and this year, it goes a step further with the release of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.

About The Movie (Synopsis)

All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.  “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” releases in theaters on November 2.

you can watch a clip HERE

or watch the music video of Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo singing FALL ON ME

SMALLFOOT --in theaters on Sept 28

Books are a passport to adventures and to the world, and although I can experience the world vicariously through other peoples’ accounts, those same books have always stirred desires to see the world for myself. We’ve been to the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India. We’ve seen the Eiffel Tower in Paris, St Peters’ in Vatican City, and the remains of 12^th century monasteries in Spain. I've been to rug markets and camel Rides in Morocco along with The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and important religious sites in Palestine. That might be enough for some people (or too much) but every trip just makes me want to travel even more.

                There are so many places yet to be discovered. What is there besides cold and ice at the South Pole? I want to see Santa and the reindeer and elves at the North Pole. Who wouldn’t want to go to The Shire, and meet some of Bilbo Baggins cousins, and perhaps be there to celebrate a eleventy-eleventh birthday celebration, or perhaps meet elves and dwarves?

                But more realistically speaking, carnival in Rio, swimming with sharks while diving along the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and a photo safari in Kenya are high on the list. But for now, I’d really like to visit India again, and go through some of the National parks, game reserves, and Tiger Reserves.

                For the record, I’m not a fan of zoos, but the idea of seeing some of the magnificent animals in their natural habitat fascinates me. What an experience it would be to step out of the fast paced world of a large American City, fly into another metropolis, and hours later, be in the middle of the beauty of God's creation, where busy freeways, and people rushing to do something that they hope will fill an emptiness in their soul just don’t exist. The idea of watching tigers basking in the sun, stalking prey, roaming and marking their territory, or watching rhinos or elephants in their natural territory starts my heart pounding. This would be a freedom like I never get to see in the big cities, or even small towns, where it seems like every day another construction project is starting.

                Excitement, coupled with peace and tranquility, and the sense of adventure that comes with experiencing something that until I’ve actually seen it seems like something out of a mythological story, or an urban legend. Everybody knows it’s there, but nobody has actually seen it.

                And that’s why I’m looking forward to the movie SMALLFOOT which opens in theaters on Sept 28. We’ve all heard of the Yeti, the abominable snowman and big foot, but who has seen one? Yet we keep looking, and from time to time reports surface of an actual sighting.

                Now turn things around. Welcome to the world which is populated by Yetis, and the urban lore says that somewhere there are creatures with small feet, whose body is not covered with long shaggy hair, and who are pretty small compared to the Yetis. These creatures happen to be human beings, which the Yetis call a smallfoot. Everybody knows that these creatures exist, but no one has ever seen one. But certain Yetis keep looking, and every once in a while there is a report of an actual sighting.

                I’ve been following the twitter and Instagram posts, and this movie, with a wide range of well-known people voicing the animation, looks like a fun movie for the entire family.

            Here’s a Synopsis: 

 An animated adventure for all ages, with original music and an all-star cast, “Smallfoot” turns a myth upside down when a bright young yeti finds something he thought didn’t exist—a human.

News of this “smallfoot” throws the simple yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village, in an all new story about friendship, courage and the joy of discovery.

                “Smallfoot” stars Channing Tatum (“The LEGO® Batman Movie,” the “Jump Street” films) , Zendaya (“Spider-Man: Homecoming”), Common (“Selma”), LeBron James (upcoming “Space Jam 2”), Danny DeVito (“The Lorax,” Oscar nominee for “Erin Brockovich”), Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin”), and Yara Shahidi (TV’s “Black-ish”).  It debuts in theaters on September 28.

And when you watch the trailer, you'll be excited for this film too. Watch it HERE

Paddington 2 in theaters January 12

Nolan is 21. “So what?”, you might ask. What does that have to do with a movie about a bear in London spreading marmalade?  Fair question. It really doesn’t except for the fact that several months before Nolan was born we began a couple of processes that most first time expectant parents are confronted with. Obviously one of the most important is choosing a name, after all the name stays with the child for a lifetime. But, at least in our case, a close second was deciding on a theme for the nursery.  If our child were to be a girl, we had cute little bunnies picked out, but for a boy we decided on Paddington.  Stuffed animals, crib accouterments, books, onesies, and the list goes on.

        

Eventually we outgrew Paddington in favor of other things, but that lovable bear from London was a part of our family for a few years. Years of wonder, delight, and innocence.  He was so popular, and then seemed to fade away, or at least we weren’t quite as aware of him as we had been.

And now, Paddington is making a return. The movie “Paddington 2” is set to release on Friday January 12^th.   This whimsical and delightful film just won the Truly Moving Pictures award and is currently 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

A press release offers this synopsis: “Following the worldwide hit “Paddington,” one of the most successful family films of all time, this much-anticipated sequel finds Paddington (Ben Whishaw) happily settled with the Brown family in London, where he has become a popular member of the local community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.”

“While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington sees a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it.  But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief”.

“Paddington 2 stars: Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Hugh Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Sally Hawkins (Jayne Eyre), Brendan Gleeson (Into the Storm), Julie Walters (Mamma Mia) and Ben Whishaw (The Hollow Crown) as the voice of Paddington”.

Watch the trailer here

            And once again there is a giveaway, courtesy of Grace Hill Media! Like and comment, and I’ll select a random winner. 

Win a copy of the DVD "Extraordinary"

We all have that race that we’re running, and sometimes, even though the race ends well, the peripheral races suffer.  And such is the story that is told in the movie Extraordinary coming to DVD later this month. But God calls us to and for a purpose, and each of us gets to decide just how obedient we chose to be to that call.  Sometimes the decision is a difficult one, as David and Nancy Horton find out.

My friends at Icon Media Group are making a copy of the DVD available to me as a giveaway.  See the trailer HERE

What is the “2,900-mile race across America” that God has called you to like to make, to ‘inspire people one last time?”  Looking forward to your 2900 mile race stories, and I'll a select a random winner to receive the DVD.  PLEASE post your answer as a response on the blog page.

Universal City, California – Based on the real-life events of acclaimed ultra-marathoner David Horton and his wife Nancy, Extraordinary is coming to DVD, Digital and On Demand on January 16, 2018, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. An impactful and perfect story for the entire family, the inspirational film stars Shari Rigby (OctoberBaby), Leland Klassen (Altar Egos), Karen Abercrombie (War Room) and Kirk Cameron (Fireproof) and follows Horton as his dream of tackling a nearly 3,000-mile run takes its toll on his body, and brings his marriage to the breaking point.
 
Based on a true marriage journey, Extraordinary tells the amazing story of ultra-marathon runner and college professor David Horton, his wife, Nancy, and their attempt to finish their marriage race well. Although proud of his incredible athletic accomplishments and the impact he has on his students, David’s family continuously pays a high price for his years of competitive running. Following his open-heart surgery and irreparable damage to his knees, Nancy is ready for Dave to hang up his racing shoes for good and focus his boundless energy on their family. Instead, feeling called by God to “inspire people one last time,” Dave sets off for a 2,900-mile race across America.

Enter to win a copy of the DVD .

The Man Who Invented Christmas opens in theaters Nov 22

Christmas is just a few weeks away.... (I know some of you are already counting down the days), and for many families, reading or watching A Christmas Carol is a favorite tradition.  This year you can add to the fun by planning on making time to watch "The Man Who Invented Christmas" starring Dan Stevens, Jonathan Pryce and Christopher Plummer. 

The Man Who Invented Christmas tells the magical journey that led to the creation of Ebeneezer Scrooge (Christopher Plummer), Tiny Tim and other classic characters from A Christmas Carol. Directed by Bharat Nalluri (Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), the film shows how Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) mixed real life inspirations with his vivid imagination to conjure up unforgettable characters and a timeless tale, forever changing the holiday season into the celebration we know today.

In Theaters on Nov 22^nd-just in time for the holidays

We all know the story of Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge, but other than his knack for taking life as he saw it in London, we know little of how Charles Dickens came up with his classic literature. All right, let's be real, after watching this movie, due in theaters on Nov 22nd, we still won't know for sure; but this is a whimsical idea of how it might have happened. Watch as Dickens 'meets' the characters that he brings to life in the pages of the novel that has brought so much joy to so many people since it was written in 1843.

It's brought joy, and inspired people to become the new and improved Mr. Scrooge.  For the last 8 years, the 6th graders at a local Jr High read A Christmas Carol each year, and then do a Tiny Tim project on the last day of school before Christmas break.  For most of those years they've collected socks and hygiene items which are donated to the local Rescue Mission.   The Ogden Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization that serves the least of the least in our community. Each evening the offer supper and a bed for transient guests, they provide turkeys or hams for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last week they had a coat giveaway. And they have a residential, Christ based recovery program.  

I’ve been privileged to volunteer with the Ogden Rescue Mission for the past 15 years, chapel services, bible studies, and encouraging 6^th graders to step up and give a gift of dignity. There are always needs, plumbing, roofing, food for guests and participants in the residential treatment program. The rescue mission provides such an incredible service for the community, but receives no government funding.  Maybe this year, you can make a difference by supporting the Ogden Rescue Mission.

Where did Dickens get his inspiration? Why did he write this book? We may never know, but thanks to a writer from 175 years ago, homeless people today are a little better off than they might otherwise have been.  And a special giveaway of some Christmas movies, thanks to my friends at Grace Hill Media.

Watch the trailer here

watch this clip from GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

The True Story About Winnie-the-Pooh! GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN OPENS IN THEATERS THIS WEEK AND NEXT!  The story  takes us to post-war England and the lives of the Milne family.  A.A. Milne, an author and veteran of The Great War suffering from PTSD becomes inspired by his son to create characters that we all know and love today.

watch this

I was able to pre-screen the movie, and was just blown away.  And my friends at Grace Hill Media have offered to let me do a give away...all you Pooh fans, get ready!


I reviewed it on the blog

An Unlikely Champion

I was invited to write this blog post in advance of the opening of a new Disney film 'The Queen of Katwe". This is the story of Phiona Mutesi who overcame incredible odds to become an international heroine, an ordinary hero, an unlikely champion. She serves as an inspiration to many young women around the world. Her story involves a church and a chess game, and someone who was willing to take the time to teach her the game, but more importantly to believe in herself. She started competing in tournaments and eventually became an international champion. She lives in Katwe, a slum in Uganda, proving that champions come from the most unlikely places. The movie opens on Friday, Sept 30. View the featurette here.

My challenge was to write about an ordinary hero, an unlikely champion: someone who has overcome extraordinary odds. The biggest problem was picking the right person. It could be Sara, my wife, who left her home in Spain to come with me to wherever the Air Force might decide to send me, she learned English and now has a Master's degree and teaches English as a Second Language. It could be Hannah, who came years ago to this country as a refugee from Nigeria, and has become a citizen, completed a college degree, and is gainfully employed. Oh, she has also raised two children, mostly as a single mom; those children are both college students and making their mother proud. Or maybe it's Lina, who came to Ogden years ago as a refugee from the Congo... a refugee who was also a single mom with several children. She also has adapted to being here, and now serves with a refugee resettlement agency as a case manager for about 75 newly arrived refugees coming to Ogden.

 

And it's one of these refugees that i want to write about. I asked him to give me some information and for permission to write about him. Janvier came to Ogden Utah, just a few months ago and, because he had studied English while his family lived in a camp in Rwanda, is now enrolled at a local university, in the LEAP program (Learning English for Academic Purposes. He is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who spent years 11 years in that camp. Did I mention that he is very smart? He scored so well on the national advancement exam that all students take to be able to continue their education after elementary school that he was invited to apply for a scholarship; he was one of 5 students out of 200 from the Refugee camp who was awarded that scholarship, and sent to study at a private boarding school.

Obviously there were adjustments to make when they got to the camp. We go to camp on vacation, or for a church camp or space camp, or a hunting camp, but we go because we want to, we go to enjoy ourselves, we go to learn. As I write this I'm at a Camp - a Christian Camp and Conference Center. I’m here for a conference-- Monday to Wednesday, where I have already learned a lot from the speakers that have been paid to instruct, educate, entertain and edify us.  But that wasn't the case for Janvier.  His country was a war zone, his family had the choice whether or not to leave, but it wasn't much of a choice, staying was a much worse alternative than leaving everything behind and heading to a place where there was at least a modicum of hope.  

At least in the camp there was food, not much, and it only arrived once a month, or when the United Nations could get it there. The family lived in tents, and things we take for granted, like education and medical care weren't always available. Most refugees hope to be able to return home, to the land of their birth, but when the war continues for years, decades, and even generations, that hope gradually fades, and when the notification comes that you have been selected for resettlement to yet another country, that hope typically disappears. 

 In Janvier's case they were in the camp, waiting, for news, 11 years of knowing they were in the camp for an indefinite period of time, always hoping that it wouldn't be much longer before they received news that one day soon they would be moving to a better place, to a better life. Even after they were told that they were being processed for a move to the US, they weren't told where until almost a month before they actually got on a plane.  As Janvier describes that waiting process, he told me that he likes to read and so he was reading all that he could find about the 50 different states. He liked what he read about Utah, and was pleased when he heard that he and his family would be coming to Utah, (there's snow in the mountains, but he may not be quite so happy with it when it comes to the valley).

Janvier speaks English, but his parents, his siblings, his nephew don't; their heart language is Kinyarwanda, and they also speak Kiswahili. As the English speaker in the family, he gets to translate, he gets to help the family, and often he helps other Congolese refugee families. Having studied other languages, I know what a challenge it can be to learn a new language, the grammar, the vocabulary, the slang, and worst of all understanding jokes.

There are a lot of things we take for granted here, but in some parts of the world, including in refugee camps, those things we take for granted are seen as luxuries. Some of those luxuries that Janvier's family is enjoying include things like TV, fans, stove with an oven, comfortable beds, and even a car (Janvier is learning to drive!) There are opportunities for education, and even employment. Working doesn't always sound like a luxury, but in the camp they didn't work. Janvier works in the restaurant at a local hotel, and 6 members of his family (12 total) are working. Refugees come to this country ready and willing to work, wanting to contribute to their new community. Within just a few months we have people with limited English employed and not needing assistance from the programs designed to give refugees a new start.

Most of us have dreams, some bigger than others, and my unlikely champion is no different. He wants to finish the LEAP program, study biomedical engineering, and then go Medical school.  I asked Janvier what his long term goals are, and he has some simple ones: 1) contribute to the community, 2) help people who suffer as he as suffered, and 3) -last and most important: serve God in any way that he can. He didn't tell me this, but I have heard from other people that he's already helping others. He visits with other families and because of his English can translate and help them through the red tape, he has also showed some of his fellow refugees how to navigate the bus system. He has translated during orientation meetings, and along with members of his family, performed at a community event.   

In the movie "The Queen of Katwe", Phiona becomes an unlikely champion because there was someone there to encourage her to believe in herself and walk with her as she overcame the obstacles that had been put in her way.  Janvier and the other newly resettled refugees in Ogden get help from Catholic Community Services (A U.N. designated Resettlement Agency), their mentor families, and the neighbors who reach out to welcome them. In some cases, there is also a church family, and that's been the case for Janvier and his family.

Leaving a war-torn country, traveling many miles on foot, then spending over a decade in a camp in a different country, and now, he has overcome the odds and is on his way to earning a degree that will allow him to serve others.  

Janvier is my candidate for "unlikely champion"! 

    

We all know an unlikely champion. Their struggles have been different from those of Janvier, or those of Phiona. Why not try to find a way to encourage that person in your life who has overcome extraordinary obstacles? Both of you will be better off because you take a moment to put a smile on someone’s face.

Remember “The Queen of Katwe opens Friday Sept 30 in theaters nationwide. 

HillSong Let Joy Rise in theaters Sept 16, 2016

      If you've been a Christian for long, you've probably heard Hillsong, or at least one of their songs. This group from Australia has had an incredible journey over the past few years, and it's being documented in a Movie that will release on September 16th. "HillSong--Let Hope Rise".  An official trailer for the movie was released today and you can watch it here.

           If you're already a HillSong fan, you'll want to see this film, and chances are you're already a fan and don't know it: you've heard their songs on the radio, or perhaps even sung them in church.

     HillSong--Let Joy Rise, September 16th in a theater near you!

God's Not Dead 2 - what the crew and cast are saying

I just got this video clip with the cast and crew of "God's not Dead 2" talking about the movie.  This time the showdown is a little more public that a college classroom, but once again someone is in trouble for sharing their faith,  Once again we're asked how we might respond. Looking forward to seeing this movie when it hits the theaters on 1 April.

Greater: the story of Brandon Burlsworth- from walk-on to Razorback

First off, let me be clear that I'm not a football fan, I don't follow high school, college or pro football, so I almost said 'no' when the kind folks at Grace Hill Media offered me the opportunity to watch the movie "Greater"  ahead of its release and write a review.  But in that invitation there was also enough of a hint that this was more than football involved in this movie. And that element of faith was what drew me in.

Greater, a movie which releases on the 29^th of this month is the story of Brandon Burlsworth, who wanted, from an early age, to be an Arkansas Razorback.  Of course there was no way this was going to happen, based on his football skills and abilities, but someone saw something in this young man who refused to take 'no' for an answer, and when on to become, according to a press release,  'the greatest walk-on in the history of college football". 

Throughout the film one can't help but be impressed with Burlsworth's dedication. Even when suggestions on how he might improve are made with a hint of sarcasm, he takes them at face value and when he achieves the goal, heads back with that bubbling spirit, that says "OK, I did that, what's next?"

His dad is pretty much out of the picture,  lots of brief appearances followed by broken promises, but he has the unwavering support of his mother, and the sometimes reluctant support  of a much older brother.  And a constant faith in God which gets him through heartbreak after heartbreak.

There are many scenes of Brandon on the practice field earlier than any of his team mates, and staying later, but each day starts with him reading the bible, and every weekend sees him making the drive home from college to accompany his mother to church.  

What makes Brandon's faith standout is not how he tried to prove that he had it, but the simple fact of how he lived it. As time went on the team members who made fun of him for his glasses, his faith, his weight,  or any other reason, saw how he responded and started following his example.  They started going with him to Bible studies, and their lives changed as a result  of his unwavering faith.

The press release (remember I don't follow football in any form) states:  "Eleven days after being drafted into the NFL and before he was able to sign the contract that would have changed the financial status of his family forever, Brandon died in a car accident on his way home. His death stunned the state: He did everything right, and yet he was snatched away before he and his family could enjoy the fruits of his labor."

But the legacy lives on through the charitable foundations founded in his name. Scholarships are given,  and  walk-ons are much more likely to play ball.

Bring the Kleenex!

When God Shows Up

     It’s what happens when God shows up.  Woodlawn is a story about God. It’s a story about racism and desegregation in the South. It’s a story about football. It’s a story about love. It’s a story about what happens when God shows up.  It's another example of how when Jesus is involved things don't just stay the same.

     And it’s not just another made-up Hollywood story. This is based on a true story about the football team at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, AL. It was during a time when the climate was changing, and schools were no longer to be classified as “white” or “black”.  Naturally there is some resistance to the new way of thinking, not just at Woodlawn, but throughout Birmingham and Alabama.

     The school is torn apart, the football team is anything but a team, the coach doesn’t know what to do, and in limps Hank, product of a Christian crusade. Coach gives him 5 minutes to talk to the team, and an hour later MOST of the team is committing to Jesus. (Hey if everybody had accepted the invitation there wouldn’t be any tension – or any movie.

     It wouldn’t be high school without a romantic interlude, and one of my favorite lines comes after a game when an attractive fellow student comes up to congratulate Tony Nathan. Tony's momma cuts right to the chase: what church do you go to? – I don’t go to church.  – you’re going with us.  She goes on to make it clear that anybody who plans on marrying her son is going to church. And by the way, momma is going to fatten this girl up, how else is she going to give her grandbabies. (Tony eventually married this high school sweetheart and they’ve been married for 35 years.)

   
     There is lots of football action as the story plays out, and anyone who follows high school ball knows how those rivalries lead to excitement.   Love prevails. This is a great look at the culture of another era, one that many of us can still remember. One that needed to change, and thanks to a culture that wasn't afraid to share faith, (although there is a little bit of the law says you can't do that) things did change.

     It would be nice to be able to write the "and they all lived happily ever after" ending, but racism still exists. There are people who don't know Jesus; there are people who mock Christians (as well as mocking Religious Others), so there is still work to be done.

     The team Chaplain came t faith at a Billy Graham crusade, and to bookend the story, the public is invited to learn more about how they can participate in some way in an upcoming crusade.  Why not, there are altar calls in the film, perhaps  a virtual altar call after the film will be just as effective in 21^st century as face to face altar calls were in the 20^th century.

     Tony Nathan, a name you football fans might recognize, (Does ‘Bear’ Bryant sound familiar? ‘Bama?) is played by newcomer Caleb Castille.  Mr.Castille left  college football after a couple of seasons because he sensed God calling him to acting as a higher purpose. The film also stars Jon Voigt and Nic Bishop among others. Directed by the Erwin Brothers, and produced by Kevin Downes. Roma Downey and Mark Burnett are executive producers.

      You might have guessed by now that I liked this film. It's an unabashedly Christian film that doesn't try to change the story to pander to peoples carnal appetites. It's designed to meet our spiritual needs coupled with a desire to point out that racism still exists and needs to be eradicated. And it will be, because that's what happens when God shows up.

      My  friends at Grace Hill Media have given me some books associated with the movie that I can give to a blog reader.  There's also an XL t-shirt.  Comment on the blog, and next week I'll pick a random reader to get the books.

American Sniper, the Hollywood version of Chris Kyle’s journey as an American hero.

I had to put it that way, because the movie seemed a little too made up to be real.  First off let me offer a disclaimer: I haven’t read the book, but I have served in the military, and some of the scenes seem contrived. For instance, I can’t imagine that anyone out in the field, engaged in combat operations would be aiming a gun at an enemy combatant with one hand, and using the other hand to hold a phone and carry on a personal phone call. But on the other hand, the movie covers a lot of time in just a couple of hours, boot camp, special training, four combat tours along with a period of time after his discharge.  I also know that when people are in situations as intense as some of the ones depicted in the film that their language is not always family friendly, and again I've been in the military, so profanity is not necessarily unexpected. Having said that, it seems that the f-bombs were excessive.

But beyond that, I enjoyed the film. It can be viewed in so many different ways, and on many different levels. It’s the story of a descent into hell, and the ladder back up; it’s a portrait of PTSD and how it affects individuals and families. It’s a reminder that war is hell. It’s a vivid reminder that sometimes being a hero isn't all it’s cracked up to be

For those who haven’t served in the military, the movie offers insight into what we asked of the men and women who put on the uniform, and beyond that, what we ask of their families during the times when a spouse or parent is deployed. And for some it shows why we honor our troops when they return from those difficult deployments.

As I watched the movie, I found myself wishing that it were just the imagination of somebody sitting at a computer, but the harsh reality is that the world is not a perfect place. We invite young men and women to serve their country; we offer then special training, and then send them off to faraway places where they are exposed to horrors that no human being should ever have to experience, but we don’t have the mechanisms in place to adequately care for them when they return home. Some of them are shattered physically, and we can offer physical therapy and artificial limbs, but how do we help those whose injuries are unseen, but often hurt much more deeply.

The movie is rated ‘R’ for profanity, and with good reason. If you can get past that, it’s a movie well worth watching. 

My friends at Grace Hill Media have given me a copy of the Blue-Ray DVD as a giveaway for facebook friends/readers of my blog.  Comment on the blog, or on my facebook page before May 24^th, and be entered for a chance to win the DVD.

NOAH some behind the scenes stuff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InxsexEeIkc&feature=youtu.be


This is a behind the scene view of the building of the ark. I've read the story of Noah many times, and this helps me visualize some things. Looking forward to some more 'featurettes' in the weeks before the movie releases