Movie Review
MOVIE REVIEW
For a gift I received a subscription to "Netflix." There was one stipulation with the free subscription - I had to submit a review on each movie I rented. The following is my theological assessment of "The Movies that I Rent."
I have tried to be "cool" and look at contemporary movies that seem to be big Hollywood hits. The only thing is, most of them are rated "R" for good reasons. I haven't been able to recommend a single one for a youth group! I shared my dilemma with several friends and they gave me some titles of good movies and even let me take some home so I could watch them. I am very grateful. There are some good ones out there, I will just have to search harder for them.
I would be grateful for anyone else to respond and give me some good, thought-provoking films.
Doc West PG, 1 hr. 39 min. 2009
This was a nice little movie that was just for entertainment. Terrance Hill (Trinity; My name is still Trinity) plays a Western doctor and ex-gun-slinger/gambler who has an idea to raise money for a real hospital in town. While planning a big poker tournament he patches up cowboys and teaches a young lad about responsibility. Everything goes according to plan and the happy ending is assured but still it was nice to watch a movie that was fun to see.
This was a good family movie and one that everyone can enjoy. Some discussion can be had over some of the sub-plots. Terrance Hill has grown older and put on a little weight but he still has that silly smile and easy talk.
I give this one a 6 out of 7 just for its respectable content.
"Projectionist" R. Braun
Cowboys and Aliens PG-13, 1 hr. 59 mins. 2011
I was really looking forward to seeing this movie. Who could mess up a movie intitled "Cowboys and Aliens?" Hollywood can! Everything about it was so predictable that I have seen pictures like this for all my life. The concept of the movie was exciting; the scenes shot out west were beautiful; the actors all well known stars; the plot and characters - lousy!
Daniel Craig has the major role as an outlaw with no memory - just a strange band on his wrist and the innate ability to kill people with any weapon or just his hands. He plays the part of a psychopath well - no remorse, no regrets, and no memory. (Best line in the film - "Well what do you remember?" "English!")
Harrison Ford plays the part of a tough rancher. He is so hard and callous that his earliest childhood memory is when he killed a man with his own knife by slitting his throat. These are not role models for anybody!
Now the predictable happens. The aliens bring together all the divided parts. The rich rancher has a spoiled and very immature son - in the end he will see the errors of his ways and become a humble and productive part of society. The outlaw will become the good hero. The boy will become a man (by killing an alien with his knife.) The cowardly shop-keeper who can't shoot will make the saving shot. The lawman will become forgiving, even of murderers. The outlaws will join with the Indians to stop the imminent threat from aliens. The rock-hard rancher will become tolerant and loveable. Even the town, once destroyed, becomes resurrected with new homes and more people. (How the aliens caused this to happen is anyone's guess!) Even the special effects can't hide the crummy plot. It seems a waste of good actors and what should have been a really good movie. (Why is it that aliens are: 1) big, dark, and ugly; 2) have green blood 3) want our resources [this time gold, for heaven's sake!] 4) have several mouths in strange places; and 5) squish when they move?
I was especially offended by the unnecessary violence. There was no need for the torture scenes, the beating scenes (people are beaten to death!), or the blood and gore.
The one redeeming (literally) character was a girl named Elle. She is from another planet; she comes to earth only for the reason to save it; and she gives her own life to kill all the aliens and save the earth. If that sounds familiar it is because that story has been told for centuries. I would not recommend this movie for any church gathering or teen youth group. It has too little quality things going for it and too many unfavorable aspects.
I give it a 2 out of 8.
Projectionist, R. Braun
The Guardian PG-13, 2 hrs. 19 min., 2006
Elizabeth City is home to a large Coast Guard base. It is also a training center for Coast Guard swimmers. I was very interested in seeing this movie for both those reasons. It is a typical Hollywood version of what might be reality. Kevin Costner is a aged Coast Guard swimmer that has saved hundreds of people in the water during his career. He has also lost a few and is haunted by those failures. Given an assingment to teach young swimmers how to save people and survive in the water he is supposed to reassess his life at the same time.
As the Master Trainer he is hard, fair, and admired by his trainees. He wants to prepare them for all of lifes harsh realities, they want to get through all the "useless" training and start serving in the Coast Guard. There are personality clashes, interpersonal rivalries, gealousies, and even some male bonding. Through it all Costner's story emerges and so does a legend.
The movie is dramatic and develops the characters in a pretty predictable way. At the end there is a grand finale and "alls well that ends well." There isn't too much theology hidden in the movie. It's a good story and inspirational on a personal level. Around here we love the Coast Guard and this movie pays tribute to all the members of the Guard who do their job without much recognition. I am glad I watched it.
I give it a 6 out of 8.
Projectionist, R. Braun
Next Rated PG-13, 1 hr. 36 min., 2007
I rented this one because it looked interesting and it starred Nicholas Cage. I seem to enjoy most of his movies, although sometimes they can be "over the top." This one wasn't. It centers around a man who has a special ability to see 2 minutes into the future. As long as it involves him, he can see the future. Somehow two organizations figure out what he can do - the F.B.I. and a terrorist group. Now each one is trying to find him and use him.
At the same time there is one exception, a girl that gives him the ability to see even farther into the future than just two minutes as long as she is around him. From this setting the chase is on. Who will win out? Will our hero save the world? It gets complicated and action filled.
It would be a good discussion maker to talk about the ability of God to see into the future. Does the ability to know the future mean that one can control the future? What would one do if one know the future, even two minutes in advance? What is your future? The action will keep people interested in the movie. There is some nudity, but not as much as others, so it is your call to screen this with teens or not.
I give it a 4 out of 7.
Projectionist R. Braun
