There They Are And There They'll Stay: Zootopia

 We get to talk about one of the coolest stories in the Bible along with one of the best Disney movies to be made in recent years, Zootopia (2016).

Judy Hopps has had a dream since she was a child to become a police officer. However, lots of people don't think she has what it takes because she is a rabbit, and all of the officers on the force are predator animals (think Lion and Tigers and Bears). 

She takes all of the tests and passes them. She graduates just like everyone else, but she is stull thought of a lesser than because of this. She doesn't let those who doubt her get her down. She does her job and does it well. In doing her job so well she meets Nick Wilde, who is a fox that is slick and sneaky. However, she needs his help with a missing animal case. 

What they don't know yet is the underestimated rabbit is going to discover a huge crime spree run buy a trusted advisor. 

Can you believe how much Disney movies have changed (aka gotten worse) in the last nine years? Actually can you believe how much worse movies in general have gotten worse? Like 2016 was the last great year of movies. I know that Covid really did some damage to the movie industry, but really it's like Hollywood is trying to cater to such a small group of people, because they are screaming and carrying on so much, that they don't seem to realize that most of the rest of the country is not part of that demographic. 

I will get off my high horse for right now at least and talk about why I am writing about Zootopia again. 

So, the verse that is used in Jesus Loves Movies is:

"When Joseph's brothers saw him coming they recognized him in the distance. As he approached, they made plans to kill him. 'here comes the dream!' they said. 'Come on, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father 'A wild animal has eaten him'. Then we'll se what becomes of his dreams!" Genesis 37: 18-20

I love the story of Joseph. It's not my favorite Bible story, but its in the top three. I love Joseph's attitude during all of the times he is betrayed. From when his brother's sold him into slavery, and even when they didn't believe in his dreams. 

This is like the other movie, I didn't think of a way for the film to connect to my faith. However, I think it is a great message to connect with a movie in this way. Follow the dreams that God gives you and keep following and God will reward you. 

There They Are And There They'll Stay: The Sandlot

 We are on to another classic from the early 90s, The Sandlot!

Smalls is the new kid in ton that is adjusting to life in more ways than one. His mom has been married to his step dad for just about a year (they are still getting sed to each other), he had to move right before the end of the school year, and his mom wants him to go outside and find friends. The last on is hard for him because he is a self proclaimed nerd. He goes out and see a group of kid that are playing baseball in the sandlot in the neighborhood. After a couple of days, he gets the courage to go out and try and told to them. It doesn't go well. 

Until Benny takes him under his wing. Benny is kind and does everything he can to help Smalls learn how to play the game, and about the new place that he has moved to. That include knowing about "the beast" the lives on the other side of the fence. There have been legends about this animal and how it's dangerous, and eat everything that comes into it's yard. They loose a ball they don't try and get it because the beast the will eat them. They have lost any balls over the years. '

One day, the kids are playing and they loose their ball and are starting to break up the game that they just started. Then Smalls saves the day and says that he has a ball and goes home to go and get it. When he comes up he is up to bat and hits his first ever homer! Everyone is excited for him, even though they lost another ball, but Small is distraught. 

The ball he took was his step dad's and it was signed by Babe Ruth. 

Since Smalls didn't know who that was, he didn't know how bad he messed up until he told the other kids and they start to yell at him for his mistake. They start to make a crazy plan in order to get the ball back before it's totally destroyed. 

Well, every plan fails until Benny says that he is going to over the fence grab it and run. That leads to everything breaking down, and them coming to the door of the owner of the beast and learn the truth about who he is. 

This movie has always been one that I loved. It such a funny film, and as much as it is about baseball, I always remember the stuff that had nothing to do with the sport. I think that it's another well balanced movie where all of the kids got their time to shine, and are able to show off who they all are, without loosing the plot. I also love that the plot is not all about baseball, it about life and how kids tend to deal with what they are faced with. 

"On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified." 1 Samuel 17:11    

When I was watching this movies that I was having so much fun that I didn't even think about the faith part of this movie. However, Mr. Strangolagalli did! 

The point that he made that Small was facing a giant like the Israelites were. The Philistine's were tall and mean and were a force. When David came to defeat Goliath no one believed him. They all said that he was too shot, too small, and not ready. However, in reality, God was calling him to do so, and if they listen to His plan and not their own they would do good. Sometimes, do the one simple thing that God asks is all you need in order to get what needs to be done done. Just like if the kids had gone to The Beasts owner and asked to get the ball back the whole mess they got themselves into would have been avoided. 

There They Are And There They'll Stay: The Rookie

 I believe that I have said it several times that my experience in movie watching is not as strong in certain decades. Usually, it's starting in the 60 my interest in films starts to slide. I have found over the year that there are lots of movie that I do like from the 60s but it's usually the musical that start to become a little hard to watch, not all movies in general. 

Because of this, and because of my and and not being able to take myself to the movies, I missing lots of movies from the early 2000s, including The Rookie. 

Jim Morris had big dreams of becoming a MLB playing from when he was a young kid. He loved throwing a baseball to his brother, and only ever wanted to play the game his whole life. However, life had other plans. After some very serious injuries to his arm, he promise his wife, and several doctors, that he would never throw a baseball to the extent that he did again. 

That is until the high school team that he was coaching convinced him to throw a few, and not to pull any punches. He gets a taste of something that he had lived without for a very long time, and realized how much his missed it. 

When the team is loosing, because they aren't inspired by anything to keep winning, the team cuts him a deal. They win state, he has to try out for the majors again. The problem that Jim has with this is that he is twice the age of the other guys that are also going to be trying out. He think that he lost his chance and doesn't want to make a fool of himself. A deal is made anyways, thinking that nothing will come from it. 

Then the team wins state.

He goes to the tryout and is shocked to find out that not only is he is good, but he is throwing the ball at 98mph! He is signed onto the minors. He has a few problems at first, not making enough money, leaving his family, and then the team is not a big fan of him at first, but he is called up to the major leagues.

What I loved about this film is that it's the classic hopeful feeling that we got when we used to watch Disney films. I won't go on a tangent about my current thoughts of what Disney is doing, but this film makes me mourn what they have become. However, this film is based off of a true story, and I am so happy that it was a great story to tell. It's so full of hope and not giving up on your dreams, and that it's also ok for your dreams to take longer, or ever change.

When watching the movie, and thinking about how it might relate to God and faith, I thought that the relationship the Jim has with his father was something to make note of. Jim and his dad love each other but did not have much in common. No matter what Jim was always looking to his dad for direction and also acceptance. 

What I love is the Phil Strangoagalli had a different approach to the film.

"Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, 'Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bare a child at the ago of ninety?'" Genesis 17:17

He talks about having a dream. Abraham and Sarah want children of their own but they were not able to have them. When an angel came and told them that it was going to happen they didn't believe it, so much so they mocked them. 

However, the dream did come true! He said that it was never too old and too impossible to dream. Dreams don't have to die, when they are in alignment with God's will. 

No Place Like Movies At Home: Guys and Dolls

 We are back to a Frank Sinatra movie, but this time it's really good and fun! 1955's Guys and Dolls is a classic film that I have loved many many years. 

It's also a movie that I can't wait to talk about because.. I have thoughts. 

Gambling is against the law, but that matter for a precious few in the the city of New York. Everyone is out to either spend a buck or make a buck. Nathan Detroit is trying to find a way to continue his floating crap game, while trying to satisfy it's fiancé's, Adelaide, desire to get married since they have been engaged for 14 years. He is also looking for $1000 to pay someone to be able to hold his secret game. Sky Masterson has come to town looking for a place to place his bets, being one of the highest rollers in the game. Nathan comes up with a sure file plan to make a quick $1000 off of Sky when Sky says that he can get "any girl he wants to come have dinner with him in Cuba". When Nathan picks the girl, a Missionary named Sarah Brown, Nathan finds that he might have lost more than a bet in the game of life. 

So, Guys and Dolls has some of the best music in all of any of the music I have ever seen. 

When first watched the movie when I was younger, I had a hard time connecting with it. I didn't fully understand what I was watching. Now that I know that is going on, I have fallen more in love with this movie because I understand the whit and the charm much more. 

However, I will say after watching my High School put on this show when I was a junior, and since seeing the Broadway version of this show. I now know why the movie was a bit hard to follow. There a few small, but very key elements, that wasn't put into the movie from the Broadway show. Those things were enough for me to not understand what was going on at some points of the movie when I was young. Now that I have the full context of the movie I know what happening and am able to make the logical jumps that the writers wanted me to make. 

I love this movie and I encourage everyone to see it, if they love a good musical. 

Shawn Levy Shuffle: Cheaper By The Dozen

 No we are at another movie that was one I remember fondly from childhood. This is right when I was in that age were seeing people I knew from Disney shows and seeing them in movies was really cool. 

Cheaper By The Dozen is from 2003 and I loved it!

Tom and Kate Baker move themselves, and the 11 out of 12 kids, to a new city when Tom get's an offer for his dream job. When Kate finds out that her book is being published at about this same time, the family dynamic drastically changes and become more stressful for everyone. 

Now, I am not going to name every person I recognize from this movie but I know Allison Stoner, Hilary Duff, Ashton Kutcher and several others. I honestly forgot that this movie had so many stars! I LOVE this movie. It was always one of my favorites to watch when it came on TV and I slowly remembered what was coming next as the movie went on. 

What I love about this movie is that at the end there are a few blooper reels that really show how well Shawn Levy worked with some of the younger kids. Like he was so sweet and patient an it made me love the movie more. This I also think is were he was starting to be trusted with a lot more budget and bigger names. I mean Big Fat Liar has some big names now, but Frankie Munoz and Amanda Bynes were well established TV actors that were also starting to break out in movies. Here you have a lot of TV actors in a kids movie with the huge start power Steve Martin. I loved how this movie keeps you entertained while pushing forward without being rushed. I got how all the kids were feeling while they were dealing with the move and trying to figure out their new life. With that big of an ensemble, it's hard to connect with all of the characters on some level, but they all got their moment to shine, and show off their personalities. 

Also, the move is over 20 years old (holy cow) and I don't think I had one real moment of this movie feeling "dated" or really stuck in one time period. Like Yet, some of the style has changed, but like I feel like this movie could be made today and have the same wonderful feeling of what I saw here. 

Shawn Levy Shuffle: Just Married

 We are back at another round of the shuffle this month with two fairly well well liked, and well reviewed movies. The first one being from 2003 Just Married

After a relatively short romance, Tom and Sarah get married and are excited to start their lives together with a great European honeymoon. Problems arise when they realize that being married can not longer be about them individually and has to be about them together. 

This movie is yet another one that I have seen some of until I started doing this project. It's also one that I had no clue that Shawn Levy directed. I loved seeing Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher together. It's also another movie where there is something very light and loving about the film. Like you truly feel good watching this movie. 

Since I know what some of the movies that are coming up by him I am wondering if this alone his touch as a director. Like I am not use how you can bring the same kind of special happy feeling you get watching his movie as I have had so far. We shall see as we go on.    

There They Are And There They'll Stay: The Count of Monte Cristo

 This is one of those titles that I have heard a million times in my life, but I have never read the book or watched the film before today. 

Edmond Dantes' life is about to take off. After he did what was right is in trying to save a man's life abord a ship, he gets a promotion and that means that he can marry the love of his life, Mercedes. His so called best friend, Fernand Mondago, has other plans. Fernand has been jealous of Edmond his whole life. He is in love with Mercedes, he wants the joy that Edmond feels, and he wants to be him. He things that if Edmond was gone, then his feelings would also vanish. When it's discovered that Edmond carried a letter from the banned Napoleon, Fernand uses this information to get Edmond arrest and thrown into a horrible prison in 13 years. 

During that time, Edmond befriends a imprisoned Priest Abbe Faria. Over the years they are working on a way to escape the prison. However, Abbe dies in a tunnel collapse before he get the chance. With his last breath, Abbe tells Edmond that he knows where a treasure is buried and revenge belongs to God and that he need to forgive and move forward with his life. Edmond does not heed these words.

Abbe's death provide enough of a distraction for Edmond to escape the prison and start a new life. However, his fresh start leads him to smugglers, and a duel for his own life against a man who is sentenced to die. Jacopo is so thankful that Edmon spares his life, he tells him that her will be his man for the rest of his life. He proves right and becomes a real friend to Edmond over the next few years as they use the treasure to build a new life for Edmond to get revenge. 

He takes down everyone that through him into prison and trades lies for his life. He makes it all the way back to his former friend Fernand. Fernand married Mercedes, and due to the death of some family members, and now a Count. Disguised as as Count himself, Edmond comes into their lives starts to take everything apart. Until. Mercedes realizes who he is and tells him that the son she has is his and that she has always loved him. 

Edmond still tries to take his revenge on Fernand. He is consumed by anger and thinks that the only way for the pain to stop is when he revenge is satisfied. 

I loved this movie!

I am still shocked that I have not seen this movie before and I really want to watch it again. I think thought that is was going to long an boring but I didn't know that it was going to be such a beautiful story.

The picture of God I got from this film was obvious, Revenge belongs to God. Which is so hard because we as humans want to wrong the person that has wronged us so much! The author of Jesus Loves Movies also agrees with this picture. The verse he chose was:

"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is min to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19

My favorite part about this movie is at the end when Edmond says to God, after telling Him that he doesn't believe in Him anymore for most of the movie, that he will use everything that he got from to take revenge and start using it for good. 

I hope that we learn that God will uphold all justice to those who were wronged. That we learn to walk in forgiveness. 

There They Are And there They'll Stay: A Place Beyond The Pines

We have hit the first movie of these that is was not looking forward to at all! Not because I have seen it before or anything, I haven't, but because of the title. Let's be honest, it sounds like it was going to be a scary movie title. 

I am very happy to report that I was wrong about that, it ended up being a way more dramatic of a film that I would have thought. A Place Beyond The Pines is a movie that I have some thoughts on for sure. 

A Place Beyond The Pines is really a paralleled generation story. Luke and Avery are two very different people. Luke is a man who just found out he is a father, and is trying to support his ex by robbing banks and their son. Avery is a rookie police officer who is trying to do good in the world. They only ever meet one time, when Avery kills Luke during a manhunt. This incident changes Avery's life in ways he would never expect. Avery is injured in the manhunt as well and when he wakes from surgery, his eyes are opened to what the police force he works for s really like. Avery finds out that they are corrupt. He stands by his morals (mostly) and repots the whole department for corruption. Setting him on a political career. 

Luke's son, Jason, and Avery's son, A.J. end up going to the same high school. Jason is a lost kid who has a step father who loves him, and a mother who did everything she could to keep help happy. A.J. grew up with a distant father, divorced parents, and a wealthier background. When the two meet things start to go sideways. Neither one knows about their father's past. However, when Jason does some research into his biological father, things change for him. 

He ends up fighting with A.J. and that leads to him kidnapping Avery and taking him to the woods. That is where is confronts his father's past, and the man who took him out of this world.

When first watching the movie, it was ok. However, sitting with it the last few days, it has left a lasting impression. I think, for me, it's because I think most people don't show how much hurt this world has caused them on the outside, like the characters do here. However, we have all been on that level of hurt one way or another. I think seeing it be played out is hard to watch. 

My God moment for this movie is the end when Jason and Avery are in the woods. Jason has him a gunpoint and is asking for what happened. What the audience knows, that none of the other main characters do, is that Avery did not shoot Luke in self defense, he shot first. Avery murdered Luke. Since it happened, Avery has been rattle with the guilty secret ever since. He has always felt guilty for taking Jason's father away from him. This is the first time he has been face to face with Jason since he was a baby. While Avery doesn't want to die, he know that ultimately it would "serve him right" because of the truth he knows. Yet, Jason, in all of his anger, walks away. He leaves him in the woods unharmed. 

I don't think that Jason showed forgiveness in the moment. However, God did. We are all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We all deserved to die, yet we where spared. 

My God moment and the Author God moment weren't the same but follow the same line. Mr. Stranogolagalli's used John 17:1 

    After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify you Son, that you Son may glorify you..."

He talks about how earlier in the movie Avery is follow a police officer into the woods to have a "talk". When he realizes that something is up, he turns around and speeds to his father's house for help.

We can do the same thing. We can turn and run to the Father whenever we are in need or any help at any time.  

There They Are And There They'll Stay: Guardian of the Galaxy

I love the the Marvel movies... well... at least through the first four phases. There are parts of the MCU that I do like right now, but over all I think it's lost the plot a little bit. We are not here to discuss those feelings, we are here to talk about one specific Marvel film today The Guardians of the Galaxy!

Peter Quill, also know mainly to himself as Star-Lord, is an outlaw on the hunt to treasures that those in higher social circles are looking for. When he take the job to look for an Orb, he finds that this adventure is a life changing one. 

It's discovered that Ronan the Accuser is looking for the Orb, a power hunger villain, to seek revenge. In an attempt to cash in the Orb he runs into Gamora, Rocket, Drax and Groot on the way. The unlikely team finds out the Orb can destroy the whole planets, and try to hide the Orb so that no one can find it. On the way they learn that they work well as a team, and end up saving their planet with laughter, action, some Earthy 80's references, and.... dancing. 

It has been a long time since I watched this movie. I always love watching when I do finally sit down and get the chance to. I love the comedy and actions and everything on the screen is just fun to watch, and be entertained by. 

However, since this year is about faith, I watched this movie thinking about how this could related to God and His character since this movie is in my Jesus Loves Movies book. So, my thoughts on this movie where Yondu, the man that was sent to bring Peter to his father, reveals to one of the crew members that he didn't take him because Peter's father is crazy! That Peter was unexpectedly saved by Yondu intervening. Peter, at this point, is unaware of that information, but as an audience member, it nice to see that Yondu really care. 

The author of Jesus Loves Movies had a different take on the film, which I loved! He used Matthew 21:31 for refence: 

 

    Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collector and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom before you...

Phil Strangolagalli, the afore mentioned author, writes beautifully about how the five members of this new team are all people that would not be picked to save the world. The are thieves, killers, vengeance seekers, and all around "bad" guys. There aren't many people that would look past what they have been to be redeemable. Yet, they are. Yet, they did. Yet, they saved everyone when they didn't have to! 

The first followers of Christ were not the people the "should" have been picked to follow up. They were also liars, thieves, and killers. Yet, Jesus chose them to follow Him. Yet, Jesus first spoke with them and had them go out and save the world by telling others how Jesus really Saved The World! 

 

The List: 150

  It's not been that long since the last time I got to write one of these! I didn't think I would be writing one this soon!

So, what is number 150? It's one that got a slight change during the last few months, I'm not going to lie. Like I have said in the past, I started writing this list when I was 18. I am now 33 and things change! This one was original "Go to and episode of The Voice" however, I am not a huge fan of that show nowadays. So, when I found out that WWE was coming to Nashville for a like recording of Monday Night RAW I had to change it! 

I know I mentioned it some point last yet, but I have started watched WWE again about a year ago. I have been to WWE events when I was way younger, which is why I couldn't just change it from The Voice to WWE, but I have never gotten a chance to see it when they were doing a live recording. 

Nikki went with me, because she is so awesome! 

The seats we got were amazing, we got to see everything! I got to see Rhea Ripley, only on video not in person which was the only sad part, and Rey Mysterio. I have seen him before and he was just as great this time as he was the last time I saw him.

As entertaining as the show was, some of the more entertaining parts came from the drunk guy who sat next to me. We talked and got along fine, until about near the end of the show he asked me if I smoked wee (I don't) and then he played it off like he would never touch the stuff either. Then telling me that I look like Rhea Ripley (I don't) and asking me if I wanted a Dominic Mysertio (if you get the reference you will know why that was gross. Also to answer the question: I don't).

It seems to me that Nikki has been my bucket list granter for the last few of these, and I know she is going to be granting a few more this coming yet, so I know that I will have more to update on!

No Place Like Movies At Home: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

 Wow....what a title! 

We are continuing our little mini series of MGM Musical with A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum! For the sake of my poor fingers, it's going to be shortened from here on out to A Funny Thing. 

This multi plot story focuses on three house on the street, all narrated by the house slave. One man is looking for his missing children, the house slave will do anything he can to gain his freedom, and one is a house of ill repute that is trying to stay afloat. 

Look I now that wasn't much but you really just have to watch this movie to get the insanity of it all! 

When I first bought this DVD set I had never heard of A Funny Thing, I was so young that I really didn't get/like this movie very much. I had that mindset going into the film. Seeing it again, half my lifetime later, it's really a special movie. It's crazy, entertaining, cookie, and has some really great music!

I would recommend watching this movie for sure!

Shawn Levy Shuffle: Big Fat Liar

I am shocked! 

I am shocked for two reasons. The first being that I had no clue that Shawn Levy directed one of my favorite childhood movies. The second being that this is his third time directing a motion picture? 

I mean holy cow!

Jason is a young mad who is constant liar. He lies about everything in his life. He has gotten so good at it that he seems to have gotten away with it for very long time. 

Until he got too comfortable. 

He made a lie too big about why he didn't get he school paper done, and he got busted. He has to either make up the 1000 word, hand written, paper by the end of the day, or face summer school. He finishes the paper and one the way runs into a major movie producer, Marty Wolf, and gets a ride from him. Though Jason makes it to the school on time, the paper was missing. When he does tell the truth as to what happened no one believes him. Summer starts, and after school, him and his best friend, Kaylee, go see a movie. The preview for an upcoming movie is the same plot of Jason's paper, with Marty Wolf claiming that he wrote the whole thing. 

Jason and Kaylee sneak off to Hollywood to prove Jason's innocents to his family, and to hold Marty Wolf accountable for all of the lies he has made up in his line of work as well.

This movie was such a flashback moment for me! I used to watch it whenever it was on TV. It was my first introduction to Paul Giamatti, and continued my love to Amanda Bynes and Frankie Muinez! I loved all of the comedy and the little bit of action that we got to see. I love how they utilized that sound stages and the lots on the studio lots. I love just how fun and heartwarming all of the movies have been so far. 

This one I am impressed by the fact that this idea of this happening sounds nuts but felt like it was somehow plausible. That it goes from "no way this could be real" to "you know it could happen" effortlessly! 

I love the heart of Shawn Levy's so far and I hope that them continues as we go long on this jounry.  

Shawn Levy Shuffle: Just In Time

 We are onto movie number two of movies directed by Shawn Levy. It wasn't very long after his first movie that he got to make his second film. Just In Time is a movie that I never even heard of before looking into Mr. Levy's career. However, it's a movie that I was surprised to like as well as I did.

Lilly is struggling in her day to day life after her mother died from an accident a year and a half ago. Her dad is always struggling, but it trying to hide it more than anything. Lilly keeps getting into fights at school, and at home with a revolving door of nannies that her dad keeps trying to higher. One day, on the way home from school, Lilly is getting bullies, and Faith intervenes. The two becoming unlikely friends. They only  grow closer when, in an usual set of circumstances, lead Faith to coming Lilly's nanny. 

Like I said before, I was surprised by this film. I really thought that this movie was going to be so insanely cheesy that I would not be able to handle it. It was cheesy (it's still a family centers 90's film after all) but it was sweet, and lighthearted in the best of ways. I didn't cringe at any of the acting, and I really loved the message to the film. 

Is it a film that I would tell someone to watch right away? No, but if someone brought it up I would give it a good review. 

There's No Place Like Movies At Home: Fiddler On The Roof

 We are back! 

No only are we back to talking about movies that I own, but we are back for another bought of classic musicals. This one comes from 1971, and it's one of MGM's most beloved classics, Fiddler On The Roof. 

A Jewish family living in Russia, is trying to make ends meet day to day. Trying to find how they will marry off their five daughters, with no way to be able to pay a dowery for each of them. They are trying to keep up with their traditions of their faith, while the a looming war and more modern ideals are introduced to them along the way. 

Now, this is why I love watching movies, cause sometimes, somehow, you just miss things. I have always wondered why in the world this movie has the title that it does.... only to find this time around, it's said in the opening monologue of the movie. Trying to keep tradition and face a new world is like being a fiddler on the roof. Beautiful things can come out of the most strange places, life is always a balancing act. 

This is one of those movies that I didn't fall in love with right away growing up. It's a meatier story than most musicals. The more I watch it the most I fall in love with it. I feel like the most I learn about history, art, or even just the technical aspects of music/musicals the more I love musicals like this. The has wonderful songs, and is so much fun to watch, however it's not always the fun, vibrant, and sunshiny musical that most people watch and remember. 

I think that only thing I would change for my next watch is do do a small amount of research of the original play in general. I think it's based of a real like journal, or notes, from a Jewish man who lived in Russia during this time. I do know that the town in Fiddler is not a real town, so there are some aspects that re not 100% the same. I think if I find out more on how this musical came to life in the first place, that I will love the musical more than I already do 

There They Are And There They'll Stay: Shawshank Redemption

Today is a noteworthy day when it comes to watching movies. I finally sat down and watched The Shawshank Redemption.

This is a very long movie, so I'm going to do my best is summarizing. 

Andy is serving two live sentences for the murder of his wife, and the man she was having an affair with. However, Andy has been wrongfully convicted of the crimes. With no real evidence is prove his innocents, he is sentenced, and sent to Shawshank. It's there that Andy fine a new purpose for his life, while also finding out how hard the life of an inmate can be. He does everything he can to improve his new living situation (sometimes in illegal ways), but also planning an escape that no one ever saw coming. 

I think I saw this movie once years ago with my dad. However, I didn't see right from the beginning. While most of what I did see made sense at the time, there were a few things that I felt like I was missing. Now seeing it in all of it glory, I understand why this movie is going to be labeled a classic forever! 

This movie is think is remember most because of the daring escape at the end of the movie, however, I think really that reason that escape is so wonderful is because of all of the things that Andy had to go through before his escape. 

The most was not only innocent of the crime he is there for but, during his time in prison, he suffered abuse, sexual assaulted, and blackmail. He didn't always make the right choices during his time in prison, but he tried to do what he could to improve the lives of those people around him. he got a new library for the inmates, helped several of them get an education while they were serving there time, and had a hand in getting some pretty nefarious people out of the prison. 

Then he learns from a new inmate who the real killer of his wife and her lover is, he tries to go and get help from the warden for help. However, over the years that Andy has been there, there has ben some fraudulent taxes on the books (manly due to Andy's expertise) and because the Warden doesn't want to stop lining his pockets, he refuses to help Andy. Then, just for good measure, has the new inmate murdered claiming that he had been trying to escape. 

This is when we finally see Andy escape, but also finally see how long he has been planning for it. 

This escape is memorable because we have lived so much life with Andy in just a few short hours. I don't really think movies today would have spent so much time focusing on the daily life of Andy in prison as they did in this film. That is what makes the payoff for the movie so sweet! We have been there through the suffering, pain, and ruthlessness of it all. 

"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."

                                                                                          Romans 12:19

Jesus Loves Movies uses this verse, and talks about how Jesus was an innocent man, brutally punished, and sentenced to death. The only thing is that it doesn't talk much about God's revenge on that situation. 

See, Jesus did get revenge on all of those people who not only killed in, but those who supported the he be sentenced to death. 

His revenge was not death or torture to those who were against him. It was freedom. 

Jesus's death gave a path for Him to be risen from the dead so that we may be given the chance to be free under His convent. Under His Blood. Under His law. 

Andy's escape, his freedom rather, lead so an investigation of Shawshank, or the guards, or the warden, of all of the people who should have given him freedom when they had the chance to help an innocent man. However, Andy's freedom lead to the uncovering of sins the men in charge tried to hide. 

Jesus's escape from death gives us freedom to choose Him. To seek Him. To love Him. To be free from the craziness of this world, and to show His love and mercy. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Wreck-It Ralph

 So, we are just going to keep rolling right along into the next movie from Jesus Loves Movies and that would be the 2012 movie Wreck-It Ralph

Ralph is the bad guy in the game Fix-it Felix. Day in and day out he has to go up and down a building and destroy all of the things that he touches. That is until all the arcade shuts down for the night and then he gets to be a normal guys. Well, that's what he hopes for. None of the people in his game like him cause he is the "bad guy" and they think there is nothing more to him than that. In reality Ralph is lonely and really wants seme friends. He gets an idea that in order to make friends that he has to get a medal and everyone will accept him! He goes to Game Central Station to hope into a new game and start making he journey to find a medal. He succeeds quickly but only for the victory to be short lived. He end up in a racing game called Sugar Rush and meet Vanellope Von Schweetz. She too is ostracized in her own game because she is a glitch and they will not allow her to do the one things she wants, and that's race. She ends up taking Ralph's medal (which is also a gold coin) and buy her way in to the race so she can have a chance to be on the lineup! In order to get his medal back Ralph has to help her build a car and win the race. 

"The stone that the builder rejected has become the cornerstone." Psalm 118: 22

How fitting is that verse to the movie? 

When you walk with God you are guaranteed to be rejected at some point in your life. I don't say that to scare anyone off. However, it's the truth. There will be many people that will not like you because you love God. They don't know His Power and Glory, His mercy and Grace, and His love and provision! It's worth being rejected for, but it's still hurts sometimes. That was what I love about this movie (my first time watching it surprisingly)! Ralph had a community that he was in that rejected him, and he was talking with other "bad guys" in a group that he found not meaning in personally. Yet, when he went out seeking what he thought he wanted he found what he needed instead. Another person who knew what if felt like to be rejected. They ended up creating a foundation of a great friendship in that same hurt that they experienced by their world. 

I am so glad the Jesus knows what it feels like to be really rejected. He died because of it. He never sinned in his life, he was perfect in every way, and he was rejected for being him. He knows what the feeling feels like and knows how to heal our broken hearts when we experience the same thing. 

There They Are And There They'll Stay: Toy Story

So, because I have to fit all of these movies in, I have to watch like 5 movies a month, and write about them, for the first several months. So, there is a lot going on. However, I am up for the task and looking forward to it. 

The first movie up the the book Jesus Loves Movies is Toy Story! 

 Woody is Andy's most beloved toy. Woody is always there ready to be apart of Andy's life no matter what is happening. He also keeps all of the other toy in shape, and ready to go a a moments notice. He organizes them and keeps them in working order. All of this come crashing down when a new toy in town, Buzz Lightyear, shows up on the scene! Buzz has a hard time accepting his new life, because he doesn't think that he is a toy. He thinks that he is a real space ranger researching a different planet. He is trying to get back to his home. Woody is trying to convince Buzz of his true purpose, while also dealing with the fact that Andy has replaced him as his favorite. All of this come to a head when, right Andy and his family are about to movie, Buzz and Woody fall out of a window and are considered lost. They have to learn to accept their new roles in life, and work together to get back home. 

The scripture that was used to accompany this movie is James 2:23 NIV:

"And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God's friend. 

To be called God's friend is a huge honor, and one that everyone who accepts Him can be honored with. A lot of the time I think people think that being saved is complicated, and also so much work. In reality it's a huge relief! You get someone who you can constantly talk to whenever you want! You have someone the knows you matter than you know yourself. You get to share him to other or share your secrets with Him. He is the best friends that anyone can ever ask for. 

It's also crazy because this movie does talk about feeling like you being replaced. We have all felt like that at one time or another, whether is really happening or not. However, God is going to to replace you! He will never get rid of me! He loves me and always has the time for me whenever I ask for it! I do have a friend in Him and I'm Honored to call Him one. 

Shawn Levy Shuffle: Address Unknown

 Ok, so I would like to formally apologize as I realized that I am really doing two projects but the coincide with each other. So, I would like to formally introduce to you the Shawn Levy Shuffle! 

I have been wanting to do another study of one person for several years. Usually it comes down to if I wanted to do an Actress, if so which one. Do I want to do a classic Actor? However, when I realized the Shawn Levy did the Night at the Museum series I knew I had to see what else he has done. He as done a lot of movies that I have really loved, and found so entertaining to not only watch but rewatch. 

So, when I knew that I was going to do my year on Faith I knew that I needed to do a Director, a total change in the direction that I was originally thinking, and picked Mr. Levy. 

Now, like I said in the last post, he has only done 16 theatrical release movies, so we are only focusing on those. He does have several TV credit as well, some of which I have seen with Stranger Things. I'm looking forward to what we are going to see this year. 

 

Address Unknown is a movie that came out in 1997. It's about a teenage friends who are trying to solve a mystery about how their dad's died. During the last 80s a new stamp was release that had a misprint on it, because of this it was worth a lot of money. The government was able to get all buy four stamps back. Three were sold and recovered on the black market but the other one went missing. The stamp that were sold made hundreds of thousands of dollars, make the missing one even more desirable. However, when their father's die in a chase from their mail car, a mail bag with the stamp disappears. 10 year later one of the kids finds that mail bag, and starts the bad guys on the search again. 

So, everyone has to start somewhere. This movie was fine, but there is a reason that's it's not real well known. I literally watched the movie yesterday and have already forgotten what has happened in the film. The only thing that I really found remarkable is tat the roll top desk that I am currently using, is the same on that is in the house as one of characters. Other than that there is much there. I have this move a 3 out of 10. Knowing where he goes in his career I can't wait to see how he improves. 

What I really hope is that by watching these movies I find somethings that are truly the mark of Shawn Levy. I want to be able to watcha movie and now know who the director is and go "Oh, that's his movie". 

Happy 2025!

 

Happy 2025! I am so glad that we made it to the New Year! I think 2025 will be great! 

So, let's talk about how I have already bit off a little bit more than I can chew. 

I am only doing on project again this year, but I will be doing it in many parts. This year big theme is Faith. 

This is not something that  I have hidden before in the past. One part of a former project I was trying to incorporate my faither into one of many parts. This time I am going to make it the whole part. 

So, How do I make movies play into this? Well, There are two ways. The first is that one of this big things that a movie need is a director. God is the Director of my life. He can give suggestions, and I can choose to listen to them or not. That what a director of movie does, well at least the good ones. They guide the actors, and everyone else, to be the best that they can be, and give suggestions to do something one way or another. 

So, I am going to watch the whole works of one director this year, and that man is Shawn Levy. The reason that I picked him is that he seems so nice, and supportive, and I don't think I have ever heard a bad thing about him, so I would like to support what he does. He also directed Deadpool and Wolverine which was one of the best movies last year, and he did the Night at the Museum series, which I loved! Plus, he has a long career working in movies but only 16 theatrical releases as a director. 

The other things that I am going to do if follow this great little Bible Study guild called Jesus Loves Movies  By Phil Strangolagalli. This has 30 different movies that he uses to show God's love, grace, and mercy to use through this art of storytelling. They are not Christian movies, they are all types! Animated, action, drama, and even scary! I'm going to divvy these out to the to make them fit into the year. 

  

The other thing I will be doing is finding a book, or study guide, on one book of the Bible every month and reading that to help understand the Bible better. I don't need to be an expert but I would like to learn more. 

This project is going to be called "There They Are And There They'll Stay" as said my Glinda in The Wizard of Oz to Dorothy when the Ruby Red Slippers appear on her feet after the death of the Wicked Witch of the East. 

Now, why the Ruby Slippers and not the great and powerful Oz himself? Oz is only proven to be a mere moral after the whole journey that the gang sets on. That he had not real power, and while he helped them to feel better about themselves, he did it with no magic, and not power. He just saw the best in them and did the best that they could. 

The Slippers where always lying in wait to be used. Glinda tells Dorothy at the end of the movie that she had the power to go home the whole time, she just had to believe (or have faith) in them to get her home. That is much like God. He is always waiting to help, heal, provide, and care for you if only you had the faith to reach out and ask. Dorothy traveled with and was always in the presence of the slippers from the moment that she arrived in Oz. She didn't know if for the first few minutes until it was pointed out to her. Like use growing up and learning about the world. Then the show were one her feet when the Enemy, the Wicked Witch of the West, tried to take them for herself. The devil wants all of the power! He wants all of the control and will try and steal you faith if you aren't careful! 

She walked for miles, and day in the slippers know, for whatever reason, that they were special and that they would protect her, even thought she was being attacked by WWW the whole time. They led her to great friends that love and care for her, and kept her from being harmed and killed. 

The Ruby Red Slippers were the only real thing that Dorothy knew that she had to protect and trust no matter what it cost her.

That is what faith in God should look like and I want my faith to look like that! 

So, I'm going to make sure that I put God first this year, and then follow his word, and really try to study it this year too.