The Shawn Levy Shuffle: Deadpool and Wolverine

 Well, it's one of the best movies of the year last year, and there is a reason why.

Through a strange set of circumstances, Deadpool and Wolverine have to team up to save the world.

Look there is a reason that this movie was so good you have to see it for yourself. 

I will say again just how incredible and heartwarming this movie is, is all because of the man who directed it Mr. Shawn Levy. It's still about family, it's still about hope, and it's still about love in all of it's many forms. 

I am very glad that I got to see the world through Shawn Levy's eyes for a year. 

I hope that I hear the world differently next year...

No Place Like Movies At Home: Monty Python and the Holy Grail

 We are finally at the most recognized, and by far the most superior, Monty Python movie: Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Arthur and the Knight of the Round Table are on a quest. They seek the Holy Grail. A mission given to them by God and a journey the not one expected to happen.... 

So, I have watched a fait bit of British Television over the years. I am not expert or can say that I can pick up on any references made by our British counter parts, but enough to know how their different, and yet alike, their humor is from ours. From what I have seen I still don't know how the two other Monty Python movies fit into play. Like I am not sure if it's just a niche bit of humor that only some people in the United Kingdom like or if they thought that last two files we wildly accepted. Regardless, this is the one that most people have found funny than they other two. It's not the it so wildly different from the other two, but it's one of those movies that my mom and some of my friends still quote. My mom and I will still clap our hands like we are holding coconuts pretending to ride a horse!

I love this movie! It's a must see if you haven't already!

There They Are and There They'll Stay: The Wizard of Oz

 Now, for my favorite movie: The Wizard of Oz

Dorothy's life seems like it's falling apart. Her dog is being taken away and nothing else seems to be doing right. She runs away before he dog can be taken. When she runs into a nice man who "persuades" her to go back home, only to be caught up in a tornado and taken to the Land of Oz. Where so goes on and adventure in order to go back home to Kansas.

"Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead of our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked." 2 Corinthians 5:2-3

Longing to go home. Man if there was ever year that to know what that feeling feels like. It's odd cause I have been home to months and I find myself longing for a time that I can't go back to. However, that the funny thing about home. Your home will change over time but it will be a place of comfort. If your home is in Jesus than you will have a place that is always safe, and welcoming. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Cinderella

 We are going to talk about a movie that is somehow ten years old this year.... Cinderella. 

Ella is a young woman who is forced to be a servant in her own home. With both of her parents passed, her step mother and sisters rule the house and they are tight on money. When everyone gets the chance to come to the palace for a ball. When Ella gets the chance, with the help of some magic, to get to the ball her life is forever changed when she meets the love of her life, the prince. 

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." Song of Solomon 6:3

I don't really have a way to say why this relates to God but Phil did. 

He talks about how the prince says in the movie that he "has to see her again" and how Jesus died on the cross and has to see us again. That is so wonderful I really don't have anything else to add. 

The Shawn Levy Shuffle: The Adam Project

   The Adam Project

When everything goes wrong in Adam's life he has to go back in time and try to figure out how to fix the future without changing the past. 

I didn't think that a time travel movie was going to make me tear up but this one did. It's funny and entertaining while still holding the Shawn Levy charm of family and togetherness. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: The Gift

 Now for another movie that I did not watch. 

This is another scary movie that I did not watch, but we are still gonna talk about it. 

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if three is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

So, it seems like this movie deals with a lot of hiding stuff from people and secret keeping. I know this is bad but I am not going to look into this movie at all. 

However, this verse from Psalm is something that we should be doing daily. We are only human and we constantly need to fix our ways and out minds. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: The Prestige

We have come to on of the most beautiful, tragic, and intriguing movies I have ever seen.

When two magicians want to be the best in the world at what they do, they become consumed with the idea of each other's tricks and might loose site of what really magic and what's real. 

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonian 5:18

If I told you that this movies is about two turn of the century magicians... and it's one of the most prestigious movies out there... most people would have a hard time believing me. However, I was basically yelled at to watch this movie when other found out that I have not seen it at the time. They were right. 

While I say it's about magic is really about comparison. We become obsessed with other people and how they look, act, dress, and talk that we try to be better than them or make ourselves worse cause we feel like e will never be like them. The thing is, both are bad and neither help you in the long run. In the end they both loose something.. though it's not what or who you might think. 

Giving thanks in all circumstances is hard when our emotions start to control us it's hard to regain the the rule. However, it's rewarding when you remember the God is there to help you and He can. Even if it's just or one single moment with God to talk to Him it help more than you can imagine. 

The List: #158 See A Ballet

 So, I actually got to cross something off of my list this year that didn't come with heartbreak. 

My friend Suzette asked me if she wanted me and Sarah to go with her and her sister, Sherry, to see the Cinderella Ballet.

Now, there were no pictures, and we forgot to get one, and Sherry ended up not being able to come last minute. However, she didn't miss much. 

Look do I want to see another one, but this ballet wasn't that great. There was no orchestra and it's just wasn't that wonderful. I would love to see another one when one comes to town (maybe just not that company).

However, I am glad that I got to hang out with friends and try something new. 

No Place Like Movies At Home: An Now For Something Completely Different

 Oh... how different this was....

I can even begin to tell you about this movie other than everyone had to be one mushrooms filming and writing this. It made no sense, and wasn't in a fun way. 

I spend most of the time just going "why"?!

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Doctor Strange

 

Stephen Strange is one of the best neurosurgeons on the planet. However, pride cometh before the fall. He was speeding in his car when he crashed, and it caused him the use of his hands. Without being the best surgeon, he feels like he is nothing. He sells everything in search to find a way back to the top. He leads him to India to the Kamar-Taj. Where he finds out about the spiritual side of life. He throughs everything he can into learning about these arts. However, he has to learn that none of the is about him and to serve him, it's about serving others. When the world in under attack he learns to put aside his pride and fight an eternal battle to save everyone from the same fate. 

For me, this was more about God fights a battle for us until none of us have to fight in eternity. That Jesus gave up his life for us, much like Doctor Strange did. 

"The Very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash-along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ..." Philippians 3:7-9

It's simple... it's not about us. It all about God.   

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Sinister

 So, this is a movie that I did not watch.

So, lets just get into it.

So, according to the internet, this movie is about a guy who is trying to write a book, a murder mystery, and it sacrificing everything in order to write it. 

"For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

So, it sounds like Jesus Loves Movies is spot on with this verse. It sounds like the guy was giving up his family, friends everything in order to work on this book so he can be back on top.

As much as it's hard to not get caught up in things, we do. It's nice to have the reminder that our life's work will be rewarded in heaven. 

Shawn Levy Shuffle: Free Guy

  We have no officially entered the Ryan Reynolds era!

When a video NPC starts to have actual feelings, and wanting to be more than he is, he starts trying to win the game (that he doesn't know that he is in) in order to impress a girl. The girl is a real life girl playing the game, and he falls in the love with her, and she finds out that his real life AI. However, the new owner of the game and code is trying to now destroy the game. They must use the new AI and work with the video world, and the world world, to keep from loosing everything. 

I love this movie! I find it so funny to watch every singe time. It's also just  fun adventure, with a little bit of a love story, that makes a few hours of fun fly by.

I will also say, it's got the little bit of Shawn Levy feel good magic to it as well. 

Shawn Levy Shuffle: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

 We finally come to the conclusion of a very special trilogy.

 Larry Daley is on the cusp of an extortionary concept the the Museum of Natural History. Since all of the exhibits come to life at night, why not say that he upgraded them to animatronics and then teach people at night but have them "come alive". Everything is going to plan, until is doesn't. When on opening night the characters start to glitch out and mess everything up, Larry has to figure out why. That's when Ahkmenrah comes to Larry and shows him the the talisman that bring them to life is being corroded and needs a cure. 

Larry, in doing research to find how to fix the stone, learns that Cecil (one of the guards from the first film) was on the dig that discovered the tomb where Ahkmenrah was buried. Larry goes to him for help, and Cecil tells him that he needed to take the talisman to London's museum and talk to the Ahkmenrah's parents about what is happening. 

So, I love this movie for a few different reason. Not only is it actually a  really wall done sequel for a franchise, but it's the last movie that Robin Williams appeared in. 

It also the last movie that my favorite all time actor Mickey Rooney was in. 

Both passed away in 2014. I love that their last movie was one that was part of such a beloved franchise and that it was memorable. 

 This movie will always be special to me because it was the last the Mickey Rooney was in. 

Which if I ever get the chance to meet Mr. Levy, I would love to think him for showcasing Mickey Rooney in the way that he did.

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Real Steel

 Now, had I realized that Real Steel was going to be reviewed twice this year, I would have just done one post. Yet, here we are. 

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" Exodus 14:14

We all want people to fight for us. Sometimes is in defense of other people and sometimes it's fighting against ourselves. In a whole movie, and honestly the whole world, of fighting.... being still does not feel like it's an option. 

We just have to be still and the Lord of the whole universe is going to fight for us? It seems like something crazy! Yet, it's true. There are times that God asks us to lift our weapons (pray, worship, ect) and fight. We need to fight with those weapons daily. However, fighting with words and other things when if feels like your being attacked, being still is hard. However, I see how it's the right thing to do. 

Max's dad finally learned that his Max needed to be still be fought for not have Max fighting for to get his attention. Thankfully that is a lesson that God doesn't have to learn. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

 I think that might be one of the longest titles I have had thus far in writing on here. 

 So, lets talk about Star Wars....

Look.... it's a story of good verses evil and spoiler alert the big baddie is Luke's father... 

I hate star wars. I don't get it. I don't get the hype. I firmly believe that there are very few people that love these films weren't introduced to them at birth. Like all but one person that loves them that I know has seen them since they were young. They get it I don't. Yes, I have watched them, several times. 

Still don't get it.

So, while this movie was on I was very distracted. 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

I love the fact the someone can find something about faith in this movie and Luke having a terrible father is a good one. I love the God can be out perfect father, no matter how broken and mistake earthly fathers can be. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Monster's INC

This time around we are entering into another Disney movie! I have no problems with this at all. 

This time around, it's Monster INC.

Sully is the top scarer at the company Monsters INC. He is on his way to breaking the all time scare record. Everything is going well, until he finds a door after hours on the floor and he investigates. He thought that it was some sort of oversite and just brushes it off, until he finds out the he let a human child into the building.  Now Sully, along with his best friend Mike, have to try and get her back to the right door, before everyone finds out.

Now, I won't lie, I got caught up in the movie that I didn't really think about a theme for how this lines up with faith, so we are just going to see what the book Jesus Loves Movies says.

"...Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock gathering the lambs in his arms, hugging them as he carries them, leading the nursing ewes to good pasture." Isaiah 40:9-11

I don't think that I would have thought of a more perfect comparison of the movie as to God rescuing us sheep and brining us to where we belong. 

We as humans are so stupid! It's no wonder why the Bible compares us to Sheep! 

However, having someone we can trust, like Boo trusts Sully, is such a blessing that we constantly overlook.   

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Hacksaw Ridge

 We are back talking about the one movie that was ROBBED of the Best Picture Oscar in 2017!

Desmond Doss is a solider that Volunteer for WWII. However he doesn't want to hold a gun. He wants to train as a medic and help save lives, not take them. His deep faith and conviction helps him to press on during boot camp when his character, faith, and freedoms come under fire. He is torments by his comrades, bullied by superiors, and is questioned about what he wants to do over and over and over again. Yet, he stays faithful to what he hold true and ends up saving the lives of 75 men on one of the bloodiest fights during the war. 

I love this movie. I was always say that it was robbed at the 2017 Oscars. It had so much heart, faith, great acting and directing. I could go on and on but I will save it for another time that I know will one day come again. 

"...The lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the Heart." 1 Samuel 16:17

In the book Jesus Loves Movies Phil Strangolagalli explains that Doss' character is under attack. Now, I did overlook that a bit seeing this film. I know that he faith was tested, but I never came to me that it was also his character. That who is is was coming under attack. Which I have agree with Phil about the message of faith. We can talk all da about Desmond's faith, but we need to focus on God's faithfulness. God knew who Desmond was. The kind of man that he wanted to be and what kind of Man God wanted him to be. 

I am so glad that God looks at what people can't see because people get it wrong all of the time. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Wonder Woman

 Literally on of the best superhero movies ever to be made!

Diana is the most powerful of the Amazon Women. She was training since she was a child to defeat Ares. When a man is cast ashore their Island of no men, it causes a still. Not in the way that you think. This man is being followed by his enemy, the Nazis, and it's discovered the Ares is running amuck on earth. Diana leaves to go and defend the world and fight a God is disguise. 

Now I have always loved this movie. I think that the guitar riff to introduce Wonder Woman herself is enough to make me want to keep watching. Now I thought that this movie was simple in way of faith. Good vs. evil, mankind at stake, ect., ect.

Not for Phil! He had a different take on this than what I could have ever come up with. 

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days of come" Proverbs 31:25

He talks about how woman can be in the kingdom of God in ways and men can't. The world makes it seems like Women have always "had it bad" or how we are lesser than. In reality, being built different than a man does not make them lesser. Just built different. We are no less important in the kingdom of heave then men. It was women who Satan attacked in the garden. Mary was told about her giving birth to Jesus before Joseph. It was Mary that Jesus revealed Himself to, alive, at the tomb. Women are DIFFERENT not LESS IMPORTANT. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Split

 So, we are, again, to a scary movie. No, I didn't watch the film. However, What Phil Stranoglagalli has to say about it is pretty wonderful. 

Ok, so my understanding is this movie is dealing with a man who has a multiple personality disorder. What makes it worse, is that this man kidnapped three teenage girls, and took them to an underground facility. 

So, let's introduce that verse that is used for this movie. 

"Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: 'Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.' and he went outside and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:75

 Here is what I love about this devotional I am working through. Mr. Strangolagalli makes a connection that I would have never seen. He talks about how the main character in this movie is brought back to a place of fear, worry, and shame when you say his name. Peter is brought back to the truth of denying Jesus three times when he heard the rooster crow. How it moved him to weeping because he denied, not only he most beloved friend, but the savior of the whole world! 

What's more amazing is that when Jesus came to speak to the reaming 11, Peter got to talk to Him and ask for forgiveness. He got to reconcile with his friend before he was left to live the rest of his life on this side of heaven. 

I love that is something the Jesus still does with us every single day.  

The Shawn Levy Shuffle: This Is Where I Leave You

My faith in Shawn Levy may have faltered a little bit. However, I know what the future holds and I think I will be ok. 

 When the patriarch of the family passes, everyone comes home to mourn. However, they all bring their problems home with them. The failed marriages, the never grow ups, the wish they dids and wish they didn't's are all under the same roof for a prolonged period of time.

Now, this start studded cast of wonderful people are some of the best in the business. However, I didn't like this movie that much. Now, I really just might be a matter of taste here. You can't really put that many people who are known for their comedy chops and try to pull of the amount of drama needed for a funeral. However, I will say that I know that, if this move was more my taste, I would say that Mr. Levy is still a master of tell stories about families. How weirdly complicated that they could be, and how they are there for each other when nothing else makes sense. 

Now, I am going to say that Mr. Levy has lost his touch?

NO!

I know that we still have some huge movies coming up that I can't wait to rewatch, and they are some of the best work he has ever done. 

There's No Place Like Movies At Home: The Adventure of Baron Munchausen

 

... 

I am not even going to begin to try.... 

Look, I have no idea what I even watched..... I have never done drugs, or been drunk, but watching the movie is the closest sensation I will get to watch thing. We started as theaters actors during a revolution in like 1600s-1700s Europe... and ended up with Robin Williams in space....

Yeah... I don't know either.... 

Shawn Levy Shuffle: Real Steel

 The first time Shawn Levy and Hugh Jackman work together.... and it was beautiful!

Charlie is a former boxer who has lost his way a bit when boxing is not longer a sport... well, not in the way he knew it to me. Robots are the new frontier! Charlie adapts, and starts working with real robots in rings in order to make it big. However, it his futuristic world, his past catches up with him. Max, his son, has lost his mother, Charlie's ex girlfriend, and is now going to court to figure out to figure out custody. Max's Aunt wants to legally adopt him, and wants Charlie to give up his rights. He was going to until, Max's Uncle sets a deal on the side. He wants Charlie to watch Max for the summer so they can go on a trip they have been planning. Charlie agree to do it for a 100,000. The aunt doesn't know about the money, but agree to let Max stay with Charlie for the summer, and then come live with them. However, a fun down robot, that should not have any skills in the ring, changes everything. 

I have said it before, but Shawn Levy has a real skill to make movies that really focus on things that matter. Friendship, family, love; it all comes down to heart with him. This movie is no different. I did not expect to watch a movie about robots and it be one of the best movies that I have seen. I loved in a way that I can't explain. It had to much heart, and the cinematography is so beautiful, I am a little bit speechless. 

Shawn Levy Shuffle: The Internship

Ok, we are catching up some! 

Now, I did watch these movies, and thankfully, they did not require a whole love for me to think about. So, I just got to enjoy the follow three movies very happily. 

Billy and Nick are two salesmen who find out they are out of a job! They have been working the same race for so long that they had not idea what to do when they find themselves out a of a job. They don't have much in the way of education, and they do have many other skillsets outside of sales. That is until one day Billy shows up and tells Nick that he signed them both up to apply for Internships at google. 

Now, I am not sure how in the world that I missed this movie, but I am glad I got to see it now. I don't have a super lot to say about it because it was cute and that's really it. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Mean Girls

 So, some of the movies that are mentioned in this book are movies that I would have NEVER picked out. 

Mean Girls is one of them

Cady is a new high school student from Australia, who has no clue what high school drama and politics are like. She was homeschooled all of her life, until her parents got new jobs stateside. She has now thrown into a crazy world of high school bullies dressed in pink. 

The verse used is:

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up the cross and follow me...'" Matthew 16:24

 I really dislike this movie. I have always disliked this movie. This is one of those movie that so many people love, and it was an instant classic. I don't fully understand why. 

So, seeing it in this book was a little shocking. There have been a few that I have felt so far that have been a little shocking, but usually the verse, and what Phil Strangolagalli writes, changes my mind. This is not the case here. What he wrote makes sense but still not with how thi movie is. 

I guess I have to say for this one, to each their onw. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Spider-Man Homecoming

 One of the most successful movies in the MCU is Spider-Man Homecoming. 

 Peter Parker wants to be an Avenger. He got a chance no that long ago when Ironman and Captain America went at it over the Accords. However, he wasn't allowed to officially join the team. However, Tony Stark is still keeping a watchful eye. When he gets a little too out of control with trying to prove himself and almost hurts a lot of people. When Tony steps in, again, he tells him that he is taking the suit he gave him back and that he needs to worry about being a teen, not a super hero. 

In the book Jesus Loves Movies it talks about how Peter needs a father. He lost both his uncle and his father, and is trying to prove to be a man when he doesn't have one. Tony is the closes thing he has to one. While Tony isn't perfect, he loves the kids and wants to do what is best for him. 

The verse used is:

"See what kind of love the Father has giving to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are..." 1 John 3:1

What I love about this movie, and it being related to needing a father, Tony really does care for Peter. He does everything in his power to help him, while also keeping him safe. There are a bunch of cool things that people on the internet have pointed out over the years about Tony's treatment toward Peter. One of my favorite one's is all of the stuff that Tony puts in Peter's suit and Tony learned the hard way that he needed. Like Tony got cold to he put a warmer in Peter's suit. Got lost, he put in a tracker. Or lesson when Rodney fell out of the sky, he put a parachute in Peter's. 

While, God doesn't need a checklist of things hat need to happen, or protect us, in life he does always have a watchful eye on us. He is there when we are at our highs and our lows. He is a wonderful father that loves us not matter whay. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Ant-Man

 I am going to be totally honest. 

The next three movies that I review I don't remember much about them. 

The last few weeks have been... painful. Since that is the case, I didn't do any of these movies in June, so I had to rearrange everything, and I was just doing my best to get through the day there for a bit. So, these next three movies gave me something to do, and to look forward to. However, I couldn't get myself to watch them with the intention that I originally wanted to. However, I believe God is still faithful, and that He is still with me, and He used these movies to help bring me peace. 

With that being said, let's talk about Ant-Man.

Scott Lang is a master their that landed himself in the big house. He serves his time, and tries to live a normal life. The felony on his record says otherwise. He can't find a normal job due to the charge, and his path is keeping him from a future with his daughter. His ex-wife, and her new husband, don't true his to be part of her life again. 

Scott comes to the end of his rope when he gets fired, again, and is left with no other choice but to steal. That is where he comes into contact with Hank Pym for the first time. Hank is the retired CEO of Pym Industries, and he thinks something nefarious dealings going on. He needs something stolen, and Scott Lang is the man for the job. 

Now, in the book Jesus Loves Movies they reference Isaiah 6:8.

"then I heard the voice of the Lord saying 'whom shall I send? and who will go for us?' and I said 'Here am I. Send me!'"

Scott man a bad choice in stealing Hank's suit, even though Hank set him up to do so in the first place, but when Hank showed him what he was going on at his old company, Scott didn't know if he was the right man to help him. He had the skill set, but doesn't know if he qualified to be a real hero.

What I really find funny right now is that God is funny. 

Why? 

I just finished doing VBS at our church this year, and this was the main verse we were teaching the kids. What a coincidence. To quote Oliver O'Toole in the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series "coincidence is the middle name of the All Mighty". God knew that this is something that I needed. Of all the verses, with the stores that were included, were what I needed to hear. Then being a week out from that, and being in my feels for reasons... that I thought were buried years ago, I needed the reminder. 

The List: #6 and #174

 So, here we are again. I won't lie, I thought when I got around to writing this particular post this year, I thought that I would include a lot more numbers. However, things change when you least expect, and this post is going to look different that I originally expect. 

#6- Go to Italy, specifically Rome. 

So, I got to see a little bit of Italy! I was very excited. The first day, Capri was the first stop. 

It was so pretty, now, the beach was very rocky, but the views were amazing!

The second day I got to see the sights of Rome! This is the place that I have always wanted to go. I mean it was spectacular! 

# 174- Travel by train

Now, this is part of a way to get to the Isle of Capri. You have to travel by train then take a ferry. 

Now, due to an emergency situation, the trip was cut short and I had to leave early. I hope one day to get back and see everything I didn't get the chance to see. 

However, I am very blessed to have been able to see a part of the world that lost of people dream of but don't get the chance to. 

Shawn Levy Shuffle: Night at the Museum Battle at the Smithsonian

 So, we finally get Shawn Levy directing a sequel! 

Larry Daley has seemed to move on from his nights as night guard at the Museum. He company is taking off and he is ready to take on the world. When he comes around for a visit he finds that all of the exhibits are being put into storage. Teddy tells him that it many of their last night of life seeing that a few exhibits are staying behind with the tablet. The rest are going to stay at the Smithsonian. The next night he gets a call from on of the exhibits that is supposed to be only wax to find that the tablet was stolen by Dexter and it's now at the Smithsonian with another Egyptian King that wants to rule the world. 

I will say that for some reason I don't like this movie as much as I do for the other two. This one was fun and had a great cast but I kind feel like things were rushed. It was like the people writing really wanted to do a movie about making the things at the Smithsonian come to life but didn't really know how to make the jump without a lot of question. 

Like how does Larry's son know how to find the underground network of tunnel for the museum? Or like simple questions about Larry relationship with the woman working at the museum, or how he got the business off the ground? They really rushed to get to Washington. 

However, I do love seeing the full cast of stars that really look like they are having a lot of fun. Also the appearance of Shawn Levy in the opening scene was really fun. 

 

While I liked this film, I am much looking forward to the next one. 

The Shawn Levy Shuffle: Date Night

 Let's keep it going with the fun movies of Shawn Levy

A married couple gets caught up in a political, and organized crime related scheme whey they dare to try something new during their weekly date night. 

This movie is an all start, and I mean ALL STAR cast of people that you just love seeing on the screen. Your main stars are Steve Carrell and Tina Fey with dozens of other stars that bring a smile to you face when they appear on your screen. 

This is what I love about Mr. Levy's work. Sometimes you would think how some people would work together but they are all so great on the screen that it makes magic.

Now, is this a classic in the way the Night At The Museum is? No, but it's a great watch that rally got me through of a few hours of work.  

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Ratatouille

 Now this is movie that I forget how good it is until I watch it. 

Remy is a rat who was born with a gift to cook. However, a rat is not allowed in any kitchen. When he finds a way to make his dreams come true, he has to be brave enough to show everyone what he can do. 

I am seen ever animated Disney film there is. I love most of them, I have hated a few, but lots of them in up in the sea of indifference. It's really because I love Disney Princess movies and it's very hard for me to remember and love most of the movies that aren't princess ones. However, Ratatouille is always one the surprises me on how good it really is every single time I watch it. 

 "No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house..." Luke 11:33

Why do I feel like I'm getting hit in the head so much with this lesson this year?

God has called me to do something big and scary, but he has me prepared for it. I am not sure why He wants me, of all people to do this thing, but He does. He wants me to use a talent that I have known that I have had but I have to actually show people that I can use it. 

Sometimes faith is doing something that scares you the most. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay: Frozen

 "Do you want to read a blog post?" 

It coronation day with the movie Frozen

I am not going to go in to a whole thing about this movie. If you have not seen it by now, you have been living under a rock and you need to watch this movie. 

It's it funny how I just talked about shame and not we are covering a movie that is all about it? 

Elsa shuts down due to shame, shame is a huge things in our lives. We can either push is down and let it control us or we can "let it go" and give it to God. 

" When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" Luke 5:8

Shame is something that we need to learn to give to God to live in the fullness of Him. 

There They Are and There They'll Stay

 We are talking about yet another movie that I have not seen, but really should have seen before this: Groundhog Day.

Phil is a man who is grumpy, spoiled, and self centered. He is not used to not getting his way. However, when it is on location for the year Groundhog's Day Festival in Pennsylvania, a place that he does not want to go to, he is forced to relive the same day over and over again. The question is will he continue to be the same man over and over again?

This movie is so cute! I am not sure why I haven't seen it before, but I am really glad that I did. I will for sure be watching this movie over and over again in my lifetime. 

To be honest, I forgot which project I was watching this movie for so I forgot that I was supposed to relate it to faith, but I don't think that I could have picked a better way than what Jesus Loves Movies said. 

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land" Song of Solomon 2:11-12

How this movie related to faith to that author was living through the mundane. There are season in life where everything seems slow and boring, but God is there to help us through. Most of the days that Phil lives through not not crazy fun days they are the boring ones that don't hold a lot of significant moments but help to build a life. 

I will go a step further and say that the crazy seasons of life is where I mess up. The first thing I stop doing is spending time with God. Then I end up feeling bad that He is going to be mad that I stopped so I get scared and don' come to Him. Then I sin, bad, and then feel worse. Then I finally give into the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and come back again. It's a cycle that I don't seem to know how to break. I know that most of it is actually going to bed on time so I can spend time with God and create the consistency. Or in other words, create that mundane. 

Mundane is not bad, it's actually very helpful. Mundane is where life is mostly remembered and created.  

There They Are and There They'll Stay: The Revenant

 The movie that finally got Leo that Oscar! 

I have to say that in all of this time, I haven't seen it before. There seem to be a lot of movies on this list that I have not seen before. I am very happy that I get the chance to see them now. 

Hugh Glass has not had an easy life. His wife and son are killed and he get attacked by a bear, and it unable to stop the murder of his son. He struggles to survive on he way to a village to seek revenge for her son. 

I won't lie, I wasn't really sure what I thought about this movie from a faith based perspective. I tried to think of something but I didn't find a sold comparison that felt "right" for me. I think that was the point because the point that Phil Strangolagalli made really helped me in this point of my life right now. 

"...and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith..." Hebrews 12:1-2

So, Mr. Strangolagalli talks a lot about this movie being long but how it really resemble the life of Hugh Glass, and ourselves. Movie really are just a highlight reel of a larger story. Whether the movie is based off of a true story, or of one that is totally made up. He also mentions that God is always with us in the big and small moments. The good and the bad. The happy and sad. He is always in the dull and the exciting. 

The reason I needed to hear this? I am in a season of life (particularly for this year) where is have been extremely busy. This thing is I now that my "normal" is most people's "busy" but I am at a breakneck speed of busy the last few weeks. I am barely able to find a time to sleep, let alone to get any of the person things I wanted to get done this year done. Like projects like this, or getting healthier, or reading more. The last two weeks I really feel like I am just behind. Like I can't get anything right or done. However, I am doing so many things that it some how balances it out? 

As I am typing this out I am trying to figure out how to read my faith book I wan supposed to finish last month and still do the one for this month, while watching five more movies, and write more blogs. Then God told me to stop. He told me that I need to finish the one book I am ready, and not worry about making up one for May or June because I had a lot going on. I felt bad but cause "that's not how my projects work". 

My project that I make the rules for. 

So, I realized how silly I am being and taking His advice. 

So, my projects for the next couple of month might not be what I want them to but at least I can enjoy them, and get them done. I can do it in a time from that is not going to make me upset but not doing them fast enough. 

I also know that I need to get my time management under control in some parts of my life. I know God will help with that too.

Sometimes life is crazy thankfully God is good with crazy. 

Shawn Levy Shuffle: Night At The Museum

This is the movie. 

When I found out that Shawn Levy directed this movie I needed to look no further for a director that I wanted to follow his works. There are going to be plenty of movies that will be considered "classics" the older I get, but I believe this one will for sure make that list. 

Larry Daley is a man who is still trying to find his way in the world. He is trying to find a passion to constantly pursue rather that just keep following whims. The real problem is that his son, Nick, is getting older and is not longer finding these whims as fun as they used to be. Larry is constantly movie, and changing jobs and Nick is embarrassed and over it. Larry decides that he needs a change. He takes a security job as a night watchman at the American Museum of Natural History. 

He things that the job is going to be an easy gig, until he finds out that history literally comes to life at night! An ancient tablet was placed at the museum decades ago, and when the sun goes down, everything in the museum comes to life. The question then becomes is is Larry going to make history by staying at the museum, or will it repeat and he leave the coolest job known to man? 

The is a film that has all of the stars in the sky under one historic roof! You have Dick Van Dyke, Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Rami Malek, Owen Wilson, and many more! Everyone my age has seen this movie and it seems to have been very memorable. This is always the movie I always reference when I try to explain who my favorite actor, Mickey Rooney, is. I always ask if they saw this movie, and "do you remember the short night guard who called everyone hotdog?" They usually do and know who I am talking about.

I love this movie cause there aren't any dull moments, and its so funny to watch the pieces come to life every night. 

I am really excited to be reviewing the sequels to these movies in the next couple of months! 

Shawn Levy Shuffle: The Pink Panther

I knew that when I picked to watch all of the movies directed by Shawn Levy this year that I was in for a treat. I also knew how nostalgic that it was was going to be. It still hits me out of now where how much of my childhood he was a part of. 

Inspector Clouseau is on the case! When the world's most interesting diamond, The Pink Panther, goes missing, everyone wants to be on the case. However, when the man in charge wants the glory of finding the missing jewel. In order to investigate without everyone watching his every move, he gets the idea to hire the worst detective on the force. Clouseau proves to be more than what his reputation may seem. 

I really did enjoy watching this film when i was younger. I remember some of the Pink Panther TV shows but this movie was very different. However, it still hold the magic touch that only Shawn Levy seems to have. 

I know that lots of people can watch a movie and see how certain things are shot and be able to pick out the who directed it. I am really thinking that it's the fun childlike wonder that you feel watching his movies that really sets the apart. 

The List: 113

 I seem to be crossing some of these off faster than I thought. I know that in the next couple of months I will cross off a lot, but I like the ones I don't see coming. 

#113: Go on a picnic. 

So, we got to celebrate my friend Hollie's birthday over the weekend with the rest of the Sassy Sistas and she wanted to go to Cade's Cove and go on a picnic. 

We had a great drive, and some wild conversations, but it was so much fun! It was also a perfect day for a picnic at Cade's Cove! There were hardly any people, and got through most of the park in record time, and got to see a bear! 

The weather was perfect and the company is always wonderful with these ladies! Love my girls!

No Place Like Movies At Home: West Side Story

 I know that we have talked about this movie at least one time, but it's time to cover it again I guess. 

Two rival Gangs, The Sharks and The Jets, or in war of territory on the island of Manhattan. However, when one of the members of the Jet's falls in love with Maria, who is the sister of the leader of The Sharks. This retelling of Romeo and Juliet is met with lively and memorable music. 

It's been a while since I have seen this movie and it was so good to revisit it. I love the dancing, singing, and the story in general. It's a heart breaking masterpiece, that no remake could ever do justice (I refuse to watch the 2021 remake.) I look forward to walking this movie again. 

There They Are And There They'll Stay: Inside Out

 I took another shortcut today when it comes to this movie. 

I didn't watch it. 

Not because I didn't want to, but because I have been crazy busy and we literally just covered this movie this last year. Since not that long of a time as passed, I decided to save some of my sanity, and go ahead and skip the movie. 

So, quick recap of the movie. Riley moves away and get a whole much of emotion about it that she doesn't let out. Joy is trying to keep Sadness from being in control at all. Nothing goes to plan.

So, My thought on the movie can be reviewed in the last synopsis I wrote last year. I love the movie but I really do need to talk about how I think this works in faith. 

It think that this works because no where in the Bible does it say that we have to hide any of our emotions. Yet, there are seasons for things such as happiness and sadness but we are never told to not feel anything. I like not having to hide my emotions from God because He made them. He know what it's like to feel all of the things that we feel.   

In Jesus Loves Movies the versed that is used is Proverbs 14:13

"Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains." 

It says the same thing to, we are not asked to hide our emotions. We are can feel a multitude of emotions at the same time. We are never asked to hide them.  

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

 So, we came across a scary movie....

A family dealing with a monster that comes from their own grief. 

Ok, I have to be honest. I did not watch this movie. I do not do scary movies. I only watched the one scary movie back in 2018 because I was doing the Year of Courage. 

So, I love the concept of the movie, or being haunted by your grief. Like I don't want that to happen in year life but having something that is so hard to deal with actually become a physical thing that you can fight seems like a very interesting bit of work. We all wrestle with all of out emotions at different point in the lives, and throughout every day. 

I think, that without seeing the movie, wheat I an connect is that God tells us that there is a season for everything. Not only that but no where in the Bible does it say that we have to cover up our emotions for any reason! We are allowed to feel what we feel when we feel it. We just can let it control our lives, or it becomes a monster. 

Mr. Strangolagalli uses Luke 22:14 

"And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

In one of the faith books I am reading this year R.C. Sproul talks about this same moment, but in Matthew. He talks about Jesus praying so hard that the blood vessels in his forehead started to bust. I can't imagine being in that much anguish. 

I have felt pain of loss. 

I have lost friendships that I still mourn to this day, even though some it's been more than ten years. I have lost possessions that meant so much to me. I have lost family members, and I am not prepared to lose the ones closest to me. 

The worst grief I have ever felt was loosing my cousin Dean. 

I know that I have talked about that day on here before because it was in my Year of Review challenge in 2016. I won't go into all the details again, but I have never understood why people tore their clothes in the Bible when they encountered grief, until that day. It was like a weight that needed to come off but there was nothing that I could pull off of me to make the burden less. 

That is what I also love about Jesus and God. I love that God feels these same feelings we go through everyday, He created them. However, I love that we know Jesus actually walked in those emotions in human form. That He truly walked a mile in our shoes, and knows how ever emotions we will ever feel will feel like first hand. How many people who are part of royalty come down and to a commoner level and work, life, and die the way that we do? None. They can give up their royal line and become one us forever, but never be royal again. Jesus, King of Kins, Lord of Lord, Prince of Peace, gave up his thrown for 33 earthly yeas to live, breath, work, laugh, cry, love, hurt, and die so that we might be saved. Then got to come back to His thrown to rule at His rightful place! No other King has done so! 

Our emotions are meant for a season, even if that season is a few minutes of frustration. We are meant to have them and feel them. 

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.