Movie Review: Is God Is

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

An excellent thriller. 

In this film, two sisters are on a quest for revenge. They plan to kill their father who tried to kill them and their mom when they were kids. 

This is a dark and tense ride that makes you feel uncomfortable in all the best ways. There have been many movies that have looked at how seeking revenge and the trail of violence it leaves can change a person. However, this film handles it especially well. You can not only feel and understand what makes them go down this dark path. You can also see how this path of revenge affects these two different characters. Though they are both twins who have lived, struggled and survived together while sharing everything, these are still two very different people. We can see the differences in their personalities from the opening scene. One has a massive chip on her shoulder and wants to take it out on the world, while the other simply wishes she could live a normal life. When you see the way that this plays out, the changes in these characters don't come out from thin air. Rather it simply expands on what was already there. The effect is something more shocking and real than many films that deal with a similar theme. This is all helped by the wonderful chemistry Kara Young and Mallori Johnson. They perfectly capture the deep sisterly bond between the two and capture how they can almost bond as one at times, while still having distinct personalities. Also excellent, if in the film for a briefer time is Sterling K. Brown as the father. How calm he is and how he outwardly appears like a nice easy-going guy makes him all the more terrifying. It also speaks to how people like this really are (toxic abusive, violent men) often feel that their terrifying acts are called for because they actually believe that being a man means they have a God given power to do whatever they want with women's lives. This not only makes him scary but provides some real social commentary without ever feeling preachy. All this leads up to a truly shocking and effective ending.

Unfortunately, what keeps this film from being the masterpiece it should be is that it insists on mixing its dark subject matter with some quirky comedy. The comedy is only occasionally funny (often it simply tries too hard) and never meshes with the darker and more serious scenes. This can make this feel like two movies at odds with one another. Luckily one of those movies is fantastic. 

Despite an uneven tone, this film is an excellent thriller and a great character study. 

  

Cowboy Church #268

 Hi my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today’s musical selection begins with the King of the Cowboys and The Queen of the West, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Jesus in the Morning. This song reminds us that we are not only to leave a small part of the day with Jesus as our focus but all day long as well as everyday. We should wake up each morning with Jesus on our mind and go to bed each night the same way. While few of us will succeed with this every day, we will find that each day we do it will be an enriching day that will makes us grow as a person. This song comes from Roy and Dale’s 1973 gospel album, In the Sweet By and By. 

This is followed by Skeeter Davis with Who Am I. This comes from her 1967 gospel album, Hand in Hand with Jesus.

Afterwards is Ricky Skaggs with The River of Jordon. This recording comes from his 1982 album, Family and Friends. The song was written by Hazel Houser, who wrote both Christian and secular country songs. Her other songs include Wait a Little Longer Please Jesus and My Baby's Gone. 

Then comes Dailey and Vincent with The Old Rugged Cross.  The song itself dates back to 1913 and was written by evangelist, George Bennard. Actually, the first verse was written in 1912. It was written while Bennard was a part of a series of revival meetings in Albion, Michigan. He was worried about the complete disregard for the gospel around him and wrote this verse as a repose. Of writing it Bennard said, "I seemed to have a vision ... I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable." The song wouldn't be completed for several months, when he was leading meetings at a local church in Pokagan, Michigan. He played it for Rev. Leroy (the sponsoring pastor) and his wife, Ruby Bostwick, both of whom found themselves moved to tears. It was then incorporated into a service at that church on June 7, 1913. The song has the same effect today as it must have back then.

Then comes The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. Though it may be simple doctrine that we have heard since Sunday school, I hope we never forget how much power there truly is in the blood of Jesus. No matter what temptations and struggles we may face in life, Jesus' blood spilled on Calvary's cross has overcome all of it. With man something may be impossible but with God all things are possible. 

Next is Ricky Van Shelton with Mansion Over the Hilltop. This recording comes from his 1992 gospel album, Don't Overlook Salvation. The hymn was written by Ira F. Stanphill in 1949. It is believed that he wrote around 550 gospel songs over his career. These songs also include Suppertime (which Johnny Cash did a wonderful version of), Room at the Cross, I Walk with His Hand in Mine, Thirty Pieces of Silver and I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. 

Today's music selection ends with Jim and Jesse with Matthew 24. This comes from their 1975 gospel album, Jesus is the Key to the Kingdom. 

Now for the 11th episode of The Lone Ranger TV show. 

Now for a message from the Reverand Billy Graham. 

Psalm 86

A prayer of David.

1 Hear me, Lord, and answer me,

    for I am poor and needy.

2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;

    save your servant who trusts in you.

You are my God; 

3 have mercy on me, Lord,

    for I call to you all day long.

4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,

    for I put my trust in you.

5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good,

    abounding in love to all who call to you.

6 Hear my prayer, Lord;

    listen to my cry for mercy.

7 When I am in distress, I call to you,

    because you answer me.

8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;

    no deeds can compare with yours.

9 All the nations you have made

    will come and worship before you, Lord;

    they will bring glory to your name.

10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds;

    you alone are God.

11 Teach me your way, Lord,

    that I may rely on your faithfulness;

give me an undivided heart,

    that I may fear your name.

12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;

    I will glorify your name forever.

13 For great is your love toward me;

    you have delivered me from the depths,

    from the realm of the dead.

14 Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;

    ruthless people are trying to kill me—

    they have no regard for you.

15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,

    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

16 Turn to me and have mercy on me;

    show your strength in behalf of your servant;

save me, because I serve you

    just as my mother did.

17 Give me a sign of your goodness,

    that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,

    for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Some Cartoons for Saturday Morning #280

 Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again, it is time for some classic cartoons. 

Today's cartoon selection begins with Cubby Bear in The Last Mail (1933). If Cubby Bear reminds you of Mickey Mouse, this is no coincidence. When Mickey Mouse hit movie screens, he was a sensation, just as popular if not more popular than the live action movie stars of the time. As always great success in the film industry led to many imitations. Pretty much every American animation studio had a character that was pretty much a copy of Mickey. 

   

Now that we saw a Mickey Mouse clone in the last cartoon, why don't we enjoy a Pluto clone in the next. Enjoy the World War 2 Columbia cartoon, Mutt 'n Bones (1944). 

Up next is Pigeon Holed (1956). This was the last theatrical cartoon to star Homer Pigeon. When this film was released in 1956 Homer hadn't appeared in a cartoon since 1943.

Now for a black and white cartoon from the Walter Lantz studio, Nellie the Sewing Machine Girl (1938). This is the first in a series of five Nellie cartoons. 

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Up next is one of the post golden age Looney Tunes shorts, That (Blooper) Bunny (1991). This cartoon was made as a response to many of the specials revolving around Warner Brothers marketing of the Looney Tunes characters, especially when celebrating Bugs' 50th anniversary. Warner Brothers marketing tried to frame the characters as good friends who always stood by each other. This was of course far from who these characters were. Many of them even tried to kill each other in the classic cartoons and when the characters were friends, they would often turn on each other to protect themselves. That is why at first we see these characters all smiling and getting along as best buddies here, until we see what happened behind the scenes and the friction that took place. This cartoon was meant to originally be released theatrically with the animated feature Rover Dangerfield (1991). However, Warner Brothers took a real dislike towards it (especially with the line "Warner Brothers doesn't have an original bone in its body.") and the cartoon would not be released until six years later, this time on TV instead of movie theaters. 

Next up is a very early Mickey Mouse cartoon, the fourth one in fact, The Barn Dance (1929). Unlike the previous three Mickeys (Plane Crazy (1928), The Galloping Gaucho (1928) and Steamboat Willie (1928)), Walt Disney was not able to supervise the animation very closely. This was because at this time Walt was in New York, while his main animator Ub Iwerks was in California. Though Walt asked Ub to cut corners in the animation, because of a strict deadline, when he received the first of the animation on October 22nd of 1928, he was not happy and wrote Ub a page of criticisms of the animation. However watching this film now, it is actually a very entertaining cartoon, and it is hard to see anything actually wrong with the animation. However, Walt was working to achieve a level of perfection in his cartoons and this one as good as it did not meet that requirement in his mind. There was a planned gag for this cartoon which would feature a hen and a rooster performing a lively dance number which comes to a halt when the hen lays an egg. Though that gag did not make it into this film, it would later be used in the short, Mickey's Follies (1929).  

Now for the Terry Toons short, Mystery in the Moonlight (1948). 

Let us close with a song.

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for more animated treasures. Until then may all your tunes be looney and your melodies merry. 

Resources Used

Of Mice and Magic: A History of the American Animated Cartoon by Leonard Maltin

Hollywood Cartoons: American Animation in its Golden Age by Michael Barrier

Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History by J.B. Kaufman and David Gerstein

https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/screen-gems-mutt-and-bones-1944/ 

https://walterlantz.fandom.com/wiki/Pigeon_Holed

https://walterlantz.fandom.com/wiki/Nellie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lRMc5dG5ZQ&lc=UgytjL2b-Q4fRbnYzSh4AaABAg.9Q3XtN1Y9gp9hIaIL3OkhM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyymtYkPD60

 

Movie Review: In the Grey

 

Michael's Movie Grade: C-

A serviceable but unremarkable action flick. 

This rather standard action flick is greatly helped by Guy Ritchie's direction. As most of us know, Guy Ritchie is simply an excellent action director. This movie lets him really show his stuff. The action scenes are pure treats. They are fun, stylish and very well paced. Putting these action scenes against such beautiful settings makes them even more visually appealing. Adding to the fun is the typically fun Guy Ritchie dialogue and a great cast (headed by Eiza González, Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhall). 

However, the movie does can like Guy Ritchie is on autopilot. The storyline isn't bad, but it is one you have seen a million times before. Nothing new or particularly interesting is done with this only serviceable plot. The characters are so underdeveloped that I can't describe their personalities to you because they are unburdened by such things.   

While it does have some stylish charm, there is nothing here to make it stand out. This is one of those films that you will forget about in a few weeks. 

 

Video Link: Why Walt Loaned His Best Artist to MGM - West of Neverland

 

Movie Review: The Sheep Detectives

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

An excellent family film. 

In this movie, a flock of sheep love their shepherd dearly. The shepherd reads them murder mysteries every night, so when the shepherd is murdered, they feel that they can solve the murder themselves. 

While this could just simply rely on its already charming premise, it does so much more than that. This is a surprisingly heartfelt story. The movie actually has some real depth to it as it takes a look at some fairly weighty subjects such as dealing with death, the importance of remembering the bad along with the good and how what is painful can also be beautiful. Though this movie has plenty of silly sheep antics for kids watching, there is also some moments that may emotionally move adults watching it. Like many of the best family movies, there are some truly sad moments among all the silliness, and these sad moments are very effective. Of course this is heavily due to the characters themselves. Each of the sheep are very well thought out characters. There are a lot of them but each still has their own personality. These sheep feel so real to us that we form our own emotional bond to them. As well as being an emotionally effective film, the murder mystery elements are very well done with some great twists and turns. Yet the final reveal makes perfect sense. If you pay close attention to a very early scene, it perfectly foreshadows the reveal at the end. 

The humor in this film can be a bit hit and miss. There are some truly laugh out loud moments along with gags that fall completely flat. 

While the sheep are very well-defined characters, the human characters (with the exception of the shepherd (though of course being played by Hugh Jackman helps)) are entertaining but lack the depth that the sheep have. They are very basic two-dimensional characters. 

A highly recommended movie for the whole family. 

Cowboy Church #267

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Sweet Hour of Prayer on their 1957 album of the same name. This hymn was written by William Walford. Walford was a wood craver who had little to no formal education. However, what he did have was a very close relationship with God. Those who knew him said that he knew the bible by heart and this man was even asked to share sermons at his church. One day around 1845 Pastor Thomas Salmon visited William Walford. Walford asked Salmon to write down a poem he had in his head. Salmon was so amazed by this poem that he right away sought to get it published. After Walford's death, William Bradbury wrote music for this poem and the hymn as we know it first appeared in the 1859 hymnal, Church Melodies. Bradbury had also composed music for such hymns as Just as I Am and He Leadeth Me. 

This is followed by Ricky Skaggs with Lead Me to the Rock. This comes from his 1999 gospel album, Solider of the Cross. 

Then comes Merle Haggard and The Cater Family with On the Jerico Road. This comes from Merle's 1971 gospel album, The Land of Many Churches. 

Afterwards is Skeeter Davis with Child of the King. This comes from her 1967 gospel album, Hand in Hand with Jesus. 

Next comes Johnny Cash with God is Not Dead. This is not the Newsboys song that spawned a series of movies, but rather an original song written by John himself. This song comes from John's 1969 album, The Holy Land, an album inspired by when he and his wife, June Carter Cash, took a trip to Israel. The background vocals on this song are provided by The Carter Family and The Statler Brothers, while early rock and roll star, Carl Perkins plays guitar.

Then is Nat Stuckey and Connie Smith with His Love Takes Good Care of Me. 

Today's musical selection closes with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of Rounded Up in Glory. In a 1972 interview Ken Griffis asked Sons of the Pioneers front man, Bob Nolan, "Well, OK. As you progressed as a group, did you use the older type songs as the basis for your programs? Or did you try to blend in more the newer things? Did you try staying with the older things?" Bob responded, "Yeah, we tried to stick strictly to the old ones and, of course, I had an idea or I felt that my songs—the ones that I was writing at the time—were authentic. I tried to keep them authentic. Western." This applied not only to the songs Bob wrote, but the songs the group recorded written by others. There was always a real cowboy feel to nearly all the songs they recorded. That is definitely true here, as this song sounds like something that would feel completely natural in an old west setting. 

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge. 

Now for the 10th episode of The Lone Ranger TV show.

Psalm 85

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 You, Lord, showed favor to your land;

    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

2 You forgave the iniquity of your people

    and covered all their sins.

3 You set aside all your wrath

    and turned from your fierce anger.

4 Restore us again, God our Savior,

    and put away your displeasure toward us.

5 Will you be angry with us forever?

    Will you prolong your anger through all generations?

6 Will you not revive us again,

    that your people may rejoice in you?

7 Show us your unfailing love, Lord,

    and grant us your salvation.

8 I will listen to what God the Lord says;

    he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—

    but let them not turn to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,

    that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Love and faithfulness meet together;

    righteousness and peace kiss each other.

11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,

    and righteousness looks down from heaven.

12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,

    and our land will yield its harvest.

13 Righteousness goes before him

    and prepares the way for his steps.

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.