Though this movie may do little to stand out from so many similar films, it does provide a nice trip to the movies. Though this film is over two hours long, it goes by very quickly and there was never even one moment where it lost my interest. Even though the film moves at a quick pace, it never feels rushed. The main reason this film works though is the main characters. While they are not exactly deep characters, there is a real likability and charm to them. This is especially true of their relationships with each other. There is a real undeniable sweetness to the friendship between Edgin and Holga and the relationship between Edgin and his daughter provides much of the film's heart. This creates an emotional connection that makes us care about these characters and what happens to them. The movie also benefits from really fun action sequences and really good-looking special effects.
The comedy works, but one gets the feeling it should have worked better. There were plenty of times that I either smiled or chuckled at a gag that I felt like I was supposed to laugh out loud at. Though there are very few gags that don't work at all, there are also very few that are truly as funny as you would want from a film like this. The only scene that made me really laugh hard was the graveyard scene. Other than that, I was entertained by the humor here, but also disappointed at the same time.
The story in this movie is not bad but it is incredibly familiar. Nearly every scene reminded me of something I had seen in many other movies. The storyline itself is also incredibly predictable and almost everything that happened, I could see coming from a mile away. The fantasy world here is actually rather bland and never really felt real to me. This is an important element of any fantasy film and it is simply underwhelming here. This movie also suffers from having bland and boring villains, who simply feel like lesser versions of better villains from other films.
This may not be a great movie, but it does provide one with a nice trip to the movies.
In this episode, Aquaman is exposed to a radioactive isotope that changes him into a prehistoric sea creature. Superman and Wonder Woman, shrink to a microscopic size and travel inside the creature to bring him back, while the rest of the Super Friends must protect themselves from this creature that once was Aquaman.
There is so much to love about this episode. The basic idea is a very fun sci-fi premise and one that is unique among Super Friends stories. Many episodes of this show center around the Super Friends fighting a giant monster, but this episode has a great twist on that idea with the monster really being Aquaman. This makes it so that our heroes want to just as much protect this creature as they want to defend themselves from it. The idea of having two of our heroes inside of the creature is also a wonderful idea. The inside of this creature is wonderfully designed. While the design is more simplistic than a lot of other settings for this show, it is still very effective and I love the use of lighting. Inside the creature Superman and Wonder Woman fight against some viruses and I love the design of these viruses. This episode also features some great action sequences and the nighttime scene with Batman and Robin trying to stop the creature after he escapes is wonderful. This is especially true as the nighttime setting provides a wonderful sense of atmosphere.
The only real problems I have with this episode is that the design of the creature is really quite bland and the humor with Gleek the Monkey again simply isn't funny.
Hello my fellow fans of both silent films and TCM. This April, TCM is doing a whole month dedicated to Warner Brothers to celebrate their 100th anniversary. While this does mean that there won't be a silent Sunday night every Sunday, there will still be a few great silent films this coming month. The following is a listing of these silent films.
Saturday, April 1st
Beau Brummel (1924) Director: Harry Beaumont. Starring John Barrymore and Mary Astor. 3am Pacific. 6a, Eastern.
Noah's Ark (1928) Director: Michael Curtiz. Starring Dolores Costello and George O'Brien. 7am Pacific. 10am Eastern. (Silent with sound sequences)
Clash of the Wolves (1925) Director: Noel Mason Smith. Starring Rin-Tin-Tin and June Marlowe. 6:45pm Pacific. 9:45pm Eastern.
The Jazz Singer (1927) Director: Alan Crosland. Starring Al Jolson and May Mcavoy. 10:15pm Pacific. 1:15am Eastern. (Silent with sound sequences)
Sunday, April 2nd
Don Juan (1926) Director: Alan Crosland. Starring John Barrymore and Mary Astor. 12am Pacific. 3am Eastern.
Wednesday April, 5th
When a Man Loves (1927) Director: Alan Crosland. Starring John Barrymore and Dolores Costello. 3am. Pacific. 6am Eastern.
This film tells the story of Philippa Langley, who despite not really having a background in history or archelogy, lead a search for Richard III. To be fair I don't really know how historically arcuate this film actually is, but I do know that it kept me thoroughly engaged from the beginning to the end. One thing I am pretty sure was not true were the scenes where she interacted with the spirit of Richard III (or was it her imagination). Yet I actually loved this part. It lets us see what is going through her mind at any given moment in a completely cinematic way. This makes the internal parts of her story feel more real and accessible to us, without resorting to an uncinematic internal monologue.
It doesn't hurt this movie that the story it tells is an immediately fascinating story. Even with my unfamiliarity with the true story after watching this film, I became interested in the story, I saw here and wanted to learn more about it and see what parts of this movie are true and untrue. This is about the best thing you can say for a film like this, because if it can spark an interest in something you never gave much thought to before, than it is definitely a good movie. A major part of why this works so well is that our main character comes off as easy to like and relate to. The early scenes with her at her job and her tiredness of so much of her life, is something that all of us can easily connect to. We have all felt that way at one time or another. Many of us have also wished in these moments that like her, we could do something truly important. Though this is not an overly sentimental picture, this desire in us makes this a film that will make us feel good at many points. To have a real feel-good movie that doesn't live completely in sentimentality can be rare and that is why when a film like this comes out, it should be appreciated. This emotional connection is helped heavily by a wonderful performance from Sally Hawkins and an intelligent script by Steve Coogan (who also plays the main character's ex-husband) and Jeff Pope. It also helps that this movie takes its time, which allows us a greater connection with the characters and story. Most of all though this film is full of a real charm from start to finish, that simply won me over very quickly.
This movie does have a few faults. These include supporting characters that can feel overly stereotypical and that even with the slower pace some story points seem to happen all to quickly (which makes it strain believability at some points). However these faults are easily overcome by the film's charms.
This is a delightful movie and one I heartily recommend.
This is one of those films that you know simply would not work as well if it had lesser actors playing the main roles. However luckily this movie has Florance Pugh and Morgan Freeman in the main roles. Florance Pugh is personally one of my favorite current actresses. Even at a really young age, she has proven herself to be equally wonderful whether she appears in a period drama, horror movie, superhero film, thriller or a tearjerker like this. Every film she is in is simply better because she is in it and that is certainly the case here. Her character here is one who is dealing with a lot of guilt from having been the driver, when a car got in a car crash and killed two of her friends. She too is hurt in the accident and put on pain killers to which she soon becomes addicted. What makes this work so well is that you can simply see the pain in her eyes through so much of this. Even during scenes that should come off as overly melodramatic, there is a humanity to her performance that can make it feel painfully real. This is because she makes us care about and feel for this character every second she is on screen. Adding to her impressive performance is that Pugh not only sings in this movie but writes a couple of her own songs too. Not surprisingly she is quite good at this too. Of course, Morgan Freeman is also always wonderful in every movie he is in and that is certainly true here. His character is also going through a lot of pain and once again his performance is what makes this feel real and heartbreaking even when the movie gets overly melodramatic. The two make an unlikely pair of friends but you always believe the friendship between them and this is heavily because of the great chemistry between the two stars. The story itself has it problems but there are definitely parts of this script that work quite well. For instance I love that this script never tones down the characters' actions in order to make them more likable. In reality, people who are hurting and who have addictions can act selfish and can do things that make them hard to like at times. This is fully on display here and instead of hurting the film, it actually makes the characters feel more relatable and like real people. This also leads to another thing I like about this film, that it asks a wonderful question that it does not simplify. This question is whether a person who has done terrible things can still be a good person. This is a wonderful idea for a movie like this to explore and it does a quite good job (even if not perfect) of exploring this idea and allowing us to do some internal introspection as we watch. There are also some emotional scenes in this film that are really moving and times when this movie made me tear up a little.
This movie does definitely have its faults though. One is that the humor often feels out of place when it shows up. While humor is often important in a tearjerker like this, as it can relieve the audience and keep the film from becoming too depressing, humor has too be used at the right moments. Here it often isn't and there are times when the humor starts to appear that simply feel like the completely wrong moments. This is not helped by the fact that much of the humor is not really that funny. A lot of the jokes fall flat and the ones the work often times provide more of a smile than a real laugh. The main problem with this movie though is that the plot is often overly melodramatic and relies too much on conveniences. The plot often times hinges on little coincidences that often seem really forced. For a movie that is supposed to be realistic these coincidences can take us out of the movie and go beyond our suspension of disbelief. There is also a truly awful scene with our main character running into two men, she knew in high school that is full of terrible dialogue that does not sound at all like people really talk.
Despite this movie's faults, the performances where wonderful and there were times when this film moved me to near tears. Because of this I can easily recommend this movie.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers singing (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley. The hymn was written by Thomas A. Dorsey who later explained the origins of this song, “Peace in the Valley,” “It was just before Hitler sent his war chariots into Western Europe in the late 1930s. I was on a train going through southern Indiana and saw horses, cows and sheep all grazing together in this little valley. Everything seemed so peaceful. It made me question, “What’s the matter with mankind? Why can’t men live in peace?” Out of those thoughts came “Peace in the Valley.”
This is followed by the Louvin Brothers with their 1955 recording of Pray for Me. This song is about a man who after living his life in sin, decides to give his life completely to the Lord. When we travel down the wrong path and do things we know we shouldn't do, it can often lead us to this point. The point where we see how much we truly need God in our lives. I hope that during these moments we all do what this man does and stop fighting God and instead let him work in our lives.
Next is Red Sovine singing Cast Thy Bread Upon the Waters.
Now for Tennessee Ernie Ford with Softly and Tenderly. The song was written by an Ohio businessman named Will Thompson in 1880. As well as writing gospel songs Thompson also wrote quite a few secular songs and parotic songs. When the songs he wrote were rejected by publishers he created his own company, Will L. Thompson & Company. This company would not only publish music by sell musical instruments. Softly and Tenderly first appeared in 1880's Sparkling Gems, Nos. 1 and 2, a collection of songs from the company. When evangelist Dwight L. Moody was on his death bed he told the songwriter, "Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling’ than anything I have been able to do in my whole life." This was appropriate as Will decided to make songwriting his career while at a meeting held by Moody.
Afterwards is Johnny Cash with One of These Days I'm Gonna Sit Down and Talk to Paul. It amazes me so much that one day we as Christians are going to go to Heaven and meet so many of the people we have read about in the Bible. How amazing it will be to talk to the heroes of the faith, just like they are old friends. I am sure that when Johnny Cash reached Heaven, that he truly did sit down and talk to Paul. Paul of course meant a lot to Johnny Cash, who could relate to how Paul was one of the last people you would expect God to save (just like Johnny with his drug addiction and the selfishness he displayed while on these drugs), yet he would eventually not only be saved from his sins but lived a life spent trying to further the message of the gospel (which would become John's goal in life in later years). Johnny Cash would even write a book about the life of Paul, Man in White.
Then comes The Sons of the San Joaquin with There's Power in the Blood. This recording comes from their 1997 gospel album, Gospel Trails.
Next is Jenny Lou Carson with her 1944 recording of Dear God, Watch Over Joe. This song was written by Jenny herself during World War 2 and is dedicated to all those who had loved ones fighting overseas, while also reflecting both the patriotism and the worriedness for their love ones, these people were experiencing.
Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers' 1937 recording of Lord You Made the Cowboy Happy. I hope that like the narrator of this song, we do not take all the little blessings God gave to us from granted but instead take time to thank him for each one.
Now for a sermon from S.M. Lockridge.
Now for the next chapter in the Gene Autry movie serial, The Phantom Empire (1935).
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. Mark 12:33
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:9-10
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17
Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again it is time for some classic cartoons.
Today's cartoon selection begins with a delightful Woody Woodpecker short, Woody Dines Out (1945). This movie was directed by Shamus Culhane. Culhane had worked at Disney, Fleischer, Warner Brothers and many other classic cartoon studios, however in my opinion his best work is seen in the films he directed for Walter Lantz studio (for which this cartoon was made). These may not only be some of his best work but they are arguably some of the finest films to come out of the Walter Lantz studio. His autobiography, Talking Animals and Other People is a must read for all animation fans. The background art in this cartoon is by Philip DeGuard, who worked on many Chuck Jones cartoons both at Warner Brothers and MGM.
Next comes an early black and white Merry Melody, Pagan Moon (1932). The following is a review from The Film Daily, "A 'Merrie Melodies' cartoon that rates poor, with some animated technique that seems outdated. The hero cartoon character woos his sweetie with jazz melodies on his violin and lands up at the bottom of the ocean where he chases his lost instrument. Here he encounters adventures with the giant fishes and an octopus. Old stuff has been done many times before." While I like this cartoon more than this reviewer does, I think this review has an important reminder for those watching old movies. Often times when we watch old black and white movies (including cartoons), people tend to think that everything we see is new and fresh and hadn't been done before. However film (including cartoons) have been around for a long time by this point and there was already not much that hadn't been done by this point.
Now for Good Deed Daly in Cloak and Stagger (1956).
Next comes an early Silly Symphony cartoon, Frolicking Fish (1930). Like all Disney cartoons of this period this movie benfits from a great cast of animators. Ben Sharpsteen, who would later be supervising director for such Disney feature films as Pinocchio (1940), Fanatasia (1940) and Dumbo (1941) animates the opening scene, the octapus dancing with the fish and the fish dropping an anchor on an octopus. Les Clark, who would become one of Walt's famed Nine Old Men and be one of the greatest Mickey Mouse animators of all time, animates the fish riding the seahorse and the octopus punching the bubbles. Dave Hand, who would later be Supervising director on such Disney feature films as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Bambi (1942) animates the fish dancing on the anchor chain. Wilfred Jackson, who would lated become a fine director of both Disney shorts and features animates the octopus chasing the fish to the sunken ship. Norm Ferguson, a wonderful animator whose gift at character animation would later help define the character of Pluto, animates the trio of fish tap dancing. Jack King, who would later director some wonderful Donald Duck cartoons as well as a few cartoon for Warner Brothers, would animate the lobster dancing and playing the harp. Johnny Cannon animates the fish dancing on the springboard. Tom Palmer, who would later direct cartoons for both Warner Brothers and Van Bueren, animates the majority of the bubble dance and the big fish blowing bubbles. Merle Gilson animates the anchor falling on the octopus.
Now for a commercial break.
Now for a silent movie, Bunkum's Boarding House (1915).
Next is Popeye the Sailor Meets Sinbad the Sailor (1936). This is the first of the three Popeye two-reel specials (plus the first color Popeye) and one of the most popular Popeye cartoons. Running at 17 minutes this is twice as long as the usual Popeye film, yet the filmmakers work this to their full advantage. It never feels too long, and the extra time lets the filmmakers put in a more atmospheric fantasy like feel to this movie. This would be the first Popeye nominated for an Academy Award and received the 17th spot in Jerry Beck's book, The 50 Greatest Cartoons. A review in The Film Daily called the cartoon "Top Notch." However not everybody was so impressed by this movie as evidenced by the following Exhibitors reviews from The Motion Picture Herald. "Popeye the Sailor Meets Sinbad the Sailor: Popeye the Sailor series - Good color but did not bring extra business like Paramount said it would. -Fisher & Bichler, Mattray Theatre, Strasburg, N.D." "Popeye the Sailor Meets Sinbad the Sailor: Popeye the Sailor special - Worth twice as much as regular Popeye but no more. I paid more and that makes me a dissatisfied customer. - W. H. Brenner, Cozy Theatre, Winchester, Ind. General Patronage." "Popeye the Sailor Meets Sinbad the Sailor: Popeye the Sailor cartoons - This much Balley-hooed two-reeler, all color, third dimensional cartoon failed to come up to the entertainment value of the single reel black and white Popeye series. - M.R. Harrington, Avalon Theatre, Clatskanie, Ore. - Small Town and rural patronage."
I have mentioned many times on this blog that director Jack Kinney's Goofy cartoons for Disney are some of my favorite classic cartoon shorts. Father's Weekend (1953) is a good example of why.
Today's cartoon selection ends with the second cartoon in the Looney Tunes Webtoons miniseries, Toon Marooned (2001).
Thanks for joining me come back next week for another selection of animated treasures. Until then may all your toons be looney and your melodies merry.
Resources Used
Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series by Russell Merritt and J.B. Kaufman.
Having a near three-hour movie that is mostly made up of large action scenes sounds like something that would start to get boring and repetitive. The truth is in lesser hands such a thing might be unbearable. Yet this movie was not made in lesser hands. With this and the previous three John Wick films, former stunt double Chad Stahelski (who had actually doubled for Keanu Reeves in The Matrix (1999)) has already proven himself an excellent action movie director and anyone who has ever watched a movie knows that Keanu Reeves is a perfect action star. Add to this the return of cinematographer Dan Laustsen (who worked on the last two John Wick films) and a wonderful musical score by Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard and you have one heck of a fun ride. Much of this movie centers around large action set pieces. While these set pieces may mostly consist of John Wick killing a bunch of bad guys, they do not feel like they are simply copying one another. Each one has their own unique feel. The environments and the visual style of each one is quite different as is the one each one is shot. Many of them also have such an incredibly stylized look to them that is simply a joy for the eyes. Even with the large amount of action movies that have been made over the years, none of them quite look like the John Wick films and off the top of my head I can't think of that many that have visually impressed me anywhere near as much. This is why you need to see this on the big screen instead of waiting until it comes out on streaming. The action scenes are also wonderfully paced and choregraphed. Despite how long these scenes go on for, they never become boring. This in itself is an incredible achievement. The music, whether it be the musical score or the use of songs, always fits the action perfectly and in fact makes it even more exciting.
While the story may not be the focus here, it does its job quite well. While it is not one with any depth or subtly, it does make one care about the characters and how the film will end. We become invested in the story just enough to make all the action scenes work to their full potential. This story also keeps this movie moving at a fast pace and by the end, it is hard to believe it has been nearly 3 hours. This film also has a wonderful sense of humor and in the stairs scene, it is hard to not simply crack a smile.
If you also love the previous John Wick movies, this film is simply a must see.
After Wonder Woman helps the Goddess Aphrodite, Aphrodite praises not only Wonder Woman but all of the Super Friends. Hera becomes upset about the praise that Aphrodite gives out arguing that the Super Friends are mere mortals and not Gods and therefore underserving of such praise. When Zues hears of this, he gives the Super Friends various difficult and dangerous tasks, so that they may prove whether of not they deserve such praise.
I love this episode. The storyline is quite unique among Super Friends episodes. This is not a simple the heroes fight a big monster and save the world. The idea of each of the heroes having to take a near impossible task all by themselves is a wonderful idea and allows us to spend time with each one separately (although Batman and Robin work together), which again creates a nice change of pace. The way each of them approaches these challenges is clever and well thought through. This episode also benefits from a wonderful sense of atmosphere. Mythology has worked incredibly well with superhero stories (look at Wonder Woman and Thor) and it works fantastic here, allowing for a great amount of creativity. The various environments the heroes visit are wonderful. They also allow for some wonderful background art that is simply a joy to look at.
This is a very unique episode that is also a lot of fun.
Ann Blyth is immortalized in movie history for playing Veda (the daughter of Joan Crawford's character) in Mildred Pierce (1945). That film is rightfully considered a classic and beloved by many movie fans. Her performance certainly adds a lot to why this film works so well. However this was just a part of Ann Blyth's movie career. This career also included such movies as Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid (1948), Top o' the Morning (1949), Once More, My Darling (1949), The World in His Arms (1952), All the Brothers Were Valiant (1953), Rose Marie (1954), The Buster Keaton Story (1957) and The Helen Morgan Story (1957). She also worked on stage in the musical plays The King and I, The Sound of Music, and Show Boat and appeared in episodes of such beloved TV shows as Wagon Train, The Twilight Zone, Quincy, M.E. and Murder, She Wrote.
The following is a 1951 article from Screenland Magazine. If you have trouble reading the article below click on the pages and use your touch screen to zoom in.
Ann also made some commercials for Hostess Cupcakes.
An here is Ann Blyth, herself talking about her career.
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you were Gene Autry? Of course, you have! Luckily for you there is a 1951 article in Screenland Magazine titled, If You Were Gene Autry.
If you have any trouble reading the following pages, click on them and use your touchscreen to zoom in.
As an extra bonus, here is a classic Gene Autry recording.
Despite being a film that features Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as a comedy duo (which they have been multiple times before), this movie tackles a pretty dark and grim subject matter. The duo have lost a dear friend that had been close to both of them. However since their friends' husband raped one of them and they can no longer hurt their friend, they decide to kill the husband. This is a very weighty type of story and one that can in many ways make you feel uncomfortable, but the film is also a comedy at the same time. Both the drama and the comedy are excellent, however they do not always go well together. There are times when the film goes straight from a darkly dramatic scene that is immediately followed by a lightly comic one. Often times the comic scene is funny, but it feels completely out of place at that part in the story. There are also times where a lightly comic scene is immediately followed by a darkly dramatic one. This transition can also feel awkward and jarring. However this does not in any way change how well made both the comedic scenes and the dramatic ones are. This film touches on important subject matters and provides a wonderful commentary on them. Not only does this film talk about sexual abuse, but it also talks about interracial relationships, the feeling that one needs to hide their sexual ordination and growing old alone. All of these subjects are treated with the utmost respect and intelligence. It is true that all of this has been talked about in many film's before, yet this film never feels derivative of those other movies. This movie also talks about each of these subjects in a way that flows naturally from the story and the characters. Because of this it conveys its messages very well, while never feeling preachy. The comedy is very funny and I laughed more at this film than I thought I would going in. Many of these jokes are quite clever but never cleverer than they are funny. Much of the humor also works because of the wonderful chemistry between Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. As many of you know, these two can play off each other quite well and make a great comedy team. The delivery is often just as funny as the jokes themselves. Both the dramatic and comedic scenes benefit from this movie's wonderful cast. Not only are Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin wonderful, but the supporting cast is also wonderful including Malcolm McDowell and Richard Roundtree, both of whom are fantastic. There is also great chemistry between Jane Fonda and Richard Roundtree and the scenes they share together are a delight to watch.
All the elements of this movie are great, but unfortunately they don't always work together and can often seem at odds with one another.
Thid movie is disarmingly simple. The storyline is quite basic and not that much actually happens. Yet within this simplicity there was a deep beauty that moved to tears when the film was over. It shows that sometimes you don't need a big stakes storyline or a complex plot to create a beautiful movie. Sometime all you need is a story about a little girl who goes to live with distant relatives. Sometimes a story like that can convey both great joy and great sadness. The mixture of joy and sadness is honestly a huge part of what makes this movie so effective. This is not your typical tearjerker or your typical feel good movie. Despite the simplicity of the story, this movie turns out to be something that transcends either of those types of films. This is because we simply get to experience a slice of life from our main character. We get to feel the joy of her bonding with her distant relatives and experiencing the love they give her. We also experience the coldness and lack of any comfort she gets from living with her parents and siblings. This movie does a great job of conveying the sheer difference between being a child who is loved and nurtured and being a child in a cold and distant home. This not only perfectly conveys an important message but also creates an incredibly emotional bond with the story. Helping very much is our main character. She is an incredibly likable and sweet girl and yet at the same time she never becomes too overly sweet to be unbelievable. This is helped greatly by an incredibly moving performance by child actress Catherine Clinch (amazingly enough in her first film). She brings such an effortless charm and humanity to this character that is simply wonderful. What also makes this movie work so well is its slower pace. This is the type of film that has no problem taking its time and has no need to rush from plot point to plot point. This is perfect for this type of movie, because it creates a more real and atmospheric feeling and allows us to feel that we are experiencing everything alongside our main character. This film is also not afraid to have stretches without much dialogue. This allows us to experience the type of quietly beautiful moments that say so much about than any dialogue ever could. Yet when this movie focuses on dialogue the type of dialogue differs from your typical movie dialogue to something much more naturalistic and down to earth. Sometimes the characters are having simple conversations which a lot about the story and characters without ever saying anything directly.
This is simply a beautifully profound and moving movie, that needs to be seen by anyone who truly appreciates film as an artform.
This movie for the most part works because of Willam Defoe's performance. If pretty much any other actor had starred in this film, it probably would not have worked. His performance is so integral to this film working because for the most part this is a one man show. He plays an art thief who is locked inside a building he was trying to steal from. He is not only completely alone but is also low on food and water with little technology that works. So we spend the whole time with this one character, who we know very little about and who isn't exactly likable. It would be so easy for a film like this to completely fall apart. However Willam Defoe's performance makes it hard to look away even at the most unpleasant scenes. He brings such an intensity and humanity to this role that is intensely compelling. We find ourselves so completely captivated by his deteriorating mental state, that we feel as if we are trapped there with him. Adding to this is the film's use of various repetitive scenes and the sparing use of a musical score. The background music only appears in a few of the most dramatic scenes and is for the most part absent from many part of the movie, creating a unsettling quietness to many of the scenes. All of this also helps us get into the mindset of someone who is trapped. This movie also features wonderful cinematography and a wonderfully atmospheric set for the building.
Unfortunately we never really get to know much about this character besides that he is an art thief and completely trapped in this building. This movie also tries to make some sort of commentary on the ultra-rich and the artworld, but in the end doesn't really say much of anything and certainly nothing you haven't heard a thousand times before. There is one bizarre scene in this film, that I had the feeling was supposed to be an unsettling and creepy twist. However there was little buildup to this scene or payoff afterwards and because of this it just felt weird and out of place.
This movie has a very atmospheric and unsettling feel to it and Willam Defoe's performance is wonderful. It may be far from a perfect movie but what works, works very well.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Take My Hand, Precious Lord. This song was written by Thomas A. Dorsey after the passing of his wife and newborn son in 1932. Though Dorsey had given his life to the Lord and was moving away from his career as a blues singer instead writing gospel songs and even pastoring churches. Still after the death of his beloved wife and child, he began to question his faith. Instead of giving up his faith he turned to prayer. He prayed that God would lead him through all the troubles of life. He put his prayer to music (George Allen's Maitland) and this turned out to be one of his most popular songs.
This is followed by Del Reeves with Learning to Lean. This song was written in 1976 by John Stallings, an evangelical pastor, who also wrote southern gospel songs. No matter how long we have been walking with the Lord, all of us are still learning how to lean. Though we may get better all the time at learning to lean on the promises of God, there is always room for improvement and as we continue our walk with the Lord and go further along the process of sanctification, we shall always be becoming more and more like Jesus. Because of this our faith should never stay still or remain stagnant.
Now for The Statler Brothers with Things God Gave Me. It is too often that us Christians take for granted all the blessings God has poured into our lives. Many of them are just things that we simply accept and don't think about. However God gave us each one to bless us and to show us just how much he loves us.
Next comes The Monroe Brothers with their 1936 recording of Drifting Too Far from the Shore.
Then comes Bob Dylan with Covent Woman. This song comes from his 1980 Christian album, Saved.
Now for the Sons of the San Joaquin with It is Well. Though this is a hymn of hope and peace it was written in a time of great sadness. The song was written by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873. He had planned a European trip for himself, his wife and four daughters, however because of his work he was unable to go, and he let his family go without him and after he finished his work, he would meet them there. However, the ship was hit and quickly sank. Though his wife was saved all four of his daughters had gone down with the ship. Amazingly he wrote this hymn when approaching an area near where his daughters had sunk.
Afterwards comes Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings with The Greatest Cowboy of Them All.
Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. he song 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.
Now for a message from the Reverend Billy Graham.
Now for the next chapter in Gene Autry's movie serial, The Phantom Empire (1935).
The Exhibitor, 1950
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Acts 16:30-33
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:16-18
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:1
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another selection of classic cartoons.
Today's cartoon selection starts with a real classic Mickey Mouse cartoon, On Ice (1935). This cartoon stars not only Mickey but also Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy. Despite being a short film, this movie gives ample time to each of the main characters and gives them all their own little story (though Mickey and Minnie share their story). Some of the characters' little stories even intertwine at the end. Even in this silly slapstick cartoon, the Disney studio's great storytelling ability at this time period is shown perfectly through this and it is easy to understand, why for so many the Disney cartoons stood out during this time period. Goofy especially gets time to shine here and gets some of the best gags. He is heavily animated by Art Babbit here, who was one of the finest animators for this character at this time. Despite his little screentime Art Babbit's animation makes Goofy feel like a fully formed character. Here Goofy sings the song, The World Owes Me a Living. That song was introduced in the Disney short, The Grasshopper and the Ants (1934). There the song was sung by a grasshopper. That grasshopper was also voiced by Pinto Colvig, who used pretty much the same voice he used for Goofy. This song would go on to become Goofy's unofficial theme song.
Now for an early black and white Terry Toons cartoon, Irish Sweepstakes (1934).
Next is Barney Bear in The Impossible Possum (1954). This film was directed by Dick Lundy, who was directing most of the Barney Bear cartoons at this time. Dick Lundy had previously been a Disney animator, who worked on many of the studios great cartoon shorts as well as the feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), and directed some wonderful Woody Woodpecker cartoons for the Walter Lantz studio. Like many of his Barney Bear films, this movie is a very fast moving short with a great sense of comedic energy. Compare this to the earlier Barney Bear cartoons that were directed by Rudolf Ising, which moved at a much slower pace and were often more charming than funny. The Dick Lundy shorts certainly are closer to the types of cartoons Tex Avery and William Hanna and Joseph Barbera were also making for MGM.
Now for perhaps my favorite of the classic Betty Boop cartoons, Snow White (1933). This movie is chock full of imagination and there is never one moment that isn't a lot of fun. There is a pure energy in this film that simply never lets up. This cartoon is simply everything I love about the cartoons from the Fleischer Studio at this time and is perhaps the best example of why the early 1930's Betty Boop cartoons are held in such high regard by animation fans. What makes this cartoon all the more impressive is that it has often been said that it was animated almost entirely by Doc Crandall. The main song number is perfromed by jazz legend Cab Calloway, who also provided vocals for the Betty Boop cartoons, Minnie the Moocher (1932) and The Old Man of the Mountain (1933). This film arrived at the number 19 spot in Jerry Beck's book, The 50 Greatest Cartoons.
Motion Picture Herald, 1931
Now it is time for a commercial break.
Now for Donald Duck in How to Have an Accident at Home (1956). This was the first of four planned safety films by the Disney studio. These films would teach about how to prevent accidents in various environments by showing you the wrong way to do things. Donald Duck himself was given the "privilege" of showing us the wrong way in these films. Each cartoon would feature Donald going through various slapstick mishaps and the audience would learn from his mistakes. Story man Roy Williams (who old TV fans might know for being the Big Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club) began working on ideas for these films in 1953. This cartoon would begin production in 1954 but wouldn't see movie screens until 1956. Much of the animation in this movie was done by former effects artist Jerry Hathcock. He animated the opening scene, Donald in traffic (with Earl Combs), Donald reading, Donald trying to nail the picture to the wall, Donald lighting his pipe, Donald falling with the fishbowl, Donald in the bathroom, Donald's accident with cleaning fluid and the closing scene. Earl Combs animates Donald in traffic (with Jerry Hathcock), Donald's landing after falling with the fishbowl and Donald having trouble with the chair's springs. George Nicholas animates Donald avoiding the piano and the kid on the bike, Donald falling down the stairs in slow motion and Donald with the TV set. Volus Jones animates fate lecturing while Donald has trouble with the toaster. Bob Bemiller and Ed Solomon animate Donald fixing the stairs, plugs, and throw rug. Ed Solomon also animates Donald entering the dynamite plant. There would only be one more of these safety films to follow, How to Have an Accident at Work (1959), the other two would never be completed.
Next is Daffy Duck and Speedy Gonzales in The Spy Swatter (1967).
Now for a silent movie, The Hicks in Nightmareland (1915).
Today's cartoon selection ends with our Looney Tunes pals in the first part of Toon Monored, a 2001 miniseries of webtoons.
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 The 50 Greatest Cartoons Edited by Jerry Beck
Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History by J.B. Kaufman and David Gerstein
Like the first film, this movie has a lighter and more comedic feel to it than most of the DC movies. Yet this does not mean that the characters or the film's heart or lacking because of it. The first Shazam film has probably some of the most touching moments with the ones dealing with his birth mom and foster family. While this movie may not reach the heights of those emotional scenes from the first film, this sequel does not lack in the emotional department. Billy's character arc here is quite good and explores some very interesting ideas for a superhero film. Despite being an incredible powerful superhero, he feels that he is not worthy of his powers and that they should have gone to someone else. He feels that even with his powers he isn't a real superhero, because he is still himself. This is not only an interesting idea but something any of us can relate to because most of us would feel the same way if we were given his powers. Another interesting part of his arc is that because he was abandoned as a child, now that he is almost 18, he is afraid of, being abandoned by his family, especially as they all go their separate ways. Again this is something that is deeply human under all the action and comedy. While there are definitely times when the filmmakers can make his character a little too goofy, this heart and emotional arc is even present in those scenes. His siblings Freddy and Mary also have their own arcs. While their arcs are cliché and predictable, they do their job of providing a real humanity for these characters. Where this sequel tops the original is in the terms of villains. The Daughters of Atlas are really good villains, despite not actually coming from the comics. These characters feel like a major threat to our heroes in a way that is much bigger than the first film. The first scene in which we see them, feels like it could of come from a horror movie as it is legitimately creepy. I could see myself as a kid having a couple of bad dreams after watching this scene. Yet the characters also work as part of the lighthearted fun of much of this film. They are a great counterpoint to our protagonists with how their sense of humor plays off against these characters' seriousness. This movie also benefits from really fun superhero action and a runtime that flies by really quickly despite being over two hours.
This film is full of humor and there is a lot of comedy for the majority of its runtime. Because of this there are times when the humor hits very well and times where it falls flat. The best comedy revolves around Darcy. She is the sweetest and nicest little girl who ever lived. She is a little kid in all the best of ways. This pure childlike joy and sweetness leads to the best jokes in the film, but we never laugh at her. Instead at the same time as we laugh, we also wish that we could be more like her. There are also some good gags that come from her complete innocence and the fact that she doesn't always understand what the older kids are talking about and what she thinks these conversations are about is just as adorable as funny. The worst gags are the ones that either make Billy too goofy or make it seem like he is becoming much more stupid simply for the sake of a joke. These jokes not only feel out of character for Billy, but they also are often not that funny. They feel like the filmmakers are trying much too hard and therefore quite forced. Overall though I would say that the good comedic moments outweigh the bad. This movie also knows when to be funny and when not to be. The scenes that need to be played seriously are played with few to no jokes, making them quite effective.
While this film's story is definitely engaging, it is also very familiar and therefore very predictable. You don't have to get far into this movie to figure out how it will end. We often times figure out what is going to happen next well before the characters do. The CGI also is often times not that great and too obvious here and can make this look like a movie from over 20 years ago.
This may not be one of the greatest superhero movies, but it is a lot of fun to watch and a treat to superhero fans.
In this episode, Batman and Robin make a fool of the western outlaw, The Capricorn Kid. After escaping from jail, The Kid seeks revenge on the dynamic duo.
I love how this episode has a completely different feel from the episodes before it. The western setting is a very unique one for this series and helps make this episode stand out. Once again this setting allows for some delightful artwork that is wonderful to look at. This episode also puts a nice sci-fi spin on its western setting as it takes place not only Earth but, on the planet, Texicana and the villain has robot sidekicks. This may be incredible corny, but it is just the kind of super hero corniness I love. I also love how this episode puts the spotlight on two heroes, which helps give it a unique feel. Because these heroes are Batman and Robin, we get some of that wonderfully silly dialogue that reminds me of the 1960's Batman show in all the best ways. The action scenes here are also a lot of fun.
The villain here is not especially memorable nor does he feel like he should be much of a threat to the Super Friends. However it is nice to see them fighting a regular criminal rather than a supervillain or monster as that does give a bit of variety.
Gleek the Space Monkey's "comedy" relief is just as unfunny as ever but it is not too distracting here.
What makes this film so great is that it does not simplify anything nor does it play itself strictly to a Christian audience. It wasn't too long ago that Christian films treated their messages with incredible simplicity and preached strictly to the choir. However movies like this give me hope that Christian films are truly maturing to a point where they can tackle heavy subjects (without ever talking down to its audience) and appeal an audience more diverse than who you would normally think of going to a Christian film. This movie does that wonderfully. In many ways this film is a biopic and a redemption story. It tells the story of a preacher's son, who after a tragic accident leads a life of sex, drugs and rock and roll. After finding this life empty and a near death experience, he goes back not only to his faith but to his boyhood dream of being a pastor like his dad. What is fascinating is that while most movies (even most secular ones) would focus on the emptiness of his life of sex, drugs and rock and roll, this movie instead focuses on the rocky road he goes down after giving his life back to the Lord. This that only makes this film unique for not going down the obvious route but it also makes for a movie that looks at difficult topics that most similar films would ignore. One of the big questions raised in this movie is what effect it has on our salvation and sanctification when we give our lives to the Lord but still give into our sins at times of weakness. This film does not give this question an easy answer but instead treats this complicated topic with all the complexity it deserves. The movie also doesn't lie to us and say that things will become easier after becoming a Christian. In fact the opposite happens to our main character. Though he now has a purpose in life and there is no longer the emptiness there was before, his life if anything has only gotten more difficult after he turns his life back to God. In fact this leads to scenes that are so dark and heartbreaking that they are simply hard to watch. Yet beneath all this there is a lesson about finding hope in even our darkest moments and this message simply would be nowhere near as effective if we didn't see the darkest moments in all their bleakness. This movie also has an important message about forgiveness and again it displays this in a real and powerful way. We ourselves as the audience have a hard time forgiving some characters ourselves at times and because of this we have to learn about forgiveness just as much as our main characters. This movie never makes forgiveness look easy but does not fail to show why it is so important.
Yet despite all this and the film having to do with a pastor, it never feels forced or preachy. Instead the message comes naturally from the story and characters. The story and the characters are also truly wonderfully. This is a film that will pull at your heartstrings and there were scenes that made me even tear up a little. Much of this is due to how wonderful our main characters are. These characters are easy to relate to and care about. They are also quite flawed individuals but this never gets in the way of us caring about them. In fact if anything it just makes them more real to us. However even the film's supporting characters and antagonists are deeper and more complex than first meets the eye. In fact some of these characters go through character arcs of their own that are often just as effective as those by our main characters. All this works heavily because of a truly great cast. There is not one weak actor or miscast actor in this film. This movie also benefits from truly great songs. These songs include some country, some gospel and some rock and roll. All of which I could easily see myself listening to even if they were not part of this movie.
This is a truly great movie and shows a true maturity in Christian films that I hope to see continue.
Thank you so much Guillermo for stating this to so many people who need to hear this. Thanks on behalf of all us film lovers, who think that animation is just as important a part of movie history as live action and that it is more than capable of being great art.
Hello my friends and welcome back to another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Have You Read the Bible Today. This recording is the B-side of a 1955 Little Golden record, Roy and Dale made. The A-Side was The Bible Tells Me So. Roy and Dale are backed by The Ranch Hands and Mitch Miller and his Orchestra on this song.
This is followed by The Statler Brothers with This Ole House. This version of the song is from their 1966 album, Flowers on the Wall. The song was written by Stuart Hamblin, who was a major name in cowboy and gospel music. His most famous gospel composition was It is No Secret (What God Can Do).
Next is Don Edwards with Amazing Grace. This hymn was written by John Newton in 1772. It is no coincidence that John Newton wrote this hymn, as he was someone who badly needed God's grace. Looking at his life before he gave it to God, there is not much to find that is admirable and in fact some of what we see is downright horrific. He played a part in one of the darkest (if not the darkest) parts of American history. He was a slave trader. To say that slavery in the United States (and in any country at any time) was a tragedy and a horrible part of our history is an incredible understatement, and this man was a part of that horrific system. Later he even admitted that he treated the human beings that he was bringing over harshly. If there is anyone, we in our humanness would think is beyond God to reach it would be this guy. Yet God did reach him and being God completely changed him. He not only abandoned his job, but he gave his life to God's ministry and helped fight slavery every step of the way. If God could do this with him who is to say that any of us or anyone we know could possibly be out of God's power to reach. This version of the classic hymn comes from his 2009 gospel album, Heaven on Horseback.
Now comes Johnny Cash with In the Sweet Bye and Bye. This song came about because of a friendship between composer, Joseph Webster and poet, Dr. Sanford Fillmore Bennett. One day Webster was depressed, and Dr. Bennett recognized this. Dr. Bennett asked his friend what was wrong. Webster replied, "Oh nothing. Everything will be alright by and by." These words brought up an idea in Bennett and he wrote down three verses and a chorus to this song as soon as he could. He handed it to his friend saying, “Here is your prescription, Joe.” Webster loved the lyrics and wrote music for them in practically no time at all. Dr. Bennett later said, “It was not over thirty minutes from the time I took my pen to write the words before two friends with Webster and myself were singing the hymn.” The hymn was first published in 1868 and went on to great fame since.
Afterwards is The Chuck Wagon Gang with Standing on the Promises of God. This hymn was written by Russell Carter in 1886. Working as a sheep herder he developed a heart condition. This led him to pray much more often, and he began to get closer to God every day. When he was healed, he vowed to "stand on the promises of God" and wrote this song.
Then comes Anne Wilson with Mansions. This song comes from her debut album, 2022's My Jesus. Too often as Christians, we get too focused simply on this life here and now that we forget about the fact that we are going to spend an eternity in heaven after we pass from this life. If your life here is hard, a day will come when you fully experience the joy of heaven and the beautiful grace of our lord. However if everything is going great for you in this life, it is nothing compared to the blessings you will receive in Heaven. This should affect your whole outlook on life and make it so you are pleased to spend this life living fully for God.
Next is Bob Dylan with What Can I Do For You. This comes from Bob Dylan's 1980 Christian album, Saved. Though many tend to overlook Bob's Christian songs, they just as much show us why he is such an incredible songwriter as any of his secular songs. The lyrics of this song are especially powerful and have an incredible message for all of us. If you are a Christian, you should definitely take the words of this song to your heart.
Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Lord You Made the Cowboy Happy.
Now for a message from the Reverend Billy Graham.
Now for the 4th chapter in the Gene Autry movie serial, The Phantom Empire (1935).
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:25
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. 1 John 4:18
See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know Him. 1 John 3:1
If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Thanks for joining me come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
