This movie about a half-man and half-dog cop is based on a series of popular kids' books by Dav Pilkey (who produced the film). I guess as someone who grew up with Pilkey's Captain Underpants books, I have a predisposition to enjoy this type of zany humor. This entire film is full of extremely silly gags piled on top of one another. While this does make this an acquired taste in some ways, it is a taste I acquired. Not every gag is funny and some fall flat. However, the gags that do work made me laugh out loud. There is mixture of smart and clever humor with juvenile dumb humor and silly slapstick gags. Yet there are gags in each of these categories that hilarious. However, what really makes the movie work is not the gags themselves but how (like a classic Looney Tunes or similar cartoon short), the whole film has a delightfully silly and cartoony feel that is a joy to watch. I have always had a fondness for animated feature films that are simply feature length cartoons and that is exactly what this is. This even goes down to the look of the film. Though this is computer animated, the artists have done a great joy capturing Pilkey's delightfully cartoony art style. This art style brings us back to being kids ourselves and puts us in the right state of mind to enjoy something as silly as this movie.
Despite all the silly gags, this film has a real heart to it. The relationship between Dog Man and the main villain's "son" is actually rather touching and many charmingly sweet moments come out of this. I found myself not only laughing at these characters but really caring about them as well.
I will admit though that the third act is too overstuffed with ideas, and this can make it feel exhausting and overlong.
This marks Peter Hastings' first time directing or writing an animated feature. However, he has worked heavily on Dreamworks Animation's TV and streaming series including Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants and Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight. Before that he had worked on such TV cartoon series as Animaniacs, Tiny Toons Adventures and Pinky and the Brain.
This movie is preceded by a delightful short film featuring the characters from The Bad Guys (2022). This short is just as fun as the feature.
This film has Brazilian filmmaker, Walter Salles, returning to his native country with a story he has a personal connection to. This is the true story of a family living a happy life in 1970's Rio de Janeiro, when one day the father (former congressman Rubens Paiva, who has been outspokenly critical of the newly instituted military dictatorship) simply disappears. There is no explanation given to why this happened and where the father is or if he is still alive. Though this movie is based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva (one of the son's) memoir (which is also called I'm Still Here), one of the guiding forces behind making this film is that Salles actually knew this family as a teenager and even spent time in their house (which he tried to recreate the look of as closely as possible). Perhaps this is why this film feels more real than many "based on a true story" movies.
What makes this movie work so brilliantly is the family unit. In every second of this film, we believe that we are watching the real family. Each member has his or her own unique personality. It is too often in movies like this that one character simply feels like their entire personality is being "the other kid." That never the case here. Part of the reason for this is that Salles encouraged each of the child actors to let their own personalities find their way into the film. They each decorated their own rooms and were allowed some of their own improvisational dialogue. Salles also had all the actors playing the family live together (in the home he rented for production) for two weeks. The result is characters that feel as comfortable around each other as real family members. The chemistry between each of the actors is so natural that we feel like we are watching a real family and forget that these are actors. Because the family unit feels so real to us, when that family unit is forcibly torn apart, we feel unnerved. The result is very emotional powerful. We feel for each of the characters and their loss, just as if they were our friends.
This movie also benefits from a very strong soundtrack filled with Brazilian, American and British pop songs of the era. Each of these songs are used perfectly and many reveal more about who these are. The film is also very visually beautiful as Salles does his best to recapture the look of 1970's Rio De Janeiro.
I don't want to say too much more about this movie as it something you have to see and experience yourself. It is a one-of-a-kind experience and a must watch for any serious movie fan.
After the Keystone Kops, the second image that comes to mind when Keystone comedies or Mack Sennett is brought up is the Mack Sennett Bathing Beauties. Even back in the silent era sex sold (perhaps not much has changed in over 100 years). Showing beautiful women in bathing suits was a sure way to make sure, audiences enjoyed your films. Some of these Bathing Beauties would go on to successful acting careers, while for others these roles would be their 15 minutes of fame.
Here is an article from an issue of Motion Picture Magazine (dated May 1932) taking a look at what happened to the famed Bathing Beauties. If you have trouble reading the following pages, click on them and use your touch screen to zoom in. If you don't have a touch screen, click here.
Here is a classic 1919 short film featuring the bathing beauties.
And here are the Bathing Beauties in all their risqué glory. Try not to get too excited gentlemen.
This movie definitely has its share of flaws. However, it has enough things going for it to provide a decent watch. The performances here are really good. Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace both shine in their roles and make us like these cliché characters. However, the scene stealer is Malk Wahlberg. Wahlberg gets to play a villain here and he is having the time of his life playing this role. He is having so much fun in this role that I simply had fun watching it. This movie also benefits from Mel Gibson's direction. While he may be a controversial figure, Mel Gibson does know how to direct a suspense scene and even makes the most predictable suspense scene exciting to watch.
This movie definitely has its share of flaws though. The dialogue is often does not feel even remotely like how people talk, the attempts at humor are awful and so much of the plot depends on these characters being idiots. If the characters simply had half a brain cell, so many of the suspense scenes would never have happened. Yet we are somehow supposed to believe that these characters are supposed to be at least moderately intelligent.
This is far from a great movie and will never be considered such. However, in the right frame of mind this film does provide a certain amount of dumb fun.
This movie follows black two teenage boys who were sentenced to a reform school in the Jim Crow south of the 1960's. This is not a film that is easy to watch or one that can often be called enjoyable. Despite this it is an essential watch for any movie fan. This movie forces us to look directly at America's racist past making it near impossible to look away. We are forced to either learn from it or consciously try to block it out. There have been many films about racism in recent years but few of them have had the sheer emotional impact of this movie. I found myself overcome with emotion and very angry that in relatively recent history this could have happened in my country (and the need to make sure it doesn't ever happen again). Besides the dark but important subject matter, the strong emotional impact also comes from very intelligent filmmaking. Most of the film is told through point of view shots that alternate from being from the point of view of both of our main characters. While this may sound like just a gimmick, it does not come off as such. In fact, it feels perfectly natural, and we understand that this was the best way to tell the story. It forces us to live in these characters' shoes for over two hours. This makes everything that happens to them feel all the more real and horrific to us. This movie doesn't announce that this is the way the story is being told. Rather we must figure it out on our own. This choice works especially well in the opening scenes. Not knowing yet that this film is telling its story from point of view shots, we feel as if we are watching an almost avantgarde montage of happy and calming images. This puts us in a mood of tranquility and contentment. Over the course of the film these feelings are violently and suddenly ripped away from us, which makes us subconsciously feel a deep emotional connection with these characters. As dark as this movie's subject matter is though, it avoids showing the most gruesome scenes onscreen. Leaving these scenes to our imaginations though conjures up much more disturbing images in our minds than anything a movie can show us. How well made this movie is makes it all the more impressive that this is only director, RaMell Ross' second feature length film and his first non-documentary movie. Great performances by Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson also help this film feel all the more real and powerful.
It may not be easy to watch this movie, but that is exactly what makes it such a powerful film.
This is the first segment of the eleventh episode of The All-New Super Friends Hour, unlike most other Super Friends formats, this one had hour long episodes that were made up of various shorter cartoons. The first segment would be an adventure staring two members (or three in some cases as Batman and Robin would often team with another Super Friend) of the Super Friends. The second would be a morality play staring the Wonder Twins. The third would be a typical half hour Super Friends adventure. The fourth and last segment would feature one of the main Super Friends teaming up with a special DC Comics guest star.
In this short, Professor Amy Zahn creates a formula to make women as physically strong as men. The formula makes her turn fifty feet tall. The experiment affects her mind as well and she goes on a rampage. Batman, Robin and Wonder Woman team up to return her back to normal.
This is a fun episode. The idea of superheroes fighting a giant is something so simple yet charming. This leads to some great action scenes and a good sense of suspense when she captures Batman. The villain herself is again very simple but there is a lot of fun in her simplicity. The moral of this story is a great one about how women and men are already equals and women don't need to change themselves to prove that. The delivery may be a bit didactic but not in a way that distracts from the fun of this cartoon. I will admit though Wonder Woman's joke at the end is a bit of a groaner.
In today's pop culture world, a spy movie often means an over-the-top action movie like the Mission Impossible films. This makes Inheritance stand out. This film is more about being a globe-trotting adventure than about large scale action scenes. In fact, the only real action scene here is a car chase that feel very small scale compared to many action movies today. This is not to say that this is a movie is not a visually pleasing one though. While it is true that this movie was filmed entirely on an iPhone, it was filmed on location at the various countries that our main character visits. This adds a real sense of adventure to this film as we feel like we are traveling along with her.
Without the over-the-top action sequences, this movie depends much more on characters and plot twists here. While the storyline may be very familiar, the worked surprisingly well. While early parts of this film are quite predictable, the last act is full of a lot of twists that work very well, some of which really took me by surprise. The main character is also a very good one. She is likable and relatable enough for us to care about but can also be quite morally ambiguous at times. This makes it so we don't always know what she is going to do next and leads to some of the film's best twists. Phoebe Dynevor's performance also makes this film work very well. She can pull off that action hero charisma that makes us automatically attracted to her and her character. I do wish she had more memorable supporting characters to play off of, but her character still works very well.
A fun spy thriller that harkens back to when these movies didn't have to depend on over-the-top action scenes.
Hello 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 every day. 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 Johnny Cash with Jesus in My Soul. This lively song comes from John's 1979 album, A Believer Sings the Truth. This was a double length gospel album and Columbia Records felt that such an album from John could never be successful. However, Columbia allowed John to release the album on its own and it was successful earning a spot in the Country Top 50. A shorter version of the album called I Believe would be released in 1984, which would feature a select few songs from the double album, including this one. Strangely A Believer Sings the Truth would not find its way to CD until 2012.
Afterwards is Adelyne Hood and Vernon Dalhart with their 1928 recording of The Ninety and Nine.
Then comes Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. This hymn began with a man named Anthony Showalter. As a fan of gospel music and an elder in a Presbyterian church, he held many "singing schools" at various churches in the south. One day he received two letters from former students who were struggling after their wives had passed. To respond to these letters, Showalter consulted scripture. He came across Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." After reading this verse lyrics for a song chorus went through his head and he wrote down, "“Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” After using this in the letters to his former students he sent this chorus to his friend hymnist, Elisha Hoffman. In the letter he also wrote, “Here is the chorus for a good hymn from Deuteronomy 33:27, but I can’t come up with the verses.” Hoffman then wrote the rest of the lyrics to which Showalter put to music. The hymn was published in 1887.
Next is Chris Tomlin and Florida Georgia Line with Forever Home. This comes from Chris Tomlin's 2020 album, Chris Tomlin and Friends. This album featured the Christian singer performing various songs with popular country singers.
This is followed Cody Johnson with By Your Grace. This comes from his 2021 album, Human: The Double Album.
Next comes Kris Kristofferson and Larry Gatlin with Help Me. In 1971 Connie Smith had invited Kris Kristofferson to the Evangel Temple. Jimmie Snow (the pastor of the church) had asked Larry Gatlin, who was a member of this church and currently worker as a janitor, to come up and sing a song he wrote. That song was Help Me and it had a major effect on Kris. Kris would later say, "It was what I guess you call a religious experience. I've never had one before or since. To this day I don't know why I did it. I think Jimmy sensed I didn't know what I was doing because he asked me if I was ready to be saved and I told him I didn't know. He put his hand on my shoulder and asked me to get down on my knees. There were a number of us kneeling and I don't remember what he was saying. It was something about freedom from guilt. All I can remember is that I broke into tears. I was weeping and when it was over I felt like I had been purged. I was carrying a lot of guilt at that time. I felt I had disappointed my family, my friends, my ancestors and everybody that knew me. So, I wrote that song [Why Me Lord]." Because of the effect this song had on Kris, Kris recorded the song as a duet with Larry Gatlin on his 1972 album, Jesus Was a Capricorn. Kris later talked about this saying, "I did it because I loved the song and was so grateful for the effect it had on me. To further demonstrate my gratitude, I put it on the B-side of my single Why Me instead of one of my own, giving Larry mechanical royalties on the biggest single I ever had. Payback!" The source for these quotes is The Man Called Cash by Steve Turner.
Today's musical selection ends with Rex Allen with Prayer of a Frontier Doctor.
Now for a sermon from the reverend Martin Luther King Jr.
Now for a silent short film starring Broncho Billy Anderson, Broncho Billy's Last Hold Up (1912).
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:4-7
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7
A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched. Proverbs 28:25
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 Heckle and Jeckle in Steeple Jacks (1951). Paul Terry personally considered the Heckle and Jeckle films to be the best that he produced and I am inclined to agree with him.
Next is Cubby Bear in Galloping Fanny (1933). Cubby is one of the many examples of a cartoon character of the early 30's whose creators tried to replicate Disney's success but making what is essentially a Mickey Mouse clone. Despite this I personally really enjoy Cubby's cartoons for their often-bizarre sense of humor.
Now for perhaps my favorite of the classic Betty Boop cartoons, Snow White (1933). This short film 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 performed 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.
Now we join those literal love birds, Donald and Daisy Duck in Donald's Double Trouble (1946). As Jack Hannah and Jack Kinney are often praised by cartoon fans for directing much of the studio's funniest short subjects, Jack King often gets overlooked. Jack King's Donald Duck cartoons are consistently very good. The following is an excerpt from an issue of Showman's Trade Review (dated August 23, 1947), "John Arnold of the Yale Theatre, Houston, Texas billed the Walt Disney Donald Duck short, 'Donald's Double Trouble,' equally with the feature on the marque. The short meant more than the feature he said." This cartoon played with Alfred Hitchcock's Notorious (1946) at the Radio City Music Hall the weeks of September 23rd, September 30th and October 7th. The following is an exhibitor's review of the cartoon from the Motion Picture Herald, "DONALD'S DOUBLE TROUBLE: Walt Disney Cartoons—Pretty good. This had the usual quota of laughs, and the crowd seemed to appreciate it.—Fred J. Hutchins, Community Theatre, Sask., Can." The elegant voice for Donald's double is provided by Leslie Denison and was based off of actor Ronald Coleman. The story was written by Roy Williams who Disney fans might best know as the big Mooseketeer on TV's The Mickey Mouse Club.
Now it is time for a commercial break.
Next up comes the black and white Van Bueren cartoon, Tight Rope Tricks (1933). This short film stars a couple of human cartoon characters named Tom and Jerry that predate the famous cat and mouse duo.
Now comes a real classic, the Bugs Bunny cartoon, The Wacky Wabbit (1942). As many of you know all the major Looney Tunes directors had their different take on Bugs Bunny. Bob Clampett's Bugs was very much a fun-loving prankster. Unlike Chuck Jones' version of the character, this Bugs did not always need to act in self-defense but could just pick on someone to have a little fun. That is true of the way he treats Elmer here. Elmer in this film is not hunting wabbits, but simply minding his own business, when Bugs decides to let the poor fellow have it. Elmer in this cartoon looks different from how many cartoon fans picture him looking. This is because he was briefly redesigned to look like his voice actor Arthur Q. Byran. The following is a review from The Film Daily, "Fourteen carrot entertainer this 'Wacky Wabbit.' There's a laugh in every foot. The wise guy rabbit in this instance tries his trick on a gold prospector. He drives the poor guy crazy confounding him and keeping him constantly on the jump. Bugs Bunny grows in stature with every new Merry Melody release. He bids fair to become as funny as any character now in animated cartoons. The smart showman should grab this short."
Now for a classic silent short starring Felix the Cat, Felix Finds 'Em Fickle (1924).
Today's cartoon selection ends with The Simpsons in Bart the Hero (1989). This is one of the shorts made for The Tracey Ullman Show before the characters got their own TV series.
Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for more animated treasures. Until then may all your tunes be looney and your melodies merry.
-Michael J. Ruhland
Resources Used
The 50 Greatest Cartoons edited by Jerry Beck
Of Mice and Magic: A History of the American Animated Cartoon by Leonard Maltin.
Donald Duck: The Ultimate History by J.B. Kaufman and David Gerstein
There is little to nothing about this movie that anyone watching will not have seen before. The story about a troubled teen, who finds himself getting in trouble with the law but is helped by a teacher who believes in him will be familiar to any movie goer. Yet sometimes a familiar story that is well told is just what we want when we go to the movies. That is exactly what this film is. Though we have seen everything here before many of the emotional moments work perfectly. This is especially true of the last act, which will pull on anyone's heartstrings. In these scenes the filmmakers are not afraid to have some dark moments. The dark moments, however, are just what make the more joyful and uplifting moments work as well as they do. These uplifting moments feel all the more uplifting because they feel truly earned. The movie also works because we care about the two main characters. While flawed, they are easy to relate to and care about. We see ourselves in both the worst and best of these characters. Not only are these characters likable on their own but the relationship between the two feels completely real to us. Both the moments where they are getting along and where they are arguing feel equally real. And even in the scenes where they are arguing we can see underneath it that they care about each other.
As good as the two main characters are though, all the supporting characters are bland and underdeveloped. This is especially true of the main teenager's best friend and his love interest, both of whom have very little personality outside of what is needed to move the plot forward.
Even if there is little you haven't seen before, the story is well told, and the emotional moments work quite well.
This movie follows three teenagers who join together to create a band. The title comes from the main character who can see the color of people's auras. This allows for some truly beautiful visuals. She thinks her bandmates' auras have the most beautiful colors. Due to the magic of movies and animation, we are allowed to see these colors. Not only are these some of the most visually pleasing scenes in the film but the shades of the colors being used here having a very calming effect. The three main characters are truly great as well. Each of them is easy to relate to and care about. They all have personalities that represent different parts of all of us. Coming together the three of them truly seem to complete each other. They bring out the best in one another and help each other overcome each one's insecurities. It is hard to believe any of them would be capable of putting themselves out there the way they do if they hadn't met. This makes us care not only deeply about these characters but the friendship between them as well. For a movie that centers around a band, this is one of the most important elements. Another important element for a film about a band is of course the music. The three songs that each of them writes are pretty darn good. One of them was even stuck in my head when I left the theater.
The storyline to this movie is very familiar through and I always saw which direction it was going to go. I also felt that some plot elements (particularly how fast one character learned to play piano) felt very rushed.
Despite a few flaws though this movie is a real charmer.
This movie follows the story of Laszlo Toth, a Hungarian architect who immigrates to the U.S. after World War 2. While this movie has a lot to say and a well written story, what really makes it stand out is the complexity of the main character. Here is a man that is full of contradictions. He is a deeply sympathetic character that has a good heart and looks out for others. Yet he can also be selfish, cruel, a drug addict and a bit of a womanizer. Still every contradiction in this character's personality perfectly fits together to create a real and complex portrait of a human being. Because of this we are drawn into this character and everything around him. We not only care about him, but we are drawn to his complexities in a way that simplicity makes us fixated with everything going on around him. This is all boosted by an incredibly performance by Adrian Brody. He becomes this character in a way that seems like he is not acting but has rather transformed into someone else.
This is a movie with a whole lot to say. While many films have a hard time giving truly intelligent commentary on one subject, this film provides brilliant insight into many subjects. The movie comments on the immigrant experience, racism (both causal and not so causal), classism, drug addiction, the importance of art, the cost of being an artist, whether the ends always justify the means, religion, Zionism, the American Dream and post-World War 2 America. It tackles each of these subjects in a completely believable way that never feels forced into the story. Not only does this commentary come naturally from the story but what it has to say will leave you thinking long after the film is finished. The storyline itself is also very intelligently written. While the story may seem at first glance as your typical Amercian Dream storyline, there is much more to it than this. I do not want to give anything away but little in this movie works out the way you think it is going to.
This film is made in VistaVision (if you wish to delve into what VistaVision is, I highly recommend this article) and the look of this movie makes you wish more films today were made in this way. This is an absolutely beautiful movie to look at and many of the images will stay in your mind long after the credits stop rolling. Yet all of these visuals help the story rather than distract from them. This film also uses an overture and an intermission to help it feel like an old school movie epic. These devices work perfectly, and this movie does truly feel larger than life in a way few films do anymore.
However the best thing I can say about this movie is that though it runs for three and a half hours, I was never once bored or anything less than completely captivated. This is a true feat that would make this a must-see on its own.
For many Superman IV was the death kneel of Superman as a film franchise. Not only was it a commercial and critical disappointment but it is still considered to be the worst superman movie to date. Because of this film's failure, there would not be another theatrically released Superman movie until Superman Returns (2006).
In this film, a little boy writes Superman asking him if he can get rid of all nuclear weapons. At first, he is hesitant about this because he vowed not to interfere with the world's politics. He eventually decides that the world is in so much danger that he should make an exception. Meanwhile Lex Luthor intends to create a creature as powerful as Superman that will obey him by stealing a strand of Superman's hair.
There is no way around it, this is a bad movie. While Superman III (1983) was a very flawed movie, it had its good points as well. This film has nothing to recommend about it. Its messaging is done with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. It also presents it in such an overly simplistic way, that it is hard to take anything that this movie is saying seriously. In its messaging this movie comes off as more of a cheap afterschool special than an actual theatrical superhero movie. The film also is very weak on the villain front. Lex Luthor is presented in a very comedic fashion here. However not only does this make him not feel as much of a serious threat as in the previous films but the humor itself is not even close to funny. This movie also introduces his nephew, who is the most annoying character to ever appear in a superhero film. This character tries too hard to be a hip 80's teenager and fails miserably at it. The character is also played by Jon Cryer with what is easily the worst performance of his career. Nuclear Man (the creature Lex creates from Superman's hair) is incredibly bland and has such a silly look (that is much too overly 80's) that it hard to take him seriously. This film has the worst special effects of any Superman movie. The special effects definitely received a downgrade from the previous films, and I am no longer sure I believe a man can fly. These special effects make it hard to enjoy any of the action scenes at all. The subplot about a tycoon gaining ownership of Daily Planet is extremely cliché and predictable. Even the return of Christopher Reeve (Superman), Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor), Marget Kidder (Lois Lane) and Jackie Cooper (Perry White) can’t help this film.
In 1985 at the Cannes Film Festival the producers of the last three Superman movies (Alexander and Ilya Salkind) sold the movie rights to Superman to Cannon Films for $5 million. Cannon Films was known for producing such movies as The Last American Virgin (1982), Ninja III: The Domination (1984), and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984). Chrisopher Reeve was by this time tired of the role of Superman. However, Cannon Films was able to get him by promising that he could also make his passion project Street Smart (1987), which he hoped would prove that he was a classically trained actor capable of playing more than one role. Reeve was also given approval over the script and director. A script by Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal (the team that had written The Legend of Billie Jean (1985) and The Jewel of the Nile (1985)) was written but the film still needed a director. Reeve originally wanted Ron Howard as the director but that didn't work out. Reeve even briefly thought about directing the film himself, despite having no directorial experience. Richard Donner (director of Superman the Movie (1978)) was even briefly approached but he turned it down. Wes Craven (who had recently directed Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)) was briefly assigned to direct but left due to creative differences with Reeve. Eventually Candian director Sidney J. Furie (Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Iron Eagle (1986)) was given the director's chair.
Reeve would later state that the production of this film was “hampered by budget constraints and cutbacks in all departments. Cannon Films had nearly thirty projects in the works at the time, and Superman IV received no special consideration.” Nearly everyone working on the film noticed that they were not given the resources necessary to make this movie even look halfway decent. Though the film was approved at a $36 million budget over the course of production it was trimmed to $17 million. Even Jon Cryer who was fairly new to the movie industry noticed that the studio was not giving this movie the care and attention it should have had. Cryer stated “I just noticed little things, like the craft-service table got more and more meager. And they took less and less time every day. We would get props that were especially, uh, crappy.” Reeve would even tell Cryer in private “It’s an absolute mess.”
This movie originally ran at 134 minutes but after a disastrous test screening, it was trimmed down to only 90 minutes. This left gapping plot holes in this already extremely flawed movie. The film only grossed $15 million in its total domestic run. The film helped bring Cannon Films to financial ruin and hurt Reeve's career and the public opinion of superhero movies. Luckily for superhero fans a couple years later Tim Burton's Batman (1989) would help redeem the public opinion on these films. Chistopher Reeve would later state about Superman IV, “Superman IV was a catastrophe from start to finish. That failure was a huge blow to my career.”
This still stands as one of the worst superhero movies ever made. Even with many superhero movies planned for the coming years, I doubt that will change anytime soon.
This movie is based off the true story of how ABC's sports news crew covered a terrorist attack that was taken place nearby the 1972 Olympics in Munich. This film goes out of its way to present this story in the most authentic way possible. The filmmakers even use actual clips from the 1972 newscast. These are worked into the film masterfully to the point that you don't even think about it. The filmmakers and actors spent much time researching the events and people as well as the world of sportscasting. The production design team worked hard to as authentically create the most authentic replica of the type of environment the sports team would have been working in at this time. Unlike many of these "based on a true story" movies, this film has an almost documentarian feel to it that makes us forget we are watching a movie not the real events.
Yet the authenticity is not the only reason to watch this movie. This is a very intelligent and thought provoking look at how the media covers tragedies to this day and the ethics of journalism. This film paints a very morally ambiguous portrait of the media and journalism. In every scene we are questioning whether or not our main characters are doing the right thing. The characters themselves even contemplate this at times. But there is no right answer to this question just a morally ambiguous grey. While we ponder these questions about the morality of what happened at this time, we also contemplate the same thing about modern journalism and the news we take in every day. This is the type of intelligent food for thought that will be going through our minds for long after the end credits roll. The next time we watch the news or read it on our phones or in a newspaper, we may even apply greater critical thinking. This film also takes a look at what these attacks having happened in front of the whole world affected Germany at the time. The country was still trying to no longer be associated with the horrors that took place there in World
War 2 and trying to establish themselves a new Germany. These Olympics were more than just a sporting event to the country, they were a way to prove that they were no longer the same country as they were a few decades ago. To have innocent blood shed there (and Jewish blood on top of it) negated everything they were trying to do.
Tight pacing a great acting also makes this a very engaging watch as well.
While when most people think of Martin Luther King Jr. they think of his famous, "I have a dream" speech. However being a pastor this great man delivered many more great speeches as well. Here are some of his other sermons.
While many of you will know about these two Blu-Rays, I want to give my wholehearted recommendation of two fairly recent Blu-Ray sets that every film lover should own.
Laurel and Hardy: Year Two
If you are a Laurel and Hardy fan, who does not own this Blu-Ray set, you need to buy it immediately. This set has all the silent short films that Laurel and Hardy released during 1928. I am very glad to see the silent Laurel and Hardy films finally getting the attention they deserve. Most of the DVD and VHS sets focused on the team's talkies and paid little attention to their silents (except for some of the two's early solo work, which was in public domain and therefore found its way on to cheap DVDs). This is a shame as the Laurel and Hardy silent shorts often mark some of their best work. This set includes some true classics of silent comedy (restored and looking amazing) including Two Tars (1928), The Finishing Touch (1928) and You're Darn Tootin' (1928). I was laughing myself silly watching these films and this laughter would be worth the price of admission alone. However, these shorts aren't the only reason to buy this set. The bonus features are fantastic and everything a classic comedy fan can hope for them to be. The audio commentaries (by Laurel and Hardy experts, Richard W. Bann and Randy Skretvedt) are so chock full of information that you might want to have a pencil and paper as you listen to them. There are also some wonderful bonus films including some solo work from Stan and Ollie, a Charley Chase short where both appear separately and an absolutely hilarious short starring Anita Garvin and Marion Byron.
Looney Tunes Collector's Choice Vol.4
I am in love with this Looney Tunes Collector's Choice sets. What I love about these sets is that they focus on the shorts that have not been released on Blu-Ray or DVD before. As you watch these sets, it becomes amazing that such wonderful films as these could have possibly been overlooked in previous sets. The cartoons on this set are truly delightful and still make me laugh after all the years, I have been a Looney Tunes fan. To see these cartoons in such great conditions only makes this more of a treat. While there aren't any real bonus features on this Blu-Ray (unless you include two cartoons listed as bonus cartoons), this is more than made up for by how delightful the films themselves are.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Jesus Loves the Little Children. Jesus would state, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." There is no doubt that Jesus did love the little children, and he loves us big children too. If we will humble ourselves and become like little children, the blessings he has for us are immeasurable.
In remembrance of Melba Montgomery who passed away a few days ago, here is her recording of I Believe He's the Son of God. This is from her 1966 gospel album, Hallelujah Road. Melba wrote this song herself.
Then comes The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1936 recording of Lord You Made the Cowboy Happy. This song should remind us of how blessed we truly are. It is the things we take for granted each day that are our greatest blessings. Sometimes we need to stop and simply thank God for these blessings. The narrator of this song is not thankful for any big event in his life, but rather for all the little blessing he receives every day.
Afterwards is Vernon Dalhart, Carson Robison, and Adelyne Hood with their 1927 recording of Sing On, Brother, Sing!
Next is Chris Tomlin and Lady A with Who You Are to Me. This recording comes from Chris Tomlin's 2020 album, Chris Tomlin and Friends. With this album, this Christian singer performed songs with various popular country singers.
Following is The Monroe Brothers with their 1936 recording of God Holds the Future in His Hands.
Then comes Johnny Cash with Lord, Lord, Lord, which John wrote himself.
Today's musical selection ends with The Statler Brothers singing Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. This hymn began with a man named Anthony Showalter. As a fan of gospel music and an elder in a Presbyterian church, he held many "singing schools" at various churches in the south. One day he received two letters from former students who were struggling after their wives had passed. To respond to these letters, Showalter consulted scripture. He came across Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." After reading this verse lyrics for a song chorus went through his head and he wrote down, "“Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” After using this in the letters to his former students he sent this chorus to his friend hymnist, Elisha Hoffman. In the letter he also wrote, “Here is the chorus for a good hymn from Deuteronomy 33:27, but I can’t come up with the verses.” Hoffman then wrote the rest of the lyrics to which Showalter put to music. The hymn was published in 1887.
Now for an episode of The Lone Ranger radio show.
Now for a message from Billy Graham.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Psalm 139:7-8
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
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 what has often times been called one of the greatest cartoons of all time, One Froggy Evening (1955). This is one of the masterpieces of the career of the great Chuck Jones. This film is beautifully made, with pitch perfect timing, clever gags and a very smart story. It would be placed at #5 in Jerry Beck's book, The 50 Greatest Cartoons. This short would get sequel decades later, Another Froggy Evening (1995). The Tiny Toons Adventures episode, Class Cut-Up (1990) would be a remake of this short.
Up next is the Terry Toons cartoon, Go West Big Boy (1931). This is one of the few early Terry Toons shorts that is not named after a type of food or drink.
Next is the Tom and Jerry short, Smitten Kitten (1952). This short film is a "cheater" cartoon meaning that it is a short that uses clips from previous Tom and Jerry films. This cartoon uses clips from The Mouse Comes to Dinner (1945), Solid Serenade (1946), Salt Water Tabby (1947) and Texas Tom (1950). The little green devil version of Jerry had previously appeared in the short, Springtime for Thomas (1946). This character would later appear in a 2014 episode of The Tom and Jerry Show called Pranks for Nothing. This character would even be a playable character in the 2019 mobile game, Tom and Jerry Chase. He also appears (though he isn't playable) in the 2000 Gameboy Color Game, Tom and Jerry in Mouse Attacks! Tom and Jerry fans will immediately notice that his Jimmy Durante inspired voice is the same as Spike the Bulldog. By this point that voice had been used by Spike only in a few cartoons and back when people saw these films only in theaters many audience members would not have seen those previous shorts. So, while this is obvious to us now, it was not to most anyone watching the short back then.
Next is the classic Mickey Mouse film, Mickey's Rival (1936). The titular character is a mouse named Mortimer. Those of you who know your Disney history will know that Mortimer was a name that was considered for Mickey. This was Mortimer's first appearance though he bared more than a little resemblance to Mr. Slicker a character that appeared in the Micky Mouse comic strip. Though Mickey's Rival was his only appearance in a theatrically released short film, it was not his only appearance in animation. He became a reoccurring character in the television shows, Mickey Mouse Works (1999-2000) and House of Mouse (2001-2003). He also has a role in the direct to video movie, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (1999) and has appeared briefly in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (2006-2016) and Mickey and the Roadster Races (2017-present). Outside of animation he has been used very often in the Disney comic strips and began to appear in them around the same time he made his debut in movie theaters. Mortimer's design is said to be based off of Walt Disney and those who have seen pictures of a young Walt, will find this easy to believe. The ending to Mickey's Rival has Mickey and Minnie simply shaking hands. However, it was originally planned for Mickey to have a buzzer on his hand to play a Mortimer type prank on Minnie. Though this would have been out of character for Mickey at this time it would have fit perfectly in with the Mickey Mouse of the late 1920's. A review in The Motion Picture Herald stated, "The subject is less complex than many of the recent Disney fabrications but wholly entertaining." The following is an exhibitor's review from The Motion Picture Herald, "Mickey's Rival: Mickey Mouse - We find that the bad characters often frighten our small children, and they go out into the foyer until it is passed over. - Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada, General Patronage." The following is another exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald, "Mickey's Rival: Mickey Mouse—Played this the second time as it is one of the best of the Mickeys. — C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage." A review in The Motion Picture Daily stated, "Clever animation and fast-moving, but there have been better Mickey's. For instance, 'Alpine Climbers.'" The following is from a 1936 issue of The Film Daily, "United Artists' latest Walt Disney release, 'Mickey's Rival', introducing Mortimer Mouse, will open at the Radio City Music Hall with 'Swing Time' on Thursday, and at the Rivoii Theater with 'The Last oi the Mohicans.'"
Now it is time for a commercial break.
Next comes the Out of the Inkwell silent short, Ko-Ko Nuts (1925).
Before Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck or Porky Pig the star of the Looney Tunes series was Bosko. Here is an example of a Looney Tunes cartoon starring him, Bosko's Party (1932).
Now for the delightful Silly Symphonies cartoon, The Cat’s Nightmare (1931). You may notice the video below titles the cartoon, The Cat's Out. J.B. Kaufman and Russell Merritt's essential book on the Silly Symphonies explains this, "Modern sources have sometimes identified this film as The Cat's Out. This was the working title and survives today in an original vault print. However, the finished film was copyrighted and released as The Cat's Nightmare." Interestingly this short played on The Mickey Mouse Club under both names (The Cat's Out on January 23, 1956, and The Cat's Nightmare on February 27, 1956). Whatever the name this is a darn good cartoon. It contains all of the atmosphere that enhances so many of the early Symphonies (especially the ones with a spooky theme). It may not quite be The Skelton Dance (1929), but it is a good film in its own right. Speaking of The Skelton Dance the animation of a rooster crowing (by Wilfred Jackson) is reused from that more famous Symphony. A review in The Film Daily states, "Right up to the high standard of this popular animated cartoon series." The following is a review from the Motion Picture Herald, "A clever piece of cartoon work, typical Silly Symphony number. The theme is as the titles suggests, and the animators have taken full advantage of its laugh making possibilities." However, a review in Motion Picture Reviews warns us, "A Halloween spooky atmosphere is so well done that it might frighten a sensitive child."
Today's cartoon post ends with The Simpsons in Shut Up, Simpsons (1988). This was a short from the Tracey Ullman Show before The Simpsons got their own TV series.
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 David Gerstein and J.B. Kaufman
Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons by Leonard Maltin
Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series by Russell Merritt and J.B. Kaufman
Pedro Almodóvar is one of my favorite filmmakers and his first feature length English language movie (though he has directed some short films in English) does not disappoint. Almodóvar is known for always bringing out the best in his actresses as well as working with the best actresses in movies. Here he works with two incredible great actresses Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. Needless to say, these two give wonderful performances here. Not only are both of them at the top of their game here but they also play off each other perfectly. You completely believe the friendship between these two and feel a deep connection whenever they share the screen. This makes it so that you grow deeply attached to both these characters as well and your heart breaks with them and you feel both their sadness and joy. Yet this movie is not simply made of big dramatic moments. It is in fact the quieter and less eventful moments that really make the film work. Almodóvar understands that when you have great actresses like these, sometimes you just want to stop and spend time with them. This is helped by smart dialogue (for a filmmaker who doesn't work much in English, the dialogue is often perfect here) that the actresses handle like the pros they are. This dialogue often takes a deep meditative look at death, while celebrating life at the same time. This manages to be a film about death that is not only heartbreaking but uplifting at the same time. The result is something incredible touching, intelligent and poetic.
The music by Alberto Iglesias (who also did music for such Almodóvar films, The Flower of My Secret (1995), Live Flesh (1997), All About My Mother (1999), Talk to Her (2002), Bad Education (2004), Volver (2006), Broken Embraces (2009) and The Skin I Live In (2011)) is also really beautiful and captures the film's meditative feel.
This movie is far from perfect, but it has such a good heart that it is hard to dislike it. This film has such good intentions, and you can tell that the filmmakers are completely sincere in everything they are saying (of course as someone who believes deeply in animal rights, I agree with most of what is being said here). This movie follows a 15-year-old girl, who runs away to help her childhood friend (who is a jaguar) make it to safety. Her teacher follows her the whole way to protect her from danger. The relationship between the girl and the jaguar is incredibly sweet and feels believable. While the way the relationship between the girl and the teacher grows and matures in a very believable way.
However, this movie does have more than its share of flaws. The storyline stretches well beyond the realm of believability, not all the actors are that good here and the humor falls flat.
Despite its flaws, this movie is so warm hearted and sincere that I find it hard not to like it.
What really makes this movie work is the chemistry between Keke Palmer and SZA. I honestly hope that these two will be paired in more movies in the future. They play off each other perfectly and it is just so fun to watch these two share the screen. Because of this you simply enjoy spending time with these characters and therefore enjoy the film despite its flaws.
For an over-the-top comedy, the humor can be a bit hit and miss. There are many times where the comedy simply falls completely flat. There are moments here when I was left wondering how they were supposed to be funny (the thief at the drive-thru for instance). However, when the humor hits, it is absolutely hilarious. Everything with the two trying to get a loan and their trip to the blood bank are laugh out loud funny. I wish there were more of these truly funny moments but the parts that made me really laugh make me glad I saw this movie.
The biggest flaw with this movie though is the drama between the two best friends, when their friendship gets put on the line. These scenes feel very cliché and kind of forced. It almost feels like this part only exists because it is a standard plot point for these type of buddy comedies. I also felt that the supporting characters are often bland one-joke characters. Like the rest of the movie, there are times when this one-joke can be funny but there are also times when it simply falls flat.
This may be far from a great movie but the chemistry between the two leads and a few laugh-out-loud funny scenes makes me glad I saw it.
One of the saddest truths about war is that those fighting and those in power aren't the only people who suffer. Just ordinary citizens living their lives suffer too. This documentary focuses on those living in Gaza, while this current war is going on. Many of us not living in the middle east, especially those of us in the U.S. and other countries across the ocean, when we hear news about what is happening on the other side of the world, we feel emotional disconnected from it. After watching this film, it is hard to feel the same sort of emotional disconnect. This forces us to face that the harsh realities that we hear about are happening to real people, not much different than us. I left the theater feeling completely and emotionally drained with my heart aching for everyone living in the middle east while this war goes on.
This movie is told in a brilliant way. This is a feature film that is created from 22 short films created by Palestinian filmmakers that are currently living through what is going on. These short films are based off their own personal stories. This creates a more personal feel to this movie that makes it even harder to ignore that these horrors are happening to real people.
This is a movie that is challenging to watch and about midway through you will already be emotionally drained. Yet that is just what makes this an important film to watch for anyone. It makes one have to see that these harsh realities are happening to real people and therefore will make them care about what is going on.
The storyline here is a very simple and familiar action movie storyline. However, what makes it kind of makes it work is the chemistry between the two main characters. While these characters aren't all that interesting on their own, they work off together very well. There is a surprising (at least for me as I have never seen the first movie) emotion sincerity to their relationship and the way they grow to care about and respect each other. The chemistry between the actors Gerard Butler and O'Shea Jackson Jr. also adds to the sincerity and effectiveness of the relationship. The movie also has some very well-crafted action and suspense scenes that are quite a bit of fun.
Like many movies today, this film is simply much longer than it needs to be. Nearly two and a half hours is too long for such a simple action movie story. This can cause the movie to really drag at times and parts of this film can honestly get quite boring. Also, the storyline is familiar to the point where there is nothing we haven't seen done before in other movies, which adds to how long this film feels at times. The attempts at humor also fall completely flat here and all the supporting characters are very boring.
The lead characters, the performances and the action can make this movie worth watching. If only it was about an hour shorter.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing In the Sweet By and By. 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. This version of the song comes from Roy and Dale's 1973 gospel album, In the Sweet By and By.
This is followed by Carson Robison and his Buckaroos with their 1935 recording of Big Ranch Boss.
Afterwards is Waylon Jennings singing Precious Memories on his 1976 album, Are You Ready For The Country. Though this is a sweet uplifting song, it was based upon a tragedy. In 1922, John Wright lost his five-year-old son. Wright would later say about this song, “’Precious Memories’ was born in the midnight hours as I bathed by pillow with tears, likewise all my songs came through life’s severest tests.” Though this is a very famous hymn, John Wright only received $36 for writing it. He would remain a janitor that was always struggling to make ends meet for his entire life. Though Waylon did not record a great many gospel songs, he more than proved himself as an incredible gospel singer. The pure soul, emotion and power in his voice could not be more perfect for gospel music. Personally, Waylon's version of Precious Memories remains my favorite version of this classic hymn.
Then comes Chris Tomlin and RaeLynn with Chase Me Down. This recording comes from Chris Tomlin's 2020 album, Chris Tomlin and Friends. With this album, this Christian singer performed songs with various popular country singers.
Next is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Dwelling in Beulah Land. This song was written by Austin Miles (who also wrote In the Garden) in 1911. The melody of this song is the same as The Fiji National Anthem, God Bless Fiji. The lead singer on this recording is Roy Rogers (Leonard Slye at this time), during his last year as a member of the band.
Now for Kitty Wells with There's No Greater Time Than Now. This recording comes from her 1965 gospel album, The Kitty Wells Family - Gospel Songs.
Afterwards is Johnny Cash with This Train is Bound for Glory. This wonderful recording comes from John's 1979 album, A Believer Sings the Truth. This was a double length gospel album and Columbia Records felt that such an album from John could never be successful. However, Columbia allowed John to release the album on its own and it was successful earning a spot in the Country Top 50. A shorter version of the album called I Believe would be released in 1984, which would feature a select few songs from the double album. A Believer Sings the Truth would not find its way to CD until 2012.
Today’s musical selection ends with Bill Monroe with Get Down on Your Knees and Pray.
Now for an episode of Roy Rogers' TV show.
Now for a message from the reverend Billy Graham.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. Jeremiah 33:6
Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
