Review: The Mysterious Islands

The Mysterious Islands, released by Provident Films, opens with breathtaking cinematic images filled with unique species of animals rarely seen by the greater population. The over arching story unfolds with Doug Phillips taking his son on a trip of a lifetime to the Galapagos Islands. Doug’s goal for this unique father/son journey was to share the incredible creation of God in the same place where Charles Darwin birthed his ideas of evolution.

The historical moments in the film, designed to illuminate the background of Darwin’s Origin of Species publication, was portrayed in a very plausible and artistic manner. Rather than feeling like the moments were overt lessons, I found myself drawn into the humanity of the choices Darwin made based on his predisposition and family background. Even more enlightening were the views of Darwin’s Captain during the five-year expedition – How he came to the exact opposite conclusion after witnessing the same details.

A team of experts including noted researcher Dr. John Morris joined Doug and his son Joshua. Together they reasoned through numerous issues of evolution and creation. Discussions of DNA and standard scientific dating methods brought clarity that quickly dispelled the concepts of evolution between species and the age of earth.

The film explores numerous wild life including the Blue-Footed Booby, Galapagos Tortoise, Flightless Cormorant, and Marine Iguana. The footage captured of these creatures in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring. Amazing photos were inter-cut with fabulous live footage revealing remarkable movements and behaviors. My favorite was the Blue-Footed Booby soaring through the sky and suddenly diving into the water for its food.

The vast majority of the film held my attention with great interest and gave me the sense that I was a part of the expedition. The exceptions were what seemed to be a couple of forced home schooling moments in the middle of a great documentary. The scenes actually changed the pace and feel of the film.

Since my viewpoint of this documentary was high over all, I’ve decided to give away a free copy of the DVD. If you’re interested, please write a comment on my blog or Facebook page telling me why you’d like to win the DVD and tell at least two people about CJ’s Corner, located at http://cjpowersonline.com. I’ll pick a winner on September 30^th and drop the new DVD in the mail.

I received this DVD free from Provident Films as part of their marketing program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: Inception

Inception, a Christopher Nolan masterpiece, generated more conversation in its first week of release than most films do in a lifetime. The discussions circle around the ambiguous scenes or those designed for the audience to fill in the blanks. The biggest point of discussion was about whether or not the top in the last scene fell over and stopped spinning, or if it just wobbled and continued spinning for an infinite time period.

S P O I L E R   A L E R T – Stop reading if you haven’t watched the movie.

The top, Cobb’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) touchstone to reality, which supposedly spins without stopping in the dream world and falls flat in the real world, generated numerous moans among the audience at the end of the film from those wanting a clear ending. However, Nolan isn’t known for spoon-feeding all the answers to the audience, but rather for creating art that sparks conversation like in Momento.

According to the storyline, the totem must be made and used by its owner, otherwise it’s ineffective in determining if the person is trapped in limbo or made it back to reality.  When the audience faces the question at the end of the movie the answer hangs on the expectation that his wife’s totem might reveal the truth. Not being able to trust someone else’s totem, the audience must decide for themselves if the entire movie was a dream, Cobb was stuck in limbo, or he made it back to reality.

I won’t attempt to explain what was on Nolan’s mind, but I will suggest that the film has more layers than the average person thinks. In fact, when you consider the age of the character and his comment that he’d been trapped in a dream layer for 50 years, your mind might consider that the entire movie is the dream of a man trapped in limbo, or you might remember that time speeds up in lower dream layers and his 50 years was actually only a few minutes of time in reality. One thing is certain; Nolan gave you enough information to keep your mind spinning like the top.

To simplify the movement between layers within the film, so the audience could follow it more succinctly, Nolan gave each level a distinct look through lighting and colorization. And, taking advantage of his position in being able to make any film he’d like, he took time to create a layer that few besides filmmakers would catch. I’d describe that layer as a story about how filmmakers have the power to alter the audience’s perspective through subtle storytelling.

Some Hollywood critics have noted that DiCaprio and Nolan have a similar physical look and that DiCaprio was selected for the role of Cobb to represent the “director” within the film’s insider plotline. Ellen Page, who plays the designer, works very much like a screenwriter would in determining the power of the antagonist and creating the worlds that the story takes place in. Other roles including transportation wrangler are also represented in the story.

Page’s character plays a dual role in the insider plotline. She acts as the Art Director in designing the city that the team reviews, not unlike a production scouting team on locations before the production begins. Other insider moments included Nolan paying homage to Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey by using its music during his elevator weightlessness scene in keeping with Kubrick’s scene.

Nolan is to be commended for creating a film that has sparked great discussion. He is also to be admired by filmmakers due to his choice of not using very many CGI effects. What is interesting is how many individuals coming out of the theatre attributes much of the film’s success to special effects that barely exist.

Most admire the “special effect” hallway fight scene as the room tumbled in sync with the van on another dream level. I have to give extra kudos to Nolan for faking everyone out as he built an actual hallway inside of a tumble mechanism and turned it with the actors inside – Creating a very realistic look with hair, clothes and bodies always falling in accordance with gravity.

The most important achievement in the release of Inception, is the large box office dollars being generated by a thinking movie. It’s my hope that Hollywood will set a few of their plots written for dummies to the side and go after more stories that make the audience think and participate in determining the films outcome.

"Iron Man 2" Opens Big

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) does every thing big and over the top at the Stark Expo. The goal of the production team for “Iron Man 2” seemed to take on that same audaciousness. The production team performed a significant amount of work at the Los Angeles Sepulveda Dam to erect the largest greens screen (600’X200’) ever used in motion picture history for the Stark Expo scenes.

To light this monstrosity that glowed for miles during production, the entire top of the screen was lined with 20Ks and PRG Bad Boys (48,000 lumens and 1200W) – For those of you who aren’t tech savvy, it took LOTS of lights.

I noticed a touch of irony in the production team taking cues from the fictional Stark, while the writer seemingly drew from Downey’s life to sketch out Stark’s personal struggles – Of course, screenplay writer Justin Theroux never admitted to it, but if you read the papers a few years back…

The hardest part of continuing a franchise is finding a way to top the debut film’s box office take of $572 million worldwide. Once the audience falls in love with the characters, the creative team finds itself working hard to find the right balance. "We always want to stay true to the characters as written in the comics, but we also don't want to be afraid to take risks occasionally with our characters," says Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios and producer of "Iron Man 2."

Director/Executive Producer Jon Favreau was freed to choose characters from any of the 600 Iron Man issues released over the past 42 years, but it wasn’t without concern. "When you have multiple characters in a film, it tends to get complicated, and I think many sequels fall short because they create too many layers of complication, both in character and in plot," says Favreau. "Plot is something I'm not particularly great at because I don't have a mindset for twisty, turny, maze-like stories. I'm more of a story guy."

The story was preset during the ending of “Iron Man” when Tony announced to the public that he was Iron Man – something a super hero had never done before. This set up an opportunity to explore the complexities of the stark character and how he deals with his own outing. "When you have a lead character as rich as Tony Stark, you really want to explore the trials and tribulations of his life," says Feige. “That immediately sets up the tension and the conflict for this film and that's what we wanted to continue to explore.”

The only question remaining is will this Marvel story out due the first film and rise to success. "The secret to Marvel comics is the depth and complexity of the characters, all of whom are flawed in some way," says Feige. "That's what makes our characters interesting and why they have withstood the test of time. This dynamic has also allowed us to successfully transition Marvel characters into the film medium and expose them to a large segment of the audience that has never read a comic book."

An Awkward “Date Nite”

Have you ever gone to a movie with someone for the first time and you’re not sure of her taste? It seems that whenever I’m in that situation, there is a moment in the movie that is irreverent, sacrilegious or clearly inappropriate. The moment is always charged with a wonder of how she will react and whether or not my reaction will match hers.

The movie “Date Nite” is one of those films and the inappropriate moment is the infamous pole dance scene. This is a scene were two conservatives watching the film would typically be appalled due to the innuendo and senatorial narcissism, unless they are just out to have a good time and find the moment so stupid that it’s funny. I laughed.

Now before you judge me, please take a moment to understand why I laughed. The film is a parody in the vein of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” or “True Lies.” It is filled with over-the-top humor that Steve Carell and Tina Fey are known for.

Most people recall the Sarah Palin parody that put Tina Fey on the map. While some conservatives found it atrocious, most didn’t have a problem laughing at the extremes displayed in the parody – after all, it was extremes, not reality.

Americans have always been good natured and willing to laugh at themselves. This cultural phenomenon is unique to the United States and even keynote speakers of the highest caliber find humor in self-deprecation.

Director Shawn Levy is also known for this type of silly over-the-top humor with his films “Night at the Museum,” “The Pink Panther,” and “Big Fat Liar.” Anyone purposely going to a Levy, Carell, and Fey film would expect nothing less.

What made that moment funny for me was knowing that the actors had no clue how to pole dance and the director took advantage of it by having them improvise the scene. Have you ever watched a person do something totally out of their comfort zone and make a total fool of themselves, all while trying to appear cool and in the know?

You know the type of humor, the kind that wouldn’t be funny due to circumstances, but is funny because of the situation surrounding it. It reminded me of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” when Indie had a big guy with two swinging machetes coming after him and he had no idea how to win the fight. Then the light bulb went on. He nonchalantly pulled out a revolver and shot the guy. It was an improvisational moment due to Harrison Ford’s fever and his desire to quickly get back to bed. The unexpectedness of the situation made it funny.

Or, how about the time my dad fell down the steps and my mom ran to his side, only to find him in a mangled position that looked like a pretzel. She cracked up laughing. While no one in their right mind would laugh at someone falling down the steps, it is hard to hold back laughter when you come around a corner thinking you’re going to see someone in pain and instead find them in the shape of a pretzel. It’s the situation that’s funny, not the circumstance.

Here’s how the dance pole situation in “Date Nite” transpired. Levy actually rolled cameras and then called out different names of dance moves like the monkey or banana. Carell and Fey, not having a clue what the dances were, interpreted what they thought the dance would look like and immediately improvised its performance. Yes, the crew was cracking up during the shoot.

My suggestion is that if you are offended by innuendo, narcissism or silliness, don’t see the movie. If, however, you can find the humor in parody, silliness and outrageous improvisational moments, then go laugh up a storm. The film is sure to break $100M by the end of the month. While there is little redemptive value in the film, it has numerous moments of situational comedy for those wanting to just kick back and chuckle at the absurd.

Review - The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith

The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith was recently released on DVD to the home and church markets by PureFlix Entertainment. It holds fairly well to the biblical account with the added twist that it’s told from the perspective of Obed encouraging future king David out of the doldrums. The film opens with Obed sharing Ruth’s true-life story and closes with the encouraging words having improved David’s slingshot marksmanship.

While I admire director Stephen Patrick Walker’s attempt at bringing a new twist to the biblical account of Ruth, his creative effort fell flat. The excruciating slow pace finally picks up when Carman hits the screen as Boaz, thanks to his natural charismatic appeal. His playful interpretation of Boaz brings new life and rhythm to the film.

There are a handful of scenes where the director probably desired another take, but due to the low budget and fast paced shooting schedule, weaker scenes are salted throughout the film. Thankfully the characters of Naomi (Eleese Lester) and Ruth (Sherry Morris) are played in a pleasing manner, as they dominate time on screen.

I was disappointed in the scene where Ruth says to Naomi, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” I always envisioned it as the female version of Charlton Heston as Moses saying, “Let my people go.” Unfortunately, the scene didn’t come close to bringing the emotional power to the screen that I expected.

Over all, the story of Ruth powerfully inspires integrity and purpose in life, but sadly only a few actors come close to delivering the goods on screen. If you can get past the slow pace, you will certainly find the positive message worth your time. And, the good news is that a free study guide can be downloaded for families and churches to ignite conversations about devotion and faith.

I received this DVD free from PURE FLIX ENTERTAINMENT as part of their marketing program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review - Why You Say It by Webb Garrison

There is no doubt that you noticed a young whippersnapper got this website up to snuff with a new look, but did you know how “whippersnapper” and “up to snuff” got its phrasing? Webb Garrison, author of Why You Say It, gives the background on over 600 everyday words or phrases handed down through the decades.

For instance, whippersnapper came from the greenhorn cowboy who first learned the easiest skill of snapping a black snake whip. These brash and unskilled beginners would strut through town calling attention to themselves by snapping their whips, but everyone knew they didn’t have the real skills of bulldogging a steer or roping a maverick.

Being up to snuff came from Europeans during the 17th century when snuff was becoming common. The discerning connoisseur was a person who could distinguish the difference between good and bad powder tobacco. The sharp fellow, who was not easily deceived by a sniff, was said to be up to snuff. With the changing social habits of the day, not up to snuff referred to an amateur’s ability, later changing the label of ridicule to anyone’s below standard performance or ability to discern.

The book is loaded with fun and humorous phrases like: nip it in the bud, horseplay, go off half-cocked, blow off steam, poppycock, ducks in a row, shoot the works, and left-handed compliment. The history of popular words includes: blockbuster, blue jeans, Listerine, on hold, golf, bikini, America, hit, cheesecake, and circus.

These fun little pieces of trivia will bring a smile to your face and open your eyes to a history almost forgotten. I was personally fascinated by several of the stories behind phrases that were passed down from my parents and grand parents, which didn’t make sense until I read the book. The book is currently available through Thomas Nelson.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review – Home Beyond the Sun

Pure Flix Entertainment recently released the made for television movie “Home Beyond the Sun” on DVD. Originally airing in 2004, the delightful film has since won Best Dramatic Film at the WYSIWYG Festival and received new packaging for home and church sales.

The film is based on a true story about Jenna (Melyssa Ade) who enters China on a teacher’s work visa. It is during a time and place where possessing a Bible might lead to a long-term jail sentence. For those who have traveled to China and understand the subtleties of the culture, the film falls short of demonstrating those qualities. For those who can suspend disbelief, the film takes on a warm charm that will bring a smile to your face in its closing moments.

Melyssa Ade and young Molly Sayers carry the best parts of the film. Molly plays Chui Lee, a cute little girl who is overlooked for adoption due to her older age. Jenna and Chui’s lives cross and brings hope and a new found contentment to both. In an attempt to share compassion with her new found friend, Jenna sets out to look for adoptive parents that will bring Chui into their home, setting off a series of unique circumstances that lead to a pleasant ending.

While the film opens with a sense of drama, it is quickly submersed in lukewarm mediocrity. This is a slow paced feel good movie with little to contemplate and a lack of true cultural demonstration. However, viewers will joyfully embrace the unique “coincidences” that bring about an amazing end to a true story.

I received this DVD free from PURE FLIX ENTERTAINMENT as part of their marketing program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review -- The Imposter

Dan Millican’s The Imposter is a new Christian film set to release February 23, 2010 on DVD by Pure Flix Entertainment. The film has a message worth sharing, but struggles to do so among an odd mix of good and poor acting. Teens will find that the lyrics in the numerous music video segments empower the story, but might find the slower paced drama sections less artistic and sometimes boring.

The Imposter is about "Grand Design," a hot Christian rock band that is headed to the top of the charts, when lead singer Johnny C (Kevin Max of dcTalk) makes bad choices that sends him into a downward spiral. Bandleader Jeff Deyo (Sonic Flood) cuts Johnny C from the band, sending the dominos falling in a series of events that includes the separation from his wife and daughter.

Johnny C looks for a quick fix, but finds that rebuilding trust takes a significant amount of time, especially when Proff (Kerry Livgren of Kansas) stops others from rescuing him. Proff convinces everyone to allow Johnny C to reap the consequences of his own decisions, so he has a shot at recovering from his addictions and poor choices.

The film concludes without the ideal rose covered ending, giving a more realistic view that rebuilding broken trust takes months by establishing a believable track record with those around. While the filmmaker deserves kudos for avoiding a trite and nicely packaged storyline, I was disappointed to not receive a sense of hope in what God might do over time to restore all that Johnny C had lost.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Imposter DVD for free in hopes of mentioning it on my blog. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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