Frozen: Review

Ok, I know everybody and their brother (sister?) have been harping about this movie ever since it came out. Some say it's amazing, some say it's typical Disney garbage, and of course there is everything in-between.

I'm not here to shoot a dead horse, but in my opinion, it seems everybody else's attempts to lay the beast low has rather missed the mark.

So, with no further ado, lets get down to the chilly. Catchy songs, excellent graphics, and witty humor have made this movie the most popular Disney since the Lion King.

 

Major spoiler alert - Just throwing that out there. This movie requires an overlay for the review to really make any sense.

So, the story line follows the lives of two girls, Elsa and Anna, daughters of the king of a place I am not going to try to spell.

Elsa has the powers from birth to create almost anything related to ice, snow, frost, or winter, and growing up, she uses those powers to have fun with her little sister Anna, playing in the homemade snow in the great room of the castle.

In a freak accident however, Anna is hurt by an icy blast to the head from Elsa, attempting to make a snow mound to keep her from falling. Anna is unconscious and growing slowly colder, and her parents rush her to some stone trolls who heal Anna, but say that it is safer that Anna's memories of Elsa's powers be erased from her mind, but still leaving the memories of the good times they had together. Elsa is told that she needs to stay away from her sister, so as not to hurt her again. The castle doors are to be locked, the staff is reduced, in the kings attempts to hide Elsa's powers

Elsa and Anna grow up, Elsa eternally locked in her room to try to mask her ever growing power, and Anna, of course having no memories of the accident is constantly wondering why they can't play anymore.

When the parents die at sea, Elsa is left in command when she comes of age, as queen of the kingdom.

When the castle doors are opened at the coronation day, attention starved Anna bumps into a dashing young prince Hans, prince of another kingdom far away, but not destined for a throne due to 12 older brothers ahead of him in line for kingship.

Anna falls head over heels for Hans, and that night announces to Elsa, who has come out from her room for the coronation, wearing gloves to try to keep her power contained, that Her and Hans are getting married.
Elsa of course refuses the arrangement, and in an altercation between her and Anna and the crowd that ensues, loses control and throws layers of ice around the castle and surrounding area.

Elsa is of course mortified at the slip, and the people at the castle are horrified at her powers, some calling her a monster. Elsa flees the castle across the harbor, the water turning to ice under her feet as she runs.

Elsa retreats to the North mountain, and using her powers for the first time to its fullest extent, builds an ice palace for her to live in, sad that she had to flee, but immensely happy that she no longer has to conceal her powers and is free to enjoy them and use them. Unknown to her though, is that now the entire area is now in a solid wintery state, even freezing all the ships into the harbor.

Anna sets off to find Elsa, and along the way runs into an ice cutter, Kristof, with his reindeer Sven, and shortly after runs into Olaf - a magical talking snowman made by Elsa.

Anna is led to Elsa by Olaf, and in an attempt to convince her to come back, accidentally gets a shard of ice through her heart, and is kicked out of the ice palace by Elsa's personal snow giant.

Kristof takes Anna to his 'family' of stone trolls that adopted him when he was young, the eldest of the trolls telling them that if Anna didn't do an act of true love shortly, her heart would completely freeze, and her entire body would turn completely to ice. Some of the Stone Trolls think that a true loves kiss just might pull it off.  

Kristof rushes Anna back down the mountain towards the Castle, meanwhile, Hans has lead an expedition towards Elsa to try to bring her back himself. An ice fight ensues, and Elsa is captured and brought back to the castle in custody.

Kristof arrives after Hans returns, and turns Anna back over to Hans, and Anna demands that he kiss her, in order to save her. Hans, once alone with her, slowly freezing to death from the inside out, tells her that he never really loved her, and only wanted to marry her so he could make his way to a throne, never going to get there any other way, since he is the youngest of 13 brothers in a distant kingdom. He reveals his plot to kill Elsa and makes himself king, and dousing the fire so as to eliminate all warmth, locks Anna in the room to die.

Olaf, the jovial snowman he is, hacks into the room by picking the lock with his carrot nose (hows that for ingenuity) and starts a fire to warm Anna, telling her that Kristof showed her more love than Hans, doing all that he did for her, and Anna thinks that he might be her true love.

She heads out of the room that is now unlocked, but Elsa escaped her cell, and is now whipping up a massive storm over the country.

Kristof, who was leaving the area but sees the storm and heads back towards Anna, riding hard on his trusty Sven.

All the characters meet in the frozen Harbor. Elsa is trying to leave the area, Hans is trying to catch her, Anna is freezing to death inside and out, seconds left before she dies, trying to make it to Kristof. On her way towards Kristof, she sees Hans getting ready to kill Elsa, and turning around, stands in the way of Hans, finally turning completely to ice, Hans' sword shattering on her frozen body. Elsa is mortified, but in a few seconds, Anna turns back into human form, having performed the 'true act of love' before she died, thus thawing her out.

Hans is chucked in jail, Elsa unwinterfies the area, on learning that love can thaw a frozen heart, and everybody goes back to happy lives, Kristof in charge of the ice business for the area, and Elsa rulling happily in the castle, using her ice powers for peoples enjoyment at the castle.

*Sigh*

Ok, sorry that took so long, but this story required some elaboration to fully explain my opinion of it.

I will have to admit, I was prepared to like this movie, and came with very high expectations due to tid-bits I head heard from friends.

This story is built on two levels. One level follows Elsa, the other follows Anna. One level is great, the other level, and unfortunately the more predominate, is not so great.

The side that follow Elsa is deep, realistic and involved, as you see her constantly battling her deep fears, emotions constantly raging to and fro in her. She is torn by her love for Anna, whom she wants to be with but can't, and her fear of the world knowing her powers. The audience gets very connected with Elsa and her turmoil right off the bat, I think because we all can relate with all trying to stuff who we really are and what we really are afraid of. One also feels a lot of pity for her, as she as portrayed as misunderstood and confused. The chords struck by Elsa and her struggles go deep into human nature, giving her side of the movie a feeling of depth and reality not seen in many movies, let alone Disney movies. One can relate to her as a person - a real person.

She thinks she can be free and have peace by leaving everything behind and living by herself and do whatever she likes. But she soon finds out that doing that resulted in freezing the entire country over. Her selfishness ruins things for everybody. When she finally learns she can still be her, yet use her powers to help people, she finds peace and fulfillment. Meaning and purpose were found doing what she was good at for the help of others.

That side of the movie was great, and refreshing.

But unfortunately, that side of the movie is the smaller, and less prominent side.

The other level follows Anna, attention starved, and looking for love. The Anna side is *not* deep, and follows the general well-trodden path of Disney romance. Her personality is shallow, with little real emotion besides wanting love and attention, and is the typical Disney heroine - Pretty, fearless, slightly dingy, but overly focused on romance and marriage. There is little to no remnant of real humanity left in Anna, but is all hollywood girls are made up to be.

And that is why I think this story gets so much credit from people. The beginning of the story focuses a lot on Elsa and her struggles, setting the story up very well indeed, setting the stage for a very deep and resolving climax about the real meaning of love and not being afraid of who we are. 

Yet it doesn't deliver. It poses this great, deep heart level problem, and then tries to answer the deep questions and heart problems with the garden variety romance typical of most Disney's. It starts deep, and ends shallow. It ends on a note that doesn't resolve. 

The entire 'Anna' side of the movie centers around the 'love' theme, and Anna spends most of that time thinking that 'true love' is that mushy feeling that gives you a buzz. Granted, she finds out Hans is a stinker, 'true love' is all bunk, and Kristof is really her hero, but it is all still a romance - call it a back-door romance if you want, but it is still a romance.  So, when at the end, she suddenly turns from going to Kristof and sacrifices herself for Elsa, it doesn't fit with the rest of her character that has been propounded for the entire movie. It feels faked and scripted. 

This side of the movie is shallow and lacks lasting meaning.  

So you have the two halves of the movie working away as the movie progresses, but then they try to tie the two halves together at the end, and say that love (granted, they do say love sacrifices itself for those it loves), the right guy, the bad dude chucked, and happily ever after will solve all the problems. They try to have the same fix for both halves, which of course leaves one side hanging - in this case the good side was left unanswered, and the shallow side was patched on as a pseudo-fix. 

I could go on, but you get the general gist. Overall, I really was disappointed and not impressed. 

But, I will throw in a caveat.

If you watch this movie with a Biblical worldview, there is a lot of good that can be picked out of the movie. A lot of good. 'True love at first sight' romance is bashed pretty solidly. Score. Kristof, slightly seclusive, selfish, and withdrawn at first, goes through a nice, if not hurried character growth by the end of the movie. Very nice touch. The slice of 'true love sacrifices itself for others' that is there at the end is very nice, and pretty well done. What good it has, it does well. 

But you have to have your brain turned on during the movie. The danger with this movie, is that if you don't think your way through it, you don't realize the problem they pose at the beginning isn't solved by the resolution at the end.  You end up thinking that the quasi-romance, she gets the guy, happily ever after is the answer to *both* problems.

AND ITS NOT. 

That is why I am not overall impressed with this movie. For the rest of the non-thinking world, this movie is deadly, especially for girls. It sets them up thinking that all their deep heart longings and problems in life can and will solved by merely finding the right guy. Granted, it might not be the 'love at first sight' finding the guy, but romance still is posed as the answer.

One has to do some serious shifting aside of all the Disney styro-snow, to get a message out of the movie that is worth it.

And I think if you can do the mental snow shoveling required, you will walk away refreshed by the movie - but the shoveling is serious. I don't recomend this movie for most girls, because (my mom agreed) girls will have a harder time wading past the romance than the boys will. It's not the best for boys, but it shouldn't affect them as much.

So, all in all, if you could have the movie just focused on Elsa, I think they could have a great movie. Or if they made the movie three times as long, and sorted out all the wrong feelings, and had characters come around in a way that felt more realistic, it could have had potential.

As it is, it's ok. It isn't one of my favorites, but the songs are catchy, and Olaf is awesome. He got pretty close to tying Rhino for my favorite animated character.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars. Above average, but still not as great as it's hyped up to be.

Have you seen it? What is your take on the movie? (and what's your favorite Olaf line?)  : )

Favorite Movies

Ok, so I got tagged by Jamie over at http://throughtwoblueeyes.wordpress.com to do a post on my favorite movies. I haven't sen that many movies, so this might be a bit shorter list than some, but I certainly do have some favorites. These won't be in any particular order, but some are more preferred than others.

The Lord of The Rings

This is one of my all time favorites in the movie world. An epic tale of danger, courage, loyalty, devotion, duty, sacrifice, honor, and the list goes on. Not a perfect series, but a masterpiece nonetheless. Stunning visuals, sweeping scores, and breathtaking action scenes, all combined in three epic movies, with few rivals.  

The Hobbit

The long awaited prequel to the LOTR series had some epic boots to fill to live up to its predecessors, and so far they are doing an epic job of it. Jackson took some liberalites with the story in some ways that might have been nice left how they were, but as it is, with one movie out, and two more coming down the pipe (or should I say mountain?) this is looking like it is going to be as epic a trilogy as the first one. I love the humor of the dwarves, the character progression of Bilbo, and Howard Shore is back again, sweeping me off my feet again with another batch of stunning music.  

The Avengers

I have to admit, this movie grows on me. I liked it more than I expected, and I like it the more I watch it. The story of how a group of men (and one woman.. grrr...) who are vastly different, all with their own unique personalities, all have to come together, put aside their differences and bickering, and work together to save the world. When it comes to filming and storytelling masterpieces, this movie is high on the charts. A captivating story that never once touches the mediocre, it brings in many unique twists and turns that make sure the story never feels forced or guided, but is one awesome piece of storytelling from beginning to end. The more I watch it, the more I realize how good a job they did. They have nearly a 20 minute fight scene, that never once gets old or long in the tooth, due to its genius layout and plot. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, I love this movie and am very looking forward to it's sequel next year. If there was one bad thing about it, I would have to say that the score is a little shallow, and I wish they had a thicker and richer score. It wasn't bad as it was, but I think with such an amazing movie, it could have been made that much better if had a simply amazing score.  

Thor

This movie caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting it to have such an amazing message, and was pleasantly surprised all the way around. The story of how one stuck up jerk became humble and made the ultimate sacrifice - twice, is amazing. Once for those he loved, and once for those who hated him. I was severely impressed with this movie, not for action of blow-em-ups ( those are actually kinda few in this movie) but because of the powerful message it portrays. Thor instantly because one of my favorites after the first watch. Two thumbs up.  

Bolt

I had never intended on seeing this movie, but after it getting popped in at a friends house, I was hooked. Bolt, the dog who thinks he is a super-hero who gets dumped into real life, is one amazing story. The message in this movie, though subtle, is rare. It poses the dilemma of ditching the lies you thought were true, and embracing who you really are  -  in this case, a dog, and not a super dog. Yet, at the same time, just because you are normal, doesn't mean you can't be a hero. Loved this movie, Rhino, the score, the humor, this movie makes me walk away with the feeling of down home gratitude for having a simple, mundane life, yet inspires me to be heroic in my own small ways. Love it, love it, love it.

Luther

I heard it once said by a Luther Buff, that the only thing wrong with this movie, is the man who played Luther is skinny. 

This movie will shake your world, and inspire you to shake your world for Christ, to challenge the status quot if it doesn't align with scripture, and not be afraid of what man can do to you. In all honesty, it actually seems like the theology in this movie is sound, and hasn't been tweaked, surprisingly. Love the message and the courage this movie portrays. I forget about how much I like this movie, until I watch it again.   

The Patriot

Although this movie is a hair gory is places, the message of sacrificing everything to make a nation free from tyranny is amazing. I really enjoyed this movie, and the struggle for freedom between the down-home Americans and the snotty-nosed British.  

Master and Commander

Hunting a French vessel in the wide open sea is no cup of tea, and this movie demonstrates amazing leadership skills and character progressions. Wonderfully uplifting score with an epic battle finale, this movie is a keeper.  

We Were Soldiers

If any war-movie buff hasn't seen this epic story, they are missing it big time. A story of one company against outstanding odds, wins through the perseverance and leadership of their commander. This movie is no shoot-em-up, but is packed with emotion and is heart-rending as men with lives, wives and children go down for those they loved, and for duty. This movie changed forever my perspective on Vietnam.  

The Incredibles

This movie never fails to make me smile. The story of how one super-family trying to fit in to regular life, and work together in a final climax to save the country from a fame hungry villain who killed off all the real supers so he could try to be one. Smash-bang action with lots of humor, and it certainly is a favorite.

Courageous

Not the best movie as far as cinematography or acting goes, but it definitely sets the bar for the standard of fathers who want to lead their families in the ways of the Lord. Great message, awesome humor, this movie is the best Christian film I think I have seen.

Second Hand Lions

The worldview on this movie is a little screwy, but it is one big heap of down-home humor, as one city boy goes to live with his rich redneck uncles quick on the shotgun trigger, shooting at salesmen and shooting up catfish, this movie is one big laugh from beginning to end. I am a fan of Robert Duvall and Michael Caine after this movie, and seeing the two of them side by side in this movie is a sheer joy. Grins all the way through. 

And of course...

Star Wars

Though the worldview in these movies are off the beaten path in some areas, these movies were very enjoyable to watch. Blaster battles and saber duels and ships rocketing from one end of the galaxy to the other fill these movies, with wonderful acts of sacrifice, bravery, and subtle humor. The Character progression of Hans Solo was very enjoyable, his rash yet brave character growing less arrogant and more manly as the last three series progress. Obi Wan was an instant favorite in the first three, and what would Star Wars be without 3PO and R2? Certainly a favorite, with a monumental score and excellent action effects. Reservedly looking forward to the next three, with hopes that they don't wreck them.  

Well, that's about it. If you can't tell, I like movies with character progression, sacrifice and bravery, with hair-breadth escapes and witty humor with catchy one-liners. 

Hope you all enjoyed this! Thanks Jamie for the tag, and I hope this was what you were looking for!  

Thor: Review

Well, I have to say I am becoming rather fond of super-hero movies. After Captain America and Avengers, Thor was naturally coming down the pipe eventually. I had heard some good comments about the movie, and I really wanted to give it a go, especially since #2 is coming out this fall. 

I have to say I wasn't expecting what was coming.

Thor is the first born of Odin, king of Asgard, ruler of the realm that rules the entire cosmos, and boy oh boy he knows it. He is proud and arrogant, headstrong and authoritative. 

On the day of his coronation, the arch-enemies of Asgard, the Frost giants of Jotunheim, invade the weapons vault and try to reacapture their power source taken from them years ago when Asgard defeated them in a battle to save planet earth. 

Thor is furious, and with his four friends and his brother Loki, Thor sets out to teach the Frost giants a lesson, against his fathers express wishes not to. 

After traveling to Jotunheim and wrecking things for a bit, Odin comes to Jotunheim himself and brings Thor back from his streak of vengeance. Thor is removed of his power and title, and is banished to earth. 

Thor runs into, or should I rather say, is run into, by three scientists studying strange behaviors of the night sky, after being hurtled from the heavens into the dirt in the middle of the night. 

His father threw his hammer down after Thor, with these words. "Whosoever shall hold this hammer, if he be worth, he shall possess the power of Thor." 

Thor is at first taken to the hospital, but after wrecking the place up and being placed in stricter confinement, sneaks out on the streets of a small town in New Mexico.

The crater sight where Thor's hammer landed, in the meantime has become the sight of great interest. Only whoever is worthy can hold the hammer, and it is otherwise unliftable to any. Every redneck within fifty miles 

shows up and is having contests to see if anybody can pick it up, until the government arrives and kicks everybody out, sure that the hammer is some sort of international threat. 

Thor hears about this, and tries to regain his hammer. He still hasn't gotten the message his father tried to tell him. He is proud and unworthy, and is unable to lift it out of the rock it is embedded in. Thor finally gets the message - he is no longer a God, a superior race. He is a man, and no more. 

 

After some ins and outs with the government and his new found friends, Thor is released from his governmental captors, and is set at liberty with his friends. 

While all of this is transpiring, trouble is brewing in Asgard. Turns out his brother Loki, always jealous of Thor, was the one who let the frost giants in that day in Asgard, just to ruin Thor's big day. Now, Thor's father is fallen ill, and Loki is reigning on the throne. Thor's four friends start to smell a rat, and set off to find Thor.

Thor has been told by Loki that his father is dead, and Thor must stay in banishment so Loki can patch up a treaty with Jotunhiem, the treaty being hinged upon the point that Thor is out of the realm. Thor is now informed by his friends that no, his father isn't dead, and what Loki was saying was a lie. 

Loki gets wind that the four warriors left for earth, and sends the guardian of the relics of Asgard, the Destroyer, to kill Thor and wipe out the small town.

The destroyer messes up the town, and Thor, in an act of self-sacrificial heroism, tells Loki (who for some reason can hear him there on earth) that he is sorry for whatever he did to cause the destruction of the town, and instead of killing innocent people, to kill him instead.

In that act of self sacrifice, Thor makes himself "worthy" again, and comes back to life, regains his hammer and power, and of course, destroys the Destroyer. 

Thor returns to Asgard, after promising Jane, the scientist who has been helping him, to return one day for her.

Thor returns to Asgard to find that Loki has been mischief as usual. In an attempt to make himself look noble in his fathers eyes, he rigs the Frost giants to come in and murder the sick king. Just as the Frost giants are going to kill the old king, Loki appears and kills the king of the Frost giants, thus making himself the hero - self rigged glory.

Thor appears on the scene at this point, and calls Loki out on his actions in trying to destroy them with the Destroyer. Loki breaks the meeting up and runs off to destroy the world of the Frost giants, to further his own self-imposed glory in the eyes of his father.

The way the Asgardians travel from world to world is a beaming device called the Bifrost, but if used too long in one shot on one planet, will destroy the planet. Loki rigs the Bifrost to destroy the planet of the Frost giants.Thor appears and tries to save the planet, which precipitates a smash and bash battle with Loki, which ends in the second, and greatest act of self sacrifice in the movie. The Bifrost is the only method of transportation between the worlds, but Thor destroys it to save a world of people that had tried to do him harm.

The reason this is so powerful, is because he at the same time cut off his only chance of seeing Jane ever again. He put aside his own love to save those he hardly knew. It is one of the most powerful scenes in the whole movie.  

Loki falls into the dark of outer space, and Thor, now the humble son, tells his father he was right - he does have much to learn.

The movie ends with a scene that kicks the door wide open to the sequel coming out this fall.

Worldview:
Overall, the worldview of Thor is what blew me away. The subtitle to the movie is 'Courage is immortal'. I would change it to 'Humility is Immortal'. The whole message of humility, and being humble, even if you are powerful, was astoundingly well out, I thought. They contrasted the rule of Loki verses the rule of Thor well indeed. Loki tried to use his power for his own glory and profit, Thor used his power for the good and profits of others, at the ultimate expense of his own. I have to admit I was deeply touched and convicted by the lack of self interest Thor showed in the movie.

Also, another thing that struck me in the movie, is the high view and dignity shown to patriarchy. The father could have been shown a bumbling idiot, an overrated failure, trigger happy with his self conjured power. But he wasn't. He was shown as wise with his power, just with his decisions, quick to forgive and try to make peace, and never once was put in a light that disrespected him in honor or position. His wife, the queen, was even supportive and loyal to him, and didn't try to make excuses when Loki called out some of his deeds he didn't agree with. Don't see that often in movies do you?

The worldview is what sold me on this movie. I walk away from movies what the worldview was preaching, despite what the rest of the movie conveyed, or tried to convey. And I walked away from Thor feeling uplifted, encouraged, and humbled, at the same time.

The good:
The worldview is outstanding, the message of self sacrifice is flooring, the humor is great, the fight scenes are epic.
Oh, and despite the modern tight clothes of the people on earth, and the warrior maiden in Asgard, there is no real immodesty to mention. Just the average every day clothes are a hair tighter than they should be. Again, not perfect, but loads farther than other movies, and loads father than they could have made it. Two thumbs up to the wardrobe director on that one.

One friend of mine was amazed at how clean this movie was, considering how recently it was made. Hollywood just doesn't do that often enough to really be believed when they do really put one out. But hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day.

Another thing that I liked was how accurately they depicted the role of the government. Most Super movies have the government as the one behind the good guy, while in this one it is not. It is shown to be an annoying thing that thinks it is in control of everything, and is sure that it is they and their high tech equipment and professionals alone who are keeping the world safe, when in reality, they all look like fools for thinking they are so important. They are nothing but in the way, because the problems they were facing were far beyond the scope of anything they could handle, in fact, were entirely out of their class.
Which is exactly the case of the modern government. It was interesting to see how accurately they portrayed the government for what it really was, and not the hero.

The bad:
Of course, there always is bad. I think I caught two bad words in the entire movie. Two. That's flooring for a movie made in 2011, let alone an action super-hero movie. Far better than Captain America and Avengers.

There is a romance that weaves it's way through the whole movie, which although not blatantly annoying, ends in a kissing scene near the end of the movie. Only one, but its there.

There is also Sif, the warrior maiden of Asgard. Tough, feministic, with a "I can beat you hollow" attitude ascribed across her face, she is a bit annoying. Fortunately, she is a minor character, and doesn't tarnish the screen enough to diminish from the effect of the movie.

Another thing, is that although the message of the movie was flooring, it wasn't the most intriguing movie as far as super-hero exploits are concerned. Avengers, Captain America and the like seemed to focus on the story of blasting the bad guy and saving the world, while the whole story of Thor was merely to support the message of Thor. Not as much of an action puncher, but it has more moral kick than most. If you are an action junkie, this movie might disappoint you.

Overall, I give Thor a 4 out of 5. The 1 out is because of Sif, the kissing, the lack of smash-battles common in most super-movies, and the two words I caught.

Well worth it, to most ages.

Here's to round two.....

Gone With the Wind: Review

Well, I must say I was taken aback by this movie. I had to watch it for school to get the southern perspective on the War of Northern Aggression (oops - I meant Civil War....)  

There are classics in movies. Then there are classics. This is supposed to be a phenomenal movie, with ten Oscar awards and is raved about by the secular world. 

I was inclined to lean towards disliking it, Mom telling me it was awful, and after all, how good can a Hollywood Romance movie be?

I was wrong. 

GWTW wasn't awful.  

It was Repulsive, and that is no exaggeration. 

The story follows a rich, spoiled rotten, flirtatious, arrogant, Georgia heiress who is madly in love with the son of a neighboring plantation, who marries another girl. 

She is in love with him through the entirety of the movie, and it is this romance that ruins her life around her ears. Refusing to give up the hope of having him, she walks through two marriages with both husbands dying, feeling little to no remorse. The war comes and goes, wrecking her fortune, but then regains it through merciless business dealings.  

Popping in and out through all of this, is the Rhett Butler.  

Morally reprehensible, arrogant, witty, rich, scheming, motivated solely by money, with a bad reputation, he is attracted to Scarlet, and follows and helps her through tough times in the movie. 

He eventually marries her, both of them going into it partially for the money that both of them has. 

The ongoing emotional affair that Scarlet has over Ashley eventually drives Rhett into a divorce, after their only child dies and the fights between Scarlet and Rhett escalate. 

The Good:

Well, this section will be short, for there is only one right spot in the whole movie, and it shines out far beyond the filth the rest of the movie wallows in. 

Melanie Wilkes. 

 

God, may my wife be as Godly as Melanie Wilkes.

She is the closest this I have found to the "perfect" Godly woman on the silver screen. The Christlike behavior of Melanie is simply staggering. Scarlet treats her like rubbish, she treats Scarlet back like royalty. She thinks no evil of anyone, but only believes the best of everyone. Whenever somebody tears down Scarlet for being the jerk that she is, Melanie is there with a kind word and an optimistic defense for Scarlet's behavior. She always is glad to see Scarlet, and welcomes her with all her heart, despite the arrogance and repugnant attitude of Scarlet. When sick, she does her best to help as she can anyway. When reprimanded by Scarlet for something, she is as humble as can be, and takes the correction as if it was from a much older, wiser woman.

When Scarlet is caught with Ashley in ways that are by all appearances scandalous  instead of kicking her out of her house at a party, she welcomes her in spite of the hurt caused her, and treats her with love and honor. She praises Scarlet for even the smallest act of kindness, no matter the amount of dirty motives behind the action. She can only attribute the kindest and noblest of actions to people, and loves them and encourages them when they are down and feeling poorly, spiritually or physically. 

If one could ignore the entire rest of the movie, it would be worth watching merely to learn from the actions of Melanie Wilkes. Honestly, her actions convicted me of how stone-hearted I can be to those I am not fond of.  Everybody, everywhere, man or woman, can learn loads from this simple, quiet, loving woman. 

Granted, she doesn't do it for Christ, but just "is" good in her essential nature, or so they say of course. We know no-one can ever do that on their own accord and will, and only Christ can help us be that way, but of course, this is Hollywood, and they miss that.  

And that folks, is the only good in the whole movie. 

The Bad:

Gee, where to start.  

I guess I will start with the main problem - Scarlet. 

It cannot be described how self -centered she is, how arrogant, how driven by her own lusts and desires to be rich, to have what she wants, and how her reckless and lust-driven ways hurt herself and everybody else around her. Before the war she is rich and well off, living in comfort, but due to war time carnage, is reduced to rags and farming with her own to hands with what is left of her family and house servants. She then vows to do everything in her power, even if she has to lie, cheat, steal, and even kill, so she will will never be hungry or poor ever again. And she does just that. She lies to people left and right, cheats a poor honest chap out of the wife he wants, marries him for his business, just so she can be rich. Back on the upswing, she is merciless in her business deals, taking advantage of anybody and everybody to get her will and way - money and rich living. 

After the second husband dies, she finally marries Rhett Butler, who has been trying to get her to marry her all his life, again, mostly for money, and even half of his motives are bent towards money. They become filthy rich and live a lavish and extravagant lifestyle. The luxury they live with and think is the norm in this movie is appalling. 

And I thought I was living high-on-the-hog when I got a new bow! 

Sorry, just had to throw a picture of my  new awesome bow. Loving this thing to death. 

Eventually, she is still selfishly and doggedly sure she would be happy with Ashley, and after (Spoiler!) Melanie dies, Rhett divorces her and leaves her to pursue the man she always wanted, but now finds out never loved her at all in the first place. She is heartbroken, finds she really does love Rhett - too late, and goes back to her old plantation home, the only thing that has lasted through her life.

This character is a vivid example of what happens to anyone who ever thinks that something other than Christ will ever make them truly happy. She thinks she has to be rich to be happy, but is still discontent even then, thinking Ashley will make her Happy. Ashley doesn't love her, so she thinks maybe the man she has despised and abused all these years pursuing other fulfillments, will make her happy. 

Gone With the Wind is a fitting title, for this movie shows exactly how the vain and fleeting things of this life vanish like the wind, and how fruitless and useless is the pursuit of them really is. This movie portrays it in a way that no other movie ever has. 

Rhett Butler is posed and slated as the "hero" in this movie, helping Scarlet out of some sticky situations  but is far below deserving that honorable position. 

He is a blockade runner during the war, not for "the cause" but for money, "because that is the only thing that lasts". He is driven, almost constantly, by money the whole movie.

He is morally destitute of almost all virtue, and is constantly hounding Scarlet to marry him, and forces her to  kiss him several times before they actually do get married. he is well known to hang out with "loose" women at bar parties, who are less than ladies, but actually have more noble qualities in them than Scarlet (go figure). He is a jerk in and out, but does have an ounce of nobility hidden way back somewhere in that black heart. Several times when he lost his temper and acted in many un-manly and un-Christlike behavior, he comes back to her and apologizes for his unseemly behavior. He actually tried to stick the marriage out between him and Scarlet, trying to hold his end up and be a good husband and father, as he defined both of course. 

Eventually however, his poor heart is broken one to many times, and bitter and despondent  leaves Scarlet in a divorce, not caring what happens to her after. 

    

Hero? *snort* I think not. This man is a disgrace as a man, as a gentleman, as a husband, as a father, as a bachelor, and in almost all aspects of his crummy character.

The awful part about the utterly repulsive characters in this movie, is that they can't be just ignored to get the good from Melanie's part. You have to wade through so much junk and filth and offensive material, that the movie is beyond worthless. The tiny aspect of good is drowned out in the overall effect of the slime of the movie. 

Also, even though I know it was period-correct, the ladies costumes were way low. Like, way low. 

I had to do some serious heart searching after watching this, and decided I probably shouldn't have finished the movie with the state of the clothing. Nothing ever went below what would have been appropriate then (although of course Hollywood did push the limits as far as they could) but still, they were low. You definitely have to guard your eyes through this movie. 

*Bleagh* This movie leaves such a bad taste in my mouth. I hope I will never catch even another glimpse of this horrid film ever again.  

Overall rating: 1 Star, solely for Melanie's part, and for her part alone. 

NOT recommended to anyone, ever.  

       

The Hobbit: Review

Sorry it took me so long to get this one out - I have been busy .... as usual. 

This was my first official 3D movie I ever saw, with pretty high expectations of both the film and technical detail,  and oh-blimey I was not disappointed in either. 

But down to the basics. 

(and yes, while I am typing this I am listening to the soundtrack - (epicness in all directions) 

Bilbo Baggins the rather prosy and well-to-do Hobbit is swept off on a journey to help a gaggle of dwarves re-gain their homeland stolen my the Smaug the Dragon. Over hills and under hills, chased by wolves and carried by eagles, and almost becoming troll-fodder, Bilbo gets more than he ever bargained for, and changes far more than he ever thought he would - for the better. 

The thing I enjoyed most about this movie is the changing character of Bilbo. He starts very prissy, if I may use the word, the not-want-to-get-your-hands-dirty type personality, who is rather preoccupied with thoughts of home and ease, comfort, and his far-away Hobbit hole. Through the process of the journey, he learns courage, determination, and most importantly, compassion and self sacrifice. He helps the dwarves on their quest to take back their home, since, as he puts it, they have none. He has a home, and that is where he belongs. They don't have a home, or belong anywhere, and he will help them take it back if he can. 

The changing character of Bilbo, from not so noble and well-to-do, to compassion, nobility, and courage, is enjoyable, heartening, encouraging, enthralling  and of course, amusing.       

The main theme to the movie is summed up in one sentence, which I am sure you have heard before. 

"Even the smallest person can change the course of history"

Bilbo, seemingly insignificant, through a series of events, sets in action an even bigger series of events that will leave the world forever changed.

Simple acts of kindness and love (code-read Christlikeness) are what change the world  - not big powers and governments. 

This clip summarizes the entire movie perfectly. 

Pros.

The worldview is overall very refreshing and uplifting. On the surface it seems to be a story of revenge and recapturing of a homeland, but the real point is how even small people can make a huge difference. Love it, love it, love it.

Amazing visuals. I saw it in both 3D and 2D, and the quality of graphics was flooring in both. LOTR pales in the dust of antiquity under the splendor of this movie. Jackson left no stone un-turned in making this movie simply breathtaking.

The character development of Bilbo is quite enjoyable and most uplifting and encouraging. Love it totally.

The dwarves - oh who couldn't love the dwarves.
13 dwarves is a lot of individual characters to wrangle together, and I believe they did a fabulous job. Each has their own distinct personality, with their own quirks and oddities. The book made them to be rather stuffy, quiet and moody creatures, but the movie brings to life a people who are fun loving, rowdy, loyal, heroic, and valiant. I fell in love with the dwarves instantly.

 

From the right...

Bomber, Bofer, Bifer, Nori, Ori, Dori, Thorin, Balin, Dwalin, Oin, Gloin, Fili and Kili. 

As far as fighting goes, I have to say I like Thorin the best, but the character of Bofer stuck out to me the most. I really like his character, and you just have to see the movie to see what I mean. Thorin is next in the line of favorite dwarves, but I won't continue or else who knows where I will stop.  : )

. 

Cons:
If you are a die-hard fan of the book, you will probably be disappointed by this movie. They stick to the overall main theme, with a lot of the original details, but of course, same with LOTR, they take some liberties and change some things, re-route some things, and even add a few things. Honestly, I think some of the changes didn't really affect it, some actually made it better, and only a few were not as good as the original book. My Mom heartily disagrees, and doesn't like the changes. I don't think the changes detract from the overall effect of the film, and some even add to the effect, as I said, but if you are a die-hard originalist, you might be disappointed.    

The dwarves, like any other group of non-saved guys, can have some rather un-edifying moments. Like, the scene where the dwarves all guzzle ale and let out some window shattering belches one after another. *sigh*

There is only only slightly crude line, and it was only crude in a modern context, not as it was being used.

I could go on about it, but I will cut it short and end by saying I loved it, and go see the awesome film for yourself. The good in the movie far, far out-weighs the bad, and I look forward to seeing it over and over again, as well as looking forward most expectantly to the next two, and the threesomes extended versions.

Overall rating: 4.95 out of 5. The .05 out for the one crude line.  

The Avengers: Review

Ok, wow. Like, really wow. I was told this was a stellar movie, and I was not disappointed. My great friend over at Thine is the Kingdom did a great review of the movie, http://allauthority.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-avengers.html which convinced me to see it.  

He did such a complete review that there is not much more to add, but if I dropped it there it wouldn't be a review by me now would it? 

So, I am obliged to repeat some of what he said and say it - from me. 

The Story - super quick style. 

Loki, back from the movie Thor, (which I didn't see) is teamed up with aliens on a far away galaxy wreak revenge and havoc on earth, the planet under his brother Thor's protection. A source of limitless energy, the Tesseract, is also a door to the other side of the Galaxy. Nick Fury, head of the Shield program, (like a souped up FBI) gathers the supers from around the world that are the only ones able to help save the universe. Stealing the Tesseract, Loki opens the door to the other end of the galaxy and unleashes an alien force on Manhattan.  The group of supers, or The Avengers, take on a massive alien force in the streets and in the air in a last stand for the freedom or their planet.

 

The Good:

There is a lot of good to be said about the movie. One thing that stood out to me very well is the message of power and what it does. Ultimate power corrupts ultimately, even if you are the "good guy". It is shown in the movie where even the "good guy" tries to use the Tesseract one step farther than just for clean energy, and tries to make a arsenal to protect the earth. Just because one is a "good guy" doesn't mean that our sin nature is null and void, and we are not open to temptations. I liked that sense of realism to the movie, bringing it home to us on a personal level. 

Captain America is great - as always. A devoted leader who doesn't think of himself, keeping the others focused on the mission and leading the group in the defense of the streets, putting the lives of the innocent before his. Oh boy, I really am a fan of Captain America. He had the best line in the entire movie.

"There is only one God ma'm, and I am pretty sure he doesn't dress like that." 

Loki is the best villain I have seen in goodness knows how long. I had heard he played the part well, and boy did he. Evil as pitch, yet a real person who has real hopes, fears, desires and shortcomings. He is almost likable, pitiable in his state of mental self-exaltation, yet deplorable in his state of a depraved mind with the ability to work its will as one pleases. Loki is a convincing character of one who hurts, and hurts deeply, and lusts for power and control in hopes of stalling the pain. I would have to say that the movie would not be what it is without Loki.        

The witty banter back and forth between the Avengers as they settle their differences is some of the funniest lines I have heard to date. Not too sarcastic, not blase or cheesy, and not off the walls lame. Funny, quick, smart, and clever. I would love to put some of them up here, but it wouldn't do them justice in text form. 

The story line really stands out through this movie. Captain America the movie had a bit of a dose of bad-storytelling. Avengers suffers from no such malady. The plot flows in a realistic yet unpredictable manner, keeping you guessing what the next twist was even when you thought you knew what would happen next. Very well done and very engaging. It isn't a bore or a drag to watch, but each scene seems to be naturally what would come next, avoiding typical Hollywood Steriotypicalism. 

Oh, and the score is great. Epic, sweeping, valiant, and bold. Very well done.  

The Bad:

The movie is based on a completely evolutionary basis, mad obvious by the aliens, and evolution is even mentioned slightly once or twice. 

Cussing (although not too bad or too often), one kissing scene, and the sort seem to come with the territory nowadays. *sigh*.

The biggest annoyance and detractor from the movie could be summarized in one person: Black Widow. She could have been left completely out of the movie, and would not have affected the overall affect of the movie. 

Her clothes are too tight, she has an annoying *I am awesome* attitude, martial arts skills that reek more Hollywood than Jujitsu, and the list goes on. Almost everything I don't like about the movie revolves around her. Ugh. There is one scene near the beginning of the movie where her shirt is *ahem* a little low cut with a shorter skirt than preferable  - and decks out a room of interrogators - all while tied to a chair. Lame. Also she touts a false message of works-based redemption in order to wipe some "red out of her ledger" from the past. Obviously not correct there. 

Oh, and speaking of lame, there are a few lame parts here and there. One is where Black Widow decks the entire room while tied to a chair, the other is where Hawkeye shoots a ship with his bow while talking on and intercom and looking the other way. Sorry, just lame. Not cool, not even really possible. Just lame. 

Hawkeye does a pretty good job the rest of the movie, and overall I like him, but that one scene pushed it a little far as far as realism went. 

     

Iron man is a ton little stuck up. He is concerned only with himself for a good part of the movie, and always has a funny crack and sarcastic quip about just about everything. He does change near the end and make the ultimate sacrifice, but you do have to put up with his attitude for a good part of the film. 

All that aside, it is an enjoyable, exciting, rather breathtaking watch. Gabe does a much more in depth review, so swing over to his for a much more intensive look (I posted the link above) but that is my official short-sweet-and-to-the-point version. 

Overall, I give it a 4.2 out of 5  -  the .3 out because of the cussing and Black-Widow. I sure wish they hadn't had those elements in, because this had the potential of being a simply stellar movie.