Children of Father God and Mother Earth
Monday, November 4, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: Stardust
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
BOOK REVIEW: What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do by David Jeremiah
The author of this book is a staple on many Christian radio stations and broadcasting networks. Head pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, and president of a Christian college connected to the church, David Jeremiah is known as a man who faced the reality of his own mortality when, in 1994, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and had to undergo stem cell transplant surgery to save his life. That experience is one he draws on in many of his sermons and his broadcast ministry, Turning Point.
In this book the reader is taken through the book of James, using the scriptures to teach things like what to do when a person is not feeling confident, when even small decisions seem overwhelming, when we are being pressured to do the wrong thing, and other dilemmas that life always seems to put in our paths. I do have to warn anyone who listens to Jeremiah’s radio or television programs on an ongoing basis that this might seem like simply reading a series of his sermons. However, for those who are not familiar with Dr. Jeremiah and are looking for answers to help them through difficult times, this is an excellent read.
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: He Went That Way
This is a low-key thriller based on the true story of an animal trainer who had a run in with a serial killer while on a cross country drive.
Starring Zachary Quinto (of Star Trek fame) as Jim and Jacob Elordi as Bobby, the story follows the two on their drive across country after Jim picks up Bobby, who is hitchhiking, only to learn that his young passenger is a homicidal maniac that has already murdered two men. Jim is transporting a trained chimpanzee named Spanky and is able to strike up an uneasy truce with Bobby that will allow Jim to stay alive until they part ways in Chicago. Quinto's character runs a gamut of emotions from stunned terror to grudging respect while Elordi maintains the tension of a seething volcano about to erupt at any moment. While not recommended for children due to some violent hostage scenes, this is still worth the watch, and all the more chilling to know that it actually happened.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
BOOK REVIEW: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: The Wall
This
is a 2012 Austrian film about one woman’s struggle to survive when an
inexplicable phenomenon isolates her from the rest of the world. It stars Martina
Gedeck as the woman and follows the events of her efforts to first find a way
out of her predicament, and then her acceptance of it and the fight to provide
herself and several animals with the means to live. This is narrated in English
with very little actual dialogue, which is in German and supplied with
subtitles when it does occur. It has exceptional cinematography and Gedeck
supplies a stunning performance. There is no strong language and no erotica,
with only one truly violent scene. There are instances of hunting and butchery,
but both are only shown as ways of obtaining food. A story of stamina and
determination in the face of hopelessness and despair, this one will stay with
you long after it is over.
Monday, August 26, 2024
BOOK REVIEW: Dragon Tears by Dean Koontz
*This
review contains spoilers*
During
a typical day on the police force, Harry and Connie, partner detectives, are
forced to kill a man who shoots up the diner where they are having lunch. Shortly
after, they find themselves in some inexplicable circumstances when a man who
can change shape, throw fireballs, and freeze time targets them for death. With
no one to depend on but each other, they must find this maniac who uses his
psychic powers to destroy.
Koontz
has a way of weaving several different points of view, including that of a
dog’s, to keep this story moving quite effectively. However, putting a face on
evil is another of Koontz’s gifts, and he does a remarkable job in this. I
found myself feeling a bit sorry for this villain. Is he a monster? Yes. Is
there any other way to stop him than to kill him? No. But this antagonist also
turns out to be a 20-year-old young man who was born to a woman who first abused
her child invitro by trying all kinds of alternative measures to abort him, and
then subjected herself to self-mutilation rather than being faced with the
responsibility of raising him. He ends up living with his grandmother, an older
woman who might have had some mental issues of her own and growing up in an
atmosphere where the only way he could gain attention was to use his unique
powers to cause pain. Given that he never had the chance to learn that fear and
love are not the same thing, I found this to be a rather tragic bad guy. A
good, if somewhat predictable, story is the result.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: The Hunters
After
their parents go missing two brothers find out that their dull, archeologist
mom and dad are really warrior scientists, who travel the world searching for
mythological artifacts that have to be protected to keep their supernatural
powers from falling into the hands of people who would use them for evil.
Together with the oldest brother’s ex-girlfriend they set out to find the next
one before a man set on world domination can.
This
is a made-for-TV movie that stars mostly actors from the small screen, who are
all excellent in their parts. Due to its family-oriented origins, there are no
erotic scenes and no strong language. There is quite a bit of action violence,
but no gore. The script, cinematography, and editing are all first rate, as is
the storyline. This is a really good film that seems to set the stage for a
sequel, or even a series, and is perfect for family viewing. Highly
recommended.