One Minute Movie Review: Anonymous

Roland Emmerich leaves his passion for directing epic disaster tales (ID4, 2012, The Day after Tomorrow, and the ill fated Godzilla) to direct an incredibly intricate, engaging, and masterful film. Without spoiling too much, this movie poses the question, what if Shakespeare was not the true genius who penned the wealth of his poems and plays? In the process, the audience is treated to the weaving of a magnificent tapestry composed of intrigue, betrayal, mystery, and tragedy. It is truly a well constructed and flawless drama within a drama. The entire ensemble each deliver performances that are both incredibly honest and deeply personal. Ifhans and Redgrave capture the audience in their leading roles and never let go. This will unquestionably offend rabid fans of the world's greatest playwright, but for those adventurous and open minded cinefanatics, it is a compelling Elizabethan drama that overflows with spirit and story. A delicious recipe prepared by a surprising chef. 4 out of 5 Kernels; to see or not to see, there is no question an absolute must see.

One Minute Movie Review: Contagion

Steven Soderbergh (best know for his Oscar win for Traffic) brings us the Andromeda Strain for the next generation. An extremely cerebral film, well crafted and realistic, but lacking the emotional depth from his cast required to make a real connection with the audience. Although the picture has all the proper mechanics and effortless fluidity, the actors seem to float through the story rather than engaging the viewer with any authentic compassion or drama. It feels like a superior documentary, cold, calculated, and void of personality. Matt Damon stars as a man thrust into chaos after the death of his wife and step son without demonstrating that it has any real effect on him. He is stoic to a point of statuesque even when he discovers his recently deceased spouse had a torrid affair with another man. His portrayal is two dimensional at best. Paltrow plays said wife in such a matter of fact manner it borders on boring. Her flashbacks feel more like a reality show reenactment than anything else. Fishbourne provides a strong but overtly subtle performance that lacks the appropriate humanity. The rest of the ensemble fairs no better. Scientifically and analytically speaking the movie is one of the best in its genre, dramatically it is one of the worst. To compare it to its closest competitor, Outbreak with Dustin Hoffman, this film had all the right components and storyline but lacked the emotional fervor and character chemistry of its rival. Still a decent film too bad it never reached its full potential. 3 out of 5 Kernels, A for substance, D for style.

One Minute Devotion: Matthew 5:43&44

Matthew 5:43&44

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you;

Even as, I write this, I can feel the butterflies well in anticipation of being tested by God of my resolve and commitment to His scriptural principles. What a positively absurd command to love your enemies, bless them, do good to and for them, and pray for them. Especially when human nature compels us to the opposite. In the last devotion, we examined forgiveness and its core grace. Now we move beyond to forgiving and loving those who deliberately seek to wound us. God is not referencing those who may inadvertently wrong us or malign us in some minor way. God is commanding us to show sincere mercy and compassion to the those who consciously work to spite, manipulate, or hurt us. It is a tall spiritual order, impossible with one key element. One can not love his or her enemies through the care they possess. Without an intimate relationship with the creator, the only designation of love that can be demonstrated is eros, and that serves absolutely no purpose in this precept. Eros is romantic or passionate love that can easily become lust when sin is added to the recipe. Philia and Agape love come directly from God and can not exist without His presence. Philia is brotherly love and Agape is the unconditional, unexplainable, unmistakeable love that emanates from God and through Him alone. It is God's Agape love that provided us the grace of salvation. It is Philia love used to love our neighbors, Christian brothers and sisters, family and friends. It is the perfect combination of the two that allows us to see past the injury and pain that our enemies may deliver. To forgive and love them as God loves us. Yes, I said, as God loves us. It seems impossible to love an enemy that way, but God, through His word, tells us, without deviance, that through Him, all of His principles are possible. To make it even more intense, God instructs us to go beyond love and forgiveness but to bless, do good, and pray for them. In its entirety, it is an impossibility without God's intervention. How does this make any sense? The analysis is more clear and concise than one may think. Before grace one is the enemy of God dedicated solely to living in sin, obsessed and addicted to it. There is utterly no reason for God to love or forgive us because we serve no purpose to serve Him. Man is a headstrong, rebellious, prideful, and foolish being who first and foremost aim is his or her own selfish agenda. A problem child who will take a lifetime to mold and shape into any form of usefulness and practicality for a supreme God. Why waste the time? Why not eliminate this burden and start from scratch? The simple and unbelievable answer is love, God's perfect love. He loves us so much He sacrificed Himself so that we may be reunited with Him, saved from the ultimate consequence of sin that we have earned and deserved. That end is eternal death and relentless horror. Not only did His love provide us the grace to save us, but He blesses us, does continual good for us, intercedes for us, protects and provides for us. What an awesome God we serve. If we accept all this, then why would we question His direction to do the same for our enemies through Him. Take it one step further, how can we minster to a world that hates us because of how we believe if we do not love those we strive to see God save? Evangelism would be dead without a love for a people trapped and blinded by sin. Just as we were. How are we any better than a lost world if not for God's love? With that said, is loving our enemies easy? Emphatically no, for God it is because He is God. For us, it is a gradual, continuous process that requires a completely committed process of submission to the Almighty and prayer. One has to decide to surrender the hurt and damage to God for Him to heal and repair. To leave it all at the altar and seek God to fill us with His love so that we may demonstrate the grace that He so freely gave us. It is not easy, but it is what defines us as His children. It requires total sincerity and integrity, abandoning grudges and emotion, and solely trusting in God to provide us the tools to succeed. As it is in every aspect of a real relationship with the author of life. When Christ was asked who would die for a people who fail time and time again, he did not raise his hand to volunteer he spread them wide and allowed the nails of hate and sin to be driven through them. It is the ultimate act of love in its truest form. We have access to the love if we desire and seek it. If we obtain it, what an amazing work we can do in furthering God's grace and His kingdom. Please God, give me the strength to live the words I have written and those You have blessed us with.

One Minute Movie Review: Real Steel

This gem falls somewhere between Rocky, Over The Top, and Rocken Sockem Robots on Meth.   Hugh Jackman turns in a subtle but stellar performance as his continuing stardom has few equals and rivals.  How a movie about fighting robots finds heart is beyond me, but somehow director Shawn Levy (of Night at The Museum fame) pulls it off flawlessly.  Newcomer Dakota Goyo turns in a gushy but authentic performance as Jackman's abandoned son.  The relationship between Jackman and Goya is predictable but heartwarming fare, a little Over the Topish, but it works.  In fact, the chemistry between the entire cast is solid and fluid.  Although it doesn't reach the spirit and craftsmandship of the original Rocky, which it quietly tributes, its feel is both endearing and inspiring.  In the Hollywood world where happy endings are considered lame and unrealistic it is a wonderful thing to see hope and triumph showcased.  The special effects are outstanding and absolutelyy believeable.  The hero robot, without saying a word or even acting human,  makes a connection with the audience that is unmistakable.    Witout saying too much, the ending is undoubtly a nod to the first Rocky and Apollo match.  3 out of 5 Kernels: the moral, champions are those who rise above the odds not for a title but to find true purpose.

One Minute Movie Review: Abduction

Well, Hollywood thought that it would be a brilliant idea to ride the success of the Eclipse franchise with this vehicle, a so called spy thriller starring wanting werewolf and teen idol Taylor Lautner. Lautner has two ranges in his acting arsenal. One is longing gazes and the second, the ability to remove his shirt in any situation. With that said, one can imagine how fast this becomes a train wreck. The acting was horrid, in fact, they way entire cast phoned this in they must have had an exceptionally good collective Verizon calling plan.  The action sequences were downright silly and the plot was as thin as Angelina Jolie's waistline and predictable as the result of any Lindsey Lohan rehab. Even Sigourney Weaver could not breathe life into this flick, then again, she has not had a remarkable track record as of late. The only way this movie could be saved is to have it totally reworked. Ripley returns to face a horde of alien werewolves and blasts Lautner's lame lycan within the first three seconds of the story. Now that would have been a movie. John Singleton directed this hot, steaming pile of cinematic manure, which is a far fall from his debut in 1991 with the hit Boys N the Hood. They leave room for a sequel because there were apparently no random drug screenings required of the writing staff.  If it is made the Mayan prophecy might come true. 0 out of 5 Kernels; the only way to watch this film is during a power outage.

One Minute Movie Review: A Dolphin Tale

In a society, drenched in cynicism movies like this are often dismissed as corny, simplistic, and juvenile. Unfortunately, we have become a culture that believes that reality T.V. actually depicts reality. So when a story comes along with a portion of real truth it can be easily missed. The actual story of Winter, the 3 month old Dolphin who would eventually lose part of her tail due to an encounter with a crab trap is remarkable and moving alone but Charles Martin Smith envelopes it in a wonderfully inspiring, character driven story in this well crafted film. Nathan Gamble absolutely steals the show, as it should be, as Sawyer a lonely and troubled youth silently looking for hope and purpose. His relationship with Winter is magical and authentic, and the same holds true with his interaction with the entire ensemble. He is supported by a B+ cast including; Kris Kristofferon, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr., and Morgan Freeman. Of all the adults in the movie, it is Freeman, as usual, who provides the deepest and most profound connection with the audience. There are a few misses; the relationship between Sawyer and Hailey, Connick's on screen daughter, is a little too cutesy, Connick and Judd's potential relationship is left unexplored, and the ending is overtly predictable. With that said, Winter's miraculous rescue and recovery is positively inspiring and overshadows any flaws in an otherwise decent picture. To add to that, the director inserts an uplifting subplot involving Sawyer's cousin, Kyle an Olympic hopeful in swimming, who suffers a severe leg injury in combat.  It reflects an obvious appreciation for our soldiers who have suffered permanent injuries during the course of their selfless sacrifice in protecting our freedom.  Now for the most crucial element, the kid factor, in that area it is an utter win-win. Both my children, three and six, were completely engrossed and loved the film. There is a brief documentary during the credits so do not miss that.  To see Winter on a moment by moment basis check out www.seewinter.com. That site is now a permanent fixture on my desktop. 3 out of 5 Kernels, this is an stirring dip in the cool waters in the pool of imagination that refreshes mind and spirit in a sea of films filled with pessimism and gloom.

One Minute Devotion: Matthew 5:23&24

Matthew 5:23&24

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath something against thee.  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way;  first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Contextually, prior to Christ's incarnation, the people of Israel would offer sacrifices to God for the cleansing of their sins. The process is explained in detail in the books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus under the Mosiac covenant. Here, Matthew references this act of consecration in order to explain real and selfless forgiveness. Undoubtably, one of the toughest elements of our Christian walk is the act of true forgiveness. We may say someone is forgiven, but  words may not support inner motives or truth. Pain outweighs mercy, hurt outmatches compassion, and vengeance overcomes grace. The wounds of injustice, abuse, both verbal and physical, hypocrisy, racism, gossip, personal attacks, betrayal, and deceit are deep and burning. Those injuries can torment, and many times the scars last a lifetime. It is hard to surrender that suffering to God, possibly never knowing what the outcome may be. To able to forgive without an apology from the offender and witness God's mercy instead of retaliation as He may grant forgiveness, not revenge to pay the debt owed are difficult ideas to consider. In examining the verse, Matthew clearly explains before you leave your request of forgiveness before the altar of God, there is definitive requirement to forgive those who need a pardon from you. These are especially poignant verses for me and an important devotion for my own consideration considering my past pain. Let's analyze this passage from three distinct points; the core of our prayers, heart, and complete forgiveness. First, what is the core of our prayers? When we pray, what are we praying for? Can prayer be laden with vanity? Absolutely, if our words to God do not match the intentions of our hearts, than  prayer is in vain. Do we think we can deceive God? If we are asking God's forgiveness for sin and yet we hold grudges against someone else, how can we expect God to honor our supplication? If that is the case then we have to ask ourselves some hard questions about our prayer life.  When we pray are we seeking our desires or God's? Are we praying for His will to be done or our agenda to be fulfilled? Is God Santa Claus or the Almighty Lord of all to us? Without going into a deeper definition of all aspects and purposes of prayer, we will simply define the core of true prayer as sincerity. It must be the understanding that God knows our requests before we speak them, before we consider them. There has to be integrity when we speak to God, a transparent honesty and purity.  If not, our prayer is a gift equivalent to a nicely wrapped empty box. Matthew says before you leave your gift for God at His altar, stop and esnure you have made things right with those who require it. If you don't, your gift, your appeal, is valueless. Second, what is at the core of our hearts when we pray? Intention is truly nine tenths the law, not possession or perception. What we intend to do exceeds any eloquence of words or mannerism. Real conversation with God begins with true intention. Bing.com dictionary defines intention as an aim or objective and a quality of purposefulness. Intention can be left mute without action, but action is nonexistence without intention, both good and bad. The effectiveness of our prayers matches our intention. If our prayers do not reflect our intentions, it as though we are peering through a shattered and dirty looking glass. God knows our intentions first, if we are genuinely walking with God He plants the seeds of those intentions in our hearts. If we seek forgiveness when our intention is to harbor hate, anger, and bitterness to others, then our prayers are as hollow as a rotted, insect infested, tree. Finally, what is at the core of forgiveness? That is the simplest to explain. The core of forgiveness is grace. Grace is not bestowed because it is earned or deserved but because of the unconditional and boundless love of Jesus Christ. If we are forgiven simply because God's love chooses to do so, then how can we hold anyone who errs against us to any other account ( Matthew 6:14&15)? God forgiveness us because it glorifies Him, when we forgive others the same is true. To forgive without hesitation, grimace, or grudge is to demonstrate God's love. I recently had to forgive someone who took a great deal from me. A person who injured me in such a way that it affected almost every aspect of my life. It took me years to overcome these wounds with no acceptance of responsibility or apology offered from this individual. So why forgive them? This person deserved all my ire and indignation. Wasn't I justified in my feelings and my pain? Yes, but God showed me why I needed to forgive this person. Grace. How can I refuse mercy to anyone when it was bestowed to me without hesitation by God. I didn't warrant or deserve His grace, yet it was freely given to me. How do we expect God to forgive us every time we stumble, slip, and fail if we hold unforgiveness towards others in our hearts. This is the ultimate example of self righteousness and selfishness. Do we allow the person to continue their abuse and advantage? No. But we forgive and lift them up to God to deliver us and seek his peace and compassion towards them. Unforgiveness isn't a speed bump, its the grand canyon, a massive gulf affixed between us and God's providence. No matter how you dress it up, your prayers are judged on the condition of your heart. Unforgiveness is a burden that God does not intend for you to carry. He will provide you the means, strength, peace, and hope to forgive if you will allow Him too. The next time you appear before the altar, beside the gifts you bring God, how much baggage are you carrying with you too? Have you searched the intentions of your heart to see what the core of your prayers are? Is anyone beyond God's grace? If so, then why did He give it to you? What did you accomplish to obtain grace? Absolutely nothing.  It was delivered to you through God's love and desire to reconcile you to Him, for His glory and His alone.