This will be my first of a few movie reviews coming out hot and fresh into 2015. I hope and pray that the holidays were relaxing and blessed for all this past year. One of the great truths that each new year brings is that it brings a fresh start and new beginning to all those who felt down, hurt, and disappointed by the previous year. As we journey together in this year, let us remember that learning and developing the skills to think theologically are absolutely crucial for mature Christians
Movies, music, television, video games, books, and all forms of entertainment and amusement are areas that challenge us to think theologically about the messages that are embedded in them. Into the Woods is a fun, entertaining movie/musical that came out in theaters across the country on Christmas Day.
Without giving too much of the plot away the story centers on a baker and his wife who learn early on in the movie that their neighbor who happens to be a witch has placed a curse on their family line. The curse is that their line will be barren. However, after the witch finishes explaining the curse she informs the baker and his wife there is one way to reverse the curse. They need to find four items: 1) a cow as white as milk, 2) a cape as red as blood, 3) hair as yellow as corn, and 4) slippers as pure as gold. All four items correspond with a different fairy tale: Jack and the Bean Stalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Cinderella.
The baker and his wife must find all these items in the woods before the stroke of midnight on the third day. It's a zany, musical adventure that leaves you guessing, laughing, and cheering all the way until the very end. The movie fairly seamlessly combines several fairy tales as it tells a new story for the viewer to enjoy. It does seem a tad long at points, and it doesn't end at the moment you would expect, but overall it was a very satisfying movie. The music was excellent and all the cast is very proficient in their singing abilities. One criticism of the story is that since it combines many fairy tales into one some of the story lines do appear underdeveloped and rushed. The bottom line is that the cast is amazing, the costumes great, special effects are superb, and the music will leave you wanting more. I give it four out of five stars in terms of quality.
Looking at the movie from a theological perspective there are some good truths that we can pull out. One of the main truths of the movie is that our decisions do have real consequences for all of those around us. We do not make our decisions in a vacuum, and the choices we make do affect others in both good and negative ways similar to the decision that the baker's father made to steal the witch's beans. The second truth and there are many more in the movie is the idea that we need to be there for each other in the good and bad times. The characters will have both many good and sad moments during the movie, and I think you will be inspired to see how they respond. We as the church have great opportunities to respond in both good and broken moments to each other as Christ would have responded to us.
In terms of family friendliness the movie is rated PG. This movie has no cursing or sexual innuendos. However, it does have some violent and at times sad moments. I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 in terms of family friendliness.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
on Ray and Janay Rice
I bet there is no doubt that you have heard of the incident involving Ray and Janay Rice last February and then watched as it resurfaced in September after TMZ released the video from that fateful night. Ray has been cleared to play in the NFL again once he is signed by another team. However, there is much to learn and discuss from Rice's actions that we as Christians can learn from.
1) Peace, love, and unity should rule our actions and our thoughts.
This can be hard at times because during the course of our daily existence we find many people who irritate us, disagree with us, and often flat out wrong us. It is not easy to live this out by any stretch of the imagination, and the even trickier part is that Jesus in the gospels proclaimed that he did not come to bring peace but division. (Luke 12:51) However, Paul goes on to say that Jesus preached peace to those who were far and near (Ephesians 2:17) and we need to keep every effort for the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)
The question remains what division is Jesus talking about? Well, my thought which is not dogmatic mind you, is that the division Jesus brought was between those who sought to follow Him with their entire lives and those who would rather stay in their own sin. Jesus' life and teaching is a wonderful example toward what we should all strive to emulate: peace and love toward all. Rice's actions back in February were wrong. I don't know the whole story or the interchange that led up to the punch, but I do know that since then he has married his fiancee, pledged to be a better husband and father, and has been disciplined for his actions. I applaud Rice for his recognition of the wrong and desire to learn and become better. Paul shares these challenging words that the body of Christ needs to remember at all times, "32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
2) It's an Issue of the Heart: first and foremost.
One of the big things we have seen in Ray Rice in the days and months after the event has been a change of heart. Incidents of violence both in actions and words are indicators of what is already present in our hearts to begin with. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8 that whatever is true, right, noble, pure, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy we need to think of such things. This Advent season take a good hard luck at the games you play on your phone or tablet, take a good look at the music you listen to, the friends you have, the places you visit, etc. And ask yourself are these things excellent and pure? Trustworthy and noble? Now, I'm not about to say that anyone who listens to music that doesn't fall under those categories will strike a spouse or loved one, but what I want you to think about is the ultimate goal of your life: becoming closer to Jesus.
Ask yourself this Advent season is how I'm living bringing myself and others closer or further away from Jesus. We as Christians need to celebrate that Rice has taken steps to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with his wife.
3) Be a voice for the Janay Rices who don't have a voice.
If we learn anything from this situation it's that domestic violence is not an isolated incident there are many women and children in our society who won't be able to get the help or attention because they aren't in a similar position that Janay Rice is in. Christian author and speaker Tony Campolo reminds us that The true measure of whether you are really a Christian or not is whether your heart breaks for the things that break Jesus' heart.
This Advent season look to pray for those less fortunate in your community, donate old clothes to clothing ministries in churches, volunteer at a soup kitchen, ask your pastor or ministry leader how to get involved, raise awareness, and know that there are many people who may not always be hurting from domestic violence, but our hurting from hunger, illness, poverty, and we as Jesus' followers can do something about that. We are reminded powerfully just who God cares about in Deuteronomy 10:18, "18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing."
Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the Rice family, and we pray that they would see this past year as an amazing opportunity to raise support and awareness in the ongoing fight to end domestic violence.
1) Peace, love, and unity should rule our actions and our thoughts.
This can be hard at times because during the course of our daily existence we find many people who irritate us, disagree with us, and often flat out wrong us. It is not easy to live this out by any stretch of the imagination, and the even trickier part is that Jesus in the gospels proclaimed that he did not come to bring peace but division. (Luke 12:51) However, Paul goes on to say that Jesus preached peace to those who were far and near (Ephesians 2:17) and we need to keep every effort for the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)
The question remains what division is Jesus talking about? Well, my thought which is not dogmatic mind you, is that the division Jesus brought was between those who sought to follow Him with their entire lives and those who would rather stay in their own sin. Jesus' life and teaching is a wonderful example toward what we should all strive to emulate: peace and love toward all. Rice's actions back in February were wrong. I don't know the whole story or the interchange that led up to the punch, but I do know that since then he has married his fiancee, pledged to be a better husband and father, and has been disciplined for his actions. I applaud Rice for his recognition of the wrong and desire to learn and become better. Paul shares these challenging words that the body of Christ needs to remember at all times, "32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
2) It's an Issue of the Heart: first and foremost.
One of the big things we have seen in Ray Rice in the days and months after the event has been a change of heart. Incidents of violence both in actions and words are indicators of what is already present in our hearts to begin with. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8 that whatever is true, right, noble, pure, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy we need to think of such things. This Advent season take a good hard luck at the games you play on your phone or tablet, take a good look at the music you listen to, the friends you have, the places you visit, etc. And ask yourself are these things excellent and pure? Trustworthy and noble? Now, I'm not about to say that anyone who listens to music that doesn't fall under those categories will strike a spouse or loved one, but what I want you to think about is the ultimate goal of your life: becoming closer to Jesus.
Ask yourself this Advent season is how I'm living bringing myself and others closer or further away from Jesus. We as Christians need to celebrate that Rice has taken steps to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with his wife.
3) Be a voice for the Janay Rices who don't have a voice.
If we learn anything from this situation it's that domestic violence is not an isolated incident there are many women and children in our society who won't be able to get the help or attention because they aren't in a similar position that Janay Rice is in. Christian author and speaker Tony Campolo reminds us that The true measure of whether you are really a Christian or not is whether your heart breaks for the things that break Jesus' heart.
This Advent season look to pray for those less fortunate in your community, donate old clothes to clothing ministries in churches, volunteer at a soup kitchen, ask your pastor or ministry leader how to get involved, raise awareness, and know that there are many people who may not always be hurting from domestic violence, but our hurting from hunger, illness, poverty, and we as Jesus' followers can do something about that. We are reminded powerfully just who God cares about in Deuteronomy 10:18, "18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing."
Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the Rice family, and we pray that they would see this past year as an amazing opportunity to raise support and awareness in the ongoing fight to end domestic violence.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
on Millennials
There is an ever increasing number of studies, reports, articles written, and many other publications being put out about how is the church going to reach the millennial generation. So, I thought I'd throw my two cents in and see if anyone has anything to say about this. First, let me say that I am part of the millennial generation. My experience is not typical at all, I've grown up in the church, went to Christian school, Christian college, and so on. My experience has had a lot of perks, but it also has had a few downsides: one of them is not being exposed to many non-Christian friends who I could have learned from and shared the gospel with. I would say those in their mid to late thirties kind of tow the line between being part of Gen X and being a millennial. Since, I am 28 I fall nicely into that camp. My experience and ideas in no way should be considered dogmatic, but the hope is that they will inspire and continue in my mind very meaningful conversations. Here's what I see:
1) Millennials desire genuine relationships with people of all ages.
In an information, technology age there is nothing that will ever be able to replace genuine relationships and friendships with other people. This generation is faced with many issues that previous generations haven't faced to this degree. Good paying jobs are fewer, the cost of living is higher, and college debt grows each and every year. Most millennials desire a church where they can develop genuine friendships with people of all ages and feel that they are a valued part of the life of the church. A big mistake most churches make is asking or seeking the perspective or opinions of its teens and young adults.
One big step of faith we can all take is to seek to develop a friendship with someone brand new that is either older or younger than we are. Be honest and open of your church's current situation, do people of all ages have a chance to make friendships and relationships here? Does our church value the opinions and ideas of the entire congregation? Good preaching and great music should be a goal of every congregation, but from what I've seen what keeps people coming back is a sense of welcoming and a sense they belong at your church.
2) Millennials are very big into social justice issues.
Jesus was the ultimate champion of social justice. His desire was to preach hope to the poor, give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, and always proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand. Churches when they reach millennials correctly tap into their passion for social justice and connect it to the great commission, properly framing issues of social justice as a way of reaching the lost and broken as Jesus would have. Social justice issues can be dividing in churches and especially among political and conservative lines, but I urge all churches and church leaders to submit their ideas and social justice areas of enthusiasm to the Lordship of Jesus and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, because they are hardly ever wrong in their leading and guiding of churches and church leaders.
3) Freedom of Expression is huge to Millennials
Young adults are very unique as they are exposed to more ideas, thoughts, and expressions with the explosion of the Internet in the past 20 years. They desire a worship experience that lets them be themselves and explore who God is to them. The tough part is that many older folks' worship experience doesn't always line up to millennials desires or expectations in a worship setting. So, the question who is right? Well, the short answer is that both parties are. God is big enough and grand enough to be worshiped in many different ways and in many different styles and formats. It will take creativity, prayer, conversation, and guidance from a variety of sources to allow your worship experience to be a place where millennials and the older generations can feel comfortable and have the ability to express themselves.
One great step leaders can take is to begin the conversation worship at its core and our Christian lives at their core aren't about what we can get but rather in what we can give back to God for all that He has so graciously given us. Unfortunately, there isn't a one size fits all model that works to reach all millennials. My encouragement is to be welcoming, value their opinion, and pray every day that God would allow and guide to be faithful and genuine in all you do.
1) Millennials desire genuine relationships with people of all ages.
In an information, technology age there is nothing that will ever be able to replace genuine relationships and friendships with other people. This generation is faced with many issues that previous generations haven't faced to this degree. Good paying jobs are fewer, the cost of living is higher, and college debt grows each and every year. Most millennials desire a church where they can develop genuine friendships with people of all ages and feel that they are a valued part of the life of the church. A big mistake most churches make is asking or seeking the perspective or opinions of its teens and young adults.
One big step of faith we can all take is to seek to develop a friendship with someone brand new that is either older or younger than we are. Be honest and open of your church's current situation, do people of all ages have a chance to make friendships and relationships here? Does our church value the opinions and ideas of the entire congregation? Good preaching and great music should be a goal of every congregation, but from what I've seen what keeps people coming back is a sense of welcoming and a sense they belong at your church.
2) Millennials are very big into social justice issues.
Jesus was the ultimate champion of social justice. His desire was to preach hope to the poor, give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, and always proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand. Churches when they reach millennials correctly tap into their passion for social justice and connect it to the great commission, properly framing issues of social justice as a way of reaching the lost and broken as Jesus would have. Social justice issues can be dividing in churches and especially among political and conservative lines, but I urge all churches and church leaders to submit their ideas and social justice areas of enthusiasm to the Lordship of Jesus and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, because they are hardly ever wrong in their leading and guiding of churches and church leaders.
3) Freedom of Expression is huge to Millennials
Young adults are very unique as they are exposed to more ideas, thoughts, and expressions with the explosion of the Internet in the past 20 years. They desire a worship experience that lets them be themselves and explore who God is to them. The tough part is that many older folks' worship experience doesn't always line up to millennials desires or expectations in a worship setting. So, the question who is right? Well, the short answer is that both parties are. God is big enough and grand enough to be worshiped in many different ways and in many different styles and formats. It will take creativity, prayer, conversation, and guidance from a variety of sources to allow your worship experience to be a place where millennials and the older generations can feel comfortable and have the ability to express themselves.
One great step leaders can take is to begin the conversation worship at its core and our Christian lives at their core aren't about what we can get but rather in what we can give back to God for all that He has so graciously given us. Unfortunately, there isn't a one size fits all model that works to reach all millennials. My encouragement is to be welcoming, value their opinion, and pray every day that God would allow and guide to be faithful and genuine in all you do.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Brittany Maynard
Many of you reading this have come across the story about the Oregon woman, Brittany Maynard, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and chose to end her life this past Saturday. This has been a story that I've been wrestling with for about a month now because of its complex issues and what the Bible says and doesn't say about it. This is an issue I have a feeling will stay with me for quite some time, and I may and probably do differ in my views and beliefs than some of you reading this, but let's take a closer look at some of the issues presented here. As we delve into the issue let me be perfectly clear, when we are in the midst of horrific ordeals such as Ms. Maynard and her family was that can and does change our thinking.
1) Life is an incredible gift from God.
David reminds us in Psalm 139 that God knows us (vs.1), has created our inmost being (vs. 13), knit us together in our mother's womb (vs. 13), and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (vs. 14). This chapter as well as many others highlights God's high view of human life and the care and time it took to create everything on the planet.
I'm guessing it is not an accident that God placed you on this earth in a specific family, in a specific location, with specific parents, and I think you get the point. Now, I will admit it is not fair that some are born into a life of riches and trust funds while others are born into a family that doesn't know where their next meal is coming from. My best advice if that bothers you is to voice your concerns to God about that and see where he will lead you.
If we carry that thought out that it is no accident that God put you on this earth at a certain time and certain location, we can also be pretty certain that God will take us off this earth into life eternal when it is our time. Now, unfortunately we as human beings can often make many foolish mistakes and sadly end life before our time is up. Even if it is just a few days or moments, I know that every day on this earth is a precious gift that should be cherished. My fear is that God was going to be glorified in some way in Brittany's life before her God chose to take her. But, now God will have to use someone else.
2) Her struggle points to the truth that this world is not as it was intended to be.
Death, pain, disease, hurt, brokenness, disappointment, and shame were not all part of the original creation. Could God wipe all of them out? Of course he could, but then God would also have to wipe and eliminate sin and when that happens we lose our ability to freely choose to love and serve God. So, we're left in a world that is controlled by an all-powerful, compassionate God but also has disease, death, and sin running rampant.
The most crucial lesson of all is not for you to understand the struggle or attempt to rationalize why you are struggling but rather it is for you to know that God hears, feels, walks with you, and loves you no less in your struggles. Our faith needs to always hold on to the incredible truth that the world we live will one day be right and perfect by an all powerful, all mighty God.
3) We can learn to love and disagree all at the same time.
One of the most damaging things that happens in many Christian circles is division over ideas. In the aftermath of Ms. Maynard's decision there will be many conversations in church Sunday school classes, on college campuses, over coffee, and in many other places. It is bound to happen this a big discussion and at times can be a very hot button issue. However, this is not a deal breaker for Christians in being in community with each other. This issue is incredibly difficult, especially for those who are facing a terminal diagnosis. Our prayers and hearts go out to Brittany's family for healing and comfort and for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to properly discern God's will for this complex issue.
1) Life is an incredible gift from God.
David reminds us in Psalm 139 that God knows us (vs.1), has created our inmost being (vs. 13), knit us together in our mother's womb (vs. 13), and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (vs. 14). This chapter as well as many others highlights God's high view of human life and the care and time it took to create everything on the planet.
I'm guessing it is not an accident that God placed you on this earth in a specific family, in a specific location, with specific parents, and I think you get the point. Now, I will admit it is not fair that some are born into a life of riches and trust funds while others are born into a family that doesn't know where their next meal is coming from. My best advice if that bothers you is to voice your concerns to God about that and see where he will lead you.
If we carry that thought out that it is no accident that God put you on this earth at a certain time and certain location, we can also be pretty certain that God will take us off this earth into life eternal when it is our time. Now, unfortunately we as human beings can often make many foolish mistakes and sadly end life before our time is up. Even if it is just a few days or moments, I know that every day on this earth is a precious gift that should be cherished. My fear is that God was going to be glorified in some way in Brittany's life before her God chose to take her. But, now God will have to use someone else.
2) Her struggle points to the truth that this world is not as it was intended to be.
Death, pain, disease, hurt, brokenness, disappointment, and shame were not all part of the original creation. Could God wipe all of them out? Of course he could, but then God would also have to wipe and eliminate sin and when that happens we lose our ability to freely choose to love and serve God. So, we're left in a world that is controlled by an all-powerful, compassionate God but also has disease, death, and sin running rampant.
The most crucial lesson of all is not for you to understand the struggle or attempt to rationalize why you are struggling but rather it is for you to know that God hears, feels, walks with you, and loves you no less in your struggles. Our faith needs to always hold on to the incredible truth that the world we live will one day be right and perfect by an all powerful, all mighty God.
3) We can learn to love and disagree all at the same time.
One of the most damaging things that happens in many Christian circles is division over ideas. In the aftermath of Ms. Maynard's decision there will be many conversations in church Sunday school classes, on college campuses, over coffee, and in many other places. It is bound to happen this a big discussion and at times can be a very hot button issue. However, this is not a deal breaker for Christians in being in community with each other. This issue is incredibly difficult, especially for those who are facing a terminal diagnosis. Our prayers and hearts go out to Brittany's family for healing and comfort and for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to properly discern God's will for this complex issue.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Annise Parker
Most of you have heard in the news of the report that Houston mayor, Annise Parker, has subpoenaed the sermons of local Houston pastors that mention her name or that mention a local city ordinance which many pastors and churches aren't in favor of. This event has caused much public outcry over the government's relationship to faith based institutions and how far is too far in government reach into religion?
There are lots of issues surrounding these actions, and I will not for once ever admit to being an expert in the realm of politics, law, or even most times at religion. However, there are quite a few things to look at in the case of Annise Parker.
1) Always look at the big picture. When I first heard this my proverbial claws came out. I uttered phrases such as, "How dare she?" "Who does she think she is?" And even a few more phrases that I'm not very proud of. But, oh the wonders of social media, one of my good buddies Scott posted on Facebook that this subpoena of sermons might be a golden opportunity for Annise Parker to hear the incredible news that Jesus Christ saves sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) Because, I think one big mistake many of us make and that I made when I first heard the news is that we let little annoyances or disturbances interrupt the incredible story that Jesus' blood and power calls all sinners to repent. My advice is to never lose sight of the big picture. People who annoy us, irritate us, and even disagree with us need to know and come to home to know Jesus forgives their sin. That's the big picture we all need to remember no matter what.
2) God is greater than all of the problems we all face.
I will admit that I'm one of the first people who gets upset when I hear that another Nativity scene gets taken down, or someone has an issue with a Cross in the town square. But, let me say that despite all of the struggles that Christians have had in recent years, we need to remember that no matter what God has the final word in our lives and for all of human history.
It would be incredibly nice to know all the twists and turns in the story, but if we did there wouldn't be any need for us to have faith. We don't know the entire story, but we know that the author is good and loves us and we know in the end Jesus wins.
3) Preach the gospel with your life.
God's Not Dead is another of the many quality Christian movies that have been shot and produced over the past few years. In the movie college freshman Josh Wheaton is challenged in his philosophy class to prove to his class that in fact God is not dead. Well, the movie brings about some very compelling facts and arguments for the existence of God. But, what I want to share is a quote earlier on in the movie that many may have missed. When considering whether or not to prove God's existence Josh goes and talks with a pastor, and the pastor tells him this (paraphrased), "If you take this challenge, this may be the only time some of the students in the room hear the gospel." What an incredible idea! Difficult times, opposition from those who disagree, and problems can be opportunities to communicate the gospel to an unbelieving world. Remember that tough times don't build character, they reveal the character that is already there. Houston pastors can have an amazing show of character as the situation with Annise Parker continues to unfold.
There are lots of issues surrounding these actions, and I will not for once ever admit to being an expert in the realm of politics, law, or even most times at religion. However, there are quite a few things to look at in the case of Annise Parker.
1) Always look at the big picture. When I first heard this my proverbial claws came out. I uttered phrases such as, "How dare she?" "Who does she think she is?" And even a few more phrases that I'm not very proud of. But, oh the wonders of social media, one of my good buddies Scott posted on Facebook that this subpoena of sermons might be a golden opportunity for Annise Parker to hear the incredible news that Jesus Christ saves sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) Because, I think one big mistake many of us make and that I made when I first heard the news is that we let little annoyances or disturbances interrupt the incredible story that Jesus' blood and power calls all sinners to repent. My advice is to never lose sight of the big picture. People who annoy us, irritate us, and even disagree with us need to know and come to home to know Jesus forgives their sin. That's the big picture we all need to remember no matter what.
2) God is greater than all of the problems we all face.
I will admit that I'm one of the first people who gets upset when I hear that another Nativity scene gets taken down, or someone has an issue with a Cross in the town square. But, let me say that despite all of the struggles that Christians have had in recent years, we need to remember that no matter what God has the final word in our lives and for all of human history.
It would be incredibly nice to know all the twists and turns in the story, but if we did there wouldn't be any need for us to have faith. We don't know the entire story, but we know that the author is good and loves us and we know in the end Jesus wins.
3) Preach the gospel with your life.
God's Not Dead is another of the many quality Christian movies that have been shot and produced over the past few years. In the movie college freshman Josh Wheaton is challenged in his philosophy class to prove to his class that in fact God is not dead. Well, the movie brings about some very compelling facts and arguments for the existence of God. But, what I want to share is a quote earlier on in the movie that many may have missed. When considering whether or not to prove God's existence Josh goes and talks with a pastor, and the pastor tells him this (paraphrased), "If you take this challenge, this may be the only time some of the students in the room hear the gospel." What an incredible idea! Difficult times, opposition from those who disagree, and problems can be opportunities to communicate the gospel to an unbelieving world. Remember that tough times don't build character, they reveal the character that is already there. Houston pastors can have an amazing show of character as the situation with Annise Parker continues to unfold.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Gone Girl
Without a doubt you've seen previews or heard talk of the newest movie that just came out last Friday: Gone Girl. I have not seen the movie, so this review is of the book which I finished about a week ago. In this review I won't spoil any plot twists or the ending. So, let's dive in here.
Gillian Flynn's 2012 smash hit, Gone Girl, highlights the story of Nick and Amy Dunne. This couple moves from New York to Missouri to care for Nick's mother and father after the economy crashes. The couple struggles to adjust to life in a Missouri small town, but they do manage and Nick opens a bar with his twin sister with money that Amy received from her trust fund.
The story really picks up on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick gets a call at the bar from his neighbor that his front door is wide open. Confused and slightly alarmed Nick rushes home to find his house in a mess and his wife completely gone. Frantically, Nick calls the local police and then the search begins! Over the next several days Nick is questioned several times by the police, his past begins to unfold more before the reader's eyes, and he desperately searches for anything that will prove that he is not responsible for her disappearance.
Nick's search takes him everywhere as he delves into Amy's past, meets some shady and some interesting characters, hires a lawyer, defends his actions, has his past behavior unearthed, and it all leads up to the answer of the million dollar question: who exactly is Amy Dunne and what is she capable of?
There were certain parts of the book I really loved and others I didn't care for that much. I didn't share as much because I don't want to spoil anything if you plan on reading the book or seeing the movie. The previews do make the movie look extremely compelling. In terms of quality of work I'd give the book 4 out of 5 stars. Gillian Flynn's style in this book is unique, and I actually really enjoyed it. The pace is fast, and you really do feel in the middle of a missing person search. I will let you decide about the ending, I won't say much in here about my opinion on it. In terms of overall family friendliness this book gets a 1 out of 5 stars. There are some very mature themes in the book (drugs, sex, rape), and there is pervasive language throughout the work. I did enjoy it, but I had higher expectations. I'm giving it a 3 out of 5 overall.
Gillian Flynn's 2012 smash hit, Gone Girl, highlights the story of Nick and Amy Dunne. This couple moves from New York to Missouri to care for Nick's mother and father after the economy crashes. The couple struggles to adjust to life in a Missouri small town, but they do manage and Nick opens a bar with his twin sister with money that Amy received from her trust fund.
The story really picks up on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick gets a call at the bar from his neighbor that his front door is wide open. Confused and slightly alarmed Nick rushes home to find his house in a mess and his wife completely gone. Frantically, Nick calls the local police and then the search begins! Over the next several days Nick is questioned several times by the police, his past begins to unfold more before the reader's eyes, and he desperately searches for anything that will prove that he is not responsible for her disappearance.
Nick's search takes him everywhere as he delves into Amy's past, meets some shady and some interesting characters, hires a lawyer, defends his actions, has his past behavior unearthed, and it all leads up to the answer of the million dollar question: who exactly is Amy Dunne and what is she capable of?
There were certain parts of the book I really loved and others I didn't care for that much. I didn't share as much because I don't want to spoil anything if you plan on reading the book or seeing the movie. The previews do make the movie look extremely compelling. In terms of quality of work I'd give the book 4 out of 5 stars. Gillian Flynn's style in this book is unique, and I actually really enjoyed it. The pace is fast, and you really do feel in the middle of a missing person search. I will let you decide about the ending, I won't say much in here about my opinion on it. In terms of overall family friendliness this book gets a 1 out of 5 stars. There are some very mature themes in the book (drugs, sex, rape), and there is pervasive language throughout the work. I did enjoy it, but I had higher expectations. I'm giving it a 3 out of 5 overall.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
On Mom's Night Out
Movies speak to us in powerful way. Most of us can remember seeing Simba take back pride rock for the first time or the chill we got when we heard Elsa sing, "Let it Go" for the very first time. Well, I always want you to see this blog as being a place where it encourages you to watch family friendly movies. I'm bringing you one right now, Mom's Night Out.
This movie has just come out on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Redbox video within the last six weeks. It is the movie: Mom's Night Out!!!
Mom's Night Out is the humorous tale of Allyson (Sarah Drew, Grey's Anatomy), mom of three little ones, and her friends Sondra (Patricia Heaton), and Izzy as they embark on a rare but much anticipated mom's night out. The ladies leave their children in care of their husbands as they go out for the evening. Allyson's great plans are quickly derailed when their reservation is lost, the other ladies spend too much time on their cell phones, and when she discovers that her nephew is missing. Come join the fun with a great cast, lots of laughs, and a wonderful reminder that being a mom is truly one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs any woman could ever have.
This movie has much more than I described, because I want you to watch and enjoy for yourself. In terms of content and quality I would give the movie three out of five stars. The acting and quality of Christian movies has gone way up in the last five years. This movie is a great step in that direction. It won't be in the conversation during Academy award time, but it's a fun family movie that is appropriate for all ages. I would rate it 4.5 out of five stars in terms of family friendliness. There is no language, violence, or sexual issues at all in the movie. But, the characters do find themselves in places such as a tattoo parlor and police station.
This movie has just come out on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Redbox video within the last six weeks. It is the movie: Mom's Night Out!!!
Mom's Night Out is the humorous tale of Allyson (Sarah Drew, Grey's Anatomy), mom of three little ones, and her friends Sondra (Patricia Heaton), and Izzy as they embark on a rare but much anticipated mom's night out. The ladies leave their children in care of their husbands as they go out for the evening. Allyson's great plans are quickly derailed when their reservation is lost, the other ladies spend too much time on their cell phones, and when she discovers that her nephew is missing. Come join the fun with a great cast, lots of laughs, and a wonderful reminder that being a mom is truly one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs any woman could ever have.
This movie has much more than I described, because I want you to watch and enjoy for yourself. In terms of content and quality I would give the movie three out of five stars. The acting and quality of Christian movies has gone way up in the last five years. This movie is a great step in that direction. It won't be in the conversation during Academy award time, but it's a fun family movie that is appropriate for all ages. I would rate it 4.5 out of five stars in terms of family friendliness. There is no language, violence, or sexual issues at all in the movie. But, the characters do find themselves in places such as a tattoo parlor and police station.
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