cinemagogue » audio reviews http://cinemagogue.com redefining entertainment Sat, 19 May 2012 20:07:55 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 engaging and exploring the connection between film, narrative, spirituality, creativity and Creator, images and imaging God. Join James Harleman, writer and speaker on narrative and its connective chords between all storytelling and the story of which we're all a part. Find new depths in what it means to be "entertained" and the reasons why stories (whether they're simple or complex, Citizen Kane or Harold and Kumar, touch our hearts and minds. Pastor James Harleman clean Pastor James Harleman jh@marshill.com jh@marshill.com (Pastor James Harleman) ...redefining "entertainment" religion, tv, film, spirituality, Mars Hill Church, movie reviews, Christianity, Christian Movie Reviews cinemagogue » audio reviews +http://cinemagogue.com/rss.png http://cinemagogue.com/category/film-reviews/audio-reviews/ Legacy and The MUPPETS http://cinemagogue.com/2012/05/16/legacy-and-the-muppets/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/05/16/legacy-and-the-muppets/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 19:51:44 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5944 Muppets' creator Jim Henson passed away on May 15, 1990 but his legacy lives on. I think a lot of people were initially skeptical when The Muppets trailer debuted, uncertain if the franchise could - or should - be refreshed for a new generation. Thankfully, the efforts of actor and Muppet aficionado Jason Segel (and many others) the film succeeded narratively and financially. Segel is quoted as saying the Muppets meant more to him than laughs, that in his youth they "shaped who he wanted to be". The same is true of me: I gleaned a lot of childhood wisdom from Kermit the Frog, a dash of adventurous spirit from Gonzo the Great, and ALL of my humor from Fozzie the Bear (seriously, pray for my wife). I bet Segel and I aren't the only ones, either.]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/05/16/legacy-and-the-muppets/feed/ 0 Muppets' creator Jim Henson passed away on May 15, 1990 but his legacy lives on. I think a lot of people were initially skeptical when The Muppets trailer debuted, uncertain if the franchise could - or should - be refreshed for a new generation. Muppets' creator Jim Henson passed away on May 15, 1990 but his legacy lives on. I think a lot of people were initially skeptical when The Muppets trailer debuted, uncertain if the franchise could - or should - be refreshed for a new generation. Thankfully, the efforts of actor and Muppet aficionado Jason Segel (and many others) the film succeeded narratively and financially. Segel is quoted as saying the Muppets meant more to him than laughs, that in his youth they "shaped who he wanted to be". The same is true of me: I gleaned a lot of childhood wisdom from Kermit the Frog, a dash of adventurous spirit from Gonzo the Great, and ALL of my humor from Fozzie the Bear (seriously, pray for my wife). I bet Segel and I aren't the only ones, either. Pastor James Harleman clean Obsession & Guilt plague Spider-man Too http://cinemagogue.com/2012/03/07/obsession-guilt-plague-spider-man-too/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/03/07/obsession-guilt-plague-spider-man-too/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:38:56 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5575 As mentioned in our last post, Hollywood is determined to keep Spider-man swinging strong in the new film out this summer. I uncovered an audio review for my favorite flick in the franchise, Spider-man 2 (and I'm far from alone in that assessment) and not just because my favorite Spidey villain was always Doctor Octopus. Part 1 dealt more generically with the comic book character, so here is part 2 (which assumes you've seen the 2004 film and contains spoilers). What the film tackles brilliantly is the primary characters and how ALL of them - protagonist and antagonist, and those inbetween - operate out of some form of obsession. We also pit Peter Parker's axiom and claim to "responsibility" against the fullness of his actions, and discuss the unstable foundation of guilt that actually spurs him on. Lastly, the poster campaign proclaimed this film would deal with three particular concepts...]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/03/07/obsession-guilt-plague-spider-man-too/feed/ 0 As mentioned in our last post, Hollywood is determined to keep Spider-man swinging strong in the new film out this summer. I uncovered an audio review for my favorite flick in the franchise, Spider-man 2 (and I'm far from alone in that assessment) and ... As mentioned in our last post, Hollywood is determined to keep Spider-man swinging strong in the new film out this summer. I uncovered an audio review for my favorite flick in the franchise, Spider-man 2 (and I'm far from alone in that assessment) and not just because my favorite Spidey villain was always Doctor Octopus. Part 1 dealt more generically with the comic book character, so here is part 2 (which assumes you've seen the 2004 film and contains spoilers). What the film tackles brilliantly is the primary characters and how ALL of them - protagonist and antagonist, and those inbetween - operate out of some form of obsession. We also pit Peter Parker's axiom and claim to "responsibility" against the fullness of his actions, and discuss the unstable foundation of guilt that actually spurs him on. Lastly, the poster campaign proclaimed this film would deal with three particular concepts... Pastor James Harleman clean Spider-man… AMAZING? http://cinemagogue.com/2012/03/06/spider-man-amazing/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/03/06/spider-man-amazing/#comments Wed, 07 Mar 2012 01:59:57 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5541 In June, The Amazing Spider-man will swing into theaters, take us on a high rise ride over an IMAX-sized city and even kick us in the face straight through our 3D glasses. Personally, I'm excited for the fresh take on our friendly neighborhood wall-crawler, and don't even mind the gimmicky format. My 3 reasons?
  1. If any hero seemed suited for 3D, it's the web-swinging Peter Parker. (Classic artist John Romita practically drew him EXPLODING off the page into your face.)
  2. I'm happy just to have something to wash the taste of that third movie out of my mouth, something that ISN'T a musical with songs by Bono. In both cases, we know that Spider-man should swing, not dance.
  3. Finally, I can't deny I love Denis Leary, who has a prominent role as Gwen Stacy's father and the police captain chasing our misunderstood web-head. If you haven't seen the most recent trailer, check it out.

What's so special about Spider-man anyway?

]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/03/06/spider-man-amazing/feed/ 1 In June, The Amazing Spider-man will swing into theaters, take us on a high rise ride over an IMAX-sized city and even kick us in the face straight through our 3D glasses. Personally, I'm excited for the fresh take on our friendly neighborhood wall-cra... In June, The Amazing Spider-man will swing into theaters, take us on a high rise ride over an IMAX-sized city and even kick us in the face straight through our 3D glasses. Personally, I'm excited for the fresh take on our friendly neighborhood wall-crawler, and don't even mind the gimmicky format. My 3 reasons? If any hero seemed suited for 3D, it's the web-swinging Peter Parker. (Classic artist John Romita practically drew him EXPLODING off the page into your face.) I'm happy just to have something to wash the taste of that third movie out of my mouth, something that ISN'T a musical with songs by Bono. In both cases, we know that Spider-man should swing, not dance. Finally, I can't deny I love Denis Leary, who has a prominent role as Gwen Stacy's father and the police captain chasing our misunderstood web-head. If you haven't seen the most recent trailer, check it out. What's so special about Spider-man anyway? Pastor James Harleman clean The DEVIL You Say… http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/13/the-devil-you-say/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/13/the-devil-you-say/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:24:09 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5282 "You're never going to get these people to see themselves as they really are, 'cause it's the lies that we tell ourselves... they introduce us to him." Is a movie called Devil automatically evil? Can it actually provoke conversation about his existence, and God’s ultimate authority and triumph over his schemes? In our first post about this film, we featured a segment on scary movies more generally, and how they play an important part in storytelling. Now we dig in deeper to this particular film with the second segment, which is best listened to after you've seen the film and contains spoilers...]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/13/the-devil-you-say/feed/ 0 "You're never going to get these people to see themselves as they really are, 'cause it's the lies that we tell ourselves... they introduce us to him." - Is a movie called Devil automatically evil? Can it actually provoke conversation about his existe... "You're never going to get these people to see themselves as they really are, 'cause it's the lies that we tell ourselves... they introduce us to him." Is a movie called Devil automatically evil? Can it actually provoke conversation about his existence, and God’s ultimate authority and triumph over his schemes? In our first post about this film, we featured a segment on scary movies more generally, and how they play an important part in storytelling. Now we dig in deeper to this particular film with the second segment, which is best listened to after you've seen the film and contains spoilers... Pastor James Harleman clean The DEVIL you know? http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/10/the-devil-you-know-2/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/10/the-devil-you-know-2/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:30:21 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5239 Is the Devil real? Does he have power over us? A PG-13 film that captures the spirit of old stories like The Twilight Zone, Devil (directed by John Erick Dowdle) explores the terrifying possibilities of the world we don’t see. The film opens with 1 Peter 5:8 scrawled on the screen - “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” – and thus the movie's narrative begs for discussion.

Why do we watch these movies???

The first leg of this 2-part audio podcast features less on the 2010 film and more on why you, me, or anyone goes in for scary movies at all and most particularly movies dealing with Old Nick, Old Scratch, Lucifer, the Accuser himself: the devil. Some would say even speaking about films like these, let alone watching them, let alone making them, is inherently evil. However, if we take an informed view of storytelling and the place of the horror story in an oft-horrific world, we might find we're missing something very important about both the genre and ourselves. Take a spin down scary storytelling 101 - if you dare. I promise no black cats will jump out of the cupboard, and there are no demons embedded in the mp3. I also have a little fun at M. Night Shyamalan's expense, so beware of bad puns...]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/10/the-devil-you-know-2/feed/ 0 Is the Devil real? Does he have power over us? A PG-13 film that captures the spirit of old stories like The Twilight Zone, Devil (directed by John Erick Dowdle) explores the terrifying possibilities of the world we don’t see. Is the Devil real? Does he have power over us? A PG-13 film that captures the spirit of old stories like The Twilight Zone, Devil (directed by John Erick Dowdle) explores the terrifying possibilities of the world we don’t see. The film opens with 1 Peter 5:8 scrawled on the screen - “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” – and thus the movie's narrative begs for discussion. Why do we watch these movies??? The first leg of this 2-part audio podcast features less on the 2010 film and more on why you, me, or anyone goes in for scary movies at all and most particularly movies dealing with Old Nick, Old Scratch, Lucifer, the Accuser himself: the devil. Some would say even speaking about films like these, let alone watching them, let alone making them, is inherently evil. However, if we take an informed view of storytelling and the place of the horror story in an oft-horrific world, we might find we're missing something very important about both the genre and ourselves. Take a spin down scary storytelling 101 - if you dare. I promise no black cats will jump out of the cupboard, and there are no demons embedded in the mp3. I also have a little fun at M. Night Shyamalan's expense, so beware of bad puns... Pastor James Harleman clean It’s Groundhog Day again (& again) http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/09/its-groundhog-day-again-again/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/09/its-groundhog-day-again-again/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30:25 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5258 "Winter, slumbering in the open air, wears on its smiling face a dream... of spring." What to do now that we've got six extra weeks of winter? We find ourselves in the shadow of Groundhog Day... Hard to believe a cute little 1993 feel-good film about Punxsatowney Phil and Gobbler's Knob, starring SNL alumnus Bill Murray, would be deemed by some “One of the best films of the last 40 years…” and “required viewing for the course ‘Religion, Ethics, and Film”. Still, when a spritely holiday comedy film by Harold Ramis finds itself being compared to the works of Nietzsche and Camus, you can't help but scratch your head. Is this the result of a great story, or people reading into things because they're holed up due to six extra weeks of winter? A Twilight Zone style event makes an irascible weatherman relive the same day over and over again, until he's forced to confront some important things about himself, the world around him, and what he's living for. A great article by Justin Taylor praising the film made me relive it all over again, and we hosted a film event where I got to sift the host of commentary on the film and sprinkle in some apt scripture as it applied. If you look deep enough into this film, might it look into you? Let's see who swerves first...]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/09/its-groundhog-day-again-again/feed/ 0 "Winter, slumbering in the open air, wears on its smiling face a dream... of spring." What to do now that we've got six extra weeks of winter? We find ourselves in the shadow of Groundhog Day... - Hard to believe a cute little 1993 feel-good film abo... "Winter, slumbering in the open air, wears on its smiling face a dream... of spring." What to do now that we've got six extra weeks of winter? We find ourselves in the shadow of Groundhog Day... Hard to believe a cute little 1993 feel-good film about Punxsatowney Phil and Gobbler's Knob, starring SNL alumnus Bill Murray, would be deemed by some “One of the best films of the last 40 years…” and “required viewing for the course ‘Religion, Ethics, and Film”. Still, when a spritely holiday comedy film by Harold Ramis finds itself being compared to the works of Nietzsche and Camus, you can't help but scratch your head. Is this the result of a great story, or people reading into things because they're holed up due to six extra weeks of winter? A Twilight Zone style event makes an irascible weatherman relive the same day over and over again, until he's forced to confront some important things about himself, the world around him, and what he's living for. A great article by Justin Taylor praising the film made me relive it all over again, and we hosted a film event where I got to sift the host of commentary on the film and sprinkle in some apt scripture as it applied. If you look deep enough into this film, might it look into you? Let's see who swerves first... Pastor James Harleman clean Before Breaking Dawn… http://cinemagogue.com/2011/11/18/before-breaking-dawn/ http://cinemagogue.com/2011/11/18/before-breaking-dawn/#comments Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:06:44 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=4426 Let's check the list: These are just a few of the ideas that come to mind when thinking about the overextended Twilight series that adds "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" to it's cinematic entries in Potter-mimicking fashion. ]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2011/11/18/before-breaking-dawn/feed/ 0 Let's check the list: Pouty lips (is it Blue steel, or Magnum?) Mouth Breathers. Elongated stares more torturous than a Hostel movie. Abs that send washboards back to the gym in shame. Teen Wolf's extended family (P.S. - we forgive you too, Let's check the list: Pouty lips (is it Blue steel, or Magnum?) Mouth Breathers. Elongated stares more torturous than a Hostel movie. Abs that send washboards back to the gym in shame. Teen Wolf's extended family (P.S. - we forgive you too, Jason Bateman) Sparkly vampires that make Count Chocula cry in his milk. These are just a few of the ideas that come to mind when thinking about the overextended Twilight series that adds "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" to it's cinematic entries in Potter-mimicking fashion. Pastor James Harleman clean Sibling Rivalry and Daddy issues in Thor http://cinemagogue.com/2011/11/09/sibling-rivalry-and-daddy-issues-in-thor/ http://cinemagogue.com/2011/11/09/sibling-rivalry-and-daddy-issues-in-thor/#comments Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:02:34 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=4354 Two archetypal sons are examined in this 2011 summer blockbuster, hammering home deep truths about jealousy and pride that have existed long before even Jacob and Esau in the Bible. Marvel's film adaptation of Thor examines how we relate to ourselves, others, and our father - both earthly and heavenly.]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2011/11/09/sibling-rivalry-and-daddy-issues-in-thor/feed/ 0 Two archetypal sons are examined in this 2011 summer blockbuster, hammering home deep truths about jealousy and pride that have existed long before even Jacob and Esau in the Bible. Marvel's film adaptation of Thor examines how we relate to ourselves, Two archetypal sons are examined in this 2011 summer blockbuster, hammering home deep truths about jealousy and pride that have existed long before even Jacob and Esau in the Bible. Marvel's film adaptation of Thor examines how we relate to ourselves, others, and our father - both earthly and heavenly. Pastor James Harleman clean Adjusting our view of God http://cinemagogue.com/2011/09/12/adjusting-your-view-of-god/ http://cinemagogue.com/2011/09/12/adjusting-your-view-of-god/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:02:37 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=4252 http://cinemagogue.com/2011/09/12/adjusting-your-view-of-god/feed/ 0 "All I have are the choices I make." - David Norris, The Adjustment Bureau - Really? Is this a truism about humanity, or a truth we really want to live with? I left this film with an acrid taste in my mouth, though not for the reasons one might expect. "All I have are the choices I make." - David Norris, The Adjustment Bureau Really? Is this a truism about humanity, or a truth we really want to live with? I left this film with an acrid taste in my mouth, though not for the reasons one might expect. True, I was in the minority that didn't really resonate with the chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt (though the latter gave a great performance - I blame Damon), but this wasn't the problem. The issue at hand was any interpretation in which a viewer might actually believe they'd witnessed a happy ending. The Bureau in the film, and the chairman, provide the viewer with a very skewed view of sovereignty, a vision of overseeing powers that are short-handed, short-sighted, and desperately trying to keep up. If this film's vision of reality's "chairman" were true, I wouldn't have any faith either... in love, in life, or in God. Despite my unsettled feelings regarding the film, it remained a fantastic time unpacking ideas of chance, choices, and chairman with a live audience after a showing of the film, delving into the nature of "true love", kismet, cause and effect, and creator. (WARNING: the audio talk contains spoilers). "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 OWN THE FILM now on DVD, Blu-ray, or Instant Video. Pastor James Harleman clean Gritty Reality Hints at True Hope http://cinemagogue.com/2011/08/21/4191/ http://cinemagogue.com/2011/08/21/4191/#comments Sun, 21 Aug 2011 22:50:48 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=4191 http://cinemagogue.com/2011/08/21/4191/feed/ 0 "You must pay for everything in this world, one way or another... there is nothing free except the grace of God." Following the murder of her father by hired hand Tom Chaney, a 14-year-old farm girl sets out to capture the killer and hires Reuben J. "You must pay for everything in this world, one way or another... there is nothing free except the grace of God." Following the murder of her father by hired hand Tom Chaney, a 14-year-old farm girl sets out to capture the killer and hires Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn, the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, known as a man with “True Grit.” The question is, however: what IS true grit? Who in the film truly evinces this? What do we REALLY need to secure justice, or to show grace, and does the film leave us in a place of hope or despair for achieving either in this life? This incredible, well-received film depicts the harsh realities of life with a few hopeful hints toward the everlasting arms that can sustain us, and it was my pleasure to unpack this at a live, crowded family film and theology event. Audio from the teaching portion is now available, though it assumes you've watched the film and does contain spoilers. OWN THE FILM on Blu-ray, DVD, or Instant Video. Pastor James Harleman clean