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 +http://cinemagogue.com/rss.png http://cinemagogue.com/category/film-reviews/video-reviews/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/05/07/the-avengers-big-movie-puny-god/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/05/07/the-avengers-big-movie-puny-god/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 16:30:52 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5807 "KNEEL! Is not this simpler? Is this not your natural state? It's the unspoken truth of humanity that you crave subjugation... You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel." While this quote might apply to the Avengers film itself, how it utterly conquered the Box Office record and made all other movies kneel before it, the line is actually a pivotal quote from Loki as he makes an assembled group of humans kneel before him in the film's narrative. Is there some truth in his claim? In what could have been a mess of Marvel characters mashed into a film where all of them struggle to be the center of attention, director Joss Whedon rules and reigns over the various players with a knowledge of comic book art that frees them to serve a great story that is the sum of their cinematic parts. Conveniently, the film itself deals with human nature and what "freedom" means, if we were made to be ruled over and where our identity lies. The villainous Loki's plans to be god of earth may not be what we need, but does this mean we shouldn't bow to anyone? Maybe it just means, as the Hulk so aptly puts it, that Loki is a "puny god". In this video review, we examine how the Avengers playfully suit up to tackle these themes, hammer on the ideas, shield us from the wrong forms of slavery, and take aim at the "free servitude" our lives should reflect. Over the next three days we'll address the following three spiritual facets of the Avengers in written review: how Loki is right, how he's wrong, and why we are like Loki. Watch on Youtube or using the browser below.]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/05/07/the-avengers-big-movie-puny-god/feed/ 3 "KNEEL! Is not this simpler? Is this not your natural state? It's the unspoken truth of humanity that you crave subjugation... You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel." While this quote might apply to the Avengers film itself, "KNEEL! Is not this simpler? Is this not your natural state? It's the unspoken truth of humanity that you crave subjugation... You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel." While this quote might apply to the Avengers film itself, how it utterly conquered the Box Office record and made all other movies kneel before it, the line is actually a pivotal quote from Loki as he makes an assembled group of humans kneel before him in the film's narrative. Is there some truth in his claim? In what could have been a mess of Marvel characters mashed into a film where all of them struggle to be the center of attention, director Joss Whedon rules and reigns over the various players with a knowledge of comic book art that frees them to serve a great story that is the sum of their cinematic parts. Conveniently, the film itself deals with human nature and what "freedom" means, if we were made to be ruled over and where our identity lies. The villainous Loki's plans to be god of earth may not be what we need, but does this mean we shouldn't bow to anyone? Maybe it just means, as the Hulk so aptly puts it, that Loki is a "puny god". In this video review, we examine how the Avengers playfully suit up to tackle these themes, hammer on the ideas, shield us from the wrong forms of slavery, and take aim at the "free servitude" our lives should reflect. Over the next three days we'll address the following three spiritual facets of the Avengers in written review: how Loki is right, how he's wrong, and why we are like Loki. Watch on Youtube or using the browser below. Pastor James Harleman clean <iframe width="400" height="400" src="http://cinemagogue.com/?powerpress_embed=5807-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=html5video" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/04/24/watching-the-watchers-of-the-cabin-in-the-woods/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/04/24/watching-the-watchers-of-the-cabin-in-the-woods/#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:43:32 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5767 The Cabin in the Woods takes a step back from the stereotypical horror movie to look at those who watch this classic, recycling narrative, this movie's meta-commentary provides unique insights and conversation starters on why WE culturally create and watch scary movies, what it appeals to or appeases within us (and others) and what part "sacrifice" plays in dealing with humanity and atoning for our corporate transgression. Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly/Serenity and other endeavors involving Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon are sure to be pleased by this film, and I think it deserves three stars. Its content, however, is not for everyone. The video review dances around the details and avoids the big spoilers: we'll follow up with a spoiler-laden, written review later this week for those who want to go deeper. For more on why we engage scary movies and the horror movie in general, read this post. Watch the review of The Cabin in the Woods on Youtube or on Cinemagogue here...]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/04/24/watching-the-watchers-of-the-cabin-in-the-woods/feed/ 0 The Cabin in the Woods takes a step back from the stereotypical horror movie to look at those who watch this classic, recycling narrative, this movie's meta-commentary provides unique insights and conversation starters on why WE culturally create and ... The Cabin in the Woods takes a step back from the stereotypical horror movie to look at those who watch this classic, recycling narrative, this movie's meta-commentary provides unique insights and conversation starters on why WE culturally create and watch scary movies, what it appeals to or appeases within us (and others) and what part "sacrifice" plays in dealing with humanity and atoning for our corporate transgression. Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly/Serenity and other endeavors involving Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon are sure to be pleased by this film, and I think it deserves three stars. Its content, however, is not for everyone. The video review dances around the details and avoids the big spoilers: we'll follow up with a spoiler-laden, written review later this week for those who want to go deeper. For more on why we engage scary movies and the horror movie in general, read this post. Watch the review of The Cabin in the Woods on Youtube or on Cinemagogue here... Pastor James Harleman clean <iframe width="400" height="400" src="http://cinemagogue.com/?powerpress_embed=5767-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=html5video" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/04/15/the-titans-wrath-is-watching-this-movie/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/04/15/the-titans-wrath-is-watching-this-movie/#comments Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:40:23 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5726 Here's a thankfully brief look at Wrath of the Titans, considering the real wrath you'll feel is the almost unbearable price of watching this movie. If push comes to shove and you really want fantasy/action, watch the "Clash" again instead, with comparably better direction and actors. Still, if you find yourself really bored or at the cheap theater in your neighborhood, however, there are a few points to chew on as Sam Worthington limps and flits across the ancient Greek CGI landscape. The film isn't sure what to do with the concepts of prayer, hanging the film's major problem on our lack of it yet depicting "gods" that aren't worthy of it either. Better yet, we find a the god of the underworld in a scene lamenting that there isn't any life after death. Yes, I'm serious. Less Iliad and Odyssey than idiots and audacity, Wrath of the Titans still winds up revealing some of our own culture's confusion with prayer, and our collective fear that the material existence is all there is. Watch on Youtube or using the browser below. ]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/04/15/the-titans-wrath-is-watching-this-movie/feed/ 0 Here's a thankfully brief look at Wrath of the Titans, considering the real wrath you'll feel is the almost unbearable price of watching this movie. If push comes to shove and you really want fantasy/action, watch the "Clash" again instead, Here's a thankfully brief look at Wrath of the Titans, considering the real wrath you'll feel is the almost unbearable price of watching this movie. If push comes to shove and you really want fantasy/action, watch the "Clash" again instead, with comparably better direction and actors. Still, if you find yourself really bored or at the cheap theater in your neighborhood, however, there are a few points to chew on as Sam Worthington limps and flits across the ancient Greek CGI landscape. The film isn't sure what to do with the concepts of prayer, hanging the film's major problem on our lack of it yet depicting "gods" that aren't worthy of it either. Better yet, we find a the god of the underworld in a scene lamenting that there isn't any life after death. Yes, I'm serious. Less Iliad and Odyssey than idiots and audacity, Wrath of the Titans still winds up revealing some of our own culture's confusion with prayer, and our collective fear that the material existence is all there is. Watch on Youtube or using the browser below. Pastor James Harleman clean <iframe width="400" height="400" src="http://cinemagogue.com/?powerpress_embed=5726-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=html5video" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/04/05/identity-substitution-in-the-hunger-games/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/04/05/identity-substitution-in-the-hunger-games/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:34:08 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5652 "Hope, it is the only thing stronger than fear." They didn't get everything right. I know, I know, we were ALL disappointed with what Katniss was wearing at the opening ceremonies in the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' New York Times Bestseller, The Hunger Games. The CGI fire just didn't do it justice, and Jennifer Lawrence looked like she was wearing a leftover stillsuit from Dune. Still, since my wife Kat and I read the trilogy just a month before the film came out, I still stand by the fact that it's one of the faithful adaptations of a book done, period. From the great casting (most notably Donald Sutherland and Woody Harrelson) to the deft line of bloody-yet-PG-13 violence, everything save for the costumes was superb. Since Cinemagogue's focus isn't really playing fashion police, however, we'll move on. Like peasants of Pan Em clued to the arena telecast, this film is dominating the box office and the hearts and minds of viewers and critics, and likely will win out over Good Friday and Easter weekend. I think this is appropriate, since the pivotal ideas of identity and substitution - proxy, tribute, sacrifice - play such key roles in the film, a little glimmer of what this holiday weekend is all about as Jesus offered himself in our place. Whether you've seen the film or read the book, you can check out this Spoiler-free video review. We'll follow up with a written review addressing other elements that can only be addressed by revealing key plot points. Watch on Youtube or using the browser below. ]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/04/05/identity-substitution-in-the-hunger-games/feed/ 2 "Hope, it is the only thing stronger than fear." They didn't get everything right. I know, I know, we were ALL disappointed with what Katniss was wearing at the opening ceremonies in the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' New York Times Bestseller, "Hope, it is the only thing stronger than fear." They didn't get everything right. I know, I know, we were ALL disappointed with what Katniss was wearing at the opening ceremonies in the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' New York Times Bestseller, The Hunger Games. The CGI fire just didn't do it justice, and Jennifer Lawrence looked like she was wearing a leftover stillsuit from Dune. Still, since my wife Kat and I read the trilogy just a month before the film came out, I still stand by the fact that it's one of the faithful adaptations of a book done, period. From the great casting (most notably Donald Sutherland and Woody Harrelson) to the deft line of bloody-yet-PG-13 violence, everything save for the costumes was superb. Since Cinemagogue's focus isn't really playing fashion police, however, we'll move on. Like peasants of Pan Em clued to the arena telecast, this film is dominating the box office and the hearts and minds of viewers and critics, and likely will win out over Good Friday and Easter weekend. I think this is appropriate, since the pivotal ideas of identity and substitution - proxy, tribute, sacrifice - play such key roles in the film, a little glimmer of what this holiday weekend is all about as Jesus offered himself in our place. Whether you've seen the film or read the book, you can check out this Spoiler-free video review. We'll follow up with a written review addressing other elements that can only be addressed by revealing key plot points. Watch on Youtube or using the browser below. Pastor James Harleman clean <iframe width="400" height="400" src="http://cinemagogue.com/?powerpress_embed=5652-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=html5video" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/03/11/5606/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/03/11/5606/#comments Sun, 11 Mar 2012 20:31:05 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5606 Should Christians gamble? Do we know what the Bible says about it, or do we simply carry unquestioned assumptions? While there are some areas of consensus that emerge from a sound theology and application of the Bible, the way the real-life Christians approach their interplay with Blackjack in Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card-Counting Christians pulls the rug out from some of the traditional arguments. Maybe what they're doing isn't even gambling! It also raises other intriguing questions. This video review takes a look at the film directed by Bryan Storkel as his crew as they follow this card-counting "church team" in a unique and captivating documentary. ]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/03/11/5606/feed/ 1 Should Christians gamble? Do we know what the Bible says about it, or do we simply carry unquestioned assumptions? While there are some areas of consensus that emerge from a sound theology and application of the Bible, Should Christians gamble? Do we know what the Bible says about it, or do we simply carry unquestioned assumptions? While there are some areas of consensus that emerge from a sound theology and application of the Bible, the way the real-life Christians approach their interplay with Blackjack in Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card-Counting Christians pulls the rug out from some of the traditional arguments. Maybe what they're doing isn't even gambling! It also raises other intriguing questions. This video review takes a look at the film directed by Bryan Storkel as his crew as they follow this card-counting "church team" in a unique and captivating documentary. Pastor James Harleman clean <iframe width="400" height="400" src="http://cinemagogue.com/?powerpress_embed=5606-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=html5video" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/27/burned-by-ghost-rider-spirit-of-vengeance/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/27/burned-by-ghost-rider-spirit-of-vengeance/#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:15:26 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5522 "It couldn't be any worse than the first one," I convinced myself... and am reminded sharply that I shouldn't always listen to that voice in my head. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance was an artistic nightmare that fails on almost EVERY level... yet surprisingly hits three biblical truths... ]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/27/burned-by-ghost-rider-spirit-of-vengeance/feed/ 0 "It couldn't be any worse than the first one," I convinced myself... and am reminded sharply that I shouldn't always listen to that voice in my head. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance was an artistic nightmare that fails on almost EVERY level... "It couldn't be any worse than the first one," I convinced myself... and am reminded sharply that I shouldn't always listen to that voice in my head. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance was an artistic nightmare that fails on almost EVERY level... yet surprisingly hits three biblical truths... Pastor James Harleman clean <iframe width="400" height="400" src="http://cinemagogue.com/?powerpress_embed=5522-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=html5video" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/24/8-reasons-super-8-was-super-gr8/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/24/8-reasons-super-8-was-super-gr8/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:04:36 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5486 One of my favorite films of 2011, J.J. Abrams' flashback/homage to the classic works of Spielberg taps into 4 essential components of his filmmaker's late 70s to early 80s films:

1. panoramic, storybook skylines
2. extraterrestrials disrupting suburban, middle-class life
3. relational struggles between parent/child
4. excessive use of lens flare

You can just feel the entire film is a narrative expression of J.J. looking at Steven saying "I love you man!" However, the film isn't just your typical, monster/alien-incursion-forces-coming-of-age-story...]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/24/8-reasons-super-8-was-super-gr8/feed/ 0 One of my favorite films of 2011, J.J. Abrams' flashback/homage to the classic works of Spielberg taps into 4 essential components of his filmmaker's late 70s to early 80s films: panoramic, storybook skylines extraterrestrials disrupting suburban, One of my favorite films of 2011, J.J. Abrams' flashback/homage to the classic works of Spielberg taps into 4 essential components of his filmmaker's late 70s to early 80s films: panoramic, storybook skylines extraterrestrials disrupting suburban, middle-class life relational struggles between parent/child excessive use of lens flare You can just feel the entire film is a narrative expression of J.J. looking at Steven saying "I love you man!" However, the film isn't just your typical, monster/alien-incursion-forces-coming-of-age-story... Pastor James Harleman clean <iframe width="400" height="400" src="http://cinemagogue.com/?powerpress_embed=5486-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=html5video" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/06/message-isnt-black-white-in-the-grey/ http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/06/message-isnt-black-white-in-the-grey/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:08:47 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=5223 When thrust into a violent Alaskan landscape where death seems almost certain, a formerly despondent man suddenly manifests an incredible will to survive, to fight, to lead a group of men through the wilderness and combat the wolves at their heels. Less an action film and more an essay on naturalism, on what it looks like to truly build on Bertrand Russell's firm foundation of unyielding despair. It evokes Solomon's lament about the similarities and differences between man and beast in Ecclesiastes 3. The film is an incredible treatise on why we choose life and fight to survive that demands conversation with a mixed crowd. Does the ending satisfy? Why or why not? Like it's name, The Grey doesn't give a black and white answer and crashes that plane across the landscape of conversation. Go deeper in our short video review... ]]> http://cinemagogue.com/2012/02/06/message-isnt-black-white-in-the-grey/feed/ 1 When thrust into a violent Alaskan landscape where death seems almost certain, a formerly despondent man suddenly manifests an incredible will to survive, to fight, to lead a group of men through the wilderness and combat the wolves at their heels. - When thrust into a violent Alaskan landscape where death seems almost certain, a formerly despondent man suddenly manifests an incredible will to survive, to fight, to lead a group of men through the wilderness and combat the wolves at their heels. Less an action film and more an essay on naturalism, on what it looks like to truly build on Bertrand Russell's firm foundation of unyielding despair. It evokes Solomon's lament about the similarities and differences between man and beast in Ecclesiastes 3. The film is an incredible treatise on why we choose life and fight to survive that demands conversation with a mixed crowd. Does the ending satisfy? Why or why not? Like it's name, The Grey doesn't give a black and white answer and crashes that plane across the landscape of conversation. Go deeper in our short video review... Pastor James Harleman clean <iframe width="400" height="400" src="http://cinemagogue.com/?powerpress_embed=5223-podcast&amp;powerpress_player=html5video" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> http://cinemagogue.com/2011/05/25/lets-bring-up-a-thor-subject/ http://cinemagogue.com/2011/05/25/lets-bring-up-a-thor-subject/#comments Wed, 25 May 2011 15:27:21 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=4178 http://cinemagogue.com/2011/05/25/lets-bring-up-a-thor-subject/feed/ 7 http://cinemagogue.com/2010/08/04/3517/ http://cinemagogue.com/2010/08/04/3517/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:53:23 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=3517 http://cinemagogue.com/2010/08/04/3517/feed/ 0