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/reviews-by-genre/horror-reviews-by-genre/ 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/2010/05/13/a-supernatural-affection/ http://cinemagogue.com/2010/05/13/a-supernatural-affection/#comments Thu, 13 May 2010 21:08:15 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=3153 http://cinemagogue.com/2010/05/13/a-supernatural-affection/feed/ 1 http://cinemagogue.com/2010/05/09/elm-street-wont-put-you-to-sleep-but-doesnt-slice-deep/ http://cinemagogue.com/2010/05/09/elm-street-wont-put-you-to-sleep-but-doesnt-slice-deep/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 07:35:38 +0000 James http://cinemagogue.com/?p=3139 http://cinemagogue.com/2010/05/09/elm-street-wont-put-you-to-sleep-but-doesnt-slice-deep/feed/ 1 http://cinemagogue.com/2008/11/07/509/ http://cinemagogue.com/2008/11/07/509/#comments Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:30:47 +0000 James http://voxpopnetwork.com/cinemagogue/?p=509 http://cinemagogue.com/2008/11/07/509/feed/ 0   - Sweeney Todd was a fictional character first appearing in penny dreadfuls in 1846. The "Demon Barber of Fleet Street" has seen several incarnations since then, from Stephen Sondheim to most recently Tim Burton's film adaptation of the musical.   Sweeney Todd was a fictional character first appearing in penny dreadfuls in 1846. The "Demon Barber of Fleet Street" has seen several incarnations since then, from Stephen Sondheim to most recently Tim Burton's film adaptation of the musical. The character even transcended fiction and is now an urban legend; while there is no historical account for this barbarous barber, a few spurious claims have led many to assume the story is based on true events akin to Jack the Ripper.  This story's longevity and it's focus on depravity raise some interesting questions, as the character is sinned against and abused by others. Is Sweeney wrong to want justice? Is violent retribution ever an answer, and why do our souls cry out against evil but so often beget evil in response? Power, sanity, greed, and institutional corruption in the film expose the human condition and make us take a hard look at the human creature, contrast so oddly by the fact that it's set to music and has a lyrical quality that creates a cavalier, unsettling juxtaposition. As my friend Scott Philips suggested " I have to admit, this movie is <em>off</em>. Maybe it’s because the film is a musical about eating people; or maybe it’s because of the throat-cutting montage; maybe it’s as simple as the director’s stark use of color throughout the film: dirty grays, off white’s, and endless black. I suppose it’s probably all of these things, but it’s something more, too. There is an "off"-ness to the film that reminds you how awful life can be, especially for those who don’t know Christ. And this is what my day needed: an exhortation via film and teaching that there is something "off" about life this side of eternity, reminding us to wait in hope, and in faith, for the kingdom that is to come." Pastor James Harleman clean http://cinemagogue.com/2008/03/19/appropriacalypse-now/ http://cinemagogue.com/2008/03/19/appropriacalypse-now/#comments Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:09:22 +0000 James http://voxpopnetwork.com/cinemagogue/2008/03/19/appropriacalypse-now/ http://cinemagogue.com/2008/03/19/appropriacalypse-now/feed/ 2 http://cinemagogue.com/2008/02/21/dear-diary-this-movie-sucked/ http://cinemagogue.com/2008/02/21/dear-diary-this-movie-sucked/#comments Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:30:38 +0000 James http://voxpopnetwork.com/cinemagogue/2008/02/21/dear-diary-this-movie-sucked/ http://cinemagogue.com/2008/02/21/dear-diary-this-movie-sucked/feed/ 0 http://cinemagogue.com/2008/01/18/from-harryhausen-to-the-handycam-the-beast-from-20000-youtube-views/ http://cinemagogue.com/2008/01/18/from-harryhausen-to-the-handycam-the-beast-from-20000-youtube-views/#comments Sat, 19 Jan 2008 04:28:18 +0000 James http://voxpopnetwork.com/cinemagogue/2008/01/18/from-harryhausen-to-the-handycam-the-beast-from-20000-youtube-views/ http://cinemagogue.com/2008/01/18/from-harryhausen-to-the-handycam-the-beast-from-20000-youtube-views/feed/ 6 http://cinemagogue.com/2007/10/03/third-times-a-dismembering-charm/ http://cinemagogue.com/2007/10/03/third-times-a-dismembering-charm/#comments Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:55:59 +0000 James http://voxpopnetwork.com/cinemagogue/2007/10/03/third-times-a-dismembering-charm/ http://cinemagogue.com/2007/10/03/third-times-a-dismembering-charm/feed/ 1 http://cinemagogue.com/2007/02/21/the-monotony-singleness-and-dating-of-shaun-of-the-dead/ http://cinemagogue.com/2007/02/21/the-monotony-singleness-and-dating-of-shaun-of-the-dead/#comments Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:22:01 +0000 James http://voxpopnetwork.com/cinemagogue/2007/02/21/the-monotony-singleness-and-dating-of-shaun-of-the-dead/ http://cinemagogue.com/2007/02/21/the-monotony-singleness-and-dating-of-shaun-of-the-dead/feed/ 1 One of the greatest chick flicks of all time, Shaun of the Dead is a great romance movie.. - With blood. And Zombies. And a lot of laughter... if you're a little bit twisted. Simon Pegg released Hot Fuzz as his comedy follow-up, One of the greatest chick flicks of all time, Shaun of the Dead is a great romance movie.. With blood. And Zombies. And a lot of laughter... if you're a little bit twisted. Simon Pegg released Hot Fuzz as his comedy follow-up, and will be the new "Scotty" in J.J. Abrams new Star Trek flick. It's interesting to examine the phenomenon of the zombie, apocalypse, survivalist horror, walking death, and (in the case of this film) an examination of prolonged adolescence, the meaninglessness of life, and what women really look for in a man. This movie has everything. Even cricket! I had the privilege of unpacking the complexities of Simon Pegg's hilarious character at our Ballard Campus and this hour of audio is the result. Pastor James Harleman clean http://cinemagogue.com/2006/07/28/out-of-control/ http://cinemagogue.com/2006/07/28/out-of-control/#comments Fri, 28 Jul 2006 23:07:44 +0000 James http://voxpopnetwork.com/cinemagogue/2006/07/28/out-of-control/ http://cinemagogue.com/2006/07/28/out-of-control/feed/ 4