The Valley of Elah

"They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines."
1 Sam 17:19

See this film.

The next time you are at the video store, rent it.

Over the years we have seen more and more 'American Flag' moments in Hollywood films, most of which are fairly cringe inducing. After seeing this film, I think I get what those other films are trying to achieve.

This is a film which is not afraid to be patriotic, but at the same time to call out that America is in trouble.

America is in trouble and someone needs to stand up against Goliath.

Someone needs to have the courage to stand up to Goliath.

But who is Goliath?

Well you will need to see the film.

There are big issues at hand here. War. The war in Iraq. Father/Son relations. Family crisis. And the effect all the listed can have on individuals and a country.

The performances are top notch. Tommy Lee Jones excelling. But the smaller support roles makes this film so good. Josh Brolin and James Franco shinning.

Paul Haggis is not afraid to deal with the serious issues of his time. Million Dollar Baby and Crash proving this point. He is a fine writer, producer and director.

I have high praise for this film, mainly because of its subject matter and the point it leaves us with.

However, it loses a 'star' due to what feels like a rushed ending. And the 'climax' is subdued (mainly to allow the director to get his point across at the end of the film), but this may leave you feeling a little short changed.

4/5

Jim

A Bright Night with the Dark Knight

The 'Dark Knight' is amazing. It is awesome. It is well worth seeing.

I loved it. Allot.

Its not perfect though, and has some minor flaws, keeping it from being perfect.

Where to start....?

There is high praise out there for Heath Ledger as The Joker. And well deserved, and I will get to that later. But this film works because of Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent. He is wonderful in this film. He has arguably the most screen time, and his story line is really what the film is about.

Harvey Dent is everything Batman can not be. He is the great white hope, or the White Knight, for Gotham city.

Batman knows this. Commissioner Gordon knows this. The way that this triangle plays out is just superb.

Where the film leaves us, makes me want to see the next one right now. I have questions that need to be answered.

Heath Ledger. The Joker. I love this character for a start. Early this year, there was high praise for the character, Antonn Chigurh from 'No Country for Old Men', played by Jarvier Bardem. The love for the character came for the fact that he was a ruthless killer and would stop at nothing and seemed to have no rhyme of reason behind his killings.

I personally was bored. No motive for me wasn't scary. The calmness in his killings to me, wasn't chilling.

What Heath Ledger does with The Joker, is create an irrational, scary, sadistic, out of control, cruel, creepy villain. One who will forever be cast in our memories as one of the all time great villains.

It is worthy of an Oscar nomination, but maybe not a win. I cant say that will be the best supporting role I see all year. But I can say its one of the best villains ever portrayed.

The action is slick. The direction, spot on. The shots, and cinematography was mesmerizing, as is the amazing score put together by two of the finest composers around; Zimmer and Newton Howard.

I love seeing Bruce Wayne's character make decisions and choices that affect Batman. Playing up the playboy millionaire aspect is gold as well.

This is how Batman should be. Makes you wonder how Joel Schumacher got it so wrong with the emphasised nipples, and lines such as 'We are on the main hub and its about to blow!" in 'Batman and Robin'.

4.5/5

Jim

P.s For the record, 'The Dark Knight' is currently rated at #1 on IMDB top 250 films of all time as voted by user's. And Rotten Tomatoes has it at 94%. It also broke the record for opening weekend, smashing $155.3M at the US Box Office.

Preaching on Possessions

I had the great privilege of giving the sermon at 645 on Sunday night.

It can be heard here, if you would like to listen.

Feel free to let me know your thoughts, positive and helpful.

The passage was Luke 12:13-34, the story of The Rich Fool.

I was challenged myself on my view of possessions, and why I cling to them so much.

Jesus' massive call in vs 33 to 'sell your possessions and give to the poor' was a part in the passage I struggled with most.

To be honest, I'm not sure I dealt with it as well as I had of hoped, but it wasn't from a lack of trying or seeking the meaning.

Keen to hear your thoughts on this massive challenge from Jesus.

Jim

P.s Sorry for long gap between posts, but have been very busy with work and sermon prep. Will post a review for 'The Dark Knight' as soon as I have seen it, which will hopefully be in the next couple of days! Very excited.