How Does a book that starts at the Fifty-fourth Annual Emmy Awards in 2002, continue on to inform the reader about D-day, 1944; Bastogne and The Battle of the Bulge; Operation Market Garden; and Berchtesgaden and Hitler's "Eagle's Nest"? The transition is a simple one when one man has lived through it all.
Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, The Man Who Led the Band of Brothers; by Larry Alexander, was a fantastic book. The Author helps the story to flow, keeping it interseting for the reader.
A brief history is given of the Winters family and Richard Winters's childhood. His story is then told in more detail after he joins the army.
On D-day, June 6, 1944, Richard Winters is a 1st Lieutenant. By the end of WWII he was a major in the 101st Airborne division.
The book follows him as he strruggles through the war with his men, striving to be a good leader.
The reader is then shown his life after the war while he tries to adjust to civillian life after having lived through some of the fiercest fighting in the European theater.
His story then changes with the introduction of Stephen E. Ambrose, an author and historian.
Ambrose, with Winters's and several other men of Easy companies' help, writes Easy's story in a book entitled "Band of Brothers."
The Final chapters of Major Winters's biography explain how the rights to the book were bought by one Tom Hanks, who proceeded to make a ten-part miniseries that would win and Emmy for "Best Miniseries".
Larry Alexander does a fantastic job of telling Major Winters's story.
He had also written the story as just that, a story. It was written as a novel would be, with a lot of dialouge, this kept the story flowing and interesting.
I have only two complaints.
1. The use of military jargon without explaining all of the terms, there was a glossary in the back but it did not include a few words/abbreviations.
2. The foul language. It was very bad near the end when they began making the miniseries.
Other than those two factors the book was fantastic. It gave a glimpse into the life of a very patriotic, hardworking, humble man. The Biggest Brother.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Fireproof
On New Years Eve my church played the movie "Fireproof". It was the third time I had seen the movie. : )
Fireproof is absolutely fantastic.
No foul language.
No inappropriate content.
The filming and the acting is also better than the first two, but even better than that, the movie has a very, very Biblical view.
Fireproof, gave a very clear gospel message. Explaining that all people, no matter how "good", need Jesus' forgiveness and salvation.
There were many sweet, and romantic parts in the movie. I cried multiple times.
However the best scene in the movie is quite easily when Caleb (the fireman) is complaining to his father about his wife.
John Holt: Has she thanked you for anything you've done the last 20 days?
Caleb Holt: No! And you'd think after I washed the car, I've changed the oil, do the dishes, cleaned the house, that she would try to show me a little bit of gratitude. But she doesn't! In fact, when I come home, she makes me like I'm - like I'm an enemy! I'm not even welcome in my own home, Dad. That is what really ticks me off! Dad, for the last three weeks, I have bent over backwards for her. I have tried to demonstrate that I still care about this relationship. I bought her flowers, which she threw away. I have taken her insults and her sarcasm, but last night was it. I made dinner for her. I did everything I could to demonstrate that I care about her, to show value for her, and she spat in my face! She does not deserve this, Dad. I'm not doing it anymore! How am I supposed to show love to somebody over and over and over who constantly rejects me?
John Holt: [touches, then leans against cross] That's a good question.
An absolutely fantastic scene, I think the best scene I have ever seen in any movie ever.
The movie is so good. The Bible is clear. And something I noticed and appreciated was that, Caleb not only said "I'm sorry" he asked for forgiveness...which is what you're supposed to do.
I could go on for a very long time, constantly repeating how good it was, but I won't. I'll just tell you SEE THE MOVIE! It is: true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. It is not a movie that is "clean" so okay to watch; but it is a movie that is good to watch because your mind is being filled with those things.
Very, very good movie. I highly, highly recommend.
Fireproof is absolutely fantastic.
No foul language.
No inappropriate content.
The filming and the acting is also better than the first two, but even better than that, the movie has a very, very Biblical view.
Fireproof, gave a very clear gospel message. Explaining that all people, no matter how "good", need Jesus' forgiveness and salvation.
There were many sweet, and romantic parts in the movie. I cried multiple times.
However the best scene in the movie is quite easily when Caleb (the fireman) is complaining to his father about his wife.
John Holt: Has she thanked you for anything you've done the last 20 days?
Caleb Holt: No! And you'd think after I washed the car, I've changed the oil, do the dishes, cleaned the house, that she would try to show me a little bit of gratitude. But she doesn't! In fact, when I come home, she makes me like I'm - like I'm an enemy! I'm not even welcome in my own home, Dad. That is what really ticks me off! Dad, for the last three weeks, I have bent over backwards for her. I have tried to demonstrate that I still care about this relationship. I bought her flowers, which she threw away. I have taken her insults and her sarcasm, but last night was it. I made dinner for her. I did everything I could to demonstrate that I care about her, to show value for her, and she spat in my face! She does not deserve this, Dad. I'm not doing it anymore! How am I supposed to show love to somebody over and over and over who constantly rejects me?
John Holt: [touches, then leans against cross] That's a good question.
An absolutely fantastic scene, I think the best scene I have ever seen in any movie ever.
The movie is so good. The Bible is clear. And something I noticed and appreciated was that, Caleb not only said "I'm sorry" he asked for forgiveness...which is what you're supposed to do.
I could go on for a very long time, constantly repeating how good it was, but I won't. I'll just tell you SEE THE MOVIE! It is: true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. It is not a movie that is "clean" so okay to watch; but it is a movie that is good to watch because your mind is being filled with those things.
Very, very good movie. I highly, highly recommend.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Robin Hood
I would have to say Robin Hood is my second favorite TV show, (The Closer is in first...at the moment)
Robin Hood is a pretty good show. It's very clean with almost no language, there is some violence (mostly sword fights) and there is a lot of death-at least one person per show- although it's not bloody. There is also almost no "iffy" content, which is good for any TV show, but it's incredible for BBC America. Which brings me to a word of warning...Record/Tivo/DVR/or rent the show because the commercials for the other shows on BBC are absolutely horrendous.
I only saw season 2, so I can't vouch for season 1, but everything I saw was very good.
The plot is okay, kinda predictable, but I enjoy it. It depends on who you watch it with. Cue my Dad: "Oh come on! He just killed a guy in cold blood, but he lets the kids live? Whatever."
However!
The show grows on you, by the season finale my dad was calling me while I was in Wisconsin to express his shock and disbelief at one of the deaths that occurred in the show.
So, watch a few episodes, and see how you like it.
It's clean and it's fun.
5 stars out of 5.
Robin Hood is a pretty good show. It's very clean with almost no language, there is some violence (mostly sword fights) and there is a lot of death-at least one person per show- although it's not bloody. There is also almost no "iffy" content, which is good for any TV show, but it's incredible for BBC America. Which brings me to a word of warning...Record/Tivo/DVR/or rent the show because the commercials for the other shows on BBC are absolutely horrendous.
I only saw season 2, so I can't vouch for season 1, but everything I saw was very good.
The plot is okay, kinda predictable, but I enjoy it. It depends on who you watch it with. Cue my Dad: "Oh come on! He just killed a guy in cold blood, but he lets the kids live? Whatever."
However!
The show grows on you, by the season finale my dad was calling me while I was in Wisconsin to express his shock and disbelief at one of the deaths that occurred in the show.
So, watch a few episodes, and see how you like it.
It's clean and it's fun.
5 stars out of 5.
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/Robin-Hood_2.html
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0787985/
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Penelope
I watched Penelope with Christina Ricci and James McAvoy, the day after Thanksgiving.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472160/ (actor and movie information)
http://commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/Penelope.html (age appropriate information)
The movie was very cute. The storyline is:
Penelope's family was cursed, so the next female child born to the Wilhern family would have the face of a pig. The curse can only be broken when she finds One of her own (High society "blue blood") who will love her faithfully, until death do they part.
The movie is sweet.
There is a little bit of swearing, some of it is muttered, and none of the words are Extremely offensive.
Nothing 'questionable' otherwise. The main characters kiss once or twice and that is all.
Violence: The only part is when a young man who has seen Penelope thinks he sees her staring in the car window. She has fangs and is snarling. It is very quick and it catches you off guard.
As for the worldview, it involves the self-esteem, 'love yourself' that people are so fond of. The girl does not have the greatest respect for her parents and runs away from home. And there are some scenes in a bar and there is drinking.
Penelope does get drunk at one point.
Drinking is shown as 'cool' and 'grown-up' So it is shown in a positive light.
There is also gambling, although, it is somewhat frowned upon. The young man (Max) who gambles, is shown not getting any sleep, and never winning.
The major point of the movie though, would be to "like yourself" It was not however shoved into your face. The message is given towards the end of the movie, and there are a couple of scenes discussing it, and, even though it was a pivotal point for the movie it did not seem to be a prominent discussion. The rest of the movie is Penelope trying to find the only man (Max) who hadn't run away from her.
I very much enjoyed Penelope. It was cute and sweet and a happily ever after.
I happily recommend the movie.
(Note: I do not go to great lengths to discuss the content, I am trying to focus more on the movie's view. Common sense media and kids in mind will give details on what specifically is in the movie)
Enjoy!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472160/ (actor and movie information)
http://commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/Penelope.html (age appropriate information)
The movie was very cute. The storyline is:
Penelope's family was cursed, so the next female child born to the Wilhern family would have the face of a pig. The curse can only be broken when she finds One of her own (High society "blue blood") who will love her faithfully, until death do they part.
The movie is sweet.
There is a little bit of swearing, some of it is muttered, and none of the words are Extremely offensive.
Nothing 'questionable' otherwise. The main characters kiss once or twice and that is all.
Violence: The only part is when a young man who has seen Penelope thinks he sees her staring in the car window. She has fangs and is snarling. It is very quick and it catches you off guard.
As for the worldview, it involves the self-esteem, 'love yourself' that people are so fond of. The girl does not have the greatest respect for her parents and runs away from home. And there are some scenes in a bar and there is drinking.
Penelope does get drunk at one point.
Drinking is shown as 'cool' and 'grown-up' So it is shown in a positive light.
There is also gambling, although, it is somewhat frowned upon. The young man (Max) who gambles, is shown not getting any sleep, and never winning.
The major point of the movie though, would be to "like yourself" It was not however shoved into your face. The message is given towards the end of the movie, and there are a couple of scenes discussing it, and, even though it was a pivotal point for the movie it did not seem to be a prominent discussion. The rest of the movie is Penelope trying to find the only man (Max) who hadn't run away from her.
I very much enjoyed Penelope. It was cute and sweet and a happily ever after.
I happily recommend the movie.
(Note: I do not go to great lengths to discuss the content, I am trying to focus more on the movie's view. Common sense media and kids in mind will give details on what specifically is in the movie)
Enjoy!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Twilight
Update:The book has grown on me some. I like it. Just really be careful, as careful as you would be reading Harry Potter, especially if you are between the ages of 11 and oh 15ish. Go in with a Biblical worldview and you'll be fine. : ) It's a very well-written book and it has grown on me.
Twilight, By Stephanie Meyer.
When I first read Twilight, I was expecting a vampire story that had romance in it. What I got, was a romance with some vampires thrown in.
Twilight was fantastically written, Stephanie Meyer is very talented. However, as for the storyline....
The story was very interesting, I thought there was only one slow part towards the middle/end of the book.
The end of the book was horrible in my opinion.
Very anti-climactic. I was extremely unhappy. (after I've done a few posts i'll put in a *spoiler* post)
As for the actual content:
I don't remember there being any swearing at all, there might have been some, but I honestly can not remember any.
There were a couple of times when Bella and Edward kissed and that was weird, I don't really know what happened there....I got confused at that point.
Some violence, not actually a whole lot, considering it is a vampire book.
The major problem I had with the book other than the ending was Bella.
She was absolutely and completely obsessed with Edward. It was all she thought about, she couldn't stand not being with him.
Absolute obsession.
I would recommend caution if a younger 'tween' girl is reading the book.
Read it with her, help her to understand some of the flaws in Bella's thinking and in some of the other things that happen. Help her to understand what the Bible says about some of the things discussed in the book.
Look at that, you get to spend time with your kid and you get to talk about what the Bible says.
How cool is that?
In conclusion, I don't think the book is that great.
I don't think it's good enough to recommend, however,
I do recommend some caution if you do read it.
But it's not horrible, content-wise [my english teacher would be furious with me for adding *wise* : )]
Night All!
Twilight, By Stephanie Meyer.
When I first read Twilight, I was expecting a vampire story that had romance in it. What I got, was a romance with some vampires thrown in.
Twilight was fantastically written, Stephanie Meyer is very talented. However, as for the storyline....
The story was very interesting, I thought there was only one slow part towards the middle/end of the book.
The end of the book was horrible in my opinion.
Very anti-climactic. I was extremely unhappy. (after I've done a few posts i'll put in a *spoiler* post)
As for the actual content:
I don't remember there being any swearing at all, there might have been some, but I honestly can not remember any.
There were a couple of times when Bella and Edward kissed and that was weird, I don't really know what happened there....I got confused at that point.
Some violence, not actually a whole lot, considering it is a vampire book.
The major problem I had with the book other than the ending was Bella.
She was absolutely and completely obsessed with Edward. It was all she thought about, she couldn't stand not being with him.
Absolute obsession.
I would recommend caution if a younger 'tween' girl is reading the book.
Read it with her, help her to understand some of the flaws in Bella's thinking and in some of the other things that happen. Help her to understand what the Bible says about some of the things discussed in the book.
Look at that, you get to spend time with your kid and you get to talk about what the Bible says.
How cool is that?
In conclusion, I don't think the book is that great.
I don't think it's good enough to recommend, however,
I do recommend some caution if you do read it.
But it's not horrible, content-wise [my english teacher would be furious with me for adding *wise* : )]
Night All!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
New Blog
Okay, I can guarantee right now, I will not be on this blog much. Only during any school breaks really.
The purpose of this blog is to review movies and some books from a Christian perspective, again, I'm in school, I have a job, I have a family I like to spend time with, I will not update here a whole lot. : )
The Title of this blog is Think on These Things, it is based in Philippians 4: 8 -
The purpose of this blog is to review movies and some books from a Christian perspective, again, I'm in school, I have a job, I have a family I like to spend time with, I will not update here a whole lot. : )
The Title of this blog is Think on These Things, it is based in Philippians 4: 8 -
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate (think) on these things. (NKJ)
So, that's the basis.
my main blog is "In the Center" the address is mollberry.blogspot.com
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