Why Everyone Should Just "Let It Go"

After watching Disney’s extremely popular and highly controversial Frozen for the third time last night, I’ve come to the conclusion that everyone- bloggers, movie reviewers, and Facebook moms included- needs to just “cool” down, take a step back, and examine why this movie has had so much opinionated hype swirling around it in the first place, and whether or not the concerns are justified.

As soon as the trailers for this movie were released, the whispering started.  The feminists and anti-feminists were the first ones to jump all over it, because even the trailers made it clear that two strong female characters dominated the plots of this film.  Right away judgments were flying.   Many praised the film for following in Brave’s footsteps, proudly picturing girls who could hold their own and do things for themselves.  As the movie was released and began to circulate, the overwhelming majority of those criticizing it decried its pro-gay message, claiming the entire movie was a subliminal promotion of “coming-out”, claiming split-second appearances of a gay family in one scene, and an overall message of homosexual toleration.  As always, the Christians also had something to say, some finding positive themes and echoes of moralistic truths etched within the icy scenes, while others feeling the attempt to Christianize the film is a stretch.  A simple Google search of the movie will reveal all of these and more debates encircling the film which has won over the hearts of the general public.

In a world that is constantly promoting immoral and questionable lifestyles, I don’t blame people for jumping all over a movie that definitely strikes out to be a little bit different than the classic fairytale.  But I think that the concerned suspicion which has become all too necessary when examining new media releases may have impaired the ability of many to just enjoy something for its entertainment value, without it having to be either the Devil’s latest tool or God’s newest revelation.

Do I think Frozen promotes feminism or immoral homosexuality?  No, but I also don’t think it is a pillar of Christian virtue either.  While there is something to be said for making sure one does not expose his kids to something that could influence their mental formation or give them the wrong ideas about good and evil, I think it is also possible to become a bit too paranoid when screening movies.  The depth and plot twists in Frozen are too complicated for the majority of kids to understand.  From experience, I’ve seen that kids who love the movie know all the songs, love singing them at the top of their lungs because they’re catchy- NOT because they like the messages that might lurk behind them, think Olaf is hilarious, the girls pretty, and the guys cool (though not nearly as handsome as Tangled’s Flynn Rider, of course…).  The adults are the ones who are offended, but if they stopped to look at their kids they would realize that as long as they are raising them well, in a wholesome environment, teaching them about the faith, and striving to cultivate virtue, a Disney movie with a troubled Queen is not going to turn the daughters feminist and the boys gay.  It’s a visually beautiful movie, has some genuinely funny scenes, and I personally believe could be twisted, turned, and sold as either the most positively Christian film to come out in a while, or the most problematic film to become a hit.  Just like the majority of animated films these days.

The problem is not the amount of kids who are watching the film.  The problem is the amount of adults who are spending more time analyzing every tiny detail of Disney’s latest releases than they are on forming their kids.  To be entirely honest, the majority of Disney’s princess films could promote problematic ideas in a household where virtue has not been taught.  But as Catholics the educating of our children in the faith is of primary importance, and thus should already be forming the kids before they’re being exposed to any films.  The beauty of Christianity is that, if one has been properly formed and cultivated in its virtues and teachings, he can turn any work of art into something beautiful, can see the truth amidst the grey areas, and appreciate it. 

Am I saying that this means anything is okay, as long as kids know the ultimate truths?  No, but I am saying that kids growing up in a strong Catholic environment can and should be allowed to enjoy the entertainment value of a fun, lovely cartoon without any parents feeling guilty.  Parents, don’t let this become the next Harry Potter or Twilight.  If you’re concerned, sit down with your kids and talk to them about the movie, listen to what they have to say.  If they bring up any questions that concern you, address them.  But I think you’ll find that they’ll just giggle about Olaf’s quips, scold Prince Hans for being so tricky, talk about how cool Elsa’s ability to create an outdoor ice-skating rink in the middle of the summer is, and erupt into choruses of “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?”  And you’ll be able to come away relieved and free to just take that worry and “let it go”.

Man of Steel

Man of Steel
-PG-13

Superman is the next hero whose story is being redone for the big screen.  Man of Steel is an intense, loud, and action-packed retelling of the story of Clark Kent, a seemingly ordinary guy who has never quite fit in, and who has a great secret he's hiding.  This movies focuses on what it was like growing up so different from everyone else, how he has had to carry on his life, jumping from job to job after heroic rescue efforts making moving necessary to remaining unknown.  Superman's character is well-developed, but after his story is set straight, the remaining half of the movie is explosion after explosion after the evils from Krypton come to reclaim the member of their race who was saved.  Except this time, they're not interested in saving him, they're only interested in using him to obtain what is necessary to bring back the culture of Krypton, using Earth as the foundation on which to build it.  Will Superman surrender for the sake of the people, or will he resist- endangering the race which he is very much a part of in an attempt to protect them?  This roaring superhero flick had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

What I Liked:

On the radio I have heard that there are several very Christian themes present in the Superman story.  He's a man whose origin in unknown, who has a father who is "somewhere else", and who comes and saves the world.  The actual Superman character is a very likeable guy.  I enjoyed his character development, seeing the more "human" side of him, how he struggled, but how he put himself last for the sake of others.  His mom was a good character as well, and the movie's slower, more developmental moments were nice.

Possible Concerns:

Despite enjoying the storyline, the constant blowing up and falling down of buildings in a highly populated city was extremely hard to watch, especially since this was all that was happening for about an hour of the film.  There are a couple of poorly placed, crass remarks which the movie really would have been better without.  As far as the other characters were concerned, Lois Lane was okay, the death scene of Clark's earthly Dad was a bit lame- I wish they had come up with either a more heroic or less dramatic way for him to die.

Overall, I wanted to see it badly, and am happy that I did.  But I will not be purchasing it when it comes out on DVD, because I do not think I would be able to watch the constant, destructive violence often enough to make it worth it.  I would recommend it only to those who are not bothered by constant violence, and would not pay any extra for 3-D or IMAX.  In this case, I just don't think it's worth it.

The Great Gatsby's Relevance

The Great Gatsby, the popular American novel known for depicting the Roaring 20′s with striking honesty, is now a major motion picture, starring the great Leonardo DiCaprio and superhero Tobey Maguire. As I read the book, I had a chilling sensation as I realized that our culture seems to be sliding back into the sinful, sexual habits of that long-gone era. That being said, this book’s story and message are particularly appropriate for the young adults of this age, who are being told by everything, everywhere, that a promiscuous lifestyle is fun, normal, and painless.

Unlike today’s sitcoms, the characters in Gatsby are living glamorous lifestyles, but are not happy with them. The narrator’s cousin Daisy is married to a handsome polo player (though he would rather not be known as such) whose frequent extramarital affairs cause her constant grief. Her husband himself carries on these affairs despite the pain they cause, affairs which not only pull him into adultery, but his mistresses as well. The narrator, Nick Carraway, is repeatedly put in the uncomfortable position of being trusted with scandalous secrets which he did not want to know or keep.

Gatsby himself outshines the filth of the culture around him because he is carrying a love which is more pure and unfailing than the affairs of his frequent house guests, the people of New York, who flock to the over-the-top parties he opens his house up to weekly. His love lasted for five lonely years, as he watched the object of his affection marry for money (partially out of necessity), and he fashioned his whole life around trying to win her back. Unfortunately, though Gatsby’s love is much deeper and more beautiful than that of most, he also makes the mistake of fashioning his life around an earthly love, a worldly longing, as opposed to an eternal one.

Thus, when Gatsby stoops to join the society around him in his efforts to be with his love again, his foundation being built on an unattainable, fallen person, he must suffer the consequences that come with believing “the end justifies the means”. Though his hope is unfailing- and is a virtue to be admired- it was misplaced, and thus failed him. But he is not the only one who suffers, and no one walks away from the glittering Long Island scene without scars.

The movie, which has been receiving quite a bit of mixed attention, captures the suffering endured in
a way which shocked me. Honestly, I had expected Hollywood to soften an ending which warns against the very lifestyle the cinemas sell to their viewers. But this adaptation of the classic novel does its job well, in my opinion. I enjoyed DiCaprio’s Gatsby, and felt he captured the magic, desperation, vulnerability, and virtue of the legendary figure effectively, while the rest of the cast performed well also, though Maguire’s Nick was dry at times.

Many people have complained about the soundtrack, which incorporates modern rap and hip-hop music and is set against the vibrant scenes, but the music helps fulfill a greater purpose – it takes this story and helps make it modern. As the director himself explained, “It’s gotta feel modern, of the moment.” This relevant feeling helps the audience to realize that the short thrills and long-suffering is not something of the past, but something that could happen again, could happen here and now, could happen to them.

Because there was one scene which went further than I feel was necessary, I would not recommend this to anyone not yet in the older years of ”teenagehood”. That being said, I feel that this book has a particularly important message, which this generation needs to hear. Within The Great Gatsby, Pope John Paul II’s words about the degradation of intimacy are played out. As the Blessed Pope wrote in his well-know Evangelium Vitae, “…sexuality too is depersonalized and exploited: from being the sign, place and language of love, that is, of the gift of self and acceptance of another, in all the other’s richness as a person, it increasingly becomes the occasion and instrument for self-assertion and the selfish satisfaction of personal desires and instincts.” As the pages of the book and the scenes of the movie progress, the false, shimmering depiction of the shallow sexual lifestyle is betrayed, and exposed in all of its confusion and emptiness.

Though the book teaches a somber lesson, the reader is not left without hope or inspiration. Gatsby’s virtues, though misguided, are admirable, and hint at the heights one can reach when he holds onto hope unceasingly. And through Nick Carraway the brilliant author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, leaves his audience with a promise for a better future, if only they would “take arms against the sea of troubles” in the spirit of Shakespeare, and create a future that is brighter than the past:

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter- to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther… And one fine morning-
So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

May this honest tale of disappointed hopes and wayward souls inspire this generation to rise above its influences, to place their hopes in a light more bright than green, and to finally reach that goal which all their lives should be striving towards- a goal which is truly worth fighting for.

Written for and originally published at Catholic Stand.

October Baby

 October Baby
-PG-13


My Mom and I drove to a different city to support this movie, and we were not disappointed!  This movie is about a 19 year old girl named Hannah who finds out that all of her medical problems (hip surgeries, asthma, emotional depression) are connected: they are all the product of Hannah's accidental birth, accidental because she survived an abortion.  She strikes out against her parents when she finds out that they have been hiding this fact- that she is an adopted abortion survivor- from her and goes on a road trip to try to find answers.  I do not want to say anything else for fear of ruining the movie, but I would love it if as many people as possible would support this movie while it's still in theaters.  It is extremely pro-life, an amazing story, and will definitely capture the hearts of all who watch it.  


What I liked:
Everything.  The movie touched on all the facets of abortion, from the pain it causes the mother to the horrific way it kills the baby (though this is not shown, it is described without being too graphic).  All of the outfits are modest, the love story is extremely respectful and well-done, and there's even a scene in a Catholic Church with a kindly priest who help set Hannah on the right track.  It's never too preachy, and never has that "low-budget" feeling.


Possible Concerns:
Outside of the fact that this movie does touch on some sensitive areas in a way that might disturb young children, there is nothing wrong with this movie.  Not a single curse word, inappropriate love scene, or suggestive song.


I hope everyone will try to see this incredible movie.  I absolutely loved it, and cannot wait to buy it on DVD.  In a time when so many trashy movies with lust-filled love stories are popular, this is truly a breath of fresh air.  I have a feeling God is going to use this movie to touch minds and hearts in a beautiful way!


May God bless those who made, supported, and participated in this wonderful pro-life film.

Horses and Zebras

War Horse
-PG-13

Normally I don't like animal movies.  Yes, I find them inspiring, but too often the animal dies in the end and leaves me feeling depressed. This one was different.  I absolutely loved this movie. 
Basically, the story begins with a middle-aged man buying a horse against his better judgment; he needed a work-horse and he bought a young show horse.  He brings it home, and his son Albert forms a very special bond with the animal.  The two seem to understand each other in a deep, beautiful way.  But, due to a financial crisis within the family, the father sneaks off early in the morning to sell the horse to the French army, looking for troops at the beginning of World War I.  The story follows the horse as he is traded from one owner to another, and those watching get a glimpse of how the war is affecting different people.  The story also follows Albert, who joins the army as soon as he is old enough in order to find his beloved horse.

What I Liked:

This movie was wonderful.  There were no inappropriate scenes, the curse words were minimal (I'm having trouble remembering any), and nothing was too graphic, despite the fact that the PG-13 rating is due to the war scenes.  The characters are so real and beautifully written.  This movie truly has the depth, beauty, excitement, and morals that make a film worth watching.  There is even a scene where a soldier begins to recite Psalm 23.

Possible Concerns:

Since it is a war movie, there are some sad scenes and quite a few deaths.

I recommend this movie to everyone.  My brother and I loved it; this film is one of the rare movies coming out now that actually support Christian morals, honest characters, and quality material.


We Bought a Zoo
-PG

My brother and I went to go see this movie seeing the cute trailer, and after seeing it "cute" is really the best way to describe it.  It is about a widower, Benjamin Mee, who has spent his whole life living on the edge thanks to his job as a reporter.  He has done just about everything, and is afraid of hardly anything.  After his son, who is depressed after his mother's death and has begun to draw morbid pictures as a way to release this depression, is expelled from school, Benjamin decides it's time for himself, his son, and his seven-year old daughter to start a new life, to begin again.  They begin house-hunting, and upon driving up to a run-down house in a beautiful landscape decide they are meant to have it.  That is, until they find out it's a zoo, and anyone who buys the house must agree to re-open and run it.  Despite his misgivings, Benjamin buys the house after seeing how happy his daughter looks, happier than she's looked in a long time.  The movie tells of the difficulties of their new life, the strained relationship between Benjamin and his son, and the family's new relationships with the surviving zoo employees.

What I Liked:

It is obvious from the very beginning of the movie that Benjamin was completely in love with his wife, and this love continues through the entire film.  His devotion is truly touching, as is his love for his kids.  This love is seen more strongly in his relationship with his daughter, but as the movie progresses and the father and son get through their difficulties with each other, the love becomes apparent there, too.

Possible Concerns:

Despite being advertised as a family-friendly film, there is cursing in this movie.  A couple times the words are yelled, a couple times just thrown into regular conversation, which was very disappointing.  The son's morbid pictures are very disturbing, one in particular being hard to look at, so preview the movie before showing to young viewers.  Also, the ring-leader of the zoo employees is a straight-forward 28-year old female, who tells Benjamin that if she "wanted to kiss him, he wouldn't have a choice."  And, later on in the movie, she proves her point.  It's hard to tell if their relationship is pursued on a romantic level, but I was pretty disappointed to see a romance between them at all, since he had only been a widow for six months.  But, I will say, that even though this does happen, the movie ends with Benjamin acting out the day he met his wife for his kids; a very sweet scene.

Overall, this was one of those movies that might be fun to rent for a movie night, but I wouldn't buy a copy.  Not exactly family-friendly, unfortunately.  But, I still feel like Benjamin was one of the more positive father figures to emerge in recent movies.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

God Bless.

Two movies for St. Nick

VeggieTales: Saint Nicholas
-G

I love VeggieTales, and this their third Christmas special, and probably the funniest out of the three. This movie is really cute.  It shows some of how St. Nicholas originated, though it doesn't show that he was a bishop (at least, not that I can remember).  It is a very sweet, comical tale, though, and highlights the importance of giving freely of our things out of a Christ-like love for each other.  There's even a scene with a nun handing out bread to the poor, who teaches him the true meaning of Christmas.

What I liked:

I loved the scene with the nun, the on-going hilarious enjoyment, and the overall message.

Possible Concerns:

True to the story of St. Nick, it shows that the Saint's parents died while he was a young boy.  This may be a little too sad for sensitive children, but it doesn't dwell on the tragedy for long.  Overall, the actual story of St. Nicholas is not quite correct, and the movie portrays some Catholic things in a different way than they should be (the previously mentioned fact that they do not show that he was a bishop, they show a Mass in session, but do not follow what would have been the correct proceedings, little Nick doesn't want to wait for Mass to be over because he is impatient to go fishing with his father, etc.).  In my opinion, show your kids this movie for a light-hearted tale of the spirit behind St. Nick, which was Christian giving, and read them an account of the real life of St. Nicholas for a better knowledge of his actual life.

Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa

-G

This is a movie that shows more of St. Nick's original beginnings, shows him become a bishop, and is more religious than the VeggieTale.  All the movies in this animated Saints series are good, showing very positive, kid-friendly versions of the stories of the Saints.  I've been watching this one since I was a little kid; they used to show it at my old school during religion class.  It's a very powerful message, and shows how the Christians were true to their faith even when they were being persecuted for it.

What I liked:

I loved the whole thing!  It's very religious, showing Nicholas's piety while he was still a boy and chronicling his generosity through the rest of his life, even after being imprisoned for many years.

Possible Concerns:

There are a couple conflicts, such as a short slave scene, in which Patrick trades his new horse to free a boy, and a fire in a Church, but nothing too traumatizing.

I hope you all enjoy St. Nicholas Day, and may God bless you as your Advent journey continues!

(A note about the series "We're Selling the News":  I am terribly sorry it is taking me so long to finish it, I had no idea how difficult it would be to complete the series in a timely fashion.  It's been busy around here lately, but I promise to finish it before Christmas- and this is a promise I am not going to break!)

The pictures were taken from http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.catholicfamilycatalog.com/.

Why Harry Isn't Worth It

The last Harry Potter movie is out, and thousands are flocking to the theaters to watch the final chapters of The Deathly Hollows enacted on the big screen. And though I know many who can't wait to see the film, I cannot wait until it's gone. As reflected in the poll, which ended today, many people love these books detailing the life of a boy sorcerer, yet almost as many people are willing to admit that they find them to be dangerous on a much deeper level. Why? How could "children's" books cause spiritual harm?

According to Fr. Gabriele Amorth (Rome's head exorcist), "Behind Harry Potter hides the signature of the king of darkness, the devil," (O'Brien 16). To clarify, this is not an accusation against J.K. Rowling; I do not mean to say that she herself is possessed, but her characters use magic and incantations that reflect "satanic arts," (O'Brien 16).

Before I continue, I must remind everyone of an important point. Movies will always water down the message behind the stories, especially when evil is involved. It happened with The Golden Compass- the movie misrepresented the books, causing parents to falsely assume that His Dark Materials Trilogy was safe for their children to read. It's happening again with Harry Potter. Does this mean the movies are fine to see, as long as one does not read the books? No, by going to see the movies one would still be exposing himself to some of the evil contained within the stories.

In order to fully understand the harm these books are causing, it would be helpful to pinpoint the biggest problem. To quote an interview with Michael D. O'Brien, regarding the Potter series, "Certainly, the themes were increasingly violent, although to some degree children’s literature has always had an element of violence. More worrisome was the corrupting of Western civilization’s traditional symbols of good and evil, and also the growing presentation of occult powers as the way to defeat evil, as though occult activities were morally neutral," (StudiObrien.com 2). It's the blurring of the line between black and white, right and wrong. Suddenly, the "good" guys aren't so good. They too, use dark magic, cast horrible spells, and do many bad things. But they're nice, and ultimately they end up trying to do right, so without warning young minds are twisted into believing that a little wrongdoing is okay. This can be seen in the Twilight saga as well. The vampires are turned into heroes because they are handsome, their skin is shiny, and they restrain their desire to suck human blood. Yet, even Edward asks, "What if I'm not a superhero? What if I'm the bad guy?" (Meyer 92).

Now, many who adore these books love to talk of how well written they are. Yet, what aspect of Rowling's writing is earning so much esteem? "...the Potter stories are actually closer in style to television than to literature. They use in print form the visceral stimuli and pace of the electronic media, flooding the imagination with sensory rewards while leaving it malnourished at the core. In a word, thrills have swept aside wonder..." (O'Brien 17).  So, the readers of these books might not care what they're about. They're simply looking for the emotional and mental high that results after reading them. What a clever disguise...

Still not convinced that these dramatic tales are destructive? I will end with one final quote, "But there are hundreds of other incidents where Harry uses immoral means to destroy his enemies. For example, in an earlier scene one of Voldemort’s servants insults a professor at Hogwarts whom Harry is very fond of. Harry curses him with what is called a “cruciatus” curse — a crucifying curse. It is unspeakable torture; there is no pain like it in the world. Harry just simply decides to crucify him. This is the same Harry who throughout the whole series has lied, has committed violence against others — human enemies, fellow students — sometimes in retaliation for their attacks on him, sometimes to further his cause. Lying is a very big thing all the way through, as well as other kinds of deceiving, uttering hundreds of curses and spells, along with contempt and sneering, violence, bloodshed, death — it goes on and on," (StudiOBrien.com 10-11)

My advice, obviously, is not to go see the movies, not to read the books, and definitely not to promote them. But I would suggest that those who remain unconvinced go do some research, look into it, and pray about it. These articles helped me:

Michael O'Brien responds to his critics re: Harry Potter
The Potter Controversy: or Why that boy sorcerer just won't go away.

Any other articles on www.StudiObrien.com are very helpful. Just click, "Writings on Fantasy." Michael D. O'Brien is a Catholic writer and artist whose opinion I highly respect.

St. Michael the Archangel, Pray for Us!


Works Cited:

Meyer, Stephenie. "Blood Type." Twilight. New York: Little, Brown and, 2006. 92. Print.
O'Brien, Michael D. "StudiObrien.com - Interview with Lifesite News
Writings on Fantasy - Michael O'Brien." StudiObrien.com - Home - Michael O'Brien. 26 July 2011. Web. 30 July 2011. http://www.studiobrien.com/writings_on_fantasy/interview-with-lifesite-news.html.

O'Brien, Michael D. "Why That Boy Sorcerer Just Won't Go Away." St. Austin Review July-Aug. 2003: 16-23. Web. 
 
Picture from http://www.zvents.com/z/denver-co/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2--movies--51125.

"There's No Pill for the Devil"

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
-PG-13

Though often considered a horror movie, this film's disturbing nature goes beyond the ordinary shallow storylines of other scary pictures. Based on a true story, it tells the tale of a 19-year old girl who suddenly begins experiencing what she thinks is demonic activity while in college. From feeling a strong force pressing down on her, suffocating her, to seeing normal passers-by's faces becoming ghoul-like, Emily can't escape the evil forces seeming to surround her. As her case gets worse, she stops eating- insisting that the demons won't let her. The medical field tries to help her and fails. A priest is called to perform an exorcism and fails. Eventually, after much suffering and many strange occurrences, she dies. As soon as her death occurs, a court case immediately ensues as the priest who directed her is charged for negligent homicide. The movie starts with the court case, and the audience learns Emily's story through chilling flashbacks and testimonies.

What I liked:
I thought this movie was very interesting. The way the priest was portrayed and the explanation of the Church's beliefs were respectful and accurate. The director said he wanted the movie to make one think, to make one ask himself, "Is God real?" "Do I believe in demons?" "Was Emily really possessed?" The movie not only did that effectively but also (in my opinion) seemed to lean toward confirming Catholic beliefs. Overall, it would be hard for one to walk away from the movie without believing that demons do exist and that there is more to life than meets the eye.

Possible Concerns:
This movie is definitely not for young eyes. Normally, I would suggest this for 13 and up. But, if one is the least bit sensitive to visual images or disturbing occurences, this is not the movie for him.

I would encourage anyone who wants to watch this to read this article first. It is the true story the movie is based on, and it is always helpful to know what actually happened.

May God bless all of you!

Midnight Musings

I love looking at the stars; their beauty always inspires me. As I looked up at the sky the other night, my mind began to ponder the point of human existence. Why are we here? If we're all going to die anyway, what's the point in all of this activity? If our true home is in Heaven, why worry about accomplishing anything here?

These kinds of questions bother me often. The universe, the world, God- it's all so huge! All so mind-blowing! It can make one feel very small and afraid, especially when these thoughts invade one's mind at 12 am! But, as I laid there in my bed, trying to make sense of it all- I finally found some answers.



First of all, as St. Francis de Sales reminds Christians in An Introduction to the Devout Life, we were made from nothing. At any moment God could decide to turn us back into nothing; He doesn't need us, we need Him. But He decided to envision us, create us, form us with a purpose. On a more personal level, He put me here in my family for a reason. I am reminded of It's a Wonderful Life as George sees what the world would be like without him, how awful and different everything was. And I wonder, " Do I really have that much of an impact on those around me?" But each and every one of us is here for something. God does have a plan for us, a task, an assignment, a quest! He made us because He wanted to share His creation with someone who would appreciate it. He wanted someone to share His love with and to love and praise Him in return.

As all of this was flying through my head, the conversation between Frodo and Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring brought me an unexpected ray of comfort. Frodo feels sad and overwhelmed with the task he has been assigned, and he sits down next to Gandalf and laments, "I wish the Ring had never come to me, I wish none of this had happened." And the wizard smiles lovingly at the hobbit, saying, "So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you." And that applies to all of us. We have been put here, during this age and time, with a mission. Only we can decide how we will spend our small vacation here. Then, based off of our actions and devotion, we will leave here.

My prayer is that all of us will reach the lovely white shores our Father has prepared for us.

May God bless you all!

Pictures courtesy of Hubble Telescope.



The Keys of the Kingdom

The Keys of the Kingdom (1944)
-Not Rated

Finally, another movie review!

If you're looking for a good, wholesome family movie with a great Catholic message and an entertaining cast, you're search ends here! This movie follows the life of a Scottish priest and his missionary work in China. As he goes through the many challenges of a faithful missionary in a strange land, he must trust that God will always be there for him to provide all that he needs to carry out his calling. It is very exciting, humorous, and endearing- is bound to become a family favorite.

I hope you all take the time to watch this movie and strive to imitate the virtue of this brave and humble priest.


Possible Concerns:

I cannot think of any. It is black and white, and though there are a couple scenes that could possibly scare very little children, it is not bloody or even that intense. Of course, there are no sensually offensive scenes.

I hope everyone enjoys this movie! And may you all have a blessed day!

The Passion

The Passion of the Christ (2004)                                                    -R

I watched this movie last night for the second time, and it is one of the only movies that makes me cry every time. If you haven't watched this yet, I highly recommend watching it tonight. This movie is truly incredible. It starts at the Agony in the Garden, with our Lord in distress and the Devil close by, tempting Him. And it goes through a very well done, detailed, and gruesome march from the garden, from one Roman official to another, then to Calvary. The entire movie is cast exceptionally well. The actor (Jim Caviezel) plays my favorite movie Jesus by far. He has a wonderful character, which is seen in the flash backs throughout the movie as Jesus and Mary remember different times during His life before Good Friday- such as The Last Supper, some of His life at home (there are two heart-wrenching scenes of Jesus and Mary- one when He's a little boy and one with Him doing carpenter's work that show what a loving relationship the two of them had), and His ministry. The devil is truly disturbing, though there is nothing physically creepy about the devil himself, his actions are enough. He is cast so that you cannot tell what gender he is, his skin is very pale, he wears a black hooded cloak, and has still, cold eyes. Throughout the movie, demons are portrayed as children with old, wrinkled, or messed up faces, a beast with glowing yellow eyes, and (my least favorite) a baby with an old man's face and horrible, wretched, evil eyes. The demented baby is held by the devil as he gloats over Jesus during the scourging at the pillar- a very violent, horrific scene in the movie. But, these disturbing images are not throughout the whole movie, and during the carrying of the cross there are no devil appearances as the whole attention is on Jesus and Mary. Mary is also cast exceptionally, and is shown as being strong, caring, loving, and supportive of Jesus. When He starts to falter He looks at her and seeing her gives Him strength enough to persevere on His path. Two other truly captivating characters who are with Jesus through the whole movie are Mary Magdalene and John, the beloved disciple.

I could write pages about how wonderful this movie is, but I do not want to give anything away. So please, if you haven't seen this movie yet- and you think you are ready (the R rating is for the intense, bloody scenes of torture and crucifixion) - watch this. We become so desensitized to the great sacrifice God made for us, and this movie helps me to remember how much pain Jesus went through, how hard it was, and how grateful I should be that I have a God who loves me so much.

May you contemplate upon this movie as you prepare for Christ's resurrection...

The First Movie is.... Hidalgo!!!!!

Here comes my first movie review!

Hidalgo (2004)
-PG-13

I watched this movie last night after reading about Fr. Hidalgo in my history book. And though this movie has absolutely NOTHING to do with Fr. Hidalgo, I found it to be absolutely amazing!
Summary:
An American cowboy named Frank Hopkins (Mortensen) and his horse, Hidalgo, are famous for never losing a long-distance race. Because of his claim to owning the best long-distance horse ever, he is challenged to a 3000 mile survival race across the Arabian desert called the Ocean of Fire. Normally restricted to Arabs riding pure Thoroughbred horses, all from a long and proud family line- Frank and Hidalgo make history by entering as the first American- and the first mustang- to ever participate. Aside from the already difficult climate, Frank and Hidalgo must also fight all of the Arabs who aren't very happy about how well he seems to be faring- or the fact that he is participating at all. Perseverance and courage are going to be the only things that will keep him going- and that good ol' American will power.

What I liked:
I thought this movie really captured the American spirit. You see Frank amidst all of these seemingly heartless Arabs, determined not to give up or accept all of their strange rules. This movie is truly worth watching. And, best of all, it is based on a true story! :)

Possible concerns:
Any teenager, in my opinion, would be fine watching this movie. The PG-13 rating is predominately for adventure violence, though I did not find any of it to be excessively gory. There was an (very) occasional curse word. And, during one part of the movie, Frank is accused of doing something he didn't. The Arabs have a certain type of punishment in accordance with the crime he has supposedly committed which involves doing something to his male parts. This is not discussed in great detail, and nothing actually happens since a big distraction- and the fact he is actually innocent- prevent any farther pursuing of the torture.

I hope you look into this movie; it really was amazing! If you want a very detailed layout of the movie, go to kids-in-mind.com or decentfilms.com and put it in the search box. Enjoy! :)