Luther Memorial Church - Syracuse Nebraska

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Movie Reviews by Pastor Paul


For Adults and Young Adults
Kingdom of Heaven Year of Release: 2005 Rated: R	Review Date: 6/2005	Rating: *******
This film is still in the theaters. The Crusades are an often misunderstood yet clearly exciting time in history. This story follows one man's quest in search of purpose and meaning as he follows his father's wishes to go on a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem and participate in the Crusades. The war action is violent yet appropriate to medieval combat. The real gift of this story is how it unpacks the religious struggles between Chrisian, Jew and Muslim that contine on into today.
The Passion of the Christ Year of Release: 2004 Rated: R	Review Date: 9/2004	Rating: *******
This movie comes out the end of August. Many of you have seen it in the theater and this is a very powerful and graphic vision of what Jesus went through out of love for us! I highly recommend this movie to anyone 13 years and older. However, I do fully understand that many of you would not be able to watch it and that is ok too. But for those who would, watch it with others and you will need to talk about it!
The Butterfly Effect Year of Release: 2003 Rated: R	Review Date: 8/2004	Rating: **
Very interesting movie and incredibly hard to describe, I guess it might be just one of those you have to go to really get the full impact, but I will give you some of the themes. First, it does deal with how history and life would and could be changed through a different action by any one individual in the course of our lives. Second, that human beings are very much limited in knowing all the possible life choices and their ramifications. In other words we are not at all like God in understanding all the strands in the web of life. The concept of the Butterfly effect is that a butterfly beats its wings half way around the world and a hurricane hits Florida because of this very small change in the wind. When you watch this movie you most certainly will want to talk about it.
Cold Mountain Year of Release: 2004 Rated: R	Review Date: 8/2004	Rating: *******
This Civil War period piece is a very fine movie, not as good as the book the movie is based on, but a good film none the less. This story of hope, perseverance and courage in the midst of war is truly powerful. War is not glamorized, but the courage and sometimes foolhardiness of the men who fight in them is lifted up. However the true heroes of this movie are the women left behind and how they must cope and survive in a very cruel and unforgiving world indeed. I was struck by the power of love that transcends romance, but is also highly passionate and committed. This movie is R rated for its violence and sexuality, but after seeing it I know you will want to talk about it.
Open Range Year of Release: 2004 Rated: Rated R	Review Date: 4/2004	Rating: ** 1/2
This classic cowboy tale of evil land baron versus the individual western hero brings me back to why I like westerns in the first place. This movie is entertaining, but is also very violent. For some folks this movie might move a bit slow, but that is because it is intended to be a throwback style of film both in content and production. I found the themes of loyalty, honesty, perseverance and integrity to be refreshing and important for all of us to see. When you watch this movie you will want to talk about it.
Freddy vs. Jason Year of Release: 2003 Rated: Rated R	Review Date: 2/2004	Rating: -
Gee, who am I going to root for, the mass murderer with the bad manicure job or the frustrated hockey player wannabe who is a serial killer. I vote no! In other words, what good is this movie?, it made money and maybe instead of killing a lot of teenagers they focus more on each other. This movie is about making a buck with buckets of gore and blood. I recommend that you refuse to watch this film. And don't even talk about it!
Basic Year of Release: 2003 Rated: R	Review Date: 9/2003	Rating: ** 1/2
This action packed detective thriller is one I really enjoyed. It was interesting because it shows how people are caught up in lies and deceptions and that eventually it eats them alive. I was also impressed with the surprise ending as well as a keep you wondering plot. This movie isn't a great one, but it sure will make you think about how lies always backfire on us!!!!! When you watch this movie you will want to talk about it!
The Quiet American Year of Release: 2003 Rated: R	Review Date: 9/2003	Rating: ** 1/2
I was absolutely surprised by this film and didn't think it would turn out the way it did. Sometimes we in the west just cannot understand Asia and they us. Too bad, might have saved us some wars. The other side of this film challenges - does the end justify the means. I believe that it is this kind of policy that the movie is speaking out against. In a world where we are the only remaining superpower, this movie will make you think about how much we should be involved and what is the price we pay. When you see this movie I am sure you will want to discuss it.
Tears of the Sun Year of Release: 2003 Rated: R	Review Date: 9/2003	Rating: ** 1/2
This was not an easy movie to watch and yet I couldn't stop watching it. The premise of this film is that a special-forces unit goes into an African nation to rescue a doctor and some missionaries. They try but must also help save the ones the doctor and missionaries are trying to help. This movie could come right out of the headlines of what is happening in Liberia. The violence, the destruction and the compassion and courage that this film portrays makes this a better than average movie. When you watch this movie talk about it.
The Pianist Year of Release: 2003 Rated: R	Review Date: 8/2003	Rating: *******
This is the best movie pick of the month. This film takes place in pre-World War II Poland and moves through the war years focusing on a young man who is considered to be the finest pianist in the land. Problem is the man is a Jew and therefore must flee captivity in order to survive. There is much pain and suffering in this film, yet the endurance of this young man to survive and hold onto his humanity in the most inhuman of situations gives hope. I was very moved by this film and it really is one that you should watch and talk about.
The Matrix, Reloaded Year of Release: 2003 Rated: R	Review Date: 6/2003	Rating: *******
Another sequel and guess what this one is pretty good as well. There are certainly more special effects and they are quite amazing, but what is more amazing is that there is a very heavy dose of Philosophy 101 with even an appearance by the French philosopher Descartes, but that is not what he is called. Also the humor is quite funny, but you have to pay attention. Once again we find the Jesus story used in a radically different way. Although this version is more about the early Church. Some have accused me of reading into the Matrix story more than there is, but in a recent interview with the writer/director brothers they made it very clear that this was their original intent. However after you see this movie in the theaters you will have to talk about it.
Analyze That Year of Release: 2003 Rated: R	Review Date: 5/2003	Rating: * 1/2
You know what they say about sequels, when they are a hit they really do well, when they are a bomb, they really bomb. BOOM!!!!! I guess I had greater hopes and I really like the actors but it wasn't as good as the first and I find this movie is a knockoff, not a knockout. Well you analyze this movie and find out why I didn't like it as much as the first.
XXX Year of Release: 2003 Rated: PG-13	Review Date: 5/2003	Rating: 1/2
Fast cars, fast pace editing, fast food dialog makes this movie light weight. Cars, girls, boys and attitude, drive this classic style of young adult fair that Hollywood is so good about putting out there without huge creative thought. This is not a terrible movie, but I kept asking what is this movie trying to say and for those who know me, I can generally find something that a movie says. But? If you watch this movie maybe you can find something to talk about in it.
Road to Perdition Year of Release: 2003 Rated: Unknown	Review Date: 3/2003	Rating: **
This movie that stars two of America's finest actors, Paul Newman and Tom Hanks, is a tale of original sin, inhumanity and the impossible task of finding redemption without God's help. Perdition means hell and this dark depression era film is not for the faint hearted, but does have some powerful images. My biggest problem with watching this film is the lack of grace. The outcome of this film is predictable if you understand that no one can find salvation without God making it possible. You will need to talk about this film after you have watched it.
Kate and Leopold Year of Release: Rated: PG-13	Review Date: 10/2002	Rating: *******
I wasn't all that excited to see the movie at first, its premise was of a 19th century man coming to live in a 21st century world and sweeping a young professional woman off her feet. I thought that this couldn't work. Guess what, I was wrong and I enjoyed the movie a great deal. I would very much encourage others to see this sweet film. This video points to the reality that our society has lost its ability to be nice to each other and show respect through sincerity and manners. Leopold, played by Hugh Jackman is a charming, bright, handsome aristocrat of his time, 1876. Kate, played by Meg Ryan is pretty much put off by men until she meets the polite, respectful and sincere Leopold. At first she can't believe a man could be nice, we can, but apparently she has not met any up until now. I think this movie says a lot about how we have and maybe how we should treat one another. This movie is a real love story that many of us can relate to. When you see this movie talk about it with your date.
Black Hawk Down Year of Release: 2002 Rated: R	Review Date: 6/24/2002	Rating: *******
This movie is based on the true-life encounter in Somalia in 1993 where the United States Rangers, Special Forces and Delta Force troops were ambushed. This headline news article of a military disaster is brought to life in a way in which it really makes you think. This action packed and very violent film forces us to ask questions about why we go to war and if we do what are the results for both sides. This movie does not glorify war but rather shows how men of honor struggle to keep their humanity in a very inhuman situation. This film is not for everyone and is comparable to "Saving Private Ryan" another film which if you haven't seen it I would recommend.

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Luther Memorial Church 2008