Best new year Flicks

Well , where are they - tell us ? Maybe you have noted some new films worth reporting here for the new year , but this reviewer went through the list and reviews for little .
However My princess called me on new year eve , the unbelieving grouch, to come to never happy ever after land. and despite protest and concern at the start , I have to say, at the end --I was hooked. While the cartoon antics at the start are enough to want you to send the silly romantic dame to a special lockup in the real world ( our dj'ssuggestion), the film brings at least 2 of the four loves to the fore - at what a great time you will have, you old romantics - if you just let yourself go - just this once ! BEWITCHED is great , and it nice to know my princess knows me well enough to know " I would like it " , even if i never believed the reviews!

Comedy/ family fun is not so difficult if thats all you are looking for The Darjeelin Ltd , or for the younger kids Daddy day Camp remind us that while nothing particularly new on offer in basic contrasts - these 2 would probably be some of the best. Keeping away from Bees and the many, many films that seem to oversell their right to the highlights-- claiming gold for themselves in the names they choose.

One of the most consistent, cut through the hype and comprehensive review sites I find is the CTM one . Never more so than on the golden Compass controversy within christendom . CTM will usually give you more than enough detail to make an informed decision on what room of the rambling house of broken mirrors , the producer is dragging you into .
As for any room I am dragging you into, tis only one cinema this new year .
I am grateful to the ABC for puuting on Henry V after the election, but as for cinemas - maybe not we will get the DVD (or and old VHS) like Amazing grace,some old BBC dramas , Sister Act or revisit the Lord of the Rings for the holidays - but we would welcome a few more ideas, just in case

CTM gives some encouragement to the Diving bell....and the Atonement .As for the Golden Compass - the ads alone are enough to make this reviwer throw up in contorted weasing at its technophobic recipes for testing courage, ability and plain stupidity. Those who don't believe in evil are never very good at portraying it.

I want what they've got !

THE ABBEY .ABCTV It's often said, including by our cynical side, that taking God seriously will deprive us of "our selves" . Well- Not if the story of the 5 THE ABBEY girls is any indication!

Who wouldn't want --what they got !

Yes -Is it possible to learn something super special from ordinary people and by taking time just to think and pray and meditate! If you haven't seen this great challenege to do something radical and rebellious ( from the way many people think) this faith seeking stuff is something you need to see .

The five recruits will tell you simply and powerfully and without one sckeric of themeselves lost that they found something! How it happens and how it happens to be so different for each of them is truly amazing .

Monsters in Law

Can something good come out of Hollywood? Shakespeare would, I think be pleased, as I was, to watch this entertaining melodrama. The wonderful paradox is of course that by highlighting someone else's faults, we risk exposing, and having to digest some of our own .

When you need a lift

When we are about to scream, its tempting to think we need a comedy film to calm us. What we may really need then, though, is to hear someone else scream . What we want in the moment of pain ( ie to get out of the dark) may not be what we really need ( to go deeper into it )

There is some great scream therapy out there. The " lucky we are not as bad as them" Kath and Kym scream or the "oh no" scream when we see someone else suffering on Funniest Home Videos " are commonly good value .
While the above are Jolly good shows , the special surprise group I am thinking of is for those times when we really need to be in a dark room to see the light . Maybe we need to be in an even darker room that we are now , or think we are now . The good pictures business I am thinking of here , is telling true stories about tough people in dark places .
Surely a most amazing paradox is that, when we feel "I am the most hard done by person in the world" , we can actually get a restored and balanced view of the world ( its still a wonderful place) from hearing someone else tell us their terrible dark stories. GME
This watching is no good if the content is not real , because when good overcomes evil it sounds too much like a complete piece of fantasy to us when we are depressed - a fiction film is dangerous, but a true story like "The Onion Field"(1979 set in the dark mostly) can be helpful ; even truly wonderful .

Here's the scenario - 2 poorly paid public spirited public servants hard at work ; doing work they felt called to do because "it was important to do it " . Lack of outcomes, daily crap talk and cleanup after others wears hard on them , but the garbage isn't the thing that really gets to them .What makes them feel real bad about doing the right thing is when truth telling and sound values seem be worthless, even pointless - even to talk about ; When doing the right thing makes their lives and that of their families "very hard work" . When trying to do the right thing means they feel that they have to justify themselves and push themselves and their families when others are taking the easy road . When the selfcentred and forceful are EASILY able to push their way through, and get what they should never have .

THE ONION FIELD ( 1970's) is a true story--really worth watching if you as an adult ( not a film for kids) need to be reminded ,that , if you truly care , you do truly have friends out here . We too can feel your emotions and despair at how bad things can really get in this mixed up world ! While you are waiting , try reading the Psalms, "even if you don't think you NEED to-" you might be surpised at how many really good friends you really have ! copyright Scream therapist Emperors Academy

When is a film bad for children ?

The answer - as per the last comment below?

The main thing is that what is bad should not seem right.
---when the script is used to make a walk thats ultimateley deadend and dangeraous look like something worth chasing? - not so much movies, but the post modern lyrics of despair and and self serving that are all over video clips ? What do you think? dressed up directions to nowhere but fun in particular .

Christianity today ran a survey recently to get some feedback over how much of the violence and sin of real life should be in a movie . I thought this response was helpful . esp lAST BIT which, I think , condemns many of carelessly put together pictures of the present.

I agree that you have to have the ugly with the good to be real. I hate plastic and preachy movies that are unbelievable. But even in secular movies I avoid nudity and brutal violence.


The main thing is that what is bad should not seem right. Joyce Weliky

Avoid being sucked in- review before you view

On good authority, we suggest you need a good reason to watch THE QUEEN >. its enough twaddle and tearing down to set us all on edge out here .

On the must see > side don't let the smhmatze title put you off "LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL ( LA VITA E BELLA) is a beautifully crafted funny serious film in that enduring biblical tradition that shows the paradox of people in their weaknesses but seriously and effectively getting beyond them . What advice 1 to a young man trying to find his way --To the mr bean type waiter as he struggles to be useful "God has a servant heart, but he's not a servant" . some great characters . BENIGNI the must have some others - any comments ?

Mr. Beans Holiday

It gets off to a pretty dodgy start, you'll probably think it will be boring, but by the end you'll be laughing your head off!( young member of the family)
We generally enjoy Mr bean , but this movie takes the cake for great content and laughs . Full of our worse temptations and actions, who would have thought one self centred narcisist could upstage another - the gags are great, and the singing mime is an encouragement to all to try being somebody else for the fun of others . Fantastic .

Life is Beautiful

While I love the idea , I found the appearance of "Life is beautiful" ads (for ABCFM on ABCTV recently) a bit out of character with its normally cynical and cautious tone; I thought our particular ABC hills were alive with the sound of cynicism.
MISS POTTER doesn't try to recapture the ground lost since Hair put a sock in too much exuberance about "our favourite things". Helpfully, for us old cynics ,though, this great film just tells the story like it is/was.......and it is truly beautiful.

So, if you , like me, want a rest from the cynical and feel that something really important and inspirational is missing from your life - it probably is! - you need to go see it .

Share with us that great mystery that being denied something that you really, really want does not have to diminish you, your potential, or the beauty that will still exist in many things within the small part of the world in which you have been placed.

While you are at it - LORD OF THE RINGS makes great EASTER watching - Ihe dark side gets an airing and somehow there is more going on than the pink sunset every night!

Finding a happier place

When we are unhappy, we often want to be somewhere else. As our friends, and those who love us can be deeply hurt by the suggestion that their attention and company is "not enough", the "i want outa ere" idea can get some momentum .
FORGET PARIS is wonderfully written reflection on the REAL dilemmas of modern relationships .Exploring the fact that you don't really need to "go places " to enjoy friendship. Its funny seriuos and truthful about selfcentredness and its ruining posibilities . By telling the story truthfully and with legimate dramatic edge( lots of fantasy, hope and good fortune) Crystal takes us on a journey with ourselves and others that is truly challenging .I just loved the way the authors broke the silence on woosiness ( the basketball coach) and its winning form !

Give me Tevye over Jakob anyday

If you haven't seen FIDDLER ON THE ROOF this decade, get yourself a copy of the video and relive the tension that celebrates the discipline we all need to live well with our fragile and sometimes fractured families . Jakob the Liar while a satisfactory drama, only reminded of how my generation denies itself the despair that often drives people back to faith. By denying despair and then the wonder of faith beyond it , it makes the shallow hope of storytelling in that context rather silly and superficial. As a story I found it unconvincing . Nowhere was the denial and "new millenium cynicsm" so forced as when the writers denied the young couple the joy of a marriage celebration. . Go tevye

"THE FASTEST INDIAN"

"THE FASTEST INDIAN" NOw out
Do you remember the old indian in Uncle Vics shed ? This is a movie to make you remember. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did From the Marcusmoo family

HIS GIRL FRIDAY

BOXED SETS of OLD MOVIES Go for em
Here's a bargain you must invest in .Many of the best movies of all time are in there . Take a brilliant play put to screen called HIS GIRL FRIDAY in the GOLDEN COMEDY series. It is so funny and so classicly human . Reminds me of Chestertons biography of that great playright Bernard shaw where he describes the time in Shaws life when he realised his generation didn't " know it all'.
My hope is that so many old reactionaries to the great things of western culture might do the same . Regain humility and wonder at the seriusly funny realities of life and the impossible cooincidences . "What did i tell you" says Cary Grant enjoying every moment of this wonderful play , "an unseen power" ( on the arrival of wife toting Mr Pettibone.
I feel sure Ben Hecht and Charles Mc Carthur ( the cowriter of front page )like those who wrote the great ABC series frontline knew the wonder of the world when he put that line to Pettybone ( 'what's your story Mr pettibone " and he searches for a picture of his wife) .The best stories are often not heard. More than the eye can see and out the mouths of those who just tell the story /or listen more closely! What amazing things can happen on a mere stage and without the technology of today ! Not to be missed!in 100 top movies of all time

KILLED BY CARE is great .On wed nights ABC2 at 7and 9;30 Will the program set the brief for effective change?
Luciene Leape is great as the Harvard health researcher with a heart .
Who will win? --the culture of blame combined with the hospital systems new found fame game .will the deabte in Australia even get off the ground do more here

PROTOCOLS OF ZION (Not nice story about jewish conspiracy theories but it highlights the reality of distraction and projection in history - a powerful story told by lots of people .

Marc Levins 's compilation of open questions was topped off by sharing his father with us and the stories of the men from prison. What a magical moment to hear those blokes from prison make good sense; reminding us we are ultimately one and we owe it to one and everyone to teach forgiveness. Lets urge SBS to show it again . Do it again mate ---it was great! (Jew watch is Google's no 1 site)
If you haven't seen it chase it up .

I just love FRANK . he's bulk professional passion in a world of blinkered passivity and blind passion. The hype of ALL SAINTS is normally too much for my ever lovin heart - I need all my emotional energy for folks at home - Don't I ? maybe ? Certainly --a bloke worth watching . More on

Where has all the humor gone eh ?. Remakes of PINK PANTHER movies ---You hacve got to be joking! ho hum- are we dumb : short of ideas; living in the past and not admitting to it? . The absence of the authorPETER SELLERS is a timely reminder of how authorship and originality is usually the key spark in creative enterprise.
money and markets are sometimes mere pawns in the face of genuine creativity, so why do the majority worship them ?
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We hear too much of the brilliance of marketing and too little of the brilliance of authors . Maybe you know some movies with that theme we can add here. It doesn't matter how many millions you throw at an idea, if the creator is not the key the stuff can be crap .
Authorship - why do we seems to be losing respect for it. Without the author you may have nothing but hot air and mere seking after that illusive spark. New things often in their very nature are cheap and unvalued -its a reality of life that its spiritual and not entirley material -its where worship of markets and marketing really misses the point . The curse of the pink panther had all the big names in it, but it missed the vital ingredient - the creative element that comes from one man who was not in it. Is Steve Martin and the men driving the remake risking a deep insult to their industry and a basic principle of respect for authorship?


We know we are in trouble when the film industry thinks the future is in remakes . The future is in authors . But don't leave the future to the sycophants or waste your time with revisionists. get reality ( see GHANDI below)

The original PINK PANTHER MOVIES are now out on DVD. While the gags come slower than most of us moderns would prefer, I found myself wondering how these movies got a PG rating ? They are not suitable for children as the adults are behaving like children --rebelling against what is now more recognised by that generation as unacceptable attitudes. Boy we have become more conservative in the last 20years!. What do you think ?


Want to watch something really great "GHANDI -with BEN Kingsley . A one man lesson on the impact of ideas in history . An Indian talking to the west about what he considers their best ideas - Its a reality check, not only for keen christians but all theose in west who want to know more clearly what's best about their history of ideas ---Anyone who takes the words of Jesus seriously, as he tried to do . I found the story Absolutely fascinatingly but then its the first time i've seen it -I am a bit slow perhaps ?

MUNICH - put it in the missable unless you want to be misled.
see the review on Link site churchofthemasses

This site is not intended to cover everything .Only to point you to things. Most of the better things are discussed on the links to the left . tHe higher they are on the list the more the moderator ( thats me ) thinks they are really good references ( take Church of the masses dealing with MUNICH and ISLAM . Time is short. Speak up and speak clearly.)

NANNY MCPHEE-- Nannies are back ; great therapy for everyone

What’s looks all bad at first , may well look a lot better when you accept the critical need for their experience, perspective and wisdom.

Churchill’s famous quote about The choice s we have (democratic choices) points clearly to the acceptance of the reality of inefficiency in leadership systems . Acceptance can lead to more realistic and less stressful worldviews.

The longer view of those well educated and experienced hands on housekeeping servants who can see through the noise ; not denying any members voice or , those with a legitimately short term view, but more able to see how we can keep the diverse economia we call home together .

Narnia is great . Heard some "kids shoudn't watch that" critic get his knickers in a knot because the old man celebrated Christmas with "gifts of warfare" . The so Pc corect - no earthly use brigade of old children in charge at ABC church church like to think that handing out lollies is more effective that presenting choices in art. Their afraid of something . The wooseheads deny the reality of post christmas depression and the reality that it comes about partly because of too many lollies and excecive hype about being nice being applied to a situation of potentailly warring parties -

Give us the realism and symbolism of great literature and reject the woosiness of those who continue to shove temptation, disagreemnet , anger and frustration and cheap choices under the carpet. The new censors think our children should not be offerred the great choices in both Tolkein and Lewis's work .