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Henry Poole is Here

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Henry Poole is Here deals with that basic issue of faith. How is it that we can look at the same thing, and see something completely different from the person next to us? What does looking through the lens of faith do to our outlook? And why does faith seem to come so easily to some, and not others? Why are some people so afraid of it?

Henry Poole is Here is just a good, pretty clean movie with an ending that is slightly open to interpretation. Does Henry Poole find faith?

Here’s the skinny… this movie opens with Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) buying a house.  He really wanted a different house on the same street, but the owners wouldn’t budge, so he takes the one that’s for sale.  It has a spot where there’s a little damage to the stucco, and even though Henry says to leave it alone, the real estate agent has it repaired.  Through periodic flashbacks, we see that Henry has been diagnosed with some sort of terminal disease.  We never hear what or how long he’s supposed to have, but it sends him into a state of bitterness and anger.

Enter a neighbor who swears she sees the face of Jesus in the stucco repair job.  Henry tries to wash it off, which only seems to make it worse.  Next thing he knows, there is a shrine outside his house and lines of people flocking to it asking for miracles.  Not exactly the kind of activity you want going on while you’re trying to wallow in self-pity and isolation.

In the middle of everything, Henry befriends a neighbor with a little girl who doesn’t talk.  He’s afraid to get too close knowing his time is short, but can’t seem to stop.  The little girl, Millie, sneaks out one night and touches the wall, which seems to restore her speech.  Then the checkout girl from the local market touches it and no longer has to wear her EXTREMELY thick glasses.  But it’s still not enough for Henry.  He has no faith.

Next thing you know, testing shows no explanation for the face of Jesus that is still on the side of Henry’s house, and on top of that, the red substance it oozes is found to be blood.  Henry finally can’t take it anymore!  Sadly, I have to stop there to prevent ruining the ending for you…you’ll have to see it to find out what happens.

This is one of those movies that I watched with my hubby and expected him to hate because of the religious aspect of it, but it is my understanding that he really enjoyed it, so I’d say this isn’t just a flick for those of faith.  In fact, those who find themselves questioning and searching may find this film even more fulfilling because they can identify with the search.

So, what reasons keep people from finding faith?  Is it just that they aren’t convinced or don’t want to be?  St. Augustine talked about how he knew the truth long before he was willing to give in to it.  Henry is presented with a couple of miraculous events, but he keeps trying to reason them away.  Maybe they were psychosomatic.  Maybe their faith is what healed them more than an actual miraculous intervention.  Maybe that’s what Jesus means when he tells the different people that their faith has healed them.  For example, in the story of healing the hemorrhaging woman.  She just touches Jesus and he tells her that her faith has healed her (Mark 5:21-43).

Another question for discussion is, “Do we find the neighbor, Esperanza, inspiring or annoying?”  How often do we find ourselves in these type of confrontations in life?  Do we stick to our guns or slink away to keep from causing hard feelings?  What are you reactions to the priest?  Does he strike you as trying to be a mediator, or luke warm?  Do you think he believes in Esperanza?

If you haven’t checked this one out, you ought to try it…  maybe you’re experience will be different, maybe not…  but let me know what you think!  God Bless!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1029120/

Hitch

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What most attracted you to your significant other, or any of your friends?  Why do we think we have to be the “ideal” rather than ourselves when we meet people, especially those we consider potential mates?  Hitch deals with just those questions.  But, rather than bolstering the self-esteem of the clients he works with, he tries to teach them how to be cool to attract the object of the client’s affection.

Hitch, played by Will Smith, takes on a client named Albert Brennaman (played by Kevin James) who has totally lost it over the beautiful socialite Allegra Cole (played by Amber Alletta).  Hitch also has his own love interest, with whom his relationship has a much bumpier time getting off the ground.  Add to all that, that Hitch’s girl, Sara Melas (played by Eva Mendes) is a reporter trying to expose the so-called “date doctor.”  It makes for a funny, but very meaningful film.

At first it appears that Hitch’s smooth lines, grooming tips and list of dating dos and don’ts are really the way to the heart of the girl of your dreams.  And, while they do help, somehow it turns out that when the true feelings are exposed it’s when those brief glimpses of the real person are shown that the connection is really made.  So, I think this can best be summarized as “be courteous (as we all should), but be yourself.”  What good is it to work so hard to attract someone if you have to keep up a false facade?  It’s too hard to keep up that mask, and one day you’ll both wake up wondering who you really are.  Albert is told not to dance, but he does anyway when he thinks Allegra isn’t watching.  He’s told not to use his inhaler, but he does anyway (then chucks it in a sudden burst of courage).  He just can’t hold his true self in.  Similar things happen to Hitch.  Despite his attempt to be cool and suave, an allergic reaction not only makes him look like he has some sort of disease, the medication he takes for it make him talk and say things he would never say if he wasn’t under the influence.

Another point to be made in this movie is “Don’t jump to conclusions!!!!”  We tend to pigeon-hole people into areas based on what we see and in the process we might miss out on getting to know someone wonderful.  We see a great example of this with the whole Albert and Allegra part of the movie.  No one can see what she sees in him, both in his appearance and awkwardness.  It makes the idea that there is a mysterious date doctor out there so much more probable.

On that same track, Sara’s friend Casey, has a one night stand with a man she thinks she has a connection to.  As he’s leaving, he comments “date doctor my a**” which she takes to mean that she’s been played by someone who’s a client of Hitch’s.  However, in reality, Hitch refused to work with Casey’s one-night-wonder because he tries to connect people who are in love, not just out for tail.  So, Casey shares the story with her bestie, Sara, who ultimately learns that Hitch is the date doctor.  Then, rather than confront him about it, she blows up in a truly psychotic fashion and exposes him publicly, which then puts Albert and Allegra in the hot seat with him, along with many of Hitch’s former clients.

Another thing is look in this film is to look for the good in others.  If you are looking for the good, you’ll see their soul, which has the capacity to be beautiful for eternity.  But if you’re looking for what looks good, those looks are fleeting and won’t really satisfy you at the end of the day.  I hope it goes unsaid that if you look at the soul and see evil – just run.  If they don’t treat people well – and I’m talking bums to bosses, they probably won’t treat you well.  Granted, everyone has the capacity to change…  but you can’t make them do it, it has to come from within themselves.

Hitch makes a plea to Sara at one point explaining what he does as trying to get women (as most of his clients are men) to get out of “their own way” (of being) so that they will even give guys like Albert a chance.  How often do we have preconceived notions of our “type.”  We find it easy to blow off potential mates by saying that he or she isn’t our type.  But what would happen if we dropped our idea of type to try to get to know someone who may not be the type we planned for ourselves, but the type we are called to love.  In most great relationships, there is a balance.  Couples complement each other.  “Complement” meaning complementary personalities, skills and demeanor, not that they give complements to each other constantly (which could be nice, too)…  They really can’t be too alike or complete opposites.  There’s something there, but sometimes we just have to look beyond the surface.

Love versus sex.  Since Hitch refuses to work with those who are just out for sex, we see that this date doctor is a likable guy who, despite his methods, is really a romantic.  And, Hitch’s idea that the pursuit of love is more honorable than the pursuit of sex is pretty consistent with the rest of the characters.  We see those in pursuit of sex portrayed as shallow and loathsome.  While a lot of movies out there portray characters who learn that love is better than sex, this is one of the few that portrays it all the way through and doesn’t have to show the big conversion.

Hitch is rated PG-13 for some language and strong sexual references, but there isn’t an actual sex scene, which is refreshing.  And, due to the love versus sex undertones, some discussion of sex actually seems appropriate to get the point across.

For more info, check out http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386588/

Keeping Up With the Steins

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We try everything we can do to help students know what Confirmation really means, right?! Well, Keeping Up with the Steins is about the journey of Benjamin Fiedler, who is preparing for his Bar-Mitzvah. Throw in a long-lost Grandpa and the strained relationship with he family he left, and you’ve got a funny yet touching flick that really gets a look at how secular some of our most sacred traditions have become.

The father, Adam Fiedler (played by Jeremy Piven) constantly downplays the importance of the Bar-Mitzvah, all consumed in planning the ultimate party and out doing his business competition. Young Ben invites his long lost grandfather, Irwin Fiedler (played by Garry Marshall), who in addition to being known and disliked for the way he left his family, is leading lifestyle much different than that of the family he left with his MUCH younger girlfriend (played by Daryl Hannah), and Adam’s focus switches to how to get through the Bar Mitzvah without being totally embarrassed by Irwin. In any case, the real significance of the event is lost on Adam and Ben is left trying to find the meaning in this rite of passage.

So Benjamin is trying to figure out what it all means and asks questions of all those around him, well, except the Rabbi because he seems intent to spend as little time in the Hebrew classes as possible. If it wasn’t for Irwin, poor Benjamin would remain to wallow in doubt and confusion. Irwin takes the time to work with Benjamin, talk to the Rabbi, and interact with others in a way that Benjamin not only studies the Haf Torah, he really starts to understand and believe in it.

Since Bar Mitzvah’s occur during approximately the same time we confer the Sacrament of Confirmation, and our Candidates for the sacrament are having to take ownership of their faith, much like our Jewish brethren. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist see the correlation. So, I encourage everyone to go back to the time of your Confirmation, what questions did you have? Who helped you deal with them? How was it viewed in your family (rite of passage, gracious gift from God, boring thing they had to sit through a two-hour mass for)?

If you’re reading this and you’re not of a faith that believe in Confirmation or the Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, think about why you do what you do in terms of faith & spirituality. Do you do it because it is expected, or because you really believe? Have you ever gotten wrapped up in the comercialization of a Religious event or holiday?

The other thing this movie brings to the table is the reconciliation between Adam and Irwin. Adam has a very hard time forgiving Irwin, even though Adam’s mother (played by Doris Roberts) forgave him long ago and still loves him. It takes Ben having a bit of a meltdown to get them to really talk and start to see what happened. Who do we need to reconcile with in our lives? Maybe it’s a parent, maybe a sibling or a child… but when we look at the situation(s) from their point of view would we understand their actions a little better, even if we still don’t approve or the result?

I’m also impressed at how Benjamin handles his struggle. Many kids would have given up… or just have gone along with it for the party and / or gifts. However, Benjamin truly wants to know what he’s doing and feel comforatable with it. There’s certainly honor in that – even if he does make a mis-step or two in the process.

Now, as much as I recommend this movie – especially if you need a little help diving into this type of conversation with a young candidate, I must warn you, it’s PG-13 for some brief rear nudity and alcohol use, so you’ll need to preview it before you show it to anyone at Bar-Mitzvah age. =] Enjoy!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0415949/trailers-screenplay-vi736035097

Robots

10 Saturday Nov 2012

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“See a need.  Fill a need.”

I’ve got to admit, I love a good kids movie.  Featuring voice talents of Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Amanda Bynes, Stanley Tucchi, Drew Carey, Jennifer Coolige and many others, this is a kids tale that I hope really sinks in the psyche of it’s intended audience!

Despite being quite funny, Robots reminds us what happens when we let consumerism take over and how to treat our elders.  First, we see the birth and growth of our hero, Rodney Copperbottom.  His parents are poor, and can’t afford new parts, so he often has hand-me-down parts from other relatives.  He’s an inventor although his inventions need a little fine tuning.  After one of his inventions goes awry, he decides to move to the big city in search of Bigweld the inventor and try to make a better life.

The big city isn’t quite as Rodney expects. Bigweld isn’t easy to find and those running Bigweld’s company have decided to stop making spare parts and emphaze upgrades.  So, all those with old parts are declared “out modes” and street sweepers roam the streets in search of these out modes to collect them and take them to the scrap yard.

Rodney finds himself in the company of a gang of robots who are already or on the verge of “out mode” status.  His knack for mechanics finds him fixing many out modes and the flock to him in droves.  But he can still do only so much without new parts.

Okay – so what can we talk about with this one in terms of catechesis?

  1. Rodney Copperbottom is portrayed as a Jesus figure.  He’s a healer.  Bots flock to him for his repair talents.  He tries to convince Bigweld that the welfare of the bots should take precedent over money.  But Bigweld has given up the fight and resigned himself to other endeavors. How often did Jesus preach repentance – and work to help us all see the error of our ways.  Rodney is criticized for repairing the old bots and is even somewhat persecuted because of it.
  2. This flick helps broach the topic of euthanasia and / or ethnic cleansing.  Out modes are considered worthless.  Anyone who doesn’t accept “upgrades” (which are beyond the financial abilities of most of the bots) and tries to maintain themselves as is, are considered enemies.  Old bots are swept up by street sweepers to be melted down for new upgrades.  Sounds eerily like rounding up Jews during the Holocaust or the ethnic cleansing that has taken place in Africa…  maybe even like those protesters who were run over by tanks in Tienanmen Square.  What about the idea that anyone over a certain age is a drain on society and therefore should be euthanized?  Life is not considered sacred and therefore seen as disposable.  But as we see, there’s a lot of life left in those old bots, and they have a lot to give!
  3. Upgrades make more money for the company…  so spare parts are discontinued to force bots to upgrade – sound like anything familiar?  Think about how fast technology is moving?  When was the last time we chose upgrading the old over trashing the old to buy new?  Nothing lasts anymore, why do you think that is?  Well, if the items we buy don’t last as long, we have to buy new – right?  Do we find ourselves wanting the latest and greatest or do we count our blessings and try to help others with our means?
  4. “See a need.  Fill a need.”  This is the film’s catchphrase.  It’s used to encourage inventions in the beginning, but we see a switch to mean helping others fairly early on.  What needs are there in your community?  What needs are there in the world?  What can you do to fill those needs?  What resources do you need?  How can you use your talents to make the world a better place?

This is definitely appropriate for all audiences.  Like I said earlier, there’s enough here for adults despite being geared to kids.  No need to split boys and girls as both are well represented and the jokes are pretty clean.  So, check out this film when you get a chance!  It’s well worth your time!

For more info, check out http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0358082/

The Interpreter

03 Saturday Nov 2012

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“Vengeance is a lazy form of grief.”
 
So, a movie that struck me the very first time I saw it was The Interpreter. Both of the main characters have suffered severe loss.  An overheard conversation of an assassination attempt bring together these two suffering souls. It’s an interesting story and an exciting thriller, but what really got me, was this story Nicole Kidman’s character, Silvia Broome, tells Sean Penn’s character, Tobin Keller.
 
Keller talks about wishing death on the man who killed his wife (auto accident) and Broome responds by telling him of this African tribe who handles murder in an interesting way. When one person in the tribe kills someone, they are bound and taken out into the river and thrown in.  The victim’s family is given the choice of whether or not they are willing to jump in to save the killer. Their belief is that in saving the killer, the victim’s family will heal, but if they choose to let the killer die, they will grieve forever.
 
This is a great way to breach the topic of the death penalty.  Not only do you have the story of the tribe, you have the loss suffered by Keller & Broome, but also a character who’s been threatened with assassination for holocaust type crimes against the people in his country.  Who deserves the to die for their crimes?  Christian teaching would say none of them…  Why?
 
It’s also a good way to talk about the differences in the culpability of the killers.  The first, was presumably a real accident.  What is his level of fault?  What if he did it on purpose?  Another victim is shot by a child being raised to kill.  And the last killer has killed hundreds if not thousands by his orders, even if he himself wasn’t holding the gun.
 
Keller refers back to the story of he tribe several times throughout the rest of the movie, wavering back and forth on what choice he would make. So it’s interesting to see him change as his experiences change and as he deals with his grief.  It adds a dimension to the story that probably isn’t necessary for the movie to be good, but definitely makes it one to think about.
 
This story is fictional, but has so many similarities to things going on in Zimbabwe, so much so that it was banned there.  How aware are we of what goes on outside the borders of our country – or our continent?  Does knowing that this stuff actually happens change your opinion about the punishment the killers deserve?  What, if any, ways can we help stop this sort of thing from happening?
 
This is one of my favorite movies so it shouldn’t be a surprise that this is one I highly recommend if you ever get a chance! 
 

Brokedown Palace

03 Saturday Nov 2012

Posted by in Drama

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One of my perennial favs in terms of Movie Ministry or Cinema Catechesis is the 1999 flick Brokedown Palace.  It seems that not a lot of people have heard of this film that stars Claire Danes, Kate Beckinsale and Bill Pullman, with even a few appearances by Lou Diamond Phillips.  I promise, it’s worth taking a look at – and there’s enough suspense, that it’s not to “chick flicky” for most guys.

It starts off simple enough, two girls graduate high school and head out for their senior trip. Darlene (Beckinsale) is “the good one” and the other, Alice (Danes) of course, “the bad one.” This movie is about trust & true friendship.  First, the two girls, supposedly headed to Hawaii for their senior trip, decide to switch gears and head off to Thailand, in search of the exotic and thrilling.  But, the girls learn that nothing is as it seems.

Which girl was guilty – even if unknowingly so? Many make assumptions of who is actually to blame. Was it the bad one? Was it the naive one? Or, was it neither of them, but the work of some con artist?  Is their lawyer (Pullman) a help or a hurt?

We work and work to try to figure that out, but does it matter – especially when both girls are paying the price? You never know quite who to trust in the movie. Sometimes you think all the characters are playing each other. But, ultimately it doesn’t matter. There is no such thing as “reasonable doubt” in Thailand, and the time will be done, regardless.

So, what would you do if you and your best friend were in prison together? What would you do if you thought it was your friend’s fault you were there? What if you’d been the one tricked? Would you still care?

So now that we’ve been made to think about the “what ifs”, what lessons do we learn here?

1.  Don’t lie!  The girls lied about where they were going, making it harder to get help once they realized they were in trouble.  They snuck into a hotel and lied about being guests there – which got them caught, and put in contact with a guy we later learn is a drug trafficker, despite his incredibly charming appearance who obviously lies to them.

2.  Be on guard.  It may sound silly – but at so many turns the girls might have avoided some of the punishment they got.  But, they think they know it all, are so busy looking for aventure, that they are careless.

3.  Know who your friends really are.  Those that are charming may look polished and talk smoothly, but are they going to be there for you when you need it?  Who are the most important people in your life?  Are they good influences or bad?  Don’t get me wrong, as this movie portrays, there isn’t always a clear line here.  Sometimes we need someone who’s a little wild in our lives – sometimes we’re the wild ones.  How do those closest to us help us grow, or hold us back?

4.  One thing I applaud the girls on, most especially our bad girl Alice, is in looking out for a friend.  Darlene may be “the good one” but she appears to be quite naive and barely able to watch out for herself in this strange place.  The two girls have a spat over a boy, but still it appears that Alice is more concerned about her friend than anything.  Alice is the strong one and is constantly trying to help Darlene deal with the mess they’re in; they are picked on by guards and prisoners, Darlene’s father shows up and reiterates to Alice what a horrible person he thinks she is and how he blames her for this situation his daughter is in and Darlene gets very ill.  Even at a point when Darlene isn’t speaking to Alice, Alice stays with her and shows she’s willing to offer the biggest sacrifice.

What parallels can you make to scripture with this one – self-sacrifice, for sure.  It’s hard to really discuss this aspect without ruining the ending for you.  Which I really don’t want to do.  You may already be able to guess what happens by what I’ve said and not said here. But, it’s a good movie, suspenseful, with a great message, not just about trust, but also friendship.

For more information check out http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120620/