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tawhicks
Reviews
Is Genesis History? (2017)
Excellent
Excellent documentary that deals with scientific evidence and is honest about its presuppositions. They begin with the supposition that the Bible is the word of God and is accurate.
Modern secular science, despute its claim to only follow the evidence, also has its presuppositions. Tney presume no God, no divine work of creation and--to top it all--demonstrate their obstinacy by suppressing any contrary opinion. (Romans 1:18-20). Many of the critical reviews demonstrate this hostility.
The conversation needs to be had. Let everyone place their evidence on the table. We do not have that. Instead, we have the domination of the science field by those who suppress any discussion that does not follow their materialistic and atheistic framework.
Very much worth watching.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
Okay, not Great
Positive Notes:
- Lavish sets and great effects
- An attempt to bring in other aspects of Tolkien's writing, specifically the ancient history. The story takes place in the Second Age.
- They bring in the ancient history of Morgoth and the fact that Sauron was his lieutenant before Morgoth's defeat. If you have read the Silmarillion, you get a sense of that ancient world that Tolkien wrote about.
Negative Notes:
- They definitely wanted to make Galadriel into a "Strong independent woman warrior" and she ends up largely insufferable mainly because she is made in a modern image, not the image of Tolkien.
- In their attempts to both establish their world and create tension, they jumped between story lines so much that it became very tiresome. It was like a show that could not focus. I actually got bored in the second episode.
Overall: Not as bad as I (a Tolkien fan) expected but not great either.
The Awakening (1980)
Really Good Variant on Mummy Story
This was very well done. Creepy and atmospheric. Charlton Heston plays an Egyptologist obsessed with an ancient Egyptian queen who was officially erased from their history because of her evil and who promised to live again. Stephanie Zimbalist gives a good performance as the scholar's daughter who was born on the day when the tomb of the queen was opened. I will say no more. This is a twist on the normal mummy story and provides an unsettling ending. I recommend this highly.
Arrowhead (1953)
Very Good
I watched this for the first time in over 50 years. Not your simplistic soldiers vs Indians story. It shows hatred in both sides. Old movies often were about the good (the army) vs the bad (the Indians). Modern thought is often the bad (Army) vs the good (Indians). This movie makes it more complex and I think more accurate. It still holds up very well 68 years after its release. Great performances by both Chuck Heston and Jack Palance.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Astonishingly Bad
Long time lover of Star Trek. I hoped for better. After two episodes, I am done with this drivel. Back to real Star Trek for me.
Colony (2016)
Excellent...and Maddening
In many ways, this show is very well done. You have the alien invasion/occupation idea with a resistance movement. The characters are interesting and the scenarios compelling. But...the show continually plays "keep away." A good show reveals some tidbits along the way. Into the 3rd season and we still have no idea about who the aliens are or what they are doing on the moon. I can see why the glacial pace of the plot caused a lot of people to give up on it. Too bad. Very well done if only....
Forbidden Planet (1956)
One of the Very Greats
One of the most creative SciFi movies ever. If some things look familiar, it is because later movies copied it. Very intelligent and mysterious film.
Gone with the Wind (1939)
Magnificent Movie!
I watched this movie last night after not having seen it in many years. Even though I have seen this many times in the past, I was bowled over by the quality. From the beautiful cinematography to the rich characterizations and the wonderful acting, this movie is Hollywood at its finest. Scarlett "over-the-top" character is played wonderfully by the beautiful Vivian Leigh. What more can be said about Clark Gable's masterful performance? There is also a great supporting cast. Love it, love it, love it.
Wonder Woman (2017)
Pleasantly Surprised
I was pleasantly surprised with this movie and liked it. They did well by delving into the legend (although playing loosely with some mythology). Still, the movie was entertaining and Gadot effective. After hating Batman vs Superman, this was a relief. I hope DC's future offerings will be more like this and less like some of the weaker ones. One weakness of this movie was where they treated the WWI Germans as if they were Nazis. Great historical weakness there as there were huge differences between the First and Second World Wars.