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mhollibaugh_2001
Reviews
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
A landmark film in science fiction.
I vaguely remember seeing this film when it first came out in 1968. I was only 7 years old at the time, and it was at a drive-in theatre. When I asked my mother about it many years later, she said that as far as she could recall, it didn't seem to her I had been bored by the movie -- an amazing thing considering many adults find the movie boring.
Even after having seen and been wowed by the special effects in Star Wars (I saw it 11 times in the theatre during its original run) and being amazed by the special effects in Jurrasic Park, I still say 2001 is the best science fiction movie ever made.
As an adult I do not understand a lot of the philosophy of the movie but have been able to discern enough to figure out that it probably doesn't agree with my view of "life, the universe and everything." That still doesn't change my opinion about the movie. Considering it was made in 1968, the special effects are astounding and surpasses many of today's science fiction films. It's a great movie that set the standard for films to come.
One last comment. I recommend 2001 fans to read Arthur C. Clarke's book "The Lost Worlds of 2001." It explains a lot of things about the movie and offers some interesting insights into how the movie and the book came into existence. It also includes Clarke's short story "The Sentinal" from which the idea for the movie, and again, the book, came.
The Gospel (2005)
A Must See for anyone involved in Music Ministry
As someone who is actively inolved in the music ministry at my church, I highly recommend this movie. The movie is a lesson in what it means to worship and put me into a position where I found myself examining my motives as to why I sing on the worship team. Based solely on it's technical merits, the film is no Oscar contender. It is better than a lot of movies, not as good as others. On the other hand, if a movie touches a life, if that life is changed when they walk out of the theatre after having seen the movie, as this one has done for me, then whatever faults there may be in the film can justifiably be overlooked. If you want to learn what it really means to worship, this is a very good film and worth seeing.
I have to add, one of the things that impressed me most in this film was how the people at the church, and not just the choir, worshiped with their whole body. It's one thing to simply sing about the joy of the Lord, but when you express that joy with more than just your mouth, it takes the worship experience to a whole new level.
Love Comes Softly (2003)
Major Disappointment
I am a fan of Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series but I must say that the movie was a major disappointment. It bore little resemblance to the book. I understand the need for some artistic license but they really butchered this one. My biggest complaint is that Ma Graham, who had such a pivotal role in helping Marty to adjust, had far too little screen time. She was also portrayed as a woman with far less softness and compassion than her character in the books. The actress who portrayed her was completely unbelievable and in my opinion, too young for the role. Secondly, I vehemently disagree with how the movie ended. If they thought their ending to be more dramatic than what occurs in the book, then they obviously completely missed the theme of the story. Clark chasing after the wagon train to get his "woman" after reading the lost note was a hokey way to end the film and was a complete departure from the book. I have many other comments about this dismal adaptation to Janette Oke's book but since I am limited to only 1,000 words, I have to keep this short.
Once again the entertainment industry has totally botched an opportunity to make a wonderful and heart-warming film about a beloved and extremely popular story. I should have known better. It was wishful thinking on my part that just this once, they would get it right. I only hope that this movie does not deter viewers from reading this book and the other wonderful books by Ms. Oke.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Hats off to Andy Serkis!
Aside from one or two minor complaints, I found the movie very entertaining and enjoyable and would highly recommend the movie to anyone. I would like to point out that very little if anything has been mentioned about Andy Serkis and the character of Gollum/Smeagol. For myself, that was the most memorable character in the entire film. The animation sequences of Gollum/Smeagol were nothing short of phenomenal. They left me feeling almost as if he were real and deserved to be nominated for best supporting actor. At the very least, a new category of best voice over should be added. Andy Serkis most definitely deserves something for giving Gollum such amazing depth. I've done some acting and know firsthand it is no easy task to bring to life a live character. I can only imagine how much more difficult it is to bring so much life to an animated character as to cause to me willingly suspend my disbelief for nearly 3 hours and actually feel pity for the character. Call it an overstatement if you will. I stand by my comments about Serkis' performance and would be willing to cast my vote for him as a best supporting actor.