Change Your Image
BridgeBuilder2006
Reviews
Two & Two (2011)
protect and defend the classroom
This review is aimed mostly at teachers and parents.
Here is a video about the dark side of education. This reminds me of how tyrants, cults and extremist have used learning to contaminate a generation. Physical death is portrayed here but other forms of punishment have been used historically to force children to believe lies.
One of the huge responsibilities of educators is to protect and defend the classroom from such abuses.
Teaching is an honorable profession that is too often undervalued. But historically those with a sinister agenda have attempted to leverage it for their ends. Never forget the great responsibility of touching impressionable lives.
Others in society may have a larger income. But at the end of the day all they did was make or market disposable widgets. They did not have the privilege to touch the wet clay of learners.
The classroom is in some ways sacred ground for transmitting knowledge and teaching thinking skills.
This video amplifies the importance of education by dramatizing the extreme misuse.
W.E. (2011)
Like a Moving Tapestry
W. E. is a delightful movie that blends two love stories, a biography and history.
There were many moments when the camera work is stunning.
The actors deftly bring to life a gripping story line.
The beautiful costumes and lovely sets give this show a rich texture.
Madonna directed this and I look forward to more works of art she directs. Wikipedia informs me she also co-wrote this so I am even more amazed.
I would highly recommend this for Date night whether married or single Romantics
Mirror Mirror (2012)
A Lovely Gem for You
The old story of Snow White is retold in a refreshing way with Mirror Mirror.
Rarely have I seen costumes and sets play such pivotal parts.
This fun filled romance has a first rate beast at the end.
The thrilling plot developments and wonderful acting keeps the show engaging.
I greatly appreciate the clever way the background of the tale is introduced.
The end has all those boring credits along with a beautiful music video kind of clip.
Yes Julia Roberts does a great job here but she is not alone in making this magical show.
I would recommend this movie for the following. Family night Romantics Children Girlie girls Insomniacs Baby sitters
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team (2006)
Abundance of beautiful women and real life drama
These episodes are packed with beauty and drama. The cheerleaders are obviously beautiful. The unfolding stories of how real the women overcoming obstacles to make it on the team provides engaging drama.
Watching these has given me a much greater appreciation for what goes into the making of such a world class performer.
There is a long and complex process from open auditions to the first football game. That includes many related parts that spans many weeks. The director did a great job of weaving together dozens of tiny clips in appealing ways.
I watched all the episodes of season 3 and 4. Three quarters of the way my attention shifted from the candidates to the leaders. I came to deeply appreciate the difficult and delicate work they do.
It was insightful to notice how the different factors go into making the complete package of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. You will need to see several episodes to understand what that means.
It was amusing to me as a man how the female leaders sometimes called the female candidates by three different terms: girls, women and ladies. This varied widely depending on the person and context.
These videos would be recommended for any female considering becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader as well as their family, friends and coaches. It is amazing how unprepared many candidates were. Those who aspire to this job need to witness how hard the weeks of preparations are. Then maybe many will not even try out. And those who do try out will have previously gotten the needed instructions in dance, cheer leading and the other topics that are covered.
A coach of any sport could pick up insights into how to draw out the potential from an athlete.
Students and practitioners of sports psychology could gain much wisdom and many insights.
Cheerleaders and dancers have much to gain in terms of general inspiration and specific tips.
The End of Poverty? (2008)
I like videos about history like this one
The longer I live the more I value history.
I am less distracted with the tiny incidents of current events when I understand the historic context.
Our current reality is the result of thousands of chains of events that stretch back in time.
I have come to especially value videos that tell the stories that go back hundreds of years.
This offers a summary of major events over the globe during the centuries.
I do not agree with all that is said here but many major parts of the mural of history are presented well.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
Biography and History Set on a Lovely Platter
Elizabeth the Golden Age is a wonderful movie on many levels.
The dry facts of history were made alive and engaging.
The costumes and sets allowed the imagination to go there with ease.
The dialog and acting was of the highest standard.
The directing and camera work brought an great width and depth to the work.
A love triangle turned and shifted as events unfolded.
The special effects of the sea battle seem realistic and the bonus material unmasked it.
The elegant workmanship of many on the crew brought a grandeur to the film.
Highly recommended for Students of history Date night (singles or married couple) Lovers of great stories well told Romantics
What Would Jesus Buy? (2007)
WAKE UP Shopper!!!
What Would Jesus Buy? is a 90 minute film is well worth viewing.
It began with a man who had a passion to wake up Americans about their out of control shopping. The concept grew in New York City. And he used a parody of preaching carry his message. He spoke to groups and at shopping settings.
The church of Stop Shopping is a group of social activist with a timely message. The film deals with a month long journey across the country that climaxed on Christmas. It shows what they experienced along the way.
The facts and figures of our collective addiction to consumerism were presented in a humorous and awakening way.
It would be wise to view this as an individual, family and small group before the shopping madness leading up to Christmas.
See the video here for free with a few short commercials http://snagfilms.com/films/watch/what_would_jesus_buy/3
Website for the movie http://wwjbmovie.com/
Trailer http://wwjbmovie.com/trailer.html
The website of Rev. Billy http://www.revbilly.com/about_us/
Especially recommended for Any American, Parents, Pastors, Teachers, Those with credit card debt troubles
C.S. Lewis: Beyond Narnia (2005)
Understand the Narnia Context
Beyond Narnia is a captivating movie where C. S. Lewis is presented as an older man looking back and telling the story of his life. There are cuts back and forth from the autobiographical narrator and those acting out the scenes.
Over the years I have seen several videos about C. S. Lewis. I have read many hundreds of pages. And here are all the facts told in an orderly way. The film is easy to understand and very engaging. The sets and costumes help tell the visual story as the narrator talks.
This movie is recommended for all those who want to understand the live of C S Lewis both as the writer of the Narnia Chronicles as well as his many other books. Understanding his spiritual pilgrimage can provide a greater context to more fully appreciate the soil of his life that the fruits of his labors came from in his complex walk with God.
An Uncommon Union: The Life and Love of Sarah and Jonathan Edwards (2004)
A Wife Remembers
The title Uncommon Union refers to the relationship Jonathan Edwards had with his wife Sarah.
The movie is adapted form a one woman stage performance. It is mostly monologue. But instead of one woman on a stage this movie has her in various setting and various costumes. The movie story line is her writing remembrances to their children of her husband, their marriage and their ministry.
She tells of their many hardships using the kind of language common to that era. She gracefully weaves biblical responses to the challenges that gave them hope and strength to endure. This long narrative is an eloquent testimony of the goodness and grace of God to take special care of His people during times of greatest difficulty.
This movie is highly recommended viewing to get an insider viewpoint of one person that greatly impacted church history. And it is evident that his wife played a huge role his success.
The Great Mr. Handel (1942)
The Story of the Man and His Famous Work
Handel's Messiah has been a favorite of millions of people for centuries. It has been sung and performed all over the globe, especially during the Christmas and Easter seasons.
This movie tells the story behind the writing of that masterpiece. The first two thirds sets the context of the man and his struggles. Then most of last third is spent showing what it may have been like to compose that immortal work of art.
At the end there was a short segment of the grand performance of the Hallelujah Chorus.
Out of personal hardships and illness came this amazing work that has endured. A few other people played a huge role in bringing this to past.
There is an indication of how his personal fellowship with God influenced him during this creative process.
Plus the period costumes and antique like sets give a beautiful visual history lesson.
The Way We Live Now (2001)
Love is Lovely and Complicated
The first rate sets, costumes and acting provide a lovely context for this complex web of love stories. Here are several love triangles that intersect and overlap.
The plot lines took twists and turns like many great novels.
From these hours a fascinating drama the various facets of human love were explored and exposed. Is it any wonder that romance can never fit nicely in any box?
To marry for love or money and to marry with or without the blessing of parents are old themes that are explored effectively.
Power, sex and romance are as powerful today as they have been anytime in history. And that makes the title of this movie all the more important.
The Radicals (1989)
This Couple Shaped Church History
Here is the journey of a man and a woman that actively put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ during the Reformation Era.
They were used by God to lead others into the practice of adult baptism. That was contrasted to infant baptism. They were called Anabaptist.
This practice was violently opposed by the leaders of the church and the state.
They continued amidst persecution, suffering and ending in death as martyrs for their faith.
This movie makes personal and real a critical season of church history.
Emmanuel's Gift (2005)
One Person Made a Big Difference
Most documentaries and biographies look back on events and maybe recreate some of them. This movie is very special because the camera tags along during the journey of a courageous athlete. The key events are filmed as they occur and are woven into a lovely mural afterward.
One man faced his disability head on. He not only overcame his personal limitations; he transcended the conditions presented by his deformed leg. He dedicated his life to serve the higher mission. His deeds have improved the conditions for all of those like him in his homeland of Ghana West Africa. His tenacious actions have changed the perceptions and attitudes of people throughout the country.
This is an amazing saga that includes the fields of sports, medicine, charity, politics and education.
The story of this man's life has inspired millions from many walks of life in Ghana as well as the USA. The story could inspire you too.
The Thing About My Folks (2005)
Well Worth While
The movie gets to the guts of the tension between a son and a father.
The brilliant dialog, lovely scenery and great acting serve as an excellent way to present the onion that keeps peeling back layers.
The core issues of parenting, communication and manhood are explored indirectly.
In fun ways the curtain is pulled back, the masks slip off a little and truths are exposed.
All of this happens amidst a road trip format. The backdrop is rural New York state in the early fall just as the trees are changing colors. WOW!