jpii_99 Reviews

Voyagers! (1982–1983)

Voyagers! - Lots of FUN, Adventure, and Family Friendly

[10/10 · 6 August 2008]

Released by Scholastic Books, this series is clean, fun, and full of historical tidbits and settings. Voyagers are time travelers who basically give historical figures a nudge in the right direction so they fulfill their destinies, and history goes right.

In each episode there are 2-3 different places/events covered that relate to a main story (i.e. Slavery with Harriet Tubman/Spartacus with a message we are "all created equal"). You see presidents, Lawrence of Arabia, Titanic, Salem witch hunts, Thomas Edison, Harry Houdini, World War I and II, Marco Polo, Mona Lisa, etc., along with brief cameos of famous figures for added historical fun, like Francis Scott Key (Star-Spangled Banner) and baby Moses.

This series is great for kids and everyone interested in history. Even my 71-year-old father enjoyed Voyagers (and remembers it when it aired in 1982 when I was young). It has action, adventure, amusing situations, and the characters never stay in one setting too long so there is no time for boredom.

I see many people not know simple historical facts like who is the first U.S. President. This ignorance is horrifying. Get Voyagers! and enjoy an entertaining show while learning history in the process.

Hidalgo (2004)

GREAT Movie Regardless Of Controversy...

[10/10 · 5 March 2004]

Hidalgo is a FUN action/adventure western with a hint of romance, inspiration and some great comedy scenes. Viggo was made for this movie and did a great job.

Hidalgo is a cross between Disney's "Spirit", The Great Race (Natalie Wood) and a swashbuckler movie. Horse lovers and Viggo fans will especially enjoy this film. But don't expect it to be like "Seabiscuit"<---a great movie but Seabiscuit didn't rescue a Sheik's beautiful daughter. ;)

Frank Hopkins was a true man with some exciting memoirs. Were some things true but over-embellished? Perhaps his horse races could've been small/lesser known than what he admits. He also lived in a time of tall-tale western stories, esp. concerning great legends like Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hickcock, Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, etc. Perhaps Hopkins wanted to be one of those "tall-tale" legends? He had no birth certificate (was it because by being half-Indian his parents wanted to protect his identity?) Even if his stories are fabricated, you have to admit he was one hellava storyteller, and he's still a mystery. :)

Being a movie BASED on a true story doesn't mean it has to be 100% authentic (and you can bet Hollywood will throw in extra fluff). There's definitely Hollywood touches added to the Hopkins character/story but it all makes the movie worthwhile, IMO. I was able to look beyond the controversy and enjoy this great film.

9 out of 10 stars.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

WOW! The most brilliant film on Jesus Christ yet!

[10/10 · 26 February 2004]

This movie experience goes beyond ANY I've ever seen. The whole acting ensemble/portrayal of the historical figures involved were perfect, and Mel's vision was brilliant. I never cry over movies yet, I had tears throughout many parts of this beautiful film. I'm still in awe, esp. by the little details, like the drops of blood Jesus experienced in the Agony of the Garden, Veronica's Veil, Jesus as a carpenter (a scene which relates to the Last Supper), more.

The audience was mixed with Christians/non-believers. All were silent throughout and after, no eating/drinking did I hear, just tears (how could we not?)

Yes, there are parts that are gruesome (after all Jesus DID suffer unimaginable persecution/death, esp. being innocent, that no others experienced during that time--crucifixions did not include a crown of thorns, whipped to a pulp then beat up afterward, spit on, mocked, whipped again continuously while carrying his cross to his crucifixion, and more). However, these parts of the film are disrupted with flashbacks of Jesus' ministry, Last Supper, childhood, as a carpenter, etc. to reiterate why Jesus chose to suffer for us. They make the violent scenes easier to accept, IMO.

This movie is based on the Gospels (the Bible does say not everything Jesus did in his life is recorded, so there is Oral Tradition and other early written works that help prove what happened to Jesus is True). Jesus' death was brutal because the Romans were in charge of carrying out the Crucifixion (brutality was part of that regime as they were brutal to Christians for many years in the Coliseums). Thus, the Roman leaders were equally responsible for condemning Jesus to an unjust death.

There is no anti-semitism in this film. Jewish Leaders (esp. Caphias) were threatened by the growing followers of Jesus-also a Jew, so they condemned him to death. Jewish leader, Joseph of Aramethia, did try to defend Jesus but was forced to leave the trial by the crowd. When the crowd was faced with the decision to choose to free Jesus or Barabbas (a murderer), the Jewish Leaders provoked the crowd to choose Barabbas. The Jews who were against it were beaten and silenced by the Romans/the crowd. Jewish figures who supported Jesus are present and powerful throughout the film.

I highly recommend seeing "The Passion", esp if you're a Christian because being transported to that time/event helps you understand/appreciate your faith. I plan to see this movie again in a few weeks. I'm not afraid to re-witness the brutality that was bestowed on this Great Man because I know His love for me is why He CHOSE to suffer for my sins. And, it allows me to reflect on the purpose of Lent..."The Passion of the Christ", which leads up to the Resurrection. Without the "Passion" there is no "Resurrection".

Before allowing naysayer critics to make up your mind about this movie, experience it yourself. There is much artistic value in this film.

I give this film a whopping 10 Stars!