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Âya to majo (2020)
Charming enough, but unfulfilling
When I saw the low average rating, I tried not to get my hopes too high. But actually, the film is pretty charming.
Even though the main character acts like a spoiled brat, she makes new relationships, and we are given the hope she might ease up. The movie gets increasingly interesting as it goes along, as we learn more about the characters' personalities and pasts, and see how they grow together.
The movie also does exhibit some fun imagination, although not on par with most of Ghibli ingenious journeys into vast fantasy.
The peppy soundtrack is strangely effective for this picture, and the CG animation, a first for Ghibli and unusual to see for them, actually works fine and gives the film a more unique, set apart, fun feeling.
By the end, Aaya has grown attached to her new family, and we have the sense that maybe she's grown, developed. Maybe they all have. ...Or maybe not.
The Aaya we leave with the same arrogant, manipulative child we came in with. Her full name mentioned at the beginning of the movie, "Ayatsuru" is actually Japanese for "manipulate". What did her mom do? Put a spell on her to make her that way? And just how is Aaya able to eventually get her way with everyone? The movie never clarifies. All I know is it's unfortunate to see that she appears unchanged by the end. She's found a way to be the same spoiled princess in her new home as she was in the orphanage.
So she goes on getting her way, living the life she prefers, ayatsuteiru (manipulating). For that reason, I can't say for more this picture. It's fun and charming until you see it end with very little redeeming value.
Batwoman: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Two (2019)
Talk about a letdown
I didn't care about watching this show. But I purposed watched one episode, this one. Why? Because Kevin Conroy finally plays a live-action Batman. Man, what a waste of great potential. The man who defined the character of the Dark Knight is reduced to a dark shell of his former shelf, outwardly and inwardly. The one time we get to see the Kevin Conroy in a live-action version, he never wears the cowl, but an instead a mere robotic exoskeleton. Why? Because Superman broke his body, before Batman killed him. In fact, he's killed countless people by this point. You thought Affleck's Batman in "Batman v Superman" was world-weary? Wait till you see this version. He has lost all hope of any universe being saved, and thinks it's meaningless to try. This is a Batman that has truly given up. Even as he dies, after Kane's struggle with him, he tells her there's no hope. What a waste of Conroy's talents. What a shame, a serious missed opportunity.
The rest of the episode is dull as well. A dirty weasel version of Lex Luthor controls Brandon Routh's Superman to make him fight the skinny Arrowverse Superman. So we barely get to even enjoy any of what Routh brings to the role. The rest of the episode is very forgettable.
Nothing to see here. Thinking about giving this a shot? Don't do what I did.
War Room (2015)
If you only see one movie from 2015, make it this one
Are you currently having problems with your family relationships or your marriage? Even if you aren't, this film is a must see. No matter who you are, you will face challenges in life, and sometimes it all seems like too much to bear. The problem is we try to overcome by our own strength, and fight each other instead of fighting our real enemy, Satan, the accuser and father of lies. And what weapon do we have to fight this enemy with? Prayer. In this story, a hurt and overwhelmed mother and wife has to learn she can't win her battles by her power, but her Creator is a God who fights for us and can lead us a give us peace if we let Him.
I don't actually cry much, but this movie had me in tears. It is one of the most moving and powerful movies I've seen in a long time, and definitely my favorite of the year at this point. Even if you are not a Christian, you will be able to relate to the life struggles this family is going through. Do yourself a favor and give this film a chance. It is one of the most profound and powerful movies you may ever see.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
This movie delivers the goods!!
I don't get where all the hate comes from, but I think it makes this one of the most underrated movies I've seen in recent years. There was very little wrong with it. What exactly were people wanting with this that it didn't deliver? It was fun, exciting, had good comedy, and heart. The writing of the characters was extremely faithful to their roots. As a TMNT fan, I've very much enjoyed the original '80s cartoon, the '03 cartoon, and all the previous movies, but this one may take the cake. So what if Bay was involved in this? It still turned out as an excellent, more than satisfactory adaption. I know I speak for the minority, but man am I excited for the sequel next year!
To sum it up, while this may not be the deepest movie of last year, let's remember it's also a story of talking mutant teenage turtle superheroes. Considering that, the movie express themes of teamwork and courage, and also showed the turtle brothers' love for each other. The writing was charming and entertaining, as were the special effects. The action more than satisfies as well. The turtles also have maybe their best designs yet, not only making them truly look like humanoid turtles, but also giving them further unique aspects to their costumes, as well as differentiating between their personal physiques. Do yourself a favor: ignore the immature ranting most haters are giving this movie and give it a fair chance for yourself. If you are a TMNT fan like me, I have a hard time imagining how you could come away so disappointed.
God's Not Dead (2014)
This film is the real deal!
Upon seeing the hate this film has received, I almost wasn't sure what to think going in. I expected, as this is a Christian movie, I would enjoy it, being a devoted Christian myself. But not only did this film remove any doubts I may have had as to if it was well executed or not, but it moved and energized me as well.
Contrary to what some of the reviews here seem to have said, this film does not portray non-Christians as jerks. Rather, the film shows different kinds of people in different places in their lives with very real struggles. It does not caricature them. Despite how spiteful and hateful the atheist teacher is in the movie, I have actually experienced people like this. The movie doesn't attack these characters, but shows them as human with their own baggage and shows how they, like the rest of us, have a need for God to break through and change their lives. I found the characters to be very realistic and well handled. Also note, that aside of the pastor, none of the other people in the main character's life who call themselves Christians are showing love or support to him, including his own girlfriend.
The film so some very intriguing arguments from both the Christian and non-Christian. I can be very analytical and intellectual, so this appealed to me and encouraged me. The movie doesn't just tell you, "God is real and that's it" and expect you to just accept it. It makes a solid case for God.
And finally, this movie really moved and inspired me. You can't expect every character in this movie is going to experience a life-changing event. That's realistic. Even with a lot of experiences pertaining to God, there are still people who will reject God. But there is a twist late in the movie that was very great.
This movie doesn't sugarcoat things but it also doesn't present God without an argument. Do yourself a favor and give this movie a chance. Watch it with an open mind. This movie is on fire for life, and the one who gives it.
Animated Stories from the New Testament: He Is Risen (1988)
One of the most beautiful animated short features you'll ever see
I grew up with this video and I love it just as much now as I did then.
First one must realize this is based on a true story; Jesus Christ really did die for our sins and rise again to life forever more.
This was when NEST Entertainment was at their best; the animation is very well done, and a musical score is beautiful. Equally as much so is the opening song, "He Gave His Life For Me". The movie can you watch, enjoyed, and appreciated by children and adults alike. For obvious reasons, this one has a heavier tone then a lot of NEST's other videos, but there is nothing unsuitable for children. This was one of the best witnesses in my life as a child as to who Jesus Christ is. Is a great teaching material for kids and the unsaved, and it is also great encouragement for believers.
You rarely see productions of this kind of heart and that are this moving. Now more than ever when I watch this I am moved to tears and want to seek God even more.
The best thing, of course, about this film is it's accuracy to Scripture. Many lines are, in fact, straight out of Scripture, particularly when Jesus is talking.
Honestly, I don't think I can recommend "He Is Risen" enough. It follows the second half of the greatest story in history, and I highly recommend you search the internet for a copy. I believe you will be blessed, like I am blessed when I see it.