Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas Review

From EricMetaxas.com:

Who better to face the greatest evil of the 20th century than a humble man of faith?

As Adolf Hitler and the Nazis seduced a nation, bullied a continent, and attempted to exterminate the Jews of Europe, a small number of dissidents and saboteurs worked to dismantle the Third Reich from the inside. One of these was Dietrich Bonhoeffer—a pastor and author, known as much for such spiritual classics as The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together, as for his 1945 execution in a concentration camp for his part in the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

Rating 10 out of 10

Get to know one of the most incredible men from World War II, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and his tale of faith and love in a time of hate and intolerance in Nazi Germany.  An incredible story which will give you a perspective of that fateful time from a unique and personal perspective, written with insight and wit by the grand Eric Metaxas.

You may have heard the name Dietrich Bonhoeffer in history but more as a side note than anything else.  This book brings this man’s story to life, impacting your mind, heart and soul.  A man who stood for the Love of Christ above all else and how it impacted a Germany overthrown by one of the most notorious mass murderers in history, Adolf Hitler.  This book tells not just Bonhoeffer’s story but the story of Germany’s eventual descent into shadows of despair and pain.

What made this book so powerful was the strength of a man who stood for his faith even when all power of the land stood against it.  It is what gave him his heart for each and for the unity in diversity of humanity, no matter the ethnicity or nationality, that through Christ we are to love one another and help one another.  A powerful lesson, impacting our hearts today more than we’d like to admit.  This biography reflects themes and questions which impact to this day.  The story isn’t merely historical, it’s relevant.

Providing wonderful insight into an insightful life, Eric Metaxas holds the attention of story, only deviating from the life story to give helpful historical information adding to the context of the content.  He helps you feel as if you are there with these historical figures, experiencing the joys and the horrors right along side them.  Highly recommend this book and hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.

Your Vote Matters

Has this election year left you disappointed? A little jaded? I think you’re among a plethora of folks who feel the same way.  Some of you have your minds made up, you’re either voting for Hilary Clinton or Donald Trump (whether it’s because you are Pro-Trump, Pro-Hilary, Anti-Trump, Anti-Hilary, or some combination) and this article may not apply to you.  I want to say a word directed at those who haven’t made up their minds on what to do or worse, have decided to forego voting entirely.

I know what you’ve seen in the news and read online and I think if we’re honest, we are not happy with the moral fiber (or lack thereof) of the two prime candidates of this year’s election (Trump’s lewd comments and apology for them {1}, Clinton’s laugh at getting a pedophile a lesser punishment {2}, not to mention the past crude behavior of one and the outright lies told by another, but hey, maybe he or she has turned over a new leaf).  This isn’t meant to tell you not to vote for your candidate, but let’s be upfront about what is going on.  You can all dig into these people’s past and, honestly, you may be more interested in their policies than them as people and I’m here to tell you, that is your right as an American Citizen.  It is also your right to vote for someone else, because it comes down to your conscience on these matters.  You may think that well I’m voting for him/her to make sure the other doesn’t get into office.  If that is what you think is best, more power to you.  Just be sure you’re going with someone who respects the people’s rights.

Now, let’s to turn our attention to those who plan to “miss” the voting day.  I really think you should reconsider.  If you aren’t going to vote for either one, why not write-in the name of the person you liked in the primary (and there is, of course, third party)?  You loved Ted Cruz or Bernie Sanders or someone totally off the radar?  Write his or her name in the ballot. This does two things: First, you’re letting your  congressmen and representatives know that you were not happy with the caliber of candidates this year and you’re letting your voice be heard.  Second, you still somewhat tell your congressmen and representatives what kind of policies you support by telling them who you would have in office (which more than likely means they will probably elect the prime candidate who most closely represents that view, almost like an indirect vote, then again, they are mostly indirect anyway {3}. But still can clear your conscience that you voted for who you really thought was truly the best candidate).  I think we have a big opportunity to let our representatives know how we the people feel.  Don’t be afraid to let your opinion be heard.  This is still an America that believes in freedom of speech, thought, and religion.  Put it into action.

And if you’re worried about either candidate being elected, I would highly recommend you look into the Convention of States (coming from Article V of the U.S. Constitution).  States banning together to make sure Federal Government doesn’t stick it’s nose in the affairs of the States too much.  Research and join up.  Time to speak up.

One last thing.  You may disagree with me on this but the honest truth is that God is still in control no matter who is in charge.  Jesus still saves, we are forgiven!  So it may be an old saying but it still holds true, “Do your best and let God do the rest.”

Superman #1 Review

Specs from DCComics.com:

“THE SON OF SUPERMAN” Chapter One

The Last Son of Krypton must decide whether to help his young son use his new and rapidly increasing abilities, or hide them from the world.

THE CREATORS: The team supreme that brought fans the adventures of Damian Wayne in BATMAN AND ROBIN returns for the adventures of Superman and his offspring.

NOW SHIPPING TWICE MONTHLY!

Art by: Mick Gray, Patrick Gleason

Cover by: Mick Gray, Patrick Gleason

Variant cover by: Kenneth Rocafort

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi

Series: SUPERMAN 2016

U.S. Price: 2.99

On Sale Date: Jun 15 2016

Volume/Issue #: 1

Color/B&W: Color

Trim Size: Comic

Page Count: 32

 

Rating 8 out of 10

What new adventures lie in store for the Man of Steel?  How about raising a super-kid of his own!  With the emergence of Jon’s superpowers, it’s Clark’s turn to be Pa Kent, teaching his son what it means to be Superman.  After a final farewell to the New 52 Superman, we get a glimpse into what it means for Jon Kent to be the son of Superman.

The Good:

While Action Comics focuses on what Superman does best, the new Superman title gives us a glimpse into the heart and home of everyone’s favorite Last Son of Krypton.  He and Lois are living their lives on a farm just an hour outside of Metropolis with their half-human/half-kryptonian son Jon, which are such fantastic concepts for a return of an older, more experienced Superman.  This is basically everything you wanted to happen for Big Blue, he’s married to Lois Lane, he’s on a farm, he’s got a son, he’s saving the world.  This series seems to have a lot of heart.  Most people love the relationship between Lois and Clark and in this issue, you see all these little moments they share, partners for life.  We see Jon use his powers trying to help but his lack of restrained has tragic consequences.  I’m excited to see where it will go.  Also really liked the art, very whimsical for a more family centered story.

 

The Bad:

It’s only the beginning of a story so there was a fair amount of set-up.  Makes sense and I’m sure the story will pick up on the adventure as the stories go on.

Other Thoughts:

Very excited to see where they will go with this series.  Superman has a father is a whole territory ripe with stories and I’m excited to see where they’ll go.

Action Comics #957 Review

Specs from DCComics.com:

“PATH TO DOOM” Chapter One

Superman returns to Metropolis just in time to meet the city of tomorrow’s newest protector: Lex Luthor. But it’s not long before these dueling titans meet someone unexpected — the new Clark Kent!

DON’T MISS: ACTION COMICS returns to its original numbering with this issue!

NOW SHIPPING TWICE MONTHLY! 

Art by: Patrick Zircher

Cover by: Mikel Janin

Variant cover by: Ryan Sook

Written by: Dan Jurgens

Series: ACTION COMICS 2016

U.S. Price: 2.99

On Sale Date: Jun 8 2016

Volume/Issue #: 957

Color/B&W: Color

Trim Size: Comic

Page Count: 32

 

Rating 7 out of 10

*Spoiler Warning* Turn back know if you have not read Superman #52 and DC Comics Rebirth #1 and do not want spoilers.  You have been sufficiently warned!

 

Spinning out of the pages of Superman #52, DC Universe: Rebirth #1, and Superman: Rebirth #1, this title lives up to its name by starting with a bank heist thwarted by none other than the protector of Metropolis… Lex Luthor!?  With the death of the Post-Flashpoint Superman Lex Luthor wastes no time in using the death of the world’s greatest hero to jump into the spotlight.  Unfortunately for him (fortunately for us), Pre-Flashpoint Superman is back and he has vowed to protect the world (and his family) out in the open to honor his fallen alternate world self/”brother”.

Don’t be intimidated by the fact that it is issue #957. Action Comics has gone back to its original numbering adding them together since 1938 and the first appearance of Superman and will be the first comic series to ever hit #1000! A big deal and I’m sure they’ll have a big story coming our way to celebrate!

**To explain what the Flashpoint is very quickly was a DC Universe event when the Flash changed history while time traveling and while fixing it a new timeline was created from the old. Pre-Flashpoint Superman (Pre-S) married Lois Lane, was killed by Doomsday, and subsequently was brought back to life (I grew up with this Superman). Post-Flashpoint Superman (Post-S) is younger and hasn’t been around as long but was the new universe but has some pretty fun stories over the past 5 years (unfortunately, he has now died saving the world). Now that you’re caught up, let’s continue.

The Good:

Action to start us off with Luthor busting up the bank heist (or did he?) and the confrontation between the newly return (Pre-S) Superman felt like classic Superman-Luthor confrontation.  Luther knows this isn’t the Superman he knew (Post-S) and claims he must be some sort of imposter and I think all the bad blood Superman (Pre-S) had with his own Lex Luthor made him somewhat rash leading to a fight. Superman’s son, Jon, was cheering him on the entire time while watching it all on TV (I love that Superman has a family of his own now, opens up for all new stories and possibilities and gives a lot more heart that has somewhat lacking in recent years).  Also, the return of Clark Kent (how can he be back if Post-S is dead?) opens up a mystery which leaves you guessing.  Plus, what could raise the stakes of the return of Superman? How about the return of the monster who once killed him? That’s right, get ready for Doomsday!

I am really excited to see the return of this Superman, and now he has a family of his own! cannot wait to see how this develops him and his world.  It’s about time! I loved that I was born at a time that many superheroes were married/getting married in comics.  I just find that it opens up for even more stories of hardship and triumph.  Now it’s marriage plus kids!

The Bad:

Story was a little lacking and rushed the return of Superman.  A bigger moment would have been preferred.  Superman didn’t save anyone from anything.  If fact, he started a fight.  Not a great way to return.

 

Other Thoughts:

It’s exciting to see a whole new world of stories open up now that (Pre-S) Superman is back in the spotlight of the world (and living on a farm just outside of Metropolis!).  I always loved the marriage of Lois and Clark and am so glad they brought them back.  The Post-Flashpoint world made all the DC Universe characters younger and most were then reverted back to Single status, plus Lois and Clark in the Post-Flashpoint world never even had a romantic relationship at anytime!  It was enough to make a long-time fan a sad shade of blue.  But they haven’t simply brought back the fantastic and grounding love and marriage of the most recognizable couple in comics, they’ve added to the story with their son Jon! It’s Superman’s turn to be Pa Kent as his son starts developing poets of his own.

Definitely want to check out what’s next for the Man of Steel.

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) Review

 

Score 8 out of 10

When an age-old mutant known as Apocalypse re-emerges in modern times, a new team of X-Men band together to save the world from him and his four horsemen.  The return of Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, and even Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Storm and Nightcrawler!

The Run Down:

After reading some not-so-stellar reviews for this movie, my wife and I went to see this movie and we loved it!  Taking place ten years after the fantastic X-Men: Days of Future Past (the past part) movie, we pick up in the 80’s (making this movie even better!) where Charles Xavier aka Prof. X (James McAvoy) is building his school for gifted youngsters with the help of Hank McCoy aka Beast (Nicholas Hoult) welcome a new young mutant name Scott Summers aka Cyclops (Tye Sheridan) aka my favorite X-Man who meets Jean Grey aka Marvel Girl (Sophie Turner), Jubilee (Lana Condor) and even Kurt Wagner aka Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee).  While that is going on Magneto aka Eric Lehnsherr has been living a nice, quiet, normal life but his world gets turned upside down.  Mystique aka Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) after being branded a hero after saving so many lives in the last film is hiding herself, helping persecuted mutant when and where she can.  Unknown to all of them, a mutant from ancient Egypt named En Sabah Nur aka Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) has been awaken and he is not happy with the shape of the world.  To begin again, he plans to destroy the old where only the strong survive.  The X-Men suit up to take on the near all-powerful being to save the world.

The Good:

There are tons of reasons to love this movie.  It’s in the 80’s (gotta love the 80’s, the music, the hair, the crazy jackets, but I digress), epic action, fantastic effects, great actors, etc.  The movie had a lot of heart and we got a further glimpse into the history of some of our favorite cinematic mutants which we lacked in prior movies (without Wolverine being the center of an X-Men movie allowed some other folks to shine which was a much-needed change).

Magneto’s tragic story was taken even further in this movie which was sad but great all at the same time.  You feel that almost all the good things in this man’s life have been taken from him, mostly by men who fear what they don’t understand.  You completely understand why he becomes a big villain in the X-Men’s future (or will he?).  Fantastic acting and his interactions with Prof. X are always heartfelt with a twinge of sadness.

Professor X is still the embodiment of hope in a world of fear and hatred, a teacher who shows his gifted youngsters that they are not freaks or monsters but specially gifted individuals who have a chance to change the world for the better.  His dream (contrary to the main big bad, Apocalypse) can be summed up by his best quote in the film, “Those who are the strongest… protect those that aren’t.”

Apocalypse was a fantastic villain who basically believes that only the strong should survive and his main goal is to create such a world where the weak and anyone who would try to protect them will perish.  He can also amp up other mutants (usually messing with their minds in the process so they do his bidding).  Think of him has a dark would-be god, whose code is survival of the fittest.

Cyclops, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, Storm (and Jubilee) get a little more back story in this film which was fantastic to see. They are all just starting out and are not yet the confident men and women we know they will become (if they survive the experience).  Great to see these guys in the film.

 

Loved the idea of hope and redemption in this movie.  Just because someone has gone down the wrong path, has messed up, doesn’t mean they cannot come back and be better. The people in your life who care about you will always stand for you.  Always like to see heroes standing up for what is right, no matter the odds (isn’t that why we love superhero movies?).  The X-Men have always been the family you make, who stand with you and stand for others when they cannot stand for themselves.  Protecting a world which fears and hates them, showing them there is a better way.

Finally more Cyclops!

 

The Bad:

There weren’t many great explanations on why a lot of Apocalypse’s “Four Horsemen” followed him.  Did they do it because they believed in his dream or because he put a mind whammy on him? Not very clear.  I wish there was a little more time to explore some of the new (old?) characters introduced (Cyclops, Jean, Nightcrawler, Storm) but I get that the movie can only fir so much.  They balanced it well for the most part.

 

Other Thoughts:

This movie really reminded me what I love about the X-Men.  While Marvel movies have been killing it, Marvel comics have gotten worse and worse over time (especially for the X-Men).  They continue to take great characters and make them worse and worse.  It’s apparently terribly boring in a story if someone tries to do the right thing.  They either become terribly messed up (or evil) but Lord forbid they actually continue to care about helping everyone they can.  I’m all for heroes struggling and making mistakes, that is what it means to be a fallen human, but seriously, do they need to degrade so many characters to become killers, schemers, and terrorists? Come on, give a few heroes who get knocked down but always get back up (I’m all about taking the character on a journey even a dark journey with redemption).  Like a paraphrase of  G.K. Chesterton, “Fairy tales are more than true – not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten.”  Give people some hope in all that is good and right again.

Had a lot of religious themes and references in this movie but none of which seemed highly offensive.  Basically, Apocalypse claims to be a god, but he doesn’t care for anyone other than creating and amassing strength and power.  Mutant’s powers are refered to as a “sign of God,” multiple times they mention the grace of God, and Nightcrawler says a prayer as they head into danger.  I like that sort of thing, making people think a little about the meaning of life and where we get the moral law from, other than Apocalypse’s brand of “might makes right.”  If you dislike that sort of thing, this movie may not be your cup of tea.

Themes

Hope, Faith, Redemption, Family, Home

Survival of the Fittest vs. Strong Protecting the Weak

 

Specs from FoxMovies.com:

Following the critically acclaimed global smash hit X-Men: Days of Future Past, director Bryan Singer returns with X-MEN: APOCALYPSE. Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor X (James McAvoy) must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.

GENRES Action / Adventure

DIRECTOR	Bryan Singer
PRODUCERS	Simon Kinberg, Hutch Parker, Lauren Shuler Donner
SCREENPLAY	Simon Kinberg
STORY BY	Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris
ACTORS	James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn, Lucas Till, Evan Peters, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alexandra Shipp, Josh Helman, Lana Condor, Ben Hardy

Specs from IMDB.com:

 

Plot Keywords: mutant | x men | superhero team | superhero | year 1983 | See All (427) »

Taglines: Prepare for the Apocalypse. See more »

Genres: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence, action and destruction, brief strong language and some suggestive images | See all certifications »

Technical Specs

Runtime: 144 min

Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos

Color: Color

Aspect Ratio: 2.35 : 1

See full technical specs »

 

Superman: The Coming of the Supermen #1 Review

Specs from DCComics.com:

Art by: Neal Adams

Cover by: Neal Adams

Variant cover by: Neal Adams

Written by: Neal Adams

U.S. Price: 3.99

On Sale Date: Feb 24 2016

Volume/Issue #: 1

Color/B&W: Color

Trim Size: Comic

Page Count: 32

From legendary writer/artist Neal Adams comes a threat so epic it will take more than one Man of Steel to handle it in this new 6-issue miniseries!

As Darkseid and the hordes of Apokolips lay waste to the world, even Superman is overwhelmed—but not for long, as three heroes from the miniaturized city of Kandor emerge at full size, armed with all the vast powers of Kal-El, ready to become the new Supermen!

This battle of titans also features the machinations of Lex Luthor, plus fan favorites Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane aiding in the fight for Truth, Justice and the American Way.

Score: 6 out of 10

Superman has his hands full with additional Sons of Krypton arriving in Metropolis along with a BoomTube full of parademons led by none other than Kalibak, son of Darkseid, Ruler of Apokolips.  Plus he’s taking care of a displaced orphan and his dog.  A lot going on in this issue.

The Good:

I love the classic Superman feel of this book.  We got Superman, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Lex Luther, a menace from another world (the New Gods are always fun so I hope we get the full spectrum in future issues, not just the evil ones).  The Neal Adams’ art has a classic feel to it that makes you feel like a kid in a comic store (really, aren’t we all?).

The Bad:

I have the same problem with most #1 issues as this one, too much set-up, not enough action! There are comics that are action packed almost from the get go.  While this one has action, it is interrupted by explanation and observation. Still, I’m excited to see where this book goes.

Other Thoughts:

If you love classic Superman stories, this comic is for you.  I got a feeling it’ll be a fun ride that you or your kid would love! (But seriously, why is it rated T for teen? It seems as though any age could enjoy it)

Huck #1 Review

Specs from ImageComics.com:

Story By: Mark Millar

Art By: Rafael Albuquerque

Cover By: Rafael Albuquerque

Variant Cover By: Rafael Albuquerque

Published: November 18, 2015

Diamond ID: SEP150568

Digital : $2.99

Print: $3.50

In a quiet seaside town, Huck uses his special gifts to do a good deed each day. His neighbors return the favors by keeping his abilities a secret. But when a newcomer alerts the media, a firestorm erupts, sending Huck on an adventure that will change everything. This brand-new series from writer MARK MILLAR and artist RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE presents a comicbook unlike anything you’ve read before. Featuring a Feel-Good Movie variant cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE.

Score: 8 out of 10

Left with a note asking, “Please love him,” as a baby, Huck has been raised to try and do at least one good deed a day and he has the superpowers do do some pretty big good deeds!  Some see him as the slow man who works at the gas station but most of the town knows he has power beyond those of mortal men and the biggest heart you’ll ever find.

The Good:

This book has so much potential.  The art (by Rafael Albuquerque and colored by Dave McCaig) has a quality about it that makes you think old-fashion mixed with adventure and thats exactly what I’m hoping to get from this series.  In recent interviews, Millar has expressed that this is a story like that of a classic Superman story, a man with amazing powers who chooses to use these gifts for the good of others.  I honestly loved the introduction of this story, giving you an average look at Huck’s week, doing random acts of good for folks in his town, most of the time, without them ever knowing it was him.  With so many stories of dark, tormented anti-heroes, I can take a breath of fresh air with this new story.  Excited to see where this goes.

The Bad:

It’s the first issue, nothing really “bad” about it, the story has only just begun.

Other Thoughts:

It’s also seems to be good for all ages (you sadly don’t find that as much in comics these days even though these are superheroes and I’m sure kids would love to have more stories that they could read) however, he does deal with kidnappers in North Africa who have kidnapped a group of young girls and tells them they will make great wives, there is nothing particularly vulgar in what is said but we obviously know it is meant as an evil future acts on these innocent girls (don’t worry, Huck steps in to save the day). So if that freaks you out then, yes, steer clear.

All in all, a fantastic start to an interesting new series.  Hope it does well and that the goodness at the heart of the story rubs off on some of the other big superhero comics out there.

 

 

Jurassic World Review

Specs from IMDB.com:

Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitors’ interest, which backfires horribly.

Director: Colin Trevorrow

Writers: Rick Jaffa (screenplay), Amanda Silver (screenplay), 5 more credits »

Stars: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins | See full cast and crew »

Plot Keywords: jurassic park | dinosaur | brother brother relationship | velociraptor | animal attack | See All (212) »

Taglines: The park is open.

Genres: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril

Release Date: 12 June 2015 (USA)

Production Co: Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, Legendary Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime: 124 min

Sound Mix: Dolby Digital | Datasat | Dolby Surround 7.1

Color: Color

Aspect Ratio: 2.00 : 1

Score 9 out of 10

This movie is phenomenal!  Thoroughly enjoyed it throughout the entire film.  After the first disastrous outcome of the original Jurassic Park, Hammond’s dream seems to be realized in the continued success of Jurassic World!  This theme park is the number one tourist attraction in the world, but the money coming in is only slightly higher than costs (it’s expensive feeding all those dinos!) and they need something new to wow the kids (“They’re dinosaurs. ‘Wow’ enough.” -Owen).  Thus is born (created? grown? semantics) the incredible Indominus Rex (“Fierce or Untamable King”), a mix of a T-Rex and other “classified” genes (“Probably not a good idea”).  When one thing goes wrong, suddenly everything goes wrong and Claire (played by Bryce Dallas Howard), the director of the park, enlists Owen (Chris Pratt), a former Navy man who is now attempting to train raptors, to help her find her nephews in the ensuing chaos.  Blood, scales, and teeth begin.

The Good:

This movie had tons of action, chase scenes, fighting, thrills, chills, and even a little bit of romance.  It’s got everything you need for a wonderful, pulse-pumping success.  Owen is a fantastic character, skilled, reliable, smart, and (justifiably) wary of science progressing to far.  His main task is training a brood of Raptors, giving him a unique outlook at the creators of Jurassic World.  Nature won’t be controlled.  Another great part of this movie were the easter eggs sprinkled throughout (I won’t spoil them all here but I’ll have a list below of what I noticed if you’re interested), each of these easter eggs brought me back to that 6 year old kid who loved the original Jurassic Park movie and I couldn’t be more pleased with this new film.  The dinosaurs look fantastic, bringing you back to the wonder of seeing dinosaurs as a kid.  They even did it well enough that they can make some great sequels.

The development of Claire from an uptight, type-A, business woman into a brave, caring woman was intriguing through the movie.  At the beginning, all she sees is work and the bottom line, but when things start getting real, she realizes that life isn’t so easily controlled.  Her and Owen have a great relationship, going from butting heads to working together (“You know, for survival”).

Enjoyed the developing brotherhood between Zach (Nick Robinson) and Gray (Ty Simpkins).  With home life a tad difficult, these brothers go to Jurassic World for the week and end up in a nightmare, but work together, trusting and respecting each other to get out of a dinosaur sized problem (see what I did there?).

Seriously though, why do they continue making giant carnivorous dinosaurs?

The Bad

The only downside of this movie is that it has the same basic plot of the Jurassic Park 1 & 2.  These guys made dinosaurs, bad guys wanna steal dinosaurs, things go wrong, lots of people being eaten, get the heck out of there.  But still, I love it haha.

Other Thoughts (Caution! Spoilers!)

Some of the easter eggs:

Ian Malcolm’s (One of the original characters from Jurassic Park) has a book seen throughout the film.

Zack and Gray, after running away from the Indominus Rex, come to the original Jurassic Park center from the end of the original film.  The Jurassic Park banner is still on the floor, they also go through the lunchroom and find night vision goggles used in the first film.  After fixing up a jeep from the original center, they bust through a high electric fence (instead of climbing over it like the original film).

A T-Rex was lead by a flare like in the first film, and we had a tech guy with a t-shirt from the original park.

Themes

Control vs Relationship

Dangers of Science without Boundaries

Trust

Life finds a Way

Daredevil Season 1 Review

From IMDB.com:

Official Sites: Official Facebook

Country: USA

Language: English

Release Date: 10 April 2015

Also Known As: Marvel’s Daredevil

Runtime: 60 min

Taglines: The man without fear

Genres: Action | Crime

Certificate: TV-MA

Rating 9 out of 10

Looking for something to binge watch on Netflix?  Well look no further!  Daredevil delivers a great story full of gritty action, great plot, scary villains, and even tougher heroes.

Matt Murdock was blinded by radioactive material while saving the life of a man in a crosswalk, while he lost his eyesight; the chemicals enhanced his other senses exponentially.  He has trained his mind and body since a boy and fights to defend the defenseless in his day job as a lawyer and as his alter ego, fights the battles that are out of the law’s hands.  He is the Man without Fear, Daredevil (but he doesn’t get his superhero name till the last episode haha).

The Good:

There is a ton to love about this show.  Great plot great action (seriously, lots of fun), complex characters and a little bit of faith. The fights are fantastic (but sometimes quite brutal.  If you’re squeamish, be advised.  Most likely not suitable for most kids) mixing martial arts, ricocheting billy clubs, and some full out brawling.  They make it feel real, and you can almost feel the blows as your see them on screen (Daredevil dishes it out, but boy he can take a beating like no other).

The characters are great.  You love Daredevil (the main protagonist, so kind of a given) and the struggles that he has.  Losing his sight, his father, lying to his friends, his questions of right, wrong, faith, and everything in between.  Foggy Nelson is hilarious, cracking jokes but just when you least expect it, he’s a hero (in his own way).  Wilson Fisk (the Kingpin) is spectacularly scary one moment and so delicate the next that you’re sitting there watching, almost stressing when he might freak out again (never go near an open car door with him).  Everyone pieces together an interwoven tale of a battle for the soul of a city.

This show explores some interesting concept of what is right and wrong.  Just because something is lawful, does that make it right? What if to do the right thing, you must step outside of the law?  What is evil?  How do you stay a good man and still fight that evil?  Can one man make a difference?

Another great aspect I love about this show is that they don’t get bogged down in romantic drama (who is dating, who is upset by them dating, will they won’t they?).  Don’t get me wrong, I like a little romance in my movies and TV shows but I hate the back and forth, they heartbreaks and the betrayals.  Be together or don’t, stop making the show all about that.  This show has romance (but not on the side that you would expect) and it flows quite nicely, some ups and downs and moves right along, not dragged out and really repetitive like most shows (seriously, can no one write interesting stories of people who love each other and stand together even when things get tough?  That’s a topic for another time I suppose).

I like Matt’s (Daredevil) discussions about good and evil with the priest (Daredevil is Catholic) and how his faith shapes his decisions and views of right and wrong.  Interesting and thought provoking.

Great series and I really enjoyed it.  Very excited for what comes next.

The Bad:

As I said, there are some great action scenes and its very heavy in the beginning.  The problem is that they lay off the action and start diving more into the mystery of how to legally take down the bad guy.  That was a disappointment for me.  Yes, I want to see the show develop cerebrally, but can’t you do half action scenes and half thinking?  Most all the episodes are action packed but then the later episodes get less and less, which is a shame because they were so well done (great job fight coordinator).

Other Thoughts:

Will be interested to see interaction with other superheroes that are on this “Defenders” lineup and how they will interact.  I hope they bring some other great Daredevil characters in and get a little bit more swashbuckling adventurer Daredevil going.  I like the realism of the show but lets have fun with it too!

Chibi Godzilla PDA

Godzilla does not approve of PDA