When the very first sin was committed on this planet, it was done because of a lie told. The serpent known as Satan slithered a lie from his mouth to the vulnerable mind of Eve. "Surely," Satan said to Eve. "Surely, you will not die if you eat from the Tree of Knowledge. God does not want you to be like Him."
With that lie, Eve ate the forbidden fruit. Then she lied to her man Adam who followed suit eating the fruit. Then Adam lied to God.
Every since then, mankind has resorted to lying to cover up their mistakes, and even to write history. Have you ever considered if everything we have ever learned has been the truth?
Were there weapons of mass destruction in Iraq?
Was 9/11 an inside job?
Did the Holocaust actually happen? And was Hitler really as bad as history has judged him to be?
Was Pearl Harbor an inside job?
Was the Great Depression planned by our government in order to gain more power?
Was the Civil War really about slavery?
There are so many questions about the past because history is written by the victors.
One thing I have come to accept as truth is that God doesn't lie to me. His Word is truth and eternal. So I rest upon that and try not to be too concerned about the lies of this world. This world will never tell the truth. Remember, it was a lie that introduced the first sin into this world. So the truth is not in this world, and those of the world will never completely tell the truth.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Friday, December 22, 2017
The Comic Book Guru's 2017 Movie Reviews
Another year gone and with it another movie season passed. Each year, I share the movies I have seen, whether good or bad, and rank them accordingly. I also will post the 5 movies I am anticipating in 2018. So without further adieu, let's jump right into it.
Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2017
10. "Beauty and the Beast"--This live action version of the classic 1992 Disney animated movie was probably not necessary, but it wasn't that bad. In fact, it pretty much featured everything from the original animated film with some added scenes for live action purposes. It was a decent film. It's a bottom of my list because of Emma Watson's singing and the inclusion of Gaston's henchman being gay. It was just unnecessary.
9. "John Wick: Chapter 2"--I am always up for a good old shoot 'em up movie along with kung-fu-like action, and this movie did not disappoint. Keanu Reeves has his niche in this genre.
8. "Dunkirk"--I came into the theater expecting this to be like "Saving Private Ryan"--a war movie with battle scenes galore. It was not. Instead, it was a tale of desperation filmed brilliantly by Director Christopher Nolan. The musical score created tension throughout each scene. Why I have to put it so near the bottom of my list is because the advertisement for this film was a bit misleading. I expected a "Saving Private Ryan"-like film and instead got something else entirely.
7. "Spider-man: Homecoming"--Another Spider-man, another actor to fill his shoes. However, this time this movie was heralded through a joint-cooperation between Sony Films and Marvel Studios, and it also was part of the highly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was Spider-man as he should be, a teenager in high school coming to grips with his new responsibilities as New York's superhero. Tom Holland played the part of Peter Parker/Spider-man to comic book perfection. However, the spotlight belongs to Michael Keaton's sinister portrayal as Adrian Toomes/The Vulture. Keaton's quirks and personality as Spider-man's villain was top notch. Toomes' conversation with the teenage Peter Parker in the car before the Homecoming Dance was just chilling and a good performance by the veteran actor Michael Keaton.
6. "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2"--James Gunn's second galactic entry into the expanded Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to deliver the hijinks and musical numbers of the galaxy's a--holes, or Guardians. It was another solid film of the MCU, and another fun ride with this band of misfit characters. Though not nearly as good as the first Guardians, Volume 2 still was a solid film. The addition of one of my favorite actors Kurt Russell as the planet-size Ego was a delight. My only complaint was the inclusion of Sylvester Stallone. His role just felt forced.
5. "Thor: Ragnarok"--The third, and perhaps final entry, of the Norse god adventures of Thor finds himself cast out of Asgard by the goddess of death Hela, and stranded on a planet with the Hulk as the gladiator supreme. I really enjoyed this movie. It was funny, Thor was shown as being strong like he should be, and finally the Hulk spoke and was featured as the destructor he really is. It was a feel good movie electrified by the new direction of Director Taika Waititi, and the inclusion of veteran actor Jeff Goldblum. A fun ride and also bold new direction for Chris Hemsworth's Thor.
4. "Wonder Woman"--Finally! A good movie from the WB/DC Extended Universe. I never thought it would happen. Wonder Woman shows what happens when there is a good story, solid acting, and and good direction. I was excited about this movie once I saw the trailer despite my negative feelings towards the rest of the DCEU films. Set in the often forgotten World War I, Wonder Woman delivered on all cylinders that I doubt the DCEU will ever fire on again.
3. "Logan"--Once I saw the trailer set to Johnny Cash's "Hurt", I was hooked. This movie was gritty, bloody, and just disturbing in all the right ways. Showcasing a war weary Wolverine played for the last time by Hugh Jackman (who has played the role since 2000's "X-Men"), "Logan" showcased the finest performances by Jackman and Sir Patrick Stewart as he took his swan song for playing Professor Charles Xavier. It was R-Rated which meant there was no holding back for Wolverine, and it delivered.
2. "The Shack"--This movie surprised me with how good it can be. Based on the Christian bestseller book of the same name, this film delivered the same message that the book delivers: God has not forgotten us, He wants to heal us, and He wants us to forgive those who have hurt us. I cried after watching this movie and prayed to God that night. It's a moving film. Those who have not seen it because they think it is blasphemous first don't know the Bible's meaning of that word, and they leave themselves close-minded and legalistic.
1. "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"--I will need to write a whole blog about why "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" is perhaps the best Star Wars film since "The Empire Strikes Back". I know it has caused controversy among some fans but I can't help but think most of that controversy is because fans nowadays are spoiled crybabies. Bottom line, "The Last Jedi" was beautifully written, the characters were wonderfully acted by their respective actors, and the movie absolutely changed what we knew about Star Wars. I have watched this film twice now in theaters and each time I walked away with goose bumps. I will gladly watch this film again, buy it on BluRay, and I can't wait for Episode IX. I also can't wait to see what Rian Johnson has in store for us with his separate Star Wars trilogy.
5 Garbage Movies
5. "Bladerunner 2049"--What a 3-hour snooze fest. I seriously almost fell asleep while watching it in the theater. I never fall asleep during a movie. The movie was slow, the acting bland, and the plotline lost and confusing. The ending was non-climatic. I could have done without watching this movie.
4. "War for the Planet of the Apes"--This was a disappointing entry into this franchise after the excellent entries of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes". There really was no war. It just dragged out and I was left unfulfilled by it.
3. "Ghost in the Shell"--Not even seeing Scarlett Johansson nearly nude in this film was worth watching this film. I never watched the original material either, and this movie does not make me want to either.
2. "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Places"--Good night what a long name, and much like this movie, not worth the space to list it. But here it is because I thought maybe it would be good movie. I took my two older kids to see it, and I'm not even sure they liked it. It was basically like they tried to marry Twilight with Star Wars and got crap. It was crap. Pure crap.
1. "Transformers: The Last Knight"--This franchise needs to die. I have been pretty acceptable of the first three Transformers movies, but "Age of Extinction" and this one killed my acceptance. "The Last Knight" tried to tie the origins of the Transformers on earth to the Arthurian legend, and it was horrible. I love the Arthurian legends but this movie wanted me to drive Excalibur through my heart and out my anus. Optimus Prime does not sound cool anymore, and they make him give these long-winded motivational speeches that just sound corny. Seriously, "The Last Knight" needs to be the last Transformers movie for a long, long time.
Movie Quick Hits
1. "Alien: Covenant"--Felt like a recap of "Aliens". Failed.
2. "The Boss Baby"--Cute. Funny.
3. "Kingsman: The Golden Circle"--It was okay but not as fun as the first one.
4. "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword"--It was pretty good but as good as the classic film "Excalibur". I don't think current Hollywood has a feel for Arthurian films anymore.
5. "Despicable Me 3"--It was okay but the over-reliance upon the Minions has grown thin.
Top 5 Anticipated Movies of 2018
5. "The Ant-Man and the Wasp"--Loved "Ant-Man", and I can't wait for this entry into the MCU.
4. "Deadpool 2"--Josh Brolin as Cable and Ryan Reynolds as the wisecracking Merc With A Mouth Deadpool. What more needs to be said?
3. "Black Panther"--Loved seeing the Black Panther in "Captain America: Civil War" and I can't wait to see him pounce in his solo movie. This is a movie all people of any race can enjoy.
2. "The Incredibles 2"--It has been too long since the first one was released, but finally we will see the further adventures of the best superhero family to ever be depicted on the big screen. Seriously, PIXAR struck gold when they made this film. It's a shame it has taken this long to get a sequel but I hope it's worth the wait.
1. "Avengers: Infinity War"--The trailer gave me goosebumps. I have watched it multiple times. I cannot wait to see what Thanos has in store for the Avengers and the entire MCU that has been built since 2008's "Iron Man".
There you have it. Let me know your thoughts, favorite movies, disappointing movies, and anticipated movies. Until next time...
Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2017
10. "Beauty and the Beast"--This live action version of the classic 1992 Disney animated movie was probably not necessary, but it wasn't that bad. In fact, it pretty much featured everything from the original animated film with some added scenes for live action purposes. It was a decent film. It's a bottom of my list because of Emma Watson's singing and the inclusion of Gaston's henchman being gay. It was just unnecessary.
9. "John Wick: Chapter 2"--I am always up for a good old shoot 'em up movie along with kung-fu-like action, and this movie did not disappoint. Keanu Reeves has his niche in this genre.
8. "Dunkirk"--I came into the theater expecting this to be like "Saving Private Ryan"--a war movie with battle scenes galore. It was not. Instead, it was a tale of desperation filmed brilliantly by Director Christopher Nolan. The musical score created tension throughout each scene. Why I have to put it so near the bottom of my list is because the advertisement for this film was a bit misleading. I expected a "Saving Private Ryan"-like film and instead got something else entirely.
7. "Spider-man: Homecoming"--Another Spider-man, another actor to fill his shoes. However, this time this movie was heralded through a joint-cooperation between Sony Films and Marvel Studios, and it also was part of the highly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was Spider-man as he should be, a teenager in high school coming to grips with his new responsibilities as New York's superhero. Tom Holland played the part of Peter Parker/Spider-man to comic book perfection. However, the spotlight belongs to Michael Keaton's sinister portrayal as Adrian Toomes/The Vulture. Keaton's quirks and personality as Spider-man's villain was top notch. Toomes' conversation with the teenage Peter Parker in the car before the Homecoming Dance was just chilling and a good performance by the veteran actor Michael Keaton.
6. "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2"--James Gunn's second galactic entry into the expanded Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to deliver the hijinks and musical numbers of the galaxy's a--holes, or Guardians. It was another solid film of the MCU, and another fun ride with this band of misfit characters. Though not nearly as good as the first Guardians, Volume 2 still was a solid film. The addition of one of my favorite actors Kurt Russell as the planet-size Ego was a delight. My only complaint was the inclusion of Sylvester Stallone. His role just felt forced.
5. "Thor: Ragnarok"--The third, and perhaps final entry, of the Norse god adventures of Thor finds himself cast out of Asgard by the goddess of death Hela, and stranded on a planet with the Hulk as the gladiator supreme. I really enjoyed this movie. It was funny, Thor was shown as being strong like he should be, and finally the Hulk spoke and was featured as the destructor he really is. It was a feel good movie electrified by the new direction of Director Taika Waititi, and the inclusion of veteran actor Jeff Goldblum. A fun ride and also bold new direction for Chris Hemsworth's Thor.
4. "Wonder Woman"--Finally! A good movie from the WB/DC Extended Universe. I never thought it would happen. Wonder Woman shows what happens when there is a good story, solid acting, and and good direction. I was excited about this movie once I saw the trailer despite my negative feelings towards the rest of the DCEU films. Set in the often forgotten World War I, Wonder Woman delivered on all cylinders that I doubt the DCEU will ever fire on again.
3. "Logan"--Once I saw the trailer set to Johnny Cash's "Hurt", I was hooked. This movie was gritty, bloody, and just disturbing in all the right ways. Showcasing a war weary Wolverine played for the last time by Hugh Jackman (who has played the role since 2000's "X-Men"), "Logan" showcased the finest performances by Jackman and Sir Patrick Stewart as he took his swan song for playing Professor Charles Xavier. It was R-Rated which meant there was no holding back for Wolverine, and it delivered.
2. "The Shack"--This movie surprised me with how good it can be. Based on the Christian bestseller book of the same name, this film delivered the same message that the book delivers: God has not forgotten us, He wants to heal us, and He wants us to forgive those who have hurt us. I cried after watching this movie and prayed to God that night. It's a moving film. Those who have not seen it because they think it is blasphemous first don't know the Bible's meaning of that word, and they leave themselves close-minded and legalistic.
1. "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"--I will need to write a whole blog about why "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" is perhaps the best Star Wars film since "The Empire Strikes Back". I know it has caused controversy among some fans but I can't help but think most of that controversy is because fans nowadays are spoiled crybabies. Bottom line, "The Last Jedi" was beautifully written, the characters were wonderfully acted by their respective actors, and the movie absolutely changed what we knew about Star Wars. I have watched this film twice now in theaters and each time I walked away with goose bumps. I will gladly watch this film again, buy it on BluRay, and I can't wait for Episode IX. I also can't wait to see what Rian Johnson has in store for us with his separate Star Wars trilogy.
5 Garbage Movies
5. "Bladerunner 2049"--What a 3-hour snooze fest. I seriously almost fell asleep while watching it in the theater. I never fall asleep during a movie. The movie was slow, the acting bland, and the plotline lost and confusing. The ending was non-climatic. I could have done without watching this movie.
4. "War for the Planet of the Apes"--This was a disappointing entry into this franchise after the excellent entries of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes". There really was no war. It just dragged out and I was left unfulfilled by it.
3. "Ghost in the Shell"--Not even seeing Scarlett Johansson nearly nude in this film was worth watching this film. I never watched the original material either, and this movie does not make me want to either.
2. "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Places"--Good night what a long name, and much like this movie, not worth the space to list it. But here it is because I thought maybe it would be good movie. I took my two older kids to see it, and I'm not even sure they liked it. It was basically like they tried to marry Twilight with Star Wars and got crap. It was crap. Pure crap.
1. "Transformers: The Last Knight"--This franchise needs to die. I have been pretty acceptable of the first three Transformers movies, but "Age of Extinction" and this one killed my acceptance. "The Last Knight" tried to tie the origins of the Transformers on earth to the Arthurian legend, and it was horrible. I love the Arthurian legends but this movie wanted me to drive Excalibur through my heart and out my anus. Optimus Prime does not sound cool anymore, and they make him give these long-winded motivational speeches that just sound corny. Seriously, "The Last Knight" needs to be the last Transformers movie for a long, long time.
Movie Quick Hits
1. "Alien: Covenant"--Felt like a recap of "Aliens". Failed.
2. "The Boss Baby"--Cute. Funny.
3. "Kingsman: The Golden Circle"--It was okay but not as fun as the first one.
4. "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword"--It was pretty good but as good as the classic film "Excalibur". I don't think current Hollywood has a feel for Arthurian films anymore.
5. "Despicable Me 3"--It was okay but the over-reliance upon the Minions has grown thin.
Top 5 Anticipated Movies of 2018
5. "The Ant-Man and the Wasp"--Loved "Ant-Man", and I can't wait for this entry into the MCU.
4. "Deadpool 2"--Josh Brolin as Cable and Ryan Reynolds as the wisecracking Merc With A Mouth Deadpool. What more needs to be said?
3. "Black Panther"--Loved seeing the Black Panther in "Captain America: Civil War" and I can't wait to see him pounce in his solo movie. This is a movie all people of any race can enjoy.
2. "The Incredibles 2"--It has been too long since the first one was released, but finally we will see the further adventures of the best superhero family to ever be depicted on the big screen. Seriously, PIXAR struck gold when they made this film. It's a shame it has taken this long to get a sequel but I hope it's worth the wait.
1. "Avengers: Infinity War"--The trailer gave me goosebumps. I have watched it multiple times. I cannot wait to see what Thanos has in store for the Avengers and the entire MCU that has been built since 2008's "Iron Man".
There you have it. Let me know your thoughts, favorite movies, disappointing movies, and anticipated movies. Until next time...
2017 in Review
It has been a long while since I have written in my blog. To those few who read it I do apologize. Life has a way of making us busy. So busy in fact we tend to neglect our hobbies.
I thought with Christmas coming up and right behind it the end of 2017, I would write my final reflections concerning this past year. It's an exercise in ego perhaps but I know some people like these.
2017 found me in a better place than I was in 2016. Gone were the hurts from my marriage separation in May of 2016, and in its place was the realization that not only was I going to be just fine as a single man, not only was I going to be great as a single father, but I was going to be able to love again.
In August of this year, I started dating again. I started with many of trepidations. For one, I am still not legally divorced. I often wonder if I should be dating someone when I am still legally bound to someone else. I wonder if God's grace extends to me in this area? My pastor always tells us to work out our own salvation and so I continue doing that in this area.
My girlfriend is wonderful though. She loves me unconditionally. We have already had so much fun and happy moments together. In the five months we have been together, she has validated me more as a man than my second wife ever did in the five short years we were together. My girlfriend is not perfect but she's close enough to perfect for me (to quote the great country band Alabama). She has her views I don't agree with, and vice versa, but we find ways to discuss it without turning it into an argument.
I still have fears, and I am still defensive, but each day with her I am learning to let my guard down. Perhaps she is too.
Besides a new love interest, I continue to be proud father to three awesome kids. My oldest child and only daughter has continued to impressed me with her intelligence, her discipline, hard work, and goal driven persona. Not to mention her passion for all things nerdy like her father. She continues to excel in her studies and music, and her artwork continues to impress me.
My second child and oldest son excels as well. He is in band playing the saxophone, and he is taking a real interest in it. Typically, my oldest son is very laid back about things so it's hard to gauge what he is taking seriously or not. However, this past year he is maturing more and more, and though not as outgoing as my daughter, he has shown an intelligence of his own in the things he cares about. This past year has seen him take an interest in not only music but also science, particularly marine biology. His jokes continue to grow more funny as well. He has a great sense of humor.
Then there is my youngest son, my 4-year-old mini-Hulk who is full of energy, stubborn as a mule, and too tough for his own good. At his young age, he can already call out the different vehicles by name as we pass them on the highway. He knows the colors of the traffic lights, knows the sun rises in the East and sets in the West (I just taught him that a few weeks ago), and can recite and recognize the alphabet and count to 20. So far, the separation between his mother and I hasn't been too bad for him. I hope and pray he continues to adjust well to it.
I also decided to return to college and finish my bachelor's degree. I am nine classes away from it. After I complete the degree in Spring 2019, I will start pursuing my Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. It's time to complete what I intended to once I got out of the Army in 2009.
So many changes in my life this past year but what hasn't changed is my love for God. I feel at times I have been distracted this past year but I keep trying to follow Him no matter what happens. I slip and I fall but I keep getting back up.
As 2018 comes around the corner, I plan on paying off my minor debts as I start saving up for my kids' education, and also to start making extra payments on my house. True slavery is not being forced to work. It's being in debt to creditors. I start college again in January and I hope to finalize this divorce so I can move on. The next few years will be busy for me but it will be well worth it in the end.
As I finish this up allow me to offer this bit of advice:
Life is what YOU make of it. It comes down to your choices, not circumstances. Stop blaming your skin color, circumstances, environment, etc. Instead, own up to your own life and make the choices necessary to propel yourself forward. Stop diving backwards into the drowning cesspool of victimization. Keep moving forward.
I thought with Christmas coming up and right behind it the end of 2017, I would write my final reflections concerning this past year. It's an exercise in ego perhaps but I know some people like these.
2017 found me in a better place than I was in 2016. Gone were the hurts from my marriage separation in May of 2016, and in its place was the realization that not only was I going to be just fine as a single man, not only was I going to be great as a single father, but I was going to be able to love again.
In August of this year, I started dating again. I started with many of trepidations. For one, I am still not legally divorced. I often wonder if I should be dating someone when I am still legally bound to someone else. I wonder if God's grace extends to me in this area? My pastor always tells us to work out our own salvation and so I continue doing that in this area.
My girlfriend is wonderful though. She loves me unconditionally. We have already had so much fun and happy moments together. In the five months we have been together, she has validated me more as a man than my second wife ever did in the five short years we were together. My girlfriend is not perfect but she's close enough to perfect for me (to quote the great country band Alabama). She has her views I don't agree with, and vice versa, but we find ways to discuss it without turning it into an argument.
I still have fears, and I am still defensive, but each day with her I am learning to let my guard down. Perhaps she is too.
Besides a new love interest, I continue to be proud father to three awesome kids. My oldest child and only daughter has continued to impressed me with her intelligence, her discipline, hard work, and goal driven persona. Not to mention her passion for all things nerdy like her father. She continues to excel in her studies and music, and her artwork continues to impress me.
My second child and oldest son excels as well. He is in band playing the saxophone, and he is taking a real interest in it. Typically, my oldest son is very laid back about things so it's hard to gauge what he is taking seriously or not. However, this past year he is maturing more and more, and though not as outgoing as my daughter, he has shown an intelligence of his own in the things he cares about. This past year has seen him take an interest in not only music but also science, particularly marine biology. His jokes continue to grow more funny as well. He has a great sense of humor.
Then there is my youngest son, my 4-year-old mini-Hulk who is full of energy, stubborn as a mule, and too tough for his own good. At his young age, he can already call out the different vehicles by name as we pass them on the highway. He knows the colors of the traffic lights, knows the sun rises in the East and sets in the West (I just taught him that a few weeks ago), and can recite and recognize the alphabet and count to 20. So far, the separation between his mother and I hasn't been too bad for him. I hope and pray he continues to adjust well to it.
I also decided to return to college and finish my bachelor's degree. I am nine classes away from it. After I complete the degree in Spring 2019, I will start pursuing my Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. It's time to complete what I intended to once I got out of the Army in 2009.
So many changes in my life this past year but what hasn't changed is my love for God. I feel at times I have been distracted this past year but I keep trying to follow Him no matter what happens. I slip and I fall but I keep getting back up.
As 2018 comes around the corner, I plan on paying off my minor debts as I start saving up for my kids' education, and also to start making extra payments on my house. True slavery is not being forced to work. It's being in debt to creditors. I start college again in January and I hope to finalize this divorce so I can move on. The next few years will be busy for me but it will be well worth it in the end.
As I finish this up allow me to offer this bit of advice:
Life is what YOU make of it. It comes down to your choices, not circumstances. Stop blaming your skin color, circumstances, environment, etc. Instead, own up to your own life and make the choices necessary to propel yourself forward. Stop diving backwards into the drowning cesspool of victimization. Keep moving forward.
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