Invocation from the Senate of Virginia

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Jacob Sahms

People have had all kinds of questions about my experience at the Virginia Senate.

Did my prayer include Marvel characters? How’d I feel about the separation of church and state? Was I going to run for office? Did I deliver my ‘message’ or speak to my ‘platform’?

My experience was amazing, and I’d encourage clergy everywhere to step up when the invitation comes.

I prayed what I thought I should given the context, and the ecumenical nature of those gathered together. There were the forty senators, forty-two pages, members of the clerk’s office, staff, several school groups, VCU basketball players, family, and friends. And God was invoked there – God’s presence was acknowledged! It was an opportunity to worship, and an opportunity to serve my community. How could those things not be edifying?

So, here’s my invocation – delivered in the mandated less-than-a-minute timeframe!

Senate 2015 praying

God of grace and truth,

We thank you for the way that you have been faithful to us,

And ask your blessing today on those gathered here.

We ask that you would strengthen our bodies to do good,

That you would free our minds from worries which might distract us,

And make us stand tall with the knowledge that you have called us to do this work.

 

Grant us courage to share our voice without fear of repercussion.

Wisdom to recognize what we do not understand,

Patience to listen and to hear from those we disagree with,

And hearts like yours for reconciliation, justice, and peace.

 

We hope to represent you in how we think, speak, and act,

And ask that you would show us how we might serve each other better,

That we might enable justice to roll like a mighty river

And righteousness like a never-failing stream

That our communities would be a safe haven where all will be welcome,

And our world would be a place where all have enough. Amen.

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101 Dalmations: Diamond Edition (Movie Review)

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Jacob Sahms

101dalmatiansond-editionOne of the highest grossing films of all time, 101 Dalmatians boasted an animation process that saved Walt Disney and his illustrators from being rendered obsolete. Crafted in 1961, this film put Dodie Smith’s novel One Hundred and One Dalmations into motion, crafting a story about the Roger and Anita Radcliffe (Ben Wright and Lisa Davis) and their two dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita (Rod Taylor and Cate Bauer). Of course, Cruella de Vill (Betty Lou Gerson) might be the film’s most memorable character as the cruel, wealthy villain who wants to have the dalmatians’ pelts made into a coat she can wear. Put it all together, and you have an absolute knock out.

The audiences over three have probably seen the film before, about how the pups get stolen and their parents involve the “Twilight bark” in getting them back, about the parents’  love for their puppies that drives them to uncommon lengths to get them back. It’s a powerful story of perseverance and love, of friendship and community, that transcends their own time and place to be excellent … whenever they’re seen!

The Diamond Edition is ripe with puppy fodder about the film in ways that will tickle parents and entertain the younguns. First off the Blu-ray Bonus Features is a brand new short, “The Future Adventures of Thunderbolt,” starring the fictional (within the film) dog who the puppies love to cheer for while watching television. “Lucky Dogs,” an interview with several of the animators and Disney workers who efforted the film in the 1960s comes next (and is substantively more informative!) For the kiddies, Cameron Boyce hosts a “best of” featurette that explains pieces of the film with special tidbits (like the ‘Easter egg’ including the characters from Lady and the Tramp in one scene), and moves a bit faster than the more informative “Lucky Dogs.” Disney’s own affection for dogs seems proved in the 1961 special, “The Best Doggoned Dog in the World.” Here, he narrates several stories of different kinds of dogs (like the story of a sheepdog) with facts about dogs mixed in, as well as a preview of their ‘upcoming’ feature film, 101 Dalmatians.

If you’d prefer, you can check out the ‘classic’ bonus features, like trailers, radio spots, and the making-of featurette, “Redefining the Line,” thirty minutes worth of how the film worked in production (Disney’s first non-musical animated work) and the impact that it had (including on current Pixar guy, Brad Bird!) Of course, given that De Vil is one of the best villains of all time, her special will entertain most (if not all) viewers, showing how her voice, style, and animated depiction all make for a significant character in the Disney canon. There’s also a ‘re-creation’ of the correspondence between Disney and Smith, given that the letters have been made public for others to experience, like a documentary retelling of their collaboration – not unlike Saving Mr. Banks.

Overall, the movie that we loved as kids now has a stylish, informative package for us to dig into and understand. It’s solid – better than solid- and I highly recommend adding this to the Diamond Edition library that I’m sure you’re building. Rating: buy ite

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Scooby Doo Moon Monster Madness: Dark Side Of The Moon (Movie Review)

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Jacob Sahms

scooby dooWarner Brothers delivers the twenty-third, direct-to-DVD Scooby Doo movie with Moon Monster Madness. When the Mystery Machine’s gang wins the final five spots on a space mission, they find themselves battling an alien on the moon that looks a lot like the one Sigourney Weaver once battled. Sound terrifying? Nothing ends up quite as scary as Daphne’s driving test at the beginning of the episode!

The voice crew from previous films, Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey DeLisle, and Mindy Cohn, all revisit their roles here, bringing both the humor and the backbone to a story that gives us some insight into a few of the deeper subplots. There’s a security officer who is afraid of progress/the future, deep-seated in his frustration over his father’s being marginalized by technology; there’s a TMZ-like reporter who is all in it for the headshot and the interview, regardless of what danger could actually befall them. More serious than some of the other Scooby Doo features, this one entertains the kids but it also asks some adult questions about the way society functions.

Adults will also dig the space-related allusions. There’s a shout-out to 2001 A Space Odyssey with H.A.M., as well as the robot that’s really a person (flipping Alien) as well as a woman named Ridley, a comment about having “the right stuff,” an E.T.-like moon shot, Mark Hamill voicing a character… you get the point. If you like sci-fi flicks, this is a solid sendup.

The only drawback to the film for me was the ridiculous collision of Daphne and Velma, where a case of petty jealousness causes friction throughout the feature. Malcolm McDowell is a fun inclusion: his voice has both comical and villainous overtones, and the film is full of potential ‘baddies’. The musical score is excellent, and, as always, the folks behind this one find a way to make me laugh out loud a few times.

Setting the film in space allowed for those conversations, and made the film standout from its predecessors. Scooby Doo is one of those modes that allows Batman and Robin, the WWE, or space to show up, and we don’t really blink: we just enjoy the ride. With everything involved, it’s best to view this Warner Bros. release as a ride, to infinity and beyond, and just enjoy it for what it is. rating: buy it

 

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Rosewater: Fighting For Survival (Movie Review)

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Jacob Sahms

EB1A0231.jpgIn 2009, an Iranian born, London-based, Canadian journalist named Maziar Bahari (played by Gael Garcia Bernal, , ) was tortured at Evin Prison in Teheran for several months. Accused of spying for the United States, his memoir was a bestseller, and his interview with had gained the attention of Jon Stewart. Stewart’s involvement here is much grander: now, he’s the writer and director of this powerful story of hope and survival.

There’s a sense here, especially in light of Bahari’s memoir title connecting him to Martin Niemoller’s quote about the Jews and Nazis, that this is a call to remember, and to act. One has to wonder if this is just the beginning of film directing for Stewart, but his first subject is certainly sympathetic, regardless of what you think about politics or the current Middle East conflict. Sure, the special features lend themselves in some ways to different arguments, but the truth is, this man was tortured for months because of his opinion and journalism.

In a world where Charlie Hebob is cartoons one day, and bloodshed the next, Rosewater asks some questions about paying attention and finding your voice, with enough brutality to make you look away occassionally. In a story of survival, there are those who make it and those who don’t, but Bahari proves to overcome by refusing to give in or give up. In some subtle (and not so subtle) ways, he survives with the help of his family, even while he’s deprived of all human interaction outside of “Rosewater” (Kim Bodnia). It’s one way he succeeds, and so does Stewart’s directorial debut, proving there’s more than meets the eye to a guy best known for satirical news. rating: borrow it

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Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown: Reliving Camp (Movie Review)

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Jacob Sahms

race of your life

In this 1977 original, Charlie Brown and his crew head off to camp where they wrestle with the leadership, bullying, and group dynamics. If it wasn’t for being in the wilderness, it would be just like high school! Featuring the same voice cast as the 1975 TV special, Be a Good Sport, Charlie Brown, it focuses on Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty’s responsibility as ‘team leaders,’ and the group’s struggle with a trio of bullies who take the camp competitions to a whole new level.

The kids all arrive at camp in varying degrees of frustration and anxiety. Like most kids in summer camps, not all of them are thrilled about the prospect of living somewhere with food they’re unfamiliar with, beds that aren’t comfortable, and an absence of the comforts of home. But they do their best to settle into the way the camp is laid out (military style, with physical training, etc.) and the various competitions that tax them mentally and physically.

Pretty quickly, I found myself focused in on the way that the group dealt with the adversity of the bullying by the older kids (and their cat, Brutus). This group of four intimidates the larger group of Charlie Brown and his friends, as well as Snoopy and Woodstock. Ultimately, as usual, it proves to be Snoopy and Woodstock who will stand up to them, rescuing everyone to some degree. It’s again the mystery of Charles Schulz: salvation doesn’t rest in the hands (or hearts) of the human characters, no matter how bighearted or compassionate that ‘Chuck’ tries to be.

I’m becoming more of a fan of the series of specials as my children have taken to It’s the Great Pumpkin and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Families can do a lot worse than sit around and enjoy the tame levels of entertainment and morality that Schulz drew up, even if we have to hope there’s a ‘someday’ where Charlie Brown isn’t the punchline of every joke! rating: buy it

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Batman The Second Season Part One (TV Review)

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Jacob Sahms

batmanI reviewed Batman: The Complete Series (1966-68) in November but now, Warner Bros. is releasing different seasons in parts. Today, the first half of the second season releases with thirty episodes.

Whether it’s someone traditional and formidable like the trio of Julie Newmar’s Catwoman, Burgess Meredith’s Penguin, or Cesar Romero’s The Joker, or a different nightmare like King Tut, Egghead, or Marsha Queen of Diamonds, there’s some safe, family fun in just about every episode. Although, if you look close enough, it’s not quite what you want to show your little ones — just like Tom & Jerry isn’t really ‘safe,’ not for Tom!

It’s amazing to see all of the advance news for Batman vs. Superman (coming soon!) with Ben Affleck – and to realize that Christian Bale, George Clooney, Val Kilmer, and Michael Keaton have all played the Dark Knight since Adam West donned the cowl and tights nearly fifty years ago. Sure, I’ve loved all most of them, but West still holds a nostalgic place in my heart for his forthrightness, his goodness, and his stickwithitness as Batman.

If you don’t own the set, this is a good way to check it out. Quite frankly, it’s a good introduction to Batman the way he was before Frank Miller got his hands on him. There’s nothing wrong with the gritty detective/vigilante, but there’s something morally redeemable about the half-goofball/half-humanitarian that is West’s Batman. rating: buy it.

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The Lookalike: The Gritty World Of Second Chances (Movie Review)

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Jacob Sahms

Noir films seem to stick around even when all else passes like a fad. Drive. Brick. Only God Forgives, just to name a few. Now, Richard and Michelle Gray team up to deliver The Lookalike, a rambling, rabbit hole-following film about a bunch of drug dealers in search of a lookalike girl to please their boss. It’s the kind of film where drug dealers chase a girl around town after the original girl is accidentally killed when a chandelier falls on her because someone shoved a desk. If you’re willing to go along for the ride, the entertainment value is in the character actors playing above their pay grade.

Jerry O’Connell stars as Joe, an ex-basketball player who sells drugs to earn enough to sponsor his own cooking show, wrestling with his brother, Holt (Justin Long, who also produced), his bosses Bobby and Frank (John Corbett and Steven Bauer), his loan shark, Vincent (Luis Guzman), and a new love life with the cancer-embattled Mila (Scottie Thompson). But after the original girl, Sadie (Gillian Jacobs) dies, the criminals latch onto Lacey (also Jacobs), who is part of a sting aimed at Joe’s drug business and ends up falling for Lacey himself. Complicated? Yes. Convoluted? Maybe. But in the end, it was hard to look away.

The film may be too chock-full of people, plot lines, and motivations for a two-hour window. There are cops involved in the sting; Bobby and Frank’s boss is not a nice guy. But ultimately, outside of Joe, Mila, Holt, and Lacey, we don’t really care about any of them, even though Vincent and Frank are probably the most colorful, nuanced characters in the whole thing! Both couples are broken, and have plenty of reason to want to find a new start, to tackle a new life away from the drugs (most illegal) and the grift. Both guys know they’ve found someone who makes them better, hence the ‘romantic thriller’ aspect. But it’s nearly an impossible battle for them based on the double-crossing, backstabbing way that the characters all operate. And, of course, it all hinges on John Savages’ baddie actually believing the girl who walks into the room is Sadie… which is a conceit I’m happy that I don’t have to argue.

If you want more, you can check out deleted scenes and background materials. Ultimately, the Blu-ray suffered a bit based on the muffled tones of dialogue in some scenes. But the last fifteen minutes of the film were some of the most thrilling I’ve seen this year, and worth a rent. rating: rainy day it

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The Voices: Wrestling With Reality (Movie Review)

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Jacob Sahms

The Voices proves to be a Ryan Reynolds-vehicle of startling proportions. Sure, he has done funny (The Proposal), intense (Buried), animal voices (Turbo), and violent (Smokin’ Aces), but here, he’s able to do all of the above. Reynolds’ Jerry Hickfang is a schizophrenic factory worker whose animals vocally speak to him (his perspective), with advice coming from his angelic Boxer, Bosco, and his demonic cat, Mr. Whiskers. Characterization of cats and dogs has never seemed so perverse or spot-on!

When Jerry stabs his dream girl, Fiona (Gemma Arterton), to death, it sets off a series of violent-themed events that even his court-appointed psychiatrist, Dr. Warren (Jackie Weaver), can’t sift through. [Seriously, it’s scary when Weaver is the ‘normal’ one given her Animal Kingdom and Silver Linings Playbook appearances.] But Fiona’s death leads to more interaction with others, like her office mates, Lisa (Anna Kendrick) and Alison (Emma Smith), and the cycle is accelerating.

Overall, it’s captivating to watch Reynolds, and not in a “Green Lantern is going down in flames kind of way.” He’s incredibly earnest as the dippy schizophrenic, but he also carries himself in a way that we think there might be going on than there appears. He seems smarter in some ways than those around him, even while he’s carving up a body and listening to his pets’ advice. Is this Psycho or Dr. Doolittle or some strange combination?

Written by Michael R. Perry (co-writer of Paranormal Activity 2) and directed by Persepolis writer/director Marjane Satrapi, the film explores childhood abuse and the mistreatment of those with mental illness, all camped out in the middle of a dramedy horror romance. It seems worth recommending to those who like Donnie Darko or Bernie, with such a strong streak of dark humor that makes a talking decapitated head seem like it could be funny. It’s not a Valentine’s Day film for sure, at least if you like your date, but the end result is that we get a full dose of Reynolds – sure to delight his fans here and north of us, too. Of course, a singing Jesus takes this one into a whole new territory — even Dogma didn’t focus on song and dance. rating: rainy day it

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Justice League Throne Of Atlantis: Aquaman Getting His Due (Movie Review)

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Jacob Sahms

Justice-League-Throne-of-Atlantis-TrailerAquaman has always been a favorite of mine. Maybe it’s because I was a swimmer for most of my life, grew up on an island, or have always been happier in the water. But in Geoff Johns’ run on the Aquaman title in the New 52, he captures some of the ‘fish out of water’ sentiments that made the orange-and-green-clad amphibian crusty, while also painting him in a more sympathetic light. Now, the DC Universe original movie, Justice League Throne of Atlantis delivers a powerful animated story of the early years of the JLA with enough action and intrigue for fans of all ages who dig DC comics.

In parallel stories that will finally collide, Cyborg (Criminal Minds’ Shemar Moore) searches for the reasons a military submarine was destroyed in the deep, while Arthur Curry (Matt Canter, Star Wars: the Clone Wars) grieves his father’s desk and blunders into the truth about his aquatic past. Before long, the heroes who will make up the League [Batman (Jason O’Mara), Superman (Jerry O’Connell), Wonder Woman (Rosario Dawson), Flash (Christopher Gorham), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Shazam (Sean Astin)] are assembling to battle a seemingly overwhelming force led from the ocean by Arthur’s half-brother, Orm AKA Ocean Master (Sam Witwer, Being Human).

These DC films are epic. The plots are ripped from graphic novels, with some details changed, but the fresh story lines still sparkling with animated beauty. It helps that the characters are backed by real actors and actresses, and that John’s New 52 plots weren’t generic. For instance, Superman and Wonder Woman are together, and Lois Lane gets sort of spoofed; the film actually makes Curry more clueless than he was by now in the comics progression, but it works as far as an introductory origin story. It’s still compelling to watch this son of two worlds figure out whether he’s called to protect the sea, protect the land, shun one or the other, claim a kingdom, etc. He’s a tortured soul with plenty of ideals but less conviction than a Batman or Superman. Ultimately, of course, this works much the way Mark Waid’s JLA: Year One did: sooner or later, these folks have to get over their differences and come together for good.

Fans of DC and the JLA especially will appreciate the features that give more of a background on the movie, whether it’s the sounds that give our sub-aquatic experience a deeper experience (“Scoring Atlantis: Sounds of the Deep”), the 2014 NY Comic-Con Panel, the sneak peak of Batman vs. Robin, or the four additional cartoons featuring Aquaman. rating: borrow it

 

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Derek Minor’s Empire: All About The Kingdom (Music Review)

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Jacob Sahms

The artist formerly known as PRo, now performing as Derek Minor, is an artist, a rapper, a theologian. He, Andy Mineo, and Sho Baraka have worked their way into my dream team of Christian rappers that once featured Lecrae and Trip Lee as a standalone dynamic duo. But Minor first grabbed my attention with “Dear Mr. Christian” and “Lost in Minorville” from Welcome to Minorville, and I tracked down the backlog to add to my collection. It was a no-brainer that I’d pre-order Empire, Minor’s album out yesterday, and listen to his examination of church and society.

Fundamentally, this album is about the kingdom of God. But it’s also a criticism of the fake gods and kingdoms, the petty human empires, that we create with our own minds and falsely think have value. It’s not that Minor doesn’t have a sense of humor – but the majority of these songs are deadly serious, like “Babel I.” I was reminded of the “Parable of the Rich Fool” in Luke 12:13-21. Every moment is a gift and we don’t know when we’ll be held accountable for what we’ve done. How we treat others and what we do with the blessings we’ve been given –that matters.

Minor teams up for an aggressive album in scope and sound, with Lecrae, Canon, Tedashii, Leah Smith, J. Paul, Anthony Evans Jr., and Colton Dixon, as well as a crowd of folks I haven’t heard of yet. But the message through each and every song (seriously, I’ve never heard a rap album stay quite as on point as this!) is about the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom is coming and is here, the juxtaposition of the here and the ‘not yet.’ And it’s laid across beats that will have you tapping your fingers on the steering wheel or running faster on the treadmill. But those articulations of theology and social justice, the race issues and money issues and leadership issues, they’ll rattle around in your head and dare you to move, too.

“Until the End of Time” and “All Hail the King” are my early favorites. But as my brain unpacks the message behind each beat, that could change. rating: buy it

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