against mankind. This topic is becoming commonplace now and the film, “The Creator” is another film with that topic. Oh, special effects are fine and you can coast along on that for an hour or so, but beyond, the storyline is rather confusing, and at the end is a thud. John David Washington (“Tenet”) has the lead role of Joshua, a government agent. In Biblical times, Joshua was a leader who fought with unusual tactics, and this future is unusual
Several years ago, I saw a Hercule Poirot mystery on PBS television. Poirot was played by the excellent David Suchet who has portrayed Poirot the longest. He has the acting down pat and the moustache, also. This production was entitled “Halloween” and about a young woman, in England, who said she had witnessed a murder years before as a child. The scene was an apple-bobbing party and the next day, the young woman was found dead. Fast Forward and today we have “A Haunting in Venice” with the same theme, except the location. Kenneth Branagh, who directed the last two “Hercule Poirot” films (“Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death On The Nile”) also directs “A Haunting in Venice,” plus playing Hercule Poirot, Unfortunately, Branagh’s moustache in this movie takes over every scene and sometimes enters the room before he does. As with Agatha Christie mysteries, there is evil afoot and Hercule Poirot, master detective, is on the prowl. Christie also wrote about an inquisitive elderly lady, Miss Marple, who managed to solve crimes literally from her back yard. Margaret Rutherford played Miss Marple then.
The Expendables are mercenaries who have their own plane and go to far off places helping those in need. Each member has a specialty from technical to fire arms to body defense to explosives to whatever is needed at the time. There is a leader and here it is Sylvester Stallone (“Tulsa King”) who plays Barney Ross. If this group of films will continue, this is Stallone’s last film as “Barney,”
Not since Lauren Daigle’s debut have I been as excited by a first recording. The root word for excite means “to move, stir up, instigate” and that’s how I feel, especially after listening to two of the songs on this six song self-titled EP. Nichole’s testimonies of God’s power to set free move and stir me.
On Land of the Living Jason Gray makes honest self-disclosures characterized by wit and whimsy. Gray’s vulnerable lyrics remind me of people like Rich Mullins, Andrew Peterson and Carolyn Arends. For those not familiar with him, this is a fine introduction to an artist who continues to refine his craft. Even so, I don’t think one can make mistake by choosing anything in his catalog. He stood out right from the start.
Five of six songs on Steadfast Love by Grace Worship feature a male lead and the style of the vocalists coupled with the sound of the band remind me a little of Josh Groban or Steve Green. It does get more adventuresome in places as I hear Celtic rock in the hook on “Hallelujah! Who Shall Part” and strong lead guitar work under-girding the opening title track.
Canadian Steve Bell brings the same sensibilities found in his music to his writing: truth, wisdom, beauty, maturity, creativity, empathy, compassion and challenge. He writes like a skillful poet (Psalm 45:1). Speaking of poetry, readers will find more than a little here. In addition to Bell’s song lyrics, his friend Malcolm Guite’s poems and thoughts frequently add to the reflections.
The people at The Iridium were not there for a dance contest – they were there for the music, and as Frank used to say, 'music is the best.' ...and – as more and more people were entering the already-packed venue – it was obvious that the music was enough.
I wish Nick Page taught me history at school. The self-described “unlicensed historian, applied ranter and general information-monger” is like a mate who nudges you in the ribs and asks mischievously, “Hey, did you know...?”
Director Ridley Scott has quite a background in films with battle scenes and heroes who dominate the screen. Favorites of mine are “Gladiator,” “Blackhawk Down,” “Blade Runner,” “Alien,” “Black Rain” and” Someone To Watch Over Me.” The list goes back quite a way. This year. Scott shows the audience a view of the French past with “Napoleon” and Joaquin Phoenix as the Emperor. Phoenix was also one of the stars of “Gladiator.” The script by David Scarpa focuses on Napoleon going up the French military ladder to become Emperor, with his marriage to Josephine (Vanessa Kirby) included, plus the exiles.
