Benjamin Button:  Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss.

~quote from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (PG-13)  

I just re-watched this film this past weekend, its obvious why there were so many award nominations for this movie.  The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a fantastic story and highly entertaining.  There are shares of very odd moments, as you can imagine, but all in all it’s quite the adventure following the backwards life of Benjamin Button.  One of the film’s best qualities is finishing what it starts… there are several little stories within the story and to see them all come full circle is a breath of fresh air.  If you have not yet seen it, it is well worth the rental fee from your local Blockbuster, RedBox, Movie Gallery... or NetFlix if that’s what you fancy.

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing for this movie; it’s the little details that make this film shine.  One of the blurbs of Benjamin’s narration spoke of the opportunities we encounter in life and how our lives are shaped by what we do with them… or in some cases, don’t do.  The important piece that jumped out to me is the fact that our lives are not only shaped by the opportunities we choose to act upon, but also by the ones we choose to pass by.  These opportunities missed often affect our lives equally as great as those met head-on, the thing with missed ones… we never really know.

By no means do I think we should grab every opportunity by the horns, but I think we should attempt to exercise more wisdom when choosing which moments to seize.  Often we let opportunities pass by without a thought even given to them.  Let this be received as a challenge to engage more in the things around you; the moments… the opportunities that you normally would simply let pass by.  At least grab hold of them for a moment so that you can better evaluate, with wisdom, what you should do.  Often it’s too difficult to know before you take that first step if the opportunity is going to become good or bad… ask for wisdom.^(a)

Make no mistake, our history is written by the opportunities we seise along with the ones we don't, but it is God who defines who we truly are.^{(b, c, d)}

a: James 1:5; b: John 3:16; c: Romans 10:9-10; d: 2 Corinthians 5:17

(thought history)

Adrian Veidt:  It doesn't take a genius to see the world has problems.
Edward Blake:  No, but it takes a room full of morons to think they're small enough for them to handle.

~dialogue from Watchmen (R) 

I really thought I would like Watchmen.  I'm not sure if it was that it turned out to be something I didn't expect, but it was just "OK" for me.  Decent visuals and a fairly interesting storyline... perhaps had I read the comics I would have enjoyed it more.  I certainly wouldn't suggest for anyone to run out and see it, but if you're planning to... brace yourself for an over abundance of blue male nudity.

Genius vs. moron; quite the spectrum.  Adrian Veidt is the genius and Edward Blake enjoys taking name-calling the shot @ Mr Veidt.  In the context of this dialogue, I couldn’t agree more with the sentiments shared.  Problems; whether they infect the whole of the world, or if they are narrowed down to our own lives… it’s wise to realize they are not within our grasp to handle.  Certainly there are small enough problems in our own lives where we can get by on our own accord, but it does not mean its best.  As far as the measurement of the size of the problem, it is a matter of perspective.

By no means am I a genius, nor have I considered myself a moron… well maybe sometimes; however, when it comes to problems (especially my own) I tend to lean more towards the realm of moronic… I have a feeling I’m not the only one.  When it comes to world size problems, I don’t really believe that I could handle them on my own.  But, when it comes to my own personal problems, no matter how big or small they may be, I tend to take the path of a moron and believe I can handle them on my own.  Certainly there are problems small enough that I make due with my resolutions, but there are other cases where my solutions are utter disasters and end up causing far more harm than good.  Sadly, even after years of experiencing failure, I find myself fitting the moronic mold… not always, but many times.

For God no problem is too big, no problem too small.  The trick here is to learn to lean on Him rather than ourselves.  For those of us who have accepted the free salvation gift of Christ, the way has been made for reliance on God… for those who have not, the outlook is bleak.  Through Jesus Christ we have been joined with Him.^(a)  He is available, call to Him and He will answer.^{(b, c, d)}  Seek Him with all your heart and you will find your answers. ^{(e, f, g)}.  God is always available, always listening and no problem is too large for Him!^(h)

a: Matthew 11:30, b: Proverbs 15:29, c: James 5:16-18, d: Philippians 4:6-7, e: Proverbs 3:5-6, f: Jeremiah 29:13, g: Proverbs 8:17, h: Luke 1:37

(thought history)

Isabella Swan:  I'd rather die than to stay away from you.

~quote from Twilight (PG-13)  

I'm not much of a reader, but even I had heard about the craze Twilight has swept over those who love to read... especially those of the teenage variety ;)  With all the buzz, my interest and curiosity was heightened and while we were on a family trip to Mexico this past Christmas we took time out of an afternoon to take in this film.  Overall it was fairly interesting.  {slight spoiler} I'm not sure why, but so many people (me included) are always drawn to the whole "vampire" thing.  It just always makes for an intriguing story I guess.  It seems as though every movie maker puts their own little spin on it whether it's garlic and mirrors, or sunlight and shadow there's a slight twist... but yet the same.  Anyway, this movie had it's own little twists on the life of a vampire which is actually what makes this film interesting.  Personally I wouldn't shout of the mountaintops to run to see the movie or anything, but I certainly wasn't disappointed.  It was pretty good.

Bella was SO drawn to Edward, it's as if she was under some enchanting spell.  There was just something so interesting about him and she found herself completely devoured by his charm, she just couldn't stay away from him.  Even when she understood the risks of being with him, she couldn't stay away.  This got me thinking about God and how He couldn't stay away from us, how He couldn't allow us to continue to wander in darkness far from Him.  Instead He chose death rather than staying away.^(a)  God in the flesh, Jesus, came to the earth to live as one of us.^(b)  He ended up making a choice to accept death and bridge the gap between His Father and mankind.^(c)  This great love^{(d, e, f)} was the proof that God couldn't stay away; He would rather die.

Such a huge sacrifice... so much to give up, yet our part seems so little in comparison.  All He asks is for us to turn from our selfish ways and trust and follow Him.^(g)  He has made the way to no longer stay away, now the choice is ours.  If you've never made your choice, I can't stress enough that you should NOT take this lightly.  This choice will forever change your life.  Don't put this off; choose today!^(h)

God sent His Son, who would rather die to bridge the gap back to the Father than to leave the void between us and Him.  Jesus decided he would rather die than to stay away from you.  What will you decide?

a: John 3:16-17, b: Matthew 1:22-23, c: Romans 5:8, d: Psalm 57:10, e: Lamentations 3:22-23, f: John 15:13, g: Romans 10:9-10, h: Deuteronomy 30:19

(thought history)

Father Flynn: Where is your compassion?
Sister Aloysius: Nowhere you can get at it.

~dialogue from Doubt (PG-13) 

When it comes to acting performances, Meryl Streep & Philip Seymour Hoffman deliver in Doubt.  It certainly doesn't hurt that these are two of my favorite actors.  In this film they both put forth the type of performance which reminds me why I enjoy their talents so much.  Doubt is powerful and worthy of all the awards it is being nominated for.  If you enjoy stellar acting, then I highly recommend you see Doubt.

Being as this film is in a religious setting, there are plenty of quotes to pick out and tear apart.  I chose this dialogue because I think it strikes a chord in our society today.  Certainly we all have some level of compassion within us, but far too often that compassion is buried deep within us, never to be seen by the outside world and certainly not towards someone in need.  This must change for all of us, but especially for those of us who choose to call ourselves Christians.  If we say we follow Christ, compassion must be at the forefront^(a) of our lives... if not, we are dishonoring the name that which we bear.

Our compassion should be obvious to those around us, not hidden under a bushel basket.  I don't think this really spoils the film as the previews even show this, but it's obvious the question Father Flynn asks is directed right at the heart of what I'm talking about here.  In Sister Aloysius' case, she chose to throw compassion to the wind, along with the facts, and ruthlessly went after Father Flynn.  Certainly she had her suspicions, but then... well, there were doubts... thus the film's name.  Anyway, I did not want to get to writing about her intentions, I am highlighting the fact that she admits her compassion is there, she just has chosen to keep it from Father Flynn.

You have compassion, don't keep it hidden... show it to others.^(b,c)

a: Mark 1:41, b: Ephesians 4:32, c: Colossians 3:12

(thought history)