The Reaping

With all the ‘end-of-the-world’ predictions and another one on its way this year on December 21^st, 2012, you’re bound to run in to a couple movies about the Armageddon. Demise, destruction and mayhem are the usual proceedings but ‘The Reaping’ starring Hilary Swank had slightly special predictions. Written by twin-brothers Carey and Chad Hayes and directed by Jamaican Stephen Hopkins, this film in my opinion was sensationally horrific! J

Taking some leaves out of the biblical plagues, it gave its audience not only a history lesson but something they could already conceive the grievousness to. Set in the small country town of Louisiana and bringing in former missionary turned scientist to investigate on the matter gave it a more intimate twist. The lovable and tremendously talented Oscar winner, Hilary Swank delivered naturally and the upcoming actress AnnaSophia Robb whom you remember coming onto the film scene with ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ and ‘Soul Surfer’ to name a few also had exceptional abilities despite only having a few lines. You may also recognize the handsome English actor of 4 wins and 21 nominations Idris Elba whom also co-starred in this film.

This 2007 horror-thriller’s budget was an estimated $40 million USD and grossed $62 million USD worldwide. I hadn’t expected such a rush of adrenalin and fright as this chilling story unfolded and I found that it ended wonderfully and un-done; allowing film-makers to follow with another epic installment.

Think ‘The Birds’ meets 'The 10 Commandments’! If you’re in the mood for some harrowing entertainment and you never knew about the story of ‘Moses and the 10 plagues’; this one will be an excellent viewing for you! J

Fireproof

Not at all what I expected; but pleasantly satisfied. J What an inspiring and uplifting treat. I’m not married but this 2008 film wasn’t only about marriage and making it stronger but about what the true meaning of love is. If you don’t know what ‘true love’ is, then how can you practice it? I was able to identify with similar behaviours portrayed within the movie and it touched me as I’m sure also moved many viewers too! It is never too late to take a step back and work on yourself. No-one is perfect; and if we do all we can and leave the rest to our ‘manufacturer/creator’ then the impossible becomes possible and miracles start forming and begin giving birth in our lives.

This drama-fantasy-romance was written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick and directed by Alex Kendrick. A tad dramatic and tacky at parts but a wonderfully wholesome film overall for struggling couples; the message and advice on forgiving is certainly worth the watch. Chock-full of giggles, action and plenty of ‘ah-hah’ moments, this movie is sure to provoke your thinking as well as your tear-ducts. You may recognize the handsome blue-eyed star from ‘Growing Pains’ starring as main character ‘Caleb Holt’ who gave phenomenal acting as well as his fellow team of actors Erin Bethea, and Ken Bevel to name a few.

With a budget of an estimated humble $500,000 USD this cast and crew was fortunate enough to make an amazing $33 million USD profit. Just goes to show, it isn’t always about the fancy tools but how far a good story told goes! J

Check out: www.fireproofmymarriage.com for more on the film and about useful steps you can take to solidy the ‘salt and pepper’ in your marriage!

Pororoca

** This song gets me in a beautiful, serene, trance....LOVE it! ~ Enjoy :))

You are Enough

We live in troubling and confusing times. We are lost. We are filled with anxiety. Milling about with slander, and lies as our friends and believing them to be our truth; we’ve forgotten and accepted what it is society feeds us day in and day out. How we’ve gone astray. How sad it is to see our suffering, pain and doubt, all brought upon by us! We meander lonely and broken down through life.

We complain, fret and ask for signs because we miss that important element – the Universal truth, the Universal love – God’s love. His words are simple but his ways are more difficult to practice; yet his miracles and his promises are always sufficient! We need nothing else to live by, but faith. My darlings, you won’t be forgotten; you can be forgiven – it is never too late!

We must practice patience with our desires – the Universe/God hears the murmurings of our hearts; and the best is yet to come. Quit asking, “When?”, “How?” and “Why?” and as an alternative give thanks for that Universal presence of truth in your lives and humbly say, “Thy will be done…I trust in you!” Let your parched lips turn upwards in a smile of tender graciousness, your hearts lit with fires of warm hope, your eyes with clear passion and your hands with tenacity. Be energized with the presence of life and the mystical creation of everything in this wonderment we call earth.

You are so beautifully created; each with exquisite gifts and offerings to share with the world. You are valuable and precious children of the earth. Humble and open your hearts to the cleansing transformation and awakening that is happening right now; take advantage of what life is presenting to you and don’t look back! Breathe in new life. Be full of positive expectations. For nothing is impossible or too difficult to handle once you washed in truth. Love and the light are always on your side. Reach out for this power. You can find it through prayer and meditation. Make time to be silent and listen. You will be blessed with peace, inspiration and strength to continue on.

You are enough!

Live in thanksgiving even on the ‘not-so-good’ days; because it is your faith that will keep you afloat. Let that heavenly presence of truth center in your lives and support you to witness your divine outcomes. J

Bless-up darlings,

Jair

Devil

Pleasantly surprised and thoroughly pleased with the latest addition of  an M. Night Shyamalan collaboration. Reaching world recognition after writing and directing his third and groundbreaking film ‘The Sixth Sense’; the film critics hounded Shymalan’s every move. Many were ‘let-downs’ and missed that extra glint of greatness, but he still had pivoted into a house-hold name. 2010’s ‘Devil’ was really a clever idea of telling an age-old tale of good and evil with a modern and terrifying twist.

Written by M. Night but directed this time by John Erick Dowdle the story-line was well adapted to screen with great pacing, transitions and plenty of chilling  moments on account to the un-expected entrapment and vulnerability of our main characters. Chris Messina whom has been taking film and television by storm, Logan Marshall-Green, Yugoslavian Bojana Novakovic, Bokeem Woodbine, Geoffrey Arend and solid actress Jenny O’Hara all team up to accomplish a bloodcurdling but inspirational tale.

This horror-mystery-thriller cost an estimated $10 million USD to make and grossed $62 million USD world-wide which isn’t at all bad with few main characters, in a solid 4 locations. Mexican Jacob Vargas who played ‘Ramirez’ provided great wonderment and faith by his narration and wisdom in the midst of unfolding chaos.

I felt it was an excellent scary movie with brilliant story; just enough facts, and nail-bitingly good moments! J I’ve already never been fond of elevators – well this just peaks that uneasiness a tiny bit more!

The Birds

What a phenomenal movie from start to finish! I’ve always wanted to see this Alfred Hitchcock classic but the opportunity never did present itself.  This 1963 Horror-thriller was written by English Daphne Du Maurier and Evan Hunter and expressed with handsome simplicity by English Hitchcock. Who would think that an idea so straightforward could have such a prevailing and even frightful effect?

With dabbles of characters from all walks of life and centering on a small North Californian town, the story unfolds. The audience is fed passion, excitement, adventure, horror and survival all in one sitting and it’s easy to see why this film was nominated for an Oscar that year and received several wins. With an estimated budget of $2 million USD they were able to make back a cool $11 million USD.

American beauties Tippi Hedren and  Suzanne Pleshette who played ‘Melanie Daniels’ and ‘Annie Hayworth’ respectively; both sought the love and protection from dashing ‘Mitch Brenner’ played by Aussie Rod Taylor. Concerned and over-protective mother ‘Lydia Brenner’ played by English Jessica Tandy proved to be logical after the past was revealed and she felt helpless at protecting her young daughter ‘Cathy Brenner’ played by English Veronica Cartwright.

Just another one of the marvelous examples of the passion and excitement that is born unto screens simply by telling a good story! J Let’s just say it made me uncomfortable and anxious even though it was made in 63'.

Hallelujah

** LOVE this song! Enjoy :))

The Core

This 2003 Action-adventure-sci-fi starred the award winning Aaron Eckhart and two (2) time Oscar winner, Hilary Swank and grossed $74 million USD. Written by Cooper Lane and John Rogers and Directed by English John Amiel this film was an unbelievably thrilling ride (no pun intended). With tremendous use of special effects and loads of extras this film managed to make the apocalypse quite a reality.

Disasters may appear in our lives but once you’ve got courage, determination and faith, anything is possible. Our main actors, a crew of six (6) head down to the core of the earth to activate a nuclear device that will help the Earth’s core to spin again. The model turned actor DJ Qualls whom you may remember from ‘Road Trip’ and English Delroy Lindo who has acted in scores of memorable films like ‘Up’, ‘The Cider House Rules’ and ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ to name a few, also portray brilliant acting abilities.

I quite also enjoyed the portrayals of the illustrious Alfre Woodard who played the concerned yet sturdy ‘Stickley’ and ‘Serge’ played by Turkish-born French-bred actor Tcheky Karyo whose task was most emotive due to his dedication and love for his family.

There was angst, wonder and the love of voyaging into the unknown wrapped into a neat 135 minutes. I found the opening scene in the film to be luminous with a man tapping his watch and saying, “It stopped”, before numerous odd and catastrophic events were set in motion.

Power of Love

** Ella Andall - another of Trinidad & Tobago's powerful singers - 'Bring Down the Power' moves us and reminds us of the 'greatest power' - the power of LOVE :))

The Road

A little bit of ‘Cast Away’ starring Tom Hanks, a little bit of ‘Eli’ starring Denzel Washington but perhaps one of the more depressing movies I’ve seen. Possibly the fact that most of the film’s colour scheme was grey (which works well with the whole ‘end of world’ theme) or conceivably that the ‘Boy’ played by Kodi Smit-McPhee meets a family complete with a disheveled dog was a bit too much for me. Two (2) hours of our main characters running away from cannibals and looking for food to eat really wasn’t my cup of tea. However the theme song is attractive (although heard seldom throughout this movie) and  we got eye-fulls of ‘Man’,  father and main character of the film played by Viggo Mortensen’s arse!

On the brighter side; this 2009 film Written by Cormac McCarthy whom you remember from ‘No Country for Old Men’ and Joe Penhall and Directed by Aussie John Hillcoat scored 15 nominations and 2 wins. There were many thrilling moments, the acting was first-rate and the reality of what life could be for people who yearn to survive seems quite genuine.

This Adventure-Drama had a budget of an estimated $20 million USD and besides gaining countless nominations and awards only made back $8 million USD. It was funny to watch the credits for the cast which were all listed as ‘Man’, ‘Woman’, ‘Bearded Man’, ‘Gang Member’, ‘Well-fed Woman’ etc. I appreciated that the Director tried to help the audience experience emotions of loss and despair from our main characters by showing the close bond between father and son. Mega-actress South-African Charlize Theron also played the part of ‘Woman’ and mother in this film; and although her role was quite small she delivered exceptionally as usual.

Despite the disturbing graphic content in some scenes, I’d have to say that actor Viggo Mortensen’s performance was splendid and viewers can see that he was completely committed to his character’s wants and needs. There were also wonderful cinematic scenes of the decaying and crumbling landscapes our earth had slowly become. Slow, dismal and ordinary at times this film is an amazing one to study but not necessarily one that inspires or offers hope.

The Fall

From the exquisite classical soundtrack, odd sound-effects, the darling loving eyes of a child, to the magnificent cinematography and grace in which it was executed in; I am happy to say I’ve found another wonderful film to add to ‘Journey with Jair’s’ list of favourite films! J

Writers Dan Gilroy, Nico Soultanakis and Tarsem Singh all came together to adapt the original 1981 story by Bulgarian Valeri Petrov. Directed by Tarsem Singh in 2006, this adventure-drama-fantasy delighted and gripped its audience from start to finish. A story within a story ironic in that films also mimic stories in life, this film shared mythical characters within the imagination of a child. Both main characters Alexandria played by Hungarian prodigy Catinca Untaru and Roy Walker played by passionate Lee Pace shared many things and due to their loss, they were able to form a extraordinary bond and encourage each other.

It goes to show that one may be paralyzed by a fall, or by severe loss, but the heart though it may be fractured and weeping, yearns to be healed once more. Healing can come from a listening ear, a smile of hope, or from the lovely bond of friendship! J

It inspired me, made me laugh and cry…

Certainly ‘Journey with Jair’ recommended!

Keep knocking

** It's a process, it's a journey, but dare not give up - only a few more doors and lessons to open - then voila! Your blessings will rain - your dreams will be realized; keep focused...don't be distracted by those who don't know your greatness! :))

Behind the Scenes

To live life is to expect the unexpected. Life is not conventional to say the least and being human doesn't make it any bit easier. We worry, we complain, we fight and we find some situations tremendously unfair; no matter how many times we experience things, we will always frown, pout and get uneasy. It’s alright darlings, the challenge is being resilient – and it’s a process in getting there. Some days are better than others; but the fact that some days are better means that we have some little spark of hope hidden somewhere underneath the hurt, pain, anger and tears. The journey to recovery and in experiencing real joy again is easier said than done; but once you accept the situation, surrender in realizing you cannot control an outcome and let go to the divine/Universe/God in supplying the best outcome it is then that peace creeps in. Prayer, meditation, and yoga also offer us comfort, as it evokes our strength from the inside out.

We might not realize it; understand it; or see it, but just as magnificent films are made and mighty empires are built, there are always others working ‘behind the scenes’ to ensure victory. We should always do our best in achieving goals, dreams, and inner-peace; but it does not happen straight away. Things sometimes fail, however that does it does not mean it isn’t meant to be or that it is the end of the story. No-one knows the end of your story; or what twists, turns or climaxes will be experienced. Don’t fill your mind with human fears – it is good to get advice, but instead of putting your trust in those who ‘think-they-know’, try putting your trust in God/Universe who is working ‘behind the scenes’ and ensuring that his story goes according to plan! We will receive our due blessings because we are surrounded by that unconditional love. Don’t give up – each day, each hour, each minute you are getting closer to life taking a turn for the better.

Life does not guarantee anything except that if you keep trying and keep believing you’ll cross the finish line. Don’t be faint at heart darlings, despite our human fears know that practicing faith, trust and keeping positive ensures brighter and more pleasant outcomes. Your efforts, your love, and your diligence is not in vain! J If you are earnest in heart then it is sure that you will receive what you ask for. Having faith that you’re being listened to and helped ‘behind the scenes’ gives you confidence and peace; you may not see how you will get there but if we would just close our eyes and ingest, or take the plunge, you will finally see that enduring and keeping things simple always lead you to a paradise of truth! J

How does one practice faith we might ask? Ah-well, everyday is practice! Start off small – practicing faith gives you strength for when more serious ‘life surprises’ pop up. How do you know faith works? If you’ve ever had a miracle, if you’ve ever had too much of a coincidence, something that simply can’t be explained – then you know that everything happens for a reason. Remember, it’s always about the story – you’re the star and you get to build your character but it’s the Universe/God that is the director. That’s scary some might think, but guess what!? Your story – your movie is a block-buster; it’s an award-winning; nominated; marvelous success!

So plant your seeds, shower them in faith and watch them grow! J

Bless-up!

Jair J

** If you have someone to love - it will make your life be so good. But you feel lonely now. And so tired. You will find your love - don't you cry! Just do believe, do believe - you have won this time, I see it in your eyes! That now you feel okay. Just do believe it will last this time - I see it in his eyes! That you will be okay. Do believe it's your love. Look around! :))

Havoc

Havoc is exactly what happens when we try to be someone we’re not. It’s important to be true to yourself and comfortable with who you are. Written by Stephen Gaghan and Directed by Barbara Kopple winner of 2 Oscars and scores of other nominations came together to expose not only the ordinary types of problems teenagers go through, but also a whole different world on the other side of the track.

Life is what you make it. How much realer do you want it than that? Anne Hathaway, Bijou Philips, the adorable Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mike Vogel and a distinctive yet young Channing Tatum team up in pretending to know more about the gangster, hip-hop lifestyle than their opulent truth will allow. They’re bored and they want to feel something ‘real’ but when reality sets in, sometimes it’s too late and one can only suffer the consequences.

This 2005 Crime-drama has many shocking scenes with people living on the edge and abusing their lives and their bodies. Though a riveting journey of teenagers lives I wouldn’t recommend it for young people as there is strong sexual content, violence, nudity, coarse language as well as drug and alcohol use. The audience experiences the intense obsession and playfulness of the lost and confused but by the end of the film our actors and audience are all soberly awakened to the ugly sides of reality at hand; teaching us the importance of knowing which lines in life are okay to cross.

Bonito

**Brings me fond memories - Breathe, Breathe, Breathe...beautiful people who are truthful...beautiful people who are different...who shake, who feel...who listen, who understand...beautiful - everything seems beautiful to me! :))

Get Him to the Greek

Written and Directed by English Nicholas Stoller, this 2010 comedy soared with not only 11 nominations but hundreds of laughs. With preposterous content, including violence, vulgarity and coarse language and with the help of fanatically entertaining English Russell Brand, Chameleon-talented Aussie actress Rose Byrne and the collected and talented American actor Jonah Hill ‘Get Him to the Greek’ brought the giggles but also warm and fuzzy sentiments as well.

Not suitable for the younger audience, so keep the children away if you plan on enjoying this troublesome yet adulterated fun ride. If you fancy celebrities they’re chock-full in providing the structure for the reality of this rock-star’s life. Christina Aguilera, Lars Ulrich, Mario Lopez, Pink, Billy Bush, Kurt Loder, Pharrell Williams, Meredith Vierra and P.Diddy to name a few, all supported their star power.

The deeper message this movie provided to the audience was that one can seemingly have it all, but even with all the material things in the world, it cannot suffice the more important things in life, to love and be loved and to love what you do. Life must have meaning and purpose and without that we all can become lost. Acting out and abusing the body only offers temporary bliss but only until you are ready to make a big change and take a reality check on what’s the most important in your life, do you finally have peace! J

Filled with opulence, fabulousness, glam and a jam-packed cast of comics with wit, ‘Get Him to the Greek’ is certainly worth tuning in for.

Not Easily Broken

Based on a novel by the infamous Christian preacher TD Jakes, screenplay adapted by Brian Bird and directed by Bill Duke; this inspirational 2009 film scored a couple of nominations and wins. ‘Easy on the eyes’ Morris Chestnut and ‘power-house actress’ Taraji P. Henson teamed up as a couple going through the pressures of marriage and tested with the trials of life.

Dimpled hottie Eddie Cibrian, hilarious Kevin Hart and the renowned voice to be reckoned with from actress Jennifer Lewis offered some lightness in between the heavy and heart-wrenching story. There wasn’t a whole lot of back story but thanks to the fantastic acting our viewers were able to connect easily with the character’s joys and pain.

True happiness doesn’t just appear; it takes dedication, un-wavering faith, and the ability to admit your wrong and be willing to change to fix a troublesome relationship/marriage. This film reminds us that life hardens us but that it’s okay to let life soften us again too – I’ll leave you with one of my favourite lines, that went: “Sometimes you have to let life turn you upside down…so you’ll know how to live right side up…”

Planes Trains and Automobiles

With the American holiday ‘Thanksgiving’ quickly approaching it was fitting to watch the American classic ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ starring Steve Martin and late John Candy. Written and Directed by the late and esteemed John Hughes whom you may remember from other classics like ‘Home Alone 1 and 2’ with Macauley Culkin as well as ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’.

This 1987 comedy also had adventure, drama and tender moments; it is difficult not to laugh out loud. John Candy had the gift of playing characters sincerely and viewers always had an easy time connecting with him. We’ve all had our unbelievably awkward moments and this film embellishes the highs and lows of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Times may be tough, but there’s always a lesson and a silver-lining! J Patience is virtue and virtue is grace, and Neal Page played by Martin had very little of it which brought on the non-stop giggles!

Definitely, ‘Journey with Jair’ recommended; a movie you’d like to add to your DVD collection if it isn’t already there – a feel-good movie! J