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 :))