Shrek Forever After

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever.”
Psalm 107:1

In life, there is so much to be grateful for. Every breath of air, every new day, every relationship, and every bite of food is a reminder of God's goodness to us, and cause for continual thanks to him. Most of all, we need to be grateful to God for His plan of salvation: sending His Son to earth to be born as a baby, and choosing to go to the cross and die in order for our sins to be paid for.

True contentment can only be achieved be being grateful. When we cease to be grateful for even the small things in life it is easy to become distracted or tempted by selfish desires. And being ungrateful can have serious repercussions!

Such is the powerful lesson that Shrek learns in his fourth appearance: "Shrek Forever After." This Dreamworks film directed by Mike Mitchell is by far the best--indeed, perhaps the only--Shrek film to watch. It is packed full of humor, but also presents morals that are rarely seen in secular films. In fact, the three main issues tackled in this animated feature are nearly identical to those addressed in the 1946 film classic, "It's a Wonderful Life!".

First:
It is God who determines who is to be born and at what time. Being born is not an accident; God creates each person for His purpose and time. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb....all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. ”Psalm 139:13, 16

Second:
What you do affects everyone around you. Even the little things you do can affect people in big ways, because the choices you make daily will change your mindset and view of life--and therefore influence how you treat others. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Philippians 2:3

Third:
Time is a valuable commodity. It is not unlimited but instead every second is a gift from God. Do not waste it! Your days are numbered and you will give account for every second you waste. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Ephesians 5:15, 16a

PLOT SYNOPSIS

Shrek, a discontented Ogre, is tired of the monotony of life, and starts wishing for the old days of bachelorhood (otherwise known as the infamous “midlife crisis”). He eventually becomes ungrateful for everything he has: his wife, his beautiful children, his friends, and his responsibility as a leader.
His old unknown enemy, Rumplestiltskin, is able to play upon that discontent. He convinces Shrek to make a deal: give up one day of his life in exchange for one day of Bachelorhood--where he can once again be a mean ogre with no responsibility.
Unfortunately for Shrek, there is a devastating catch--for the day that Rumple picks is the day he was born! Suddenly his wife doesn’t know him, his friends don’t know him...and Rumple is now king, ruling along with evil sidekicks. All that Shrek has to do is get his wife to love him again. Easier said than done, as his wife is now a calloused military leader who has zero intention of letting emotions get in the way of duty.
Shrek soon sees that because he “hadn’t been born,” evil was able to prevail. He must now work to undo the damage by RE-doing the things he had previously done.


CONCLUSIONS

Thematic lessons: God gives each of us Time and Choices--the second best gifts in the world. BE THANKFUL FOR THEM, AND USE THEM WISELY!

Cinematic value:
Great 3D animation? Check.
Great creative story? Check.
Some action? Check.
Witches and Ogres in a fairytale land? Check.
Great Humor? Check.
Wonderful lessons? Check.

Recommended?
Yes. This is a great movie the entire family can enjoy. (Parents, please be warned that there is the use of H-ck in one area, and a few kissing scenes). This is by far the best Shrek film in the series--and, in my opinion, the ONLY one worth watching.

Click Here to see the Trailer!

Written by Jerry, Edited by Rebekah Cook.

The Last Airbender

Over time or under oppression, people will often forget things. They will even forget great rulers or wonders. This was the case with the disciples following Jesus. They believed on him and his miracles, but as soon as a trial came up- or a storm in a small boat; they lost all their nerve and faith and started crying.
Mark 4:37-38, “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?”

In the film “The last Airbender”, directed by ‘M. Night Shyamalan’; the fire nation forgot about the “spirits” that directed the elements and therefore waged war on the other nations. The water, and air benders all forgot about and lost hope in their leader- the avatar- and was then able to be put into submission by the fire nation. The avatar finally returns and renews the faith of the other nations with his power and works with them to finally scare away the tyrannical fire nation.

Wow---- where do I start?

As you can read from above, there are certain elements in the film that seem to echo what Jesus did. But that is easily overshadowed by the huge amount of Hinduism, Buddhist beliefs and Chinese myths.

First- God is the only one able to control the elements. He will sometimes work through people to control the elements too.
Mark 4:39, “And he (Jesus) arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
Yes the graphics are cool, and the moves are smooth- but the practice of moving the elements without the power of God- is almost Satanic.


Second- Reincarnation is not only impossible but un-biblical also.
Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”.
The “Avatar” is to have come back many, many times over several centuries. This is one element where we see Shyamalan’s Indian background shine through the film. Go to Google and type in “Avatar”, what is the first result? A word that comes from Hindu religion- the reincarnation of a god. Another point that films are packed full of themes and belief's of the director, who is trying to indirectly indoctrinate you.

This film was difficult to rate do to the fact that it is 100% clean. No language, no immorality….(well there is one kiss--- yuck) and no blood. This would be a great children's film- but there is such a strong Buddhist religion inside it; that it is almost preaching their religion.

Overall:

Tiny plot? Check. Great Graphics and CGI? Check. Kissing? Check. Strong morals of self sacrifice? Check. Simplistic and shallow acting? Check.

Recommended?
For a family film with the parents talking over the Biblical issues.—your call.

Otherwise- No.
I will not recommend this film for watching.

Letters To God

Faith is often seen most easily in the lives of little children. Jesus confirmed this during His teachings to the adults watching Him play with the little ones.

Mark 10:15,
“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”

This is wonderfully projected in the film “Letters to God”. A film that is based off of a true story, this is an impact full movie packed full of important messages and the Gospel.

Sometimes we question God. “Why do our loved ones die”? “How could you let this happen to this person? - they don’t deserve this!”
Or sometimes we tell Him outright. “I don’t want your will!”

This is exactly what the Doherty family felt and said as their son/brother/grandchild was dying from cancer. Tyler though doesn’t let his sickness become a stumbling block. Instead he writes letters to God about how he is feeling; and in beautiful and simple faith he puts them in the mailbox expecting God to read them.

God of course knows everything and He didn’t need the letters; but instead works through them to impact the drunken postman- Brady McDaniels. It doesn’t stop there- but effects everyone involved in Tyler’s life.

This film is an awesome example of what one person can do when they have a mission to “be a warrior for God” and armed with a child’s faith. It also shows that our lives are like “letters” being read by the world- they WILL impact someone….. Hopefully our “letters” will lead someone to Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:3
“You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”- NIV trans.

Overall-
Alcohol content? Check. Humor? Check. Emotional parts? Check. People coming to know the Lord Jesus as their Savior? Check.

Just as a warning- there are two unacceptable words said; the “J” word, and “sc—w”. A little bit of Alcohol content is also shown including a bar scene.
Besides those questionable items:

Recommended?
Definitely.
This is a great family movie.

Trailer

The Incredibles

Heroes are often made, but in “The Incredibles” directed by Brad Bird, they are born. What is a hero? The answer is found in
John 15:13,
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
In this film, this love can be seen many times as each hero puts his life on the line in order to save someone.

One of the many “plus” things of The Incredibles, is the focus on family. Mr. Incredible and Helen are shown kissing multiple times- showing the love that they have for each other. In the middle- He is shown playing with his children and overall having better family time. It is also shown the issues that Mr. Incredible had with his family. He is shown “missing” his family growing- he is so focused on the days of old with super-power-work, that he is not seeing the issues starting to grow inside his family. Fortunately in the end, Mr. Incredible is shown admitting his fault and realizing that family is much more important than anything else- even saving people.

Another lesson that we find- is the importance of telling the truth. Although not as clearly brought out in the film, its plot is intermingled with the problems and issues that arise from not being truthful. It broke the Incredibles family; caused contention, it caused doubt in Helens mind about Mr. Incredible being faithful in marriage, it caused fights among the children, and almost cost all the Incredibles their lives. Lying is a killer- and it comes in many forms; little white lies, not being straight-forward, or deceiving.
Proverbs 19:9,
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will perish”.

A major lesson that I find that Pixar missed- is investing in the lives of others- especially the younger generation. Mr. Incredible could have saved himself the trouble and deaths that were caused by Syndrome if only he had taken the time to be a hero to “Incredi-boy” earlier on. Instead he shunned Buddy and gave him 15 years to ponder his revenge. When the day came- it was too late to take back the bitterness that Mr. Incredible had created.
Proverbs 14:30,
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy (or bitterness) the rottenness of the bones.”

Overall;
Great Family values? Check. Valuing life, even your enemies? Check. Awesome Animation and graphics? Check. Some great action? Check. A plot? Check. A great Soundtrack? Check. Slight language including two times the “H” word is used? Unfortunately; Check.

Recommended?
Besides the bit of Language and bad attitudes between the children; Yes- this is definitely a great family movie.

Avatar

Dreams are often so good that we wish that they were true. With Jack Sully in Avatar, this was the case and he decided that they could indeed come true- with a few modifications to his normal life and responsibility. Producer James Cameron certainly outdid himself with this world known film. Of course, one would wonder what in the world was he thinking by combining 50 different religions, races, stories, and worlds all into one.

Let’s start with the basics, first there are aliens. Or what I should say “borrowed creatures”. Every single animal, plant, human, on “Pandora” was a complete similar copy of what we have on earth—with the exception of adding two more sets of eyes and legs.
God created everything that we have- and it is amusing to see men trying to create their own world; everything would look alike if men were the creator of life- with an exceptional extra piece of tissue somewhere of course. God created the world- and He did NOT create aliens somewhere out there. The Bible has many different ways to prove this- and there are many sources out there to show you these Biblical truths.
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Secondly- for the million dollar question- “what should come first: duty and obedience – or love and emotions?” If it was for love and emotions then Jesus would never had died on the cross for us- it is true that Jesus loved us, don’t get me wrong, but it was the duty and obedience to His Fathers will that led him to the cross.
Luke 22:42
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

James Cameron must not think so. If you start to fall in love with your life or dream: then follow it- no matter what the authority at the time says, or what your original contract and commitment was. Unless of course; your authority is a tyrannical evil that cares about no-one but himself…. This leads me to point number three.


James Cameron obviously has serious issues with our government now--- or with what it was. I bet you didn’t know that the religion and culture of the “Na’vi” people are very similar to the culture of the Cherokee Indians two hundred years ago. Let me see- “native” people living; big bad greedy government comes in and offers agreement; natives don’t like it; big bad government takes land; natives fight; people die on each side; natives win. Whoa wait a minute. Everything (except that last element) is EXCATLY what happened to the Indians in America multiple times over the last three-hundred years of our country. Sensing something? No I am not conspiracy theorizing that James Cameron is trying to get the current Native Indians that are left to rise against our government. But then what is his agenda? Maybe to put out a “spin” that government is bad, especially if it involves killing anyone? Even the bad guys? How about going to war? Is it wrong to take over another nation? – Or world in this example. I will just leave that to you. Our government is for the protection of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked.
1 Peter 2:14
“Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”

Speaking of the Indians; Lots of people say that Avatar is filled with “New Age”, it is. But it also could be classified as “old age” too. Way back to when the Romans were still living in modern day Europe- around 1200 B.C., they believed that all things were living around them with spirits, and they worshiped those spirits- who they also believed were their ancestors. Basically “New Age” is a “resurrected” version of an old pagan religion. Also as a side note, the title “Avatar” refers and comes from a Hindu word. The word actually means “re-incarnation from the Gods”- which from the film; was exactly what was intended to indoctrinate with. We know though; that God is the only God, and that when someone dies they go to one of two places- heaven or hell. And it all depends what you do here- believe on Jesus or not. I hope that you have already made the right choice.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”


So overall: Sensuality and kissing? Check.
Great Graphics and Animation? Check.
Hero doing something against the rules because of emotions? Check.
Spiritual New Age, Hinduism, and Indian Chanting content? Check.
Plot? No, not really.

Recommended?
If you are a mature Christian who knows that the video is a complete “dream” of James Cameron and you are a Graphic and Animation Enthusiast like me--- your call.

To others: No; not recommended- this film is a complete bunch of trash and mixed dreams.

The Sorcerers Apprentice

The Sorcerers Apprentice is as deadly as it is cool to watch. Action- filled and full of special FX- it is a lure that invites any movie-watcher. But is it as “cute” and “clean” as it seems?

We all know the 1940 film Fantasia which had Mickey Mouse doing his famous cleaning (or attempts to) with magic brooms and mops. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Director Jon Turteltaub certainly used this clean Disney Classic in one clip of the film to shove down people’s throats a whirlwind of lies.

Nicholas Cage was another reason who was used to attract movie goers; but oh so sad to see him tell millions of children that “Sorcerers and Magicians just have a fuller understanding of Physics” and “Magic is Science”. Blinding children with the image that magic is NOT wrong and you too can do amazing things if you do 3 special steps.

The Bible states clearly that Magic is NOT physics- but is from another realm- the spiritual. God told the Israelites that those who practiced magic were disgusting to Him.

Deuteronomy 18:9-12a
“When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire [an ancient occult practice], or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things is an abomination [detestable] to the LORD…”

Let’s keep things clear- there is NO good magic. Either it is a Miracle from God- or Magic from Satan. Choose your master.

Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death

Reviews?
Kissing? Check. A Plot? No. Special Effects? Check. Occultist elements including raising spirits from the dead? Check. A Hero who is a complete Nerd around girls but becomes the perfect guy with special powers? Check.

For the Record; Film recommended?
Definitely Not!

Ephesians 6:11-13
Put on the whole amour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Wherefore take unto you the whole amour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

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