THE SHAKEN PATH: A CHRISTIAN PRIEST'S EXPLORATION OF MODERN PAGAN BELIEF AND PRACTICE.

 HURRAH! After this, down to the last three reviews of books read 2021; yes that's how far behind I am. Today I'm bringing you my thoughts on ...

THE SHAKEN PATH: A CHRISTIAN PRIEST'S EXPLORATION OF MODERN PAGAN BELIEF AND PRACTICE by PAUL CUDBY.

Despite modern Paganism being one of the fastest growing new religious movements in Britain and the USA, there is no up-to-date straightforward and informed introduction to modern Paganism from a Christian perspective. The Shaken Path addresses that gap. ... Back Cover Blurb

Its been a wonderful evening spent in the pleasant company of a group of Pagans living in Cornwall, many of whom choose the label 'Witch' to describe their spiritual path. ... First Sentence, Introduction: How did a Church of England parish priest who had once been a scientist come to write about Paganism?

If someone is seeking to do good and is actively pursuing a course of love and justice by magick we should be challenged by that rather than simply condemning it, and we should humbly recognise that maybe there is more good intent in the world that is not of Christian origin than we like to admit. I know that for some readers this is an evasion, but once again I can only apologise and say that my experience of Pagans has been of meeting some deeply spiritual people who believe different things from me, yet who seem to be operating as forces of good in the world. ... Memorable Moment, Pg 66

My Thoughts ... Whilst there are those Christians out there who believe that all Pagans are in league with devil in some way there are those Pagans that believe all Christians would happily seem them burnt at the stake whilst there are in fact Christians like this book's author who set out to 'immerse himself in many different Pagan worlds, meeting, befriending and experiencing and practices in a spirit of openness and friendly Christian engagement'.

A book belonging to Mr T, an ordained minister in the Church of England, who thought I might find it interesting reading, I had worried that I might find it a bit dry or academic and/or that it would concentrate on only one of the Pagan paths. However ... 

Beginning with an account of the author's own journey of faith and the sabbatical that led him on a journey the length and breadth of the British Isles, there were then a few chapters devoted to a look at Paganism in general before the author branched out, taking a deeper look at the beliefs and practices of several of the various different Pagan paths; namely Wicca & Witchcraft, Druidry, Animism & Panpsychism, Shamanism and Heathenism, all the accounts based {phew!} on first-hand conversations with devotees of the various paths themselves.

Written from a neutral perspective, I thought The Shaken Path easily readable and highly enlightening, its author open and fair minded, the change of attitude in both himself an his wife as their journey around the British Isles progressed, moving. That rather than people to be viewed with suspicion and fear even, their rituals frightening and threatening, he records the Pagans he met, some of them previously Christians who had left the Church for any number of reasons, as open, hospitable and with a profound love of the natural world.

My only two niggles, small as they might be, {i} instead of the occasional hint here and there I'd be interested to have learnt more about the alleged connection between Paganism and Celtic Christianity and {ii} the shortest chapter in the book, I'd like to have known a tad more about Forest Church, apparently a contemporary movement with roots in the Christian tradition of engagement in nature {maybe Mr T will know more/have some books???} 

So, what does Mr T make of it?

Yes, there are other things you can read on the Forest Church tradition...

I enjoyed The Shaken Path enormously as it helped give some shape to my own thinking and experience in inter-faith circles and how that relates to engagement with Pagan tradition and thought. It is a surprisingly easy read and not at all laden with jargon or heavy theological terminology and yet Cudby is very clear as to which elements of Christian doctrine and practice echo with the practice he encounters during the journey he takes around the country. The reading is therefore a pleasure, no diving around in dictionaries to look stuff up and provides a good set of reference points for engagement in dialogue with Pagan folks."

NJT

SUMMER VIEWING.

Over the summer we've been binge watching/catching up with several box sets online; currently watching season 3 of the 11 seasons of MODERN FAMILY, we have finished all 15 seasons of CRIMINAL MINDS, all six seasons of LIFE IN PIECES and are awaiting season 6 {the final season} of THIS IS US .

We have also watched several movies, most of which I hadn't thought to share with you. However, it having been requested Mr T and I recommence sharing our thoughts on the films we've watched, I give you ...

SURBURBAN GOTHIC {2014} ...

A film I must admit may not have crossed our radar if it wasn't for the fact that the lead character {Raymond} was played by none other than Criminal Mind's Spencer Reid {actor Matthew Gray Gubler}.

A weird comedy-horror drama, low budget and yet, for all of that, a fun little film with some comically dark moments {think Scobby Doo only a bit more creepy}. Raymond {largely Spencer Reid but then why not when the actor does 'nerdy geek' to such good effect} a lovable character; his quick-witted responses to the insults levied at him had me laughing out loud as did the exchanges between him and his father {played by Ray Wise}, his romance with the heavily tattooed, depressed, 'badass' Goth Becca {played by Kat Dennings} innocently sweet. Oh! And there's a great sound track to boot. FGT

Matthew Gray Gubler (of Crimnial Minds fame) stars as Raymond, in a quirky little independent movie playing a similarly idiosyncratic and brilliant oddball who returns home to his obsessive mother and overbearing father, with little intent as to his future. Despite the similarities in character with Dr. Reid's crime busting prior role the significant difference is the capacity to channel the paranormal that leads to an increasingly odd and genuinely scary moments in the film. Kat Dennings depressive Goth provides a good foil for Raymonds parental frustrations and in understanding the paranormal events. Lovely, albeit brief Cameo from John Waters is a delight. Yes worth a watch. NJT

And then, in an afternoon of myths, legends and dragons ... I mustn't forget the dragons ...

GEORGE AND THE DRAGON {2004} ...

Feeling more like a 1980's 'made for tv' movie produced in the 1980's than a 2004 'big budget' production. Still, an enjoyable enough family film with some witty tongue in cheek humour, a feisty female princess {played by Piper Perabo} and an equally feisty nun {played by Caroline Carver}. Oh and there's a dragon.

With some surprisingly familiar actors {at least to a British audience} ... {Bill Treacher, Simon Callow, Bill Oddie and Patrick Swayze amongst them, {the latter in hardly his finest role it has to be said}. Problem was there was not enough action to make it a good action/adventure film and, though with some nice enough comic touches, it was not nearly funny enough to carry the film as a comedy. FGT

Well..ok... sort of. Just genuinely taken aback to see this film was only 2004 as the production values are clearly more 1984 if I'm generous. James Purefoy donning the chainmail of the eponymous knight and swordfighting his way through a mixup narrative absorbing versions of the legends. Michael Clarke Duncan does a good turn as his Muslim counterpart returned with him from the wars as does Simon Callow as the beleaguered King Edgar. Real treat was seeing Bill Treacher in a film role rather than as Arthur of EastEnders ... and Bill Oddie! I mean Bill Oddie! Really such an interesting casting couch for this film. Patrick Swayze's in there too for those so inclined although I am yet to understand how or why this gentlemen has an equity card. It's watchable and has a few funny moments in it but don't expect pithy tense dialogue. NJT

ARTHUR AND MERLIN {2015} ... 

Celtic warriors √ A reclusive wizard √ An oh so evil Druid √ A spooky forest √  A battle between good and evil √

 A low budget fantasy feature re-imagining of the Arthur - Merlin story that would make a great introduction to a tv spin-off. With its poor writing, supposedly Dark Age women in full make-up and quite frankly laughable fight scenes, not the best film I've ever seen but then by no means is it the worst either, it filled in 100 minutes beautifully.  FGT

ERR... NO. This is what happens when you oblige your beloved to pick something to watch on a wet Saturday afternoon. Cheap and less interesting than the rain falling. NJT

AGE OF DRAGONS {2011} ... 

Replace the whale with a dragon, the ship with, with, err, a sort of  tank like vehicle, have Danny Glover play Ahab

and you essentially have a land-locked re-imagining of Herman Melville's  Moby Dick.

More drag {I confess to having 40 winks ... probably missing the only good bit in the film knowing my luck} than dragon. Some films are charming enough to get away with dire scripts, dubious acting and poor special effects {see the films above} ... this one wasn't. FGT

A retelling of Moby Dick with Danny Glover in the Ahab role, convincing in his unforgiving and relentless pursuit of the great white dragon that destroyed his family and left him deeply scarred physically and emotionally. Otherwise not a lot to commend it and I should imagine that if Herman Melville had vision of the landcruiser whaling vessel that is home for much of the action in this flick, he would probably be spinning in his grave. Not even Vinnie Jones being his best East End hardman turned hardened experienced dragon hunter lifts this movie out of its doldrums. NJT

FIRST SEEN MOVIES: 2020/1

Featuring the films Mr T and myself have watched for the first time whether they be at the cinema, on the telly, online, or on DVD. 

WHISKY GALORE ... 

The 2016 remake of the 1949 film of the same name which Mr T, a big fan, has on DVD. The original being a film I am familiar with but not to the degree that if they were to change anything I would necessarily notice. What felt more like a film you'd settle down to watch of a gloomy Sunday afternoon (which is what we did) rather than cinematic fare.  Inoffensive, gentle humour, I'm not too sure this had quite the charm of the original though.  FGT

2016 Remake of one of my favourite Ealing Comedies(1949)was thereby approached with some trepidation. Worries were not realised fortunately as this new version remained close enough to the original story-line and script to be almost indistinguishable. 

Gregor Fisher (aka Rab C. Nesbitt)takes on the role of Macroon, master of the island post office and telecoms, his daughters romantic interests being the sub-plot; the wartime ration of whisky preventing the necessary ritual of the quaich. 

Based on the historical events,the 1941 wreck of the SS Politician in 1941 off the isle of Eriskay, it is told that even to today, bottles of stashed whisky still occasionally wash up on the beaches of the island such was the ingenuity of the islanders in hiding the whisky they (ahem) liberated from the stricken vessel.  This film is a monument to that ingenuity, and the confounding of the authorities embodied in the person of Captain Wagget, Eddie Izzard, oddly, less manic than his 1949 counterpart Basil Radford. Yet both films maintain their essential humour and charm and I will happily watch either and or both at any time. NJT

BOY SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE ... 

A film I actually watched by myself which is unusual but hey-ho it was late; a school night so Mr T was fast asleep and I, well, I wasn't. Not too gory, not too crude, its humour, some of it puerile for sure but for the most part what I'd describe as stupidly funny; either way, full of laugh out loud moments (how Mr T slept through my chortling away is anyone's guess) including one of those of the type that not really all that funny, blink and you'd have missed it involving spoiler ahead >>> a zombie trundling past in their mobility scooter >>> end of spoiler. Do I think Mr T would enjoy? You bet I do. FGT

ROTTEN HISTORIES: THE MOVIE - ROTTEN ROMANS ...

Whilst familiar with the concept, I can't say I've ever read any of the books by Terry Deary nor watched any of the UK television series of the same name. The humour, Hmm! Not as funny as I'd expected though as always British comedian Lee Mack (in his first big screen role) was hugely entertaining. Much of the humour visual 'toilet humour' (the public toilet scene being particularly memorable ... sadly) which, if the film had been much longer, I'm sure would have worn thin very quickly (at least for me, I can't vouch for Mr T who tends to revert to his seven year old - or thereabout - self when it comes to bodily function jokes). The 'violence' essentially slapstick and, as with the humour, obviously written with the securing of a PG certificate in mind. It was however interesting how much actual history they'd woven into the script though once again this tended to be geared towards the gross factor. FGT

Always been a fan of the Horrible Histories, how I wish history had been taught to me with such humour whilst at school. Originally created by a local author Terry Deary (lovely man, met him a few times through work) he has inspired a whole generation of young people to think again about history by teaching from the bottom up, the everyday and largely mundane of the common people taken up in larger events and always with a direct reference to the lavatorial somewhere along the way. The Roman public toilet scene in this one is of note!) 

A feast of British comedic talent carries through the cast, a particular favourite from me Lee Mack in his first film as Centurion Decimus constantly longing to be released from Britannia to return to his beloved Rome 'ah... Rome...'. Derek Jacobi satirically revisits his far more serious TV Drama role of Claudius with great affection, albeit briefly. Nick Frost, Rupert Graves, Warwick Davies, Alexander Armstrong, Sanjeev Bhaskar... Here's the castlist. The historical is interpreted and honestly and sometimes very literally but is not taken liberties with and is quite simply a good fun romp with education on the side. NJT

  

WWW: 2020/1

Not just any old day of the week, its ... 

And this particular Wednesday I'm joining Bermudaonion's Weblog's meme Wondrous Words Wednesday where we share any words that are new to us.

Read in The Woman Who Went To Bed For A Year by Sue Townsend 

... Pollarded: to convert or make into a pollard (pollard: a tree whose top branches have been cut back to the trunk so that it may produce a dense growth of new shoots)

Read in The Secret Diaries Of Miss Anne Lister edited by Helena Whitbread 

... Disapprobation: strong feelings of not approving of something or someone/ strong disapproval, typically on moral grounds 

From Mr T's theology degree dissertation (I know who'd have though it, moi proof reading a degree level paper)

... Hermeneutics: the branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, especially of the Bible or literary texts 

... Deontological: ethics, especially that branch dealing with duty, moral obligation, and right action. 

PRIME FILM REVIEWS (4 - 6)

OF MICE AND MEN ...

Can you believe that up until now I'd never seen a movie (any movie) adaptation of this 1937 novel by John Steinbeck? After all I'd read the book and adaptions are very rarely (if ever) as good, right?

 Largely faithful to the book; the uplifting story of the bond, of the friendship between two men. Beautiful cinematography with some stellar performances - John Malkovich is commendable as the 'dim-witted' Lennie, the world weariness of George (here played by Gary Sinise who incidentally also directed) palpable and as for Ray Walston as Candy. What can I say? His face as he surrenders his aged canine companion to be 'put to sleep' by means of a gunshot to the head (thankfully not shown) heartbreaking - and yet for some inexplicable reason on the whole it just didn't elicit the same emotional responses as the book. FGT

A faithful retelling of the classic novel of depression era America. Gary Sinese as George, doing his best to earn a crust of bread trailing from farm to farm in the hope of some work. Beleaguered as he is with Lennie, incapable of looking after himself portrayed by John Malkovich. Lennie's peculiar incapacity doubles down the struggle and difficulties they face and yet there is a peculiar bonding between these two men that is forged by tragic and difficult circumstances. It is in essence beautiful story telling of a sad tale. Curley's wife played by Sherilyn Fenn portrays a softer characterisation than Steinbeck writes and carries in that a victim-hood as counterpoint to that of Lennie.  A great story told very well in this adaptation. NJT

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS ...

Having watched and really enjoyed the series (at least all but the last two episodes which at the time had yet to be aired on terrestrial telly here in the UK) Mr T and I eagerly
sat down to watch the film version which by the way predates the series by some five years.

Hmm! One of those instances in which I find myself unable to avoid comparing the two. Essentially lacking the laugh out loud moments; the inherent silliness, the characters not as likeable and difficult to invest in ... to say nothing of the fact that this is missing my favourite the “Energy Vampire” Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) who drains the life force from his victims by drawing them into inane conversations ... I think it highly likely that if we had seen this first we may not have gone on to watch the series. That said, less than ninety minutes long, I can think of worse ways to spend the time. FGT

Hmmm.... kind of wish i had seen the film before I'd seen the TV adaptation. The film was a bit odd although the satirisation of the vampire genre was obvious from the outset, there were too many moments where the cognitive dissonance was not a clean cut as satire truly requires. There's some wit in there and set piece 'oh how difficult it is being a vampire' but it didn't really hang together for me as a movie and felt more like several sketches from a series that just happened to be edited end to end.  What I'm hoping were some life down under (New Zealand) cultural references that I didn't get may just be my ignorance but I did not develop any real affection for any of the main characters or even approach caring about them.  Watch it... it may be me, but the TV adaptation is much much sillier. NJT


THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS ...

Its star (Jack Black) an actor whose films I either like or don't like - for me there is no in between  as far as this is concerned - alas this film falls firmly in the latter category with neither Cate Blanchett nor its child star Owen Vaccaro able to save it.

Not the Harry Potter type film I had been expecting - parents Beware, this isn't a film I would suggest for younger or sensitive children  - there are some genuinely frightening moments involving scary toys/dolls (including the obligatory clown) etc and, given its PG rating (explained here), some what some would consider dark themes including rather disturbingly I thought spoiler starts ...  a witch who disguises herself as the 10-year old Lewis's dead mother ... spoiler ends. FGT

Yes, an ok movie, with an interesting premise of departed wizard who has essentially invested his life and work in his house, now occupied by a lacklustre second rate wizard in Jack Black. Not his best moment to be honest but he holds the narrative through the film although this makes his dialogue somewhat dull on long winded. Much sharper is Cate Blanchett as his muse and nominal love interest, a woman of mystery who helps him cope with the arrival of his young nephew into the midst of the unfolding story. It felt like a bit of a mannerly and reasonable way to spend almost two hours, but rather like a long mystery that suddenly and disappointingly unfolds very quickly leaving a bit of fizzle instead of a bang in its denouement. NJT

Based on Kelly's One Sentence Movie Reviews of which you can see her latest by clicking here. 

PRIME FILM REVIEWS (1 - 3).

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN ...

The adult Christopher of grey business suit and city business monotony is beginning to lose his connectivity with his wife and his own children amongst the pressures of his work. Chance leads him on a journey to resolve a particular thorny business difficulty and thereby a rediscovery of the significance of his childhood. I've never been a big Pooh fan... (not nuts about Ewan Mcgregor either, Trainspotting, Big Fish and Brassed Off excepted) ... too much Eeyore in my soul, but this was an enjoyable watch if a bit twee for me, I'm sure Pooh, Piglet and Tigger fans will enjoy it enormously. NJT

A fan of Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and, especially, Eeyore. Heartwarming with some real laugh out loud moments, the original concept respectfully handled, A.A. Milnes' characters brought faithfully to life. What more can I say other than I loved this film. TT

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY ...

I'm almost embarrassed to say this but ...

The only person that I know who, having seen the film, didn't enjoy it. I mean it was OK but too much musical content (my goodness the LiveAid performance went on and on and on) and not enough about the man, his hopes and dreams for my liking which might actually prove just as well as, apparently an accurate portrayal of the real Freddie, more than anything else I came away disappointed that he may well have been every bit as arrogant as his onstage persona. TT

Yep,thoroughly engaging biopic that entertains and challenges. Focus is very much through the character of Mr. Mercury the flaws as well as the creative imaginative soul that made Queen. The music of itself is of course legendary and plays a considerable part in the film, not least the LiveAid performance at Wembley that signified a personal resurrection for him as well as for the band itself. NJT

HECTOR AND THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS ...

How hadn't we come across this 2014 film before now? Not the laugh out loud/gross out/slapstick humour that I've probably come to associate with a Simon Pegg vehicle but, a feel good film, the sort of gentle humour that had me giving a knowing smile. I defy you to watch this film and not give the tiniest consideration as to what makes YOU happy. TT

One of Simon Pegg's lesser known films although it deserves a much broader audience than it received on release. The humour is less slapstick than his other films, more considered perhaps and thereby perhaps not so appealing to many. As a disillusioned psychiatrist he goes travelling to discover what happiness is; discovers a range of emotions as he moves from home to China, to Africa and onto the USA to discover what makes people happy before discovering for himself the nature of such a journey.  Nice cameo from Christopher Plummer towards the end, although we then realise that his is the voice of the narrator who begins the story ... NJT

Inspired by Kelly's One Sentence Movie Reviews. You can find her latest here. 

REVEALED ... THE MOVIES THAT HAVE HAD AN IMPACT ON KELLY.

Having revealed the movies that had had an impact on both myself and Mr T (see them here & here) I was delighted when fellow blogger and movie buff Kelly over at Kelly's Thoughts & Ramblings, accepted my invitation to post some of the films that had had an impact on her. 

When Tracy first suggested writing a post about films that had affected me in a profound way, I wasn’t sure I could come up with any.  I tend to watch movies for pure entertainment, rarely looking to take anything away from them.  But the more I thought about it, the more I realized there have been a few that made an impression on me… or that, at the very least, have lingered in my mind.  Here are five of them:

1.   Wind River - We like to watch films based on actual events.  Rather than one specific case, Wind River is based on a statistic… or lack thereof.  (a statement which becomes totally clear after watching the movie)  It deals with rapes and murders of Native American women on Indian Reservations and is quite eye-opening, perhaps even more so in light of the current #metoo movement.  The wintertime scenery in the film is stunning, playing on the brutality of the events in the film.

2.   Silence - I am a Christian and I believe that it’s my duty to spread the Gospel of Christ.  That said, I’m not very good at evangelizing (preferring to try and live my faith rather than preach it with words) and often have mixed emotions about proselytizing, particularly as done in centuries past.  This film revolves around two Portuguese Jesuit priests in 17th century Japan - a time and place where Christianity was not accepted or tolerated.  Very difficult to watch in places, it made me think about all the missionaries who have sacrificed their lives to share their beliefs. 

3.   The Apostle - I learned of this film when I read about it in a magazine shortly after its release.  Written, directed, and financed by Robert Duvall, he also stars in the lead role.  When it came out I bought it and watched it several times.  It’s an excellent portrayal of a very real culture in the southern US as well as a moving story of redemption. I need to watch it again soon!

4.   Boogie Nights - Okay, this one probably has some of you snickering, wondering how on earth a film about a porn star could qualify for this post.  Honestly, I only saw the movie once, but I remember being moved by it, feeling pity for the lead character as he struggled with his life, never finding the happiness or satisfaction he long for.  Tragic might be the best way to describe it.  On a side note, the double CD from the film has excellent music!  As for that infamous final scene… no, it wasn’t real.  It was a prosthetic.  

5.   Signs - This is my number one pick of these five.  In fact, it rates as one of my favorite movies of all time.  On the surface, it has everything going for it - a suspenseful (and at times terrifying) sci-fi alien plot, plenty of humor, a sense of pathos, and convincing acting.  But what totally makes the movie for me is how everything comes together in the end.  All the supposed “flaws” - Morgan's asthma, Bo's abandoned glasses of water, Merrill's failed ball career - they all serve a purpose.  Graham says in the movie, “People break down into two groups. … Are you the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles?  Or do you believe that people just get lucky?  Or, look at the question this way:  Is it possible that there are no coincidences?”  Just as Graham concludes, restoring his faith in God, I believe there are no coincidences in life. 

Thanks for that thoughtful and interesting selection Kelly. 

Of the five I have only seen Signs which I agree is a good film and certainly one both Mr T and I have watched more than once, my probably enjoying it more than him.

Whilst I'm not sure Silence is something I'd enjoy, of the others I'd definitely like to see Wind River and  The Apostle and possibly (now you have me intrigued) Boogie Nights.

Like to share the movies that have had an impact on you? I'd love to hear from you so please get in touch.

 & Kelly.

    

MR T'S 10 DAY MOVIE CHALLENGE ... REVEALED.

You may remember my post about my 10 Day Movie Challenge in which I revealed 10 of the films that had an impact on me and why. Well, I challenged Mr T to share 10 of the films that had an impact on him and here they are ... revealed.

The Life of Brian – Quintessential watching for anyone with an interest in Religion I think and not least for a lesson in bad apologetics. The Malcolm Muggeridge and Bishop of Stepney interviewing John Cleese and Michael Palin after the film is one of the most embarrassing displays by the hierarchy of begging utterly devoid of any humour.  Not least in that they later admitted having missed the first ten minutes of the film in which it is made plain that he is not the messiah, just a very naughty boy.

Pulp Fiction – My introduction to Tarantino and unsurprisingly Preacher man being the favourite character for me. It’s a style of evangelism I could get used to although I did get a bit tired of explaining to people the bible quote he recites is the fiction of his life… there aren’t even that many chapters in Ezekiel. The style of the film and the music are just so vivid and partly because the playing with timelines annoys her ladyship so much…’but he’s dead already!’

The Matrix – Watched this so many times, is it possible to wear out a DVD? Just combines so much of my interest in one good fun action flick. Christian symbology, the messiah of an oppressed peoples, truth and reality, existentialism, and the problem of choice and free will. So much to think about and ponder in the key themes it’s almost a potted philosophy of the last 2,000 years.

Metropolis – Fritz Langs 1927 epic costing roughly a million dollars at the time, engaging some 17,000 extras, 18 of whom died during production. Langs future prediction of the slavery to the machine for the masses condemned to living miserable lives underground. The elite, privileged and wealthy living above and playing in the pleasure gardens of the rich and famous. Also an interesting study in Old Testament prophecy as Maria acts as leader and comforter to the masses in their hovels inspiring them to hope and belief in the possibility of change.

The Big Kahuna – Tightly and beautifully scripted movie, all taking place in one hotel suite at a sales conference for the petrochemical industry.  All three characters beautifully drawn caricatures; Kevin Spacy as the cynical and somewhat biter misanthrope,  Danny DeVito as the tired and perhaps little world weary liberal just getting along and Peter Facinelli as the new bod from the chemical department, there to ‘look good’. The eponymous main man they are looking to hook into a contract is missed but it turns our young Bob had been talking to him socially and not knowing who he was didn’t do the business but talked about his faith with the man…  ‘I don’t suppose you discussed what brand of industrial lubricants Jesus would recommend?’ So much in this about the nature of evangelism.

The Seventh Seal – Ingmar Bergmans classic movie of death and dying with the knight challenged to a game of chess in order to preserve his life. Set during The Black Plague of the middle ages, dark and moody reflective stuff for dark days when world weary myself and the silence of God is getting a bit much for me.  Block admitting his sense of meaningless and nihilistic futility discovers the Priest in the church is in fact death who sets the game and Block’s life continues as agreed in his game with death.

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure – Living out my childhood fantasy of going back in history to meet major characters in history, although my choices would be slightly different, this is just simple good fun with a few moral lessons thrown in about youth and choice and the potential they hold in their awkward and unrealistic ambitions… at least they had ambitions.  Surprised but anticipating the third sequel coming out next year with Bill & Ted as middle aged family guys who still haven’t made it…

The Blind Swordsman -  A tale from Japan of a famous blind Samurai. Living quietly and making a living gambling largely he has left behind his former identity until chance encounters and high handed misdeeds by powerful but immoral individuals inspire him to take up a  cause.  Yes I do like the Chinese/Japanese stylings of this movie and directed by it’s principal character Takeshi Kitano, he knows these forms well and caters accordingly.

Heaven's Above - My favourite Ealing comedy where the good reverend Peter Sellers due to a clerical error ends up in a parish by mistake who are less than prepared for his methodology in ushering in the kingdom to come. As much of a delight for the marvellous supporting cast in Eric Sykes, Irene Handl and Roy Kinnear as the family who take advantage of him. Good farce as his ministrations lead to the threatening of a major employer, the tumbling of the stock market and questions asked in parliament. Cecil Parker is an archetypical Archdeacon frustrated by trying to manage events that are getting in the way of his social life.

The Truman Show – The only film that has ever given me a nightmare so bad I woke up screaming. Learning about Solipsism worried me intensely and this film envisions that nightmare. Never watched it again as I found it too vivid.

N.J. Terry

Funnily enough, one of these films very nearly made my list. Can you guess which one? The answer and reason why can be found below ....






Did you guess rightly?

The film that very nearly made my list was ....

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. One of the very few films with a time travel element that I actually got; that I actually sat quietly and watched.

MR T REVIEWS ....

HONEST by SCOTT TYRRELL. 

Honest features all of Scott's warmth, wit and frank openness delivered with the bittersweet edge of a middle-aged creative who may be having a mid-life crisis or an existential revelation. With dad jokes and badgers. And buttons.

- Amazon.co.uk Blurb

They clarified things with their
it's-not-happening-till-you-do-thisness.
They said I  could do better with their
are-you-leaving-it-like-thatness.
They made me do better with their
you'll-stay-there-till-its-doneness.
Mr T's Memorable Moment; Those Women (Pg 26)

SOURCE ... Purchased on-line.

READ FOR A CHALLENGE? ... No applicable.

MR T'S THOUGHTS ... Having heard Scott live several times I have looked forward to this collection for a while and have not been disappointed. Not sure I'm quite there with the blurb describing him as middle-aged, he is after all several years younger than me and the 20 year old in my head resists that appellation for myself still.

Honest is just that. A refreshing, reflective retrospective on the quixotic expectations of masculinity, fatherhood; a paean to family, children and the influence of women in men's lives, with some darker reflections on society and politics providing a keener edge.

Intro aside the opener If We're Being Honest, frames the collection introducing the collections themes with frankness and courage that lifts expectation, before plunging into questions of being and self, summed up in A Letter To Identity. Those women I found to be a favourite piece as I could identify strongly with it from my own life and suspect the majority of Northern men, being honest, would also. Blue Badge Of Honour I have heard performed live by Scott and again touches reflections on my own life very much and the micro-aggressions experienced by disabled people in their lives as well as being a very personal tribute from Scott. The Right Dreams and Prayer For The Selfish prick the political conscience with What Do you Talk About and Echoes expressing the increasingly woeful nature of political debate in this country. the final piece I would mention is What It Is for no other reason than that, what it is. 

Reflective, confessional, celebratory, joyous and silly, communitarian and relational. Get a copy and read it, especially blokes who think poetry is for girls.

- Neal Terry

(September 2018)

To find out more about poetry Slam Champion Scott Tyrrell click here & to read my thoughts on his first book, Grown Up, click here. TT

 

FILMS 2018 #1.

Given that we made the decision to opt out of our contract with LoveFilm in favour of Amazon Prime; what with Mr T's work load, his Ordination, his studying for his second degree; the fact that we chose to spend Mr T's time off work, recovering from surgery, re-watching the full five seasons/63 episodes of Six Feet Under, a series we'd first watched on tv way back when HBO was in its infancy (at least here in the UK), we haven't watched many films. 

BUT that's about to change. 

Not that there will be a monthly post as before but hopefully there will be one once in every while, starting with, not a film, but the afore mentioned ...

SIX FEET UNDER ...

Essentially the goings on of the somewhat dysfunctional Fisher family who run a funeral parlour. Not something you'd maybe expect to be high on laughs but, darkly funny, it has its moments -  with every episode beginning with a death, just ask Mr T about the woman with a frying pan.

What surprises me though is just how much I'd invested in these characters. With the world outside proving to be just as challenging, I laughed; I cried (Oh my goodness! The last ever episode); I raged with/at brothers Nate and David; their sister, Claire; their mother, Ruth ... the whole entourage.

My only gripe? Some of it relevant, some of it not; much of it fast-forwarded through the further we got into the series there were too many sex scenes for my liking. TT 

NJT - Very biased on this one so not much of a review, more a paean of praise. Death and its rituals have always been a subject of interest for me and possibly more so now engaged in the delivery of funerals. This box set has been watched several times over and bits of it feature regularly in training and lectures. The struggle for meaning and purpose, nothing less is the theme here, set around the stories of one family whose business is a funeral home. 'tis a gritty one that doesn't pull its punches and not for the delicate of language or those put off by sex scenes. Not that this is gratuitous in anyway but I know some who find it a bit much. Totally engaging life stories of rich characters whom you will love in one episode and detest in the next as you follow the roller coaster of their life and loves. A favourite element of the show for me is that each episode opens with a brief scene of a death, the deceased turning up in the mortuary basement of the house and frequently joining in the conversations... if only the dead could talk, and here they do. Some of them bitter deaths, some are tear-jerkers and others are, well, Darwin Awards readers will appreciate, very, very funny... as well as episode mentioned above the episode beginning with The Rapture is pretty impressive.


PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES ... 

A book both Mr T and I enjoyed (him more so than me if memory serves but then he had read the original novel). The film started off well with laughs aplenty. However, it soon became, well, well, 
somewhat ... meh. TT

NJT - Having left school with a passionate hatred of the English classic and swearing never to look at Austen, Dickens, Bronte ever again, I of course had to take a butchers at this cultural melange. The book a better read than the film... (I sent my copy to an Austen loving friend in Louisiana!) the film sticks pretty rigidly to the story and extends Austen comedy of Englishness, manners and stiff upper lips into the zombie genre with good grace on the whole. Good settings and scenery, costume its worth a watch but not one to go back to I don't think.


THE MARTIAN ...

Having read (and not enjoyed) the book and this, being on a terrestrial channel with adverts, ten minutes short of three hours long, I decided against watching it. TT

NJT - Yes worth a viewing, it certainly has more to commend it than Apollo 13 in my opinion. As a technical malfunction and a failed transmitter leave the astronaut stranded a long way from home it follows his struggle with loneliness and eking out an existence with what he has to hand. Back on earth meanwhile the error is discovered and the rescue plan put in place. A bit long perhaps and I would have shaved a good 20 minutes out of it at least, but an entertaining enough piece.


VICTORIA AND ABDUL ...

One of the best film I have seen in a long while. Highly watchable; funny and charming, a poignant portrait of the human connection, the sense of grandeur palatable; the cinematography beautiful. Its not afraid to have a few digs at racism and snobbery, its illustrating the palace's games for power, fascinating; the use of poetic licence both impeccable and exquisite.  

A far better film than Mrs Brown (for one thing Victoria's companion; her 'Munshi', Abdul Karim played beautifully by Ali Fazal, is so much more pleasing to the eye than Billy Connoly), this sees Judi Dench return to her role as the now 68 year old monarch.

I don't see it as my 'job' to recommend films; only to record my thoughts on them, BUT if I were to do so I'd say ... watch this. TT

NJT - Thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours tracing this later relationship in Queen Victoria's (Judi Dench) life which was kept very hush and hush and only revealed in the discovery of Abdul's (Ali Fazal) personal journals years after he died. Chance as chance is, unpredictable, he finds himself plucked from Agra to be one of a pair presenting a ceremonial medal to Queen Victoria in England. The chance develops into something wonderful as the two find a mutual liking and she appoints him her 'Munshi'.  The establishment is scandalised of course and fails to see the delight and happiness that the Queen gains from this and the forces gather to see it ended. Not least of these is in Bertie, her eldest son, who played by Eddie Izzard is reprehensible and displays nothing but contempt for the man. Dench is superb as the crabbitty had enough of this lark queen, and Fazal plays a delightful, honest devotion that is compelling, their conversations touching on meaning and purpose in life and the constraints that we face in discovering it. 

Inspired by Kelly's One Sentence Movie Reviews, you can catch up on what she has been watching here.