Mini Movies Reviews: July 2020 (#CleanMovieMonth2020)

Hello, one and all!

July 2020 was when Pure Entertainment Preservation Society (PEPS) hosted #CleanMovieMonth2020 where the challenge was to watch only American films made from 1934-1954. I am glad to say that I did it! Well, pretty much. I didn't watch a movie from any years outside of that range. Today I will be writing mini reviews for all of them.

All these films are Code films (learn more about the Code at their website). All movies in these years had to be approved by the Motion Picture Production Code, and its purpose was to provide clean movies that anyone could watch. This is what PEPS specializes in! The writers behind this blog, the Brannans, have realized that like all things, some are wonderful examples and some are below par. They have come up with a system of classifying all of the Code films which follows (For more detail, please go HERE):

Non-Code film - How could this have even gotten approval!? It has a core problem that isn't Code compliant.
Poor Code film - Might have a core problem in addition to lots of surface problems.
Fair Code film - No core problems, but some surface ones.
Good Code film - Absolutely acceptable in all ways!
Perfect Code film - This goes beyond a Good Code film because it either has a wonderful message to teach the audience, or it deals with a hard topic in a very good way.

In these mini reviews I'll be saying what Code film rating I would give it. Note, some of these PEPS may have already reviewed and given a rating, so if mine is different you should probably go with theirs.

Any reviews with an asterisk (*) means that it was a rewatch. If I have reviewed it fully, there will be a link to it. New feature: If it is underlined I'm thinking about fully reviewing it but haven't decided yet. Help me decide! If it sounds like something you want to read my thoughts on more fully, let me know!

The Dark Mirror (1946)

I watched and reviewed this for Olivia de Havilland's birthday. I was so sad to hear that she passed away on Sunday the 26th! She will be sorely missed. This movie really showed her talents.
Code Rating: Good
As I said in my review, everything is shown very properly!

Beyond Tomorrow (1940) 

My sisters and I have been wanting to watch this for years! It was my younger sister (who doesn't even like "old" movies) who suggested it ages ago, and finally we watched it this month. A very sweet movie!
Code Rating: Perfect.
It shows the dangers of greedy ambition instead of appreciating and growing your talents. It shows respect for life and makes you think about all that you do.

The Shepherd of the Hills (1941)

My dad saw this a few months ago and really liked it. This month I decided to watch it with him! Now, I don't like John Wayne movies, but his acting in this one was so good! I think that fellow Lord of the Rings fans would agree that there is one part that is very similar to The Return of the King, which I was surprised about.
Code Rating: Good/Perfect
It shows how wrong revenge and grudges are, in addition to showing why it is so disastrous to kill another human.

Bringing Up Baby (1938)*

Ah, this is one of the funniest movies of all time! Do you know how rare it is for my whole family to watch a movie together? This is the order of most to least likely of movie watching in my family:
1. My sisters and me together. 2. My sisters, dad, and me together. 3. My dad and me. 4. My dad by himself. 5. Two sisters together or alone. 6. My mom by herself. 7. My mom and my sisters and me. 8. My parents, one of my sisters, and me. 9. All of us together.
Do you see how rare that is? Well, for the first time in ages my whole family watched this together. My younger sister had never see it before, so it was her first! This is honest to goodness fun!
Code Rating: Good
Absolutely nothing objectionable!

Port of New York (1949) 

Watched and reviewed this for what would've been Yul Brynner's 100th birthday.
Code Rating: Good
The Code's influence really was obvious to me in this one, because though it's a crime film and people are murdered and whatnot, it was always off screen. That didn't lessen the horror of why it was a bad thing though! It wasn't like, "Oh, killing is fine." It said it was bad, but you didn't have to experience it, you know? I was impressed.

Unconquered (1947) 

Just my dad and I watched this together. What can I say? I'm not a Gary Cooper fan. There are only two movies of his that I've seen that don't annoy me. It also turns out that Paulette Goddard annoys me as well. I just didn't like this at all, but I'll try to stay unbiased while rating it.
Code Rating: Poor/Non-Code
A few core problems in addition to numerous surface problems. I can't really think of anything to say that is good about this. After three hours of this you are really ready for something else.

The Grapes of Wrath (1940) 

I watched this for PEPS's Code Classics Blogathon! Read about my thoughts in that review. It's a pretty good article, if I do say so myself...
Code Rating: Good

My Man Godfrey (1936) 

William Powell is so much fun to watch even when he basically plays the same character in every film. I really was enjoying it until the end. Endings can make or break a film for me, and this one broke it! I was not satisfied.
Code Rating: Fair
Eh, I guess it's alright, but just a few surface problems of the family's that knocks it down to Fair.

Made For Each Other (1939) 

Before July I had never seen a Carole Lombard movie, and now I've seen two, but I'm not interested in anymore. I mean, her death was so tragic and I wish that she had been able to make more as her talent matured! Anyway, this movie wasn't a total loss because it had Jimmy Stewart and he makes everything lovely and wonderful. In fact the ending surprised me with how much I enjoyed it.
Code Rating: Good

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)*

I had seen this before, but it had been so long that I remembered nothing but this: Theodore Roosevelt, some Frankenstein like guy, and "I'm not a taxi driver, I'm a coffee pot!". If you are ever looking for a weird movie, look no further than this, but it is absolutely hysterical! So much fun and confusion and laughter.
Code Rating: Good/Fair
Um, the story it's self would probably be Fair, but everything is handled so well that it might be Good. I'm not sure, but I'm still cracking up just thinking about it.

His Girl Friday (1940)

Wowza, everyone talks so quickly in this one, you have to stay on your toes! 1940 must have been Cary Grant's year for playing ex-husbands. Quick question: Does anyone know why in the world it is called "His Girl Friday"? It bothers me when titles are never explained.
Code Rating: Fair
It opens with a bit of a disclaimer, stating that it's good that these "dark days of newspapers" are past, which I thought was an interesting way of stepping around the things that happen. This film is past it's prime, and would probably offend people especially in this year, 2020. But, I am glad that I've seen it.

Going My Way (1944)*

It had been ages since I'd seen this! I'd mixed it up a lot with its sequel The Bells of St. Mary's (1945), so now I'm looking forward to rewatching that as well. I had totally forgotten the Mule song, but my sister was prepared because apparently she heard it at her job all the time. This film won Best Picture at the Oscars for 1944!
Code Rating: Good/Perfect
There are some very good messages about religion in here! There are actually a ton of good things in here, and I cried, if that tells you anything.

Seventh Heaven (1937)*

*muffled screaming*
I'm trying to keep myself calm, but I just love this movie so much! This is my third time watching it this year, and I made my older sister watch it as well. She really liked it, too! I'm feeling triumphant now that I've made another fan, but I want more people to talk to about this, so if you haven't seen it, please do!
Code Rating: Perfect!
It has wonderful messages about faith, humility, courage, and hope! I don't remember the last movie that has had this much of an effect on me. All the details are handled so perfectly, it is incredible.

Pygmalion (1938)

Now, this is what I mean by the beginning of my post by "pretty much". My family has always watched My Fair Lady (1964) and we really enjoy it. When I learned about this earlier version of the play, I knew that I wanted to watch it! I saw that it was 1938, so Code years, and decided to save it for #CleanMovieMonth2020. I watched it yesterday, July 31st, to finish with a bang! About 3/4 of the way through I began to notice that they were using some forbidden words an awful lot. I know that the self regulators sometimes allowed words like that to be used to enforce characters, so I didn't pay any heed to it. All of a sudden it struck me: One of the first allowed uses of that word was in Gone With The Wind, which was Rhett Butler's exit line, but that was made in 1939, the year after this! I realized that I had made the mistake of choosing... a foreign film! I looked it up afterwards and yep, it was made in the United Kingdom. Why is this a bad thing? Now, I love British films, but the Code only applied to American films, therefore this doesn't count. That being said, I'm counting it anyway because I had good intentions towards it.
If it was in Code the rating would be: Fair. The language that I mentioned in addition to one or two other things, but from what I've heard about Shaw's plays, this sounds very mild.



That wraps up my mini reviews! Once again, if you want me to fully review any of these, let me know! I had a good time with these days 4 movies.

One more thing before I go, PEPS is not done yet. They have named August #AMonthWithoutTheCode2020, so we can compare non-Code movies to all the ones that we just watched. I'll also be taking part in this and you can see my post at the end of this month.

Thanks for reading! Now it is your turn to tell me all about the films that you saw in July and if you've seen any of these! I want all your recommendations and warnings.

MovieCritic 

Snow White Author Interview with Rachel Kovaciny

Howdy, y'all!

Today I am participating in the blog book tour for Rachel Kovaciny's new book, One Bad Apple, which released yesterday!

I'm so thrilled about this, and my copy is supposed to arrive any day now, but in the mean time I'll be interviewing Rachel. Enjoy reading all her awesome answers to my questions!

(This is obvious, but I'm in bold or red, and Rachel is in standard type. Also, all links are to the reviews on Rachel's blogs if applicable.)


Welcome to my blog, Rachel! Thanks for being my first interviewed author on my blog! (Woop woop! Exciting day for us both). Here are my questions for you:

When did you start writing stories and when did you know that you wanted to be an author?

I've been telling stories for as long as I can remember.  Once in a while, I would scribble one down, but it wasn't until I was 14 that I said, "I want to learn how to write better stories."  So I started writing short stories, mostly based on favorite TV shows, though I didn't know that fanfiction was an actual thing at that time.  I shared them with my parents, my brother, and sometimes visiting grandparents.  But I didn't have my sights set on being an author, I was just having fun doing something new.  When I was about 16, I took high school chemistry and realized I didn't want to be a veterinarian after all.  I'd loved biology, but chemistry?  Nope.  So I started trying to figure out a new answer to the "what are you going to be?" question I was getting a lot at that age, and I settled on Journalist.  I wrote a few pieces for my local newspaper and went to college confident I would be a journalist.

And then I realized I hated talking to strangers still, even though I was technically an adult.  So much for journalism.  But by then, I loved writing fiction, so I joined the campus writer's group, took creative writing courses, and graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts with concentrations in English and History.  Somewhere in all that, I decided that yeah, I was going to get published some day.

Not to put you in a hard spot, but what's your favorite thing that you've written?

It might be Dancing and Doughnuts right now, but I think when I have a little more distance from it, One Bad Apple may end up being my favorite.

What was your introduction to Westerns?

My parents took me to the movie theater to see The Man from Snowy River (1982) when I was two years old.  I've loved anything involving cowboys and horses ever since.  It's still my favorite movie.

What is your favorite Western book or movie?

Well, I just answered with the movie above, The Man from Snowy River (1982), though that takes place in Australia.  My favorite movie that takes place in the American Old West is The Sons of Katie Elder (1965).  My favorite western book is Shane - by Jack Schaefer, which I've read three times and do not tire of.

How did you come up with the idea of writing fairytale retellings without magic?

I am not a big fan of world-building.  As in, creating a made-up world that makes sense.  It's HARD.  This is a big part of why I don't write fantasy or sci-fi.  I would rather research how things actually worked in the past (or present) than make it all up.  So creating a magic system within an Old West setting never appealed to me.  Also, I have a lot of Christian friends who don't read books with magic in them because it conflicts with their beliefs, and many of them were sad that a lot of fairy tale retellings are kind of off-limits to them as a result.  I wanted them to be able to read my books, so that really confirmed my desire to find non-magical ways to retell them.

What is the first fairytale that you remember hearing/reading?

I had this collection of Disney records with storybooks when I was really small, starting when I was probably three, and my parents gave me an old turntable to play them on.  I had Cinderella, Snow White, the Brave Little Tailor, and Jack and the Beanstalk, so one of those was probably the first.  No idea which one anymore!

What was your first experience with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves?

Definitely the Disney read-aloud book + record.  Although I also had this other record of stories for kids that didn't have a book with it, but it had a lot of songs.  I remember one from their version of Snow White went something like "We're seven little men, no bigger than your thumb, tweedly-dee, tweedly-die, tweedly-dum-dum."  I remember being annoyed that the illustration on the record's sleeve showed the dwarfs being a LOT bigger than Snow White's thumb and being annoyed by the song because it wasn't accurate.

How many versions of Snow White have you seen and read?

Let's see... I've seen the 1937 Disney animated film (which I don't like much), Mirror Mirror (2012) (funny and silly), Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) (only worth it for Chris Hemsworth and the aesthetic), and Ball of Fire (1941) (modern-day retelling that's awesome).

(I happen to have seen all of those and I agree with those shorts thoughts!)

As for books, I've read the Grimm version in several different forms, the wonderful collection Five Poisoned Apples (ed. by Anne Elisabeth Stengl -- my favorite is "Falling Snow" - by Skye Hoffert), January Snow - by Hayden Wand (quite cool), "Hart Spring" - by Meredith Leigh Burton (very sweet, from her Blind Beauty collection), Death be Not Proud - by Suzannah Rowntree (also cool),  and the graphic novel Snow White - by Matt Phelan (fantastic!).

What are your favorite versions of Snow White?

"Falling Snow" by Skye Hoffert is my #1 favorite.  She sets the story in a magical circus during Prohibition, and it is dark and brave and delicious.  I've read it four times.  I also love the movie Ball of Fire, another one set in the twentieth century, in which Snow White is a nightclub singer and the dwarfs are professors writing an encyclopedia.  It's so, so funny.

How did you feel being one of the judges/readers for Five Poisoned Apples?

It was wonderful!  A lot of work, but wonderful.  I learned a lot from it about things that really work in a retelling and things that... really don't.  I read almost twenty stories for it, and it was so cool to see how many ways you can retell the same story and make it all different and fresh.  It was an honor and a thrill.

Have you read the fairytale Snow White and Rose Red? Thoughts?

I have!  I had a picture book version of it as a kid, and the daughters were really pretty, but there was this extremely creepy ogre that had a necklace that freaked me out, so I only read it very occasionally.  But anyway, the story is a good one, very different from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."  I like that it has a sister dynamic to it, because sibling relationships are one of my favorite things to explore.

If you were a fairytale character, who would you be?

Probably Cinderella.  Just doing my thing, getting my work done, trying to be kind and keep up my courage.

Who is an author who inspires you?

As far as sheer beauty of the way he puts words together, Raymond Chandler.  I always reread one of his novels when I'm in the last stages of polishing one of my own because he focuses me on descriptions like no one else can.  As far as being able to make ordinary people and normal, everyday life shine, L. M. Montgomery is a continual inspiration.

What is your favorite writing quote?

"Every time you write, something valuable will occur." -- SARK

And finally, what advice would you give to writers who are struggling with part of their story?

Refill your creative reservoir.  Go watch a movie, read a book, go to an art gallery (or visit one virtually), watch a play.  If you keep your reservoir filled, creativity will spill out of you.

Also, be okay with trying something that might not work.  You can always rewrite it and find what does.  And rewriting a story does not mean you told it badly the first time!  It just means you have found a way to tell it even better.  When I decided to enter the Sleeping Beauty contest for the Five Magic Spindles collection, I wrote a whole story, about 20K.  Gave it to my best friend, and she said, "This is nice, but kinda boring.  What if you told it from someone else's point of view?"  I sulked.  I fumed.  For like a week.  Then I rewrote the WHOLE THING, start to finish, going from telling it in third person from the gunfighter/prince's POV to telling it in first person from the midwife/good fairy's POV.  And it transformed the story.  It won the contest.  Rewriting doesn't mean you did something wrong, it just means you're finding an even better way to tell your story.

Finally, write what you love.  People say "write what you know," but you can learn about anything with a library card, internet connection, and patience.  Write what you love because, if you're successful and get to write a lot of it, you'll get tired of it if you don't love it.



This is back to MC again. Thanks to Rachel for her awesome answers! By now you are probably wondering, "What is One Bad Apple even about? Would you care to share, MC?" I'm happy to oblige:

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs… reimagined.

When a wagon train of Black pioneers rescues the seven orphaned Dalton cousins from the side of the trail, it seems like an answer to their prayers. As they roll west toward Kansas, fourteen-year-old Levi Dalton is dazzled by the beautiful Mrs. Mallone. She's a healer, and her knowledge of medicines and herbs inspires Levi to want to become a doctor. Maybe then he can stop people from dying of fevers and illnesses like his folks did. 

But Mrs. Mallone's stepdaughter, Hopeful, warns Levi not to become too attached to the healer. Levi dismisses her warnings and his own misgivings until the day he sees something dreadful. 

Levi knows he needs to tell someone what he’s seen before it’s too late. But will anyone believe the story of a fourteen-year-old orphan? Will anyone stand up to evil, no matter how beautifully it’s packaged?

Want to join in the release party fun? Well, Rachel is acting like a fairy godmother and hosting a giveaway! Check out the awesome goodies that she has HERE or HERE.

Want your own copy of One Bad Apple? Buy it on:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Or Add on Goodreads

Or Mailing List sign-up

Author info:

Author blog

Author website

Facebook page

Instagram

This blog tour is loaded with reviews and interviews! To read all the posts as they come out, check HERE.

Congrats to Rachel for publishing One Bad Apple! I can't wait to read it.


Thanks for reading! Who else loves the fairytale Snow White and the Seven Dwarves? Have you seen or read any of the versions that Rachel talked about?

MovieCritic

TV Series Review: The Chosen: Season 1, Episodes 5-8

Hello, hello!

This is the last day of Megan and Samantha's Catholic Liturgy Week, so I am trying to "slip under the wire" and get this post in, heehee.

I talked about episodes 1-4 of the series The Chosen HERE, and it's time for me to review the rest of the series.

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. These are spoiler free!


The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 5: "The Wedding Gift" (2019):

Based on: the true stories from the Bible.
Jesus and His new students attend a wedding of one of His mother's friends. The parents of the groom are trying to impress the parents of the bride, but with some many guests the wine that they ordered doesn't look like it will be enough for all of them. Nicodemus questions the man called John the Baptist in order to find answers. With so many questions burning in his mind can there be a solution?
Genre: Drama, Historical, Family.

Length: approx. 54 minutes.
Costumes: 8, very accurate to the times.
Script: 10, no bad words!
Crew: Directed by: Dallas Jenkins. Written by: Dallas Jenkins, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson.
Starring (Reminder, with TV shows I only list the top 10 most important characters for each episode):
1. Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.
2. Vanessa Benavente as Mother Mary.
3. Joey Vahedi as Thomas.
4. Shahar Isaac as Simon.
5. Noah James as Andrew.
6. Giavani Cairo as Thaddeus.
7. Erick Avari as Nicodemus. "Clearly you are not a frothing madman, but every bit as unreasonable."
8. Yasmine Al-Bustami as Ramah.
9. Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene.
10. Karina Dominguez as Helah.
Cinematography: 9, something about the way they did the wedding and everything was really cool. I liked it a lot!
Cinematography by: Akis Konstantakopoulos.
Music: 8. The theme isn't getting any less catchy.
Quotes: N/A because of how recently I watched it.
Content: 10, absolutely clean in all ways.
Originality: I liked how nicely everything was connected with the wedding! I'll admit that I had my doubts because it wasn't in the first episode, but I now approve.
Good For: All Christians as well as non-Christians! This is a perfectly great show for everyone.
Age Range: This is perfectly acceptable for all ages!
Overall Score: 9
This was a really good episode! So many things resonated with me. First, when Simon asks Andrew, "How did father teach us to be fishermen?" and the reply is: "He didn't. We just sat there and watched." Let me tell you, that's my dad's way of teaching. The thing is, whenever I'm supposed to be paying attention I start thinking and am then entirely in my own head.
Second, none of you know this, but I am learning to be a stonemason. This is my dad's and my project for this summer (and probably next, too...). Because of that, the way that Thaddeus talked about being a stonemason and such a special moment was incredible to me. While cutting some stone today I was thinking about it a lot.



The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 6: "Indescribable Compassion" (2019):

Based on: the true stories from the Bible.
Matthew cannot believe what he saw on the shore. Because of this he starts looking for answers. Jesus and the others have returned to Capernaum and when He starts talking a huge crowd gathers. A woman who saw a miracle that He did on the road has hope rise within her, can it be done again and can her friend be healed?
Genre: Drama, Historical, Family.
Length: approx. 52 minutes.
Costumes: 8.
Script: 10, no bad words!

"He's the only one who knows who I'll become."

Crew: Directed by: Dallas Jenkins. Written by: Dallas Jenkins, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson.
Starring (Reminder, with TV shows I only list the top 10 most important characters for each episode):
1. Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.
2. Paras Patel as Matthew.

'"Just try to look natural."

"I am natural, I look exactly how I feel."'

3. Amber Shana Williams as Tamar.
4. Shahar Isaac as Simon.
5. Noah James as Andrew.
6. Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene.
7. Noé de la Garza as the Paralytic.
8. Nick Shakoour as Zebedee.
9. Kian Kavousi as Big James.
10. George Harrison Xanthis as John.
Cinematography: 8.
Cinematography by: Akis Konstantakopoulos.

Music: 8.
Quotes: N/A.
Content: 10, all acceptable by any standards.
Originality: This is based on the true story so I don't want to rate it.
Good For: All Christians as well as non-Christians! This is a perfectly great show for everyone.
Age Range: This is perfectly acceptable for all ages!
Overall Score: 9.
Welp, more crying. I love the story of the paralytic man (it's one of my favorites!), and they did a fantastic job with it. Plus, we saw Abigail and Joshua again which made me so happy! Altogether, this might be my favorite episode.

The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 7: "Invitations" (2019):

Based on: the true stories from the Bible.
Matthew is doubting everything and even goes to his family who rejects him to be able to talk to someone. Nicodemus has finally arranged a meeting with the famous man Jesus. Will all of his questions be given an answer?
"It's an act of faith, not reason. Faith."
Genre: Drama, Historical, Family.
Length: approx. 52 minutes.
Costumes: 8.
Script: 10, no bad words!
Crew: Directed by: Dallas Jenkins. Written by: Dallas Jenkins, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson.
Starring (Reminder, with TV shows I only list the top 10 most important characters for each episode):
1. Erick Avari as Nicodemus.
2. Paras Patel as Matthew.
3. Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.
4. Janis Dardaris as Zohara.
5. Lara Silva as Eden.
6. Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene.
7. Brandon Potter as Quintus.
8. Shahar Isaac as Simon.
9. Noah James as Andrew.
10. Jordan Walker Ross as James.
Cinematography: 8.
Cinematography by: Akis Konstantakopoulos.
Music: 8.
Quotes: N/A.
Content: 10, all acceptable by any standards.
Originality: All of the character development in this episode was spot on!
Good For: All Christians as well as non-Christians! This is a perfectly great show for everyone.
Age Range: This is perfectly acceptable for all ages!
Overall Score: 9.
All I'm going to mention, is that I need to stop saying when I cry during this show because it is inevitable. From now on, anytime I mention The Chosen, just assume that I cried because you will probably be right.

The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 8: "I Am He" (2019):

Based on: the true stories from the Bible.
The time has come to leave Capernaum. The Romans are getting suspicious, and Jesus knows that He is needed elsewhere. It won't be easy, but who will go with Him?
"We didn't choose Him, He chose us."
Genre: Drama, Historical, Family.
Length: approx. 52 minutes.
Costumes: 8.
Script: 10, no bad words!
"It's not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."
Crew: Directed by: Dallas Jenkins. Written by: Dallas Jenkins, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson.
Starring (Reminder, with TV shows I only list the top 10 most important characters for each episode):
1. Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.
2. Vanessa DeSilvio as Photina.
3. Shahar Isaac as Simon. "Normal Simon is bad enough, do you think I want to travel with a worried Simon?"
4. Lara Silva as Eden.
5. Paras Patel as Matthew.
6. Erick Avari as Nicodemus.
7.Kirk B.R. Woller as Gaius.
8. Brandon Potter as Quintus.
9. Kian Kavousi as James.
10. George Harrison Xanthis as John.
Cinematography: 8.
Cinematography by: Akis Konstantakopoulos.
Music: 8.
Quotes: N/A.
Content: 10, there is a woman who has been married several times and is living with someone who isn't her husband when we meet her, but it is handled perfectly.
Originality: This is based on the true story so I don't want to rate it.
Good For: All Christians as well as non-Christians! This is a perfectly great show for everyone.

Age Range: This is perfectly acceptable for all ages!
Overall Score: 9.
Well, what a season finale! The way that they did Eden is wonderful, the scenes with her and Jesus made me bawl (pretty much). It talks about how the ones who were not "chosen" still are so important and loved. Ack, it was great.
Jesus' talk with the woman at the well was also prevalent to today, at a time when I haven't been able to get to my place of worship for four months, and Jesus talking about how we can pray anywhere.



I apologize again for the lack of photos! These are the best that I could find.

Samantha put together a Catholic tag as well, so here are my answers to a few of the questions:

Personal/Family:

How did you get your name? Is there a special story?

My mom and dad had a deal with naming kids. My mom would name all the girls, and my dad would name all the boys. They only had daughters, so mom named all of us. My dad was trying to convince her to name me Alana, but that didn't happen. (He tried again later with my younger sister, and it still didn't happen). But, my mom did name me after two of my dad's relatives, and my first name is after a saint. (Actually, both of them are saints, but my mom didn't know about the saint with my middle name).

Who are your patron saint(s)?

My Confirmation saint is the same as my Baptismal saint, who is the same as my name. Those of you who know, already know... hee hee.

Does your family do any devotions together?

Right now we are doing makeshift Sunday services together. When my sisters and I were little, a hermit would come over and teach us the rosary, which we would do all together. Nowadays, sometimes my sisters and I will do a Divine Mercy Chaplet together.

Have you or anyone in your family dressed up as a saint? What was the best costume?

No, but now I seriously want to! I would want to dress up as Saint Lucy, Saint Dismas, or Mother Teresa. At a Catholic camp that I've been to we had a day where all of the councilers dressed up as saints, but I've never done it myself.

Have you been to the Easter Vigil? What is your favorite part? What about your favorite line of the Exultet?

I've gone to an Easter Mass every year (well, excluding this year, we just streamed it from our Diocese), but I don't believe that any of them have been the Easter Vigil.

How many sacraments have you received? Are there any good stories about them?

Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. Well, for my First Communion I was the first to receive The Body, and I was filled with such happiness and so excited that I had done it...that I forgot about The Precious Blood. As I was walking back to my seat the minister had to grab me...

On my Confirmation day I kind of lost my voice all of a sudden, during the service, so when I was asked what name I wanted to be Confirmed in, I couldn't say anything. Whoops. It still counts.

What are your family traditions around...

Advent and Christmas?

Advent calendar, a wreath that we weave out of bows and put on a wooden cross outside, a Christmas tree, and all the usual things.

Lent, Holy Week, and Easter?

Nothing that is anything special.

Godfamilies/confirmation sponsors?

I've actually only met my Godparents twice. Only once that I remember which was back in 2018. You see, they live in a different country. But, I've sent them lots of letters and talked on the phone a lot (usually on Christmas, Easter, or my birthday).

What is your...

Favorite hymn?

Amazing Grace - by John Newton! This is so beautiful. I also love Morning Has Broken, Eye Has Not Seen, You Are Mine.

Favorite saint quote?

Once when a reporter asked Mother Teresa if she was trying to become a saint she answered, "Yes, shouldn't we all?"

Favorite Bible verse?

2 Corinthians 13:4-13. My favorite part of it is "Love never fails".

Favorite sacrament?

Reconciliation! I love that we are all forgiven during this, no matter what.

Favorite feast day(s)?

The feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, as well as the Assumption!

Favorite Marian Devotion?

The rosary! It has a very special place in my heart.


That wraps it up! Please check HERE for more Catholic posts!

Thanks for reading! Have any of you seen The Chosen? If not, what are you waiting for?

MovieCritic

TV Series Review: The Chosen: Season 1, Episodes 1-4

Hello, hello!

This week is Megan and Samantha's Catholic Liturgy Week! This post is the first of my entries in it!

I'm really excited about this because though I am a Catholic, I don't have many opportunities to talk about it here on my blog. I am participating by reviewing a few episodes of a show recommended to me by a ton of Catholic friends. The TV show is The Chosen!

I first heard of it on Katie Hanna's post HERE, and after more suggestions from others, I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad that I did! I'll have my usual reviewing for each one, then some collective thoughts at the bottom.

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. These are spoiler free!


The Chosen: Season 1, Pilot episode: "The Shepherd" (2017):

Based on: the true stories from the Bible.
Shepherds are told the good news of Christmas.
Length: approx. 19 minutes.
I'm going to break away from my usual format for this one because it is really short. But, it is so good! I will be honest, I cried. Usually it takes a lot more time to build up the feelings for me to cry, but this got me. The way that they filmed it is really neat, and ack, it is just wonderful. I watched episode 1 before this (because I didn't know there was a pilot), but if you haven't seen any then this is a great introduction.
Note: There was one inconsistency that I noticed, and maybe my fellow Catholics can help me out on this. I remember part of a discussion one time at a Catholic camp that Mary didn't have labors pains, is that true? In this we see some looks of pain on her face and it made me remember that.



The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 1: "I Have Called You By Name" (2019):

Based on: the true stories from the Bible.
Lilith was told by her father when she was little that she shouldn't be afraid because she is loved. Years later, with demons in her mind she is terrified and doesn't believe that anymore. Matthew is a tax collector who is disgusted with the people, and Nicodemus is being pressured by Roman officers to encourage new rules into the Jewish rules. Meanwhile, Simon and Andrew are really struggling with taxes. Is the only way to get on the good side of the law to turn against their own people, fishermen like them?
Genre: Drama, Historical, Family.
Length: approx. 52 minutes.
Costumes: 9, all very appropriate for the time period.
Script: 10, no bad words!

'"The pharisees make allowances for that if lives are at stake."

"No one's life is at stake."

"No, no, not this moment, but it's coming."'

Crew: Directed by: Dallas Jenkins. Written by: Dallas Jenkins, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson.
Starring (Reminder, with TV shows I only list the top 10 most important characters for each episode):
1. Elizabeth Tabish as Lilith.
2. Shahar Isaac as Simon.

'"You're crazy, you know that?"

"Naw, just desperate."'

3. Noah James as Andrew.
4. Erick Avari as Nicodemus. "I will not continue to use my position of religious influence to benefit those who look down on my people..."
5. Paras Patel as Matthew.
6. Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.
7. Lara Silva as Eden.
8. Brandon Potter as Praetor Quintus.
9. Kirk B. R. Woller as Gauis.
10. Janis Dardaris as Zohara.
Cinematography: 9, the angles and way that the camera is very different from other things that I've seen, but it gives it a documentary feel that is neat and goes with the story.
Cinematography by: Akis Konstantakopoulos.
Music: 8, the theme song is not what you would expect, so I was very surprised!
Quotes: N/A, because I watched it so recently.
Content: 10, there are some fights with gambling. A woman is tortured by demons, but we just see her sadness, nothing graphic.
Originality: This isn't fiction, so I can't rate it here, but I really do like the way and the angle that we see it from.
Good For: All Christians as well as non-Christians! This is a perfectly great show for everyone.
Age Range: This is perfectly acceptable for all ages!
Overall Score: 9!

The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 2: "Shabbat" (2019):

Based on: the true stories from the Bible.
Shabbat is a special traditional meal honored by all the Jews. But Simon? He doesn't have time for it. He has to find a way to get out of the hole of debts he has landed himself into. Mary is celebrating it for the first time in a while, and is nervous. Nicodemus thought that the woman's case was impossible, and is starting to doubt his beliefs. What is in a miracle?
Genre: Drama, Historical, Family.
Length: approx. 39 minutes
Costumes: 9, same as last time, fitting for when it was.
Script: 10, free from bad language!

"I was one way...and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between...was Him. So, yes, I will know Him for the rest of my life."

Crew: Directed by: Dallas Jenkins. Written by: Dallas Jenkins, Ryan Swanson, and Tyler Thompson.
Starring (Reminder, with TV shows I only list the top 10 most important characters for each episode):
1. Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene.

2. Erick Avari as Nicodemus
3. Paras Patel as Matthew.
4. Noah James as Andrew.

'"What is that? You happy?"

"No, I'm handsome, I just happen to be wearing a happy face."'

5. Shahar Isaac as Simon.
6. Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.
7. Lara Silva as Eden.
8. Brandon Potter as Praetor Quintus.
9. Giavani Cairo as Thaddeus.
10. Anne Beyer as Shula.
Cinematography: 9, still such a neat perspective and style!
Cinematography by: Akis Konstantakopoulos.
Music: 8, I am beginning to warm up to the music. I have the theme stuck in my head.
Quotes: N/A because I just saw this a few days ago.
Content: 10, we see the after affects of someone getting beaten up (a cut on his face), but that's it!
Originality: Same as above. This episode was pretty much purely invented for the show, and not much happens, but I really liked seeing more into each of the characters's lives.
Good For: All Christians as well as non-Christians! This is a perfectly great show for everyone.
Age Range: Open to all people of all ages!
Overall Score: 9!

The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 3: "Jesus Loves the Little Children" (2019):

Based on: the true stories from the Bible.
Abigail finds that a stranger is living in the woods. She shows Him to her friends and He begins to teach them things as they help with His wood work. Abigail is always asking questions, but the one that He keeps answering mysteriously is what He is going to do.

"Joshua, ask Him questions. He's nice."

Genre: Drama, Historical, Family.
Length: approx. 30 minutes
Costumes: 9.
Script: 10, free from all vulgar words and phrases!

"Everyone has a much larger job than just their trade."

Crew: Directed by: Dallas Jenkins. Written by: Dallas Jenkins, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson.
Starring (Reminder, with TV shows I only list the top 10 most important characters for each episode):
1. Reina Ozbay as Abigail.
2. Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.
3. Noah Cottrell as Joshua ("The Brave").
4. Eshan Inamdar as Child #1. (This is going to bother me that I can't find their names)
5. Jojo Regina as Child #2.
6. Nyah Marie Johnson as Child #3.
7. Gabriel Putnam as Child #4.
8. Stella Rose as Child #5.
9. Alycya Magana as Abigail's Mom.
10. David DeLao as Abigail's Father.
Cinematography: 8, this was the episode where the cinematography started to bother me. There was wonderful advice and wise words, but I could only focus on how the camera wouldn't stop wiggling.
Cinematography by: Akis Konstantakopoulos.
Music: 8.
Quotes: N/A.
Content: 10, absolutely nothing bad here!
Originality: Like all of these, I loved the perspective shown here! Children coming to Jesus has always been one of my favorite parts of the Bible, and they showed it so beautifully!
Good For: All Christians as well as non-Christians! This is a perfectly great show for everyone. This one is especially good for, you guessed it, children!
Age Range: From as young to as old as you can imagine.
Overall Score: 9.
I'm going to mention this later, but this episode was so sweet! I really loved it because it made me feel loved. The way they portrayed Jesus and the children was wonderful.



The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 4: "The Rock on Which It Is Built" (2019):

Based on: the true stories from the Bible.
Simon's conscience has begun to catch up with him. He decides to back out on his promise to the Romans and is punished for it. More is coming unless he can lower his tax debts, but no one will help him. His brother is sure that he saw the Messiah, but there is no time for that. And on top of all that, now the tax collector Matthew has started following him around. Simon yells his frustration out to the God he is sure doesn't hear him. What more can he do?

Genre: Drama, Historical, Family.
Length: approx. 49 minutes.
Costumes: 9.
Script: 10, clean of anything to make you angry. (Well, it might just be me who gets angry when I hear bad words).
Crew: Directed by: Dallas Jenkins. Written by: Dallas Jenkins, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson.
Starring (Reminder, with TV shows I only list the top 10 most important characters for each episode):
1. Shahar Isaac as Simon.
2. Noah James as Andrew.
3. Paras Patel as Matthew. "You people want to be ruled. You want an excuse to complain. It's part of your nature."
4. Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.
5. Lara Silva as Eden.
6. Nick Shakoour as Zebedee.
7. Shayan Sobhian as James.
8. George Harrison Xanthis as John.
9. Erick Avari as Nicodemus.
10. David Amito as John the Baptist.
Cinematography: 9.
Cinematography by: Akis Konstantakopoulos.
Music: 8.
Quotes: Let me just say that I was waiting for the "Fishers of men" line the whole time, and it did not disappoint. So good!
Content: 10, a man gets hurt by a sword.
Originality: Getting more and more backstory on "Simon" is always good!
Good For: All Christians as well as non-Christians! This is a perfectly great show for everyone.
Age Range: I highly encourage all ages to watch this.
Overall Score: 9.

I'm sorry for the lack of photos! I couldn't find many good ones!



Thoughts:

Where to begin? A multiple season show about the Apostles, but from their perspective? Sign me up!
The creator, Dallas Jenkins, said: "People usually think about three disciples: Peter, Judas the betrayer, and all ten others." That's pretty true. I mean, I usually think about Mary Magdalene, too, but this is so awesome to see each of them! We do think of Matthew as one of the Gospel writers, and I knew he was a tax collector, but did I ever give him another thought? Nope. His character has had a really interesting take so far, and I can't wait to see where it goes. I also really like the addition of Eden. Another set of eyes to view Peter!

I really am enjoying it so far. I recommend it to all of you!


Sorry that this last part is a little jumbled. It's late at night and I need to get this up. But, I'll have another post on it very soon! You probably won't even have time to read this one before it's up. If you have any questions on this show or Catholicism in general, I would love to answer your questions!

For more posts about the Catholic Liturgy, check HERE! Thanks to Samantha and Megan for hosting!

Thanks for reading! Have any of you seen this?

MovieCritic