C2 Movie Review... Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Grade: C- (out of respect to the nostalgia of Transformers... otherwise, I'd give it a D)

The action in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Transformers 2) is awesome and the effects are insane! In typical Michael Bay fashion the cameras whirl around the film's subjects as if trying to induce nausea within audience members (to be honest I actually really like that!), the action and dramatic moments are slowed down (as if, with slow motion, trying to do for dramatic moments what John Woo does for intense action sequences), the explosions are huge and reality seems to be suspended. Unfortunately for this film much of the writing, plot lines and dramatic sequences are ridiculous, at best.

Some major issues with Transformers 2:

(1) The vulgarity and language is significantly elevated (and completely disproportionate to the first movie)... even the Autobots cuss all the time as if they have no other means of communication (so much for "higher intelligence").

(2) The sexual references, innuendo and scenes of sensuality are highly forced, awkward and largely out of place. It's almost as if Bay, the producers and the writers didn't trust the audience to be smart enough to follow the plot without out-of-place sex jokes and humping dogs and robots.

(3) There are several fact-checking issues with this film - some can be overlooked, but some are so bad that they actually make certain parts of the movie laughable (when they don't intend it to be funny). See the yahoo article on the film's major discrepancies.

(4) Women are objectified (as if used solely for their sexual allure for hormone-driven males). One (Allison) is willing to do anything just to hop on top of Sam (Shia's character) and have sex with him (there is a weak reason, but even that doesn't justify the objectification of the "girl"... nor does it make sense in the "Transformers" world, but I can't go into that without spoiling part of the story). Mikaela (Megan Fox) is dressed in just enough to not show everything as she narrowly escapes the Decepticons attacks, but little enough (to include being slumped over a motorcycle in tiny shorts) to entice Sam, other characters (to include one robot who can't control himself and humps her leg) and male viewers. These are just a few examples of the many, many common issues with the objectification of women (seriously, when are directors going to grow up a bit?).

(5) As is the case with many movies and television shows today, the parents are culturally-clueless, intellectual buffoons who "unknowingly" consume marijuana brownies (apparently sold at college bake sales), talk about sex (without consequences) with their teenage son, encourage sleeping around (while trashing monogamy - Sam actually has to defend his decision to remain monogamous with girlfriend Mikaela against his parents!) and are completely inept in every way (thus, the reason the teenage son must save his parents and the world). The only positive part of the parents in this movie is their apparently strong relationship together as husband and wife (their son goes off to college and they are anxious about more time together) and with their son, Sam.

As is the case with the first movie, Bay does try to focus on the power of sacrifice, but ultimately that message falls through the cracks left by the movie's glaring inconsistencies and Bay's unwillingness to sacrifice his own juvenile whims for the sake of a truly great movie. This movie had a lot of promise, but lost itself in trying to be something it never should have been. Now, instead of looking forward to owning this sequel on DVD (which, sadly, I will not be purchasing now), I now can only look forward to Transformers 3 in the hopes that it can redeem this franchise.

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C2 Movie Reviews

These are various movies I've seen over the past couple months... Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen review coming in another day or so.


THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (Brad Pitt)
Grade: D

I am very disappointed with this movie. Yes, the effects and acting are superb (without question). The story is very disappointing. It starts out with great promise, but as the story progresses you realize there is not going to be growth in the characters (if anything they go backwards). There are very few good, redemptive qualities about this film. The worldview is highly suspect ("live for yourself above all costs"?) and by the time it ends you are sucked into the character's despair (a praise, I guess, of Director Fincher - he sells you on the story and characters so well that you feel rotten by the end).


BEDTIME STORIES (Adam Sandler)
Grade: C+

I so desperately wanted to give this a B (or higher), but Sandler and company have a lot of trouble keeping in mind that this is a kids' movie. There are far too many adult jokes and themes (Paris Hilton-esque party girl and the "loose" living jokes, her in a very tiny bikini, Sandler fantasizing about him and her - include him jumping in a hot tub with her, etc.). Even worse, many times he is discussing this with (or involving) the children in the fantasies since it is their stories (though they obviously aren't completely in on everything he is hoping for/saying). Outside of that, it is a cute story with a lot of slapstick and silly comedy. My kids loved it, but honestly (thankfully) did not get most of the jokes (since so many were geared toward adults). The Guinea pig was awesome (Bugsy)! Those eyes were CLASSIC!!! Next time Sandler goes into the children's movie genre, I pray he remembers who his audience really is (hint: not the parents! We take our kids to kid's movies to see kid's movies).


YES MAN (Jim Carrey)
Grade: D

It's Liar, Liar except instead of not being able to lie he can't say "no." Honestly this movie is not terrible, but it's hard to like (or enjoy fully) as you feel like you've already seen it. It's a tired comedy. Most jokes are the same. The conflict seems familiar. You aren't overly concerned that there won't be a resolution. It's just a time killer. When it's done you wonder why you kept watching despite that fact that you were never really in to it to begin with and really didn't connect with the characters since you feel like you already did that the last time you watched another Jim Carrey movie.


SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (Dave Patel)
Grade: A

A movie that lives up to the hype! This is a great story that deals well with its subject matter. The two main characters are captivating (you almost wish the movie were longer so you could see more of them together). Danny Boyle did a marvelous job of weaving together this great story. Being a sucker for good underdog stories, this movie truly catered to my fancies. Plus, any time integrity is held in high esteem in a film (like it is in this one) it makes even more enjoyable. Another movie we will be adding to our library!


MARLEY AND ME (Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston)
Grade A+

Fantastic movie. I like dogs, but am not a "dog person" (pamper the pet, take them to dog parks, stick 'em in your pocket or purse, etc.) so I wasn't sure this movie was gonna be my cup of tea. My favorite part about it was the marriage relationship between the Grogans (Jen Aniston and Owen Wilson)... probably one of the better marriage movies out there! This is not exactly a kids movie, though. Being that you see much of the marriage relationship, the subject matter may be too mature for children. Teens, however, might respond well to seeing a solid marriage (one that has its highs and lows). Jen and Owen are fantastic. Marley is hysterical! The general message about the movie (which turns out to be more about family/marriage than dogs) is solid (to include the consequences of when we have no restraints - the leash)!! We will be buying this one.


RACHEL GETTING MARRIED (Anne Hathaway)
Grade: F

Sitting through wedding festivities can be a long day (at times)... it's even longer when you know nothing about and care nothing for ANYONE there. THAT IS THIS MOVIE! Yes, Rachel does get married... through the entire movie! You watch ALL of the rehearsal, ALL of the speeches, ALL of the dancing and other festivities. Somewhere in the background is the struggling story of pain, addiction, regret and supposed redemption. Unfortunately, that story is swallowed whole by the agonizingly LONG wedding! The only redemptive part of this film is Anne Hathaway, but not that good that you should sit through this movie. Save your time... go to someone's wedding you care about... at least then you have some fun!

FIREPROOF (Kirk Cameron)
Grade: A+

FANTASTIC movie. Yes, the writing/acting have their moments of cheese... however, as the movie gets going that dissipates (or you at least get used to it). This movie is one of the first true movies about marriage I've ever seen. Usually movies about marriage (not "weddings," as those stop as soon as the couple makes it to the alter and don't actually deal with real romance, issues or marital drama) spend their time bashing it... this movie shows a real couple falling apart at the seams. In a world that takes the easy road, is selfish and only looks out for #1, this movie is a gut-wrenching, powerful example of what it truly means to honor, protect, cherish and desire your spouse! I will be purchasing this one.

GHOST TOWN (Tea Leoni, Ricky Gervais)
Grade: B-

When this movie finished my wife said "that was really cute... I liked that one." Minus the "cute" part, I agree. This movie is fun to watch. It's not knockdown, drag-out hysterical, but you do laugh. Ricky Gervais and Tea Leoni are fantastic and the story is intriguing. Save the silly sneezing (you'll understand when you see it), this movie does a decent job of showing real, selfless love.


EAGLE EYE (Shia LaBeouf)
Grade: C-

Average movie. It should have been called "War Games: Urban Warfare" or something cheesy like that b/c that's all this is... an updated War Games (and a cheesy one at that). The big brother factor is captivating, but no where near as creepy as they could have made it. Shia is the same as he is in transformers, but this time with facial hair. The mystery phone voice (if you've seen War Games, you know who it is, but I'll keep it quiet for those that haven't) is intriguing until you realize who it really is. Billy Bob Thornton and Rosario Dawson seem way out of place (he's above such an average film and she's just miscast). I've seen better and I've seen worse. I give it a C- out of respect to Mr. Spielberg and the original War Games.


WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS (Ashton Kutcher, Cameron Diaz)
Grade: B

An unexpectedly enjoyable film to watch. While it's format is that of the typical Rom-Com formula, its worldview and casting set it apart from many other cliche movies. I loved that the entire premise of the film revolved around them not trying to get out of their mistakes and "win" (keep the money), but actually try and make it work. It encourages the harder road (with more rewarding outome) versus the easy way out (Dennis Miller's judge character makes a very true judgment on the sanctity of marriage in today's culture). Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz both play their typical rom-com characters, but their parts fit them well and their chemistry is very believable! The only major mark against it is the constant sexual dialogue and partying scenes (which were relatively tasteful compared to what it could have been). Fun film and well worth the watch.

EXPELLED: NO INTELLIGENCE ALLOWED (Ben Stein)
Grade: B

Does "science" truly discriminate against those who support Intelligent Design ("ID" - explaining that all of life is the result of a designer of some sort, not random chance that begins with a lifeless molecule)? This is the question Ben Stein seeks to answer in this engaging documentary. Yes, there are a few parts where he jumps the shark; however, he does a fairly good job of asking important questions worthy of an answer. My only major complaint is with the short clips used throughout. This film could have been of a higher standard without the silly clips that are added for effect (to either demonstrate the ridiculousness of the other side or attempt to solidify the "right" point). A few things I really liked about it: (1) it's not overly preachy, (2) it calls the initial premise of all science (whether it be Creationism, ID, or evolution) what it is - a worldview, (3) it sheds light on an issue largely unknown to the world outside of science (that the true science as an inquiry for truth is stifled by narrow-minded worldviews that attempt to dictate science versus letting the evidence speak for itself). All-in-all a movie worthy watching and questions very worthy of addressing!


TROPIC THUNDER (Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Ben Stiller)
Grade: F-

Terrible in every way. No wit. Terrible jokes. Language that probably makes Andrew Dice Clay uncomfortable. An absolute waste of time. Even the highly touted Tom Cruise cameo/role is filthy beyond words. That's all the time I'll spend talking about such an absolute joke of a movie.


TRAITOR (Don Cheadle)
Grade: C

Interesting movie idea that just falls short. First, I very much enjoyed the contrast of faiths and ideologies. Second, the acting was pretty solid, especially Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce and Saïd Taghmaoui (for what material they had available to them). Unfortunately the movie fails to live up to its potential. My biggest complaints are two-fold: (1) the writer/director paint the contrasting ideologies and, in particular, the faiths with too broad a stroke. Christians and Muslims do not fit into such neat, cliche categories, but unfortunately that's how this film portrays them. (2) The movie never "sells" Cheadle's character and the drama present within the film (a writing/directing flaw, not acting); can't say much more than that without giving too much away. This movie could really pull some heart strings and illicit some pretty emotional responses (in a non-sensationalized way), but stays pretty shallow and ultimately misses the mark. Three stars for acting and idea.


WANTED (Angelina Jolie)
Grade: D

I was really looking forward to this movie and its unbelievable action sequences. Unfortunately, the entire film is bathed in blood and language I haven't seen since Tarentino. It's a movie that uses curse/cuss words for one of two reasons (I still haven't figured out which, so maybe it was both): (1) The writer has no idea how to communicate so he attempts to make it cool by just throwing in 5 curse words minimum per sentence. (2) The writer wasn't sure how to make the movie longer than a straight-to-DVD Disney movie (typically 60 minutes in length) so "why not add a bunch of uneccessary and largely out of place swear words." I know the R-rating should have been a clue (or maybe the fact that the MPAA said it was for the bloody violence and language), but I had no idea it was going to be to such an extent that it ruin an otherwise amazing movie. The action, story and effects were insanely awesome, but not enough to sit uncomfortably through the gratuitous whims of the writer and director.

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Burger King: Home of the Inappropriate Values

"The Snack is Sacred." This is a slogan that was circulating in Spain in Burger King ads. While BK denies this ad was intended to offend anyone (the Hindu community especially), I'm not really sure how else a slogan like this can be taken, other than a jab at Hinduism or Indian culture.

Hindu Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth)? check.

Goddess stationed above a Burger King burger? check.

Referring to a burger (made from cow) as "sacred" with a Hindu theme (when cows are considered sacred in India and definitely not eaten)? check.

Apparently slamming Mexicans, degrading women, selling sexuality to children (or their parents who apparently always think about sexy women and "square butts" as they consider their dinner options) and essentially ignoring any sense of morality is not enough for Burger King. So it's on to attacking various religions next. Checkout BK's official response (with very appropriate commentary from ad bloggers Ken Wheaton and Emily Bryson York in parenthesis):

"Burger King Corporation values and respects all of its guests as well as the communities we serve (You certainly have a funny way of showing it). This in-store advertisement was running to support a limited-time-only local promotion for three restaurants in Spain and was not intended to offend anyone (Oh, well that makes it perfectly OK, then, doesn't it). Out of respect for the Hindu community, the in-store advertisement has been removed from the restaurants (Translation: We were caught, and it's creating a PR headache, so we guess we'll go ahead and take it down. We would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for those meddling kids at the Hindu American Foundation!). "

Enough said. NOTE TO THE EXECUTIVES AT THE HEAD OF BURGER KING: I think it is past time to call a meeting and regroup. I think it is official that the image of BK is nothing short of trash. This is not to say I had much respect left for your company following the sexually-charged ads for kid's meals, but if there was any left it is now effectively gone. Until you pull it together and decide families, faith and children are valuable to your company, my family will have no part of your restaurants.

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District 9: This Summer's Yet-To-Be Blockbuster

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, Star Trek, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Up, and Land of the Lost

What do these movies have in common?

They were/are all slated to battle it out as the Blockbusters of Summer 2009. Now you can add an unexpected contender to that list: District 9.

Watch the preview below before reading further!



Based on the trailers I've seen and the buzz this film is generating (plus, having Peter Jackson - Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong director - attached as a producer doesn't hurt), this looks to be the next Cloverfield or The Blair Witch Project (low budget films that deliver BIG in the box office). This trailer was the teaser trailer released 2 months ago. The newest trailer reveals more alien-human battles, but this teaser trailer, I believe, clues potential audience members into the worldview that will dominate the film.

Yes, it is an alien flick (with a very unique premise), but what message is the director, producers, and screenwriters trying to communicate using a human-alien struggle?

- Political? (Immigration? Human Rights? War? Terrorism/Imprisonment of Terror Suspects?)
- Social (Tolerance? Racism? Judgment/Fear of the Unknown? Acceptance?)
- Religious (Tolerance?)

I'm very intrigued by this film - mostly because of its highly unique premise and originality (it is a big time story without all the franchise hype). However, because of its potential to be this summer's biggest film (or at least second to the mammoth-of-a-film Transformers 2) it is important to remember that ALL films come custom-packed with a "moral of the story" meant to educate audiences. This is not always a bad thing, but as Christians we are to check all messages/morals against the scope of Scripture.

Is what is being offered as a message, Biblical? God-honoring? God-loving?

PARENTS: Blockbusters are always a ton of fun to watch with our kids/teens, but it is imperative you remember your calling as the primary educators and worship leaders in the lives of your children. Even poor (ungodly) messages in movies can be teaching tools. I remember my Uncle Mark G. one time using the "it doesn't matter what train you take [to get to the North Pole] so long as you get on a train" line from The Polar Express to reaffirm Biblical teaching with his kids. The film might have been talking about Santa's home, but it alluded to heaven/religion. Seeing this he simply asked them as the film was still playing: "is that true? Does it not really matter what train you get on?" - they all replied: "NO (it's not true)! Only Christ is the way to heaven," as they finished the movie. Movies/story telling are a GREAT way to teach discernment; hence the reason Jesus Christ used parables. With movies as one of the primary means of social education, statements about society/the world/culture it is important we realize this and not fall into the trap of "movies are just mindless entertainment." They weren't made mindlessly, we shouldn't watch them that way either.

**This is not to say we should watch all movies or read all stories... some, no matter how good the message is, are not profitable to us as people, let alone believers. Obviously, if there is any question as to the trustworthiness of a film or its content, it's better safe than sorry: skip it and watch something else.

NOTE: District 9 is rated R for bloody violence and pervasive language. It releases August 14th.

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Eminem's "Beautiful" New Old Story

Many are calling Eminem's new song/video a departure for him because in it apparently gets in touch with his softer side. While this song is definitely softer than most of his typical fare, the inner battle of hurt and emotion that is waging inside of him is nothing new (as seen in several of his other songs... see his video "When I'm Gone" about his life and his mistakes as an example). The difference now is that his one solace, rap music, is not a place of refuge for him anymore ("I'm so ******* depressed...But I just can't admit Or come to grips, with the fact that I may be done with rap, I need a new outlet..."). A touching point of interest is the setting for this song's video... a struggling (dying?) city, with a bleak outlook and hope appearing to be nowhere in sight: Detroit (Eminem's home city).

I've never been a fan of the content of Eminem's (Marshall Mathers) music, but his talent is undeniable. He is truly a gifted story teller and song writer; however, much of that gift is lost in his struggle to find meaning through angry ranting, vulgarity and a seemingly endless downward spiral. My heart goes out to him. Reading the lyrics to his song "Beautiful" breaks my heart even further. Here is a millionaire artist living "the dream" and surrounded by the world and feeling completely alone and without hope (yet trying to offer listeners hope in being true to themselves).

The cards he was "dealt" (being abandoned as a child, struggling to survive in Detroit, his marriage ending twice, drug addiction, etc.) are no doubt tough, but where Marshall seems to miss it is thinking that this is his lot in life, as if this is God's desire for him. God did not place this life on him, it is the product of a series of decisions made by him and those before and around him (parents, wife, friends, etc.). Now as a man and father he has choices to make... does he continue to live in a world that obviously has not brought him the hope or answers he was looking for? Or go to the Source of life and see if maybe there is more to this life than all that he placed his hope in? The problem is, he is a victim of his own choices and a culture that screams "I don't need help - I can handle this on my own!" In "Beautiful" he says:

Nobody asked for life to deal us
With these bull**** hands they've dealt
We have to take these cards ourselves
And flip them, don't expect no help
Now I could have either just
Sat on my *** and ******* and moaned
But take this situation in which I'm placed in
And get up and get my own

My heart hurts for him. The pain he deals with must be unimaginable and unfortunately it does not sound like it is going to be easing up any time soon. Instead of going to the One who can heal, comfort, forgive and provide answers, he turns back to himself for the same tired answers that leave him "depressed."

Parents: Use this video (be careful searching the song or other videos as many are not edited) and talk about "fate." Is this life nothing more than a random series of events? Or do the choices we make (from the free will given to us by God, the Creator) affect us and the generations that will follow us? Discuss the following quote with your teens and how it applies to them: "The choices we make today dictate the life we live tomorrow" (C2). Eminem says in the song that people should just be "true to you (yourself)"? What does the Bible seem to say about being true to ourselves? Being that God made us in His image, who does He say we are?

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Remembering Michael Jackson: the Accused, the Musician, the Entertainer, the Man, the "Legend"

One of my first complete memories I have of Michael Jackson is when I was a "tween." My brother, sister, dad and I went to K-Mart to pick up some things and as we walked in they handed my dad a raffle ticket telling him to listen for our number to be called to win free merchandise. As we were wrapping up our trip they announced they would be giving away Michael Jackson's newest album (as in "record" that played on a turntable) "Bad." My brother, sister and I were thrilled (no pun intended) beyond words and begged our dad to stay long enough to see if we'd won the album. Very, very, very reluctant (and tired), my dad stayed as an act of love to his children. As the K-Mart employee read aloud the numbers for the album I'm sure they could hear the squeals from 3 anxious children from the back of the store as one by one we heard our raffle ticket's numbers announced. "WE WON!! WE WON!!" we yelled as we tried to sprint to the front of the store to claim our prize. As soon as we got home my dad allowed us to listen to the album and we danced and stomped our feet and snapped our fingers as the record spun.

Some other shameless confessions: I used to wear a generic, sparkling glove that I got from another album ("Thriller," I think) on one hand as I rode my bike to school; I always wanted one of those red, leather jackets with all the silver zippers (though very glad now, fashion-wise, that my parents never got me one!); like many other kids, my brother and I tried often to mimic Michael Jackson's moves (especially his Moonwalk) as we'd sing and dance to his music; my wife (also like many children) tried to copy his Thriller choreography with friends. I was (and I guess I am, still, to an extent) a fan of Michael Jackson's.

Today was the memorial of the now dead King of Pop. Many during the memorial spoke of the accusations he faced (making note of his being found innocent, despite many sketchy and questionable details) and spoke of him as a victim, in a sense, of undeserved public scrutiny. Many paid tribute to MJ, the musician and consummate entertainer. Some sang a selection of his songs. Some recalled memories of his life and career. Many laughed, many recollected their own memories of his music in their lives... many cried.

Of all the things spoken about and shared during his tribute/memorial, the two things that stood out the most to me were:

1. The frequent references to God, especially in Smokey Robinson's and Marlon Jackson's speeches. Both men not only spoke of God (which is not unusual in a memorial service), but the hope found in Him in life and death. Marlon even shared with the audience that "the Lord has a purpose for everything, and sometimes we just can't see it or understand it. But it will be made clear to us when we reach that ultimate, ultimate reward of being in His presence. And Michael you are right there... you have finished your work here on earth and the Lord has called you home with Him." While there is much confusion to me as to Who exactly the Jackson family believes God to be and how one might go about knowing Him or being able to enter heaven in death, Marlon's eloquent speech was a very fitting reminder for all people about the sweet hope that is found in that "ultimate reward" of being in God's presence one day (and what an amazing reward that truly will be!).
2. The finale, of sorts, where children, entertainers, family and friends gathered on stage and sang "We Are the World" and a beautiful rendition of "Heal the World." As they sang of the violence in the world and religious struggle seen across the globe, popular religious symbols appeared on the screen in the background as if to encourage coexistence among varying religions. While I believe it is perfectly reasonable to hope that all religions could (should) be able to leave peacefully together, I would hope that any true worshipper of God knows it is impossible for religions that teach very different messages to agree on their primary message of who God is, how to have a relationship with him (or them in some religions), what heaven is and how one might go there after death. For more on that, see my blog post on whether or not religions can truly "coexist." Here is the video from the Memorial of these songs:
   

Regardless of what anyone's opinion is of Michael Jackson (believe me - I'm not entirely sure where I stand, either), one thing is for sure: he was a force in the entertainment world (for whatever that is truly worth). The only entertaining figure that I can think of that might rival him is Elvis Pressley. While he'll never be a legend in my book (the only people who are legends in my book are my father, mother, brother, sister, wife and children), I am grateful for his music and the memories I hold of my family as we listened and danced to his music when I was growing up. That being said, he was a man... no different than me or any other person. Now that his time is "up," so-to-speak, his music may live on, but Who he truly believed (and worshipped) God to be is all that matters now. I pray he truly knew God as his family believed he did and that Romans 10:9-10 was the testimony of his heart and life.

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A Crash and a Death in Heaven on Earth

My wife and I are major fans of Disney, aka "the happiest place on earth," aka "heaven on earth". Despite the existential and often naturalistic worldviews in their movies (most of which we do not agree with), few companies truly seek to create the illusion of magic and happiness for children and families. Being former "Cast Members" (employees) of the Disney Company my wife and I witnessed first hand the lengths the company goes to (and the freedom it gives its cast members/employees to) help create a magical experience for families as well as the amount of money they spend to help terminally ill children and their families, as well as underprivileged children.

In the theme parks characters abound, the aroma of delicious food and desserts fill the air, laughter can be heard around every corner, smiles are never in short supply and families (usually) walk happily together enjoying each others company. Millions of people every year flock to Disney theme parks around the world for a sense of escape from routine, hurt, reality and more. They seek a little taste of magic. A little joy in a broken world.

I guess this is why a tragic weekend monorail crash in Walt Disney World (Orlando) seemed so shocking. While this is not the first accident or death in the "happiest place on earth," it is just another reminder that brokenness, loss and hurt extend even into the land of the magic-makers. Despite its illusion of magic and happiness, or "perfection" as one visitor was reported as saying, it is still only a theme park that creates illusions of grandeur and majesty. An illusion is only a facade; an impression of reality. There is but one place perfection truly exists. One place where hurt does not exist and there is no brokenness. As much as we enjoy our little escapes from the reality of a broken world, this incident reminds us there is but one Heaven...

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 21:3-7, 22-27)

PARENTS: As heartbreaking as this tragedy is, you can use this as a way of facilitating a conversation about illusion (magic) and True Perfection (God, heaven, etc.). Read your teen/child the passage about heaven and discuss ways we try to duplicate that here on earth. Discuss also how no matter how good we do at creating the illusion of perfection there is but one God, one heaven and one salvation.

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The Delay

Greetings C2 Readers...

I am sorry I have not posted anything new as promised. I returned from the Mission Trip as planned, however, much of our team got sick while in NM and it was passed to me. I am feeling better than I was, but am still battling sinus, ear, throat stuff. I am going to take the rest of this week off and pray I will return Monday with new posts about the world-o-culture and worldview!
Until then...

C2