"Bruce Almighty"

"Bruce Almighty" is a wonderful film that speaks to the importance of recognising the good in our lives instead of focusing on the bad.  This film depicts God (played by Morgan Freeman) who gives a mere mortal (Jim Carey) all of God's powers.  During the ensuing insanity, we see Bruce (Carey) doing all that he can to perfect his life through wealth, position, and power.  It takes most of the film before Bruce realizes that he has lost sense of what it is that truly can bring happiness.

I really appreciated the little biblical omages that the movie makers placed in the film, such as Bruce parting the "red sea," and a shot of him leaning up against a golden calf.  In addition to these references, some of the lines delivered by God truly capture some of what I believe God to be like!  At one point, Bruce asks God "how can he make people love him without affecting free will."  God replies simply "when you figure that one out....let me know."  I think that this says something amazing about the power of faith.

In the grand scheme of things, "Bruce Almighty" is probably one of the most spiritually deep movies that I have ever seen....not bad for a Jim Carey comedy.  

-David

I really do love this movie. In fact, I think this is the first movie where I was really able to appreciate Jim Carey as an actor. I am very impressed by his performance in this film. We see some serious acting here but almost always accompanied by his goofy behavior, which I really think works. And who doesn't like Morgan Freeman as the Alpha and Omega?

Along with all the moments and lines that make you laugh, such as, "Smite me oh mighty Smiter!" this movie really touches on some deep issues, and I really do like how they portray God. First, I love how personable they make God. I believe in a God I can talk to anytime, a God who knows me by name, and who cares about what happens in my life. Morgan Freeman plays a God who is all these things, and I can really get behind that. So many times, we tend to think of God as this aloof divine being, sitting up in the sky somewhere. But this characterization of God shows us a God who loves us, and who even has a sense of humor. :)

There are many times in this film when I am touched, and moved to tears by some of the lines that are delivered. The first that I can think of is when Bruce asks how you can get someone to love you without affecting free will. Morgan Freeman (God) answers, "Welcome to my world. When you find an answer to that, let me know." How profound. We have the choice to love God. Even though He wants all of us to love Him and accept his love, it's still our choice. Then we see Grace (like the name by the way) crying asking God to help her not love Bruce anymore because it hurts too much. How often do we cry out in pain, to God, to no one, to whoever might be listening... And finally, when Bruce prays for God to give Grace someone who will see her through God's eyes we see a man who was so selfish and self-absorbed realize how much he loves this woman, so much that he's willing to sacrifice his happiness for hers.

The final thing I'll say is I like the slogan at the end of "Be the Miracle." Miracles do happen. I believe that. But instead of just waiting for them to happen, we can be the miracle in someones life, in ways we may not even realize.

- Bethany

"The Bridge On The River Kwai"

This seven time academy award winner from 1957 is a timeless film that every fan of war films should see.  Even if you are not inclined to enjoying war films, "The Bridge on the River Kwai" is not a "Saving Private Ryan" type of film.  It is a story of defiance, endurance sacrifice, and courage, that rivals many of the great war films.

The film stars Alec Guinness (whom many of us know as Obi Wan Kenobi of Star Wars fame) as a British Colonel and POW of the Japanese.  This Colonel and his men are tasked with building a bridge over the river Kwai for the Japanese.  Without giving too much away, let us just say that they do indeed build a bridge, but in doing so, show defiance, and strength even in their captivity, (with a twist.)

"The Bridge on the River Kwai" is a film employing wonderful acting, a riveting story, and a top notch cast...all of which contribute to what is a great film that should be on everyone's watch list.

-David

Very interesting film. I'm having trouble gathering my thoughts, as I am a little perturbed by the ending. I won't say what happens, but I think I would have preferredd a different ending. Even so, this is a very well done movie with incredible acting by some folks you may know. First off, when I saw that William Holden stars in this film I was like, "I know the name Bill Holden, but from where?" Less than halfway through this movie it hit me! I love Lucy! He's in  one of my favorite episodes, where Bill Holden gets a pie in his face, thanks to Lucy, and then when she meets him again, events happen, and then she utters, "I kissed Bill Holden!" Anyway, a little bit of a tangent there, but that being said, it was fun to see William Holden in this movie. Another name you may know, Alec Guiness. Obi One anyone? Yes, we know him more famously so from Star Wars, but you can really see the scope of his acting ability in this film, he does an amazing job.

Things I liked about this film: Amazing solidarity within the British Troops that are captured, along with whistling and singing familiar tunes to keep up morale. There's also this really good looking soldier who shows up near the latter part of the movie, that's fun too. :)

Things I found interesting: Alec Guiness plays a character who is extremely stubborn, even more so than his Japanese captor. However, both men are so stubborn that at times I was like, "Just negotiate!" This does almost seem like a cautionary tale about being so caught up in yourself and what you are doing that you lose sight of what is right and humane.

This is a movie that makes you think. I would definitely recommend it.

-Bethany