Movies with a Message

I was offered the opportunity to review RUN ON a few weeks ago.  While I usually don't watch videos of this sort, I started watching and loved the stories of people overcoming challenges.  Though described as a comedy, it is far from the slap-stick comedy routines I'm familiar with.  You will laugh -- and cry -- as you watch this presentation. 

Here is a synopsis of RUN ON.

RUN ON is a standup comedy delivered by the top three Christian comedians -David A.R. White, Tommy Blaze and Brad Stine - who hysterically share a stage and tell stories of family, growing up and their own prodigal journeys.

Though each story is from a unique experience, they weave seamlessly together to form the oldest human story of all, the futility of trying to "run" from God (The Prodigal Son). While relaying humorous stories along with the real truth of their faith testimony, these three also show a serious side as they testify to sinful moments in each of their lives.

These men will make you laugh and teach you some important lessons for your life as they discuss the Christian influence that changed each of them. This show will reveal the funny and serious side of living a prodigal son's life. While the monologues are independent from each other and reflect very different paths and lifestyles, they weave together to create one greater story with elements and commonalities shared by all of us.

New TV Season

I have a number of shows that I watch -- rather faithfully -- as my schedule permits.  FRINGE is one of them and while I have missed a few episodes, I can usually catch up using the http://www.fox.com/ website to watch episodes.  That is a tremendous asset that Fox has made available.  Now that there are new shows on that will compete for your viewership, having shows available over the internet is a destinct benefit.  I know some shows have a way to factor that viewing public into their statistics -- so that helps as well.

FRINGE has always been a favorite of mine.  The acting is wonderful and the story line keeps me guessing all the time.  From the strange occurances that the team would investigate each week to the subplot of what did Walter do when Peter died and he went into the alternate universe to retrieve the other Peter.  There are always other stories swirling around as well. What was Massive Dynamics and where did they fit into the scheme of things.  To have Leonard Nimoy play Walter Bishop's former partner was marvelous casting.

The new season started off with a bang as well.  I don't want to spoil it for any who haven't seen it yet, but did everyone else enjoy it as much as I did?

Are there other shows that made it to your "favorites" listing this week?  How about Hawaii Five-O?  I have always liked Daniel Day Kim from Crusade and he is great in the role of Chin Ho Kelly (looks nothing like the original).  Grace Parks is good as Kono as well and everyone seems to be melding into a good team.

So drop a line, lend a comment.  Let us know what you think about the new shows.  More coming this week!

Movies You Should See

On Friday, I had a chance to watch INVICTUS, a movie with Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon, as a rugby captain.  It was a marvelous movie.  Made me wonder why anyone would play rugby though.  It seems a very violent sport, but I guess football and hockey aren't that much better.  Anyway, the movie was a wonderful study not only of South Africa following apartheid, it showed a nation torn along racial lines come together over a rugby team. 

This afternoon I went to see ROBIN HOOD.  I loved it.  Unlike other Robin Hood movies, this one was very unique.  The main character is not Robin of Lockley, but Robin Longstride, an archer who fought with King Richard in the Crusades.  I don't want to spoil the story for anyone, but I really did enjoy Russel Crowe in the title role.

Babylon Podcast

A couple of days ago, I got an invitation to participate in a special Babylon Podcast on B5 Beefcake.  The guys of the podcast had done a show on B5 Babes -- and this was to be a response to their effort.

Summer, Mike and Bret, regulars from the show joined Laura Martos of the League of Non-Aligned Knitters and I to talk about the humans and aliens on the show.  I think we all thought Marcus and Franklin
were among the hottest males on the show.  Whether it was the hair, accent or mannerisms, Marcus just struck a chord for many women watching Babylon 5.  Stephen Franklin  was built -- body and brains is a hard combination to beat.  On the alien side, it was a toss-up between Londo and Vir.  I think Vir had an anticipated edge for youth and stamina.  Everyone just loved G'Kar -- a mix of strength, honor and virality.

Anyway, it was a cool experience.  The show should air in a couple of weeks.  Be sure to visit http://www.babylonpodcast.com/ to hear all of the marvelous shows they have had to date.  Pick you favorite show and see how they reviewed it and what comments were made from other fans.

Scarecrow and Mrs. King

With the rain this weekend, I decided it was a good time to watch some videos.  One I selected was the first season of Scarecrow & Mrs. King.  I loved this series when it was first on TV (I thought Bruce Boxleitner was SO cute)! 

The chemistry between Bruce and Kate Jackson was wonderful.  The supporting cast was also very good.  I know a lot of folks have been waiting for this DVD to come out for a very long time.  This set will provide a number of hours of enjoyment.

Fringe Renewed

Word came today that FRINGE had been renewed for its third season.  Yippee!!!!  This is one of the shows I have liked from the start.  It has some very serious story lines, but has a sense of humor showing through as well.  The relationship between father Walter and son Peter has been strained over the years, but now you see, peeking through, an admiration and concern, and perhaps, love, from Peter.  Walter obviously loves Peter and has gone to tremendous lengths keep Peter live and well.  We are discovering more of that truth as the story progresses.

New episodes will be coming soon. I can't wait to see what is in store for us.

Human Target

HUMAN TARGET has turned into one of my favorite shows this year.  I loved Mark Valley when he was on FRINGE the first season and was sad to see him go.  However, as Christopher Chance in HUMAN TARGET he is marvelous.  This show is done so well it makes me wonder why other shows can't have this kind of action and writing quality!   And this is on FOX!  Guess it goes to show that Fox is coming up in the world with great programming.

Mark Valley isn't the only one who stands out in this series.  Jackie Earle Haley as Guerrero is marvelous and Chi McBridge as Winston is just the right mix of cop and maverick.  These three guys have awesome chemistry!