To Save A Life: a movie review

I don't consider myself a movie critic, but I do enjoy movies; especially if they are based on true stories or seem real to life. Last night, at the recommendation of one of my friends, along with my wife and two teenage children, I watched the movie: To Save A Life. It sounds familiar because of The Fray's hit: How To Save A Life (I think that was the group that sang the song); and although it certainly fits the movie, I don't think the song was used in anyway with the movie. However, after watching the movie, that particular song sticks in my head, more than the main songs that the movie used.

Usually, we are watching children's movies because we have 3 younger children; but since they were at another activity, we decided this was as good as time as any, to watch this PG-13 flick. I think the intent was to make a movie that had Christian, biblical, messages in it; and yet still make a good movie, that would appeal, even to "non-believers". Although I don't know much about acting or cinematography, in my opinion, they did pretty well on all accounts. At the very least, I enjoyed it, and believe it or not, even as a pastor, it is hard for a movie, that I think is going to be Christian based, to impress me. Usually, even I can tell when a movie is poorly done, or is overly dramatic; or just cheesy. Many "Christian" movies are just that; but I don't think this one is.

I highly recommend this movie to teenagers and to adults; and especially for parents and teens to watch and discuss together. Or, even for youth pastors and their teens (along with parents if possible) to view it and discuss it. There are many great discussion points to this movie. For me, it is a good movie, not because it was just enjoyable to watch; but because it does offer an opportunity for evaluation, personally, for parent, for teens, and for churches. It touches on many important, but difficult themes: cutting, drug use, bullying, pastor's kids' rebellion, legalism, suicide, drinking, swearing and sex (including teen pregnancy and discussion of abortion and adoption). How is that for an all-inclusive movie?

The story line centers around Jake, whose best friend from his growing up years, committed suicide. Jake is left to deal with the effects of that tragedy, along with other difficult choices of his own. The main choice he has to make, that serves as a foundation for all his other choices, is about the direction of his life and what is going to be most important in life. And along with that, how does God fit into all of this?

One thing I really appreciated about how the movie dealt with these very sensitive issues, was that it was tastefully done, and not in an exploitative way at all, in my opinion. You could tell they just had sex, but you don't actually see the act. You know the boy just shot himself, but you don't see the actually effects, physically. Instead, you see other's response to it. Even the cutting is shown tastefully, in my humble opinion. So, you get the effect of the sinful things that are going on, without actually having to view them in any graphic detail.

So, in conclusion: Rent the movie. We got it from the library, and I'm pretty sure it is in some Red Box units as well. Watch it, but don't forget to discuss it; and think about how God might want to use you in the life of someone else. This is not one of those movies that I forget as soon as it is over. I will be thinking about it, in reference to my life, for quite some time.

MARCH FAMILY MADNESS

This time of year brings all kinds of fun, including an annual, family tradition (even though this is just the 2nd year, I can still call it a tradition, right?)! So, at the dinner table Monday night, I announce it is time for our fun family tradition; and my daughter's first response was: "do I have to"? Not exactly the enthusiastic response I was expecting. But I pressed on, living in the fantasy world that 20 years from now, my children would include this activity as one of their favorite family memories and traditions!

So, after we are done eating, we sit at the table, filling out our brackets: that is, brackets for the NCAA Men's basketball tournament, affectionately known as "March Madness". We came up with a point system and the only way to get my family interested, was to have prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! We settled on dinner out with mom and/or dad for 1st; lunch for 2nd; and desert for 3rd. One of my daughters, our desert fanatic, asked if she could have the 3rd place prize even if she won 1st.

As for the science of the picking, I should have the advantage. I have played basketball all my life. I have watched basketball all my life. I pay attention to the teams, their records, their injury status, their momentum, their history, their seed, and everything else that should make a difference. What is the science that the rest of my family relies on for their picks? Important things like:I'm picking them because of their color; I like their team name; I like the state they play in; their mascot is cute; I'm just going to close my eyes and pick one; and other scientific data like this is used.

Of course, what usually happens? I don't normally do well with my picks; and in last year's family challenge, I think I finished 5th out of 7. But, this year is going to be different...please, let it be different. Don't let the mascot pickers win again!

So, here's to a month of madness and family fun. I can't see why they won't have fun.
Qne of my opening comments to my family was this helpful instruction:
"You are going to have fun whether you like it or not"!

NO TASTE, LESS FILLING

My apologies to those of you too young to recognize the play on words in my title, from an old beer commercial. And now, my apologies to those who are offended by my use of a beer commercial for my blog entry title. Actually, I take that last apology back...my blog, my title choice. So there, to all 3 of you who read my blog!

About a month ago, my son got sick, and eventually, once his sickness was almost gone, we found out he had whooping cough. My wife and daughter got sick as well, but mainly with cold symptoms that have not progressed. I finally got the bug, whatever it is, although I am very thankful it has not yet developed into a bad cough.

However, with my present cold, which hit me hard at the beginning of this week, left me without many taste buds. I figured it out when I ate my favorite burger and couldn't taste it. I think I take the sense of taste for granted. I am learning and growing, in the midst of a cold!
So, for 2 days, I didn't eat anything except 2 oranges, drinking water and taking pills. Stuff is coming up and things are coming out, so hopefully we are looking at the end of it. We will see.

But, I figured something else out. The most effective diet plan I have ever been on in my life is this one: sickness. Nothing tastes good and I don't want to make it worse; so I don't eat much. That is the less filling part! My wife asked me if I was going to do what I did last time I got sick. I entered an exercise program and lost 45 pounds all together in 3 months. I told her that I had no plan on doing that again (that program almost killed me - that's another story!).
My one and only diet plan, for now, is the one I'm on: No Taste, Less Filling sickness plan.

I can't wait to eat again...and to taste my food!
Here is hoping you are enjoying every bite, of whatever you are eating, today.
Because tomorrow, you might have no choice but to enter my weight lose program!