Rock Symphonies-David Garret

David Garret fuses two popular genres into one in his newest album.  Taking Classical music from Vivaldi and putting twist of rock onto it.  Or on the other side taking a alternate rock song- [Smells Like Teen Spirit] and putting some classical down-spin on it.    So David Garret's -Rock Symphonies- is interesting as well as unique.

You can listen to his work on Spotify or on iTunes. 

Thor: Movie or Comic?

 Thor starts out re-telling the story behind the Norse gods and their battle for the Human race against the Frost Giants.    Fast foreword a few years and Thor [Oden's Son] is about to be crowned king, that is until a few Frost Giants break into Odens secret vault in the middle of the Ceremony.   Thor; Young, impulsive, and foolish transports himself and a few friends to the Frost Giants land against his fathers command.     Leading to war and and getting himself stripped of power and banished to Earth.  Until he is worthy to earn back his Hammer and Power.

OK when you watch the movie you'll immediately think of a comic book, with a story and characters as unbelievable as the powers they posses.  The visual effects are cool but slightly fake looking. 

As far as questionable content goes, the one problem was that it seemed like they were trying to draw a parallel between the true God and the gods of the Norse.   [Thor coming to earth, sacrificing himself, ect.]     Now this may have been unintentional but it was there nonetheless.

Other content is not to bad,  Thor[Chris Hemsworth] and Jane[Natalie Portman] kiss once and there are a few profanity's scatted throughout. Thor is also shirtless in one scene.
Violence:  Thor and his friends fight and kill a whole army of Frost Giants.  Thor punches and kicks security guards and medical staff.  The last fight is between Thor and his brother and that includes kicks, punches and throwing each other against the floors and walls. 

So I'm giving the cool but rather cheesy THOR 2 stars.   So on the whole?  Eh-Probably not worth The Second Take. 

Great Christmas movies.

Here is a quick synopsis of a few good holiday movies:

-"Its a Wonderful Life"- Jimmy Stewart     A classic around our house, the story of man who is stuck in a small town.  And when he gets in money trouble in his business, needs his guardian Angel to show him that he really has "A Wonderful Life"

-The Shop Around the Corner"- Jimmy Stewart     A movie that's underlining humor will make you smile, follows two young people who are co-workers and don't get along very well.  Both are writing the most wonderful person they've ever met.  Just they haven't really met them face to face yet...  Or have they?

-"The Christmas Carol"- Alistair Sims      A old man who cares for nothing for people but is only interested in his work and Money needs a change of heart.  And the spirit of his dead business partner comes to save him in this Dickens classic. 

Courageous

 -Watch Trailer
The latest film from the Kendrick brothers {creators of Fireproof}-Courageous is a movie that clearly brings a Christian message but keeps it real to life and exciting.

We follow four officers in the Albany, GA police department all in different situations in life, but all trying to serve and protect.   Adam is the main character in the film, husband of one and father of two.  And from the outside they look like a  good family and he looks like a pretty good dad.  But when tragedy strikes his home Adam is forced to examine his heart and look at how "good" of a father he has really been. 

The movie brings a good story line that keeps you interested all through and throws in some good humor that will get you laughing.   They bring in enough action{gunfight and cop chases} to keep things exciting and unpredictable.  The acting is not the best but it's not bad either.  Some of the emotional parts in the film are slightly overdone.

Warnings:  The PG-13 rating is overboard I think, but there is violence throughout, one man is shot,  drugs and one man stealing drugs are shown.

The movie is very enjoyable and the message is very good-  Fathers taking leadership and responsibility of their families.     So I give the film "Courageous"  4 stars. 

Master and Commander-The Far Side of the World

-Watch Trailer
Napoleon is at war with Europe and the HMS "Surprise" is out on the ocean when its attacked be a much larger and more advanced French ship.    The "Surprise" is only saved by escaping into the fog and eluding their enemy.

But the Captain of the English ship, "Lucky" Jack Aubrey isn't content with just escaping.  But with a daring plan and masterful navigation plans to capture the French vessel.  But at an enormous risk to the lives of every soul aboard the "Surprise"

This movie was really enjoyable for me (a guy) because the captain shows fearless determination and leadership.  And the engages between the two ships is both intense and exciting.  The movie at the same time rather long, and at points hard to follow.  The acting however is well done and includes: Russel Crowe(Gladiator), Paul Bettany(Priest), and Billy Boyd(Lord of the Rings).

Warnings:  The battle scenes are pretty bloody and of the men that go under the docters knife are covered in blood. One man commits suicide and there is some foul language scattered throughout.

So I giving the intense  "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World-4 stars