beorhouse Reviews

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007 TV Movie)

Get Ready To Shed Tears... If You are Human

[10/10 · 17 November 2017]

I've seen every film about the plight of the American Indian. I am not of the opinion that any Indian was innocent of being human--and therefore faulty and in need of personal communion with the Great Spirit. Real Christ Worshipers show the way to Life, always have, and always shall. It is indeed unfortunate that there have never been that many, but bright lights need few luminary companions. So, to the film. This is most likely the best piece of literary and historical film ever made to show the utter complexities of the American Indian/Caucasian tragedy which, sadly, continues today though not on the scale that it did in the 19th century or even in the 1970s on the tail-end of the Civil Rights Movement. But a subjugated people--in this case, subjugated peoples--eventually learn who is in power, right? Look, we are all human, we are all greedy to some degree or another, and we will all slander or even kill to get what we think we need, and in more and more cases even what we want outside of needs. But it doesn't have to be that way. Jesus and his transforming power is the answer. Wait--the crucified son of a carpenter of one of twelve tribes decimated and nearly extinct by the time he was born? That just makes no sense. Well, of course it doesn't, which gives credence to the idea that it just might be the truth. You take the most unknown people on the planet-- the Hebrews or Jews--and you bring forth the Savior of the World through them, thus showing that any tribe and nation is eligible for salvation. There's not a more brilliant plan than that. Weave in the lying so-called "Christians" of the good ol' U.S. of A. and the vengeful American Indians of many tribes across this huge continent, and you have quite a story. That's what this film is. It's all about looking at what actually happened in the late 1800s and before, and then forgiving the perpetrators--on both sides. Questions which surface for this film? How much identification should any person have with his tribe and family? How much land does a conquering people actually need? How can true Christians actually show their Christ to those who don't understand? How far do we take the commandment of Jesus to love one another, and lay our lives down for them? Should I actually conquer, or should I, like many of the Scotch- Irish settlers (Protestants who supported William of Orange, thus 'Hill Billys') in the Appalachians, happily intermarry and create a new ethnic group? See this film with an open mind, and an open heart.

Bone Tomahawk (2015)

Great Horror Western, If Bloody

[8/10 · 15 November 2017]

When I saw Sid Haig, I nearly didn't watch, and was glad his character was killed in the first few minutes. This one is brutal, folks, so be prepared for serious carnage. If I didn't know Eli Roth didn't direct this film, I'd take it for granted that he did. Still, it's a Western, and the 19th century jargon really makes it.

Sweet, Sweet Lonely Girl (2016)

Lay Not Up For Yourselves Treasures Upon Earth...

[7/10 · 11 November 2017]

There are some good themes here, and the photography is well done, the acting is the same. But it's as if the director tried to do a montage of 1970s Horror films with the J.S. Le Fanu 'Carmilla' theme riding high in the plot. Lots of tying up was necessary--and absent--to make this a good film, but as it stands, I can give it a 7 only because of its powerful message. I watched the entire piece, and was intrigued throughout, but the resolution is non- existent, and that is always disappointing in a Ghost Story. My take- away is the Bible verse that is stressed in the story: 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.' Throughout the film the character Adele is deceptive with her sweetness and easily swayed by others to do very wrong things, one of which results in the death of her Aunt Dora. Money is stolen, time is stolen, expensive jewelry is stolen and sold, and even lesbianism and heterosexual fornication are given in to by Adele because she has been raised deprived of most things in life and has not had anyone to guide her otherwise. I'd like to see this story done again by a different director. It is unique to Horror films--very much so. Not the same old tired plot of college kids getting lost and murdered in the woods or the grieving or otherwise dysfunctional young married couple driving out to the old house in the wilderness they have just purchased to try and make a new go of things. You've not seen this story before, which is a real plus. But, still you will likely be disappointed notwithstanding. It needed more careful planning, and, again, a tying up of a load of dissonant parts, all of which were good in and of themselves, but none of them creating the necessary gestalt for a great Ghost or Gothic film.

The Dark Side of Porn (2005–2006)

Dark Side?

[1/10 · 10 November 2017]

I went into this hoping for a real indictment of the so-called "industry" but instead got multiple vivid scenes that are almost impossible to view. Porn has no bright side to begin with. It's all dark. And you know, wouldn't you almost expect the men behind the cameras and the producers to be he-men tough guys--you know, Mafia-like? One and all they are geeks of the stupidest kind. I could hold three of them down on the floor with my little finger. But then again, they might like that, so never mind. Only watch this if you can actually handle viewing uncensored hardcore porn. I can't.

The Forest (I) (2016)

Thriller, Not Horror

[4/10 · 9 November 2017]

This is a Thriller, not a Horror film. There are Horror elements, and a few jump scares, but overall its the story of a psychotic killer and his pick-up lines. It's best not to waste your time on this one unless you like Thrillers, and not even taut ones at that. You've seen this story a hundred times, believe me.

Dark Skies (2013)

Stereotypical 'Merican Family & Plot

[1/10 · 8 November 2017]

Yet another piece of schlock about UFOs terrorizing humans. Yes, there are extra-dimensional creatures alright. We generally refer to them as demons. They do not live on other planets, and they do not fly around in spaceships. They do, however, abduct humans who are not protected by guardian angels. Think I sound crazy? Talk to a UFO fanatic.

The Fantasticks (2000)

A New Kind Of Villain For The Oldest Human Story

[9/10 · 7 November 2017]

A wonderfully cast and colorful film about the wickedness of the world and how, if we are not careful, we can lose not our innocence, which none of us has anyway, but our purity--our holiness. The villain who steps into the lives of the four peaceful people on the plain is at first hard to discern. Is he evil? Is he neutral and only having fun at the expense of the unaware? Or, could it be? Maybe he is actually something like a guardian angel who saves the young couple from ruin by allowing them to see the world from the safety of the stage--as actors playing parts instead of actual victims of real-life thieves, prostitutes, drug dealers, and--in the girl's case--psychic vampires. This one really sets well with me. It is unique--nothing else like it that I am aware of. I'd definitely see it again, and again, and maybe even again.

The Light Between Oceans (2016)

Far & Beyond A Mere Chick Flick

[10/10 · 5 November 2017]

From the ultra-close face shots very reminiscent of those of Carl Dreyer's 'The Passion of Joan of Arc' to the tender chemistry between the two main characters to the fantastic acting of the 4-year-old version of the orphan, this film deserves the highest rating that can be given. This is, in a way, a chick flick, but in a far deeper way it is a study of right and wrong and how a seemingly innocent decision, designed to alleviate a destructive psychic pain, can set into motion events which spiral out of control and involve many more people than were originally considered. Too, if you love stories set during the Great War, or stories about lighthouses, this one was filmed with you in mind. The limits of true love and marital commitment are put to the test with seeming betrayal and unfounded suspicions--and on a broader scale we see the Christ willing to die in the place of His spouse Humanity after He has been wrongly condemned by her suspicious mind which did not grasp His love for her to the letter of his marriage vow-- which promised her 'better, or worse, 'til death do us part'.

Blue Like Jazz (2012)

The Book?

[8/10 · 5 November 2017]

I know there is a book. I own it, but haven't read it. But it is rarely fair to hold a film adaptation up to its original book. First of all, this film was directed by none other than Steve Taylor--one of the foremost Christian apophatic thinkers alive today, and always seemingly in a war with fundamentalist cataphatic theologians much as was Symeon the New Theologian during his era. Secondly, with all of the schlock film that appears which carries the label "Christian," this film, in my estimation, is the first to not be afraid to show the world as it really is, college as it really is, and the Liberal world of the Pacific Northwest as it really is. The acting is excellent, the humor and wit are funny and well-placed (and paced), and if you look closely, these are seasoned semi-famous stars, not Christian college thespian wannabe's. If you like the post-postmodern viewpoint, and hated Saved! on one end and God's Not Dead 1,2, and 3 on the other, then this film was made for you.

Silent House (2011)

'Vengeance Is Mine. I Will Repay,' Says The Girl.

[8/10 · 1 November 2017]

This one kept me guessing. What I thought was going to be a straightforward Gothic slow-burn ghost story took me by surprise, and shows the severity of damage which results from a certain widespread form of abuse. The shots are genuinely spooky, the acting is quite good, the storyline is pertinent to societal concerns, and the pacing is classically brooding--all in all making this one worth the watch. This is a remake of 'La Casa Muda', a Spanish language film.

The Glass Castle (2017)

When A Film Makes You Cry...

[9/10 · 30 October 2017]

This film describes what so many Americans go through in their lives. America is not the utopia much of the world has been led to believe it is. But even if the plot had not been based on a real family, if the dialogue had not been written by a genius, if the supporting actors had been mediocre, and if the cinematography had been banal--and none of those things apply--how do you miss with Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts playing dad and mom to four beautiful, bright children? Themes explored? Self-hatred, male emasculation, alcoholism, extreme poverty (the family sometimes goes a half week without any food), backwater depression and hopelessness, and wonderful and expansive dreams with no substance. This is really a must-see film for all Americans, and is an instant classic. One glaring problem: Southern accents are all over the board, sometimes not sounding Southern at all.

The Book of Henry (2017)

Worth Your Time If You Like Childhood Drama

[8/10 · 24 October 2017]

Naomi Watts kills it again, as always, by being so realistic--such a great character actor. The performances by the three children are also excellent. The story is cute, and even important, and unusual, but could have been told a bit better, I think. All in all, this is one to set next to Stand By Me, The Book Thief, Radio Flyer, and Little Boy.

The Book Thief (2013)

Sophie Nélisse!

[10/10 · 24 October 2017]

Sophie Nélisse carries this film like a boss with a great supporting cast. If you like films about the European Theater during WWII, then this one will really surprise you with its focus on the world of the typical German of that time period and how he or she understood what Hitler and his regime was doing. This is a great film to place beside THE HIDING PLACE and LITTLE BOY, though the former is not of the Childhood Drama genre. I rarely give a film 10 out of 10, but if one deserves it, this one does. The photography, the acting, the dialogue-- everything, really--makes this one an instant classic. The world's new sweetheart? Sophie Nélisse, of course!

Presence of Mind (1999)

Tightest Turn of the Screw

[9/10 · 22 October 2017]

I have seen all of the film adaptations of the book Turn of the Screw by Henry James, and this one is by far the best visually as well as psychologically. The addition of the sexual abuse of the governess herself at the hands of her own father pulls the plot together nicely by explaining her confusion and angst and fight, if not severe enough in the end, to protect the children in her charge and to take authority over the unclean pedophile spirits that infest the mansion. Bottom line? She is struggling with pedophilia herself, and this is made evident by her interactions with the prepubescent boy in her charge--her eye contact, her physical proximity, her lack of discretion at night when she is dressed only in her chemise and he is nude. He is not a small boy, but near his teenage years--and she is only in her early twenties. The housekeeper in this version pretends to be against the pedophilia that has been occurring at the house, but she makes it obvious that she has really enjoyed the whole thing, even if, as she says, it was fear that kept her from stopping it. Caveat: this film has full frontal nudity in one scene where we are invited to explore the voluptuous body of the governess while viewing her cigar burns and jagged scars made, we assume, by whips, knives, and other damaging instruments. Starring Harvey Keitel as the uncle and Lauren Bacall as the housekeeper.

Fragile (2005)

Love Kiss

[7/10 · 21 October 2017]

I could have done without the overly dramatic defenestration of the kindly orderly. A simple spelling block to the temple would have been sufficient. Also, the entire premise is fundamentally flawed for the reason that the living humans have no idea what to do about the unclean spirit who used to be a nurse at the hospital. For 'hospital horror' films, and I have seen quite a number of them, this one isn't bad--if you can get past Flockhart's hysterics. I've seen this one twice, but had no idea that was the case until about three-fourths of the way through it the second time, which says quite a bit for the film. I rarely will watch any movie more than once--there are exceptions though, such as A Christmas STORY and COLD COMFORT FARM. In any case, step into this one with some caution if scary things scare you, because there are quite a few scary things here--including a good amount of body horror--blood, broken bones, surgery scenes, and the freaky psychotic nurse-monster. Oh, and we all need love kisses every now and again. Yes, I had to wipe my eyes a few times, but I'm an old softy when it comes to faith and hope and love.

Backtrack (I) (2015)

This One Will Take You Back

[8/10 · 20 October 2017]

Consummate actor Adrien Brody treats us yet again to a brilliant performance as a troubled psychiatrist suffering from selective amnesia. Everything he plays in is 75% better because he's there--and that honor generally only goes to Johnny Depp and Anthony Hopkins. This ghost story has a few twists, and the CGI helps tell the story instead of overpowers it. The first part of the film is quite a bit better than the last 45 minutes, but I like ghost stories without additional detective work and sequences which include revenge--even if it is ghostly. To me, BACKTRACK Part 2 should be about the psychiatrist's father and how he plans to pay his victims back--or just explain it all to God--or maybe both. In this film I would have liked to see the old man break down and confess instead of getting chewed up by a passenger train. All in all, this one's worth your time if you like spooky stories. I could have done without the jump scares, though.

The Wicker Tree (2011)

How Uneducated Can You Get?

[1/10 · 20 October 2017]

The original Wicker Man is well-loved by many Christians because there is a beautiful martyrdom of one of our own--and that's the whole point of our walk with Jesus, to take up our own crosses and follow him. Fast forward a few decades and we see the stupidity of the same director as he attempts to present Christianity as some dumbfuck American product in opposition to the religion of a superior Celtic people as represented by the snobbish and petty lords and ladies of Lothain Park, Scotland. First, the Christianity represented by the "Cowboys For Christ" may be typical of much of the Protestant world in the Deep South, but has nothing to do with actual Christianity. And, whoever wrote the cowboy's script for the bar scene didn't know the difference between Catholicism and Protestantism. No Baptist or other Protestant in his right mind would ever refer to Mary as "the Queen of Heaven." That statement would be considered idolatrous. So, that's as far as I got. Apparently the director is trying to make Christians at large look like buffoons. Instead, he's made himself out to be an ignoramus. If I could have given this film a Zero rating, I would have. Schlock at its finest.

Blackwood (2014)

Don't Waste Your Time

[1/10 · 19 October 2017]

What promises to be a ghost story turns out to be a tired murder mystery peopled with a mentally handicapped war veteran, an evolution-teaching psycho, a rapist, and an emotionally wounded nine year old. This one's not worth your time. Unless you like made-for-TV movie schlock.

Lord of Tears (2013)

Genuinely Frightening Cautionary Tale

[9/10 · 19 October 2017]

This one's not for the weak of heart, so be careful if jump scares and elongated terror scenes disturb you. The acting is quite good but not great, which is why it gets a 9 instead of a 10. The Horror we're seeing today (2017) has really hit its genre stride. This one goes on the shelf right next to The Blackcoat's Daughter, An American Ghost Story, A Ghost Story, House of Good and Evil, and The Presence. This film successfully incorporates a Canaanite god (the film says Semitic but overwhelming evidence would point to it being Nephilimic), human sacrifice, an old haunted mansion, a family deeply involved in black magic, utter selfishness to the point of willingness to commit cold- blooded murder, and stunning Scottish scenery. The Blackcoat's Daughter or House of Good and Evil this one isn't, but rarely do films reach those levels of genius--even if it is mostly the actors themselves who carry the plot. Brilliantly, the god mentioned above--being Moloch--is given a voice, and what he says is exactly what demons have been reported to say for many millennia. There are prophetic dreams here as well--something we all should pay careful attention to in our own lives. Or perhaps suffer the consequences.

House of Good and Evil (2013)

Rae Olivier Is Amazing

[10/10 · 18 October 2017]

I'm not sure what other reviewers are watching, or what they're hopped up on, but this was really a great Psychological Horror film that breaks out of the norm except for "the couple buys and old house" trope. Rae Olivier is one of the most amazing actors I have had the pleasure of watching. Her facial expressions are so demonstrative, and even when she plays angry she is still cute as a button. I could have done without the few CGI effects the director used for dream sequences, but they don't ruin the film by any stretch. This kind of film is really the future of the Horror genre, and I know because not only do I watch most Horror films--or at least the ones that pass the 5 minute test--I write Horror. I'll admit that this one really had me guessing right up to the end, and the acting--even by support characters such as the real estate agent and the sheriff's deputy--was well done. I could have done without the fellatio scene under the covers, but now that I know how the movie ends, that one scene provides some serious creepiness to the whole storyline.

Stonehearst Asylum (2014)

Omnia Vincit Amor?

[7/10 · 14 October 2017]

How do you go wrong with Kate Beckinsale, Michael Caine, and Ben Kingsley all on the same billing? We all have favorite films that each of these has starred in. There are other famous names as well. That aside, who knew that electroshock therapy was invented by a madman? Nice social commentary there, to say the least. (My mother was a victim of EST in the 1950s--for "hysteria," of course, which is nothing more than PTSD for rape victims.) In any case, there are a few twists and turns in the storyline, the acting is, as might be guessed, superb, and the setting is suitably Gothic. There are also no rape or even sex scenes, but there are suggestions. And the only curse word I heard was 'fek.' Violence is up there on the scale. All in all, this isn't for children or the innocent of mind. There is entertainment with social value, and the typical over-the-top-to-ludicrous plot (remember Crimson Peak?) is happily absent.

Echoes of War (2015)

Raunchy Like the Rest These Days

[1/10 · 13 October 2017]

There ought to be a law. Seriously. This is raunchy trash, for those of you who like that kind of garbage. If you decide to watch, be prepared to be repulsed. Question: why do producers keep throwing their money at directors and their poorly written and scripted films that won't make any money in any venue? Avoid this one, folks. There are far better ones out there.

Black Robe (1991)

Not For the Weak of Heart

[7/10 · 12 October 2017]

For a film about Christian missionaries, this one verges on Horror. Not for the weak of heart--or stomach. One glaring mistake was a veneration of St. Joan of Arc. This film was set in the early 17th century. St. Joan wasn't canonized (through the efforts of Therese of Lisieux later sainted herself, among others) until 1920. There are some theological problems, but they have nothing to do with the film itself and everything to do with the way Roman Catholics chose to present the good news of eternal life and how they chose to describe the afterlife--or their lack of description based on ignorance. Too, when you are baptizing someone who is dying, wouldn't you want to speak their own language, especially if you are fluent in it, instead of Latin--which isn't even your native language? And why are you whipping your back with a rough pine branch until it bleeds after lusting for that Algonquin girl when a simple 'I'm sorry, Jesus. Please give me the strength to fight temptation and to remember that I am celibate by choice so I won't be weighed down by earthly matters' would be far more effective? All in all, this film stands the test of time, and I only give it a 7 rating because of the Joan of Arc mistake and because of the unnecessary rambunctious copulation scenes.

The Hunger Games (2012)

Humanism At Its Finest

[2/10 · 11 October 2017]

I give all four films a high rating of 2 because of the excellent acting--especially by Woody Harrelson, the relaxed genius--and the top grade cinematography. I would have given them a much higher rating had our Creator been invoked (or even mentioned), but who am I fooling, right? Our society today gives little attention to the One In Charge, why would a dystopian society be any better? After all, it is a dystopia. Dysfunctional. No wonder why. So, it all ends, and there sits Katniss with her second baby, dressed very much like a Christian country woman from the 1950s with her pastel print dress. The writer and director wants the results of Christianity without Jesus the King. Interesting. In that way, though, the film perfectly reflects our own digimodern society. And didn't you love the Hillary Clinton/President Alma Coin comparison? I certainly did. Same haircut, same witchiness, same hunger for power.

Calvary (2014)

Stereotypical Non-IRA Irish Film... Except--

[10/10 · 10 October 2017]

This is one of the most Christian films I have ever seen. The deepest questions about God and life in this fallen world are explored and often answered, but maybe the most important message of this work of art is the stress on forgiveness of others. When we forgive others of their failings, no matter how heinous, we release ourselves from the fear that we carried--the hatred--concerning them. The priest is brave, full of faith, and even heroic. He also understands that he has failings--he brings a loaded gun to the place where he is to meet the man who has threatened his life. When he gets there, though, and is facing the man, he overcomes his fear and never produces the weapon. Instead, until his death he implores the man to change and give his life to God and to the love of God. Some of the characters are quite rough around the edges, so this one isn't recommended for those who can't handle the reality of the way people typically live or even respond to priests, especially in an environment where Christianity is once again looked upon as being weird, mercenary, and/or unnecessary.