Movie review-Evan Almighty

Had the chance last night to check out the new Steve Carrell movie "Evan Almighty" with the teens. I have to say it was great. I knew it had a little bit more of a religious spin on it that "Bruce Almighty" but I had no idea it would be an hour and a half full of teachable moments.

Plot wise it is a little slow and sort of predictable, but honestly I was looking for teachable moments this time around. Needless to say I was not disappointed. There is so much material that can be used for discussion about faith in this movie. I personally found that there were several moments where you just have to say "wow"-one in particular for me came in a conversation with Evan and God where Evan makes a comment about "his plans" and God just laughs. I have often wondered how God views it when we talk about "our plans" and I sort of picture it happening this way. That was just one moment, there are several others that you can use.

Family wise I think you are okay with this one, the kids will find the animal humor funny and I only counted one swear word, but there are a couple of references to human/animal anatomy...use your discretion though.

All in all I have to recommend this movie. I think it is worth seeing on the big screen. So here's the final breakdown...it is a bit predictable and is not a blockbuster by any means, but the teachable moments and faith conversation that will come after it make it a winner for me. Grade A+

Movie Review-Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

I'm not going to to lie. I liked it. Again though, I am a comic book junkie who grew up reading Marvel. While the FF have never been my favorite super family I felt like they did a good job with the treatment of the storyline of the books. It sticks to the "dysfunctionality" of the team just like the original comics . It also brings the enigmatic character of the surfer to life which of course is a key part of the FF story lines. I will have to admit though, I was disspointed to see Galactus brought to life as nothing more than a big cloud. Of course we also saw the return of Dr Doom since you can't have a good FF storyline without the Latverian villain.

With all that said, here is what I think. It was definitely better than the first, not as bad as Daredevil, and just a bit better than Ghost Rider. The storyline was decent and although it is a bit campy at times, remember it is a movie about comic book characters. It's not an award winner by any means and truth be told Jessica Alba doesn't look good with a blond wig and blue contacts (okay so she still looks good but it just doesn't work for her). All in all though, not too bad. Grade B-

Thoughts?

What a ride...

Lord,
Help me to have this same passion, this same fervor, this same desire to pass on the legacy of a life dedicated to following you. Thank you for the example that Mike set for all of us in youth ministry, may we all catch the same type of vision of reaching people. Help us Lord!

weight loss battle 2007-25 weeks in

Not much to report this week. I am back down 3 lbs putting me at 339, but my body fat percentage is up which is frustrating. I am still having problems being motivated enough to go to the gym and I am tired all the time. I am trying to switch up my diet some for more energy as well. So I guess its good that I am down three, but I still have a long way to go. Oh well, I'll get there eventually!

A Little Leisure Reading...

One thing that I have enjoyed about being done with my masters is the ability to read something just for the fun if it without having to worry about reporting on it or trying to decide whether I understand it or not. With that in mind I have been knocking off novels left and right. Here are my thoughts on two that I have just finished.

The first book is "Kingdom Come" by LaHaye and Jenkins and is the final book in the Left Behind Series. I have been a big fan of the series and have always dropped whatever I was reading to read the newest book. The only books I have not read yet are the prequels and the teen series. Since I loved the series, I eagerly grabbed a copy of this book as soon as it came out. I'll have to admit, I was a little bit disappointed. It is a good read, but seems a little anti-climactic. There just wasn't as much plot as I would have liked to have to have seen. I felt that the authors were stretching a bit to describe the millennial kingdom (no one knows really what it will be like) and although they were using scripture they obviously had to use some imagination which I felt took away from the book. Without spoiling any of the plot the book basically brings all of the favorite characters back together during the millennium and deals with how they handle reaching those born post-tribulation and the opposition that comes from those who follow Lucifer who will be released one last time at the end of the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth. It is a decent read, but I would have stopped with the "Glorious Appearing." Grade C-The second book "Transformers" by Alan Dean Foster. This is the official novel based on the upcoming movie. Of course in anticipation of the movie I HAD to read this book. The book is almost always better than the movie so I was really excited to read this book. I have to admit though, I am hoping the Hollywood special effects of the movie make it more exciting than the book. I honestly was a bit disappointed and now my excitment for the movie has dropped somewhat. There were a couple good action sequences in the book, but other than that, it just didn't carry it for me. The whole book builds up to one final climax (as it should) but a really good book will keep you through the whole thing. More frustrating to me was the fact that Optimus Prime and Megatron don't appear until later in the novel. All in all I hope the movie is better. Grade D

Kid jump

final camp video for fun...let it be known, no junior high students were harmed in the filming of this video...as much as we would have liked to harm them sometimes...enjoy!

camp slide-2007

We hit a waterpark in the middle of the week as a "getaway" for the group...on a dare the students asked me to go down the freefall slide, which always winds up in a big splash and the wedgie from hades...for your laughing pleasure...enjoy!

camp Baywatch-2

This was the follow up to our camp baywatch video. The first was such a big "hit" that we decided to do this follow up at camp. Watch out Hasselhoff, Pam Anderson-be on the lookout, PMatt's coming to the shore!

Camp baywatch-1

This was a promo that we did for camp just as an add on to our "top 10 reasons to come to camp." It was just to have fun and get a laugh at my expense

weight loss battle 2007-? weeks in

Well its been awhile since I have posted a blog about my weight loss and unfortunately the report this time is not good. I have no excuses other than the fact that I have been lazy and now I am back up to my starting weight this year of 342. This is beyond frustrating for me, but it is my own fault. The human side of me wants to grab a bag of chips and eat the whole thing and just say screw it all...but I can't do that, so it is back to trying to get into the gym at least three times a week and watching what I eat better. Hopefully I'll have good news to report next week.

The battle continues...

Better than I deserve...

"Better than I deserve" is a phrase I have gotten used to hearing on an almost daily basis as I listen to the "Dave Ramsey Show." If you aren't familiar with Dave Ramsey, I would encourage you to become familiar with him, as his ministry has been life changing for Megan and I.

In January we started "Financial Peace University" which is a 13 week study on personal finance that is offered through his ministry. I cannot tell you how much this program changed our life. The whole premise of the program is to help you begin to better understand your personal finances, live by a budget, and get out of debt as quickly as possible. Megan and I since January have paid off almost three thousand dollars in debt, have built up a "baby emergency fund" (no not that kind of baby yet) of 1000 in savings and should be debt free by December of next year...all because we began to live by a cash budget system.

I don't know where you stand financially, but I can tell you that this class and this ministry is a blessing! If you want more information, check out www.daveramsey.com and see what is offered. You can also check out the principles of good living in his book "The Total Money Makeover". Check it out, I promise you won't regret it.

Thoughts?

Oh the joys of being a camp director...

Well there are good things and bad things about being a camp director.
THE BAD:

• dealing with angry parents who have homesick kids
• dealing with noise complaints
• paying for broken things
• camp food
• lack of sleep
• being the first to arrive for set up
• being the last to leave due to a broken down van for one of the groups

THE GOOD

• kids having fun
• stories being told
• original pranks I wish I would have thought of
• lives being forever changed

Don't know about you, but I'll take the bad since the good outweighs it any time. Camp was good, I felt it was a good week and all seemed to have a great week. GOD IS GOOD!

Laughing baby

sorry for the silence, I am at camp this week...and I am the director so life is crazy but fun. Since I can't write a whole lot here is something to keep you entertained and brighten your day. I'll post more later!

Final Idol rant...

Well it is over again until January-whatever will I do? I'll survive trust me! Here are my thoughts about the finale...
I would have rather seen Blake win but obviously Jordin was the better singer...I have still been blown away though by Blake's beat boxing and I am still a little bitter than Sundance didn't make the final cut, but life goes on. By the way does anyone no if the Scott Krippayne that wrote "This is my now" is the Scott Krippayne of Christian music? Just curious.
The performances last night were great, I enjoyed the mix and match of old and new with the guys/Smokey and girls/Gladys, but could have done without Gwen Stefani again. I found myself fast forwarding through most of the performances that I didn't like and it was kind of cool to see BeBe and CeCe together again and finally know who Melinda sang back up for...btw I still think she should have won! I also could have done without the Beatles montage. Has anyone ever been to the Idols live tour? Is that kind of stuff what they do during the concert? Finally of course it was cool to see Taylor sing again-I know most people don't like him, but I just think he's kind of old school Doobie brothers and I like it!
Overall, not bad...pretty good, could have been better if they would have cut out some of the fluff. You know I wonder how much the people they make fun of get paid if anything? It was cool to see some of the memorable ones "win" prizes last night, but nothing beat last years performance with the Clay Aiken wannabe that was "surprised" when Clay (with really bad hair) joined him on stage.
Well Idol is over so I guess I'll have to find something else to rant about...like cancelled shows that left me hanging-but that's for another blog!
Thoughts?

Movie review-Shrek the Third

So before I write this, I have to preface the post with the understanding that the Shrek character will always be close to my heart. I am going to like the character and the movies, no matter how many they put out. There are two reasons really-the first being that one of my first dates with Megan was going to see the original Shrek at the drive in theater. I also like the character because he is a lovable big guy with self-esteem issues and I can relate to him-granted I am not a big green ogre, but I can still relate.

So with that said, let me say that I did enjoy this movie. I thought it was better than the second one, but not as good as the first. Again we see Shrek setting off on another adventure that will cause him to come to a better understanding of who he is and how he fits into the world in which he lives. All of the movies have carried this similar theme and I like them for youth ministry because we all have students who are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit into the world. There are several teachable moments in this film as in the other two.

As it relates to kid friendly, I would be a little hesitant to take my younger kids to see it. Obviously it is laced with several "adult" jokes that we are meant to get, and there is also a reference to "where babies come from" that could result in an unwanted discussion with your yung'ins if you take them. Of course there is the potty humor which even though I am not a junior high boy I still find humorous that is good for a few laughs as well. With that said, use your discretion.

Overall it was a good movie. My fear is if they don't stop while they are ahead they will lose out. I am not sure where else they could go with it. There is no reason to bring back Farqwaad-they did that with Shrek 4d (also available as Shrek 3d on DVD) at Universal so that has been done. I think a trilogy is a good way to end the story, but we'll see.

For me I would say this is a matinee viewing unless you are a hardcore Shrek fan-which in that case you most likely have already seen the movie. It could also score as a rental, but I am just a fan of seeing movies on the big screen.

Well that's my thoughts about it...anyone else?

U2 3D movie preview/trailer

Here's another one that will be aweseom to see-on the big screen nonetheless. I am sure it won't be quite as good as seeing them live, but a close second I am sure!

again-I will be there opening night!

So I've said this a couple of times already, but I will definitely be there opening night for this one. You have to understand not only does this look awesome, but this is the culmination of my childhood come to life-I was a Transformers junkie, and still have most of my transformers toys! Take a look at this-anyone else planning on seeing it?

Almost weekly Idol rant-5/16

Okay, if there was ever a week I am going to rant, this is it! What happened tonight was an injustice as far as I am concerned. I know it is the final three, they are all good and one had to go home. I know they will all three get recording contracts and all will be good, but still there is no reason Blake should have won over Melinda. She should be in the finals. Oh well I guess you can't win them all though. I'll have to admit, I am not a huge fan of R & B music or female African American performers, but I loved Melinda's sass and if she releases an album full of the type of songs she did last night I will buy the album the day it comes out. Well Melinda, you may not have won AI, but you won my vote! Great job.

As it relates to who is going to win it now-I know it will most likely be Jordin, which I guess is okay, but she is not my pick.

Okay-done ranting...thoughts?

Happy Birthday Paige!

This post is in honor of my niece who turns two today-Malea...have fun with the terrible twos!

she really just wanted the bear...

nothing but trouble...

I've taught her well...

How could you say no to a grin like this?


Happy Birthday Paige...Uncle Matt and Aunt Megan love you!!!

Movie Review-Spideman 3

I am going to try not to spoil the plot in case you haven't seen it, but I cannot make any guarantees so be forewarned...

Okay so here are my thoughts on the new Spiderman movie. If nothing else, it is a big screen must see because I just don't think it will carry the same weight on the small screen. With that said, let me put out my opinion. I LOVED IT! There have been all kinds of reviews out there some good some bad, but I have to say as a movie itself it was great for a comic book junkie like me. So let me break it down by category for you-I know I am a geek...

The movie-As a movie, it was a little slower than I would have liked, but I can appreciate that for two reasons. The first is the character development-there seemed to be a lot of it with the rise of characters such as Eddie Brock/Venom and the Sandman. It was also good to see the continuing tension between Peter/MJ/Harry that is common in the comic book. All in all a great story with some of my favorite characters from the Marvel universe. The second reason is the message with the movie with teachable moments which I will share about later.

The characters-I was thrilled that they were going to bring the Eddie Brock/Venom character into the movie. I thought they handled the character of Venom very well, but I would have passed on Topher Grace as Eddie Brock. He just didn't sell it for me, but hey I am no Hollywood, evidently he is eye candy and works for them. I was also impressed the the Flint Marko/Sandman character. While this has never been one of my favorite Spiderman villains (s0rry Mr. Lee) I thought Thomas Hayden Church played the character well and I can appreciate the hero confusion that he feels throughout the movie. As for The Harry Osborne/New Goblin storyline I liked the story, but I really wish they would have stuck with bringing him back as Goblin 2 and not "new Goblin." Honestly the costume and glider were lame as far as I was concerned.

The comic-I can't really say whether the movie was true to the comic or not as I am more of an X-Men junkie than a Spider-fan but what I do know about the Marvel Universe tells me that there was some liberty from the comic book storyline. Truth be told, you have to do that most of the time to make the movies great and you'll always hack off some comic book nerd somewhere (a-la me when Transformers comes out I am sure) and you have to do what you have to do. Good story whether it was true to the comic or not.

The message-I would say that this movie definitely has some teachable moments for youth pastors with their teens. Some may disagree with me about this, but I think it would be a good trip with your teens. Most of them will see it anyway, why not make a night of it with discussion afterwards. I do not want to say much for fear of spoiling the plot, but the movie does a great job of pointing out that we have choices to make and those choices effect us daily. And there is at least one great quote a la "With great power..." There are definitely some moments that you can use to strike up some spiritual discussions.

Family friendly-I am going to have to say no on this one if you have younger kids. Even if your seven year old is running around in his Spiderman Underoos (do they even still make those?) flinging yarn like it is a web I would say don't take the younger ones to see it as it might still be a little scary for them. Venom can be a little spooky and the darkness is heavy sometimes. Plus there are a couple of "gotcha" moments that will catch you if you aren't careful. Older kids maybe, but use your discretion.

Well that does it for me...thoughts? I give it 3 stars since it could have been better, but all in all it is a big screener for me, not a rental. Go pay your money and give it a view!