FSU vs Houston was a disaster BUT the Marching Chiefs were great and the stadium chili cheese dog and roasted peanuts were delicious. Sad game, but we did have fun. Happy New Year to everyone! Praying for a great 2016!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Christmas 2015
Another great Christmas was had at the Friday home this year. As empty nesters, it has been refreshing to have the house filled with the pitter patter of young adults milling about till the wee hours of the morning talking, watching TV, and playing video games. They keep us up at night, but who cares? There's no greater sound than the chatter and laughter of siblings having a ball. The best Christmas present this mama could want! Thank you, Lord, for all our many blessings! More to come in 2016!
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Movie Review - the Intern
Robert DeNiro plays against-type in this wonderful comedy about a senior citizen intern succeeding in the world of e-commerce. With a full career of business under his belt and plenty of energy to boot, DeNiro (Ben) finds himself bored with the retired life. A lonely widower's existence doesn't help matters much, nor do the untoward advances from women his age (Linda Lavin in several funny scenes).
On a whim, Ben steps out of his comfort zone and applies for an internship with "About the Fit," an up and coming, online fashion company. DeNiro is delightfully funny during the interview process, where old school charm buts up against brash, Gen X bluntness.
Surprisingly, despite his age, Ben's chivalry and polished demeanor help him land the job working for none other than the company's founder and CEO, Anne Hathaway (Jules Ostin). Hathaway shines in this role, as she does in all of her films. She is more than believable as a young, corporate innovator who can balance stellar customer service with an increased bottom line that has kept her investors happy since the company's inception. Internet hits are up, as are sales, her employees are loyal, motivated, and hard working in a fast-paced environment, and the future only promises greater things. The only problem is that success is coming too fast, which raises a question regarding her experience in managing a burgeoning global company.
Can this smart, attractive, fire-ball of a young woman take her fledging company to the next level? Jules certainly thinks so, but her investors are doubtful. And so, against her better judgement, she agrees to conduct a search for an outside CEO to ensure the corporate ship stays afloat.
On a whim, Ben steps out of his comfort zone and applies for an internship with "About the Fit," an up and coming, online fashion company. DeNiro is delightfully funny during the interview process, where old school charm buts up against brash, Gen X bluntness.
Surprisingly, despite his age, Ben's chivalry and polished demeanor help him land the job working for none other than the company's founder and CEO, Anne Hathaway (Jules Ostin). Hathaway shines in this role, as she does in all of her films. She is more than believable as a young, corporate innovator who can balance stellar customer service with an increased bottom line that has kept her investors happy since the company's inception. Internet hits are up, as are sales, her employees are loyal, motivated, and hard working in a fast-paced environment, and the future only promises greater things. The only problem is that success is coming too fast, which raises a question regarding her experience in managing a burgeoning global company.
Can this smart, attractive, fire-ball of a young woman take her fledging company to the next level? Jules certainly thinks so, but her investors are doubtful. And so, against her better judgement, she agrees to conduct a search for an outside CEO to ensure the corporate ship stays afloat.
From afar, Ben watches all of this unfold, marveling at the talent and boldness of this young, whip-smart entrepreneur. At first, Jules is put off by his perceptive eye and fatherly watchfulness, but he soon reveals himself to be more than a former phone-book salesman, insistent on wearing a suit and tie to work and carrying an old, leather briefcase filled with paper, pens, and paperclips. He has the wisdom and insight of a seasoned executive and a keen, instinctive eye for where trouble may be lurking, all of which Jules desperately needs.
After several precarious circumstances, Ben proves to be more than just a loyal intern. Jules learns to trust him implicitly, eventually letting him into her home to meet her stay-at-home husband and adorable little girl and then into her heart. He becomes her chauffer, business adviser, partner, confidant, and best friend.
After several precarious circumstances, Ben proves to be more than just a loyal intern. Jules learns to trust him implicitly, eventually letting him into her home to meet her stay-at-home husband and adorable little girl and then into her heart. He becomes her chauffer, business adviser, partner, confidant, and best friend.
While Jules and Ben's relationship is be no means romantic, it is stronger and more intimate that many romances told in Hollywood tales. Nancy Meyers, the screenwriter and director, reveals her tremendous talent as a top-notch storyteller by developing a beautiful, soul tie between these two very different people from two very different generations, proving that people are still people, regardless of age, gender, or the era in which they live. As she often does in her movies, Meyers tosses in just the right amount of humor to add the levity needed to keep the story moving along at a nice pace. Be prepared for funny scenes with several younger, nerdier interns who eventually look to Ben as the man to emulate, despite the great disparity in age. Also, the beautiful Renee Russo delivers as a sensual corporate masseuse who falls for Ben's gentlemanly manner. A little too R rated for me in some scenes, but funny, nevertheless.
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
The film does a great job of showing the conflict women have in balancing high-pressure, high-profile corporate positions with the pull of family obligations. While Jules' husband is supportive of her busy schedule, the strain on their relationship eventually takes a toll, and adultery enters the mix. Ben discovers the truth and struggles over how to tell Jules, but as it turns out, she has known for some time and has kept her emotions to herself. In a great scene on a hotel room bed, Jules and Ben's relationship reaches the pinnacle of intimacy when she unburdens her heart and tells Ben her sad, sordid tale. Hathaway is great in this scene, displaying her anger over her husband's infidelities as well as her love for him and her desire to "fix" the problem; she firmly believes that finding an outside CEO is just what the doctor ordered to restore what has been lost. But Ben thinks otherwise. As the loving parent, confidant, and friend, he encourages her to stick to her guns and hang on to her company, that it is her creation, and that an unfaithful husband is no reason to give up on one's dreams. He encourages her to continue to believe that she can have it all: company, career, family, and even a renewed love from a repentant spouse.
Forgiveness is a theme that carries through to the end of the film, which is unexpected in a Hollywood comedy. Jules agrees to give her marriage another chance but on the terms they had agreed upon years ago. She will still continue to work hard, put in long hours, and run the company she founded, living out the dream in her heart while husband holds down the fort at home. While life will certainly not be perfect, it is their life, and they will get through it together.
This is a great story of how an older, wiser, yet nonjudgmental friend helps someone from the next generation manage a significant bump on life's pathway. Like Jules, many of us could benefit from having that older, preferably Godly, mentor in our lives to help us see things that we may be blind to.
The Intern is truly wonderful film that surprises on so many levels. It is unique, timely, and appeals to young and old alike. Definitely one for the personal movie library!
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Merry Christmas from the Fridays, 2015!
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving!
I am so thankful that our nation takes a day to honor and thank God for all of His many blessings. Even though this country has its issues and all of us may be struggling with life, we can thank the Lord for family, health, prosperity, favor, love, friendships, and all of His many blessings! He is so good!!
Monday, November 23, 2015
Movie Review - War Room
The Kendrick
brothers’ latest project is a box office triumph for the Christian film
industry, where story, acting, and picture quality measure up to the best of
Hollywood standards.
Known for Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous, Alex and Stephen Kendricks have delivered a true, spiritual Christian story in War Room that delivers on many levels: humor, emotion, great storytelling, quirky characters, good acting, and beautiful sets and lighting that show great improvement in their filmmaking abilities. This movie is aimed more toward the true believer, particularly those who are used to fiery preaching from their local pulpits, complete with finger-pointing toward the devil to leave God’s people alone. There were a few such moments in the film that made me squirm, not because I was uncomfortable with the scene, but because I could visualize the scowls coming from some of my denominational friends and family. I may be wrong, but I don’t believe this movie will go over well with the uber religious crowd. But I believe that probably suits the Kendrick brothers just fine!
Starring acting unknowns, Priscilla Shirer (the well known Bible study teacher) and TC Stallings, the story centers around Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, an idyllic, successful married couple, complete with gorgeous dream home, two great jobs and a lovely daughter, Danielle (Alena Pitts). And yet all is not perfect. Tony is a workaholic, Elizabeth is dipping into the family savings account to help an unsavory family member, and Danielle struggles to maneuver the minefield of her parents’ dissension. Her passion for competitive double dutch (jump rope) seems pointless to Tony, and he doesn’t refrain from letting the criticisms fly. While Elizabeth tries her best to mend the hurts, the damage is telling. Immediately, the viewer senses that, unless changes are made, this family is headed for divorce.
The tide begins to turn when Miss Clara (played by Karen Abercrombie) comes into Elizabeth’s life. Miss Clara is a brash but loveable, older widow who hires Elizabeth’s real estate firm to sell her family home. At their first meeting, Elizabeth is intrigued, and perhaps a bit envious, with the wonderful memorabilia that fills the house. Miss Clara takes her on a tour of every room, describing memories of husband, children, and faith in God, all evidence of a life fully lived. But there is one room that is more special than the others: an empty closet in the upstairs bedroom with a lone wooden chair and the walls covered in written prayers. This room is what Miss Clara calls her “war room,” a place where she prays fervently for hours on end for her family and friends.
Miss Clara challenges Elizabeth to create her own war room for the purpose of praying for Tony and her marriage. At first Elizabeth scoffs, but as problems with her husband escalate, she decides to give it a try. This is where the Kendricks’ tasteful humor comes into play. Smelly feet, morning breath, snacking on potato chips while trying to pray, all provide a bit of levity to the story as Elizabeth struggles with the idea of pouring her heart out to God. Eventually, all clothes and accessories are removed from the master bedroom closet, and Elizabeth gets to the heavy duty of praying for her family. In an especially powerful scene, she heads outside and points her finger to the sky, declaring to the enemy forces that the battle is on. Priscilla Shirer is a real stand out in my opinion, and I hope we see her in more films.
Known for Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous, Alex and Stephen Kendricks have delivered a true, spiritual Christian story in War Room that delivers on many levels: humor, emotion, great storytelling, quirky characters, good acting, and beautiful sets and lighting that show great improvement in their filmmaking abilities. This movie is aimed more toward the true believer, particularly those who are used to fiery preaching from their local pulpits, complete with finger-pointing toward the devil to leave God’s people alone. There were a few such moments in the film that made me squirm, not because I was uncomfortable with the scene, but because I could visualize the scowls coming from some of my denominational friends and family. I may be wrong, but I don’t believe this movie will go over well with the uber religious crowd. But I believe that probably suits the Kendrick brothers just fine!
Starring acting unknowns, Priscilla Shirer (the well known Bible study teacher) and TC Stallings, the story centers around Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, an idyllic, successful married couple, complete with gorgeous dream home, two great jobs and a lovely daughter, Danielle (Alena Pitts). And yet all is not perfect. Tony is a workaholic, Elizabeth is dipping into the family savings account to help an unsavory family member, and Danielle struggles to maneuver the minefield of her parents’ dissension. Her passion for competitive double dutch (jump rope) seems pointless to Tony, and he doesn’t refrain from letting the criticisms fly. While Elizabeth tries her best to mend the hurts, the damage is telling. Immediately, the viewer senses that, unless changes are made, this family is headed for divorce.
The tide begins to turn when Miss Clara (played by Karen Abercrombie) comes into Elizabeth’s life. Miss Clara is a brash but loveable, older widow who hires Elizabeth’s real estate firm to sell her family home. At their first meeting, Elizabeth is intrigued, and perhaps a bit envious, with the wonderful memorabilia that fills the house. Miss Clara takes her on a tour of every room, describing memories of husband, children, and faith in God, all evidence of a life fully lived. But there is one room that is more special than the others: an empty closet in the upstairs bedroom with a lone wooden chair and the walls covered in written prayers. This room is what Miss Clara calls her “war room,” a place where she prays fervently for hours on end for her family and friends.
Miss Clara challenges Elizabeth to create her own war room for the purpose of praying for Tony and her marriage. At first Elizabeth scoffs, but as problems with her husband escalate, she decides to give it a try. This is where the Kendricks’ tasteful humor comes into play. Smelly feet, morning breath, snacking on potato chips while trying to pray, all provide a bit of levity to the story as Elizabeth struggles with the idea of pouring her heart out to God. Eventually, all clothes and accessories are removed from the master bedroom closet, and Elizabeth gets to the heavy duty of praying for her family. In an especially powerful scene, she heads outside and points her finger to the sky, declaring to the enemy forces that the battle is on. Priscilla Shirer is a real stand out in my opinion, and I hope we see her in more films.
*** SPOILER
ALERT***
As Elizabeth
prays in her newly constructed war room, Tony enjoys the perks that come with
life as a high profile pharmaceutical rep. High accolades from his boss (played
by Alex Kendrick) and cushy relationships with clients have tested his
integrity and revealed his flawed character. It seems he has been pilfering
drug samples for financial gain, and even toys with having an adulterous affair
with a colleague. Temptation is about to claim its victory, when suddenly a
bout of nausea overcomes him, hastening his return home. Little does he know,
but at that moment, Elizabeth had been waging a war of prayer, pleading with
the Lord to strengthen her husband.
Just when life seems to be on an uptick, the Johnsons’ world comes crashing down. Tony’s boss discovers the stolen drug samples and demands an explanation. Tony confesses to the crime and offers his resignation, fully expecting criminal charges to follow. But in an act of compassion, his boss declines to prosecute, believing that Tony is a changed man. Unbeknownst to Tony, the prayers have done their job, breaking his prideful spirit so that he can become the man God intended him to be. He finds Elizabeth’s war room and marvels at the written prayers covering the walls, all concerning him and his walk with the Lord. To Elizabeth’s surprise, the prayers have done a work on her as well, making her more gentle, forgiving, and loving toward her man. The evolution from hostile, marital dissension to a mended romance was very well done.
More wonderful scenes with Miss Clara are peppered throughout the movie, giving the viewer a true insight of the nature of a powerful prayer warrior who expects AND receives miraculous results. It was a conviction and encouragement to me to never give up or quit, to keep praying for the desires of my heart, and then to keep on praying. And then perhaps pray some more!
Watching War Room was like having a good dose of church, but more powerful and persuasive than most bricks and mortar church I have attended. It is a great movie-going experience that should not be missed by any Christian who wants to see changes in Hollywood. It is still in theaters as of this writing, so get out to your local theater and support this fantastic film!
Just when life seems to be on an uptick, the Johnsons’ world comes crashing down. Tony’s boss discovers the stolen drug samples and demands an explanation. Tony confesses to the crime and offers his resignation, fully expecting criminal charges to follow. But in an act of compassion, his boss declines to prosecute, believing that Tony is a changed man. Unbeknownst to Tony, the prayers have done their job, breaking his prideful spirit so that he can become the man God intended him to be. He finds Elizabeth’s war room and marvels at the written prayers covering the walls, all concerning him and his walk with the Lord. To Elizabeth’s surprise, the prayers have done a work on her as well, making her more gentle, forgiving, and loving toward her man. The evolution from hostile, marital dissension to a mended romance was very well done.
More wonderful scenes with Miss Clara are peppered throughout the movie, giving the viewer a true insight of the nature of a powerful prayer warrior who expects AND receives miraculous results. It was a conviction and encouragement to me to never give up or quit, to keep praying for the desires of my heart, and then to keep on praying. And then perhaps pray some more!
Watching War Room was like having a good dose of church, but more powerful and persuasive than most bricks and mortar church I have attended. It is a great movie-going experience that should not be missed by any Christian who wants to see changes in Hollywood. It is still in theaters as of this writing, so get out to your local theater and support this fantastic film!
Sunday, November 15, 2015
UGA Women's Rugby 2015
Bill and I watched Anna play two rugby games, back-to-back with no break over the weekend, and she did great! She wasn't winded in the least, which speaks highly of her conditioning workouts!
The team consists of a great group of girls and a wonderful, encouraging coach who pushes just hard enough for Anna to WANT more from the game. Her motivation is admirable and will serve her well in other life endeavors. We are so proud of our daughter!
A beautiful day with blue skies and perfect temperatures. Bill and I have so much fun seeing our kids compete, particularly at the collegiate level. Really is exciting. Go Dawgs!
Saturday, November 7, 2015
A House Divided - UK vs UGA
Today we had two of our children's schools go head to head on the collegiate football field - in Athens, the UGA bulldogs hosted the UK wildcats. Georgia won, but Kentucky did get some points on the board. Even though I would've liked to have seen more points, I was glad Mark Richt got a victory - he needed it. I know Rachel forgives me! She was busy celebrating Cameron's birthday, so I think she was oblivious to her team's loss.
Sadly, FSU didn't prevail against Clemson in Death Valley, BUT...the Tarheels did beat Duke, which always makes me happy!
Athens is such a great college town; we palled around with Alex and Anna and ate some great food, gorged on ice cream, and then took a long, night walk through campus. Just beautiful! We saw the Richard B Russell Special Library where Anna works and the new Terry buildings where Alex spends much of his time. All is good! Go Dawgs!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)