Review - Downton Abbey!

 Several years ago, the power of Netflix brought this obscure British drama to the forefront of the American viewing public. I remember a long, boring summer trolling the drama section for something clean to watch (quite a challenge then, and more so today). Downton Abbey kept circling through the list, enticing me with its cover photo of a grand English house filled with stuffy aristocrats and their nosey servants. It looked somewhat soap-operish to me, and besides, I never have been a huge Elizabeth McGovern fan, so I initially resisted the urge to delve into hours of viewing. But, eventually I gave in and watched the entire first season in one sitting! I was hooked, and it didn’t take long for several of my family members to be hooked as well. Over time, the word spread, and now the award-winning Downton Abbey is all the rage, even rivaling the Super Bowl for obligatory Sunday night viewing in many American homes (but not this one!)

So what is the appeal? Besides the grand estate set in the early 1900s England and the pomp and tradition accompanying the aristocratic English life, there must be something more to this British serial that is able to entice many American viewers away from the plethora of entertainment choices available today. Certainly it isn’t the boring Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) or his wife, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), or their snarky daughters, Ladies Mary (Michelle Dockery), Edith (Laura Carmichael) and Sybil. And it can’t be due to the Dowager Countess Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith) and her feisty bantering with Cousin Isobel Crawley, as funny as it may be. And let’s not forget about the servants who, at many times, are more intriguing than their masters. First, there is the stodgy Mr. Carson (the butler) and the gentle but firm Mrs. Hughes (the housekeeper), the zany Mrs. Patmore and her sidekick Daisy (the cooks), Thomas, the rebellious and tormented under-butler/footman/valet, and then Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) (lady’s maid and chief valet, respectively) who battle one obstacle after another to consummate their romance. And there are more. In fact, the cast of characters is too numerous to count, and yet, not a one of them are interesting enough on their own to cause one to watch. So again, what is the appeal?

Some attribute it to the writing by the highly touted Julian Fellows, who won an Oscar for best original screenplay for Gosford Park. He certainly has an eye for historical detail and has used it in a marvelous way to give us commoners a glimpse behind the veil that separates 20^th century English royalty from the rest of the world. Who hasn’t visited one of those glorious palaces and castles in Europe and wondered what life would’ve been like to be master of such a domain? Having lived in London for five years, I can say that the allure never dies. There are many of us who long to know what everyday life must be like for someone like the Queen of England, who was born into power, prestige, and wealth that includes a cadre of servants at one’s beck and call. While the Downton Abbey estate is not Buckingham Palace, it is about as close as most of us will get to sneaking that peek into a world that only a privileged few experience.

With any great TV serial, the allure is the characters. Downton Abbey can best be described as a wonderful ensemble piece where its enormous cast, with their quirks and idiosyncrasies, provide a rich tapestry of interactions in a sequestered, ornate world that has long since passed away. Doesn’t sound like great entertainment, but it is. The stilted, robotic life of the Granthams and their staff intrigues us; it is truly a surreal cosmos, where the house itself is a business that employs its hirelings for life, requiring strange and unsettling tasks, like putting on and taking off clothes, styling hair, brushing dust off suit lapels, shining shoes, serving food, and a number of other mundane tasks that most humans forego or do own their own. But in 1900s aristocratic England, the notion of taking care of oneself is unthinkable, and so this world seems right and appropriate to its inhabitants, from the master down to the lowliest servant.

With the intrigue comes the surprise and delight when we see the humor and pain of life afflict these stoic people who do their best to keep a stiff upper lip. Their joy and suffering are a reminder that all people are the same, regardless of their power and influence or the size of their bank account. Wars, politics, sickness, death, rape, murder, and adultery confirm the truth that  the same problems we endure today are the challenges that any 20^th century aristocrat faced during his or her time on earth. Despite the opulent décor, fine clothes and jewels, and gourmet fare, life for a lost Grantham is just as empty and vapid as any other lost soul who doesn’t have two nickels to rub together. Without God, all of this extravagance is just a vanity of vanities, void and without meaning.  This is a good reminder to us living in a time where people are clamoring for get-rich-quick opportunities and easy lottery wins. As the Bible says, the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil.

For those of you out there who haven’t been introduced to Downton Abbey and its broad cast of wonderful characters, carve out a long weekend and get caught up on what all of America has been talking about. It is good quality entertainment that will introduce you to a world that educates, enlightens, and thoroughly entertains!

Make American Great Again!

Well, I just returned home from my very first ever political rally and it was awesome! My feet are killing me from standing so long, but I was thrilled to be a part of this movement in America that is promoting a nonestablishment, noncareer politican, nonsuper pac funded, independently successful businessman, Donald J Trump, for president.

I saw all sorts of people there and none of them looked crazy or delusional. (Saw my sistas from NC, Diamond and Silk!) There were business people in suits, middle class housewives with friends, lots of young people, older people, blue collar types, hippies, some African American, Indian, Asian American, etc from all socioeconomic groups. All passionate about taking our country back and making it great again.

I have had some tell me, "America has never been great." But I wholehearedly disagree. I've been all over the world and lived in Europe for 5 years and this USofA is the greatest country on earth. The people are wonderful, with good hearts, but unfortunately our leaders are horrible and it's time for that to change.

I'm proud to Stump4Trump baby!

God bless America! Get out and vote! ☺

Tarheel Born, Tarheel Bred!

Bill and I had a great time visiting out alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill! One of the most gorgeous college campuses anywhere, and I've seen quite a few! We were so looking forward to seeing the Heels stomp Duke at the Dean Dome, but sadly we lost by one point! :// Very painful, but undoubtedly one of the most exciting games I've ever seen! 

A long walk through campus the next day brought back so many fond memories. Even stopped in Wilson library but didn't venture into the stacks where I spent countless hours studying. A great morning topped off with an excellent lunch at my favorite, Spanky's on Franklin Street. 

SIGH...I declare that I will have a grandchild attend this school one day and keep the family tradition going. I luv my Dawgs, the Noles, and UK Cats, but my blood still runs Carolina blue! 

Go Heels! Beat Dook!

Little Boy

“Yes, I believe that I can do this!” is the mantra of this endearing film about the power of a childlike faith to move insurmountable obstacles. 

More fantasy than drama, Little Boy reveals how hatred, prejudice, hard-heartedness, and the gloomiest of outcomes can be overcome by a true, dogged belief. The film is wonderfully directed by Alejandro Monteverde and executive produced by husband and wife team, Roma Downy and Mark Burnett, who have brought a number of Christian stories to television and the big screen, most notably the TV drama, AD the Bible. 

Jakob Salvati stars as the adorable eight-year-old  Pepper Busbee who is devastated that his beloved father, James (Michael Rapaport), has been shipped off to fight the Japanese during WWII, leaving his mother, Emma (Emily Watson), and 4F-ed brother, London (David Henrie), at home to man the family business. Because he has been taught to have faith for any and everything, Pepper firmly believes that his father will return home alive, even after receiving news that he is missing in action and presumably dead.

Pepper’s pint size has earned him the nickname “Little Boy,” but what he lacks in stature is more than made up in his giant-sized determination to believe his father back from the war. Encouraged by a local magician, Ben-Eagle, and his eerie magic act, Pepper concludes that he can extend his fingers into the sky, grunt like a woman giving birth, and will his faith into any situation.

But as Pepper learns, the will of God does not operate like a supernatural magic act. When his father fails to return home, Pepper consults his local priest, Father Oliver (a great performance by Tom Robinson), who gives him some good lessons on raw, Christian faith. While Father Oliver acknowledges the Bible’s promise that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, he tempers this spiritual lesson with a requirement that Pepper work on his hardened heart; before a miracle can be expected, Pepper must first display the love of God by giving to others. In particular, Father Oliver charges him to show kindness to a local Japanese man, Hashimoto (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), who is the brunt of ruthless persecution from the embittered town folk. As the sting of death is felt throughout the community, hatred for the Japanese has reached a boiling point, resembling the evils from the lynch mobs that roamed the South during segregation. Pepper has learned first hand from his brother how to loath these foreign people for taking his daddy away. Anger, course language, and murderous violence threaten to rip what is left of his family apart and poison his very soul.

Reluctantly, Pepper obeys Father Oliver’s plan and performs a rash of good deeds for Hishimoto, slowly befriending the old man. Even though he is chastised by London and his friends and practically labeled a traitor, Pepper cannot risk not doing everything he can to bring his father home. In retaliation, the local bullies step up their harassment, but in an unexpected moment,  Hishimoto comes to Pepper’s rescue, proving that true friendship transcends race and ethnicity. In a Karate Kid/Mr. Miyagi moment, Hishimoto teaches Pepper how to see himself as a powerful warrior despite his small size. Essentially, where Pepper’s father has taught him unadulterated faith, Hashimoto teaches Pepper how to take that faith and wield it like a sword.

Pepper’s belief is put to the test when London publically challenges him to literally move a lone, tall mountain that looms in the California skyline.  True to form, Pepper extends his hands toward the mountain, grunts like a madman, and miraculously the ground begins to tremble as an earthquake shakes the town. The public is divided in their opinion as to whether Pepper’s faith was to blame, but he needs no convincing; Pepper believes beyond a shadow of a doubt that his wiggling fingers and guttural machinations rocked that mountain to its core. Even when Hishimoto expresses his doubts, Pepper will not be swayed. Giving his faith one last chance, he stretches his fingers toward Japan, gives a long, deep growl and wills the war to end so that his father can come home.

While Pepper labors for hours, Father Oliver and Hishimoto share a nice scene over a game of cards, expressing the opposite views of faith that so many of us have heard: one (Father Oliver) admiring the boy’s tenacity in spite of doubting the outcome, and the other (Hishimoto) finding such blind faith dangerous and destructive.

****SPOILER ALERT ****

What happens next has left many reviewers disgruntled with this film. Just as Pepper had prayed, the war with Japan does end with the world’s introduction to the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, coincidentally named “Little Boy.” In no way do the filmmakers attempt to insinuate that Pepper was praying for the destruction of thousands of Japanese people, but the local townsfolk give him the credit all the same, which is admittedly a little bothersome to the viewer.

At first Pepper is thrilled that his father will be returning home, but then the reality of what has actually transpired sinks in; this destructive force has unleashed Japan’s wrath against American prisoners of war that will more than likely prevent any of them from returning home alive. Pepper laments that his efforts have worked against him by sealing his father’s fate.

After Hishimoto narrowly survives a brutal attack  from a local thug, Pepper uses his faith to pray for his healing. Miraculously, his prayer is answered, but then sadly, while Pepper holds vigil at Hishimoto’s bedside, Emma receives the news that her husband has died in an air raid on a Japanese prison camp. Pepper’s devastation at learning of his father’s death pierces the heart, not because of the grief over losing a much loved parent, but because of the grief over losing hope in one’s faith. His wailing and tears were more than I could bear.

As expected, Pepper sinks into a depression, spurning his faith as silly and useless, but ironically, it has done a work on Hishimoto’s heart. In a very tender moment, Hishimoto expresses his admiration for the boy’s vigilance, recognizing that his innocent faith is what saved his life.

Pepper accepts his father’s death and moves on with life, but then in a wonderful twist of fate, the unimaginable happens! The family learns that through a mistaken identity, James Busbee was severely wounded but is still very much alive. Even London cannot help but acknowledge that Pepper’s faith has brought their father home to them. A bittersweet yet touching conclusion to a very moving story!

I love how this film shows how hope always prevails, even in the most dire of circumstances. Faith as small as a mustard seed germinated in the soil of this little boy’s heart so that at the right and appropriate season, a miracle happened; it didn’t occur in Pepper’s timing or in the way he had planned, but it happened all the same. What a great lesson to us all!

Truly, a wonderful film for the whole family. Available now on Netflix.

STUMP 4 TRUMP Baby!

I have always liked Donald Trump, even though I haven't always liked his behavior or his hair!

Years ago, in the early 90s, I read his book, The Art of the Deal. I don't really remember what it said, exactly, but I do remember being impressed with his ability to grab hold of the American Dream and become an enormous success. Even though he may act crazy and be crude and rude at times, he speaks his mind and doesn't back down, and I have always admired him for that. He also has excellent standards and expects that of others. His buildings and hotels, etc are beautifully appointed and even some of the clothing that bears his name  (we own a Trump tie purchased at Marshalls years ago) are gorgeous and well constructed.

I'm proud to say I Stump 4 Trump, baby! I am in love with these ladies, Diamond & Silk, from NC (my home state), who have become Internet sensations because of their no nonsense, straight talk regarding the lies, manipulation and corruption in our government, the establishment, media, and amongst career politicians. They have their finger on the pulse of the silent majority who are sick and tired of all the subterfuge. This country needs Donald Trump and we need him now!

"How can an intelligent person such as yourself like someone like Donald Trump?" some have asked, attacking me on social media (they are now blocked LOL). My answer: "How can I not?" We need a tough, successful, no-holds-barred bully who won't back down and will get the job done. America and the church have been duped by the Bushes, Clintons, and Obamas for far too long. 

We need a proven leader who will bring real changes. Yes, he's flawed, and yes, he isn't perfect (but who is?), but he's who we need for such a time as this!

Back in 2012, I told my family and friends that Donald Trump would make a great president. They laughed and rolled their eyes. I guess the timing wasn't right then. We needed 4 more years of Obama and his horribleness to wake up before it's too late. 

Wake up America! Wake up Church! Vote for Trump!

Snow in Georgia!

Gorgeous! But very wet and sticky! Hubby and I are hunkered down with a hot cup of coffee and our Bibles, enjoying this glorious morning!

Woodlawn

Woodlawn sets a new standard for the faith-based film in that its story, acting, directing, cinematography, and music (kudos to my friend, Paul Mills) are up to par with the best of Hollywood films. For that reason, it was garnered great reviews from secular critics who don’t mind giving a positive spin on well-crafted tales that happen to preach the Gospel.

Set in the 1970s deep South with racial tensions and high school football as its backdrop, the canvas for Woodlawn is perfectly drawn for both the Christian and secular audience to revel in the emotions that come from a story where good versus evil and perseverance in the face of opposition reign supreme. The Erwin Brothers (Jon and Andrew) of October Baby fame have truly outdone themselves by delivering an exquisite film that moves, entertains, and beautifully delivers the message of the love of Jesus Christ. All other Christian filmmakers are now on notice that the bar has just been raised!

The time is 1970s Birmingham, Alabama, where Tandy Gerelds (played by Nic Bishop), a hard-driven football coach for Woodlawn High, experiences every coach’s dream of having a future NFL star on his roster. The problem is, the player is African American, and the white majority are vehemently opposed to newly integrated black athletes filling starting positions. Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille) is the player in question, a sweet, Christian boy from a God-fearing family who eventually becomes a hall of fame running back for the Miami Dolphins. But as this story tells, the road to success is not smoothly paved, even when Paul “Bear” Bryant (Jon Voight) shows up at his door with an offer to play at the University of Alabama.

A comment on Nic Bishop—as a southerner with a keen ear for a fake, southern accent, I must confess that he duped me on his flawless twang! I had no idea I was watching a well-known British/Australian actor who many may recognize from his stint on Covert Affairs. His performance is excellent and helps give the film the Hollywood quality that some other Christian films lack. And his slight resemblance to Russell Crowe certainly helps! I predict he is on his way to the A list.

As integration takes hold on the local community, Gerelds finds that the clash of two worlds under the banner of high school football presents some very difficult issues: the spirit of hate fills the halls of the school, fights are an everyday occurrence, and the negative sentiments of the white townsfolk are reflected in veiled threats. But the greatest obstacle is that the white players refuse to play with their African American teammates, a problem for any coach whose career is dependent on a winning season.  

The answer to Gerelds’ problem comes in the person of Hank Erwin (Sean Astin), a self-professed “sports chaplain” with a limp and a cane and a mysterious past that makes him more prophet than preacher. After several failed attempts to speak to the team, Erwin eventually wears Gerelds down and gets his shot. With a humble demeanor, he delivers the message of the Gospel in a resounding cascade of emotional speech that escalates in power, until he takes on the persona of a commander calling his soldiers to the battle line to save their beloved homeland from destruction; morality, peace, tranquility, love, and communal serenity are at risk of being forever annihilated if these young men don’t rise to the occasion and accept a different way of life. Jesus is presented as the alternative to prejudice and hate, and miraculously, the message is accepted by an overwhelming majority of the players. In a humorous moment, Gerelds and his assistant coach are left with their mouths agape, wondering what just happened.

Gerelds soon realizes that a spiritual transformation has taken place, manifested by changed attitudes that have united the team. The phenomena is so palpable that Gerelds finds he doesn’t want to be deprived of what his players have experienced. In another powerful moment, he stands before a congregation of mostly African American believers and professes his faith in God, requesting to be baptized. Like the scene where Erwin delivers the Gospel message, the spiritual elements in this film are presented very well, with no over-the-top dialogue or cringe-worthy acting which could make nonbelievers squirm. All references to Jesus, God, and church throughout the movie appear to be natural to the story and flow nicely with the ebbs and flows of the plotlines.

Castille does a great job of displaying the pressure history has placed on Tony Nathan’s young shoulders. His dream of playing college football for Alabama is fraught with the wounds that all pioneers bear when new trails are being blazed. He is able to manage the taunts from evil whites and the accusations of betrayal from the black community, but when the danger threatens his family, he reconsiders his decision. Bricks thrown through windows bring a fresh douse of fear that only the support from his father, Bear Bryant, and Gerelds can assuage. In a tender locker room scene, Nathan’s frustrations are released in a highly emotional moment where Gerelds comforts him more as father than coach; the love they have for each other goes beyond skin color and straight into the soul. Drawing on this support, as well as his faith, Nathan summons the courage to risk it all and give football everything he has.

The movie eventually builds to the real-life match-up in 1974 between Woodlawn and two time defending state champions, Banks High, referred to as the biggest game in Alabama high school football history. A record 42,000 fans congregated at Birmingham’s Legion Field to see Nathan play against the best quarterback in the state, Jeff Rutledge. The spiritual changes that started with Coach Gerelds and his Woodlawn football team had resonated in the hearts of this Alabama community, so that for one night, people could forget their differences and come together, play football, and cheer their team on to victory without regard to anything other than the rules of the game.

Woodlawn is a great film that has encouraged the faith of so many Christians. Its success at the box-office is proof that today’s movie-going audience needs more films like this!