Christmas Films for the Lonely

If you are feeling a bit under the weather or lonely this Christmas (or maybe a LOT), I've picked 4 films that are perfect for your Christmas watching: 

• "The Little Drummer Boy" (1968 - Cartoon TV Movie, Jose Ferrer, Greer Garson - narrator)

• "The Gift of Love" (1978 - Marie Osmond. Timothy Bottoms, James Woods, June Lockhart)

• "Lilies of the Field" (1963 - Sidney Poitier, Lillia Skala - Oscar winning role)

• "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992 - Michael Caine, Kermit the Frog)

"The Little Drummer Boy" is a cartoon version of the traditional Christmas carol, narrated by the wonderful Greer Garson. It's 30 minutes long and shows us that God is most pleased when we give the gift of "ourselves", even if we are so poor we don't have anything to give except a little drum to play on. 

"The Gift of Love " is a re-telling of the classic 'O Henry' short story. It's a sappy and sentimental TV movie and the 18 year old Marie Osmond is a cringingly bad actress, but even that lends to it's delight. And believe me, the stellar supporting cast, including a very young James Woods, as well as Timothy Bottoms, David Wayne, Donald Moffat, June Lockhart etc, more than makes up for anything Marie is lacking. It's theme is that we find our greatest happiness when sacrificing  someTHING we love for someONE we love. It's also got humor, tension and a wonderful song created especially for this film and sung with Marie's crisp, lovely voice. 

"Lilies of the Fields " actually won several Oscars it's such a good movie. Although this film doesn't revolve around Christmas, it is the perfect "Blessings in Disguise" and "God Works in Mysterious Ways" story. A group of refugee, German/Austrian nuns who live in New Mexico pray to get help to build a chapel. That "help" comes  in the form of  a black, baptist, itinerant carpenter (played fantastically by Sidney Poitier). And the battle of wills is on between the "Mother" and "Homer". Funny, witty and so true to life and human nature. 

"The Muppet Christmas Carol"  (1992 - Michael Caine, Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat) is the absolute best version of Charles Dicken's classic story. (Yeah. I know that sounds weird) Told with wit, humor and tons of heart, not to mention an entire load of wonderful songs by Paul Williams. I cannot praise this film more highly. 

Each of these films have not really gotten the attention they deserve, but they are so FULL, especially when it comes to needing H-O-P-E.

What's wonderful about each of these movies is that they leave you with more. More meaning, more understanding and more heart, as you begin to understand that God has a plan for you, even if it's not exactly what you had in mind. A plan that will take you beyond Christmas  and beyond what you could have figured for yourself. 

Not to mention, each film includes a wonderful song (or songs) that you will be singing long after the New Year.

It's been my Christmas Eve Film Tradition for many years to include watching these films; whether I've been alone or with friends and family. But I truly think I get more out of these films during the holidays that I have had difficulties. I've checked and each is available on iTunes right now. 

If you're like me, you may need more than Frosty & Rudolph. And "It's a Wonderful Life" (although a very good film) can be hard to watch if you don't actually have an entire town's worth of friends. And "Who-ville" is good for a visit, but I wouldn't want to live there any longer than 30 minutes each year.

 Right now these movies recommendations are ALL that I have to give to you and so I offer them with with my "best" and prayers that your loneliness, or alone-ness, will not last much past Christmas.

Merry Christmas to everyone reading this. Know that even if we are alone, we are alone ... together. And on a lighter note, these are also very good films just on an entertainment, story telling level. So allow yourself to be swept into the warmth they bring as they help you go "deeper" into what truly matters and lift you just a bit higher than you were.

Jesus loves you and is right where you are. Now. That is my Good News for you and I am deeply grateful it also happens to be ... the Truth.

Merry Christmas!

Love Laura-Lee

P.S. Just watched "The Muppet Christmas Carol" I purchased from iTunes and they had actually removed an entire 5 minute song which is at the crux of "why" Scrooge is so bitter. This is the third time I've purchased a film from iTunes to discover large portions missing. Ripping people off, and at Christmas.  SHAME on you iTunes! 

P.P.S. Reminder, if you feel like some good Christmas music, don't forget to click on the "Christmas Playlist" I've put on my main blog page. Something for everyone and created to lift you higher. L-L

My FIRST How to Video about Closed Captioning (CC) with YouTube

I went on and on about how EVERYONE should put CC (or Closed Captioning) also known as "Subtitles" on their YouTube Videos. It's Easy.

So I got some requests that I make a "How to" video about "How to" Upload and CC at YouTube. Which is just what I did.

(and of course I CC the "How to video of CC")

(CC with CC. Which I believe in the same idea of a video, within a video, within a video = Infinity).

So here is my "how to UPLOAD & add CC with the YouTube CC functions"

Hope you like it. (It's my first time. Be gentle with me and ... leave a comment.)

Love Laura-Lee

National Bible Bee: HIGH LIGHTS in WORD

"but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

~~ JESUS (John 4:14 The Bible NIV)

"Congratulations to all and to God be ALL the glory."

~~ Emeal (E.Z) Zwayne (M.C.- National Bible Bee) 

" We really do love you. [laughter] What?! We do."

" I just made up a new word. Do you want to know what it is?  Yeh-Men!"  

~~Roy Patterson (Moderator-National Bible Bee)

"The biggest prize they walk away with is God's Word in their hearts. And they'll have that forever."  

~~ Hannah Leary (Commentator-National Bible Bee)

"It's like having a parachute when you're about to jump out of an airplane. Just looking at it won't do you any good. It won't save you unless you put it on. Just like we have to 'put on the Lord, Jesus Christ' ."

"I LIVE! I LIVE!"  

~~ Ray Comfort (Commentator-National Bible Bee)

" What screen do I need to be in to get this LIVE widget running?"

" Thanks to everyone at the National Bible Bee who made these past days memorable, uplifting and encouraging. Our God is awesome, our Savior forever loving and long suffering. He is beyond  belief." 

 ~~ Laura-Lee (Was Here - Just Me)

" I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."  

~~ King David (Psalm 27)

Bible Bee Website

Laura-Lee Was Here (Personal Blog)

National Bible Bee: CONGRATULATE - INVITE - REMIND

The National Bible Bee: The Winners !!!

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the National Bible Bee:

JEDIAEL CHINTHA - Primary 

TAYLOR BONTRAGER - Junior

DELIE MOSS - Senior

I'll be giving more detailed information and recapping things in later posts. For now I wish to CONGRATULATE the winners in the three different age groups.

Also, while time is of the essence,  INVITE my readers to the CLOSING CEREMONIES to be Broadcast Live at 6:00 pm (CST) Tonight, Friday (Nov. 20).

And REMIND you that the following LINKs below are where you need to go to see the Closing Ceremonies & View anything you've missed throughout the day. And learn more about the winners and competitors.

LINK for LIVE WEBCASTS of the National Bible Bee

National Bible Bee WINNERS & CONTESTANTS

Love Laura-Lee         

National Bible Bee: SENIOR FINALISTS

National Bible Bee: UPDATE

"SENIOR" FINALISTS (15-18 year olds)

Joshua Bontrager

Emily Hamilton

Delie Moss

Kyle Tappendorf

Bethany Xiques

From 15 Semi-Finalists to only 5 FINALISTS

"Senior" is the oldest teen age competitors. This morning we watched 15 Semi-Finalists become 5 Finalists:


** *Following is the list of the 10 who were eliminated. but they should be lauded for their hard work.  How does one measure that contribution? I think I will simply echo the "new" word that the moderator, Roy, created while listening to them: "Yeah-Men"
When I think that they  memorized 880 verses of the Bible and each verse contains several sentences just to prepare to compete , what can I say? I became a Christian long before all these contestants were even born, yet I feel humble in comparison to these giants of our faith.
They might not go on to compete tomorrow, but they gave those of us who were thirsting for God's Word a large and satisfying  drink. 

Elimated Seniors:                  

• Hanah del Toro
• Evie Eddins
• Katherine Forster
• Matthew Minica
• Courtney Minica
• Isabella Morganthal
• Anna Moss
• Carissa Pentimone
• Danika Puhek
• Kara Renfer

National Bible Bee MEET CONTESTANTS

National Bible Bee: LIVE WEBCAST

  Love Laura-Lee 

Laura-Lee Was Here (PERSONAL BLOG)

NOTE:  All the Finalists from today will go on to compete tomorrow as we continue to bring you the LIVE WEBCAST (Beginning 8:30 AM CST)  (see the above LINK or the Widget at the top of the Right Column at this Blog.)

National Bible Bee: JUNIOR FINALISTS

National Bible Bee Competition: UPDATE

"JUNIOR" FINALISTS (11-14 Years Old)

Taylor Bontrager

Everett Chew

Genevieve Kendall

Jeffrey Marlowe

Grace Wanliss

From 15 Semi-Finalists to 5 Finalists

"Junior" is the middle teen age competitors. This morning we watched 15 Semi-Finalists go to 5 Finalists:


*** And to the 10 who were eliminated but still did  Amazing Work to make it to the National Semi-Finals: We are so inspired by you for your Hard hard work. Way to Go everyone (even if you were eliminated) !!! I can't help but think of all the hours and hours of dedicated study to God's Word that started months ago. You are nothing less than wonderful.

• Thomas Bryan
  
• Elizabeth Che
• James Coleman
• Bethany Cooksey
• Josephine Haab
• Abby Lehman
• Sonja Puhek
• Ann Shan
• Alyssa Tappendorf
• Adam Willard

It has been so exciting to watch you and  I want to thank you for all the hope you have instilled in us. Hearing how you speak out God's word with such conviction and confidence makes us "believe" in the future again and in our God who holds each of us in his hands. (Psalm 24:1) And I know you have deeply pleased Him who is able to "keep you from falling".

Way to go everyone!

Follow the LINKS below to learn about all the Contestants at the Nationals and to continue watching the WEBCASTS.

Click on the Contestants name to learn more about them once you get to the Link

National Bible Bee CONTESTANTS INFO


National Bible Bee LIVE WEBCASTS over the Internet



Love Laura-Lee

Laura-Lee Was Here (PERSONAL BLOG)

National Bible Bee: PRIMARY FINALISTS

National Bible Bee Competition: UPDATE

"PRIMARY" FINALISTS

From 15 Semi-Finalists to 5 Finalists

"Primary" is the youngest competitors. This morning we watched 15 Semi-Finalists go to 5 Finalists:

FINALISTS: Primary (10 Year Olds & Under)

Jediael Chintha

Emma Fernandez

June Lee

Ellia Pentimore

Seth Ross

See LINKs Below

National Bible Bee LIVE WEBCAST

National Bible Bee: CONTESTANTS

(Click on their name & discover more about each)

*** The 10 who didn't make it, but still did a wonderful job at making it all the way to the National Semi-Finals: We Salute Them for Their Great EFFORTS !!!

• Hudson Bontrager
• Samuel Jebaraj
• Angela Kipp
• Justice Lu
• Samuel Moss
• Thomas Moss
• Rhett Mullen
• Grace Rasmussen
• David Thevatheril
• Adarsh Vadlapatla

National Bible Bee (2015) MEET THE CONTESTANTS

Here's the latest from the National Bible Bee HQ  (hot off the presses and into my INBOX at 3:00 AM) 

Below is the LINK that will take you to MEET THE CONTESTANTS who have won the Semi-Finals and will be competing over the next couple days at the Finals in San Antonio, Texas.

Take a moment to look at all those great photos (and faces) and get to know something about them.

Then don't forget to tune in to the LIVE WEBCASTS to root them on during the next couple of days, Thursday, Nov 19th & Friday, Nov 20th, Throughout the days.
(See LIVE WEBCAST Widget at top of Right Column)


When you get to the LINK below, you simply click on the Name of the Contestant and it opens their page and tells more about them, in their own words.

National Bible Bee MEET THE CONTESTANTS



National Bible Bee LIVE WEBCAST page

Sincerely,

Laura-Lee 




Laura-Lee Was Here (PERSONAL BLOG)

The National Bible Bee: A Dose of Hope

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

   (Psalm 119:105)

It was New Years Eve, 1991 (I think). I would have been about 24 or 25 years old. At that time I was living in Vancouver, BC, Canada and sharing a home with my mother and my older brother. We had just spent a very pleasant evening ringing in the New Year at the home of my Aunt and her expanding portion of the family. We had done a lot of reminiscing and even more laughing as we played the "home version" of Jeopardy. Not the electronic or computer version. Just the old fashioned board game version. My Aunt taking on the Alex Trebek role.

In order to give our answer (pardon me, I mean our "question"), we each had been given a dog or child's toy instead of a buzzer. My "buzzer" was a squeaky toy in the form of a mouse that belonged to their dog Krikit. I knew the game was "rigged" when I would squeeze that thing several times really hard and never get it to make the slightest squeak. While all Mom had to do was give the slightest shake to make her baby rattle work. 

If you're like me, in the days coming up before New Years you consider what Resolution to make and try to guess how many hours it will be before you break it. That particular year I had decided to try something different. I thought I would try and memorize an entire chapter from the Bible. I had memorized small verses from the Bible before, but had never even attempted an entire chapter. The one I picked was in the book of Romans, chapter 12. Why I picked that one, I don't know. But the truly stupid thing I did was to tell people I was doing it!

So, as Mom, me and my brother were travelling home from my Aunt's at about 2:00 am that first day of the new year, Mom turned to me in the back seat of the car, where I was being very quiet and said, "Well? Let's hear it." I knew exactly what she was referring to. Ah, mothers. They never let you off the hook. No matter how old you get.

So I "bit the bullet", took a deep breath and launched into my recitation. When I was finished, even my brother was impressed. And when you can get an older brother to cough up spontaneous praise, out loud ("Wow. That's great, Laura!"), you know you've really done something.

To this day that chapter is still "mine". I can get a little muddled in the middle, but it's all there. "Hidden in my heart", as well as in my brain. I mentioned I don't know why I chose that particular chapter, but it certainly is a "juicy"one. There's really no topic it doesn't hit on and God has used it many times and in many ways to speak to me personally through the years since then.

Tonight I watched the Live Webcast of Opening Ceremonies of The National Bible Bee coming from San Antonio, Texas. Children from across the United States have spent the past months memorizing Bible verses in order to compete. Just like their Spelling Bee counter parts memorize words from the Dictionary. But as amazing and inspiring as a spelling bee can be, a Bible Bee (the first time I've seen one) is even more so. Not just because they have more to memorize, but because it's something I know (from experience) will stay with them for the remainder of their lives. The Words of God ready to flow at the moments when they will need them most.

One thing different from watching a mere spelling bee (as great as my love for words is) was that during this Bible Bee, I was simultaneously and spontaneously laughing, crying and clapping as the winners and Semi-finalists names were called and a parade of young people went up to take their place on the stage. 
What was even more interesting is that several of them were doing the same thing I was. Openly laughing, crying and clapping as they hugged each other.

When you start getting older and the years are piling up, you are forever noticing what young people are doing. Especially (ESPECIALLY) if you are a parent. When we are gone our children will be taking our place in running the affairs of the world.

Less than a week ago we watched aghast as people in Paris were either gunned down or blown up and we wonder what will the future hold. And the future, which is usually frightening just because it contains the unknown, becomes even more frightening when you think of how many people there are in it who are ready to do the ultimate of evil things. 

Then you see a group of young people who dedicated hours and hours of the past year in memorizing the Bible. It's true there are cash prizes involved, but most of those who win money will be using it for college or university tuition. 

Tonight was just the Opening Ceremonies of the National Bible Bee. But if you want a good dose of hope, to know that the future isn't quite as grim and dark as it sometimes appears, perhaps it's a good idea to tune into the broadcasts. It will be taking place over the next few days. I'll be watching too. Letting hope replace my cynicism. Letting laughter steal my fears. Letting my tears wash away my grief. And clapping until I get "itchy palms".

Follow the Links below to get the information you need. See the widget at this blog (in the right column) for the Live broadcasts. And let "hope spring eternal" once again.

FYI:  There is a LIVE WEBCAST screen/widget here (at the top) of the Right Column.


National Bible Bee LIVE WEBCAST Schedule

National Bible Bee HOMEPAGE

National Bible Bee LIVE WEBCAST




Sincerely, Laura-Lee (Was Here)

Laura-Lee Was Here (PERSONAL BLOG)

National Bible Bee LIVE WEBCAST Schedule

You've heard of "spelling" Bees. Well, this is the same idea except it's how much of the Bible these young people have memorized. 

Once again God shows me His perfect timing, because I have just
learned about this "National Bible Bee" Event with enough to time to let all of you know, and plan to be there myself. Or at least to watch it LIVE over the Internet.

Throughout the year young people have been brushing up on their knowledge of the Bible and competing in order to be ready for the MAIN EVENT: "The National Bible Bee Competition" starting on:

Wednesday, November 18th, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (CT) USA

You can watch it LIVE over the Internet for those of us who won't be there in person. I've never seen a Bible Bee  before, but if it's half as nerve-wracking as a Spelling Bee, I'm sure we'll all enjoy ourselves as we watch Christian young people sweat it out. 

For all the INFO you will need, just follow the LINKS below. You can do everything from get the history of the Bible Bee to Sign Up for a REMINDER when the Live (Streaming) Internet Broadcasts begin (via LiveStream.com).

I highly recommend it and hope to see you there. (In a manner of speaking)

Sincerely, Laura-Lee (Rahn)
Laura-Lee Was Here (PERSONAL BLOG)



National Bible Bee LIVE WEBCAST (2015)


National Bible Bee (HOME PAGE)

LIVE WEBCAST SCHEDULE:

WEDNESDAY 11/18/2015

6:00 - 7:30 pm. CST

Opening Ceremony

THURSDAY11/19/2015

8:30 - 10:30 am. CST

Primary Semi-Finals

11:30 - 1:30 am. CST

Junior Semi-Finals

2:30 - 4:30 pm. CST

Senior Semi-Finals

FRIDAY11/20/2015

8:30 - 10:30 am. CST

Primary Finals

11:30 - 1:30 am. CST

Junior Finals

2:30 - 4:30 pm. CST

Senior Finals

FRIDAY 11/20/2015

6:00 - 8:30 pm. CST

Closing Ceremony

Christmas Song Play List 2015

ATTENTION:

FYI

The Christmas Song Play List for 2015 has arrived. You will find it at the top of the page here at this blog so you have the option of listening to these Christmas songs while you look around this blog.

It is 16 songs that go from Traditional to Contemporary to Dance and hopefully they will inspire you to continue to celebrate the coming of Jesus long after December has come and gone.

ALSO, next week is Collection Week (Nov 16-22) for Operation Christmas Child - the Christmas Shoe Box. 

Please Follow the LINK below to my Post at "Laura-Lee Was Here"  with the information needed about the Christmas Shoe Boxes. 

Christmas Shoe Box Post at my Personal Blog, Laura-Lee Was Here

Have a Merry Christmas. Enjoy.

You're always welcome to leave a Comment.

Love Laura-Lee (Was Here)

FALL BACK an HOUR ( a Friendly Reminder)

"Daylight Savings" and time to "FALL" Back for an Hour 

See what happens if you're watching an hour long TV Show at 2:00 AM. It will actually start and end at the "same" time. Like being in a black hole?

Follow the LINK below for more Rev. Fun Cartoons.

Reverend Fun Cartoons

CC ("Closed Captioning") SDH on YouTube

If you are a person who uploads videos to YouTube please consider adding "Closed Captioning" (CC) or "Subtitles for Deaf & Hard of Hearing" (SDH) to the videos you UPLOAD.

YouTube has made this very easy and has several ways for this to be done. You can type it in manually OR they even have an automated program that can understand most of what is being said in a video you UPLOAD and will automatically add CC.  (often with humorous results as the computer tries to "guess" what a person is saying).

Almost 70 % of People in North America have some form of hearing impairment but besides that, if you take the time to attach CC it will make your video appear in more Search Engines designed to look for this attachment.


INSTRUCTIONS:  When you UPLOAD your video to YouTube simple click on the EDIT button and you will see a LINK for the "adding CC" option. From there just pick one of the 3 ways it can be done. Even if you just let the YouTube Program designed for this automatically do it, it helps and only takes a few seconds and a couple extra clicks.

For more detailed instructions follow the LINKs below to YouTube "How To ..." videos.

HOW TO Add CC to YouTube Videos (the Manual Way)


HOW TO Add CC to YouTube (Includes the Automatic Way)


Go For It !    

Sincerely, Laura-Lee (Was Here)

FIRST Date - CHRISTIAN Date Romantic Films List

I  have started a list of films that are "safe" to watch over at my IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base) profile. It can be rather embarrassing if you're watching a film and people start doing "the nasty" or excessively "sucking face" (as my Mom used to say). 

So I created a list of films that are just hard core romance but you can relax because you won't suddenly be watching explicit sex or nudity or anything overtly suggestive.



Follow the LINK at the bottom of the page to my LIST and remember to check back. (I've just barely started the list but already have almost 30 films) I will be adding to it without notice.

Enjoy!


First Date/ Christian Date Romantic Films List

Final: The Rapture: (Film Review)

Finally "The Rapture" is depicted through this well made Drama/Thriller/Tear-Jerker.

Based on the Christian belief that millions of Christians from around the world will suddenly and bodily disappear when Jesus "kidnaps" them is seen through the eyes of four main characters simultaneously.
Filmed around the world: L.A, Tokyo, Buenies Airies and Hawaii helps gives this film an authentic feel. But what sets this End of the World movie above the rest is the superior acting of it's international cast.as you are "caught up" in the characters' plights as they search for the truth to the disappearances amidst all the theories and trying to survive the chaotic aftermath.

You might not believe in Jesus by the end but you'll KNOW you've seen a good movie.

But, as is usually the case, the Book version of this story is better. (From the Bible).

No swearing but some violence makes it a PG.

I give it 8 Golden Christian Fishes. (It probably deserves 9 but I'm judging it on a harsher scale because I'm trying to overcome my own Christian bias)

**NOTE:  Several different languages spoken in this film, so if you want it ALL translated into English, just turn on the SDH or English Subtitles or CC. Almost every film has "audio" (dubbing) & "subtitles" settings attached to them these days 
     On TV's made in the past 20 years there is the CC/Text "channels" on them. Having everything I watch written in English at the bottom of my screen is a habit I picked up several years ago. 

Mad Max: Fury Road Review

CAUTION: Some Parental Guidance needed for this Review for pre-teen children.

Mad Max: Fury Road
"Here they come again."

Since this is the most hyped movie created in the last decade,  me reviewing it and telling you NOT to go see it is probably as much a waste of time as watching it was. Everyone in the world is going to go and see it at least once. But I have a small hope that I might save someone from a generation yet unborn, so I will continue with my review.

I didn't like the original Mad Max movie at all, but I found Road Warrior weirdly interesting and I loved Mad Max:Beyond Thunderdome. So now you know where I am "coming from" and that I don't just go for "Christian" Films or "Chick-Flicks".

In a Theater this film is nothing less than an assault on your senses. Especially your eyes and ears. But several semi-clever post-apocalyptic ideas, a myriad of phallic symbols, a gazillion "cool" cars and trucks and tons of tricks to entice every young teen age boy into the theater and out of his allowance does not a good film make.

 From the loud cars  to loud, thrash metal to the bikini clad models hosing themselves down with water to the the suicide-glorifying "war boys"and (let us not forget) the electric guitar that shoots out flames ,  this is every teen age boys "w*t dream".

Let us not forget the nubile,
Bikini clad models
hosing themselves down with water

So Many "Phallic" Symbols There's No Room for a Story

So let's take these a point at a time:

George Miller gives us several semi-interesting ideas about what he envisions a Post-apocalyptic Australian future might look like, But since he's had his entire life to think about it,  I would expect at least a few good ideas. He's been mulling it over for decades.

Tom Hardy is probably the best actor of this generation but his talent is pretty much wasted here. In fact, the character of Mad Max is superfluous to this entire film. He's only here as an excuse to get us
back to this time and place. But Tom Hardy still manages to get in a few good acting licks anyway and manages to bring out some of the "humor" in the character of Max without actually imitating Mel Gibson. The way Hardy runs around and also the way he uses the file on the face mask is reminiscent of Max's fight in Thunderdome, (Remember Gibson running around with the chain saw during his fight with MasterBlaster?)  But your time would be better spent viewing a different Tom Hardy film.

Tom Hardy or Mad Max or Puppet Master
or Winner of Hannibal Lector Look-a-like Contest ???

The lightly disguised "story" in this film is all about the Charlize Theron character, Furiosa. (And Kudos to Theron and her agent for actually getting her top billing at the beginning of the film). It makes me think maybe Miller had a crush on Charlize and constructed this entire film as an excuse just to hang around with her.

As a side note: I watched Charlize Theron interviewed for 15 minutes where they only discussed how she came to the decision to get all her hair cut off for this role. (I'm going bald from illness, I won't get my hair back and I didn't get millions of dollars to lose it and I was just wondering if it was as hard for every other sick person who is losing their hair to listen to how "amazing and self-less" she was to get her hair cut for this role).

All those teen years wearing perfume to get a guy,
when I should have been wearing axle grease on my head.

But in a nut shell, if you're over the age of 14 and actually expect a story when you see a film,
you're out of luck here. As to the massive amount of hype that has gone on for literally years surrounding the release of this film ...  their final big "selling point" as the release date approached is that most of the stunts were done in real life instead of  using CGI. Uh, that describes almost EVERY film made before the year 1990. So excuse me if I'm not impressed by that.

The actual talent in making a BIG film is to BALANCE it with enough INTIMATE moments that make you sympathize with the characters enough to care what happens to them. (An example of this being done the right way is James Cameron's "Titanic")  But in this film I don't care if all the characters die.

Nicholas Hoult

There is one exception: Nicholas Hoult, He used his few moments onscreen to make me care about his character, Nux. This was no easy feat amid all the dust and noise, So I'm actually eager to see him in other films to see what else he can do. But after watching this film 4 times (I wanted to give it as much of a fair chance to win me over as possible), I'm done going down the "Fury Road".

Tom Hardy (sans mask)

As for Tom Hardy fans, your time is better spent watching one of his former films over again instead of wasting it here. Pick one of his films where you can actually see his face and hear his voice. These characters could have been portrayed by hand puppets and none of us would be the wiser.
Who knows? Maybe they were? I never actually saw any changes in the facial expressions of the "wives" and almost every camera shot was a long one so we could see all the 'pretty' cars and trucks.





As to the Christian aspects of this film ... there are none. It's not really even interesting enough to be truly offensive.  But if you are the parent of a teenage boy you're going to need to believe in both prayer and miracles because this film is aimed at relieving him of his virtue, as well as his allowance. But if an "old biddy" like me took the time to see this film, good luck trying to stop a teenage boy from watching it.

Also, through the years I've come to expect a lot more from post-apocalyptic films because we, as Christians, actually know what the future will hold now that the book of Revelation (the last section in the Bible) reads like a daily newspaper (even though it was written almost 2,000 years ago). So everyone elses'  "supposing" doesn't impress me much anymore.

I've probably stopped nobody from seeing this film, but if I had my way I'd buy each of you a rope and tell you to  'skip, skip, skip'.

It gets two gold, Christian fishes out of ten (and that's just because I'm in a generous mood today).