Short thoughts and 2 foreign film shots

It's been a while since I've written anything. I'm not a big "blogger" I guess and I already know most people don't really care what I think. Still, it's a way for me to express myself so I'll update once in a while when I have the chance.

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse."

A verse from Phillippians that I think can is a good guide for how I as a Christian should approach both viewing and creating films. Sometimes it's easy to see a well-made film and say it's great without stopping to think if it contradicts any of the values listed above. Just something I try to keep reminding myself. Now onto some films...

Das Leben Der Anderen - A brilliant and beautiful look at how involving yourself in the lives of other allows you to be changed in ways that are otherwise not possible. This film tells the story of a lonely German Stasi police officer who's job of spying on a suspicious playwright is really an attempt at finding intimacy. The nature of the story allows from some truly exciting and intense moments, as well as some touching and heart-rendering ones. Although it is paced a little slowly at points, especially the third act, it is a wonderful story about the value of human relationships.

Dan-o-Meter: 9 out of 10

El laberinto del fauno - Otherwise known as Pan's Labyrinth, it tells the story of a young girl, Ofelia, and how she copes with the horrors of the Spanish Civil War by entering into an alternate "fairy-tale" world throughout the story. Masterfully directed by Guillmero del Toro with gorgeous cinematography and an awe-inspiring score, this film highlights the importance of imagination and child-like faith. Del Toro makes his point in brutal and powerful fashion, showing that despite the film being a fairy-tale, it's message is definitely not confined to children.

Dan-o-Meter: 10 out of 10

Best (and worst) of '08

Just like the title says. No long explanations or anything, just what I feel was best (and worst) this year about God, film, and the Yankees. Because God is obviously somewhat difficult to make a best of list for, I'll just write my top faith-related experiences of the year.

God (best of):

1. second chances - a car, a telephone pole, and downed power lines should've been shocking. Maybe there is an explanation, maybe not, but all four of us walked away.

2. the joy of the Lord - never fails.

3. Bromley 101 - encouraged me in ways they will probably never know.

4. worship - not only in music, but in everything: film, work, studies, friends... I have gained a whole new perspective on it this past year.

5. forgiveness and love - if someone takes your cloak, give him your tunic as well. Forgiveness is more than forgetting or moving past something; it is going the extra mile to repay evil with good. It's friggin hard too.

God (worst of):

1. Not knowing - it sucks.

Yankees (best of):

1. Jeter's farewell speech - taking the old memories and adding them to the new.

2. Yanks go to Virginia Tech - one of my proudest moments as a fan.

3. Mo and Jeter getting cheered at the All-Star game - yes

4. Paplebon getting booed at the All-Star game - He looked like he was going to cry too. Tool.

5. Yanks get Sabathia. And Burnett. And Teixiera. - the gifts didn't stop coming. When I made my earlier list, I expected one signing at the most, so all three big names was glorious.

Yankees (worst of):

1. Not winning it all - yes, the season is a failure when there aren't rings involved.

2. Not making the playoffs - minor roadblock to winning it all.

3. Third place - shoot. it was a bad year...

4. A-rod in the clutch - 0 for 634 with runners in scoring position.

5. Injuries - getting hit with the Plague didn't help the cause.

Film (best of):

1. The Dark Knight - "Why so serious?" A masterpiece.

2. Slumdog Millionaire - fills you with hope and joy, and makes you happy to be alive. To steal from Richard Corliss, it is a "buoyant hymn to life."

3. Boy A - powerful, challenging, and thought-provoking.

4. Iron Man - fun and engaging.

5. Cloverfield - eerily similar to 9/11 videos on youtube at some points. It is unique and well-made.

Film (worst of):

1. Quantum of Solace - it wasn't really the worst film of the year, just the most disappointing new release. It's also pretty much the only bad movie I saw all year...