Biblical Night Part ll: Rise Of The Opposition And Thirst For Vengeance

Tonight's marathon continues where last Mondays left off. To give a quick recap of what happened with last Mondays marathon for those who didn't get a chance to read the previous blog for biblical night part l, that one centered around the birth of two major deliverers. Their names are Jesus of Nazareth and Moses. We followed the story arc of Mary and Joseph giving birth to Jesus and fighting to protect their son from the clutches of King Herod, who wished to seek out the child and have him killed. We also saw the relationship between Moses and Rameses as brothers in Prince of Egypt, and a more wider scope of Moses remarkable achievement as deliverer of Egypt in Cecil Be Demile's The Ten Commandments. Moses mission was completed with leading his people out of bondage and where we left Jesus in Franco Zeferelli's powerful miniseries, he had just begun his teachings. Tonight's marathon centers around the formation of the twelve disciples, and Jesus performing such great miracles as raising people from the dead such as Lazarus and his redeeming of Mary Magdeline from prostitute to believer. We also follow the story arcs of two men who have been betrayed by the system and those closest to them, and at the same time have a thirst for vengeance. We have on our menu for this evening:

                       Jesus of Nazareth 1977 Part ll, Gladiator 2000, and Ben Hur 1959

With these three movies together back to back, everything is bigger, and more action packed than last week. This one carries with it a lot more weight and really shows the determination that these three men such as Jesus of Nazareth, Maximus, and Judah Ben Hur have in achieving their goals and standing against the system that is hell bent on breaking them and the ones they love. We begin the evening with part two of Franco Zefferelli's critically acclaimed miniseries Jesus of Nazareth. In this second act of the epic story on the life of Christ, Jesus begins to assemble his group of disciples while performing such great miracles as raising a little girl from the dead, making a crippled old man walk again, turning a few pieces of bread and fish into baskets full of food for thousands of people to eat, and ultimately ending with his greatest miracle ever recorded: The raising of Lazarus from the dead. Other story arcs that are covered in part two of this remarkable series is John The Baptist being the prisoner of King Herod ll, and being faced with the realization that a new leader is on the rise who has the potential to overpower him. He also is faced with having to kill John The Baptist in a cowardly way to fulfill his adulterous ways. The character of Mary Magdeline is introduced played by Anne Bancroft who finds herself drawn to Christ, and feels that he is the only man who can wipe away her sins as a prostitute and give her a second chance. The raising of Lazarus from the dead is the perfect finale to part two as it goes in line with the theme that Jesus is becoming a figure that people not only worship but ultimately fear. The second movie in this incredible lineup is Ridley Scott's Oscar winning epic titled Gladiator. Winner of five academy awards and winner of twelve, this roman theater epic focuses on a loyal Roman general played by Russell Crowe, whose betrayed by his emperor's corrupt son leading to his family being murdered and him becoming a slave. His anger and thirst for vengeance empowers him to come to Rome as an acclaimed Gladiator to seek revenge for his families murder. Great performances from Russell Crowe, Joaquin Pheonix, and Connie Nielsen bring this epic storyline to life along with fantastic scenery, great cinematography, and a remarkable score from the legendary Hans Zimmer. Gladiator remains the defining swordsman and roman epic of the 21st century with a storyline that screams out Ben Hur. There is no perfect lead into the story of Ben Hur than Gladiator. Winner of eleven academy awards including best picture, a feat that has only been matched by two other films in movie history such as Titanic and Return of the King. Ben Hur tells the story of two great friends, one of them a Roman general, and the other a Jewish Prince who reunite as friends after years of not seeing each other, however their friendship ultimately ends when they both realize they are on the opposite sides of the system. One believes in God and the messiah, the other pledges his loyalty to Rome. When the Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by his Roman friend and family is put into prison, he seeks to regain his freedom and come back for vengeance. Charlton Heston won an academy award for his powerful portrayal of a man who got the rugged pulled from under him but never once loses his faith in God, and neither his thirst for revenge. This is essentially the Empire Strikes Back of the Biblical nights story arc.

Our heroes for this evening:

The Love Between A Boy And His Robot

Tonight's marathon is all about the friendship between a young man and his robot. We follow several different story arcs with this scenario playing out such as a young boy befriending a giant robot, a boy befriending a plus-sized inflatable robot named Baymax, a young Jedi Knight named Luke Skywalker who befriends is father whose now a robot and attempts to turn him from the dark side back to the side of good, and finally a young boy named John Connor who befriends a machine called The Terminator and teaches him about what it means to be human during his mission to protect young john from another killing machine called the T-1000. These story arcs of boy befriending machine all combine to form an evening full of pure excitement, spectacle, and heartfelt emotion when the friendship between these characters and their machine counterparts are tested. We have on our menu for this evening:

Big Hero 6 2014, The Iron Giant 1999, Return of the Jedi 1983, and Terminator 2 Judgment Day 1991
                                                           

We begin the lineup this evening with the film The Iron Giant. Featuring the voice talents of Harry Conick Jr, Vin Diesel and Jennifer Aniston, the film centers around a boy who makes friends with an innocent giant robot that a paranoid government agent wants to destroy.This is a great intro to a full blown marathon of story arcs involving a boy befriending a machine. The second film in the lineup builds on the theme of boy befriending machine with Big Hero 6. Winner of best animated film, this film centers around a special bond that develops between a plus-sized inflatable robot named Baymax, and a prodigy Hiro Hamada, who teams up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. There are many parallels between this film and Terminator 2 Judgment Day in terms of a boy befriending a hero and teaching him how to be human. The third movie in the marathon deals with a young boy whose grown up to become a jedi and attempts to save his father from the dark side. He may be the most human of all the machines but like Obi Wan said in the film, he is more machine than man. Return of the Jedi, the final installment in the original Star Wars trilogy takes place after the events of Empire Strikes Back. After Luke Skywalker rescues Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba The Hutt, the rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while at the sametime Luke struggles to turn his father Darth Vader back to the good side of the force. Although generally considered the weakest installment of the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi packs an emotional punch giving the series an emotional finale centered around Vaders redemption. It's essentially the perfect buildup to the final film of the evening titled Terminator 2 Judgment Day. This film centers around a cyborg sent back through time called The Terminator whose mission is to protect John Connor, the savior of the human race. During his mission to protect the son of Sarah Connor from the T-1000, a liquid metal machine, the Terminator and John form a unique friendship that allows the machine to observe and learn about what it means to really be human. The emotional climax of this movie is the perfect ending to this marathon and brings home the story arc of all four films together. T2 is not just one of the greatest action movies and sequels ever made, it's a remarkable human drama.

So what are these films ultimately trying to say? The Iron Giant says that government inspectors are scarier and more intimidating than alien robots. The message of the film says that killing is bad and robots are harmless like humans until their forced into a defensive position. Big Hero 6 says to use your brain for good and have compassion. Return of the Jedi says that it's not too late to think about what is right and turn back to the good side. Everyone can be redeemed. And finally, Terminator 2 Judgment Day says that the future is not set, and that there is no fate but what we make for ourselves. If a machine like The Terminator can learn about the value of human life then the rest of us can too.

Our heroes for this evening:

Biblical Night Part 1: Birth Of The Deliverers. LET MY PEOPLE GO

Tonight's marathon is the beginning of a four part Monday arc of biblical tales and historical set pieces that mainly center around people who stood against the system and paid the ultimate price for the cause of right. This is the buildup to Easter with both biblical tales of redemption and fighting for what's right and true. We begin this buildup with the first part of a three part miniseries released in 1977 titled Jesus of Nazareth. Directed by Franco Zefferelli, who helmed the 1968 Romeo and Juliet, he presents an epic retelling of the life of Jesus Christ ranging from the nativity to his teachings and ultimately his death and resurrection. The film runs a total of 383 minutes but is broken into three main parts with the first part being the Nativity story for this evening followed by the story of Moses in both cartoon and live action form. Whereas the future parts center around themes such as defiance, vengeance, and regret, tonight specifically deals with the birth of two main deliverers and saviors to their chosen people. These two men are Jesus of Nazareth and Moses. We have on our menu for this evening:

              Jesus of Nazareth 1977, The Prince of Egypt 1998, and The Ten Commandments 1956

We begin the evening with Franco Zefferelli's epic retelling of the story of Jesus as told by the apostles in Jesus of Nazareth. Generally considered the greatest movie depiction of the life of Christ, this film has gone on to become one of the worlds most honored pictures and most viewed miniseries of all time. Jesus of Nazareth Part one covers the Nativity Story with Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. This part of the miniseries also covers the political corruption surrounding the birth of Christ with King Herod being aware of the chosen one that's about to be born and wanting the child put to death to ensure his status as the ultimate king. The subplot of the three kings is also covered and their warnings to Mary and Joseph about Herod's true intentions with the child. While there are other good films that cover the story of Jesus such as King of Kings, The Nativity Story and Greatest Story Ever Told, Jesus of Nazareth is the most realistic and humane one that captures the birth of Christ so beautifully. Powered by a great musical score from Maurice Jarre, and an all star cast in part l that consists of Olivia Hussey as Mary, Yorgo Voyagis as Joseph, Robert Powell as Jesus, Michael York as John The Baptist, James Earl Jones, Donald Pleasance and Fernando Ray as the three wisemen, and Peter Ustinov as Herod The Great, this is the definitive version of The Nativity Story and the emergence of the true deliverer of mankind. The next film in the lineup is the 1998 critically acclaimed animated masterpiece The Prince of Egypt. Winner of an academy award for best song When You Believe from the duet of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey while also being nominated for best score by Hans Zimmer, the film focuses on an Egyptian prince who learns of his identity as a Hebrew and later becomes the chosen one to deliver his people from bondage. That deliverer is named Moses. Voiced by Val Kilmer, he is backed up by a supporting cast that consists of Ralph Fiennes, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Danny Glover, Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and James Avery, this animated version of the story gives more insight into the relationship between Moses and Rameses and an understanding of how Moses went from being an Egyptian prince to a savior of thousands. There is no other way to follow this film up and end the evening but with the greatest retelling of the story of Moses with Cecil B Demilles The Ten Commandments. Nominated for a whooping 7 academy awards and winner of Best Visual Effects, this version of the Moses story runs a total of 220 minutes with intermission and centers around Moses learning of his true heritage as a Hebrew and covers his divine mission as the deliverer of his people. Charlton Heston is larger than life in the title role with Yul Brynner providing a worthy opponent as Rameses, and an all star cast consisting of Edward G Robinson as the slimy Dathan, Anne Baxter as Nefretiri, John Derek as Joshua, Martha Scott as Moses Hebrew mother, and Debra Paget as Lilia. Tonight is all about witnessing the birth of two of the worlds most influential and beloved deliverers whose lives and their actions have changed the world forever.

Our heroes and villains for this evening:

 

 

Protecting Those That You Love Night

Tonight's marathon revolves around the theme of a man protecting the girl that he ultimately ends up falling in love with or is in love with. These male figures range from a regular police officer to a bodyguard, a member of the Rebel Alliance, and a loving boyfriend turned Ghost. The female characters range from an Amish woman to a singer, a princess of the New Republic, and the woman who the boyfriend turned Ghost is deeply in love with. We cover the story arcs of all these amazing characters and their journeys to protecting these people while in the process falling in love with them.
We have on our menu for this evening:

        Witness 1985, The Bodyguard 1992, Empire Strikes Back 1980, and Ghost 1990

Here we have an all star cast among the likes of Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Lukas Haas, Danny Glover, Viggo Mortensen, Whitney Houston, Kevin Costner, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, Billy Dee Williams, Frank Oz,  Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn, and Whoopi Goldberg. The first movie up to bat in this incredible marathon is Harrison Ford's 1985 thriller titled Witness. Nominated for 8 academy awards and winner of two, Witness focuses on a young Amish boy who ends up being a sole witness to a murder, forcing policeman John Book played by Harrison Ford to go into hiding in the Amish community to protect him and his mother until the trial begins. The twist here is while doing so, the policeman and the boys mother begin developing feelings for each other, while also understanding what they both share is forbidden love as he is a policeman and she is an Amish girl. In order for their love to work, one has to abandon the world they once knew and go over to the other side entirely. To date, this remains the only film that garnered Harrison Ford a well deserved Oscar nomination for his dramatic performance as John Book. This film compliments the film that comes next with the 1992 romantic thriller/drama The Bodyguard starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. Nominated for two academy awards for best songs including the hit singles I will Always Love You, and I have Nothing sung by Houston, the film centers around a secret service agent being hired to take the job as a bodyguard for a stern pop singer, and comes to find that her lifestyle is most different from a Presidents. Their egos clash as they both fight for control of the situation but while doing so, also begin to experience feelings that are manifestations of true romance. Costner's character is conflicted with falling for this woman he's assigned to protect and acting on his feelings, but also remembering that he was hired to be a bodyguard and can't protect her under those circumstances. To date, this film remains the most successful movie of Kevin Costner's and Whitney Houston's careers, as well as one of the biggest romantic blockbusters of all time. The third film in the marathon compliments the ego clashing romance of The Bodyguard with the romantic subplot of Han Solo and Princess Leia in Empire Strikes Back. Taking place three years after A New Hope, the rebels become brutally overpowered by the Empire in the newly established base. Luke Skywalker played by Mark Hamill, takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends Han Solo, Princess Leia, C3PO, R2-D2, and Chewbacca are on the run from Darth Vader, whose become obsessed with capturing Skywalker. Han Solo's character inherits the traits of a bodyguard and heroic figure by returning to the base to escort Princess Leia to safety. Their whole relationship consists of Han Solo being frustrated that Leia won't admit her true feelings for him, and Leia slowly coming to terms with the realization that she is in denial about her true feelings towards a "scoundrel." Nominated for four academy awards including best visual effects and music, Empire Strikes Back remains one of the greatest movies ever made and one of the best sequels ever conceived. The fourth and final film of the night brings it all together while putting a spin on the whole theme with Patrick Swayze's 1990 romantic drama Ghost. This time Patrick Swayze plays a guy named Sam whose killed during an attempted mugging, and remains on Earth as a Ghost in order to protect the woman that he loves Molly, played by Demi Moore from a similar fate. Nominated for 5 academy awards and winner of two, Ghost remains one of the defining love stories in the history of cinema, as well as one of the biggest blockbusters.

So what are these movies all trying to say? Witness says that in order for two people of different cultures come together, one has to abandon their past live and embrace the new one. The Bodyguard says that true love cannot exist without both people putting their shields down and meeting halfway on things. Empire Strikes Back's message from the Han and Leia standpoint is to always admit your true feelings for someome before it's too late. The message of Ghost is that the love inside is so strong that it can never be destroyed nor go away, especially if the other person is in danger. Love conquers all.

Here are our main characters for this evening:

Brief Moments Of True Romance Part lll. The Final Act

Tonight's marathon brings to a close the epic Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight trilogy created by the filmmakers of the recent critically acclaimed coming of age drama titled Boyhood. The first night dealt with the romances getting briefer with each movie ranging from a Labor Day weekend to just 24 hours and even a half hour romance between a young ally soldier and a German girl. The second night dealt with the couples getting older with each film ranging from young adults to two passionate elderly people sharing a forbidden romance due to the other being involved in a marriage. Tonight is more of a thought provoking type of romance night where we feel the joy and heartbreak of several people who come together and share some truly amazing memories together. We have on our menu for this evening:

Lost In Translation 2003, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind 2004 Before Midnight 2013, and 500 Days of Summer 2009

We begin the evening with the film Lost in Translation starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johanssen made in 2003 by Sofia Coppola. The plot centers around a faded movie star and a neglected young woman who form an unlikely bond after crossing paths in Tokyo together. Nominated for four academy awards and winner of best original screenplay, this film sets the tone for the rest of the movies with the theme of two people coming together and sharing an experience that both will remember for a lifetime. The second film in the lineup is Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. Nominated for two academy awards including a nom for best actress, the film won an Oscar for best original screenplay with a storyline that centers around a couple's relationship that ends up turning sour. They both undergo a procedure to have each other erased from their memories. However is through the process of their loss and memories fading that they discover what they had to begin with...although it might be too late. Generally considered the finest work of Jim Carreys career and his most dramatic performance, both him and Kate Winslet bring their A game to their roles in this movie along with Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood, and Tom Wilkinson in supporting roles. The third film in the lineup is Before Midnight, the third and final installment in the critically acclaimed romantic trilogy. Picking up 9 years later where they left off from Before Sunset, we reunite with the characters of Jesse and Celine in Greece, almost two decades after their first meeting on a train heading for Vienna. Their third and final meeting will ultimately decide where their relationship will head if they decide to act on their true feelings for each other or go their separate paths. Like it's predecessor, the film received an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay. What all three of these films have in common is that their writing is top notch and dialogue and performances are what drives the films. The fourth and final movie of the night is Joseph Gordon Levitt's 500 Days Of Summer. Nominated for two Golden Globe awards including best film and best actor in lead role, Levitt gives a powerful performance about a man who encounters a woman who doesn't believe true love exists, and soon enough he ends up falling for her.

So what are all of these films ultimately trying to say? Lost in Translation says that new friendships can define what's really important in life. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind says that painful memories can help make us who we are and those memories should be accepted and even embraced. Before Midnight says that every relationship has its up and downs, and 500 Days Of Summer says that true love is not a greeting card sentiment.

Our main characters for this evening:

When A Man Loves A Horse

Tonight's marathon is about seeing the several different story arcs of a man and the relationship he shares with his horse. Some of these stories range from horse racing to a journey through World War l for a horse to find his master. Tonight's marathon is about witnessing a man and a horse working together to accomplish the impossible. We have on our menu for this evening:

                                                    Seabiscuit 2003, Hidalgo 2004, and War Horse 2011

We begin the evening with the 2003 Oscar nominated drama titled Seabiscuit. Nominated for 7 academy awards, this film tells the true story of a depression-era racehorse whose victories have gone to lift the spirits of the team behind it but also the nation of America. Jeff Bridges, Tobey Maguire, and Chris Cooper give stellar performances in this profound story bout a young man and a horse being brought together to inspire a nation. The second film in the lineup is 2004's Hidalgo which takes place in 1890, where a down-and-out cowboy and his horse go on a journey to Arabia to compete in a deadly cross desert horse race. The third and final movie in the lineup is the Steven Spielberg horse epic titled War Horse. The film centers around a young Albert who enlists to serve in World War l after his beloved horse is sold to the calvary. The hopeful journey of Albert takes him out of England and into the front lines as the war rages on. Nominated for 6 academy awards, the film essentially is a man's journey to reunite with his horse again.

So what are these movies trying to say? Seabiscuit says to not throw your life away because of one fault, and that everyone deserves a second chance. Hidalgo says that friendships and respect are the ultimate rewards in life. War Horse says that wars can be violent and it takes alot of strength and courage to overcome the emotional damage caused by warfare. This all makes for one epic night full of adventure and self discovery.

Our companions for this evening:

I

Coming Of Age Night: The Love Between A Son And His Father

Tonight's marathon is specifically a one that pertains to the theme of coming of age. This one deals with a young boy or gentlemen trying to find his purpose in the world but need some guidance from his father. Either the father and son relationships in these films are troubled, wanting acceptance from one side, wanting to reestablish what means most while going on an adventure together, and fulfilling one's destiny after the father passes on. This is not just a great dramatic marathon, it's a moving experience: We have on our menu for this evening:

The Lion King 1994, October Sky 1999, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade 1989, and Life As A House 2000

We begin the evening with the first coming of age film that deals with the father and son dynamic with the 1994 epic blockbuster The Lion King. Boosting an epic cast among the likes of Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, and Cheech Marin, the story places the character Simba as the young lion whose destined to take the throne as ruler of the animals once his father Mufasa passes on. What follows is a personal tragedy that leaves Simba filled with guilt and abandonment, but also represents the beginning of his rebirth as the future king who strives to become the destined king of Pride Rock. Lion King is not only one of the best animated films ever, but one of the best movies of all time. It's father and son dynamic along with the theme of growing up and becoming a man is the perfect setup for the next films. The second movie in the lineup maintains the father and son relationship as being the heart of the film, but this time deals with the wanting of acceptance. The film October Sky, deals with the true story of a young boy named Homer Hickam, a coal miners son played by Jake Gyllenhaal who takes up rocketry against the wishes of his father played by Chris Cooper. This film is absolutely perfect as the follow up to Lion King because not only does it bring the theme of acceptance and following your destiny to a more realistic level, it really hits home in the end. The third film in the marathon goes back to the heights of The Lion King in terms of being an incredible adventure and an emotional father and son film. Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, is not only the best Indiana Jones film in the franchises history but also feels the most real. This one shows us a young Indiana Jones whose slowly morphing into the archaeologist he's well known for but also showing us the relationship with his father that leaves a lot to be desired for Indy. Their relationship is a troubled one because ever since Indy was a kid, he felt that his father placed more emphasis on archaeology than on him, and deep down wants to have a relationship with his father while enduring the quest to find the Holy Grail. Sean Connery's performance in this film is so dynamic and powerful, he really drives home the emotions especially in the scene where the tank goes over the cliff and he finally admits regret for not telling his son how he feels. The final movie of the marathon ties it all together with Life As a House starring Kevin Kline and Hayden Christensen. Kevin Kline plays a father diagnosed with terminal cancer who takes custody of his troubled drug addict teenage son who specializes in getting high, small time prostitution, and avoiding his father. The mission of the father in this film is to get the son to help him build a house together, while also reestablishing their relationship and reminding them that no matter what happens, they will always be father and son. A great parallel between this and Last Crusade is Indy is able to save his father from death in that film but the son in Life As A House isn't able to, and must cherish what time they have left. This film still remains Hayden Christensen's finest hour as an actor, and makes one wonder how he did such a great job in this movie but fumbled the ball as Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels.

So what are these movies ultimately trying to say? The Lion King says you can run from your past or learn from it. No one can escape their destiny. October Sky says to follow your conscience and your dreams, even if it means bucking tradition, fighting authority, and withstanding disapproval from those closest to you. The Last Crusade says to tell your loved one how you feel before it's too late, and to not place more emphasis on something that isn't as important as your child. Life As A House says that sometimes you don't get what you wish for, and something bad can be an excuse to force something good to happen.

Our father and sons for this evening: