MeshugaNutcracker just might be your new holiday tradition

Movie Title:  MeshugaNutcracker

Grade:   A

Rating: G, 2 hours 11 minutes (including an entertaining 15 minute intermission).

In a Nutshell: Fathom Events brings stage productions and other special events to theaters across the country for limited release. 

For the month of December, it’s showcasing MeshugaNutcracker, a creative mix of Chanukah stories and songs set to the music of Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker ballet.  Sounds pretty crazy, right?  "Meshugana" means crazy!

I need to disclose that this movie was co-created and directed by an old friend of mine from high school, Stephen Guggenheim!  We sang in choirs and performed in school productions together, but he was always the one with true talent. I’m so excited for him and proud of him! He co-created the production, directed the film, did all of the vocal arrangements, and stars as the Mayor of Chelm.  Talented indeed.

This is a film version of a stage production that was first workshopped in 2003, which has been performed every year since.  The moving stories illustrate Jewish strength, tradition, and faith.  Just so you know, no actors were harmed in the reenactment of the Maccabean revolt.  (wink)

 

Uplifting theme: 

• Heroism
• Jewish tradition and values
• “Light can always overcome the darkness.” – Jacob (Jackson Davis)
• “Light is everything.  Together, our lights can shine more brightly.” – little girl (Shannon Guggenheim)
• We witness miracles every day and sometimes take them for granted.
• Hope

Things I liked:

• Cute introduction by Kevin Weisman in the film version of the stage production.
• Get that phlem going as you learn about the foolish people of Chelm, a mythical town in Poland of Jewish folklore. 
• Eight actors perform 20 original songs. You’ll also hear Handel’s famous “Messiah” being sung with new lyrics about dreidels.  It is also the number eight that represents the number of times the funny cast yells, “Oy!”  ha ha
• The costumes are clever and colorful, incorporating symbols that represent various traits of the characters, such as corn fields, scrolls of the Torah, a Kiddush cup, and the Jerusalem skyline.
• Continue watching during the final credits in the end for more clever jokes, video clips of the cast, and upcoming features that are coming soon to the Theater of Chelm.
• Christians will be able to learn about Jewish customs and stories appreciate the rich religious and culture celebrated this time of year.
• You’ll want to stay seated during the intermission just to enjoy the entertaining lessons and quizzes on Yiddish sayings, Jewish traditions, and items for discussion.
• Cute, whimsical set.
• Talented cast!

Things I didn’t like:

• I love that each time the cast performs live, they invite a celebrity to surprise the audience in the end.  This movie version of the show features Bruce Vilanch, who was an embarrassing disappointment, bumbling his way through his parts.  Granted, he was only given minutes to prepare, and I’m sure not many of us could do any better under those circumstances.  On another note, I loved his “Jewbacca” t-shirt.
• After the intermission, you get a quick glance of the surprisingly small audience that watched the production while it was being filmed.  I’m so glad that it is now being seen in movie theaters across the country through Fathom Events so that more people can enjoy it.

Tips for parents: 

• Challenge your children to find the hidden gold coin on each of the characters’ costumes.
• The second act may prove too long for children, who might get antsy.
• Safe entertainment for all ages.
• Christian children will probably be unfamiliar with the Jewish stories and history lessons, so it's a great opportunity to expose them to this faithful nation.

@trinaboice 

The Zookeeper's Wife is a sobering true story of WWII drama and heart

Movie Title:  The Zookeeper's Wife

Grade: A-

Rating: PG-13, although I would give this movie an R rating due to its grim nature and two glimpses of a topless woman.  
126 minutes long

In a Nutshell:  This sobering film is based on the true story that unfolded in Poland during World War II.  It’s an adaptation of Diane Ackerman’s bestseller The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story and does a very good job illustrating different kinds of cages: for animals, Jews in the Ghetto and on trains headed to concentration camps, small-minded Nazis imprisoned by Hitler’s terror, and more.   

Uplifting theme: 

• Heroism, sacrifice, friendship
• Humanity
• We will never know all of the stories of the many brave men and women who risked so much to save others during “the war to end all wars.”

Things I liked:

• Jessica Chastain did an excellent job as Antonina Zabinska.  Her emotional performance made me cry several times.  I loved seeing her with the animals and she seemed to genuinely care for them. Oscar-worthy?  Should be.
• How they managed the animals in the zoo is truly impressive.  How did they get the animals to do all those things they did?  You get to see people cuddle with skunks, lion cubs, elephants, a symbolic bunny (aww), and more.  I loved the little camel that ran freely around the zoo.  All of the animals were real; there was no CGI used!
• The film does a very good job demonstrating the cruelty of Hitler and his Nazis.  They destroyed soooo much that was good in this world.
• Belgium Daniel Bruhl is slickly evil, but even still not quite as menacing as he could be. He has too likable of a face.  Jessica Chastain said that he taught her how to swear in German during their breaks.
• Before the credits roll, the screen displays text where you can read about what happened after the last scene, including the good news (SPOILER ALERT) that the Zabinska’s zoo has survived as the Warsaw Zoo.  Although the film is about Warsaw, it was filmed entirely in Prague!
• Critics complain that the movie isn’t realistic enough, as in….they want it to be more gruesome and bloody?  I thought it had so much gore and violence that it should have been rated R.  Besides, we REALLY don’t have to see people’s heads get blown off in every disgusting detail to know what’s happening and be affected by it.  Sometimes we see the gore and brutality in this film, but sometimes we just hear gun shots and the horror is implied.  Both were equally effective, making the audience I sat with groan, jump, and gasp every time.
• It was clever and symbolic that a piano was used to give both comfort and warning to the Jews hiding in the zoo.
• SPOILER ALERT: I thought the scene where the children innocently trusted Jan to lift them up into the train was powerful and heartbreaking.
• It made me think of the many refugees that are in the world today.  If you would like to find out how you can help, check out JustServe.

Things I didn’t like:

• Critics don’t seem to like this movie very much, but I’ve noticed that most of those who don’t are men.  Just sayin... Everyone in the audience I sat with seemed to be really touched, based on the crying and sniffling I heard around me in the dark theater.

• It’s not on par with the epic Schindler's List, but I appreciated the perspective from a woman’s lived experience in this story.

• There was no humor to break up the tension.  It was 100% drama. 80% tension.  One of the best WWII/Holocaust movies I've ever seen and one that was able to mix humor with incredible drama was Life Is Beautiful  It still haunts me.

Interesting lines:

• “Maybe that’s why I love animals so much.  You look in their eyes and you know exactly what’s in their hearts.  They’re not like people.” – Antonina
• “A human zoo.” – Antonina
• “Whatever we do, we have to hide it in plain sight.” – Jan Zabinski (Johan Heldenbergh)
• “You are a wonder.  You are Eve in the garden.” – Jan
• “People always want to run when they don’t know what’s coming.” - Antonina

Tips for parents: 

• Both animals and people are slaughtered in this movie.  In other words, this is NOT a family-friendly movie.  It is powerful and only appropriate for older teens.
• You see dead, bloody animal carcasses.
• You see a bloodied, stunned girl after she has been raped and you see another man attempt to rape a woman.  There is also a passionate scene in bed, although clothes are on.
• You see some animals mating while Nazis cheer on.
• There is a lot of violence and suffering.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

The Woman in Gold has heart, humor and history

Movie:  The Woman in Gold

PG-13, 1 hour 50 minutes

Grade:  A-

In a Nutshell:  This is a fascinating, true story about a woman’s and nation's journey toward justice and peace after the Holocaust.   The film has heart, humor, and history as the David vs. Goliath story unfolds.

Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds demonstrate a quirky chemistry as two Americans with unique and prestigious roots in Austria.

The value of art is not monetary, but about the feelings it evokes when we experience it.  Great art should stir our humanity, don't you think?  Film is art too and this one does just that very well.

Uplifting Theme:

·       “Your only enemy is fear.” – Adele

·         Maria wants restitution and defines it as: “to return something to its original state.”  She learns that we can never be the same after life’s experiences.
*  "Remember us."  - Maria's father.    We need to never remember what happened to the world during the horrific Holocaust so that we don't repeat it.  We also need to see some of the atrocity's that are still happening in the world today and stop them.

Things I liked:

·         The woman in gold may actually be the talented Helen Mirren, winner of the prestigious golden statue named Oscar.  She always brings grace, elegance and wise maturity to any role.  I simply adore her.  She’s believable as a moody Austrian who struggles with pain and pride.   

·         I loved that Casting found an actress (Antje Traue) who very closely resembles the real Adele Bloch-Bauer who was portrayed in Gustav Klimpt's famous painting “Woman in Gold.”  Maria learns that Adele’s name was removed from the title of the artwork by the Nazis to hide the fact that she was Jewish, exclaiming “Her identity was stolen as well.”

·         The plot may be simple, but it’s still a remarkable story.

Things I didn’t like:

·         Helen Mirren wears dark contact lenses to make her look more like the real Maria Altmann.  I wasn’t bothered by it, but some people say they were distracted.  Whatever.  If that’s the worst thing you can say about her performance…

·         The court scenes didn't quite reach the status and thrill of To Kill a Mockingbird , but they're still inspiring.

·         Katie Holmes is sleepy in bed during most of her scenes in the movie.  They could have cast me in that role. 

·         Sadly, there was no one in the audience under the age of 50 when I watched this movie.  All you young ones out there may feel the need for more speed, but you’re missing a little gem in this film.  Wow, that sentence made me sound so old.

Funny lines:

·         “Against my better judgement, I think I like you.” – Randy

·         “Smile Maria.  It’s good to exercise your facial muscles once a year.” – Maria’s father

·         “My sister finally decided to move in with me.  The only problem is she didn’t do it until she’s dead.” – Maria

·         “This is like a James Bond film and you’re Sean Connery.” – Maria to Randy

·         “I want to go to Austria with my daughter some day.  She loves kangaroos.” – Dumb clerk

Interesting lines:

·         “I have to keep these memories alive, you see, especially because the young forget.” – Maria

·         “What’s in it for you?” Randy

“Let’s just say it’s a very particular brand of patriotism.” – Austrian journalist

·         “It’s hard to believe Hitler applied to be an art student here.” – Randy

“I wish they had accepted him.” – Maria

Tips for Parents:

·         Children may be bored with the legalese in court scenes and the slow drama.  The subject matter of the Holocaust is dark, although the film doesn’t show some of the horrors of the time like other Holocaust movies do.

·         1 F-bomb, but very little “other” profanity.

Want to know more?

I studied abroad in Spain and traveled to Vienna back in the 80’s before the Judenplatz Holocaust memorial was built.  It is a somber, haunting structure that makes you feel uncomfortable intentionally.  It honors the 65,000 murdered Austrian Jews during WWII.
                               

If you’re fascinated by the history of artwork stolen by the Nazis during WWII, you’ll enjoy learning more in the film The Monuments Men   You can read my review of that movie here.   The Rape of Europa can be watched for free on Netflix right now!

       

To learn more about the artwork of Gustav Klimt, check out the following:

The Son of God movie review

Movie Title:   Son of God 
PG-13, 2 hours, 18 minutes

Grade:   B

In a Nutshell:   As a Christian, I really wanted this film to provide a spiritual feast, but it’s really only a snack.  The movie is willing, but the spirit is weak.  Considering how strongly I feel about the life-changing topic, I found it to be more like an illustrated children’s Bible, highlighting only a few parts of the four Gospels that tell the story of Jesus Christ. It’s certainly not a detailed study, nor an entirely accurate account of the scriptures, playing more like a “Greatest Hits” version.

The audience I joined was reverent and hopeful enough, but the big screen version felt like a choppy, re-edited collection of The Bible: The Epic Miniseries that aired on the History Channel last year. Indeed, that’s exactly what it was. One critic noted that if The Bible: The Epic Miniseries was a Cliff’s Notes for the scriptures, then Son of God is the cheat sheet. Although the target audience consists mainly of supportive believers, the movie is more of a basic introduction to the Christian faith, visiting the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The audience was frozen in their seats during the crucifixion scenes and you could have heard a pin drop....or a tear drop.  It's hard to sit through that without feeling in awe.

Uplifting theme:   The movie’s witness, as well as mine, is that Jesus Christ lives!   

Things I liked:

• The Portuguese actor who plays Jesus (Diogo Morgado)  is a little Brad Pitt-esque.  There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.  He’s handsome and kind-looking, but some reviewers criticize his portrayal as a hippie being followed by a band of scruffy misfits.  Of course, some said that about Jesus himself.
• The lovely Roma Downey of Touched By an Angel: Complete Series Pack portrays a sweet Mary, mother of Jesus. She also co-produced the film with her husband Mark Burnett.  It’s nice to see her again. She was the only one in the movie whose face wasn't dusted with dirt.
• The cinematic journey starts with “In the beginning, the Word was with God and the Word was God.  He was there with Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses...” We’re given a quick walk-through of our religious history and then the narrator says “In the struggle for the promised land, He was always by our side.  He was the light shining in the darkness.  Then, He came into the world.”  We learn that John the Beloved is the narrator, as he begins and ends the movie with his testimony.  I love movies that carry us full circle to a poignant message.  John explains “I was one of His followers.  After what I saw, how could I not be?”
• I always like to see different interpretations of Pontius Pilate.  This version features a continuously scowling Roman prefect who is annoyed by the constant Jewish disturbances and more worried about keeping the peace in order to preserve his own political position and comfortable lifestyle.
• I loved it when the camera went underneath the Sea of Galilee to show us Jesus’ face above the water, reaching down to move the water and command the fish to swim into Peter’s nets.  Jesus tells Peter “I will make you a fisher of men”.  A confused Peter asks “What are we going to do?”  “Change the world.”
• While the Pharisees and Sadducees are depicted as jealous and fearful in their piety, other Jews are shown faithfully wearing phylacteries and prayer robes, strictly obeying the law out of love.  There are fanatics and hypocrites in every religion, but there are also believers who inspire us to live more valiantly.
• I love symbolism so I thought it was awesome when Judas spit the bread out of his mouth.  Bread, of course, is a symbol of Jesus Christ.  Did you know that the name Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, means “House of Bread”?   
• Thousands of hours of film have been recorded to tell the story of Christ, so I always appreciate subtle interpretations that directors are able to include in their version to speak to us.  I liked it when Jesus gently kissed the heavy cross he struggled to carry.  There’s a lesson in there for all of us; our trials will cause us to stretch and grow, so we should greet them with gratitude, rather than anger.

Things I didn’t like:

• The aerial views of Jerusalem looked like a child’s toy model of the legendary holy city that was put together in 15 minutes.
• One of the most disappointing features of the film is what it does NOT have: Satan.  The devil does not get his due…or screen time…in this movie because the filmmakers chose to intentionally edit out all of the scenes that reveal a Lucifer that looks too much like President Obama.  Producer Roma Downey told the Hollywood Reporter “This is now a movie about Jesus, the son of God, and the devil gets no more screen time.”  While I admire her desire to put the spotlight on the Savior, her choice also waters down the need for a redeemer and removes the necessary contrast that opposition provides in good film, as well as in religion.  It appears more like she is bowing down to Hollywood and political pressure than proclaiming that Jesus atoned for our sins and conquered death and hell.  The reason we need Jesus is because of Satan.  Sin separates us from God and Jesus bridges that gap.  Because of Satan we have spiritual and physical death; because of Jesus, we can live.
• The writing is inconsistent, sometimes quoting scripture from the traditional King James version of the Bible, while other times using today’s modern lingo.
• As if the audience weren’t sophisticated enough to recognize a powerful phrase or prophetic moment, a base note sounded after every significant spot in the movie.
• I really hate it when lousy movie extras are shown in the background shaking their fists weakly in the air and grumbling that they’d rather head to the Kraft food table than act.  There were, however, a few authentic-looking extras in the crowd with missing teeth and a Mediterranean look.
• I’m sure Sana Mouziane is a lovely person in real life, but I thought she was a terrible Martha.  
• The film was lacking a powerful musical score.  With the right music, an entire moment can be transformed into something truly magical.

Inspiring lines:

•  Jesus meets Peter for the first time and says “Peter, just give me an hour and I will give you a whole new life.”  Peter looks surprised and answers “Who says I want one?”  Jesus makes that same offer to all of us.
• “Put God first and everything else will follow.”  -  Jesus
• “If you hunger for righteousness, you will be filled through me.”  - Jesus

Tips for parents:   There are many bloody images when Jesus is beaten and crucified that can be quite disturbing to young children and even some adults.

Terrific videos about the life of Christ:  I can highly recommend the inspiring collection of free videos at www.BibleVideos.com that will strengthen your faith in the Savior.