All Consuming : rjhernandez

A story about "The Grandfather (El Abuelo) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Spain ]"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 07:59:01 GMT

The Grandfather (El Abuelo) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Spain ]

by José Luis Garci

Charming film about, what else?, un abuelo. At the end of the land-holding aristocratic era for Spain, the count (el abuelo) returns home from his trip to the Americas. He finds he loves his grandaughter and wishes to stay with her: except he doesn’t know which of the two daughters of his daughter-in-law is the true heir!

A story about "Fun with Dick and Jane"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 18:06:28 GMT

Fun with Dick and Jane

by Dean Parisot

A surprisingly entertaining and timely film. Set in the backdrop of an Enron/Anderson type of corporate meltdown, it only slightly exaggerates the reaction of suburbinates faced with the end of the comfort and luxury that they have enjoyed by placing their hopes on increased future earnings. I especially like the ironic deportation of Dick. I recommend it for it’s worker-eyed view of corporate disaster.

A story about "The Imitation of Christ"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 18:01:56 GMT

The Imitation of Christ

by Thomas a Kempis

Though hundreds of years seperate us from the 14th century monk, the somtimes foregin prose nevertheless reminds the reader of the need peace and continual zeal in leading a life of faith and virture. The book has helped me lean on Christ and satiate the hunger of my soul. While I agree with the critique of individualizing tendency, the reader who remains conscious of individualism in our own culture can still benefit greatly from this spiritual master. I’m stil in “Book One”, so my thoughts remain provisional.

A story about "Annie Hall"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 18:41:45 GMT

Annie Hall

Quirky but geniunely funny and intelligent. I especially appreciate the references to Becker’s The Denial of Death, Beowulf, and Joyce. Makes me feel good to have had something of a liberal arts education.

A story about "A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 18:37:37 GMT

A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey

by Brian D. McLaren

McLaren explains how Christians, who desire to embody the trues of old, are changing to new forms. He describes, in narrative, how believers can be authentic and faithful in the North American, postmodern, relativistic context. I have recommended this book to young people, especially students, who want to explore the relevancy/power of their faith.

A story about "Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 09:29:20 GMT

Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars)

by James Luceno

Very interesting insight into the torturous experience of living inside the black metal casket. A bleak and sympathetic view of Vader. An excellent book for gaining insight into the Dark Lord.

A story about "Fit to Be Tied"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 09:26:40 GMT

Fit to Be Tied

by Bill Hybels

Some good basic questions to consider about mate compatability. Pretty standard, really. Nevertheless sometimes it’s good to be reminded of the basic questions. As good as many other books on finding a Christian life-partner.

A story about "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 09:24:42 GMT

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)

by J. K. Rowling

Quite entertaining. Rawling deserves much of her fame for constructing a fascinating wizarding world. However, the book suffers from a bit of a let down at the end. The build-up of a weapon that He-who-must-not-be-named had been seeking for months is deflated, revealed to be a potentless prophecy.

A story about "Doing Christian Ethics From The Margins"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 09:20:21 GMT

Doing Christian Ethics From The Margins

by Miguel A. De LA Torre

How can we do ethics not from the places of power and privliedge, the center, but from the context of the powerless? De la Torre articulates a view of Christian ethics from just that context. So far, quite an exciting read.

A story about "The Phantom of the Opera (Widescreen Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 04:19:57 GMT

The Phantom of the Opera (Widescreen Edition)

by Joel Schumacher

We got a bit obsessed with this film last week; kept watching scences over and over again. The appeal is mostly in the music but the the costumes and production design are impressive. Critics tended to undervalue the film.

A story about "Keeping The Love You Find"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 04:17:10 GMT

Keeping The Love You Find

by Harville, PhD Hendrix

I’ve been reading this very slowly over the last couple of months. Hendrix elaborates a complete picture of human development/growth. I’ve found it helpful in discovering more about myself and how I relate to others in signifcant (and casual) relationships.

A story about "Theology for the Community of God"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 04:15:17 GMT

Theology for the Community of God

by Stanley Grenz

An excellent survey of systematic topics centered on the theological motifs of community and kingdom; a good starting point for further study. I find that Grenz does not gloss over the complexities of the topics at hand.

A story about "Shaolin Soccer"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 04:04:14 GMT

Shaolin Soccer

Outrageous martial arts spoof (or the height of this Hong Kong films?); along the lines of Kung Fu Hustle brought into contemporary life. Good preparation for the World Cup this summer!

A story about "The Butterfly Effect (Infinifilm Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 04:00:48 GMT

The Butterfly Effect (Infinifilm Edition)

by J. Mackye Gruber

Creepy film that explores a consequence of chaos theory through dimensional travel. If you like Momento and/or Donnie Darko, you’ll like this one.

A story about "Dias de Futbol"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 03:57:35 GMT

Dias de Futbol

by David Serrano

Surprisingly funny movie about recovering a sense of purpose/sanity by playing soccer.

A story about "The Hispanic Condition: Reflections on Culture and Identity in America"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 17:17:36 GMT

The Hispanic Condition: Reflections on Culture and Identity in America

by Ilan Stavans

Stavans draws from music, literature, and popular culture to describe the ineffable: identity and culture of Hispanics. So far, an interesting read.

A story about "A Journey to the Center of the Earth"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 17:15:08 GMT

A Journey to the Center of the Earth

by Jules Verne

Fast paced, fantastical tale with a scientific tone. The suspencion of disbelief fails at more than one point, but I’m not sure why. I would say because its so improbable, but the plot is built on the idea that current theories about the interior of the earth are incorrect.

Stylisticaly, Verne leaves something to be desired. His terse prose in places gives the reader a sense that Verne himself was sick of the story at certain points.

What’s surprising is how many of the elements of what became the science-fiction genre Verne seems to have invented. He tries to make his story internally consistant with frontiers of science, for example.

Overall, worth picking up for its historical significance in the genre.

A story about "Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 05:51:16 GMT

Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1)

by Terry Goodkind

An excellent first novel into the world of fantansy. Goodkind combines the classic elements of fantasy, good storytelling, and philosophical sensitivity to create an engrossing world.

A story about "Madagascar (Widescreen Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 04:52:02 GMT

Madagascar (Widescreen Edition)

by Tom McGrath (VII)

A slapstick film that depends a great deal on physical humor to get its laughs. Not as clever as some of Pixar’s fare, it nevertheless manages to please in some places. Overall, not worth the time.

A story about "Once Upon a Time in China #1"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 04:46:31 GMT

Once Upon a Time in China #1

by Hark Tsui

It might have started a kung-fu revolution, but this 1991 film suffers from some basic flaw in editing and continuity. It also has some beautiful shots and the fighting scences that make it worth watching.

A story about "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Full-Color Collector's Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (rjhernandez) — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 21:10:54 GMT

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Full-Color Collector's Edition)

by C. S. Lewis

Delightful.