Courageous: Film Review (Alex Kendrick, Ken Bevel)

This faith-based film from the filmmaking offshoot of Albany, Georgia’s Sherwood Church, goes after the issue of fatherhood and the responsibilities that come with it. 

NEW YORK — This faith-based drama is the latest and most ambitious effort from Sherwood Pictures, the filmmaking offshoot of Albany, Georgia’s Sherwood Church. Like their previous independent hits, Facing the Giants and Fireproof, Courageous seems well poised to tap into a theatrical market starved for such fare, with even greater potential for DVD sales.


Another collaboration between brothers Alex (director, co-writer, actor) and Stephen Kendrick (producer, co-writer), the film is set in the small town of Albany and concerns the interactions among four sheriff’s deputies and a Hispanic immigrant desperate for work. The theme — hammered home repeatedly — is fatherhood, and the responsibilities that come with it.


Courageousreveals the duo’s growing expertise as filmmakers with its skillful blending of moving drama, subtle comedy and several impressive action sequences, including a well-staged foot chase and a harrowing shootout between the cops and bad guys.


The characters are complex and well-drawn, struggling with various personal issues that test their faith and character in believable ways. But the episodic and frequently melodramatic storyline contains enough incidents and subplots to fill an entire television season. A key story element -- involving the male characters pledging to sign a “resolution” affirming their fatherly duties and their faith in God — seems both artificial and a cribbing from the “Love Dare” featured so prominently in Fireproof.


The performances are effective all around with director Kendrick quite moving in the central role of Adam, the veteran officer, who suffers a horrific family tragedy that sets much of the film’s plot in motion.


Non-Christian audiences may be put off by the endless proselytizing on display, which feels more drawn out and overt here than in the church’s previous films. But the generous laughter, cheers and applause generated by the crowd at an opening day screening demonstrate that these enterprising Baptist filmmakers clearly know their audience.

COURAGEOUS TRAILER

Aamir and Salman are senior to me: Shah Rukh

They may not be the best of buddies anymore, but the 'Baadshah' of Bollywood has a soft corner for the reigning 'Bodyguard' of the film industry.

Shah Rukh was his loquacious best while replying to a query on what he felt about the 'phenomenon that is now the new Brand Salman Khan', at the 'Express Adda' event, hosted by the Indian Express, here last night.

"These are my senior actors. They were working in films (for) about four years before I came. Aamir and Salman. Everybody keeps talking about us, the triumvirate," SRK said.

"We were as friendly as could be. And at times very close, I believe. Aamir, myself and Salman, we shared some really good moments. We used to go for drives and stuff like that. Sometimes you realise that a lot of proximity, closeness brings about you know... too much familiarity and we step on each other's toes."

Shah Rukh said, "To me, any star who does well, is fantastic. Audiences love the way he (Salman) dances. I can't do that. It does not mean I can deride it. I have seen 'Dabangg' and I think it is a fantastic film."

"To be reigning for 24 years as a movie star is a great achievement. I wish, when I grow up, I will also become a great star like one of these boys," he said.

"I have a huge amount of appreciation for anyone who has achieved any kind of stardom. When it comes to someone like an Aamir Khan or a Salman Khan or even the younger boys, I think you have to sit back and say, wow, it is very cool and just appreciate it.

The actor, whose ambitious venture 'Ra.One' releases next month, said, "the pressure encourages you to think, that I am gonna try harder and match upto it. You have someone to look upto. I am humble enough and great enough to accept that," he said.

"People believe that because the relationships have soured over the years between some of us, one would not appreciate the stardom (of others)," he said.

Asked if he would join politics, Shah Rukh said, "I want to die an actor."

"This profession takes up all my time. When I meet politicians, everybody believes I am joining politics. I say, why don't you believe they are joining films," he said.

Justin Bieber awesome photo colletion

 Justin Bieber

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 Justin Bieber

H&M - By Night Fall 2011 Collection featuring Lily Donaldson

H&M goes pink for their latest By Night collection! (Ok, and a hint of black & animal print, but we just simply adore the fuschia shade!) 

Time to party, girls!

A H&M legújabb By Night kollekciója rózsaszínben tündököl! (Na jó, feketében és állatmintában is, de mi egyszerűen imádjuk a magenta árnyalatot!)

Partyra fel, csajok!

Jim Henson

The Fair Maiden and her Prince...

HB photo shoot of 2009 *theme* Snow White and her Prince?

After my few bitch-slaps and snark smack-downs - I've decided to go all mellow (just for today) as we wave goodbye to September and look forward to October and what will most likely start Breaking Dawn promotion for all cast involved (Including Rob and Kristen, who will hopefully be almost wrapping up Snow White and the Huntsman to join her man for the up and coming premieres.)

But first...
I can almost hear the bitching and whining already, because it's been announced that Rob will be with Ashley Greene (Alice) in Paris in October for Breaking Dawn promotions. The scandal, the shock, the complete and utter disgrace - why oh why oh why? Do you remember last year when Kristen had to promote key events with Taylor Lautner (Jacob) while Rob continued working on Water for Elephants? Yes the wailing and whining was just as bad. How dare Kristen promote without Rob with, with..Jacob? He's not even a key factor in the movie anymore - Bella choose Edward!!

Stunning Snow White...

The problem i see is that some could understand why Rob was not able to fulfil all his obligations last year, due to working on another movie. But how dare he then a year later, go off and promote without Kristen? It's very simple, well for most anyway. Kristen will do promotional work, of course she will. As long as she is available for the key main premieres - US and UK; as well as some smaller events that will need her gorgeous face in the vicinity of Rob's. Because 'husband and wife' promotion for Breaking Dawn will bring in the crowds. 

Some fans really need to get their heads out from up their asses and understand this, it's not rocket science. Kristen has SWATH obligations that will see her into possibly end of October/beginning of November. Then she is free to smile, wave, sign autographs. Give press junkets and sound bites, to anyone who wants to hear how 'wonderful the wedding was and how easy the honeymoon was to create' You can't please everyone and it's no use blaming Summit for every single disappointment that happens. 

Kristen and Rob; if they have to do solo promotion with other cast members so what? In the movie they are together and they will team up at the most important events, where all members of the cast will be in attendance. I don't go off on one every single time they appear in London and i can't get to see them, because of real life obligations. I would much rather watch from the comfort of my home and bask in the photos, that stem from such events. *shrugs* I can support the movies equally well from my vantage point, so there. 
Breathe, relax, chill and stop fretting.

Now, onto more important things...
Judging by the above photograph lol, poor Rob. Once he claps his eyes on some of the photos that came from shooting yesterday on Marloes Sands Beach in Wales, he will be hot footing it across the ocean to be near his beloved. Because that gorgeous dress on Kristen is all kinds of sinful, as it's contrast on her white skin, sent shivers down many a man's and woman's spine.

Kristen with a white stallion on SWATH...

Rob with Rose the Elephant on WFE...

I love the contrast of those two photographs, not to mention the love the two actors have for animals in general. On WFE last year; Rob worked with an menagerie of animals, from Tai who played Rose in the epic Circus adventure to Lions, Tigers and Giraffe's OH MY! Kristen seems to be getting up close and personal with a white Stallion that, judging by the set photos yesterday, is the same white horse who leads her into battle against the Queen with her trusty friend(s) The Huntsman and her Prince Charmant, along with a dozen or so soldiers. 

I love the fact that the movie roles they take on, mean something to the both of them and not just a quick fix to earn cash. While many can complain (oh and they do) that Rob has been "out of work" since the end of July, not many actually know his status at all. You can question and even bitch, whine and complain, about why he is not signed onto another movie right now, when he has obviously been working. Interviews perhaps? A few bits and pieces of promotional material for Breaking Dawn is a given. But mainly, he has been obligated to finish ADR/Post-Production for Cosmopolis, which was his last movie. Kristen has been charming everyone with her feisty Snow White; decked out in body armour one minute, then looking demure and wet in a off the shoulder gown, complete with trousers/pants and boots underneath the next.

But, but...we want to see them together, why can't we see them together?

happily together Eclipse LA Premiere 2010...

They are all kinds of happy together, all kinds of loving and adoring together and all kinds of serene and shy together. Is it too much to ask for them to be together now? I hear the cries and shake my head. Their love for me, has spanned almost three years. And in that time, they have battled all kinds of bullshit and fuckery from both sides and still maintain an air of complete and utter coolness. They understand the demands of their jobs, they understand the demands of their fans. But to expect them to always please those who expect so much of them, is ridiculous. I don't need constant updates of the whereabouts of Rob or Kristen. I don't need to see the continuous loop of papped photos, taken of a very annoyed Rob travelling through airports, to start my day of with a bang. 

My fair maiden i have found you...

Wherever Rob or Kristen are - the other half is never far from their thoughts. Sure, they travel a lot and work most of the time on their chosen careers, but each is committed to one and other and knows deep down inside, how important their work and private life is. Fans may pick apart their relationship like they own them and haters may pick about their relationship because they hate them, but really, when you think about it. The only people laughing at this compulsive obsessive behaviour, is the two people in the centre of this drama - Rob and Kristen.

You think they are not laughing at the stupidity of some people? The over the top concern because they spend some time apart and are not joined at the hip like twins?

Love captured in your eyes, my Prince...

Didn't i say i was going to be mellow...oops LOL. 
*cough ahem cough*

Many years ago; a young dark haired maiden, stumbled across a Prince who looked lost and dejected, because life had played a cruel joke on him. Yes, try as he might, he could not get people to understand he had a very special talent and a very tortured soul, underneath the façade of skin and bone. And only wanted people to like him because he was good and pure. This fair and gentle maiden; with eyes the colour of a calm sea; decided she would befriend this bewildered Prince, and set upon becoming his friend. Little did the girl, with skin as white as snow know the handsome, yet shy Prince, had fallen in love with her. After watching from a far as she wandered through life, confused and complexed. She was after all, a very clever maiden and had found it troublesome, meeting people who were both genuine and kind. 

As their friendship grew, so did the fair maiden's feelings towards the very handsome and very clever Prince. For she found not only could they talk until sunset, but that they had similar tastes in books and music as well. Not only that, but they also shared a bond of mutual respect and admiration - for the Prince adored her so. Soon it became apparent, that the fair maiden had feelings for the Prince, even though her people forbid it - as did his. But their love was too strong and despite the horrible voices of rejection, the Prince finally told the fair maiden of his feelings. Bestowing all his worthy goods he had to offer, at her feet. The fair and gentle maiden, with hair as dark as the night and eyes as green as the sea. Her skin pale and her heart true, accepted his love. For she loved him just as much. 

And they lived happily, ever after.

The fair maiden and her Prince...

There...i told you i would get to the sappy, mellow bit in the end. Everything about Rob and Kristen's love is just as pure and true, as their love for the work they do. If you are going to spend all your time worrying about when they will see each other again, then you will be chasing your tails forever. Sit back and leave the romance to the two people who are living it, loving it and respecting it. 

Have a lovely stress free and angst free weekend. And remember; being a fan does not mean you have to eat, sleep, breathe Rob and Kristen. Because that's just scary in so many ways.

Hold on tight Princess - it's gonna be a bumpy ride...

T.

Kristen - She's All Woman and So Much More...

Gorgeous, fierce Kristen...

"With the wind in her hair, the brunette beauty looked like a natural on a stunning white horse as she rode along the beach." - The Daily Mail (UK)

If I'd have known that a story i read when i was a little girl, written by the Brothers Grimm (and not Walt Disney) would be turned into such an iconic tale of a warrior Princess, as is being done for Kristen's new movie; 'Snow White and the Huntsman' I would not have put up with the simpering fairy tale of 'whistling while i worked' not to mention, having to look after 'seven crabby old dwarves' in a little cottage in the middle of a forbidden forest. Only to suck really bad at the warning 'DO not take sweets from strangers' ergo, the whole 'eat this juicy red apple little girlie and then die!'

While the movie industry is battling over 'Who Is The Fairest Of Them All?' the Disney-esque version; starring Phil Collins (music maestro) daughter and recent ex of Taylor Lautner - Lily Collins. Or the battle proud, bad-ass-not-a-little-girl-anymore, ready to overthrow the evil Queen version; starring Kristen Stewart. I find myself drawn more to the bad-ass Snow White, because it proves that the damsel in distress, the lady that has to be rescued from the evil clutches of 'wanting her heart torn from her chest, whilst still beating' can kick some serious ass, and still look good.

Which version - fairytale or modern tale?

Both actresses are beautiful, despite some hags believing that Kristen looks like a man than a fairytale princess. But then again, if the haters believe Kristen should be brushing a broom around a room, while waiting for her handsome Prince to come to her door on a white horse...then maybe they should stop visiting Disneyland and put away the Princess Diaries, because in Snow White and the Huntsman - that ain't gonna happen. Lily Collins is taking on a up to date version of the 'fairytale' judging by the synopsis of 'Snow White' that's exactly how it is being portrayed. We all love Snow White it has to be said. It's one of the few movies i can remember as a child and loving the the whole concept of a beautiful young girl, whose life is turned upside down, when her step mother 'the Wicked Queen' decides that there was not enough room in the Kingdom for the two of them. Sending the Huntsman into the woods with the warning; 'return with her lungs and her liver' - up to date Disney version replaced that with her 'heart'. With so many remakes of old TV shows and action book heroes, this is one in which i believe evokes that little girl in all of us. Of course, Kristen's version looks set to be in line with the likes of 'The Mask of Zorro' with the Huntsman, played by the delightful on the eye - Chris Hemsworth (Thor) deciding to train the young Princess into fighting against the evil, vain and narcissistic Queen of the land - played by the too stunning for words, Charlize Theron.

Kristen and Chris looking natural on their horses...

But what i actually like about this role, despite the fact Kristen, looks as if she was born to be on a horse. Decked in armour, with her long black hair whipping in the wind behind her, is that it's killing some females, who believe she will ruin the storyline for them. I know i love to beat a dead horse with a stick, but the haters of this fandom tickle me pink with their cries and woes of jealous ranting. How she will destroy their image of Snow White, how her acting is mediocre at the best of times. How her flat chested appearance will just look stupid and how she is flirting with every male on the set of her movie, while poor long suffering boyfriend Rob is licking his wounds back in LA. Ah yes, it always comes back to who she is with, not her acting, because really - can they do any better? 

You see, the way i look at life is very simple; don't judge someone for something you are not willing to try yourself?' If you want to call a young 21 year old actress out on her acting abilities. Abilities i hasten to add, she has been developing since she was 10 years old, do so - only if you can do better. if you can win the roles she has won, if you can earn the money she is currently making - acting so...badly. As much as the jealousy is funny, it's also downright insulting. Oh i know they claim she is terrible at it; she has only one expression, her acting is flat, her voice cuts through them like glass. She smokes pot, she looks like a man and on and on the drivel goes. The air is thick with their bullshit, because they have to try and use any excuse to hate her. It's bad enough that she is dating a man they all want a piece of, and that's where the jealousy comes from. 

Kristen is a very talented actress; she has been in countless movies and won the role hands down of Bella Swan. A role, thousands of young women can associate with; teenage girl falls hopelessly in love with the iconic fantasy male - all pale, moody and interesting. I have seen most of her movies and not to be biased, but she has got better as she has got older with the roles she has taken on and the emotional depth she has brought to each character. Of course, the best movie by far she did in my opinion, was 'Panic Room' i can't recall how many times i have watched it. That and 'The Messengers' a really creepy psychological thriller. Hands down, Kristen has lead the way timidly in movies that have rarely made a blip on the radar of the movie industry, because they have been 'Independents' - low budget productions. With story lines, often too heavy for most of the mainstream 'brainwashed' minds, softened by blockbuster action thrillers and the continuous need for Romantic Comedies.

Seductive and sexy...

She is a natural beauty and humble to a fault. It doesn't matter to me how many haters throw insults her direction, because they do so, knowing that if they looked in the mirror. Looked really hard at themselves, they would not like what looked back at them. They can't have what she has. They can't have her beauty, her wit, her independent and fiercely protective mind. Her quiet intelligence and her selfless love, for those who get to know her. But above all else, they can't have the love that she receives, the devoted care that one person gives her. Shown with every touch, every smile, every movement drawn towards her. Every vote of encouragement and every bit of support that is given to her, that has allowed this young woman to bloom and grow for three years.

They would rather make up stories about living the 'single life' then sell it to magazines who don't give a toss who they write about, because it's always rubbish. Think of ways to put twisted thoughts down in posts; separation issues, exit strategies, PR showmances and late night hook ups with co-stars. Anything, rather than just accept that Kristen is a woman and she owns their asses. Why else would they go out of their way to hate her? Her acting will continue to grow, those that care know this for sure. Kristen is essentially one of the most talked about young actresses in Hollywood right now, and anyone who has met her can do nothing but sing her praises about how extraordinarily talented she is. She is also one half of it has to be said, the most talked about young 'hot' couple in the movies.

Mr and Mrs. Edward Cullen...

Breaking Dawn is a long time in the making and has become one of the most sought after movies to be released this November, because it finally brings together Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella (Kristen Stewart) as husband and wife. it also sees Kristen's character Bella finally grow up, get married to her handsome but somewhat pale and interesting boyfriend Edward. Get whisked away to a fantasy island where let's face it, not a lot of suntanning is involved. (impromptu sparkles on the beach would put any one off) Breaks a few headboards (the bit every female in the world is looking forward to, including Bella) before finding out that the careful discreet box of 'monthly friends' that was placed in her luggage - won't be needed for the foreseeable future.

That and of course, everyone who is a fan of Rob and Kristen will be looking forward to the countless times they kiss, cuddle, look adoringly at each other. Break a bed, walk around showing a lot more flesh than they have ever done...and for the script that is called for, make a baby. Since 2008; everyone has been riveted to a story line of forbidden love, heartbroken confessions and near death experiences. All wrapped up with the two actors, who have brought two very much loved characters to life. It was Catherine Hardwicke (director of Twilight) who said;  

"Robert and Kristen have this amazing sexual chemistry between them - we could see it in the audition. That's why we cast them, you can't create that."

Kristen and Rob are fantastic actors in their own right, but you can't create chemistry if it's not there. Despite haters suggesting they are faking it 99% of the time 'I kiss my male friends, hold their hands, visit their work places, go on holidays and buy shelter puppies...ALL THE TIME' You can't create what Rob and Kristen have together, it's there and always has been.

Natural Beauty...

While those who would rather bitch about how ugly this young woman is (i kid you not, me thinks a new prescription is needed for their rose coloured lenses) i would rather bask in her happiness. Drown in her complete confidence, that has grown with each passing year. Get swept up in her laughter, because she does actually laugh (I know, shocking for some) and grin at the love that is evident in her eyes, because she is a woman in love.

Kristen is a woman, all woman...and so, much more!