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  • Sean Walsh 5:58 am on June 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Review: Game of Thrones 

    HBO recently launched a mini-series on the bestselling science fiction books by George R.R. Martin.  Martin has been dubbed the “American Tolkien” by many science fiction fantasy fans. His T.V. show, like his books are not for young kids to read.  These books are not Harry Potter and Tolkien.  They are rated “R” and parents should avoid them for young kids. Especially in an era when science fiction movies and television shows are extremely popular with the young and old.

    The ‘American Tolkien’
    Science fiction readers are always looking for the next best thing to read, even though Martin’s books have been around for a while.  There is a reason why his mini-series, each season will be dedicated to a book in the series, is on HBO.  The graphic and adult content of the books would never make regular television.  His books are no different than what is on television. The show is adopted perfectly from the books, with excellent actors and special effects.

    Now, do not get me wrong, I am halfway through book four and there is a reason why Martin is dubbed the “American Tolkien.”  His ability to create a world full of historical background and political intrigue is second to few.  He is also not shy of changing and developing lead characters.  Spoiler alert: Main characters change frequently as they are killed off, only to be replaced by new characters that are equally as thrilling and intriguing.  The twists and turns when reading these books are amazing and very few story tellers have this ability.

    No good guys vs. bad guys
    There are no good guys or bad guys in his books, depending upon your preference.  No light versus darkness, well maybe a little.  Martin allows you to choose which house you support in the story for power.  The true enemy is human greed and our lust for power, a power that men and women will do anything to gain.  The true prize in the series is the “Iron Throne,” and control of the “Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.”

    This series is a must read for any die hard science fiction reader.  But, unlike Harry Potter and The Hobbit; it is not the classic science fiction you read to your kids at night.  Some stories are best left for adults.  There are no dragons, magicians, elves or halflings.  There is only the game…

    What do you think?
    Have you seen the new series? Read the books? What do you think?  Should HBO have made a series of this and promoted it to people without warnings or are they taking advantage of the popularity of science fiction?

     

    youtube trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfAE3hIaPm4

     

    • McReb 9:40 am on June 9, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      If it is not fit to watch it is not fit to read. I am sure I can find more edifying ways to spend my time

    • Will 7:48 pm on June 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      I’ve read all the books and have waited years for the one coming this summer, though I’m unsure if I will ever get it now.u00a0 I’m not sure if I should watch the HBO series.u00a0 There is a difference between past sins of reading dirty literature (let’s not be ambiguous here, it is what it is and Our Blessed Mother foretold it) and then watching the dirt brought to life in front of your eyes.u00a0 If it is exactly like the books, then it offers no censure on the murder, deceit, nudity, incest, sexual perversion, language, images of rape and all the other terrible things offered by man fallen into sin.u00a0 And that’s just the first book.u00a0 Thankfully the later books don’t offer all of it.

      • Spwalsh77 2:38 pm on June 9, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Yes, there is no censure in the television all those things you stated are brough to life on the screen.u00a0 Hopefully like the later books, the later series on TV will drift away from all that too.u00a0

    • Spwalsh77 6:50 pm on June 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      That is true, but the way they are promoting it I hear a lot of kids wanting to watch and read it.u00a0 Definatly get the books, they are amazing.

      • Will 7:51 pm on June 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Should there be a difference between adult and kid?u00a0 Isn’t that belief, that adults are somehow more able to adjust and regulate their intake of sin, that has led this modern generation into it’s current downward spiral?u00a0 I’ve come to believe that we will excuse anything on the merit that it offers some value as entertainment.

        • Spwalsh77 2:49 pm on June 9, 2011 Permalink | Reply

          u00a0There is no excuse for merit based upon entertainment, those parts are in the book, I do not enjoy them, nor do I enjoy seeing them on TV, but what I do enjoy is the overall story and the Game being played.u00a0 95% of the books are fine, 5% are not.u00a0 Sins can be found everywhere, we simply cannot walk through life with our eyes cast downward to avoid them.u00a0

    • Juli Bishop 11:45 am on June 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      I pretty much figure that if it is a HBO series then my 10 year old doesn’t need to watch it. I would like to read the books myself though.

  • Sean Walsh 1:04 pm on May 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: applications, Bl. John Paul II, ,   

    Blessed John Paul II now has an app? 

    The people that brought you: Confession: a Roman Catholic App, now bring John Paul II to your iPhone or iPad.  What a delightful little app! It is full of wonderful information and pictures that will have you remembering John Paul II and forgetting that he is not physically with us anymore.  From start to finish you will be humbled and inspired by this holy man.

    The home page walks you through twelve pictures of JP II throughout his life, including a beautiful picture of him and Mother Teresa holding hands.  The Reflection page offers an introduction by the Archbishop of Denver:  Charles J. Chaput.  It also has links to John Paul’s history, his traditions and videos.  The videos are amazing:  Eight videos are linked through YouTube from the App which gives you the opportunity to listen again to his inspiring speeches and remember how is personality  and words captured an entire world. The other pages give you the opportunity for a beautiful Novena and prayers from John Paul II.  There is also a link to his writings, which sends you to amazon.com to purchase his books.

    If there is a way to sum up Blessed John Paul II in an application for your iPhone or iPad “Little iApps” has done.  Scott Hahn, Archbishop Chaput and Lisa Hendey did a wonderful job contributing on this app and is a must have for your device.  This app is also free so there is no reason for you not to download it and enjoy it.  I would gladly have paid for this app.  Let us know if you have downloaded it and what is your favorite aspect of it.

    For more information visit their site here.

     

    • Marichu Secillano 8:55 am on May 6, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Marichu nnnThis is how technology help’s us. we can now read and be inspired by Blessed John Paul with just one click……n

    • Jclem413 2:08 am on May 2, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Very nice App on JPII that offer very good videos and prayers. Even has lecture by George Weigel at Franciscan University about JPII.

    • Mary Soukup 5:38 pm on May 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      thank you for the new app

  • Sean Walsh 8:35 am on April 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Hop,   

    Should you go see “Hop”? 

    I took my daughter over the weekend to see the new Universal Studios movie “Hop“.  She loved it, as did all the other children in the theater. With it’s animation and “cuteness” the children in the theater were glued to the screen especially when they showed all the Easter candy being made.  The movie is full of stars, it features James Marsden, Russell Brand, Kaley Cuocu, Hank Azaria and David Hasselhoff.  The animation is exceptional and fun to watch.

    The story centers around: E.B., voiced by Russell Brand,  the Easter Bunny’s teenage son who does not want to follow in his father’s footsteps.  He leaves Easter Island to escape to L.A. to be a drummer.  There he is hit by the car driven by Fred O’Hare, played by James Marsden.  This is where the fun begins, or not.  The movie is very slow in developing and at times you begin to wonder what is actually happening as Fred helps E.B. become a drummer and both teenage slackers dodge their fathers scrutiny.

    One of the few bright and funny spots in the movie comes from long time voice actor: Hank Azaria.  Since his role in the “Birdcage” he has perfected the thick Spanish accent and adds what little comic relief there is doing the voice of Carlos; the little yellow chick  who stages a Coup d’etat of Easter Island.  He dreams of replacing the Easter Bunny with the Easter Chick. Eventually he is foiled by E.B . and Fred O’Hare to restore  order.  The first 15 minutes and last 15 minutes were a lot of fun to watch, the hour in between you were just waiting for something, anything to happen.

    We have become so spoiled by Disney and Pixar, movies that entertain both children and adults,  that we forget sometimes that children’s movies are for children.  Though the adults in the theater left bewildered, all the children clapped at the end of the movie and that is what matters.

    Most reviews of this movie gave it 2 out of 4 stars and I would agree.  But reviews are made by adults and not children.  Your kids will give it 4 stars, so if your willing to give up an hour and a half of your life for the entertainment of your child go “Hop” to the movies this Easter.

    This is a secular Easter movie, no reference is made at all to the Christian meaning of Easter. Does that bother you? Share your thoughts in the comments!

    Illustration: Copyright Universal Studios

     

    • Sean 9:25 am on April 9, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      It doesn’t. Most children, and some adults, are more likely to associate Santa and the Easter Bunny with the holiest of days in Christianity. It’s a world of commercialism we live and it is up to us as parents and our parish community to teach the true meaning of these holiest of days. Hollywood is for entertainment, not education.

      My daughter understands what Easter is. She also looks forward to dying eggs and getting candy. So do I.

    • Kevin Fraser 2:57 pm on April 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      How does this film, which purports to celebrate Easter, relate to an authentic understanding of this holiest of all Christian celebrations?

  • Sean Walsh 3:50 pm on April 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    An Animated Classic, Years Before Its Time 

    There are very few movies that you can watch over and over again; “FernGully: The Last Rainforest” is one of them. I fell in love with this animated classic back in 1992 when it first came out.  It is not only entertaining, but also thought provoking.  A children’s and environmental movie years before its time.

    The fairies of FernGully had never seen or met a human before until fairie Crysta, voiced by Samantha Mathis, shrinks the human Zak, voiced by Jonathan Ward, saving his life.  Little does Crysta realize that Zak is part of the logging company that is destroying her forest and has freed the evil Hexxus, voiced by Tim Curry.  Hexxus lives on oil, smog, destruction and is intent to wipe out the fairies and the forest.

    Zak and Crysta team up with Christian Slater as Pips, and Robin Williams as Batty Koda to save the rain forest.  Robin Williams is his usual self and delivers a wonderfully hysterical performance as a bat whose radar has gone crazy by years of human experimentation on him.  Together, along with the other fairies and animals of the forest they are able to overcome evil and save their world. The animation technology is from 1992, but the music is fantastic and the story is what keeps you hooked.

    I played this movie for my daughter a few years ago when she was 4.  Four years later her movie collection and TV shows have changed.  FernGully has stood the test and still remains not only one of my favorite movies of all time, but now it is also my daughters.  Considering the high budget classic Disney and Pixar films that have come out, that is really saying something for this Australian animated film.

    This is a wonderful movie to watch with your family as it is both entertaining and moralistic.  It teaches both adults and children the importance of not only good versus evil, but more importantly taking care of the environment.  FernGully may be a small forest somewhere, but to the faires and creatures it is their entire world; a world that must be saved from evil and greedy corporations that are intent on selling our children’s future.

    It teaches us that we are all God’s creations: humans, animals and trees. If you have never seen this movie go out and buy it.  Share it with your family and see how much it becomes a favorite. 

    If you have seen it, how has this movie’s theme resonated with the wave of environmental protection a decade after its inception?

    Illustration: Copyright FAI Films/Youngheart Productions

     

  • Sean Walsh 10:27 am on March 23, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Jeff Geerling, news   

    Review: Catholic News Live App 

    I came across this app by way of an email from app designer, Jeff Geerling, introducing it.  I jumped at the chance to purchase it.

    Like a lot of people, I scan the Internet daily looking for news from many different sites hoping to see what is not only going on in the world, but also in the Catholic world.  Most of the stories in the major newspapers tend to be biased and downright discriminatory against Catholics reporting more of what they want to say than the actual news.  Unless you have a favorite site to go to or just get plain old lucky, your missing a lot of great news in Catholic media, reported by Catholic media.

    Jeff solved my problem and hopefully yours too.  In his own words: ”I’ve spent many nights and weekends on this app, trying to make it the best and simplest Catholic news app on the App Store, and it aggregates data from all over the Catholic web—hand-picked sources (yours included!) that are checked hourly for the latest information.”

    He delivers on his word.  In a matter of seconds I can scan the major headlines and Catholic sites from all over the world: Zenit – The world seen from Rome, Catholic Culture, Catholic News Agency, Ignatius Press and even the Badger Catholic from Wisconsin.  No story escapes this application and no more surfing google at work to see what is going on in Catholic News.  It really is that simple to use.

    The best aspect of the App is the “News Map” function.  Displaying a map of the world Jeff has pin marked the stories coming out of: Japan, India, Libya, USA, Rome and so on. Tapping the pin mark on the map you can go directly to the story.  This brings your news to you in the area you live at the tap of a finger.  The latest news updates constantly too; in the last hour 7 more stories have been added.

    Did I mention this app costs only 0.99 cents?  That’s 0.26 cents cheaper than a soda from the vending machine at work, and though it does not quite deliver the sugar rush, it is definitely much more satisfying, lasts a lot longer and is better for your teeth.

    Do you have the app? Go get this App, and if you did, let me know what you think of it here.

    App’s description here:

    http://catholicnewslive.com/about/mobile-app

    You can download the app directly on your iPhone or iPod touch here:
    Catholic News Live – Midwestern Mac, LLC

     

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