Tag: movies

Oracle

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends! A quick few words this Sunday afternoon before I dive into my evening reading (shall be some sort of combination of Owen, Bonhoeffer & Rowling – yes, a bit of an oddball mix, I’m well aware). Anyway, thought I’d write a few words on my viewing of the Odyssey yesterday. This movie came out a few weeks back and the discussion and furor around it has been fascinating to witness. Even today, had some conversations at church about it and been texting with Robbie about it and well…it’s one of those movies that sticks with you just a bit, for various reasons. I shan’t go into a full feature-length review, but I will make a couple comments. Firstly, I greatly enjoyed the film. Nolan almost never lets me down, and he didn’t here. He knows how to make a great movie. This 3-hour plus movie never left me bored or checking my watch and I was on the edge of my seat for almost the entire run-time, despite the fact that I very much know the story. Nolan is a master of tension and he used his skills to the utmost here. The acting was superb and the character work strong. Was this a perfect movie? By no means, but I enjoyed it. Did Nolan take some significant liberties with source material? But of course, yet are not most re-tellings of ancient stories and myths more a reflection on their own times and mores? I felt this movie was such here, reflecting on the story of the Odyssey in a very modern fashion and most certainly importing an ethical framework and understanding that is not present in the original work. If anything, it speaks well to Tom Holland (not that Tom Holland!)’s thesis on the impact of Christianity on western civilization.

Now I’m rambling on and I said I will be brief. Just wanted to write a few words on one of my favourite parts of movie and one which resonated with my soul. I very much doubt this was an intentional writing on Nolan’s part, but I very much saw the return of Odysseus to Ithaca as analogous to the coming return of Jesus Christ. Really? Yes, really. We have a kingdom in a state of disarray, trampled on and violated by those who seek kingship for themselves. We have a faithful few who long for the return of the true king. We have a pleading longing in the hearts of those who wait and yes, even doubt at times. How long? How long until the return of the king? And then, he comes. And the same sound that provokes terror in the hearts of the unrighteous causes the hearts of the faithful to leap for joy. The moment that thrilled my heart was the moment that Nolan has been building up to. Odysseus-as-a-beggar finally strings the great bow. And then, as he does, he strums the bowstring. A note rises. Penelope starts in joyous anticipation. The suitors wail as the wrath of Odysseus begins to fall upon them. The king is here in our very midst. That moment for me, that strumming of the bowstring and the reaction of Penelope and the suitors, was my favourite part of this film. Yes, I also maybe teared up a bit when Odysseus was reunited to Argos and later to Penelope. Odysseus and Penelope being reunited was probably my second favourite moment of this film. But returning to the strumming of that bowstring. It made me think on that for which my soul longs. I long one day to see Christ return in all his glory. I long to be with my Lord. And I think of that one sound that will be joy to the righteous and terror to the unrighteous. I think of the song of that last trumpet and of the joy that will fill the hearts of those who have been faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ. And I bow my head and think with sadness of those for who that trumpet call will be as the sound of death, heralding only righteous wrath and terrible woe. Oh how terrible it will be at that moment for those who hold empty lamps and wear garments of their own devising.

So I have said more on this film than I planned and I’m sure I’ve imparted a bit of my own philosophy into my reading of this movie. Yet still, I’m grateful for movies such as this, that make me think on deeper things and turn my eyes to thoughts of beauty and glory. Nolan fumbled a bit on the ending of this movie – I really wish he had ended it with Odysseus taking his rightful place as king of Ithaca and fade to black. Instead he furnishes Odysseus with a quest of further penance. Ah well. No one’s perfect. I will just meditate now though on what it means to be a faithful servant of my Lord and look for his return in glory. How long, oh Lord? How long?

A Framing of the Mind

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends…and happy Tuesday! I dare not write too much right now, as my eyes are sleepy – despite the coffee I’m currently gulping down! – and at some point I need to attempt to wake up by doing work. But at least a few words? I am still recovering from Sunday night…me and John had a small Oscars-watching party at our place, a fun time with a few friends(Joe, Julie, Abby, Camille, Julia…) but of course the only problem with the Oscars is it’s approximately a four hour show. Eventually everyone left or (in John’s case) just went to bed, but Julie and I persevered to the bitter end! Worth it to see Moonlight‘s best picture win…of course, I’ve not seen that movie – looks a bit depressing for my taste. Maybe someday. Emma Stone did win best actress for La La Land, so all is well! Anyways! Sunday was a late night. I really need to get more sleep. Not tonight, since it’s community group night. Not tomorrow night, since I’m hanging with Sammy. Oh well. Maybe someday my poor body will get sleep.

Anything else? Hm, I guess I’ve just been pondering thoughts lately of life, the universe and everything. You know, the usual! And just the realisation that people(myself included!) are far too consumed by thoughts of how to please and love ourselves to the exclusion of all else. Yes, we say we love others. But words are cheap. Our actions are dictated far too often by the desire to please the god of ourselves. That sacred throne of rank pride – how we do love that seat. And at the end of the day – at the end of all things – does it really matter how much we’ve sacrificed to bring oblations to our own soul? God forbid that we should live so. I so much want to not be so concerned about my own vanity or cravings or heartache… Fierce and most loathsome ambition to raise myself above all else, why is this part of me? I flee. I am on this world for a purpose far greater, a cause far purer. May I remember that and forget myself.

Peace and love.

Lilies on the Sun

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends! On this beautiful and most delightful Saturday, I sit here at Beans coffeeshop, about to head out. But I must not let the opportunity to write a quick update pass me by! I’ve just enjoyed a pretty awesome morning here, sipping on first my mocha, then a nice honey-flavored green tea. Now, the afternoon is beginning to wear on, and I really should get back to the house. Me and Daniel are planning to see Interstellar at the cinema, and I’ve been here long enough, methinks! Last night had a sweet relaxing Friday night, involving eating a delicious dinner(grilled burgers! green bean casserole! deliciousness!) and watching random videos with Daniel(Legend of Korra!!). And today, I really should be prepping for Tuesday bible study, but I’ve been doing Christmas shopping instead. And mixing up an awesome playlist(I think I’ll burn it for Maryanne’s Christmas present…but it’s so great, I’ll make myself a copy too I think). Now though, as disjointed as this entry is, time for me to go. One of these days, I’ll write something properly, but this will have to do for now.

Peace always, friends!!!

Spaced

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Saturday, yo! I’m sitting in Beans with John, having enjoyed a very proper morning here. Drank a mocha…and maybe an extra shot of espresso too. Don’t judge. I’ve read a bit but really spent most of my time doing some quality Christmas shopping(i.e., browsing Amazon and placing several different orders…so now, Christmas presents…sorted! Mostly. Still debating on a couple more possible presents for Maryanne and Laura…) John joined me about an hour or so ago, and we’ve had some sweet times chilling here(i.e., looking at our separate computer screens and speaking to each other every once in a while). I’ve wanted to do some writing, but sadly, I think my writing here will have to suffice for today. At least this morning. It’s now past noon and I should probably do my errands and head back home eventually. Anyways, I wanted to write because I felt I’ve been pretty absent lately. This past week has been another hectic work week, but joyous moments have been liberally sprinkled throughout, so I cannot complain. Never ever. Lots of quality time spent with Daniel either having deep talks about life or being silly watching the best shows ever(the ARROW or the FLASH…I am being totally serious as to their being the best shows ever. Maybe with a very slight tinge of sarcasm. Y’know)…lots of moments at work realising that despite the stress and the weariness, God has used me to encourage and help people as I work…moments hanging out with friends and watching silly movies(like the terribly silly and romantic yet wondrous About Time at Erica/Emily/Michelle/Meagan’s place or last night watching Star Trek Into Darkness with John and Daniel as we heartily enjoyed watching Kirk being awesome and Spock beat up on Khan…)…and really, this whole week…just relishing the goodness and love and wonder of being a child of God. Each and every moment I am alive, I exist to bring glory to the Most High God. This brings joy to my heart and a song to my lips. And now, I must let my espresso-fueled fingers rest, as I fear this paragraph is terribly unwieldy. Yet, I feel oh so blessed. And I long to share these moments with you all. My friends.

Peace and love.

Lord of the Sabbath

James HoganLeave a comment

One of my favorite passages recently…witness the grace and compassion and fierce anger of our Lord Jesus – marvel at His love and almighty power!

He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. He said to the main with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?”

But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” – Mark 3:1-5

Don’t have too many comments to add…just wanted to say how much I love reading about Jesus. I hope y’all feel the same!!

And now I guess I can write a few more words – chilling at Books and Beans(literally, instead of going from out in the cold to the warmth of this coffeeshop, I came from out of the heat to the coolness and shade here. Yay summer!!). I’m enjoying the remnants of my mocha(yeah, it’s definitely not hot anymore) and trying to persuaded myself to budge from my chair here. I shall soon enough, because it is a marvelously hot and sunny day outside and I need to soak it in. But for now, I want to finish writing this and then maybe write a couple letters while I have my lunch.

Anyways – I’ve had quite a busy week both at work and with people, so suppose I’ll share a few highlights! Working backwards…last night was most lovely and awesome – went over to Chris and Jo’s for a most fun evening involving delicious lasagna and salad and some yummy Tokaji as well! Besides just hanging out and eating and talking, we also watched “Princess Mononoke”, a delightful Miyazaki film. Oh gosh, how I’m going to miss these guys.

Thursday night – me and John and Rosemary went to cinema to see “Now You See Me”, a fun magic/heist/action movie. Morgan Freeman and Jesse Eisenberg and other fine actors made for a good movie, and of course being with cool people didn’t hurt. Wednesday night was bible study! Still studying Elisha, and as always, Dominic spoke with power and our prayer/chat time was oh so encouraging!!

Tuesday night! Hm, trying to remember what I did this night…did I just stay at home and have a quiet night? I think I must have, hah, seeing as I can’t recall what else I did. Monday night though, me and Mike and Chris and Phil went and saw “Pacific Rim”, which was ridiculous and gorgeous and crazy and really really fun. It was basically a movie about the end of the world and giant alien sea-monsters and mechs and really really amazing battles. Coolest scene – a mech riding a sea-alien into outer space and then pulling out a sword and slicing it in two. I think that sums up the movie. Anyway, we loved it. SO MUCH FUN.

And working backwards a bit more, while I don’t think I can do it justice at all(and this entry is already far too long), last weekend I was not here in Aberdeen, but with Joel and Graham, rafting the River Tay and enjoying the countryside in full summer bloom. We spent most of a day building our raft(felt a bit like Huck Finn!! Our raft – so much better) and then sailed a bit down the river…had a few adventures(like swamping our raft and almost losing all our stuff to the bottom of the river) and eventually we finally set up camp along the riverbank. Took us a few hours to properly set up and get the fire going. Finally, we were watching the sunset over the river and enjoying the first few bites of roast lamb…when we got an angry estate-keeper who kicked us off “his” land. Sad day! It was pretty late, but thankfully the cavalry(in the form of John, Duncan and Russell) arrived pretty much at the same time. After we delivered the sad news, we broke down camp and headed off to Graham’s house in their cars. Not quite the camping we had planned, but hey. An epic weekend was had.

Now, it’s really time to get going! Don’t know how much of my planned letters I’ll get written, but I’m really hungry for lunch. I’m in a soup mood – carrot and coriander today, methinks. Peace my friends!!

A Heart Full of Love

James HoganLeave a comment

And yes, my friends, I most certainly should not be writing this entry so late on a Sunday evening! But I cannot help but pen a few words. Whether they be worthwhile, I’ll leave you decide. But ever so briefly before I dive into a book and let myself slip into sleepiness…

Today was a beautiful Sunday, made all the more appreciated for the fact that I was working part of the day yesterday. Truly, a day of rest is needed and I cannot help but be thankful that today was indeed restful! Enjoyed a glorious morning at church before coming back to the flat with John and having lunch together. I cleaned my room a bit, but in the main I spent my afternoon on the sofa with my coffee and book! Lovely.

And then this evening, I skipped church for a very good reason…got to have an international skype call of awesomeness with Steven and Anna! The three of us hadn’t talked in…a long time. And yet we enjoyed a most amazing time of talking and laughing and reminiscing and praying and more laughing and..well, I can’t really say much more than that I have been greatly blessed with friends such as these. Hopefully we’ll get to actually reunite someday soon! Germany + Hungary + America forever!!

And once I tore myself away from skype, church was over, but I couldn’t let my Sunday evening go out with a whimper, so I made my way over to Andrew and Sarah’s to watch the BAFTAs(I could leave you ignorant, but for your education – British Academy of Film and Television Arts, basically the British version of the Oscars) with them – also joined by Ruth and Zara and Steph! I discovered several things – first of all, I have definitely not seen many movies this past year. Secondly, my aforementioned BAFTA-watching companions made for a most enjoyable and amusing viewing experience, especially as they were far more cinema-knowledgeable than I. Thirdly, movie stars appear to have very…interesting tastes in clothing. That is all.

I really want to see Lincoln now. I also want to see Les Mis again, but I should probably not see it a third time. Its music is now stuck in my head. Yet again.

Ah but a most lovely evening has been had. And now the clock ticks ever closer to midnight and I must bid you all adieu. I again just can’t say enough to express what gratitude overflows from my heart. Our God is good, my friends.

Grace and peace.