November 4th, 2014

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Alexander

Tuesday, November 4th, 2014

This is normally the day I discuss Matt Chandler’s book, “Creature of the Word.” However, Jo & I have been in Ohio watching our grandson so the book will take a back seat for now. Instead, I am going to give my impression of a movie we went to see.

First, I am going to assume everyone has either read,  has heard or are familiar with the book by Judith Viorst called “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” If you are not, then go to the library and read it on the spot.  Depending on your reading speed will determine whether it takes you longer than five minutes to read. I will admit to using it in sermons. 🙂

The movie was a hoot. I’m not into kid’s movies although I have seen my share. I liked CARS. The LEGO Movie gave me flash burns with its manic activity (that doesn’t make it bad for all). I’ve seen a few others with Braden, but there is no need to mention more. “Alexander” was a fun movie. Any movie which has  Braden giggling and keeps his attention is worth it in my book. I thought the movie was worth going to see. I chuckled and liked the family dynamics which developed. To say much more would spoil it for you who might want to see it.

There were no swear words although since I don’t like “suck” I thought they could have done without it. However, if there is a good use of it, they found a good place for it.  There is some projectile vomiting although anyone with children would not cringe (unless it brings back bad memories). 🙂

I would feel safe taking young children to see this but I’m not sure they would understand it much if they are under 6 or 7.  I know someone from the church took their son who is about 6. I hope Jacci will add her thoughts.

Go see “Alexander.” It is a good 90 minutes spent.

Posted in Family, Friendship, Little Bit of Fun, Miscellaneous | 20 Responses »

Paradigm

Tuesday, November 4th, 2014

Remember this name: Elijah Quinn Carlson.

Remember it and remember you heard it here. If my judgement of someone who has a lot of potential is correct, you will be hearing more of Eli in the future.

I know Eli personally. He has attended the church I pastor since it started. His mom and dad are a vital part of our church life. What you don’t know about Eli is he was a top-notch swimmer who, if he had had the drive, could have swam on scholarship anywhere in the country.

While he was skilled at swimming (setting numerous records); writing was his passion. Ever since I have known him, Eli has loved to read, dream, and write. His specialty was fantasy.

Enter Paradigm. (Aside: the first time I saw that word I pronounced it pair-a-dig-em. Yeah…real smart. That was a few years ago) 🙂

 

paradigm

Paradigm is a futuristic-type novel where humans and the Wynt (Eli’s own creation) are at odds. Various nuances play a big part in their rivalry/hatred/ mistrust for each other. Various personalities are introduced with different agendas and just when you think you have it figured out…BAM he changes the playing field. He threw enough twists to keep the plot moving along without “the expected outcome.”

Eli introduces some unique aspects to his book. First, I know he wrote a whole new language (Wynt) for his book. He also has done some (what I will call) “scientific dreaming.” I can’t say much more or I would give it away. He also includes a Codex (dictionary of sorts) as an appendix.

Oh…Eli wrote this for a Senior Class assignment called Patriot Expo which all seniors at our local high school must participate in to graduate. More writing and editing has brought it to publishing status. He had it self-published.

If you like the scifi/fantasy genre, you ought to pick up a copy. Oh…and look out for that ending. It isn’t what you would expect.

Posted in Book Review | 14 Responses »