Da Boys and I watched "Transcendence" for the (now) $5.50 Tuesday Guys' Movie. (I'm still peeved at the local Cinemark Rave for raising admission from $5! You'd think they'd be happy to have someone in the theater on weekdays, but apparently not. If it wasn't for us discounters, the place'd be EMPTY! Yet, they can't resist milking us.
(But I digress...)
For Take the Wife to the Movies Wednesday, we chose "Heaven Is for Real," a Christian faith-based movie released Easter Sunday that is making big waves around the country.
First, though, "Transcendence." It's the latest Johnny Depp flick, and the critics generally are unkind. It's not a "Gone with the Wind," I'll admit. But it isn't that bad. As a Guys' movie, it's, um, okay. The premise, I think, is relatively unique — or, as unique as they get in these days of terrible remakes of terrible movies. When the preeminent artificial intelligence researcher on Earth is assassinated, his collaborator-wife uploads his consciousness to the Internet. Sort of a John-in-the-Box without the fries. And predictably, he develops something of a god complex.
The CGI and special effects are interesting, if unspectacular. There's also enough gunfire and explosions to keep it mildly interesting. A bit of blood, but nothing stomach-churning. Also (moms, take note) no profanity I can recall, and
In short, this is entertaining enough, but as a Guys' flick, it's almost a yawner: not a chick flick, but not a "Captain America" or "Pacific Rim," either.
It gets 3 knuckle sandwiches for action and 2 half-eaten apples for sci-fi computer technology. Also, 5 umbrellas (It's better than staying home on a rainy day cutting your toenails.).
Now, "Heaven Is for Real." It's the true story of the life-altering experience of Colton Bumpo, a four-year-old Nebraska boy. He says he visited Heaven while on the operating table with a burst appendix, fighting for his life.
The movie, starring Greg Kinnear, is well worth seeing. Greg I'm not really a Kinnear fan. However, he's excellent as a small-town pastor struggling to make ends meet while facing one disaster after another.
I love the way the movie is spiritual without hitting you over the head with Christianity — and how very well done and professional it is. It's a quality piece. My one criticism, though, is that the film focuses on Pastor Bumpo more than it focuses on Colton and his profound experiences.
The Wife and I both read the true story upon which this movie is based. (You can download it at http://www.epubbud.com/book.php?g=8WXDUWWG .) If you read it first, you might be a bit disappointed. So, see the flick; then glom onto this book.
I'm not getting into a debate on religion here, or even if film is better than the printed page. But in my case, the movie was good — but this book was MY profound experience. Either way, it's worth your time.
