The Purpose

If we've learned anything from the title of Rick Warren's bestselling book (because I haven't delved further into it than that) then I should do something with purpose.

So then, just to let you know, the purpose behind this blog is to provide me an outlet/voice to what I think about different types of entertainment. I already analyze things when I partake of them, and I do like to tell others about entertainment I enjoyed (or didn't).

I hope that I've got a slightly different look on things, coming from a mildly theological point of view, with my naturally literary point of view.

If you ever want to know what I thought of a particular piece of entertainment, be it film, book, music, magazine, television show or viral video, etc, then just ask. And hopefully I will oblige. Unless I'm a jerk. Which is a good possibility.

Sherlock Holmes

Witwiwo:

What: Sherlock Holmes

When: December 25, 2009--Christmas, baby!

How Long: Just over 2 hours.

Where: Charleston's sketchy theater--Oakbrook. I mean, it is only $4.

Director: Guy Ritchie

Author: Sort of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A big sort of.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong.

Why: Because I love me some Sir A.C. Doyle, and some Downey Jr. And Law. And because it was a gift to the kids for Christmas.

Expectations: Pretty high, with those two as lead roles and the trailers running nonstop for the past month and a half, I've been looking forward to it.

What I ate while I watched: Some popcorn and about a frillion Twizzlers.

Two Sentence Synopsis: The very Downey Jr.-ed Holmes teams up with the reluctant Dr. Watson to battle the supposed black magic of Lord Blackwood. Along the way they kick a bunch of random butt to unearth an ironically non-magical villain.

My Favorite Part or Quote was: Ooo, that's a hard one. There were quite a few one-liners.

Holmes' and Watson's dialogue throughout was pretty hilarious. I quite liked their argument in jail though, when Watson complains that Holmes' steals his clothes, to which Holmes replies "we have a barter system."

How Fun It Was: Pretty daggum funny. A lot of the comical parts were in the trailer but there are still others, and they didn't seem forced.

The Positives: The plot was pretty good. Not easy to predict, at least. And the very subtle use of Holmes perceptive abilities was a nice touch. Also the dialogue between Holmes and just about anyone.

The Negatives: The focus on the action seemed a little out of touch with who Holmes is in the historical understanding. Not that it wasn't enjoyable, but it did take away from the sleuth aspect of his nature. Also, not that it wasn't enjoyable, but Downey plays very similar roles in most of his movies, and feel that this Holmes was almost created for that role. And finally, the computer generated images left a good bit to be desired.

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: Pretty much nonexistent. There was a hint of the supremacy of rationalism and logic that could be seen through Holmes' methods.

One thing I learned: Uh, bring your own drink because the theater soda will quickly run out if you have several people sharing it.

The ending: Decent. A little clean, I felt. And open-ended. I feel like they started in the wrong part of Holmes and Watson's relationship if they intend to make a sequel.

Go/Rent/Buy/Don't: I didn't feel like I wasted money on seeing it in theaters, but you aren't losing a whole lot by not seeing it on the big screen. It is solidly worth the rental, but I would say go see it.

Avatar

Witwiwo:

What: Avatar

When: Friday, December 18

How Long: 2 daggum hours and 42 frickin' minutes. Really long, in other words.

Where: Manchester Cinemas, Rock Hill

Why: That would be a question more appropriately directed at James Cameron. But mostly because the trailer looked pretty epic and I'm all for some kick=assery and alien cultures.

Director: James Cameron (also the author)

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Zoe Saldana, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel Moore.

Expectations: Fairly high, because Cameron spent half a billion on it's production, and I've heard buzz about his new technology for over a year now.

What I ate while I watched: Cookie dough bites and a Mountain Dew Livewire

Two Sentence Synopsis: Handicapped Marine Jake Sully guides an 'avatar' alien body in order to infiltrate the Na'vi, natives of the alien world Pandora. His growing involvement with the Na'vi brings him into conflict with the greedy corporation behind the human expedition on Pandora.

My Favorite Part or Quote was: The final battle. I mean, there were a few quotes here and there, but it was epic and it kept me on the edge of my seat.

How Fun It Was: Like I said, a few quotes here and there, but overall not hilarious. Very entertaining though. Visually if nothing else.

The Positives: The graphics were pretty amazing, as was the the action. I also thought the culture and 'alienness' of the Na'vi and Pandora as a world was very well done. It really felt like a different, fantastic world.

The Negatives: The plot. It was fairly stock and easy to predict. Greedy corporation seeks to destroy nature and the native race. Spy turns sympathizer with a love interest in the chiefs daughter. Nothing I hadn't seen before. Also, the major "Mother Earth" overtones with the Na'vi and their religion was pretty tiring to sit through.

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: The basic point was don't get so greedy you go destroying the environment or indigenous peoples. Also, don't be unaccepting of those who are different from you. Fairly tired and dumb concepts to be hammered at in this repetitive way.

One thing I learned: A worn-out message and fairly stock plot can be made very entertaining if accompanied by good cinematography. And it can keep me on the edge of my seat. And make me tear up a little. Just a little.

The ending: Pretty good. A little happy, but not too americanly so.

Go/Rent/Buy/Don't: Go see it, because it is an experience on the big screen. It is worth at least the price of admission.

Run Fatboy Run

Witwiwo:

What: Run Fatboy Run

When: 12/12/09

How Long: 1 hour, 39 minutes.

Where: TESTOSTERHOME FTW.

Why: Because I love me some Simon Pegg.

Director: David Schwimmer

Starring: Simon Pegg, Hank Azaria, Thandie Newton

What I ate while I watched: A klondike bar. Always. Like Walmart's low prices.

Expectations: Meh, not too much. Then only thing I'd heard was that it was differently than Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.

Two Sentence Synopsis: Dennis Doyle leaves his pregnant wife at the altar and realizes it was a huge mistake five years later. He decides to run a marathon to show her he's changed and to show up her new "perfect" boyfriend.

My Favorite Part or Quote was:
Gordon: You left her pregnant at the altar!
Dennis: That was five years ago!
Gordon: Well, I guess women just have a long memory for that kind of thing.

How Fun It Was: DAGGUM HILARIOUS. I was literally laughing out loud (not 'loling') for most of the film.

The Positives: The comedy, for sure, and the message behind what Dennis was doing--it wasn't just straight up revenge and I-will-win-my-girl-back fanaticism.

The Negatives: Whit (the new boyfriend) was conveniently perfect to begin with and then conveniently douchebaggish at the end. There was little progression or early indication. It wasn't horrible, it was just not my favorite part.

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: Fairly decent; Had a lot to say about fulfilling others expectations of you, and wanting the best for people. Dennis didn't leave because he was afraid of commitment, but because he was afraid he couldn't give Libby what she deserved. Good stuff.

One thing I learned: Large Indian guys will always be funny. Especially when they give good marriage advice.

The ending: Excellent. Wrapped up and "happy," but not perfectly neat.

Go/Rent/Buy/Don't: Definitely rent, worth the purchase.

I and Love and You

Witwiwo:

What: I and Love and You.

By Whom: The Avett Brothers.

How Long: 13 tracks of goodness, it took me a few days to give it a good listen-to.

Where: Mostly in my car.

Why: Well, I'd heard about them a while ago, then more recently through Ryan Hollingsworth's blog, but it was this video and a wicked good deal on Amazon that pushed me over to purchasing it.

Expectations: Fairly low even though several friends lauded them greatly to me.

Two Sentence Synopsis: Imagine a few guys who grew up hearing bluegrass and rock decided to make an indie album. Then they take a good theology book and slam it skillfully into highly relatable lyrics: voila!

My Favorite Part or Quote was:
from "Head full of Doubt/Road full of Promise"

There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it.

--with a close second from "Kick Drum Heart"

There's nothing like finding gold
within the rocks and the coal.
I'm so surprised to find more,
Always surprised to find more.

I won't look back anymore--
I left the people that do.
Its not the chase that I love,
Its me following you.

My-my heart like a kick drum!
My-my love like a voice!

How Fun It Was: No all-out hilarious parts, but there's some fun little ditty qualities to "January Wedding" and "Kick Drum Heart."

The Positives: Oh, where to begin? I would definitely have to say the lyrics. Definitely the strongest part of the album. A close second would be the variety of songs--all of a similar style but each distinct and separate from the others. Also, the general "funness" of the album--I could sing the chorus to "Kick Drum Heart" over and over and over again--and indeed I have.

The Negatives: Sadly, this album will not appeal to everyone at a first listen through. It takes some time with the songs to get the feel of them, with the exception of two or three catchy choruses. I only hope people have the diligence to give it at least two listen-throughs. Also--the album art (pictured above). I under the reasoning behind it, I just think something else would have better suited the album.

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: Oh, again--where to begin? Like I said--good theology crammed into easy-to-relate-to lyrics.

• Total depravity ["There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light"]
• God's ownership and justice ["will you forget when we have paid our debt/Who did we borrow from?"]
• Pride as a dangerous sin ["I wanna have pride like my mother has,/And not like the kind in the Bible that turns you bad."]
• God's sovereignty and the importance of love ["Free is not your right to chose/It's answering what's asked of you/To give the love you find until it's gone"]

Solid gold theology. And the best part is it's accessible to the everyday person who will most assuredly resonate with these lyrics and more.

One thing I learned: That if I want to write some bangin' poetry in my lifetime, which I do, I have some work to do to catch up with what The Avett Brothers have laid down. And all their stuff is accompanied by daggum good music! So many of these songs I am jealous that they came up with them first!

Go/Borrow/Buy/Don't: I am obviously a fan of this album. Go buy it (<-that's how I got it), it will be well worth your money. If you do borrow it just to try it out, please go buy it. Because it's well worth your money. Also, a friend has mentioned that they put on a great show. So go see them too.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Witwiwo:

What: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

When: Monday, November 30th.

How Long: 2 hours, 39 minutes.

Where: The TESTOSTERHOME.

Why: Because I love me some good western filmage. And we got it in the mail from Netflix.

Expectations: Pretty grand because I few people had talked it up to me, and because Casey Affleck and Brad Pitt are good actors.

What I ate while I watched: A pizza and a peanut butter ice cream sandwich.

Director: Andrew Dominik

Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, Jeremy Renner, Paul Schneider. And a really small role for Zooey Deschanel.

Two Sentence Synopsis: In his mid thirties, Jesse James grows more suspicious as he begins to feel is mortality. Robert Ford, a long time admirer of James becomes jealous of him after working with James, assassinates him, and deals with the consequences.

My Favorite Part or Quote was: When Jesse cried after beating the crap out of a teenage boy. It really showed his conflicted nature well.

How Fun It Was: Very entertaining, not very funny.

The Positives: The acting was immaculate. Casey's role as Robert was a-daggum-mazing. And Brad Pitt once again put on a wonderful display as the notorious Jesse James.

The Negatives: The length and speed. It was a loooooong film. It was worth it, but it was really difficult to get going. If I didn't love westerns so much I would have been tempted to give up after and hour and a half. Also, there was no gunslinging, unfortunately.

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: Some good points about mortality and trust. Really questioned issues of pride and arrogance as well.

One thing I learned: Something I already really knew: pride is no way to live your life, nor is it a way to make life changing decisions like assassinating a well-known criminal.

The ending: The best part. In the middle, I was not really a fan of where they were headed, and was doubtful if I would end up liking the movie. But the end, with the "denouement" after Jesse's assassination was really enjoyable.

Go/Rent/Buy/Don't: It's definitely worth the rental, and if you want to have a 2 hour 39 minutes film in your collection, then this is a good one to get.

Zombieland

Witwiwo:

What: Zombieland.

When: December 6, 2009.

How Long: 1 hour, 28 minutes.

Where: Carmike Cinema 7--yeah $2 movie tickets and sketchy atmosphere!

Why: Because I'd heard it was excellent and honestly, who can beat $2 tickets?

Expectations: Relatively high, although it is a zombie comedy so that was somewhat of an expectation dampener.

What I ate while I watched: Nothing, sadly, because I had just partaken of some Meat Lover's and Bacon pizza from Papa John's.

Director: Ruben Fleischer.

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin and surprisingly, Bill Murray.

Two Sentence Synopsis: In a post-zombie-apocalyptic U.S. (Zombieland), a young man known (to us) as "Columbus, OH" meets and joins an older man, "Tallahassee," with a penchant for killing zombies, and oddly, Twinkies. They in turn meet up with two sisters and together learn about trust while kicking some zombie ass.

My Favorite Part or Quote was: Oh, that's hard--probably their road trip. But as far as a single quote, there is this one:

Little Rock: Who's Bill Murray?

Tallahassee: ...I've never hit a kid before... I mean, that's like asking who Gandhi is.

Little Rock: Who's Gandhi?

How Fun It Was: Hilarious. Probably one of the funnier movies I've seen this year. I was laughing out loud throughout the whole thing.

The Positives: First, the comedy--amazing. Second--the lack of typical Zombie movie philosophical questions. No wondering "Should I shoot my loved one who has turned Zombie?" or "Are they still partially human." And no search for a cure.

The Negatives: The language. I mean, I didn't have the biggest problem with it personally, but it was a little unnecessary at times. "Bill F*cking Murray" for example. (And I quote: "I know it's not your middle name.")

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: Like I said earlier, not much...but there was a good bit of dialogue about trust and what it means. That's an important issue in the midst of a zombie apocalypse.

One thing I learned: In order to survive in a zombie apocalypse, it is a good idea to follow certain rules: 1. Cardio. 2. The Double Tap 3. Beware of Bathrooms 4. Seatbelts. 17. Don't be a hero (That one was made to be broken). 18. Limber Up. 31. Always check the backseat. 32. Enjoy the little things (In Tallahassee's case, Twinkies).

The ending: Nice and wrapped up. Not all that dynamic, but not unpleasant from a literary, good-story-telling point of view, not that bad.

Go/Rent/Buy/Don't: GO SEE IT. I'm (un)dead serious.

Ninja Assassin

Witwiwo:

What: Ninja Assasin

When: Tuesday, December 2.

How Long: 1 hour, 33 minutes.

Where: Regal Manchester Cinemas in Rock Hill, SC.

Why: Jeff got the guys together to go see it after RUF, and I'd already wanted to go see it.

Expectations: A weak storyline coupled with overdone 300-esque action and violence.

What I ate while I watched: Mike and Ike's and a snuck-in 20 oz. Mountain Dew.

Director: James McTeigue.

Starring: Rain, Ben Miles, Naomi Harris

Two Sentence Synopsis: An orphan raised in one of the nine ninja clans turns on the man who raised and trained him to be a heartless killer. With the help of two Europol agents he attempts to overthrow the clan he was raised in.

My Favorite Part or Quote was: The warehouse fight scene that spilled out into the street. Seeing straight up Ninjutsu fighting in a busy European street with cars whizzing by was pretty magnificent.

How Fun It Was: Not "funny," but a lot of fun to watch--a very entertaining film. For a guy at least.

The Positives: Surprisingly, the storyline. Much more dynamic then I was expecting. There were a few small plot holes, but not so unbelievable. The fighting choreography was also very well done. The way in which the traditional Ninja moves (hiding in the shadows, throwing Ninja stars, etc.) were stylized was enjoyable as well.

The Negatives: The overdone blood and gore. They took a page right out of 300's book, except they made it a lot more exaggerated, to the point where it would make it unenjoyable to someone who doesn't like that kind of thing. Also, the "special heart" nonsense with a heart on the right side of you chest was pretty dumb.

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: Not really much there. A little bit of "follow your heart" sort of mantra could be found, but the main point was Ninja kick-assery.

One thing I learned: Few things in my life will be as awesome as anything any one of the Ninjas did in the film.

The ending: Was pretty well done. The solid culmination to a surprisingly dynamic storyline.

Go/Rent/Buy/Don't: If you are a man who likes good action, go. If you do not like blood and gore then please do not go! You will not be pleased. I think it's definitely worth the rental or $2 movie fare.

Reign Over Me

Witwiwo:

What: Reign Over Me

When: The 24th of November, 2009 at approximately 9pm.

How Long: 2 hours, 4 minutes

Where: On the Testosterhome's kick-butt TV

Why (/Expectations): We were done with out Thanksgiving dinner, that's why! Gosh, what's with all the questions!? I'd heard it was good from a bunch of different people, but my expectations were relatively low.

What I ate while I watched: Swiss Cheese & Crackers (SO GOOD) and a Klondike Bar. Not in that order.

Starring: Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Liv Tyler, Jada Pinkett Smith. Also small appearances of Donald Sutherland and B.J. Novak, which were pretty good.

Director: Mike Binder (also the author)

Two Sentence Synopsis: Charlie Fineman (Adam Sandler) lost his wife and three daughters in the 9/11 attacks randomly reconnects with his college roommate, the now accomplished dentist Dr. Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle). As Johnson tries to help the psychologically devastated Fineman, he discovers much about loss, grief, and relationship even in his own life.

My Favorite Part or Quote was:

Charlie: Are you a faggot?

Johnson: Don't say faggot, you just don't call people faggot that's rude.

Charlie: To a gay guy it is, to you it's just a funny word like poundcake or pickle... You really need some Mel. [ordering tickets] Yeah, I'll take one adult and one faggot.

How Fun It Was: While I would never label it a comedy, it had some oh-my-goodness hilarious moments. The above quote is once such instance.

The Positives: This movie was real. That is, it portrayed characters who were not unbelievable in their circumstances. Nothing seemed forced in the plot. While a lot of actions were surprising, I felt like I was watching something that actually could have or should have happened. The amount of comedy, the degree of grief--everything seemed very realistic. Stellar performances by Cheadle and Sandler, too. It was nice to see Sandler do some good work that wasn't a comedy--a lot of people don't realize how good of an actor he is.

The Negatives: Very few. There was some sexual innuendo, but I didn't think it was forced or grotesque. And there was some language that some people may find offensive, but again: I don't feel like it was forced.

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: Sadly, hardly a mention of God, but still it had a good point, that sometimes grief doesn't need to be "fixed" by a shrink or something, but kind, compassionate relationship.

One thing I learned: That, as a "fixer" of things, or someone who feels the need to control and fix things, sometimes I need to take a step back and find similarities in my own condition, instead of coming from a place of arrogance, and sit down with my fellow sinful man and community with him.

The Ending: For a feel good ending, I didn't feel like I was just being pleased as an American who's gotta have it all wrapped up well. I really felt like the ending was reasonable.

Go/Rent/Buy/Don't: GO SEE THIS MOVIE. At least rent it. But it is well worth the purchase.

The Prodigal God

Witwiwo:

What: The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith

Author: Timothy Keller

When: Earlier this month

How Long: 133 pages, 1 week.

Where: In my bed.

What I used as a Bookmark: The tag from the Walk In Love t-shirt I bought a few months back.

Why (/Expectations): I had thought it was an interesting title, supposing it was a fresh take on the famous parable. And the speaker at Summer Conference said it would be the best book I read this year, so my expectations were pretty high.

Two Sentence Synopsis: Timothy Keller takes a fresh look at the famous parable, which he renames the "Parable of the Two Lost Sons." Discussing both sons, but paying special attention to the older brother, Keller applies their attitudes to our own attitudes and explains how they relate to the Christian walk. [my bad on 2 epic-long sentences]

My Favorite Part or Quote was: "What makes you faithful or generous is not just a redoubled effort to follow moral rules. rather, all change comes form a deepening understanding of the salvation of Christ and living out the changes that understanding creates in your heart. Faith in the gospel restructures our motivations, our self0understandnig, our identity and our view of the world. Behavioral compliance to rules without heart-change will be superficial and fleeting." (pages 118-119)

How Fun It Was: Not really "entertaining," per sé, but it wasn't boring or unfun.

The Positives: It is a fairly fresh look at the well-studied parable, and Keller does a good job of relating it to readers today. He also skillfully incorporates examples from well-known literature to bolster several of his points.

The Negatives: The first portion of the book, explaining the parable, was a little old for me. That could just be because I've heard a lot of different messages on it recently, but almost the first half was fairly old news.

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: Impeccable. Keller presents good Biblical exposition and exegesis, and offers a clear and strong challenge for the modern Church to accept the Father's invitation to come and feast.

One thing I learned: Fond memories are no place on which to rest hope. In a quote from Lewis: "the beauty, the memory of our own past—are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshipers." (page 94)

The ending: That is, the last two chapters, were actually my favorites and the most insightful.

Go/Borrow/Buy/Don't: It's definitely worth the borrow, and I'm glad I bought it, but I wouldn't recommend everyone follow suit.

I'm Reed Fish

Witwiwo:

What: I'm Reed Fish

When: 21st of September, maybe...or somewhere thereabout.

How Long: 1 hour, 33 minutes

Where: The Netflix instant queue/50" plasma-screen HDTV in my house.

Why (/Expectations): Some people who were over said it was a good flick; I had never heard of it before I watched it, so my expectations were fairly low.

What I ate while I watched: Nothing, unfortunately.

Director: Zackary Adler

Author: Reed Fish (based on his book)

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Alexis Bledel (hey! rhymage!)

Two Sentence Synopsis: Reed Fish grew up under his father's legacy as radio anchor in the small town of Mud Meadows. His engagement to Kate is complicated when Jill, his old high school crush, returns home.

My Favorite Part or Quote was: "Easy to get a beer gut when you own a bar. You don't even notice as it happens. Then all of a sudden, you look down and you can't even see your own damn shoes anymore. Yeah, I can't wait for that day."

How Fun It Was: Pretty funny, definitely not a comedy but definitely enough to keep it comical.

The Positives: Entertaining throughout, and emotionally engaging. It may have just been the way that Reed's sentiments and condition resonated with my own, but I felt like it really forced you to give a crap about how things ended up.

The Negatives: The ending, as I'll explain more later. That is my biggest and only major negative criticism.

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: Good points about living life, your own life. The application was more implicit though: you have to look at how the characters are acting and realize that there needs to be something better.

One thing I learned: That have been more of an ass than I previously thought. Also, that I can absolutely adore a movie and still not like it.

The ending: I didn't like it. At all. I completely think he should have ended up with the other girl. Or that the movie should have ended when his movie actually ended (you'll have to see it to know what I'm talking about).

Go/Rent/Buy/Don't: Well it's out of theaters, so you can't see it there anymore, but I definitely think it's worth the rental. I would buy it, but that's because it resonated with me.

As I have declared before, it is rare that something resonates with me so much that evokes heartfelt emotion. But when it does, it is powerful. This movie was such an occurrence.

Just Do Something

Witwiwo:

What: Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will
-or-
How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.

Author: Kevin DeYoung

When: Last week.

How Long: 122 pages, 6 days (gimme a break, a chapter or two a night!)

Why (/Expectations): I'd heard about the book through Josh Harris, and his intro made it sound great. Plus the concept of God's Will is always interesting to everyone, so I was expecting a lot from it.

What I used as a Bookmark: A direct deposit notification from Winthrop.

Two Sentence Synopsis: Keving DeYoung explains how we often go about looking for God's will in the wrong way. Then, he illustrates how the Bible demonstrates we should search for God's Will, by just doing something.

My Favorite Part or Quote was: "Men, if you want to be married, find a godly gal, treat her right, talk to her parents, pop the question, tie the knot, and start making babies." (pg. 108)

How Fun It Was: Eh, he had a good bit of humor throughout, enough to keep the book from being dry, but it was by no means a "funny" book.

The Positives: Kevin does a good job of clearly and kindly poking holes in our notions about God's will and how we need to be looking for it. He uses a fair number of passages to illustrate it as well. And on of the biggest positives is it's short!

The Negatives: While he does use a good number of passages and stories from the Bible, I think he could always benefit from more. Not that he needs to explain every example, but maybe provide a list in the notes or something like that.

The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application: Excellent. Each of the verses/stories he used were well explained and exposited. Someone could say he used just random verses, but a general knowledge of the Bible (I think) makes it clear that what he is saying is accurate.

One thing I learned: Endnotes are often annoying to look back at. Also, God's will is surprisingly easier to follow than I previously thought.

The ending: Actually pretty interesting. He interviewed his grandfather to show how his long life followed God's will without being worried if he was following God's will.

Go/Borrow/Buy/Don't: I'd say buy it for sure, read it, and then let a friend borrow it. It's definitely worth the purchase.

WITWIWO Review System

WITWIWO (wit-WEE-whoa), an acronym for What I Thought When It Was Over is first of all really difficult to say with any other W-word, at least without sounding like a toddler. Which I do sometimes anyways.

Second, it is the review system which I will use for this review blog. I also plan on posting previews, songs, etc. that pertain to the entertainment I review or would review.


WITWIWO Review System
[What I Thought When It Was Over]
What:
*When:
How Long:
*Where:
*What I used as a Bookmark:
*What I ate while I watched:
*Director:
*Author:
*Starring:
Two Sentence Synopsis:
Why.
Expectations.
My Favorite Part or Quote.
How Fun It Was.
The Positives.
The Negatives.
The Theology, Philosophy, Morality or Application.
One thing I learned.
*The ending.
Go/*Rent*Borrow/Don't.

*Denotes category used only when it is applicable, either for book/literature/art reviews or movie/performance reviews

Do tell if you have suggestions.