Caroline Friday's Blog, page 856

Make American Great Again!

Well, I just returned home from my very first ever political rally and it was awesome! My feet are killing me from standing so long, but I was thrilled to be a part of this movement in America that is promoting a nonestablishment, noncareer politican, nonsuper pac funded, independently successful businessman, Donald J Trump, for president.

I saw all sorts of people there and none of them looked crazy or delusional. (Saw my sistas from NC, Diamond and Silk!) There were business people in suits, middle class housewives with friends, lots of young people, older people, blue collar types, hippies, some African American, Indian, Asian American, etc from all socioeconomic groups. All passionate about taking our country back and making it great again.

I have had some tell me, "America has never been great." But I wholehearedly disagree. I've been all over the world and lived in Europe for 5 years and this USofA is the greatest country on earth. The people are wonderful, with good hearts, but unfortunately our leaders are horrible and it's time for that to change.

I'm proud to Stump4Trump baby!

God bless America! Get out and vote! ☺

Tarheel Born, Tarheel Bred!

Bill and I had a great time visiting out alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill! One of the most gorgeous college campuses anywhere, and I've seen quite a few! We were so looking forward to seeing the Heels stomp Duke at the Dean Dome, but sadly we lost by one point! :// Very painful, but undoubtedly one of the most exciting games I've ever seen! 
A long walk through campus the next day brought back so many fond memories. Even stopped in Wilson library but didn't venture into the stacks where I spent countless hours studying. A great morning topped off with an excellent lunch at my favorite, Spanky's on Franklin Street. 
SIGH...I declare that I will have a grandchild attend this school one day and keep the family tradition going. I luv my Dawgs, the Noles, and UK Cats, but my blood still runs Carolina blue! 
Go Heels! Beat Dook!

Little Boy

“Yes, I believe that I can do this!” is the mantra of this endearing film about the power of a childlike faith to move insurmountable obstacles. 
  More fantasy than drama, Little Boy reveals how hatred, prejudice, hard-heartedness, and the gloomiest of outcomes can be overcome by a true, dogged belief. The film is wonderfully directed by Alejandro Monteverde and executive produced by husband and wife team, Roma Downy and Mark Burnett, who have brought a number of Christian stories to television and the big screen, most notably the TV drama, AD the Bible.
Jakob Salvati stars as the adorable eight-year-old  Pepper Busbee who is devastated that his beloved father, James (Michael Rapaport), has been shipped off to fight the Japanese during WWII, leaving his mother, Emma (Emily Watson), and 4F-ed brother, London (David Henrie), at home to man the family business. Because he has been taught to have faith for any and everything, Pepper firmly believes that his father will return home alive, even after receiving news that he is missing in action and presumably dead.
Pepper’s pint size has earned him the nickname “Little Boy,” but what he lacks in stature is more than made up in his giant-sized determination to believe his father back from the war. Encouraged by a local magician, Ben-Eagle, and his eerie magic act, Pepper concludes that he can extend his fingers into the sky, grunt like a woman giving birth, and will his faith into any situation.
But as Pepper learns, the will of God does not operate like a supernatural magic act. When his father fails to return home, Pepper consults his local priest, Father Oliver (a great performance by Tom Robinson), who gives him some good lessons on raw, Christian faith. While Father Oliver acknowledges the Bible’s promise that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, he tempers this spiritual lesson with a requirement that Pepper work on his hardened heart; before a miracle can be expected, Pepper must first display the love of God by giving to others. In particular, Father Oliver charges him to show kindness to a local Japanese man, Hashimoto (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), who is the brunt of ruthless persecution from the embittered town folk. As the sting of death is felt throughout the community, hatred for the Japanese has reached a boiling point, resembling the evils from the lynch mobs that roamed the South during segregation. Pepper has learned first hand from his brother how to loath these foreign people for taking his daddy away. Anger, course language, and murderous violence threaten to rip what is left of his family apart and poison his very soul.
Reluctantly, Pepper obeys Father Oliver’s plan and performs a rash of good deeds for Hishimoto, slowly befriending the old man. Even though he is chastised by London and his friends and practically labeled a traitor, Pepper cannot risk not doing everything he can to bring his father home. In retaliation, the local bullies step up their harassment, but in an unexpected moment,  Hishimoto comes to Pepper’s rescue, proving that true friendship transcends race and ethnicity. In a Karate Kid/Mr. Miyagi moment, Hishimoto teaches Pepper how to see himself as a powerful warrior despite his small size. Essentially, where Pepper’s father has taught him unadulterated faith, Hashimoto teaches Pepper how to take that faith and wield it like a sword.
Pepper’s belief is put to the test when London publically challenges him to literally move a lone, tall mountain that looms in the California skyline.  True to form, Pepper extends his hands toward the mountain, grunts like a madman, and miraculously the ground begins to tremble as an earthquake shakes the town. The public is divided in their opinion as to whether Pepper’s faith was to blame, but he needs no convincing; Pepper believes beyond a shadow of a doubt that his wiggling fingers and guttural machinations rocked that mountain to its core. Even when Hishimoto expresses his doubts, Pepper will not be swayed. Giving his faith one last chance, he stretches his fingers toward Japan, gives a long, deep growl and wills the war to end so that his father can come home.
While Pepper labors for hours, Father Oliver and Hishimoto share a nice scene over a game of cards, expressing the opposite views of faith that so many of us have heard: one (Father Oliver) admiring the boy’s tenacity in spite of doubting the outcome, and the other (Hishimoto) finding such blind faith dangerous and destructive.
*** SPOILER ALERT***What happens next has left many reviewers disgruntled with this film. Just as Pepper had prayed, the war with Japan does end with the world’s introduction to the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, coincidentally named “Little Boy.” In no way do the filmmakers attempt to insinuate that Pepper was praying for the destruction of thousands of Japanese people, but the local townsfolk give him the credit all the same, which is admittedly a little bothersome to the viewer. At first Pepper is thrilled that his father will be returning home, but then the reality of what has actually transpired sinks in; this destructive force has unleashed Japan’s wrath against American prisoners of war that will more than likely prevent any of them from returning home alive. Pepper laments that his efforts have worked against him by sealing his father’s fate.After Hishimoto narrowly survives a brutal attack  from a local thug, Pepper uses his faith to pray for his healing. Miraculously, his prayer is answered, but then sadly, while Pepper holds vigil at Hishimoto’s bedside, Emma receives the news that her husband has died in an air raid on a Japanese prison camp. Pepper’s devastation at learning of his father’s death pierces the heart, not because of the grief over losing a much loved parent, but because of the grief over losing hope in one’s faith. His wailing and tears were more than I could bear. As expected, Pepper sinks into a depression, spurning his faith as silly and useless, but ironically, it has done a work on Hishimoto’s heart. In a very tender moment, Hishimoto expresses his admiration for the boy’s vigilance, recognizing that his innocent faith is what saved his life. Pepper accepts his father’s death and moves on with life, but then in a wonderful twist of fate, the unimaginable happens! The family learns that through a mistaken identity, James Busbee was severely wounded but is still very much alive. Even London cannot help but acknowledge that Pepper’s faith has brought their father home to them. A bittersweet yet touching conclusion to a very moving story!I love how this film shows how hope always prevails, even in the most dire of circumstances. Faith as small as a mustard seed germinated in the soil of this little boy’s heart so that at the right and appropriate season, a miracle happened; it didn’t occur in Pepper’s timing or in the way he had planned, but it happened all the same. What a great lesson to us all!Truly, a wonderful film for the whole family. Available now on Netflix.

STUMP 4 TRUMP Baby!

I have always liked Donald Trump, even though I haven't always liked his behavior or his hair! 
Years ago, in the early 90s, I read his book, The Art of the Deal. I don't really remember what it said, exactly, but I do remember being impressed with his ability to grab hold of the American Dream and become an enormous success. Even though he may act crazy and be crude and rude at times, he speaks his mind and doesn't back down, and I have always admired him for that. He also has excellent standards and expects that of others. His buildings and hotels, etc are beautifully appointed and even some of the clothing that bears his name  (we own a Trump tie purchased at Marshalls years ago) are gorgeous and well constructed.
I'm proud to say I Stump 4 Trump, baby! I am in love with these ladies, Diamond & Silk, from NC (my home state), who have become Internet sensations because of their no nonsense, straight talk regarding the lies, manipulation and corruption in our government, the establishment, media, and amongst career politicians. They have their finger on the pulse of the silent majority who are sick and tired of all the subterfuge. This country needs Donald Trump and we need him now!

"How can an intelligent person such as yourself like someone like Donald Trump?" some have asked, attacking me on social media (they are now blocked LOL). My answer: "How can I not?" We need a tough, successful, no-holds-barred bully who won't back down and will get the job done. America and the church have been duped by the Bushes, Clintons, and Obamas for far too long. 
We need a proven leader who will bring real changes. Yes, he's flawed, and yes, he isn't perfect (but who is?), but he's who we need for such a time as this!
Back in 2012, I told my family and friends that Donald Trump would make a great president. They laughed and rolled their eyes. I guess the timing wasn't right then. We needed 4 more years of Obama and his horribleness to wake up before it's too late. 
Wake up America! Wake up Church! Vote for Trump!

Snow in Georgia!

Gorgeous! But very wet and sticky! Hubby and I are hunkered down with a hot cup of coffee and our Bibles, enjoying this glorious morning!

Woodlawn

Woodlawn sets a new standard for the faith-based film in that its story, acting, directing, cinematography, and music (kudos to my friend, Paul Mills) are up to par with the best of Hollywood films. For that reason, it was garnered great reviews from secular critics who don’t mind giving a positive spin on well-crafted tales that happen to preach the Gospel.
Set in the 1970s deep South with racial tensions and high school football as its backdrop, the canvas for Woodlawn is perfectly drawn for both the Christian and secular audience to revel in the emotions that come from a story where good versus evil and perseverance in the face of opposition reign supreme. The Erwin Brothers (Jon and Andrew) of October Baby fame have truly outdone themselves by delivering an exquisite film that moves, entertains, and beautifully delivers the message of the love of Jesus Christ. All other Christian filmmakers are now on notice that the bar has just been raised!
The time is 1970s Birmingham, Alabama, where Tandy Gerelds (played by Nic Bishop), a hard-driven football coach for Woodlawn High, experiences every coach’s dream of having a future NFL star on his roster. The problem is, the player is African American, and the white majority are vehemently opposed to newly integrated black athletes filling starting positions. Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille) is the player in question, a sweet, Christian boy from a God-fearing family who eventually becomes a hall of fame running back for the Miami Dolphins. But as this story tells, the road to success is not smoothly paved, even when Paul “Bear” Bryant (Jon Voight) shows up at his door with an offer to play at the University of Alabama.
A comment on Nic Bishop—as a southerner with a keen ear for a fake, southern accent, I must confess that he duped me on his flawless twang! I had no idea I was watching a well-known British/Australian actor who many may recognize from his stint on Covert Affairs. His performance is excellent and helps give the film the Hollywood quality that some other Christian films lack. And his slight resemblance to Russell Crowe certainly helps! I predict he is on his way to the A list.
As integration takes hold on the local community, Gerelds finds that the clash of two worlds under the banner of high school football presents some very difficult issues: the spirit of hate fills the halls of the school, fights are an everyday occurrence, and the negative sentiments of the white townsfolk are reflected in veiled threats. But the greatest obstacle is that the white players refuse to play with their African American teammates, a problem for any coach whose career is dependent on a winning season.  
The answer to Gerelds’ problem comes in the person of Hank Erwin (Sean Astin), a self-professed “sports chaplain” with a limp and a cane and a mysterious past that makes him more prophet than preacher. After several failed attempts to speak to the team, Erwin eventually wears Gerelds down and gets his shot. With a humble demeanor, he delivers the message of the Gospel in a resounding cascade of emotional speech that escalates in power, until he takes on the persona of a commander calling his soldiers to the battle line to save their beloved homeland from destruction; morality, peace, tranquility, love, and communal serenity are at risk of being forever annihilated if these young men don’t rise to the occasion and accept a different way of life. Jesus is presented as the alternative to prejudice and hate, and miraculously, the message is accepted by an overwhelming majority of the players. In a humorous moment, Gerelds and his assistant coach are left their mouths somewhat agape, wondering what just happened.
Gereld soon realizes that a spiritual transformation has taken place, manifested by changed attitudes that have united the team. The phenomena is so palpable that Gerelds finds he doesn’t want to be deprived of what his players have experienced. In another powerful moment, he stands before a congregation of mostly African American believers and professes his faith in God, requesting to be baptized. Like the scene where Erwin delivers the Gospel message, the spiritual elements in this film are presented very well, with no over-the-top dialogue or cringe-worthy acting which could make nonbelievers squirm. All references to Jesus, God, and church throughout the movie appear to be natural to the story and flow nicely with the ebbs and flows of the plotlines.
Castille does a great job of displaying the pressure history has placed on Tony Nathan’s young shoulders. His dream of playing college football for Alabama is fraught with the wounds that all pioneers bear when new trails are being blazed. He is able to manage the taunts from evil whites and the accusations of betrayal from the black community, but when the danger threatens his family, he reconsiders his decision. Bricks thrown through windows bring a fresh douse of fear that only the support from his father, Bear Bryant, and Gereld can assuage. In a tender locker room scene, Nathan’s frustrations are released in a highly emotional moment where Gerelds comforts him more as father than coach; the love they have for each other goes beyond skin color and straight into the soul. Drawing on this support, as well as his faith, Nathan summons the courage to risk it all and give football everything he has. The movie eventually builds to the real-life match-up in 1974 between Woodlawn and two time defending state champions, Banks High, referred to as the biggest game in Alabama high school football history. A record 42,000 fans congregated at Birmingham’s Legion Field to see Nathan play against the best quarterback in the state, Jeff Rutledge. The spiritual changes that started with Coach Gerelds and his Woodlawn football team had resonated in the hearts of this Alabama community, so that for one night, people could forget their differences and come together, play football, and cheer their team on to victory without regard to anything other than the rules of the game.

Woodlawn is a great film that has encouraged the faith of so many Christians. It’s success at the box-office is proof that today’s movie-going audience needs more films like this!

Peach Bowl 2015

FSU vs Houston was a disaster BUT the Marching Chiefs were great and the stadium chili cheese dog and roasted peanuts were delicious. Sad game, but we did have fun. Happy New Year to everyone! Praying for a great 2016!

Christmas 2015

Another great Christmas was had at the Friday home this year. As empty nesters, it has been refreshing to have the house filled with the pitter patter of young adults milling about till the wee hours of the morning talking, watching TV, and playing video games. They keep us up at night, but who cares? There's no greater sound than the chatter and laughter of siblings having a ball. The best Christmas present this mama could want! Thank you, Lord, for all our many blessings! More to come in 2016!

Movie Review - the Intern

Robert DeNiro plays against-type in this wonderful comedy about a senior citizen intern succeeding in the world of e-commerce. With a full career of business under his belt and plenty of energy to boot, DeNiro (Ben) finds himself bored with the retired life. A lonely widower's existence doesn't help matters much, nor do the untoward advances from women his age (Linda Lavin in several funny scenes).

On a whim, Ben steps out of his comfort zone and applies for an internship with "About the Fit," an up and coming, online fashion company. DeNiro is delightfully funny during the interview process, where old school charm buts up against brash, Gen X bluntness.

Surprisingly, despite his age, Ben's chivalry and polished demeanor help him land the job working for none other than the company's founder and CEO, Anne Hathaway (Jules Ostin).  Hathaway shines in this role, as she does in all of her films. She is more than believable as a young, corporate innovator who can balance stellar customer service with an increased bottom line that has kept her investors happy since the company's inception. Internet hits are up, as are sales, her employees are loyal, motivated, and hard working in a fast-paced environment, and the future only promises greater things. The only problem is that success is coming too fast, which raises a question regarding her experience in managing a burgeoning global company.

Can this smart, attractive, fire-ball of a young woman take her fledging company to the next level? Jules certainly thinks so, but her investors are doubtful. And so, against her better judgement, she agrees to conduct a search for an outside CEO to ensure the corporate ship stays afloat.
From afar, Ben watches all of this unfold, marveling at the talent and boldness of this young, whip-smart entrepreneur. At first, Jules is put off by his perceptive eye and fatherly watchfulness, but he soon reveals himself to be more than a former phone-book salesman, insistent on wearing a suit and tie to work and carrying an old, leather briefcase filled with paper, pens, and paperclips. He has the wisdom and insight of a seasoned executive and a keen, instinctive eye for where trouble may be lurking, all of which Jules desperately needs.

After several precarious circumstances, Ben proves to be more than just a loyal intern. Jules learns to trust him implicitly, eventually letting him into her home to meet her stay-at-home husband and adorable little girl and then into her heart. He becomes her chauffer, business adviser, partner, confidant, and best friend.

While Jules and Ben's relationship is be no means romantic, it is stronger and more intimate that many romances told in Hollywood tales. Nancy Meyers, the screenwriter and director, reveals her tremendous talent as a top-notch storyteller by developing a beautiful, soul tie between these two very different people from two very different generations, proving that people are still people, regardless of age, gender, or the era in which they live. As she often does in her movies, Meyers tosses in just the right amount of humor to add the levity needed to keep the story moving along at a nice pace. Be prepared for funny scenes with several younger, nerdier interns who eventually look to Ben as the man to emulate, despite the great disparity in age. Also, the beautiful Renee Russo delivers as a sensual corporate masseuse who falls for Ben's gentlemanly manner. A little too R rated for me in some scenes, but funny, nevertheless.

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

The film does a great job of showing the conflict women have in balancing high-pressure, high-profile corporate positions with the pull of family obligations. While Jules' husband is supportive of her busy schedule, the strain on their relationship eventually takes a toll, and adultery enters the mix. Ben discovers the truth and struggles over how to tell Jules, but as it turns out, she has known for some time and has kept her emotions to herself. In a great scene on a hotel room bed, Jules and Ben's relationship reaches the pinnacle of intimacy when she unburdens her heart and tells Ben her sad, sordid tale. Hathaway is great in this scene, displaying her anger over her husband's infidelities as well as her love for him and her desire to "fix" the problem; she firmly believes that finding an outside CEO is just what the doctor ordered to restore what has been lost. But Ben thinks otherwise. As the loving parent, confidant, and friend, he encourages her to stick to her guns and hang on to her company, that it is her creation, and that an unfaithful husband is no reason to give up on one's dreams. He encourages her to continue to believe that she can have it all: company, career, family, and even a renewed love from a repentant spouse.

Forgiveness is a theme that carries through to the end of the film, which is unexpected in a Hollywood comedy. Jules agrees to give her marriage another chance but on the terms they had agreed upon years ago. She will still continue to work hard, put in long hours, and run the company she founded, living out the dream in her heart while husband holds down the fort at home. While life will certainly not be perfect, it is their life, and they will get through it together.

This is a great story of how an older, wiser, yet nonjudgmental friend helps someone from the next generation manage a significant bump on life's pathway. Like Jules, many of us could benefit from having that older, preferably Godly, mentor in our lives to help us see things that we may be blind to.

The Intern is truly wonderful film that surprises on so many levels. It is unique, timely, and appeals to young and old alike. Definitely one for personal movie library!

Merry Christmas from the Fridays, 2015!

This year I am not sending cards through the mail, but am posting this here and on social media. I pray everyone has a Merry Christmas and a blessed, prosperous new year!