Movie Review: Date Night

Rating: PG-13 for sexual and crude content throughout, language, some violence and a drug reference

Running Time: 88 minutes

Date Night is a comedy about a married couple that goes out for a night on the town and end up in the middle of a dangerous yet hilarious case of mistaken identities.

Steve Carell and Tina Fey really show off their comedic skills in this movie. What's interesting is that there seems to be more plot than just slapstick humor which was a nice surprise. There are lots of funny jokes about marriage and communication, but I'm not sure if a teenager would find them as funny because they can't relate to the marital circumstances.

Look At Your Shoe Moments:
Some of the characters are dressed pretty scandalously with skimpy outfits. One of the ongoing jokes is that Mark Wahlberg's character won't put on a shirt so you see him shirtless throughout. Towards the end of the film there is a long scene is a dance club that includes a lot of lady dancers barely wearing anything. The two main characters also perform a very sexual dance that lasts quite a while. Just a quick FYI, there are sexual jokes and swearing throughout the film that could cause some viewers to be uncomfortable too.

What I liked about the movie is that it made you laugh a lot, the trailer didn't give too much away or show all the funniest parts, and they had some nice sentiments about marriage without being too sappy. Often movies make a noticeable switch in tone when they try to get preachy about the topic, but Date Night subtly includes them throughout.

Overall I think you could save the extra cash and WAIT make DATE NIGHT a DVD Night.

Additional Websites:

Official Page
IMDb Page

Movie Review: Clash of the Titans

Rating: PG-13 for fantasy action violence, some frightening images and brief sensuality
Running Time: 106 minutes

This latest remake is a tale based in Greek mythology of a demigod (half man, half god) who fights the gods on behalf of the humans. The Greek gods (Zeus, Hades, etc) have had some trouble keeping the humans happy. Apparently their livelihood is based on the prayers of man, and mankind has been trying to live life without the gods. So Hades stirs up an idea to make the humans miserable and thus start praying in their distress. Zeus goes along with the plan, but an unexpected fisherman begins to create some opposition.

This movie is filled with battle scenes and action sequences that will keep any audience member entertained and on the edge of their seat. There's everything from huge scorpions, to a battle with Medusa and the rise of the Kracken. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the film is an exciting ride.


Look at Your Shoes Moments:
According to the rating there are some scenes of sensuality, but we'll spell it out more for you. There is a scene when Zeus has sex with a woman, everything is covered by the sheets, but intimacy is displayed. There are some scenes when the female characters are wearing skimpy outfits that seem very revealing or suggestive. While there are sensual scenes there's no blatant nudity.


Obviously Uturn Jr. High does not agree with the theology of this film and if that subject matter bothers you I suggest you avoid this film because its saturated with Greek mythology and heresy. Although we don't agree theologically there were some interesting discussion points that came from the film. Some of the gods had some thought provoking lines about the relationship between gods and man. Much of their view was a fear based relationship that focused solely on pleasing the gods. Their gods were also imperfect and impulsive which caused a lot of chaos. Whereas we believe that the one true God is a perfect God full of love, kindness, gentleness, patience, goodness, peace, joy, and self control. God doesn't want to sit up there and force us into relationship and he's not waiting for us to perform for his entertainment. We don't act in obedience to feed his ego, we obey his commands because its a response of love and devotion.

Overall it was an action packed warrior flick that could lead to some interesting theological discussions. I wouldn't waste the extra cash on seeing it in 3D, but I'd see it on the big screen. If you're going to wait until you can rent it, I'd at least see it on a big TV in Blu-ray.

Additional Links
Official Website
IMDb Page

Movie Review: Where the Wild Things Are

Where The Wild Things Are

Rating: PG, for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language
Running Time: 101 minutes

This child book adaptation portrays a young boy who is experiencing some troubles at home. His interactions with his family are rocky and he struggles to be able to communicate his feelings. He is aggressive and constantly agitated about even the littlest of things. In a moment of rage he runs away from home and takes a boat ride to a mysterious island. On this island he discovers these large, furry, talking creatures. Its with his interactions with these "wild things" that he experiences moments of revelation about his own life and circumstances.

To be honest I was skeptical from the start as to how a short children's story could be stretched into a feature film. As expected it was a stretch. It felt like every scene was longer than it needed and dragged on profusely. It was interesting to hear the voices of familiar actors speaking for the wild things, but that's the extent of intrigue with this film. One of the reasons I think it fell flat is it missed a target audience. It obviously wasn't made for children even though its based on a children's book and yet it lacks any intrigue for adult viewers. The drab coloring and boring plot lines caused this movie to be a snooze. They should rename it "Where the MILD Things Are."

Additional Links:

Official Website
IMDb Page

Mexico Mission Trip: Day Nine

Friday was our final full day down in Rosarito, Mexico. It was a day of finishing well. Our group had a great final group Bible study as we discussed how we can apply these principles we learned on the trip to our lives back home. We spent the afternoon finishing up the graffiti painting and garbage pickup as well. Finally we did complete the bodega project. Our whole team was able to sign the inside of the door and we prayed over it and dedicated it to the ministry of the Lord.

After we got cleaned up we headed back to Hope Chapel Rosarito for our final service here, their youth service. We shared a meal with some of the locals, had testimonies, sang songs of worship, and had Josh preach the message. Following the service we shared some time around a campfire, eating smores and swapping stories.

Saturday morning is our travel day back into the USA as we fly from San Diego to SeaTac. Please continue to pray for safe travels as we return home.

The 2010 Uturn Jr. High Mexico Mission Team did amazing work, poured out their lives, and were used by God to do awesome things for the Kingdom of God. Thanks to everyone for their prayers of support and encouragement. We wouldn't be here without you.

Mexico Mission Trip: Day Eight

Thursday was a jam packed day full of exciting ministry opportunities. In the late morning and early afternoon we did projects around the church campus on the Santini Ranch. Part of our team picked up bags and bags of garbage from the beach and surrounding areas. They did a tremendous job clearing out the trash. I think they had fun too when they got to burn a huge pile of drift wood and shrubs on the beach. Another part of the team worked tirelessly on the bodega project. They were able to get the roof up in a single afternoon. It was awesome to see them out there hammering away in the blistering sun. A third part of our team painted over walls that were covered in graffiti. They did a superb job of turning the old into the new with their efforts to repaint the walls.

After the service projects were completed we got washed up and drove 45 minutes down to Ensenada for a church service. The church we ministered in was a newly planted Foursquare Church that has grown from 0 to over 100 in only two years. Our children's ministry team led a kid friendly lesson after worship while our drama team performed for the adults. After Sean's message on striving for more of God in our lives, the service concluded with an enthusiastic time of worship that included dancing. I think it was totally new and different for some of the students, but good to stretch their comfort zones. You could totally sense the power of God moving in that church and the joy that the congregation had was infectious.

Following the service our team went out for tacos at a taco stand in Ensenada. The business was actually owned by the sister of the church's senior pastor. These tacos were incredible. The tortillas alone were probably 12 inches big, then they were packed with all the steak, pork, and mystery meat you could imagine. For some the tacos were too big and couldn't finish, while others conquered the massive tacos and left victorious with stuffed stomaches. Our late night dinner was followed up by a late night drive back to Rosarito, which put us in bed around 1:00 am. It was a long, exhausting and very productive day.

Friday is our last full day here at Hope Chapel Rosarito, please continue to pray for us as we make the most of our final hours here.

Mexico Mission Trip: Day Seven

Today we hit the ground running. After breakfast and group Bible study we went out to a local community in Rosarito, La Reforma. We went around throughout the neighborhood distributing promotional flyers about the church and a local Bible study. We probably passed out hundreds of these flyers to different homes in the area. It was awesome to see the students step out in boldness to spread the word about the church.

After our visit to La Reforma we had lunch and went out to another community for outreach. At Vista Marina we cooked hot dogs, performed our dramas and preached an encouraging message about God's love and compassion. It was a great time to connect with people in the community and point them towards Hope Chapel Rosarito. As a testimony to God using our team, HCR's senior pastors, Don and Sandy, had conversations with many of the people at the outreach. Some were even people that had been strongly opposed to the church, but felt a change in heart and wanted to connect with the church more. God is using our team as a bridge of encouragement, hope, and service for this church and community.

Following the two outreach opportunities we went back to the church for an hour of prayer. The team split up into groups and walked around the gated community praying for God's blessing for Hope Chapel Rosarito, the community, the pastors, and much much more. Many of the students came back feeling so excited about the prayer time that they even requested we do it more often.

God is on the move down here and doing awesome things through these Jr. Highers. Thanks to all for your continual support, and please keep praying because we've only got two more full days down here.

Mexico Mission Trip: Day Six

Tuesday was our Sabbath for the trip because everyone needs a day of rest. We took some time to hit the local market in search of priceless knick-knacks and souvenirs. The students were able to purchase little tokens and keepsakes to remember the trip and the good times. After shopping we headed across the street for street tacos. They were so delicious, the students could choose between steak, pork or fish tacos. Muy bien!

The rest of the afternoon was spent at a local beach where the students could play in the water, build things out of sand and just relax. We BBQ hamburgers right there on the beach and enjoyed ourselves until sunset.

Overall it was a great day of relaxation and recharging of the batteries. We've got 3.5 days left and tons still to do. Keep us in your prayers and more ministry opportunities appear.

Mexico Mission Trip: Day Five

Today was a day when we exercised our flexibility. The plan for today was to get a lot done on various projects around the campus, but the weather had something else in store. Right after getting started the rain began to fall and it impeded some of our progress. We were still able to detail the inside of the bus and organize storage rooms and sheds, but the bodega project stalled. We were able to get some of the remaining walls up, but we were unable to get the roof supports made and up like be had hoped.

Despite the changes in plans and the raining weather our team continued to work hard and was willing to do anything necessary to help out. Today was a day of accomplishments, but really was a great teachable moment on being flexible and learning to go with the flow.

Tomorrow is another day down here in paradise, please continue to pray for us.

Mexico Mission Trip: Day Four

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Earthquake Update: This afternoon an earthquake hit the Baja area and we felt it here. Everything is fine, no one was hurt, nothing was damaged, no items were even jostled during the shaking. We are totally safe and there is no reason for fear or concern. Praise God for our safety and his protection.

As far as Easter we had a tremendous day of celebrating Jesus' resurrection. We had breakfast and Bible study together, which led to some amazing discussions about following the call of God for our lives. Then came the services. First we ministered at Hope Chapel Rosarito's English service and then followed the Spanish service. In both services we had a time of worship through songs, part of our group led the children's ministry, and others delivered powerful testimonies of God's love and having faith amidst various circumstances.

Following the services we enjoyed a delicious meal of pulled pork, rice, beans and tortillas. Hmmm... yummy to our tummies. After some wonderful Easter services and a tasty Easter dinner our team was able to relax for a bit and have fun together, which was much needed because this team has been working hard.

Thanks to everyone for their p

rayers and support. Please continue to think of us this week as we continue to minister to these communities and meet real and practical needs.

Mexico Mission Trip: Day Three

Saturday was a full day of ministry as these students were given plenty of opportunities to share the love of God. After breakfast and a group Bible study we went out to a local neighborhood to serve lunch. We grilled up some hot dogs and handed out drinks and gospel pamphlets. Part of our team did a skit that was both hilarious and a great illustration of God's message of freedom from sin. Following a brief message we were able to make balloon animals for all of the little kids in the neighborhoods. Of course many preferred for us to make swords and hats rather than the traditional dog. After all the kids had balloons a massive balloon sword fight ensued. It was awesome to see our team bring so much joy to a neighborhood.


Following our local outreach we were able to attend a local Foursquare church in northern Rosarito. We ministered with them for a tremendous Saturday night service. Both of our drama teams performed and did a phenomenal job. Their skits were so well done that they clearly illustrated the points being made during the service. At the conclusion of the service we were given a chance to pray for the church and then the church prayed for our team. It was a powerful night full of God's anointing. Its always amazing how God can minister through someone and bring truth that a congregation needs to hear. The church's senior pastors were very thankful for our time there and really felt blessed. They even extended an invitation for us to attend their sunrise service at 6am. (We politely declined, but were grateful for the invite)

After our time at the church we went out for a late supper for some street tacos. They were absolutely amazing and so filling. I'm sure the whole team is going to be begging to go back before the end of our time here.

Thanks again to everyone who has been supporting us and covering this trip in prayer. Please keep it up, God is doing great things, but still has more in store.

Mexico Mission Trip: Day Two

Today was our first full day here in Rosarito, Mexico. We woke up to a beautiful blue sky and had a great time of group Bible study and discussion. Then in the throughout the entire morning and afternoon we went to work.

We did many different projects around the Hope Chapel Rosarito campus. Some of our team got their hands dirty pulling weeds and doing other landscaping around the church. They did a tremendous job sprucing up the area before the big Easter weekend. Another part of our team repainted all of the gates and fences to freshen up the look.

We also were able to put some time and energy into cleaning up the new bus for the church. Due to God's provision we were able to purchase this bus for the church so that they can use it to drive kids around the neighborhood to and from church. We also get to use the bus as our source of

transportation for the time we're down here. Since the bus was a used vehicle it needed a little elbow grease, and our team put in a lot of work in a short amount of time. They washed down the interior and exterior and secured the windows.

The other major project that we've been able to undertake while we're down here is the building of a storage shed on the church's campus for food and clothing. The church is going to be able to store up reserves for families in the community that have needs. Today with the help of a local contractor we were able to put of the frame of the building including all four walls. It was awesome to see the students out there swinging hammers and making this dream come true for the church. Just a little backstory for you, last year our Jr. High team was able to pour the concrete foundation for the building, but due to economic and resource issues the church wasn't able to get the shed built. We didn't even think we would be able to help make this a reality, until just days before the trip when we discovered that God had blessed our team with a surplus in the amount needed for this project. Praise God!!! Our hope is that by the end of our trip the entire structure will be finished and ready for goods to be collected and stored.

After a full afternoon of hard work and sweat we cleaned up and got ready for the HCR Good Friday service. Our team's worship band combined with some of the HCR band and lead worship during the service, which was totally dynamic. They did an awesome job singing some songs in English and some in Spanish. Muy Bien! Our drama team also performed an inspiring skit that presented the gospel message through dramatic interpretation. And the service concluded with a brief message by Sean, who discussed how Christ showed the extent of his love through his sacrifice on the cross. It was an anointed service that concluded with communion and a memorable prayer time.

More is yet to come tomorrow, please keep us in your prayer as the adventure continues to unfold. God is doing amazing things in and through these Jr. High students.

Mexico Mission Trip: Day One

The 2010 Jr. High Mexico Mission trip is underway. We met together at SeaTac Airport on Thursday evening and flew out with a quick pit stop in San Jose and then continued our way to San Diego. We were greeted by the missionaries/Hope Chapel Senior Pastors, Don and Sandy Godwin. After grabbing all of our luggage we hit the road and crossed the border into Mexico. We finally got settled into our housing at Rosarito around 2am and quickly hit the sack to catch some ZZzzzz.

We're all really excited about what God is going to do during our time down here. Our 19 team members are anticipating some life changing events to occur as we boldly present the gospel of God's love to the people of Rosarito.

Continue to keep us in your prayers as Friday has a full schedule of services and exciting opportunities.