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BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Lilies of the Field (1963) in Movies
Jan 31, 2022
Strong Performances by Poitier and Skala
The film that Sidney Poitier won his Best Actor In A Leading Role Oscar for (becoming the first Black Man to do so) is the type of film that is rarely made these days - a simple film of love, faith, friendship and inspiration.
Written by James Poe from the Novel by William E. Barrett, LILIES OF THE FIELD tells the tale of a drifter who is the answer to a Nun’s prayer. Praying to the God that she believes in, she asks for help in getting a Church built in the desert in Arizona.
Simply Directed by Ralph Nelson (fresh off his success with REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT), Lilies of the Field is a positive life (and faith) affirming film from start to finish that will touch your heart…and your soul.
Poitier stars as handyman Homer Smith who’s car breaks down where a group of Nuns are trying to start a parish (and get a church built). Following the machinations of Mother Maria (Lilia Skala - in an Oscar nominated turn of her own), Homer never leaves and ends up being inspired - and inspiring others - to get this church built.
But it is the journey - not the destination - of this film that matters. Homer is thwarted time and time again by Mother Maria in his attempts to leave and his protestations that this is the “final job, then I’m leaving” is met with steeled determination by Mother Maria who has an unflappable belief that Homer is the answer to her prayers.
This film hangs on the relationship between Homer and Mother Maria and these 2 fine actors deliver the goods. Poitier is a deserved winner of the Best Actor Oscar (though he would fret for years that his win was a “token” win - which it is not). His Homer Smith is charming and forceful with a “lost” look in his eyes when he first arrives in the desert. This, in turns, changes to fierce determination to get that church built.
The real hero of this film is the under-rated performance of Skala (who did a series of TV Guest star appearances in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s but never really had a movie role - before or since - that would rival this one). It would have been tempting to make Mother Maria a one-note ice queen in her dogged determination - and belief - that Homer was sent by God, but in the hands of Skala there is a warmth in her eyes that serves as a counterbalance to her resolve.
It is the relationship of these 2 characters - and the ramifications of this relationship to the parish community - that is the soul of this film, and this soul runs deep. The relationship between Homer and Mother Maria is not, exactly, a friendship, but more of a strong work bond. 2 persons united in a common goal - for the common good.
Not the fastest moving of all films you will view, but the heart and soul that is at the center of this film - along with 2 very strong central performances - will warm your heart.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Written by James Poe from the Novel by William E. Barrett, LILIES OF THE FIELD tells the tale of a drifter who is the answer to a Nun’s prayer. Praying to the God that she believes in, she asks for help in getting a Church built in the desert in Arizona.
Simply Directed by Ralph Nelson (fresh off his success with REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT), Lilies of the Field is a positive life (and faith) affirming film from start to finish that will touch your heart…and your soul.
Poitier stars as handyman Homer Smith who’s car breaks down where a group of Nuns are trying to start a parish (and get a church built). Following the machinations of Mother Maria (Lilia Skala - in an Oscar nominated turn of her own), Homer never leaves and ends up being inspired - and inspiring others - to get this church built.
But it is the journey - not the destination - of this film that matters. Homer is thwarted time and time again by Mother Maria in his attempts to leave and his protestations that this is the “final job, then I’m leaving” is met with steeled determination by Mother Maria who has an unflappable belief that Homer is the answer to her prayers.
This film hangs on the relationship between Homer and Mother Maria and these 2 fine actors deliver the goods. Poitier is a deserved winner of the Best Actor Oscar (though he would fret for years that his win was a “token” win - which it is not). His Homer Smith is charming and forceful with a “lost” look in his eyes when he first arrives in the desert. This, in turns, changes to fierce determination to get that church built.
The real hero of this film is the under-rated performance of Skala (who did a series of TV Guest star appearances in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s but never really had a movie role - before or since - that would rival this one). It would have been tempting to make Mother Maria a one-note ice queen in her dogged determination - and belief - that Homer was sent by God, but in the hands of Skala there is a warmth in her eyes that serves as a counterbalance to her resolve.
It is the relationship of these 2 characters - and the ramifications of this relationship to the parish community - that is the soul of this film, and this soul runs deep. The relationship between Homer and Mother Maria is not, exactly, a friendship, but more of a strong work bond. 2 persons united in a common goal - for the common good.
Not the fastest moving of all films you will view, but the heart and soul that is at the center of this film - along with 2 very strong central performances - will warm your heart.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Other Side of the Island in Books
Jan 12, 2018
In [The Other Side of the Island] the author[Allegra Goodman] gives us a very interesting take on our possible future. The Corporation and Earth Mother are building the Enclosure over the (now flooded) Earth to protect the people. The question is at what cost does this protection come and what are you willing to sacrifice?
The book was an excellent read and as the author intended left me with questions. I will be highly recommending this book to my students.
The book was an excellent read and as the author intended left me with questions. I will be highly recommending this book to my students.
Mothergamer (1574 KP) rated Assassin's Creed Syndicate in Video Games
Aug 1, 2017
Good game mechanics with the battle system (1 more)
Good story
Free run still needs a bit of work (1 more)
A couple of missions are frustrating due to odd camera angles
Great Game
Great game. The game mechanics are much better here and the story is fantastic. Being able to switch between the two main characters makes it incredibly interesting. The story is pretty good as well.
Read the full Mother Gamer review here: http://lorrie28-mothergamer.blogspot.com/2016/01/assassins-creed-syndicate-and-jack.html
Read the full Mother Gamer review here: http://lorrie28-mothergamer.blogspot.com/2016/01/assassins-creed-syndicate-and-jack.html
MissCagey (2652 KP) rated Gifted (2017) in Movies
Apr 29, 2018
Lovely film about a gifted child whose genius mother committed suicide and who is now being raised by her uncle. He is trying to give her a normal childhood but this is then challenged in court by her grandmother who wants to gain custody and make the child an academic. What follows is an emotional tale, with the uncle questioning his ability to bring up the child and wanting to do the right thing for her. Brilliantly acted throughout. Moving and thought-provoking.
Autumn (430 KP) rated Avengers: Infinity War (2018) in Movies
May 4, 2018 (Updated May 4, 2018)
What isn’t good about this epic movie? (2 more)
So cool to see the whole of marvel come together to fight one mother of a villain.
Funny, action packed, suspenseful, and emotional.
That ending...why?!?!? (1 more)
I left the theater feeling personally victimized by Marvel.
I’m still upset about that ending, but it was a great movie. I already want to torture myself again by going to see it a second time. Thanos really lived up to all the hype, in my opinion.
Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated Dumbo (2019) in Movies
Apr 4, 2019
Dumbo (2 more)
Danny devito
Colin Farrell
Just watched as I've seen the original Dumbo many a time on the TV so I knew what to expect from the new version it's kinda good Dumbo was kinda cute and there are plenty of sad moments especially between Dumbo and his mother managed to spot many references to the original film thru out the cast are okay but the real star of the is Dumbo u should definitely take your kids to see the film
Gisell Middleton (189 KP) rated The Mother-in-Law in Books
May 8, 2019
This novel is truly amazing. The interpersonal relationships are detailed and vivid. The characters are extremely realistic and relatable. The plot is unique and the treatment of common situations in unconventional and unexpected ways is terrific. To me, the best part, is the exploration of pre-conceived notions of how one should feel and act, and how through time, shared experiences and personal growth, that changes and evolves. I loved it so much I will give a copy to my mother-in-law.
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated Smoke on the Water (Sisters of the Craft, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2018
Wow.. I love how this one brought everything together... the sisters... the guys.. the magic.. and owen's amazing yet totally crazy mother. lol All of it makes sense through this book. Only thing I don't like is that it left it where I want one more to see where they are all at in a few years lol. Especially with what happened at the end (no spoilers here). Amazing series and I'm so glad I got to read and review it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Swift Justice (A Charlie Swift Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When PI Charlie Swift is saddled with a new partner, she does everything she can to get this new woman to quit the business. Meanwhile, she has to track down the missing mother of a baby. The book has an odd combination of humorous and serious, but it really works. I liked the characters and can't wait to visit them again.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-swift-justice-by-laura.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-swift-justice-by-laura.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated A Girl in Parts in Books
Feb 13, 2018
A very lovely coming of age story, centering on Dottie, a child of divorced parents. The story is told in a series of nearly 100 vignettes, each of which is filled with wit and vulnerability. During the course of the novel, Dottie struggles with moving, poverty, an alcoholic stepfather, questioning her sexuality, race relations, playing sports, and her relationship with her mother, half-brother, and stepsister. Her character exhibits amazing grace and presence of mind as she continually questions the world around her.