SJ Teel
Parables

Synopsis: For the fan of disaster movies, 2012 is a classic end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it movie: tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and more. For many movie-goers, 2012 is very predictable. The earth is facing global disaster (a massive solar flare causing the earth’s core temperature to rapidly rise) that will re-define the earth’s surface. Scientist Helmsley and a handful of other scientists see and report in 2009 the disaster predicted to occur in 2012. In the years between, a group of “important” people (scientists, medical people, world leaders, and the rich) are selected to survive the earth’s disaster in specially constructed “arks.” So that’s the background before the earth begins to undergo its metamorphosis.

Review: There are a number of “characters” thrown into the mix to make the story even more predictable: the doom-saying radio host; a science fiction writer trying to reclaim and rescue his estranged family; a wealthy Russian (with an arm-candy girlfriend) and his two sons; idealist scientist Helmsley; the First Daughter of the President of the U.S.; the family of one of the poor Chinese people working on the arks. So, if you haven’t seen the movie, take a moment to write your own storyline and see how closely it matches the script.

The most prominent of the spiritual practices exhibited by this film is “connections,” that is, recognition of how ALL life on the planet is connected. Scientist Helmsley is appalled by how many lives contributed to the "plan" for the survival of mankind (and will not survive) yet how callous about this are many of those who are in the survival group. Helmsley is almost "too good." It is the other principal character—the science fiction writer, who has made a mess of his life, his relationship with his children and his wife, his work—who is most like "the rest of us." He too teaches us much.

© 2014 Sandra J Teel

Teaser: The movie opens in Germany with starry-eyed high-school boys listening to their jingoistic teacher. The boys become overly enthused and join the army during World War I. The story is about their experiences. In particular, the deaths and mutilations (of others and themselves) seriously affect their enthusiasm for war. One young man is confused by the difference between what his teacher said and what he has experienced in the field.

Buzz: This movie brings home how difficult war is on those involved. Clearly, war itself is a dark concept. The young soldier initially maintains an optimistic attitude, aiding his comrades, but his optimism erodes over time. A particularly difficult episode shows the young soldier carrying his wounded superior Katczinsky back to the aid station only to realize that Katczinsky has died. And those at the aid station suggest the young soldier should not have made the effort.

© 2014 Sandra J Teel

Teaser: Because she was overprotected as a child, Amélie is a shy, but engaging, young woman who has a very active fantasy life. When she finds a child’s “treasure” hidden in her apartment, she investigates to determine who the child was and secretly returns the treasure box to him, now an adult. She observes how much pleasure the returned treasure brings and sets out to devote herself to changing others’ lives. While doing these things, she sees and falls in love with a person who collects and saves discarded photos at a photo machine.

Buzz: The movie is different and somewhat magical. You will not leave with the same feelings that you may have felt when you saw Star Wars. And that’s a good thing. [Incidentally, the actress Audrey Tautou is a near dead ringer for Jean Simmons, an actress prominent from the mid-forties through the fifties.] Amélie’s behavior clearly demonstrates her compassion. She also has a streak in her that causes her to teach poorly-behaved persons a lesson.

© 2012 Sandra J Teel

Set in our dystopian future, this is a hard story about "doing what's right", against all odds.

We find our hero (played by Denzel Washington) apparently on a walking journey, determined to get there by any and all means. Since this is our dystopian future, there is no "law" except for the mean/bad people who control others by force. The villain (played by Gary Oldman) is REALLY bad, and one wants to hate him from the outset. Mila Kunis plays the young woman (controlled somewhat by the villain) who wants to stay by the hero's side.

I don't want to give away the plot except to say it involves heavy violence, minor sexual inuendo, and the Bible. It is not for everyone. There are two twists before the movie is over—both are totally unexpected (at least for me).

© 2022 Sandra J Teel

Teaser: The primary setting is a boarding school for “difficult” boys in 1948. The school’s headmaster Chabert preaches an “action-reaction” policy, meting out punishment immediately following a perceived offense, often without first determining guilt. The new middle-aged teacher Clément Mathieu believes other methods will be more successful. Mathieu starts a boys’ choir and begins to see improvements in most of the boys’ behaviors; Mathieu shows the boys a new, better way to live, and particularly develops the gifted Pierre Morhange. Because he takes the boys on an unplanned excursion to explore the woods around the school, Mathieu loses his job. As he leaves, he takes one of the charges with him.

Buzz: You may think I have spoiled the story, but I haven’t—there is so much more. This movie is particularly meaningful for those who like classical music. The teacher Mathieu recognizes the value of understanding the person before determining how to relate to that person. He is a teacher; that is, his impact lasts a lifetime for many of his charges.

© 2012 Sandra J Teel

Synopsis: We begin this prequel to Planet of the Apes (1968) knowing that most humans have succumbed to a deadly virus, “the simian flu.” The “simian flu” was created years before the start of the movie when unscrupulous scientists conducted medical experiments on apes. The consequence is human fear and hatred of apes. For the movie, there are two principal communities near desolated San Francisco: (i) humans led by a former military man who blames the apes for his family’s deaths; and (ii) apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans) in Muir Woods led by Caesar, the ape who was taught and trained by a good scientist who gave Caesar an experimental drug to enhance his intelligence and emotions (see Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) for more detail).

Review: The humans want electricity that can be generated by restarting the hydroelectric dam in Muir Woods. The apes do not want the humans in their space. Yes, therein lies the conflict—the haves and the have nots. One pacifist group of humans (led by Malcolm) approaches Caesar and asks for permission to restart the dam and nothing more. Once the dam is restarted, the humans will return to their homes in San Francisco. Several of the ape tribe remember how humans treated them and their families and so are not happy when Caesar grants permission.

Meanwhile, the not-so-pacifist humans are gathering armaments from the now deserted military base nearby. The disgruntled apes learn of this and . . . Of course, I can’t go further without revealing everything. Yes, there is war. Yes, the hatred and suspicion of each group continues to grow. And the tableau is set for Planet of the Apes (1968).

The principal theme of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is peace, built on compassion, justice, unity, and connections (relationships). For this, I rate Dawn high marks. It also shows us who the real teachers are and that nothing we do is done in a vacuum. So it behooves us to “pay attention” (as is repeated often in Godspell) to see what we are teaching.

© 2022 Sandra J Teel

Starring Channing Tatum and Dog, though I don't see credits for Dog.

Two "damaged" entities find their way to each other. In so doing, they find their way—full stop.

Brief story line: A veteran suffers from PTSD and physical problems that are related. Dog's military handler is killed so appears angry about any contact. The veteran is asked to take Dog to the handler's funeral across country—and that's their story. Traveling together, with a common purpose.

There are many touching moments, not the least of which comes when the veteran carries Dog because Dog is too tired to walk further (you have to watch to learn why they are walking).

It's a feel good movie that simply looks at the relationship between two very needy entities.

[Head nod to Avery who recommended the film.]

© 2022 Sandra J Teel

This is a bit like what happens when Monty Python meets Lord of the Rings and old-style D&D fans. Each of you could write the screenplay, or at least parts of it. As the film progresses, you'll say (over and over), "I saw that coming."

This is a comic group of ne-er-do-wells on a clumsy adventure to (you know it's coming) save the world. The adventures (misadventures) abound. And yet it stays true to the D&D concept. Each player has a role. All players work together for the common good. The community (of players) carries the film. While there is a leader, each is regularly in the spotlight and carrying the load for all the others. 

And . . . (you know I'm not telling you how it ends!). I look forward to your comments.

© 2023 Sandra J Teel

Synopsis: Enemy of the State is a great movie for those who are suspicious of the “government” because it will push those persons into hiding. For most others, it’s a story of surveillance gone awry, the complications that result, and ways that one person may respond to the problems. In the background is Congress considering legislation that expands surveillance powers.  On one side is the person who works for one agency of the government and is both a powerful “bad” guy and trains underlings who support his agenda. On the other side are those, mostly average citizens, who are raising the outcry against the legislation. In the middle, we find our hapless hero Robert Clayton Dean, a lawyer working for a law firm and who represents a labor union that is controlled by the mafia. Unbeknownst to Dean, a friend slips him a tape of a murder committed by the “bad” guy—and the game begins.

Review: There are a number of plot twists and turns that keep the viewer on the edge of the seat but, unfortunately, our hero Dean remains clueless for a sizeable portion of the movie. Dean receives assistance from a quirky ex-spy named Brill. When Dean finally catches on . . . not yet, my friend. Ya’ gotta see the movie.

The characters of Enemy of the State are very predictable. The "hero" Dean is clueless for about half of the movie. His wife regularly castigates Dean for his behavior. Brill is excessively paranoid. The "bad" guy is so bad that the viewer is surprised by his "bad" behavior. Even so, the mix is delightful with humor often interrupting the extremely suspenseful scenes.

One of the difficult concepts to grasp is who the “good” guy is. The “bad” guy is pretty clear from the beginning scene, but the “good” guy is difficult to pinpoint. Even the hero Dean has some questionable behaviors. What is abundantly clear is that all of us have dark sides—anger, pride, violence, selfishness, and other things. The darkness helps to balance us but it must be recognized for its value and for its potential harm. Recognizing the shadow in ourselves and others permits us to have a more complete view of reality (and thereby avoid Pollyanna thinking).

© 2014 Sandra J Teel

Teaser: A hospital in Los Angeles (in the 1920s) is the unlikely place where the paths of two very different people cross. One is an immigrant child Alexandria (5 years old) with a vivid imagination who works with her family to pick oranges in the fields in California. She is hospitalized because she fell from a tall ladder; her broken arm/shoulder is an inflexible cast braced against her body. The second is a stuntman Roy Walker who attempted a stunt that was too ambitious; nothing is visibly broken but he is paralyzed. The girl stumbles upon the stuntman who, eager for companionship, begins to spin a tale about five unlikely mythical heroes (Indiana Jones-style), acted out in the little girl’s imagination by the other patients and staff of the hospital. The girl visits often, and the tale grows in length and fantasy. Then the viewer begins to pick up a sinister thread: the stuntman convinces the girl to steal morphine for him from another patient—she thinks it is a sleep aid; he wishes to commit suicide. [Writer needs to stop before revealing too much.]

Buzz: So, the web is spun, but you’ll have to watch to see the resolution. Suffice it to say, it does not end as you may expect though the ending is positive. Forgiveness is a very strong characteristic of the little girl, forgiving not only the meanness of the stuntman, but the world of her environment as well. As important, the stuntman learns to forgive himself. Note the movie begins as a turn-of-the-century silent film but shortly thereafter turns to a present-day movie. High marks as a captivating movie. An interesting note is that the child actress had no script but was simply allowed to ask questions and talk as if the movie were real: a good result.

© 2012 Sandra J Teel

Synopsis: The time period for this series is mythical—part in our own past, part fantasy. In this series, seven noble families are fighting for control of the mythical land of Westeros. As if the families did not have enough to face in the intra- and inter-family conflicts, there is an unnamed ancient “evil” threatening to overrun Westeros. The protection from the unnamed evil is a military order of misfits, the Night’s Watch.

Review: Games of Thrones is NOT for the faint of heart. There is no episode that does not include a gory scene, or a graphic sexual encounter, or implied violence that cannot be described in words. Those with power keep others in submission by force alone—beheadings, cruel imprisonments, and so forth. Yet, these same powerful ones exhibit surprising tenderness toward those they love but to no one else. There is much subterfuge, often leaving the viewer wondering who the “good guy” is (answer: no one). At about the time when the viewer adopts a “champion,” the champion is killed.

So the reader may inquire “what is spiritual about this series?” And the answer is “A lot.” At the foundation is permitting the viewer to gain meaning, to look for the big picture, to watch for patterns in the (fantasy) world and analogies to one’s own behavior. Game of Thrones offers a somewhat distorted view of the values of popular culture; it is a very popular series. The series virtually slaps the viewer with cynicism, shallowness, and fanaticism of the fantasy world, but mimics that of the real world. It would be impossible for a thinking person not to gain insight into “life” from this series.

Spoiler alert: there are two more seasons before one can learn who the “good” guy is.

© 2022 Sandra J Teel

Teaser: In a Louisiana nursing home in 1999, Paul Edgecomb begins to cry while watching the film Top Hat. Paul tells his concerned friend that the film reminds him of when he was a corrections officer in charge of Death Row inmates at Cold Mountain Penitentiary during the summer of 1935. The movie transports us to 1935, and to a cell block called the "Green Mile" by the guards because condemned prisoners on their way to execution are said to be walking "the last mile" to the electric chair and the corridor at Cold Mountain has a green linoleum floor. As the story unfolds, the guards are surprised by the unusual gift of the near-giant black prisoner John who cures one’s infection and resurrects a pet mouse. The guards begin to doubt John’s guilt—he has been convicted of killing two elementary-school girls.

Buzz: Prisoner John clearly demonstrates compassion (classic definition) so the film gets high marks. What is not as readily apparent is the guards’ compassion. In this film, two of the guards try to protect their charges from emotional distress and are extremely upset when their charges are harmed by anyone, including one of their own. The viewer needs to be aware that this is an exceptionally hard movie to watch in some places. It is definitely not a choice for children.

© 2012 Sandra J Teel

Synopsis: There are two daughters in the family—the flamboyant Lettie and the submissive (meek?) Sofi. Sofi dutifully helps her mother earn a living by working in the family’s hat shop while Lettie is off to satisfy her own ego. While walking home from the hat shop one evening, Sofi is confronted by two soldiers and is rescued from her predicament by Howl, who is a wizard with a poor reputation. Sofi is not swayed by rumors but becomes enamored of Howl and wants to be more attractive to him, just in case she sees him again. When Sofi returns to the shop to lock the door, a cantankerous woman (later found to be a witch) accosts Sofi demanding that the store remain open. Sofi asks the witch to leave, but the witch reprimands her and releases a dark magic over Sofi. Though the witch leaves, Sofi is apprehensive. When she looks in the mirror, Sofi sees that the witch has turned her into a very old woman. Although Sofi tries to remain calm, she is unable to and flees the shop, hoping to find Howl so he might help her return to her normal self. Sofi encounters a scarecrow who brings a moving castle for Sofi to reside in. Of course, the castle belongs to Howl, so Sofi’s relationship with Howl begins. Unfortunately, Howl cannot see that Sofi has been bewitched but Howl wants to be kind to this elderly woman. Complicating the relationship between Howl and Sofi is the fire(place) demon Calcifer. Now you have a majority of the pieces, and I’m betting you can’t write the script for this one with these pieces.

Review: Howl’s Moving Castle is a story about acceptance (Sofi accepting that she is an elderly woman who has physical limitations as well as Howl accepting Sofi into his household), about love (Sofi cares deeply for Howl despite his bad-boy reputation; Howl cares deeply for Sofi, even as an elderly woman); about prejudice (the elderly are poorly treated or, worse, ignored); about blind patriotism (Howl is conscripted by the king and what that entails; anti-war messages); and about pollution (war ravages the land as well as pollution from commerce). Sofi running away from the hat shop when she finds she is an old woman becomes very targeted to the concept that we simply cannot run away from our problems, even when we desperately want to.

This is a very well done animated film—obviously as it is directed by master Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki has very high regard as a talented animated director. Howl’s Moving Castle is a classic example of Miyazaki’s work.

© 2014 Sandra J Teel

Synopsis: It is believed that Archimedes created a time-travel machine but, because he believed it dangerous, he broke it into two pieces and hid them with clever clues that only archeologists (like Jones, of course, and his god-daughter Helena) can decipher. The movie chase begins in the forties in Nazi Germany with Jones and his companion Basil attempting to retrieve one part of the time-travel machine from the Nazis, though they are thwarted by the evil Dr. Voller. Is this beginning to sound like every other Indiana Jones movie; yes, it is, and it's delightful! Fast-forward to today when the chase continues, with the Nazis now chasing Helena with Jones and their young companion Teddy. As the movie unfolds, so do the clues, with each clue leading to another mysterious clue (sorta like National Treasure). So also does the movie introduce characters from the other Indiana Jones movies (to my delight). As if not to be out-done, the fights, chases, near escapes, and near captures follow suit. You'll enjoy the adventure and all the memories it evokes. 

Review: This Indiana Jones film is as suspense-filled and adventure-filled as its predecessors. It is full of "oh, no, that couldn't happen" and "Yep, I saw that coming" comments from you. At its heart for me is the tender story of an elderly man who has lived life fully but is weary of the living so actually welcomes the adventure he's been drawn into. His skills at escaping and fighting seem not to have left him, though he does seem to feel their effect more. What is revealed, however, is a more nuanced Indiana Jones, a man who has loved and still loves but is alone. This Indiana Jones is delighted to see old friends and devastated in losing them. This Indiana Jones is tender and caring, still rough around the edges, and still a hero. Not revealing the end although the last sentence is close.

For this reader, perhaps the most pronounced spiritual practice in this (and other) Indiana Jones movies is "zeal", or passion about life, jumping into the stuff life throws at one with vigor and zest. "Wonder" is another spiritual practice seen in the movies as well as the character of Indiana Jones, being naturally curious about life.

P.S. For more explication, read the Brussats' "Indiana Jones School of Spirituality".

© 2023 Sandra J Teel

Teaser: This is a classic silent horror film, still frightening some more than 80 years after its release. It is the tale of Count Dracula, only in this film he is Graf Orlok, and he is Nosferatu; that is, the level of vampire allowed to turn into mist, turn into bats, and heal almost instantaneously. So, you know the story. This is a silent film with text in German and subtitles in English. [The strong similarity between Graf Orlok and Bram Stoker's Count Dracula was the foundation of litigation that almost killed the movie Nosferatu.]

Buzz: This is a kick of an experience for the film buff. If your only film experience is contemporary sights and sounds, then take an hour and a half to rent this movie from Amazon.com. Notable in this presentation is the villain himself, purportedly modeled after people that others make fun of—stooped, big ears, goofy walk. Kinda makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? What is different in this film is the question of who is the hero(ine). Only revealed to those who watch.

© 2012 Sandra J Teel

About 1990, I read the book The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett because it represented a diversion from most of Follett’s books, and I had grown to really love his writing. Then Starz announced it was producing a mini-series based on the novel. Of course I sneered that no mini-series (or movie for that matter) could ever do justice to Pillars. I was determined to watch so I could wallow in self-satisfaction that “I was right!” Woe to me! The mini-series kept up with the novel and more. Things I had imagined as I read were brought to life by the actors and the set and staging. Yes, I now own a DVD set of the mini-series and, to my family’s chagrin, I watch it regularly. The viewer has to like historical fiction to truly appreciate this wonderful effort. It’s also a plus if you like church history.

Synopsis: The setting is Kingsbridge (England) in the middle of the 12th century between the sinking of the White Ship and the murder of Thomas Becket. The focus of the series is the development of Gothic architecture from the Romanesque architecture. The backdrop for all is the feud for the throne between King Henry’s daughter Maud and his nephew Stephen of Blois. At the foreground are several principal characters: Philip, a monk recently elected as prior of Kingsbridge; Archdeacon Waleran, bishop of Kingsbridge and archenemy of Philip; Tom Builder, master builder working on Kingsbridge church and cathedral; Jack, talented red-haired son (of single mother) apprenticed to Tom Builder; Aliena, daughter of the Earl of Shiring, forced to a life in commerce when her father is executed; and so many more. Many of the characters are “good,” but forced to bad behaviors for survival. Equally many of the characters are “bad,” although most of these never do anything good except for self. All of the characters weave in and out of the story much like the grass woven in a basket.

Review: So Prior Philip has to creatively outsmart Archdeacon Waleran if Philip is to have a cathedral built at Kingsbridge. Meanwhile, Tom has to face tough choices (somewhat like Jean Valjean of Les Misérables) to help his children survive. Jack makes a bad choice to secure his position as apprentice to Tom. Aliena has to scheme and sometimes resort to trickery to keep her brother and herself safe. Want more? You could read the book. You could watch the mini-series. Either way you will be captivated by the story.

As a viewer, one is drawn first to one character then another, gaining insight into life, relationships, survival, and many other important concepts. It's easy to pretend to be like the most noble of the characters Philip when in fact one is more likely the most base characters (Waleran among others).

Perhaps the spiritual concept of “hope” undergirds The Pillars of the Earth: TV mini-series. The principal “good” characters never seem to completely lose hope, always looking to try a different route to achieve their goals. Meanwhile, though the “bad” characters seem to always have the upper hand, they are losers in the end. (That’s my Pollyanna self coming out.)

© 2014 Sandra J Teel

Teaser: The movie is based on a 1963 French novel La Planète des singes by Pierre Boulle. Set in 3978 A.D., thhe story presents three astronauts who emerge from deep hibernation and a crashed space ship to discover that they are on a planet where humans do not know how to speak but apes have learned both speech and technology. And the apes are mean; they capture the humans and take them to a laboratory for testing. In essence, the roles of apes and humans are reversed from those we know today.

Buzz: Most readers know the end of the story. But for those who have not seen it, I decline to reveal it except to say it is not the same as the re-visioned 2001 Planet of the Apes with Mark Wahlberg. The shadow component of this story comes from seeing ourselves as others (in this case the apes) may see us. Can we learn from their viewpoint more about who we are and who we should be? The 1968 Planet of the Apes is a movie all ages, except the most sensitive child, could view. And it is likely a good discussion of what it means and how far we have come will follow the movie.

© 2012 Sandra J Teel

A captivating, woman-strong film. In Prey, the heroine is the young Camanche woman Naru trying to demonstrate her warrior capabilities to her tribe and especially her father.

My objective in watching is not whether everything is within the realm of believability but rather what is the story telling me. While "persistence" is certainly strong, the stronger emphasis is "learning" from what one sees. 

Naru observes how the Predator behaves and kills; in this, she also learns how to overcome the Predator and protect herself and her tribe.

Yes, it is "woke" with a feminine heroine but it is quite entertaining and worthy of the Predator series.

© 2022 Sandra J Teel

Teaser: This is the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman,who saved more than 1000 mostly Polish-Jewish refugees from the gas chamber by employing them in his factory. Schindler sees an opportunity to profit from the war but needs help in running his factory and securing workers. Enter Itzhak Stern, a Jew, who serves as right-hand man and accountant. Over time, Schindler’s eyes are opened to the atrocities.

Buzz: If you read Leon Uris’s Exodus, you will find many horrifying similarities in the portrayal of life for European Jews during the Holocaust. If you are like me, you may find these images too horrible to view (or read). Even so, in the film, one recognizes the change in Schindler from callous human, to risk-taking rescuer. Schindler’s List would make a good afternoon with friends who are willing to help each other debrief from the three-hour onslaught of violence against humanity.

© 2012 Sandra J Teel

Teaser: In this film set in the forties, banker Andrew Dufresne (pronounced doo-frayn) is convicted of killing his wife and her lover and sent to Shawshank Prison. Typical jailhouse violence is evident, but Dufresne remains a cool customer and becomes friends with fixer “Red” Redding. Dufresne’s persistent coolness under stress and banking skills become valued characteristics, gaining him privileges sooner than one would expect. During his imprisonment, Dufresne finds out that a prisoner in another institution has confessed to the murder of his wife. When Dufresne petitions the warden to assist in getting a new trial, the warden turns him down.
And then . . .

Buzz: Although there are some violent, hard scenes in this movie (including a suicide), the majority of the movie mimics the cool, calm nature of its protagonist Dufresne. Many scenes bring the viewer to the edge of the violence, then back away to calmness. The calm is enhanced by the narrator Morgan Freeman, whose smooth voice helps keep the lid on the action. Dufresne engages in a number of activities that show his concern for others—setting up and getting funding for a prison library, helping the guards with their taxes, getting special privileges for the prisoners—as well as his concern for himself (revealed only to the viewer).

© 2012 Sandra J Teel

Synopsis:  In the Dordogne Valley of France, a team of archeologists is diligently working to uncover the ruins of a 14th-century castle. For Professor Johnston, the project is the culmination of a lifelong dream. Aided by assistant professor Andre Marek, his son Chris, and students Kate, Stern and François, Johnston has made major strides in unearthing not only La Roque Castle but also a monastery and structures from the surrounding village of Castlegard. Suspicious of the dig's benefactor, International Technology Corporation (ITC) and Roger Doniger who runs it, Professor Johnston heads to ITC headquarters in New Mexico to get some answers. While he's away, his students discover a chamber that has been sealed for more than 600 years and two startling discoveries within—a bifocal lens, which couldn't have been invented before the chamber was sealed, and, even more intriguing, a handwritten plea for help dated April 2, 1357 . . . from Professor Johnston! And, as Sherlock would avow, “the game is afoot.”

Review: Michael Crichton has once again woven a story that has stepped just a fraction beyond known science. There is a time-travel machine developed from current 3-D facsimile machine technology—no way, you say? Further, Crichton explores the concept that our past is indeed our present. When the archeologists travel to 1357 (in hopes of rescuing their professor), they must rely on their cunning and guile to escape the horrors that confront them.

A fundamental question about the storyline is how likely would the viewer (that's me) be to do what the characters do, have to do, wish to do, or otherwise behave. As with anything else, it's easy to pretend to be like the hero when, in fact, many of us are not.

Wonder is certainly at the heart of the team of archeologists. Wonder tells us that the world is alive and holds epiphanies and surprises. “Questing” is also a fundamental element, the concept that sees life as a journey that enriches the soul and the self. Several of the principal characters are entirely enthused about the experience they are having, even when the experience is difficult and potentially life-threatening. Overall, the viewer can garner much from this film and, perhaps, even be the scientist to discover how to make time travel work from the foundations of 3-D fax machine.

© 2014 Sandra J Teel