Historical Movie Review: Thomas Edison and the Electric Light

This is an animated movie from Nest Entertainment and Rich Studios.  It tells the story of Mr. Edison, and the discovery of the light bulb.  It includes some famous Edison quotes, "I have not failed.  I have just 10,000 ways that won't work."  and when asked are you a genius.  "Invention is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.  What you may say sir is I am a genius of perspiration."
This shows the struggle to invent the light bulb, and creating an environment where it will work, and then a filament that will burn and not burn up.  They try any number of different things, including horse hair.  It is finally ordinary thread that works for a filament.
This is an enjoyable history, although dramatized.

ESPN Documentary Review: Shawn Bradley: Postarized

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10933122
This is a very interesting look at Shawn Bradley, his NBA career, and his accomplishments off the court.  Shawn Bradley is 7' 6".  He was selected second in the NBA draft after playing one year (setting a record for a Freshman in shot blocks) and then served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He did not live up to the hype, but he did enjoy a 12-year career in the NBA, and is number 16 on the all time blocks list.  From his NBA career he became financially independent and has been able to provide a contribution to the world.  He is currently employed at a school in Salt Lake for "troubled" youth. 

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865604264/National-spotlight-shines-on-Shawn-Bradleys-life-after-the-NBA.html?s_cid=Email-1

Movie Review: ***^The Emmett Smith Story

This is another BYU movie made in 1979.  Without the BYU movie, we wouldn't know his story.  Emmett Smith was a high school track and cross country coach.  He was also a marathon runner. However his career was cut short as the result of a tumor.  The tumor was removed, taken out through his ear, causing permanent damage to his ear.  He was told that he would no longer be able to run.  However this result wasn't acceptable to him.  As soon as he was back on his feet, he started to push the envelope, and he ran, for four steps before falling down.  He slowly made improvement.  He was told that if he focused on a tree and ran to the tree, he might be able to control his dizziness.  He went from tree to tree, but found sometimes he couldn't turn.  He ended up in the river a few times.  He had set a goal for himself to run 20 miles on the one-year anniversary of his operation.  He achieved his goal.
At school he was introduced to a young woman, Cindy Duncan, who was hit by a car, and should have died.  She was now wheel chair bound.  This was before the days of wheel chair buses and the disabilities act.  It was rare for people with challenges to be in regular school.  Cindy had to stick up for herself to be accepted.  Over time, she developed strength in her legs, and began to us crutches. Then, with Emmett, she set a goal, to walk up to the podium to get her diploma.  He agreed to take a wheel chair trip if she succeeded.  Three days before graduation she was not there, but to the cheers of the students and everyone in the auditorium, she walked to the podium to get her diploma.
Very inspirational movie.  I think it could have been called Cindy Duncan's story just as easily.
Still has the corny BYU music and script.  But as I said very inspirational.

Movie Review: ****^Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story

This is a 2009 movie released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It was directed by T.C. Christensen.  This movie follows John Tanner from his conversion to his death.  It follows a couple themes.  The first is that of consecration.  John Tanner gave his all to the kingdom of God.  He said, "Any many who would look back from the plow is not worthy of the kingdom of God."  He sacrifices, and sacrifices and sacrifices.  In a very real sense, he saved the Kirtland Temple from foreclosure, and was present for the inauguration and all the spiritual experiences that came with it.
The other theme I find in this movie recurs over and over in the  scriptures.  When God has a need, he will raise up someone to meet the need.  He did this with Joseph, with Moses, with Joseph Smith,  and with so any others.  I think he also does this with us, although perhaps on a smaller scale.  There are times when we are raised up for the benefit of a family member, a friend, a ward or some other purpose.  May we be prepared for these occasions.
Great movie.  Available through You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHXcOVCrzvA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqiCfjLIBBc

Movie Review: ****Taylor Swift: Journey to Fearless (to mmboe)

This is a 2010 documentary film shown on the Hub.  It shows Taylor Swift's rise in the music industry, the release of her first two albums, "Fearless" being the second, and the concert tour that resulted form that album.  It also includes video of most of the 13 songs from that album.

This is an interesting film, first because it shows you the determination of a girl to be a success in an industry which doesn't allow a lot of winners.  Swift was determined, but her dream was not accepted well at her school because she was different.  She and her family moved to Nashville to support her dream.  Swift wanted to record her own music, and was able to do that with Big Machine Records.  However her big break came with the release of "Fearless"  in 2008.  It includes the title song as well as "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me."
This movie goes into lots of detail about the concert which supported  the album.  This includes selection of the dancers, building of the set, rehearsals, p.r. and relations with fans.  Taylor Swift is very enthusiastic, and her enthusiasm is easily caught  by those around her.  We see her mother as well as her father.
An interesting part of the movie is Swift's song writing style.  She writes about her life experiences, a girl friend, freshman year of high school, boy relationships, bad and good (usually bad.)
I enjoyed this movie, but I like her music, at least the songs in this album.  I must admit, I have not followed her next two albums, but "Love Story" is as good as it gets.

Mormon Movie Review: ***^John Baker's Last Race

John Baker's Last Race (1976, BYU) is a biographical presentation of the life of John Baker.  He was a track and cross and country star at the University of New Mexico and WAC champion in the mile run as well as cross country.  He had aspirations for the Olympics, and started training for the 1972 Olympics.  While training he took employment at Aspen Elementary teach physical education.  He also started a women's AAU track and field team.  He continues to train for the Olympics, but cannot get his times down.  He goes to see the doctor and is diagnosed with incurable cancer, and given six months to live.  He contemplates suicide, but in the end, determines to do his best until the end.  The movie portrays how he discovers a young girl, who has difficulty fitting in because of arthritis in her legs.  Treatment has been successful, but she resists physical therapy because of the pain.  Baker shows her how to overcome this with making funny faces to herself to forget the pain.  She eventually does this, and becomes a star.
Baker lead his AAU team to the national finals, and wants to go with them to the championship.  He has an episode at school where he loses control, screaming at the children.  He then collapses in pain.  He cancer ruptured, making him basically bed ridden.  However he makes the effort to go back to school to apologize for his behavior.  He doesn't make it to the finals, passing away a couple days before, a year and a half after he was diagnosed.  However the girls take the title in his name.
This is a very motivational and uplifting story.  To enjoy the show you have to get past the music, which is sort of corny.  I understand it is available through BYU communications.  I have an old VCR copy from Church Distribution.

Movie Review: ***^Pistol Pete Maravich The LSU Years - Documentary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puqd5SZmY-Ue

After watching "The Pistol" I decided to explore Pete Maravich on You Tube, to see some of his incredible plays.  I was especially interested in seeing some incredible moves.  This movie covers his college playing days.  Maravich was the greatest college player ever.  He still has record for the most points scored 3667, as well as the best scoring averge ever 44.2.  But what is incredible are his passes.  He made some tremendous passes.  I like this movie, because is mostly just shows high lights.  There is some commentary.  Eight hour days with a basketball from the time he was twelve, and even earlier.  There is a reason a scrawny kid became successful.  It also talks of his father, Press, who was his son's coach at LSU.
25 years ago this past January Pistol Pete died from a congenital heart problem.  It is likely he had a heart issue through his playing days.  What is true, he had a love and heart for the game he embraced.