6 Comments

1. 

   M. Lange on September 1, 2010 at 12:18 am

   Review by M. Lange for Mystic Christianity
   Rating:
   Yogi Ramacharaka’s amazing Mystic Christianity was first published nearly 100 years ago. It retains its vitality even now. The style is formal, but also has a lot of wit and passion.

   The book consists of a series of 12 lessons, which discuss the background for the coming of Jesus, the events surrounding his birth, his early years in Nazareth, his travels to Asia, and his eventual return to Judea for a 3 year ministry, with the culmination of arrest, show trial, and crucifixion.

   What makes this book special is the weaving of more traditional eastern metaphysics, which he calls “occult,” or more modernly known as “hidden,” wisdom in the life and teachings of Jesus. This perspective is invaluable for those who are seeking different, and more enlightened interpretations of the story. One will also see readily the “elitism” found in the distinctions between exoteric Christianity, which is understood by and appeals to the masses, and esoteric Christianity, which is understood by only a few, who can grasp the higher, more refined and subtle meanings found in more challenging parables, but which are discussed in the Gospels as those talks Jesus had with his disciples in private.

   At the time this book was published, Yogi Ramacharaka was living in the midst of fundamentalism, as we are now, and his work is designed to give hope and inspiration to those who are looking for an approach to the life and work of the Master that is in full accord with the timeless nondual teachings of the East.

   I highly recommend Mystic Christianity to open-minded readers and seekers looking for a Jesus who shows a path to enlightenment that is uplifting and based on real freedom.

2. 

   E. Bukowsky on September 1, 2010 at 1:11 am

   Review by E. Bukowsky for Mystic River [Blu-ray]
   Rating:
   Clint Eastwood’s adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s wrenching best-seller, “Mystic River,” is a remarkable achievement. Having read the book shortly before seeing the movie, I was impressed with Eastwood’s faithfulness to the letter and spirit of Lehane’s story.Sean Penn plays Jimmy Markham (Marcus in the book), a small time hood who did a stint in prison almost two decades earlier. Jimmy now owns a grocery store, is a loving family man, and seems to have given up his criminal ways. As a child, Jimmy was a close friend of Sean Devine, who grew up to become a homicide detective, and Dave Boyle, played by the wonderful Tim Robbins. Boyle endured a terrible trauma as a child, and he is tortured by horrifying thoughts that he can never escape. When Jimmy’s nineteen-year-old daughter, Katie, is found brutally murdered, Sean investigates with his partner, played by Laurence Fishburne, and the lives of the three old friends intersect once again.The stellar cast of “Mystic River” is amazingly effective. Each actor completely inhabits his or her character. Sean Penn’s performance is brutal and heart-rending, and Tim Robbins convincingly plays a man on the brink of madness. Supporting these fine actors are Laura Linney and Marcia Gay Harden, as Jimmy’s and Dave’s wives. Eastwood wisely shot his film on the streets of Boston, and Tom Stern’s atmospheric and skillful cinematography contribute to the film’s realistic and dramatic look. “Mystic River” is a powerful drama about how desperate people react when they are under tremendous emotional pressure. This mythic tragedy proves Faulkner’s dictum, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” The mistakes we make and the injuries that we suffer are always with us in one way or another. Kudos to Eastwood and his fine cast and crew on making an exceptional film.

3. 

   Jenny J.J.I. on September 1, 2010 at 1:27 am

   Review by Jenny J.J.I. for Mystic River [Blu-ray]
   Rating:
   Again, I haven’t read the book however the Movie does it all. I am sure there are things we all wish to forget. Moments in time in which our lives and the lives of others are altered by one singular movement, one phrase, or that one hockey shot that was just out of reach. Nothing is more true when it comes to the lives of Jimmy (Sean Penn), Sean (Kevin Bacon) and Dave (Tim Robbins). Mystic River is an emotional and amazing film about the reconciliation of three friends and their wives by the tragic murder of Jimmy’s eldest daughter, Katie Markum (Emmy Rossum). This rough Boston suburb that lies on the bank of the Mystic River is thrown into sorrow and misery over the loss. Jimmy (Penn) makes a vow to find the killer of his daughter and end him and throw him into the Mystic.

   The story is superb. Twists and turns and changing plot lines makes this story brilliantly unpredictable. It proves nothing is what it seems. Dealing with issues of child abduction and the effects it has on the future, Mystic River watches and deals with the change n the course of someone life. What something would be like if Dave hadn’t gotten into that strangers car? Katie Markum would never had been born to be murdered.

   The acting is bar none and has been recognized by the Academy by awarding Sean Penn and Tim Robbins best actor and best supporting role at the Oscars. Sean Penn was incredible in this film. He was so into his character. An angry gangster trying to move on with his life, and get out of his life of crime and deceit. To love his children and to be the best father he can be. Strong and determined, hard and angry he tries to deal with the grief of the loss of his last real memory of his late first wife. Penn is perfect in performing this role. Tim Robbins is also and incredible actor. A man who had been abused neglected. Finally admitting to himself of the abuse he felt. He kept himself bottled and up. An angry and almost psychopathic man, who is doing his best to try and overcome the terrors he experienced by hopping in the car. An ensemble cast also included: Laura Linney, Marcia Gay Haden, Laurence Fishburn.

   Mystic River is truly amazing. Clint Eastwood is an incredible director. If you like Million Dollar Baby then you will simply love “Mystic River.” Not to be missed.

4. 

   prisrob on September 1, 2010 at 2:12 am

   Review by prisrob for Mystic River [Blu-ray]
   Rating:
   Dennis Lehane wrote the book and Clint Eastwood directed the movie. It is rare that a movie is equal to the book, but in this case they are both superb works of art. Three young boys friends and playmates grow up in Southie,a neighborhood in Boston. On a summer’s day, Jimmy, (Sean Penn) and Sean (Kevin Bacon) have marked their names in fresh cement, and Davey (Tim Robbins) is just about to write his name when a car drives up. A man who purports to be a detective tells them they have broken the law and takes Davey with him to tell his mom. Davey goes missing and turns up several days later after running away, a victim of sexual abduction. The friendship is no more with Davey, and he has a difficult adolescence. Years later, these three men unite after the murder of Jimmy’s teenage daughter. Each man has had his tribulations. Jimmy has spent time in prison, and it appears that he remains the thug as depicted. Sean Penn gives the performance of his life. Sean became the character, Jimmy. I was
   unable to take my eyes from him- he is the center of the movie- a rough, tumbled man with passion and love for his family. Sean, Kevin Bacon, has become a detective in the Massachusetts State Police. His life has fallen apart- his wife has left him and calls frequently but won’t talk- what is that all about? Sean is an honest detective, an oxymoron except in his case. And Davey, Tim Robbins is rambling through life with a wife, Marcia Gay Harden and young son. Davey’s wife, Celeste has a fear that Davey is responsible for the death of Jimmy’s daughter. The lives of all three men and all those who surround them are intertwined in a complex maze. Did Davey murder Jimmy’s daughter? Who and how is the young man who was going to leave town with Jimmy’s daughter, involved with these people? Will Sean and his wife resolve their communication difficulties? This remarkable movie is a culmination of Clint Eastwood’s directorial abilities. The praise that has been heaped is well deserved. Sean Penn will most certainly obtain an Oscar nomination for his part in this movie-he became the movie. The movie is indeed dark, but the message is clear. A movie well worth your time.`

5. 

   Daniel R. Sanderman on September 1, 2010 at 3:05 am

   Review by Daniel R. Sanderman for Mystic River [Blu-ray]
   Rating:
   I was knocked out by _Mystic River_. It truly lived up to the hype that had surrounded it for the months that I failed to see it in the theaters. Flawlessly directed by Clint Eastwood, _Mystic River_ has all of its bases covered-great filmmaking, directing, script, actors, etc. In the end, however, this movie comes down to the quality of the acting. Everyone is in this film. And I mean everyone. While Sean Penn steals the show in my book, his character has to compete with Tim Robbins, Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Bacon, Marcia Gay Harden, and Laura Linney. Everyone does a superb job and together they create a film that will quickly become a classic.

   Many have knocked the film for its “unsatisfying” ending. Nothing could be farther from the truth. One has to wonder what these audience members expected-a happy, Hollywood ending where everyone joins hands and dances around the Maypole? Had _Mystic River_ fallen to these stale devices, the film would have blown up and taken hits for wasting all of its potential.

   In my opinion, faulting this film for not having a “satisfying” ending is just to fundamentally disagree about what “satisfying” entails. If you want a “popcorn” flick that satisfies your desire to turn off your heart for ninety minutes, do not rent this film-it will not “satisfy” you. But if you want an original film with a compelling storyline and complex morality, this film definitely “satisfies.” The emotions in this film are real. The actors are real. The performances are real. Robbins haunting performance at the end of the film is real. Are there loose ends? Yeah. Does the film leave you wondering? Sure. Is it a happy ending? No way. But all of these facts point to the very reason that the film succeeds.
   

6. 

   Benjamin on September 1, 2010 at 3:50 am

   Review by Benjamin for Mystic River [Blu-ray]
   Rating:
   Now, if you’re going for a thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat or if you’re seeking a mystery that’s plot-driven and all about the clues, then MYSTIC RIVER is definitely not going to satisfy you. I went to see it because the cast that director Clint Eastwood assembled is incredible, and the story is motivated by character-rooted actions and decisions.Still, I was underwhelmed by MYSTIC RIVER. Sean Penn is absolutely brilliant playing a neighborhood ex-con who becomes a successful businessman, yet he cannot escape his past when his daughter is brutally murdered. It’s a role that seems like the sort of part Penn has played well before, yet there are layers to his character that are fascinating to watch. Still, at the same time, his character Jimmy never really surprised me with any of his actions. I saw where the film was pretty much going from its opening moments, and it went exactly in that direction.Tim Robbins, playing an adult survivor of a childhood abduction and molestation, does incredibly well at creating a suspicious yet sympathetic character. He, though, is also saddled with a plot contrivance that was brought in from the book, where he doesn’t share crucial information at a point when you would expect him to, even when he can. That’s an incredibly frustrating thing to watch in any film, where you feel that the characters are withholding information merely to service the film’s plot.Kevin Bacon, playing the third lead character, has far less to do in the film. He’s saddled with a strangely-filmed subplot involving his wife, who calls on the phone throughout the film but doesn’t speak and whose face is never shown. His character, as well, isn’t as well-rounded as the other leads.In supporting roles, the amazing Laura Linney and Marcia Gay Harden play the spouses of men caught up in a bizarre murder mystery. Linney’s closing speech at the end of the film is so good that I wished the film had more moments with her in them. Harden’s final scene is compelling and heartbreaking.All in all, I thought MYSTIC RIVER was an incredibly acted, flawed mystery film.