HACKSAW RIDGE: MOVIE REVIEW

HACKSAW RIDGE MOVIE REVIEW

The name of the movie speaks for itself – Hacksaw Ridge. For within its domain, a slaughter of epic proportions takes place.  During World War II, Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield) is a medic in the army. With a seemingly heart of gold, Desmond is driven to take part in the war, though not to kill or for revenge but to be a part of something good – saving lives.  But Desmond’s faith affords him no yield when it comes to weapons and the killing of fellow human beings. This causes problems within the army’s ranks as they seek to rid themselves of this strange, young man. But seemingly sound of mind and finding his constitution rights upheld, Desmond gets what he desires and is sent into battle, weaponless with only his bible and prayer for solace.  And he will need it for the bloodshed that takes place.

Faith can move mountains or so the bible says. But it’s not a mountain that needs to be moved, but rather 75 wounded soldiers left for dead on Hacksaw Ridge.  After a hasty retreat, the army is unaware that Desmond is still on top of the ridge, picking through bodies and finding comrades still alive. With peril, all around him, Desmond manages to drag or carry these men to the cliff’s edge and lower them down into the arms of astonished soldiers.

Stunned by their early assessment of this would-be-coward, Desmond’s peers and ranking officers are shocked by his bravery and selfless acts. Desmond T. Doss received the Congressional Medal of Honor and rightly so. This gripping, yet embracing story unfolds in a profound and effective manner. It reminds us of how special our veterans are and how they should be thanked for the sacrifices they have given for our freedoms. May God bless each one of them. 

 Awesome movie of courage and faith!

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE

Books:

THE POND

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER

PENNHURST GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER II

WRECKER

THE SERPENTS MARK

(Amazon.com) 

GHOSTBUSTERS: REVIEW

GHOSTBUSTERS: MOVIE REVIEW

Ghosts. There are skeptics and believers.  And those who don’t want to know. The scientific research of ghostly phenomenon has become a trademark in today’s modern world as people want to know more about life after death or prove beyond a shadow of doubt its existence. Most take this research as a serious, almost reverent task, documenting their findings to those who will listen. Documentaries, books and the internet are flooded with claims of ghostly connections. But skeptics will remain true to disbelief. That is until someone can prove it otherwise.

So who’s afraid of those ghosts? Apparently not the four ladies that make up the newest version of the Ghostbusters movie. These fun and sometimes silly women are aspiring to prove that they have truly mastered the art of ghost busting, aiming to be taken seriously as scientists. However, their goals are short lived as the New York City Mayor is bent on casting them as frauds, even while giving them silent approval on the sidelines.

Abby, Erin, Jillian and Patty are rambunctious women with their own set of quirks and misgivings. With limited fear, nothing can stop these women bent on ridding the city of ghosts. Mix in the lovable Chris Hemsworth as the goofy receptionist, some crazy ghost gadgets, a variety of ghostly mayhem and you got hilarity.

Ghostbusters delivers on fun and silliness with a trace of fear in the opening scene. Although nothing can place the original Ghostbusters this take on the series will reacquaint the 1980’s crowd with a jolt of gigantic balloons and familiar faces from the original cast (minus Harold Ramis as Egon). But for newcomers, such as my 12-year-old son, he enjoyed this movie. Take it for what it is. A bit of fun at the movies on a hot summer night - it will not sway a ghostly skeptic into believing.

Award winning: Author Tamera Lawrence 

THE POND 

THE SERPENT'S MARK 

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING 

PENNHURST GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER II 

(Amazon.com)

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE: THE CONJURING 2: MOVIE REVIEW

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE: THE CONJURING 2: MOVIE REVIEW: THE CONJURING 2: MOVIE REVIEW              C hildren have great imaginations. There is a natural fear of monsters and what’s lurking...

THE CONJURING 2: MOVIE REVIEW

THE CONJURING 2: MOVIE REVIEW 

            Children have great imaginations. There is a natural fear of monsters and what’s lurking in the dark. But what if something really is lurking in the shadows. Something terrifying.

 In 1977, Enfield, North London, Janet Hodgson has an interest in the occult, creating her own Ouija board. Although a direct link isn’t placed upon this practice during the film, many people will agree that this can be a dangerous pastime, especially for a child. Opening these channels to suppressed evil can only lead to chaos and spiritual discord.

Young Janet is plagued with sleepwalking, shaking beds, missing objects, levitation and the ability to bring forth a gravelly male voice that is truly terrifying to hear. The other family members, mostly her younger brother all begin to have unexplained occurrences. The family is desperate for help, leading to the renown Warrens.

            Documenting their investigations, paranormal experts, Lorraine and Ed Warren have written books, lectured and made television appearances about the occult. One of their most famous cases was the Amityville Horror. Many are skeptically of the Warrens, calling them frauds. The Warrens are sent to Enfield to investigate if young Janet and her family are truly besieged by spirits or by the fanciful imagination of a teenage girl. Their main objective is to find out if the Catholic church needs to get involved. After that things go haywire.

The Warrens get more than they bargained for as they are drawn into the desperate plight of a child, who has no hope for a resolution. Ed and Lorraine will come face to face with the demon that haunts their own nightmares.  Winner takes all in this deadly cat and mouse game.  

            If you are seeking a scare, THE CONJURING 2 delivers on all accords. And with the added footage of the actual event, you might not sleep a wink.

This sequel is better than its predecessor.

            But whether you believe or not in the paranormal, The Conjuring 2 will give you food for thought. So feed your spirit and go see it for yourself.

            Perhaps you’ll find your way back to church.

Author Tamera Lawrence 

Books: 

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING 

PENNHURST GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER II

THE POND   (Award Winning) 

THE SERPENT'S MARK

THE WRECKER 

*All books are available on Amazon.com 

Addiction

WHEN THERE IS AN ADDICT IN YOUR FAMILY, YOUR WHOLE FAMILY IS SICK.  

WHEN THE DEVIL CLIMBS: Book Review

* * * * *

Holiday ham evokes memories of home and family. Sizzling 

bacon entices the senses. Lunch meat is commonplace for most 

luncheons. Most of us enjoy the salty flavor of pork. But how often 

do we think about the animal we eat? A pig is often thought of as a 

penned animal, docile for the most part, lazy and fat. They are

 often dirty, enjoying slop and rolling around in the mud. A few 

lucky pigs have even become treasured pets.  

But what happens when a pig goes feral. Or a group of them? 

Crazed eyes, grotesque snot and a shrilly whine might become your

 worst nightmare as they arrive to chew on your hide.

When The Devil Climbs by Drake Vaughn gives us a glimpse into Russ Grote’s world. A convicted felon, Drake works along others like himself, hanging billboard signs. The work is tedious and often dangerous. Electrocution and taking a nasty fall are particularly worrisome to the men. Working with harden criminals brings about its own set of problems. Tempers mount along with grudges. And it doesn’t help if the boss is abusive and treats you like crap. But this hardened group of men are up against a new challenge – pigs.  But not just any pigs, no these pigs have a taste for blood and will do anything to get it.

When The Devil Climbs will leave you thinking about that other white meat. Perhaps you won’t want to eat that bacon after all. Vividly descriptive, The Devil Climbs is a well-written belly churner filled with glorious detail.

A must read for die hard horror fans. 

Author Tamera Lawrence

Books:

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING

PENNURST GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER II

THE POND

WRECKER

THE SERPENT’S MARK

(Available at Amazon.com)