Silence is Golden: 2016 at the Movies

Another movie year is in the books.  While I didn't think it was the strongest year for movies, it definitely had its moments.  Because there were less "standouts", listing films was actually a lot harder this year.  Out of well over 100 films that I saw this year, I was still left with 40 to choose from after making my first cuts.  It only got more difficult from there.  So difficult, in fact, that I added a few categories, such as best animated films (it was a strong year in this category).  I also threw in some Overrated and Underrated choices for fun.  Enjoy!

Top 10 Films of the Year

1. Silence

Although most people don't believe me, I really enjoy fun, accessible, escapist fare at the movies.  I don't just enjoy dark, "movie snob" films.  Unfortunately, my favorite movies tell a different tale.  Silence is unlike anything I've ever seen in the theater.  It's 3 hours long with no soundtrack.  It's an unflinching look at the persecution of Christian missionaries in 17th century Japan.  I was enraptured by it.  It's impeccably delivered to the screen by Martin Scorcese, and it challenges viewers in an intense, uncomfortable way.  If the value of a movie is how much it stays with you, then Silence is invaluable.  It's not for everyone, but I found it spellbinding.

2. Manchester by the Sea

Jesus Wasn't a Republican: Responsibilities of a Christ-Centered Citizen

To be fair, He wasn't a Democrat, either.

Guys, it's tough out there.  In a nation founded on principles of individual opportunity and freedom, we find ourselves in a quagmire of divisive politics, racism, and ultimate uncertainty.  It's tough to really make any political statement without being rendered to one side or another.  In fact, if you don't know me and you're reading this, you're probably already scanning through to find out my perspective so that you can prematurely put me in a proverbial box.  Let me help you a little....

Hi, I'm Daniel. I'm a Christian.  This probably gives you all you need, which is unfortunate.  Why?

If the Suit Fits...

Today, my grandfather passed away.  Jimmy Donald Stack, or "Deedaddy", as he was affectionately called, saw his 83+ years on this planet come to a close.  Right now, writing about him seems like my process to grieve.  Maybe this will become a coherent post.  Maybe not.

The Worst Blog Post EVER... Thanks Obama!

I can't believe I'm writing this.  More accurately, I can't believe I have to write this.  I guess technically I don't "have to" write it, but my ability to listen to nonsense whilst saying nothing has reached its peak.  I've got some breaking news: Barack Obama is NOT the worst President in our nation's history (Gasp!).  I can sense people closing out the window, unfollowing, blocking, or commenting as I type this.  Please stay with me. Also, comments have been disabled, so good luck.

I'm not here to argue whether I agree or disagree with Obama, nor is this about correcting poor arguments on the President, even though that'd be quite the topic: Obama has actually deported more illegal immigrants than Bush?  Get outta here!  Net immigration from Mexico to US since 2011 is zero? No Way! Obama is actually ranked as the most gun-owner friendly President since Reagan?  Heresy!

Yeah, that'd be too much fun...

Look, what I'm trying to say is this isn't about political allegiance.  I don't identify with the Democratic party nor am I claiming to have supported or even voted for our current President.  I just happen to be sensible enough to not let my emotions get the best of me.  The last 7 years have been tumultuous, and Obama has definitely eliminated himself from the "best ever" argument.  There are some legitimate talking points on the failures of our President and they've been well documented; however... the last 7 years have also amazed me in the sheer amount of hyperbole infused rhetoric aimed at our current President.  The only conclusion I can draw from my amazement is that our electorate is as dumb as ever.  Let me explain...

Fear, Faith, and Fallacy: Why Hoping for the Worst is the American thing to do

As a freshman in college, I found myself struggling for the first time in a history class: Western Civilization.  As a history major, I felt as though I should breeze through this 100-level course without a second thought.  When I realized that I had to actually read the text book and that the lectures in class were not a summary of the reading, I knew I was in trouble.  I immediately started questioning my entire life: My major choice, my intelligence, even my future.  Somehow, after failing 2 quizzes and a test, I'd made this genius deduction: If I fail this class, then I'll fail all my history classes, then I'll drop out of college, then I'll be homeless and living on the side of the road.  I was like a walking Directv commercial a decade before they came out: "Don't end up uneducated and homeless, get Directv"... you get the idea.

Now, technically, was it possible that I fail every class and drop out of college? Yes, that was most definitely possible... but was it likely?  At all?  No! It only became more likely the more I thought about it.  In reality, I needed to work harder and adjust to college.

The point I'm trying to make is this: Straits are made more dire with the use of effective, fearful hyperbole.  

Confessions of a Former Confederate Flag Supporter

Our State Has a Problem.

There, I said it.  That's the first step to solving a problem, right?  Let's hope so, because we need help. South Carolina has a pride problem.  I know this because I'm more often a part of the problem than the solution.  In fact, I think it's our collective love of this great state that has kept us from doing the right thing in regards to the Confederate Flag on the State House grounds.  It shouldn't take murdering of innocent civilians for us to contemplate change.  Unfortunately, it has.  And I'm to blame. And so are you, if you call the Palmetto State home.