Category Archives: Arts and Culture

The Unexpected Pastor’s Best Picture Countdown 2020

Posted on February 7, 2020 by pastordavesimpson

  When I was an adolescent just developing my passion for film, the Academy Awards seemed the definitive imprimatur of quality, significance, and enduring legacy. I have no defense except Paul’s in First Corinthians: “When I was a child, I … Continue reading →

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The Unexpected Pastor’s Best Picture Countdown 2019

Posted on February 20, 2019 by pastordavesimpson

Sunday night at the hostless Academy Awards ceremony, one of eight films will be awarded the Best Picture Oscar. Here is my annual ranking of the nominated films. As always, these are not predictions nor is the order based on … Continue reading →

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Review: Paul, Apostle of Christ

Posted on April 10, 2018 by pastordavesimpson

I have been posting brief reviews of films on my Facebook page, but am going to start posting them here as well. I welcome your comments, especially your disagreements (which are much more interesting than agreement, but those are welcome, too). … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and Culture, Christianity, Christianity and Culture, film, Movies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Unexpected Pastor’s Best Picture Countdown 2018

Posted on February 27, 2018 by pastordavesimpson

Here we go again! Every year I rank the films nominated for Best Picture. As always, these are not predictions nor is the order based on films I “liked” the most, but rather my opinion of which films are most … Continue reading →

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The Unexpected Pastor’s Best Picture Countdown 2017

Posted on February 23, 2017 by pastordavesimpson

Every year I rank the films nominated for Best Picture. As always, these are not predictions nor is the order based on films I “liked” the most, but rather my opinion of which films are most worthy to win the … Continue reading →

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The Unexpected Pastor’s Best Picture Countdown 2016

Posted on February 26, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

It’s time for my annual ranking of the films nominated for Best Picture.  As in the past, these are not predictions,  but rather my opinion of which films are most worthy to win the Best Picture Oscar. (In fact my #8 … Continue reading →

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The Unexpected Pastor’s Best Picture Countdown 2015

Posted on February 17, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

Here’s my annual ranking of the  films that are vying for Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards. As in the past, the films are ranked not by prediction of who will win, nor by which ones I “liked the best,” … Continue reading →

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The War on Rohatsu-Bodhi Day, and Gantan-sai, and . . .

Posted on November 22, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

Between now and New Year’s Day: November 23 – Christ the King (Christian) November 24 – Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom (Sikh) November 26 – Day of the Covenant (Baha’i) November 27 – Thanksgiving November 28 – Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i) … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and Culture, Christmas, Faith | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Review and Reflection: “Birdman”

Posted on November 10, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

“Birdman,” and this post, are rated “R” for adult language and themes. When we think of “breathtaking” films what usually come to mind are epic spectacles of sound and fury. But “Birdman” is a film that takes one’s breath away … Continue reading →

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The Unexpected Pastor’s Best Picture Countdown 2014 – Part Two

Posted on March 1, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

Here’s the conclusion of my ranking of the nine Best Picture nominees for Sunday’s Academy Awards.  Part One, with films #9-5, is HERE. I had lots of trouble ranking these top four films.  Any of them would be a worthy … Continue reading →

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