HW #5

My 5 Favorite Movies

-Star Wars

-Pride and Prejudice (A&E version)

-A Quiet Place

-It’s A Wonderful Life

-for comic relief: Hot Fuzz

Common Themes:

-Redemption

-Heroism

-Sacrifice

-Heroes Journey


Post to the group a subject you’re thinking of engaging with your tribe on and get feedback.

Movies are a passion of mine. Two films from last year were from franchises that I hold near and dear. I meant to see one of them but never got around to it, and now can’t wait for it to be released on streaming video. The other I also missed, but on purpose, and will probably continue to miss, as in, not even rent it.

The phenomena that drew attention early this year was Godzilla Minus One. It played in theatres for two months, December/23-February/24. The budget was under 15 million dollars and it grossed over 115 million worldwide. When removed from theatres in February, it was still ranked 8th in its final weekend. It became the highest grossing Japanese film in North America in history, with only two other live action international films having surpassed it. It also won the franchise its first academy award, for Best Achievement in Visual Effects.

Conversely, Indiana Jones, released June 2023, purportedly cost $300 million before marketing costs. It was the most expensive Indiana Jones movie and one of the most expensive movies ever, and lost $134 Million, overall, for Disney. A huge Indiana Jones fan, I was truly disappointed by the viewer feedback (though not totally surprised), as I was really looking forward to this one.

For those who saw either movie, what was Godzilla Minus Ones’s secret to success on a shoestring budget? And why did Dial of Destiny, from one of the most successful movie franchises, with presumably no expense spared, fall on its face? Please send your comments in, I’d love to hear your feedback, and even feature some on my blog.

●      Do research and follow someone who does this kind of shepherding well. Study what they do this week. Tell us all about it.

  • Randy Ingermanson. I’ve actually followed him for years. He provides excellent content and responds to emails. Not only that, but I’m struck by how thoughtful and comprehensive his answers to my specific questions are. I’m very grateful for the time he takes to answer them.

  • Thomas Umsttadt, likewise.

  • James Rubart, same. I don’t follow him, but heard him teach at Realm Makers winter retreat. He is very gentle and gracious, but never shy of salting his words with truth, very shepherd-like. I told my wife he has a pastor’s heart. James has also helped me a lot with content for my website. Like the two above, he’s provided me with very thoughtful, comprehensive answers to questions and I’m very grateful for his time!

  • common theme of the above three is the way they interact with their crowd and their sacrifices to go the extra mile to help.