"Christopher Robin" 2018 Movie Review

I've heard a positive and a negative review of the new Disney movie, "Christopher Robin."

The thing is - and I suppose naturally so - these reviewers start by comparing this movie to previous incarnations (both book and film) of "Winnie the Pooh."

But when I recently watched "Christopher Robin," I didn't see a "Winnie the Pooh" movie. Well, yes, but no.

This is a movie about depression.

Yes. That's what I got from watching it.

First of all, if you plan to see the movie but haven't yet, I'd advise you watch it before reading this review. That way, you can experience the movie for yourself, and see it your own way, instead of seeing it the way I do.

The Stressers

Because of my own emotional struggles since having a child, I decided it'd be worth doing a little research on depression; specifically looking at advice on how to deal with it. The resources I've found discuss some common 'stressers' - life events that can bring on depression - and helpful ways of dealing with it.

And this movie, in many ways, 'reads' like a depression handbook.

We begin with the stressers. The movie flashes through a few scenes that take Chris away from his Hundred Acre Wood and into the 'real world.' And each corresponds to a major stresser.

He is sent off to boarding school (moving, major lifestyle change).

His father dies (loss of a loved one).

He goes off to war (traumatic event).

In addition, the future of the company he works for has been laid on his shoulder, and he is expected to come up with a way to save it from collapsing single-handedly (unrealistic work expectations). (Technically, his boss is supposed to be helping him, but doesn't.)

His wife expresses how she misses the old him and feels she and their daughter are being ignored (marital tension).

And he spends the vast majority of his time in an office building in a busy downtown area (I'll dive more into the nature-deprivation later).

I think one piece of 'evidence' about this being a movie about depression is a seemingly throwaway character who appears in only a few scenes: Christopher's neighbour. This neighbour constantly reminds Robin that he promised to play a game of cards with him sometime; but Chris continues to make excuses as to why it can't be today.

This character exists to showcase the fact that not only can Chris not find time for his family, he can't find time for friends either. His social interactions have been reduced to work-only. This is further shown in a scene where a coworker attempts to start a friendly conversation with him, and Chris ignores the attempt and immediately starts talking about work.

This anti-social lifestyle can only harm him emotionally in the long run.

Thankfully, the movie doesn't leave Christopher Robin there.

The Relief

After establishing the many depression-inducing aspects of Christopher Robin's life, the narrative forces him away from his hectic life - and in doing so, presents him with a few of the advised treatments for handling depression.

He plays. He relaxes. He spends time with old friends. He takes the risk and tells his boss' boss that he was expected to plan the company's new direction all on his own - when realistically, he and his boss should have been sharing the responsibility.

And he takes time to connect with nature.

As someone who also researches conservation and other environmental ethics, its the parts about nature that really stood out to me. Some experts believe that one of the major causes in the rise of depression is that most people now live in cities, disconnected from 'the great outdoors.'

There are so many beautiful nature moments in this movie. The scene that sticks in my memory is where the camera fixates on sunlight trickling through the branches of a tree. The scene exists just to be relaxing, nostalgic.

I mean, it is the Hundred Acre Woods. And woods are nature.

'Connect with nature' and 'go outdoors' may not necessarily be in the depression textbooks - yet - however, I've found it to be a commonly raised suggestion. And this movie presents spending time in nature as a special part of life.

The Conclusion

My husband pointed out that the end of the movie seemed to him like a very Disney, everything-works-out well happy ending - perhaps too much so. I mean, he solves his work problem in the end, and he didn't even need to spend more time on it!

But again, this is psychology in action. And I know that from advice I've received as a creative. His work problem was, in fact, a creative one. And some of the top advice for solving a creative problem: step away from it.

Read Todd Henry's "The Accidental Creative" Chapter 7 if you want to get deeper into this. I'll give you the basic summary: we don't draw creativity out of thin air or working harder. As much as we may like to think otherwise, tests have suggested its true: we put out what we put in. Life experiences, social interactions - these are the actual sources of our creativity.

So him being able to solve the problem only after he'd gone out and had a grand adventure is perfect: it's creativity advice in action.

This movie may be a "Winnie the Pooh" movie. However, in another sense, it's a movie about... well, us. Our society. Our stresses. Our worries. And though it takes place around World War II, it deals with some very modern concerns.

You can enjoy this as a simple, charming tale about fun characters. Or, if you want to think about it on a deeper level, it still stands as an interesting treatise on depression and ways of handling negative emotions.

Book Review: Marvel's "All-New Wolverine Volume 1" by Tom Taylor

A Closer Look

You can find this book on the Marvel Comics website by clicking here!

Why Did I Pick Up This Book?

My husband has introduced me to the world of DC and Marvel's comic books; along with various superhero animated shows and movies, which gave me an idea of which characters I'd be interested in following. So reading this book partially came from my husband's recommendation.

The recommendation also came from a YouTube channel called "Comicstorian." This is a great place to go if you're wanting to figure out which comic books will interest you. Comicstorian does summaries of various DC, Marvel, and other comic books.

Review

Laura isn’t a clone of Logan.

Okay, well, she technically is… but she’s not alike him in every way. As she dons the Wolverine mask, she’s fully aware that some people find it a bit odd to have a female wolverine. But to her, it’s not about trying to be Logan.

“I’m not replacing him,” she tells Doctor Strange. And referencing her costume, she continues, “All I know is, while I’m wearing this, he isn’t gone.”

Flashbacks explore Laura and Logan’s relationship as daughter and father. I love that the authors are not interested in making her a Logan knock-off. Instead, the story flows naturally from the heart of a child hoping to carry on her father’s legacy.

The story explores the themes of family, revenge, and whether people who do horrible things should be killed or shown mercy. For the most part, this story encourages the latter: Laura points out that, if people gave her what she deserved, she’d be dead. The mercy that was shown to her by Logan is the mercy she aims to show to others, even when they clearly don’t deserve it.

Book Review: "In Awe of God" by Rita Peters

Book Review: "In Awe of God: memoirs of missionary life in Guatemala," by Rita Peters Langemann, 2015

You can find this book at www.inaweofGod.ca

I have a very personal interest in this book. My family and I have volunteered with Impact Ministries in Guatemala several times over the years. So when I learned that Rita Peters Langeman had compiled a book about her experiences in helping lead Impact Ministries, I looked it up and got a copy.

This book could be called a memoir, or a devotional. Each chapter features a short story from the author's life in Guatemala; a lesson learned from this experience; a prayer; and a Bible verse.

The book also features many photos. I wondered a bit about the price at first (I paid $35 Canadian), but decided that since the money was ultimately a donation to the ministry, it was worth that amount. Once I received the book, I realized $35 is a very fair price, considering the number of beautiful, full-colour photographs.

I found "In Awe of God" to be a sweet, simple read. I enjoyed the many stories, some of them familiar ones I've heard on my trips to Guatemala, others new. I think it reads best as a devotional, though it certainly gives information about Impact Ministries and their work in Guatemala.

If you're familiar with Impact Ministries and have fond memories of time spent with them in the 'city' of Tactic, I'd encourage you to purchase this book. Or if you're interested in a devotional written by a missionary, consider this one.

A Librarian's Vision

I’m excited about how things are going in the church library that I run! (You can read my past blogs on being a librarian here and here.)

I’m glad my husband suggested I volunteer to take charge of our church's library, since it’s given me more opportunity to explore books and reading. My love of books and my experiences as an author have both linked together in this little library to bring me fresh perspectives on what people read and what people write.

My ‘vision,’ as you will, is to do more than just keep the library running. I feel called to help people connect with books that will be meaningful to them.

There are a few practical ways I intend on making this vision a reality.

The main task that’s taken up the bulk of my time in the library is reorganizing the Adult Fiction shelves. All fiction – from fantasy to thriller to romance to mystery – was amalgamated upon one vast collection of shelves. Understandably, I’ve heard more than one of our church attendees complain that our fiction collection is entirely composed of romance.

Not so, as it turns out. There’s a lot of romance novels, so as a fellow non-romantic-reader, I understand their repulse at even bothering to look through the shelves. But as it turns out, there are some titles that fascinate me hidden within our collection.

Putting all the romance books together, all the mysteries together, all the fantasies together, etcetera, will hopefully make it easier for readers to find fiction books that are meaningful to them.

One book I read recently, “What God Does When Men Lead” (by Bill Peel), made the statement that churches these days tend to be over-feminized, turning off men and leading many to avoid attending church. I’m not sure that’s the case with our church; but after reading that book, I considered which books make up the vast majority of our library. We have, as it turns out, a very feminine-oriented collection!

Since one of our (male) pastors is an avid reader, it is a bit odd that many of the types of books he reads just aren’t on the shelves.

I did a little investigating, and this is my current conclusion: while Christian women are most likely to passionately devour romance novels, Christian men are most likely to casually consume theology books.

When I first started in the library, our Theology and Reference collection fit upon one shelf. I, as a lover of reference books, was quick to separate Theology and Reference and buy some additional reference titles. I’m hoping to expand our Theology section to two shelves (as a start); both by finding theology books that have been mislabeled and hidden in other categories, and by buying theology books that have been recommended by people I trust.

Another potential setback of our library is that many of the books are older titles. I personally believe books don’t have an ‘expiry date;’ but at the same time, it’s welcoming to discover a newly-released book that speaks to today’s issues in a way that is modern and easily relatable. So I’ve been making a point of purchasing newer titles with current topics, such as “12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You” (Tony Reinke) – a look at how to wisely make use of smartphones – and “Planted” (Leah Kostamo), a down-to-earth biography about the environmental movement.

I’ve been kept very busy with these tasks, but can say with joy that the Adult Fiction sorting is coming along nicely, and I’m finally seeing a new order taking shape: one where romance novels are not the only easily-located stories!

Do you agree with my conclusions about what men and women read? Do you prefer reading newer books or older books?

Pictures and the Words They Speak

It occurred to me that I'd made the chibi art project way too complicated.

Fighting over draft after draft, doing sketch after sketch. I at last remembered why I'd started this: for fun! So, instead of trying to wow you with my art skills, I returned to the simple pleasure of making a picture.

View fullsize

Fiddling around with BookBat

View fullsize

A playful sketch of BookBat enjoying a warm drink!

View fullsize

Rough draft of Chibi characters... Tsingy (far left) left me unsatisfied, and the designer in me cringed at the big white space beside him...

Shortly after coming to that decision, I made a discovery while sorting through old notes. I uncovered a few of the pictures I'd made for Kingdom of Bats - back in the days before I'd published my very first book! Most of these pictures never made it to the final draft, and by extension were never shown to the world. I myself forgot they existed.

View fullsize

One of my cover design ideas I sent to the publisher, of the vampire bat Patas looking down on the portal spiderweb to the Underworld

View fullsize

Another cover design idea I sent the publisher, this one of Bai'ic in armour

View fullsize

Sketches of the main characters in "Kingdom of Bats"

Seeing these images reminded me once more of where I've come, and the time, effort, and courage it took to get here.

I've been thinking about what started me on this authoring path. And though I've enjoyed writing since I was a child, I trace my decision to publish back to a day in my early adulthood.

I was in Switzerland, studying communications. Some of the weeks I struggled through. But the week on writing - ah, I came alive that week! Our teacher was a published author, and he led us in creative exercises, like "showing not telling" and writing a story about God watching people kiss (seriously). In nearly all exercises (except the kissing one) I blazed ahead confidently and excitedly.

At the end of the week, the teacher and I were together chatting. He told me something that would set me on my new path: a published author told me, "You're good enough to be doing what I'm doing."

Not many years later, I published Kingdom of Bats.

These pictures I re-discovered remind me of what I've learned. I hadn't been to design school yet, so didn't know the ins-and-outs of book cover designs (I forgive the publisher for not going with my designs). I actually did a lot more pictures than these, but didn't understand things like 'resolution,' so sketched them too small to be of any use. Eventually, I scrapped all but two images (the map and one good sketch).

View fullsize

The map that actually made it into the book!

Each book, I've learned something new, and I believe I've grown in skills. But it all started with that one encouragement from my teacher.

Who has inspired you to take the next step in your dreams?

View fullsize

The final Chibi picture!

Coming up: two short stories are ready for sharing! Keep an eye out for "Bridging Worlds" - the story between Kingdom of Bats and Dwelling in Darkness - and "Ramanga's Lightning," a playful prequel to Dwelling in Darkness. I'll begin posting the first story Monday.

Tales of the Diversity The Quest Preview

Three spheres of light graced the sky, marked by the wispy clouds that seemed always to remain over this sandy land. In the topmost place in the sky, one orb glowed with silvery rays, and to its left, pure light cascaded from another. Peering over the dusty inland horizon was the third sphere, a golden sun whose rays caused the faint clouds surrounding it to appear metallic.

Captain Ctzo stood patiently, hands behind his back, his pale grey clothing still in the light desert breeze. As he lowered his eyes from the midday sky, he beheld the golden building before him.

Its every detail, from the columns bordering its wide entry to the convex roof over the rounded doorways, was perfect in design. The only constructions more impressive were the temples built for the God—or gods—considered worthy of such grand structures.

This was Parliament. Within, some of the most powerful people in the world—the greatest minds, the most flawless bloodlines, the most cunning politicians—ruled this mighty empire.

And now they were waiting on him.

Taking a deep breath and sending up a prayer, Ctzo made his way into the first corridor. He stepped over pale floors inlaid with precious gemstones. He passed guards in full battle array who spoke not a word and didn’t even blink as he passed. On and on he went, guided by memory through the massive interior of this grand stone structure.

Not only was he familiar with the place, but those he passed recognized him. The instant he approached the herald, dressed in flowing robes, the fellow nodded his way and walked off, taking Ctzo’s presence as a signal that he was free to go.

Ctzo smiled. Some things never change.

Next came the short hallway which opened into a crescent-shaped chamber. Twin dragon statues stood to the left and right of a wide door. The doorway itself was closed, heavily decorated with symbols and pictographs and inscribed at eye level with these words: “The Council of Questava, our Mighty Emperor’s right-hand aides; enter only on request.”

Clearing his throat, he announced, “Honourable Council, I am Captain Ctzo, general from the War of Nine Leagues. I have come at your command.”

He heard footsteps as someone walked to the door. It swung open, and the captain found himself staring into the eyes of a servant, humbly dressed in a dark tunic. Nodding, the servant welcomed Ctzo, beckoning him towards the round table in the centre of the chamber.

Not one seat was empty: in each sat a distinguished elder, a youth dressed to impress, or a war-marked dignitary, all clothed in off-white.

Ctzo hadn’t expected to be given a seat. These were some of the most powerful people in his nation; he certainly wasn’t lofty enough to join their table. Instead he took a few steps closer, bowing at the waist. He stopped, standing motionless, waiting.

“General and Captain Ctzo Mainaia, welcome,” one of the youth began. “I believe you are aware why we’ve called you.”

The captain hesitated. “I assume it has to do with the letter I sent.”

The youth nodded, and an elder continued in his place. “After going over your proposition, we investigated your history as a soldier for the Questavan Empire. You’ve served the emperor well, and we agree that your previous experience shows you are more than capable of carrying out the mission.”

“Our only hesitation,” one of the few females at the table added, “has to do with your age. You are aware that you are younger than most of our applicants. How long has it been since you last captained a ship? Your more recent assignments have been land-based.”

“We have been assured,” a war-scarred individual said with a smile, “that you are still seaworthy, and we needn’t fear. Your skill remains adequate.”

Ctzo smiled in return.

“So we have granted your request,” the first to speak concluded. “The legal documents have been put in order. You will sail under the flag of the Questavan Empire, as a general of the seas, part of our elite pirate-hunting unit, chasing down and destroying enemy ships. Congratulations, Captain. You don’t seem particularly surprised.”

Ctzo chuckled. “My first mate told me I could be confident. I’m honoured you consider me worthy, and I will seek to serve the emperor well.”

“There are a few things you must still do,” the youth continued. “We have left it to you to find a ship, a crew, and the money with which to pay them.”

“My first mate was confident of that as well. I have selected a crew, and he is picking out a ship for me as we speak.”

One of the elders laughed. “Well, you make it sound as if he makes the final decision!”

Ctzo gave a small laugh, deciding it best not to speak the first response to enter his mind. Yes, actually. My first mate seems to get the final say on most matters.

The youth handed some papers to a nearby servant, who delivered them to the captain. “These are your documents. Keep them in a safe place. You are dismissed.”

Ctzo nodded, bowing again. He turned and left the room, beginning his walk back to the outside world.

Dwelling in Darkness: Prelude Opening

TSINGY CLOSED HIS EYES, SWALLOWING TO SUBMERGE THE PANIC welling up inside. He forced himself to take deep breaths of the stale underground air. What do I do? I don’t remember being trained for this. Think, Tsingy. What would a captured warrior do?

His fear pushed away any and all clever solutions that may have come, leaving him with nothing but dread.

Tsingy opened his eyes. There in front of him stood Kassador.

Kassador reminded Tsingy of a gorilla in both size and build, though like him, Kassador was a lemur. Tsingy felt puny next to the giant, tucked away in a corner of the monster’s overarching shadow.

Humming filled the air, drawing Tsingy’s eyes to the black boxes— the machines—situated all around Kassador. A series of wires led from each box, over the dirt floor, to dozens of needle points embedded in Kassador’s skin.

Tsingy shivered involuntarily. How can he stand having so many needles in him? I would be in pain. Which led to a follow-up thought: What if they intend to torture me? How long can I hold up under pressure?

Tsingy couldn’t imagine Kassador having ever been a friend to Indri, yet not all too long ago, Tsingy’s inventor teammate had trusted Kassador.

Indri trusted you, too, a voice inside said.

Tsingy silenced it. Hand firmly set in his coat pocket, he grasped the plans Indri had given him.

“They won’t expect me to have the plans,” Tsingy had encouraged the older lemur. “I can find a place to hide them before the enemy searches me. I promise.”

It’s good to have a bargaining tool, Tsingy tried telling himself. I needed to make Indri give me the plans. I had no choice.

“There’s a hard way we can do this.” Kassador’s voice sounded weary. Not the forceful bellow Tsingy had expected. Still, Tsingy’s heart thudded sharply. “Or there’s the simple way. These blueprints Indri has drawn up for the robot that will hypnotize us into surrendering…”

Not quite how Indri would have put it. The Peacemaker’s—the robot’s— song would uplift its allies while adjusting the mindset of the enemy, calming their violent desires and bringing them into a compliant mood.

I guess that’s pretty close to hypnotizing. Tsingy fought the instinct to tighten his grip on the plans in his pocket.

“Indri would never give me the blueprints,” Kassador said. “You, I believe, are more reasonable.” He eyed Tsingy’s coat pocket. “Hence why you’ve already done the grunt work of getting the plans for me. Now the question stands: will you hand them to me with or without a fight? If you fight, my underlings will kill you. Both of you.”

Five creatures materialized from a dark corner. Four were servants of Kassador, wispy and pale monsters… Angatra. The fifth, whose limp body they carried between them: Indri.

Indri’s chest rose as he breathed, though his eyes were closed. Tsingy’s heart caught in his throat at the sight of the big, grandfatherly lemur.

“If you don’t fight, you may both live,” Kassador said. “A simple choice, don’t you agree?”

Tsingy didn’t even hesitate. He pulled the plans from his pocket and stretched out his arm towards Kassador.

Sorry for getting us captured, Indri, Tsingy thought. And sorry for tricking you. But this will all be over soon. I promise.

Kassador took the blueprints in one enormous hand, and with the other he signalled his underlings. One of them drew a dagger and held it over Indri’s heart.

“B–but,” Tsingy stuttered, disbelieving, “you… you promised!”

A malignant grin darkened Kassador’s face. “As I understand it, you too made a promise you didn’t keep.”

The Angatra brought the dagger down into Indri’s chest.

Tsingy blacked out.