Good Pleasure for God's Family

MOST

2009-11-20T13:31:00.000-08:00

The Most....

Jesus was a Master story teller, and he used stories often in his teaching and to great effect. Stories , or parables, often help us to understand great spiritual truth's and will often challenge us to think and make a decision about the story we have heard. That is exactly what the film, The Most does with audiences. It is a simple but beautiful and profound story.

MOST is a quietly stunning film. Rich with meaning and symbolism, some viewers have said its better than many feature films they have seen. Indeed, this short film earned an Academy award nomination for best short film and went on to win top prizes at three other film festival competitions.

You may have heard the story in church, or in one of those email letters that has passed around the world many times over, as it has become a popular illustration. The film's lead producer Billy Zabka known for his acclaimed role as the bully, "Johnny", in the Karate Kid came to know Christ upon hearing this same story told at a youth camp at the age of 14.

A father and son love each other very much. Stargazing or enjoying tea together, the two are nearly inseparable. One day, Lada, the son, asks his father if he can join him at the bridge. The bridge is where the father works as an operator, raising a drawbridge when a boat must pass and lowering it when the train arrives. On the one day that Lada joins his father at work, a train arrives early. Lada tries to alert his father that the train is early, but his father cannot hear him. Father is away, inspecting some machinery. So, the boy rushes to throw the switch manually, enabling the drawbridge to drop and let the train safely pass. But, by the time the father discovers the problem, Lado has accidentally fallen into the drawbridge wheel and pulley mechanisms. The father must make a choice. Save his son and let the train wreck. Or, lower the bridge, save the train and sacrifice his son to the crushing wheels.

Some may guess the ending already, but I won't spoil it by saying it here. However, MOST goes the extra mile in packing the story with some very strong symbolic images. Many of these symbols are left unexplained, but the discerning viewer will understand them. MOST lets the viewer see some of the sin and depravity of some of the train passengers. And, it also depicts new life and new hope to one of the train's most desperate passengers. Film critics would never be able to criticize this film as Christian propaganda, yet those who have eyes to see and ears to hear will clearly see the parallels to God's redemptive love for us sinners.

More about the movie at

www.mostthemovie.com

TRAILER:

I highly recommend this short film. Many of us need to reminded of how much God loves us and this story/parable will be something I guarantee you will want to share with friends.

Saving Sarah Cain

2009-08-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

Saving Sarah Cain (2007)

When Sarah (Lisa Pepper) becomes legal guardian of her sister's Amish-raised children, she takes them back to the big city and uses their story to advance her waning writing career. But when her new brood learns of the exploitation, they demand to return home. Will Sarah turn from her selfish ways and ultimately do what's best for the children? Directed by Michael Landon Jr., this inspiring story also stars Elliott Gould and Tess Harper.

Rated PG for brief teen smoking

Length:
103 minutes

Director:
Michael Landon Jr.

Cast:
Elliott Gould
Tess Harper
Lisa Pepper
Jennifer O'Dell
Bailee Madison
Soren Fulton
Abigail Mason
Danielle Chuchran
Tanner Maguire
Tom Tate
Phil Amrams
David Clennon
Tod Huntingdon

My Review:
Based on the book by Beverly Lewis.

This movie was very well done. The depiction of the Amish people in the movie was a little lacking (we live in Amish country, and saw a number of un-amish things, but nothing problematic).

The movie shows, rather well, the impact your decisions will have on other people, even if you don't intend any impact at all. It also teaches that many times an apologetic "I didn't mean for it to end this way" just doesn't quite cut it. Intentions don't necessarily negate the resulting effect.

SO, overall a great film, great story, and very well done. No regrets here after watching it. We recommend it quite well.

Trailer:

THR3E

2009-06-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Thr3e (2007)
Seminary student Kevin Parson's (Marc Blucas) life changes in the blink of an eye when he receives a call from a psychopathic serial killer threatening murder unless Kevin confesses his sins. Desperate, Kevin teams with a criminal psychologist (Justine Waddell) to profile the killer and solve his riddles before the madman strikes again.

Best-selling Christian author Ted Dekker's spine-tingling novel Three is brought to the screen by X-Men producer Ralph Winter.

Rated PG13
For violence, disturbing images and terror

Length:
101 minutes
Director:
Robby Henson

Cast:
Marc Blucas
Justine Waddell
Laura Jordan
Max Ryan
Bill Moseley

My Review:
Let me first preface my review by saying - I enjoy a good psychological thriller. But, I do not enjoy a psychological thriller when it has unecessary and greusome violence, gratutious sex and nudity, and overtly foul mouthed characters. This film has none of that!

I found myself to be riveted to the story. I thought I had it figured out...but then it changed direction, and again just before the very end. I thought this was a great film, great story, and very well put together. It was even clean, unlike most every other thriller I have ever seen in my life. There was nothing gratuitous about it.

I would recommend this film for anyone who likes good clean movies AND who likes a psychological thriller from time to time. GREAT MOVIE!

THR3E movie website:
http://www.foxfaithmovies.com/thr3e
Ted Dekker website:
http://www.teddekker.com/

Trailer:

Between the Walls

2009-05-21T09:37:00.001-07:00

Between the Walls (2006)

Upon learning that his childhood home will be repossessed, Peter King (Patrick Midgley) returns to the house with his family to pack away its contents. While there, he defiantly opens a door that his father (Scott Davis) had always kept locked. Inside, he uncovers a storehouse of family secrets that force him to confront his painful past and begin building a relationship with God. Chris Staron directs this Christian film festival winner.

Not rated.
This movie has not been rated by the MPAA

Length:
72 minutes

Director:
Chris Staron

Cast:
Patrick Midgley
Eli Jared
Dorothy Savage
Scott Davis
Connie Geddis

Visit:
www.betweenthewallsthemovie.com

My Review:

Psalm 32:1; How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered!

This was an interesting movie. The message of forgiveness was well portrayed in the film. Both, God's forgiveness to all of us, our forgiveness of others, and mostly ourselves. (Matthew 6:12) And, while also harboring unforgiveness can and does create an unstable if not totally inadequate environment for the Lord to release and influence blessing and His perfect plan for our lives. (Exodus 34:7)

This film also shares the greatness and blessing of living up to the Lord's calling for us rather than trying to please and live up to the standards and expectations of man. (Romans 12:2)

The story and point of the film was well intended. However, the production was a little slow - to be expected I assume from some of these more independent film studios.

Overall - a good story and presentation of the Gospel.

Jesus' blood isn't a covering of sin (failed expectations) but Jesus' blood completely removes that from us and replaces it all with the grace and purposes of God.

Trailer:

The List

2009-03-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

The List (2007)

After his father's sudden death, Renny Jacobson's (Chuck Carrington) only inheritance is an interest in something called the Covenant List of South Carolina. He soon discovers that all those connected with the list inherit both untold fortune -- and an ancient curse. Bound to the Covenant by blood, Renny fights to escape his evil destiny.

MPAA Rated PG: For thematic elements including some peril and brief incidental smoking.

Length:
107 minutes

Director:
Gary Wheeler

Cast:
Malcolm McDowell
Hilarie Burton
Chuck Carrington
Will Patton
Pat Hingle
Mary Beth Peil
Elizabeth Omilami
Afemo Omilami
R. Keith Harris

My Review:
This is a Christian thriller.

"When you know evil exists, you must fight it"

I thoroughly enjoyed this film! This film is very well written, directed, produced, and portrayed.

The List very accurately reflects the deceit that comes with the lust for power. In this story we also see the problematic issues that dwell in and around a secret society, and specifically those with a blood oath covenant.

In The List we see the concept of Spiritual Warfare through prayer in it's basic form. The one quote that stuck out to me from the film (and was repeated near the end) was something like: Satan and Christians both make the same mistake, they underestimate the power of prayer. This is very true, and I think well portrayed in this story.

We also see the idea of generational curses being passed unto the third and fourth generation - and that through prayer these can be broken.

Good film. And, I recommend it.

Trailer:

Akeelah and the Bee

2009-03-05T10:07:00.001-08:00

Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

With an aptitude for words, 11-year-old Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer) is determined to spell her way out of South Los Angeles, entering scores of local contests and eventually landing a chance to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Despite discouragement from her mother (Angela Bassett), Akeelah gets support from her bookish tutor (Laurence Fishburne), her principal (Curtis Armstrong) and proud members of her community.

Rated PG For some language
OK for kids 8+ (see notes below)

Length:
112 minutes
Director:
Doug Atchison
Cast:
Angela Bassett
Laurence Fishburne
Keke Palmer
Curtis Armstrong

Common Sense Notes:
Parents need to know that the movie includes language (the s-word) and early on, some "attitude" from the young girl at its center. But her "ghetto" vernacular is a show to try to "fit in," a thematic concern throughout the film, for the girl and adults around her. A related theme is coping with loss; a couple of sad conversations recall the deaths of loved ones (one by gun violence, another by disease), and divorce. Characters lie to protect loved ones, and must make amends. In a couple of scenes, the mother and daughter argue. A couple of women characters wear tight tops; the girl's coach has a drink one evening alone.

Families can talk about the importance of pursuing one's interests and dreams, especially as this can inspire collaborations. How does Akeelah's success inspire others to feel part of a group, as her spelling becomes a community project? How can you be true to lost loved ones by moving forward into the future?

Sexual Content
A couple of cleavage shots; cute/smart boy kisses Akeelah and worries, "you going to sue me for sexual harassment?" (it's a joke moment, but kids might wonder about it).

Violence
Brief conversations about deaths of Akeelah's dad and her coach's daughter, one killed in neighborhood violence, another by disease; one speller's father claps his hands loudly to get his attention during an argument (Akeelah overhears and jumps at the sound); local thugs roll up like a menace in an SUV, but are instantly won over by Akeelah's project.

Language
Mild language (s-word); coach instructs Akeelah to use proper English, and not try to fit in with her friends by using ghetto slang.

Social Behavior
Akeelah feels like a misfit because she's smart and tries to hide it in school, but as she excels in spelling, her family and community come together to help; coach initially hides the death of his daughter; a brief lesson offered in distinctions between Asian identities.

Consumerism
Starbucks (marketing tie-in with film named in the opening credits), ESPN.

Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
Coach has a drink while working at his desk.

My review:
This was a great film! I was sadly surprised to hear the handful of curse words even though it is rated PG - and some of the more profane were from kids. Needless to say, the story and film were written and produced very well.

A great quote from the film:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others" - from Marianne Williamson.

I especially appreciate the portrayal of the need to educate children on the formulation of words as derived through language understanding. Too many children today can't inerpret words becuase they fail to understand the origin & meaning. ANYWAY. This movie was dear...very sweet...and a great heart warming story.

In a nutshell - this is not a movie about a spelling bee, but this is a film about determination and perseverance when things get tough and to not be afraid of failing.

Trailer:

Midnight Clear

2009-03-05T08:49:00.001-08:00

Midnight Clear (2007)
Stephen Baldwin and K Callan star in this heartfelt tale about despair and the life-altering power of kindness. On Christmas Eve, five small-town residents face loneliness and suicide. But as their lives intersect, they find hope through one another. Kirk B.R. Woller, Mary Thornton and Mitchell Jarvis co-star in this film festival award winner directed by Dallas Jenkins and based on a short story from The Deacon's Woman by Jerry B. Jenkins.

MPAA Rated PG13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Length:
102 minutes

Director:
Dallas Jenkins

Cast:
Stephen Baldwin
Victoria Jackson
K Callan
Kirk B.R. Woller
Mary Thornton
Richard Fancy
Mitchell Jarvis
Diane Delano
Wren T. Brown

We found this film to be much better than we anticipated. This film shows how anything we do, at any time has relative consequences (whether good or bad). The understanding of whole life in a Hebrew sense (rather than the Hellenistic linear thought), is suggested here. Holistic life as some call it (not in the weird way either)...but that all things are related - as God sees it - and all things work together, even when we can't see the connection.

This is not a party film, that's for sure - it's a slow thought provoking film - in a good way.

Midnight Clear is actually a movie centered around the Christmas holiday - not a wildly upbeat Christmas movie, but one with a good direct encouraging message and quite convincingly outstanding performances by the actors. It's a bit slow at times, but I never once wanted to stop it. I believe the pace is very deliberate and the resolution is very touching. When it was over, I was glad we watched it.

In my opinion, this is the best acting Baldwin has done in a very long time.

This is a powerful thoughtful film. Check it out.

TRAILER:

Flywheel

2009-03-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Flywheel (2003)
Dishonest used-car salesman Jay Austin (Alex Kendrick) reaches an important turning point in his life when he finally realizes the errors of his ways in this inspiring family drama. Disgusted with his lies and manipulations, Jay sets out to win back the love and trust of his wife (Janet Lee Dapper), his son (Richie Hunnewell) and the community. Once he makes the choice to live an honest life of love and faith, Jay never looks back.

Not rated. This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.
Length:
120 minutes

Director:
Alex Kendrick

Cast:
Lisa Arnold
Alex Kendrick
Walter Burnett
Janet Lee Dapper
Rutha Harris
Tracy Goode
Treavor Lokey
Richie Hunnewell
Steve Moore
Roger Breland

My Review:
This movie is excellent!! I actually found this film to be more enjoyable to watch than their second (Facing the Giants). While that film was good - this story was even greater. Sure, the "quality" of the film reflected the 23,000 budget -the story is great...and truly reflects the reality of what happens when common man does things the Lord's way.

We need more movies like this. We watched this with our 10 year old son. It had enough humor to hold his interest and showed them a great example of the power of Jesus Christ working in individual lives.

EXCELLENT FILM!

Trailer:

God's Outlaw: The Story of William Tyndale

2009-03-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

God's Outlaw: The Story of William Tyndale (1983)

Roger Rees stars in this dramatization about the life and times of 16th century Brit William Tyndale. Known as the "Father of the English Bible," Tyndale worked tirelessly to translate and publish an English Bible during an era when prayers uttered in English were outlawed. His work angered King Henry VIII, the Pope and other authority figures, forcing Rees to keep moving to avoid capture as he continued on with his mission.

Not rated. This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.

Length:
95 minutes

Director:
Tony Tew

Cast:
Roger Rees
Keith Barron
Terrence Hardiman
Bernard Archard
Willoughby Goddard

My oldest (10yr) son and I enjoyed this movie together. When I told him that I have the William Tyndale Story he was quite excited. He began to tell me all about Tyndal House publishing and all kinds of historical stuff about Tyndale, slave trade and other things happening during this time period.

This film was obviously done in an era when bad soundtracks were rampant in the film industry. The music was probably done on an old Ensoniq workstation or something. But, that's OK - the story was good to watch and fairly historically accurate. King Henry left a little to be desired however.

God's Outlaw is an accurate portrayal of a giant of the Christian faith - William Tyndale. I pray as I walk in this world to possess the same unmovable faith and courage as portrayed in this man. Men such as William Tyndale, John Wesley, Martin Luther, John Wycliffe, and many more are true examples of what a hero is. They did it by Faith in God and God's unchangeable steadfast Word which cost Tyndale his life. Tyndale's quest to translate the New Testament into the English Language and not care about the consequences of his actions, as well as all who laid down their life for the cause of Jesus Christ, show true courage and what it means not to compromise anything above Faith in God.

Overall, it's a good film. And the DVD-Rom has some decent study guides and study ideas.

About This Blog

2009-03-04T07:44:00.001-08:00

This blog is for movie, books, music and entertainment reviews.

We will be watching, listening, reading and then reviewing and sharing our thoughts and experiences here.

Please, feel free to comment once we've reviewed something. If you have questions about our reviews - don't hesitate to ask.

If there is a movie or book you've been wondering about, maybe we've seen or read it already and could share what we thought about it.

More reviews will be coming in the near future.

This post will be updated as we get further into the process.

God bless!