MOVIES YOU SHOULD SEE



Movies you should see!

The Christmas Shoes

Rob Lowe and Kimberly Williams star in this 2002 made-for-TV Christmas tearjerker. When a young boy learns that his mother is dying, he struggles to scrape the money together to buy her a pair red shoes. In the process he changes the heart of a workaholic lawyer, who reevaluates his relationship with his estranged wife and daughter, and his own recently deceased mother. Strong acting and a well-developed script make this a holiday film worth watching. "The Christmas Shoes" was released in 2001 based on the #1 hit song "The Christmas Shoes". The book followed the release of NewSong's album by the same name. The book is about a young boy who tries to buy his dying mother a pair of shoes, and in the process he touches an experienced lawyer and teaches him the true meaning of Christmas. The book was written by Donna VanLiere and published by St. Martin's Press.

The Christmas Blessing

Nathan Andrews has grown up and is now a medical resident. When the young doctor loses a patient, he begins to rethink his career and moves back home with his father. Just as Nathan is settling in, his world begins to crumble when the lives of the woman he loves and an innocent young boy are in crisis. Nathan finds himself questioning God, fate and the fragility of life, all the while hoping for a Christmas miracle. Starring: Rob Lowe; Neal Patrick Harris; Rebecca Gayheart and Angus T. Jones. The Christmas Blessing", released in 2003, was a sequal to "The Christmas Shoes", a New York Times Best Seller, and a part of the Christmas Hope series. The book provides a follow up to Nathan Andrews, the young boy who buys his mother shoes in "The Christmas Shoes", as he is an adult and still struggles through life. The book was written by Donna VanLiere, and published by St. Martin's Press.

Flywheel (by Sherwood Pictures)

Jay Austin wants to sell used cars in the worst way ... and that's exactly how he does business at his dealership. Promising much more than he can ever deliver, he'll do whatever it takes to sell a car. His manipulative ways permeate all of his relationships—even his wife and son know they can't trust him. But as Jay works on restoring a classic convertible, he begins to see that God is working on restoring him as well. Coming face-to-face with the reality of how he truly conducts himself, Jay Austin begins the ride of his life as he commits to honoring God with his business, his relationships, and his life!

FLYWHEEL: is the first movie produced by Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking ministry of a Georgia church that went on to produce FACING THE GIANTS in 2006. FLYWHEEL offers the same faith-filled warmth and humor that audiences loved in FACING THE GIANTS. The Kendrick Brothers wrote both films and FLYWHEEL also stars Alex Kendrick (Coach Grant Taylor). FLYWHEEL will have you cheering (and crying) once again! In every man’s life there is a turning point ...

Facing the Giants:

From the award-winning producers of FLYWHEEL comes a new, action-packed, family-friendly drama about a high school football coach who draws up a new game plan for his team … and himself.

In his six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never had a winning season. Even the hope of a new season is squelched when the best player on his Shiloh Eagles decides to transfer schools. After losing their first three games of the season, the coach discovers a group of fathers are plotting to have him fired. Combined with pressures at home, Coach Taylor has lost hope in his battle against fear and failure.

However, an unexpected challenge helps him find a purpose bigger than just victories. Daring to trust God to do the impossible, Coach Taylor and the Eagles discover how faith plays out on the field … and off. With God, all things are possible …

BELLA

Sooner or later every one of us will face an irreversible moment that will change our lives forever. If it hasn't happened to you yet...it will. BELLA is a true love story about how one day in New York City changed three people forever...

An international soccer star is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when a series of events unfold that bring his career to an abrupt end. A beautiful waitress, struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down... until a simple gesture of kindness brings them both together, turning an ordinary day to an unforgettable experience.

An international soccer star is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when something happens that brings his career to an abrupt end. A waitress, struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down...until an impetuous action brings them together and turns an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience. Once a famous athlete, and now a cook at his brother's Mexican restaurant, José has retreated from the world but he recognizes something in Nina, a young waitress, and reaches out to her. In the course of a single day, he not only confronts his past but shows her how the healing power of a family can help her embrace the future.

The Wager

This much anticipated movie is now available in stores nationwide. Hundreds of Churches premiered "The Wager" and Pastors gave it a big thumbs-up for its powerful story and faith inspiring message.

Now you can enjoy it in your own home. Pick up a copy today.

Story: Michael Steele (Randy Travis) is ten days from the biggest night of his life-He's the first Christian actor nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Achieving the height of career success, Michael is quickly cast in the role of a lifetime as the lead character in a classic struggle between good and evil when rumors about his morality and faith run rampant. Will he buckle with temptation or fight to walk the path of purity? The Wager is a soulful story of conviction and redemption that reminds us that, through Christ, we have the strength to do what is right.

The Cross and the Towers

Story: September 11, 2001 - A day that will never be forgotten. A day when ordinary men and women would face the unbelievable, and experience what few ever dreamed or thought possible: A terrorist attack in the heart of New York claiming nearly three thousand lives and leaving a scene of incomprehensible destruction.

As rescue and recovery began, a select group of men and women would be forced endure their worst nightmare: living and working inside ground zero. Day after day they worked to restore the broken city. As weeks turned into months a feeling of desperation and despair overwhelmed the hearts and minds of these people.

Yet in the midst of the devastation, an amazing discovery would bring hope when it was needed most. Some called it a mere phenomenon, others saw it as miraculous. The media noted it's appearance. Newspaper and television reporters sought to see it for themselves.

Follow the lives of seven individuals who's lives were changed forever, not only by the horrific day of September 11, but by the stunning symbol of hope they found buried beneath the rubble of ground zero. Witness though firsthand accounts this stunning story of hope, a story that has never been told.

Hidden Secrets

Story: What if your deepest secret were suddenly exposed? Nine friends discover just how explosive it can be when their past becomes their present.

Reunited at the funeral of hometown hero Chris Hayden, the friends find tensions escalating rapidly as their darkest secrets are revealed. Jeremy (David A.R. White-“Mercy Streets"), struggling with his calling as a former youth pastor, is caught in an awkward love triangle between his new fiancée and his old flame Sherry (Tracey Melchoir-“Bold and Beautiful"). As the embers of the past relationship reignite, Jeremy’s fiancée Rachel (Stacey Keanan-“Step by Step"), who is determined to solidify their relationship, demands he affirm his commitment to her. Meanwhile, Gary (John Schneider-“Dukes of Hazard", “Smallville") questions everyone’s beliefs as this close-knit group of friends disputes world views, lifestyles, and personal passions. Pastor Wexler (Reginald Vel Johnson-“Die Hard". “Family Matters") encourages them not to give up but to follow the truth that Chris Hayden lived. Hidden Secrets is a story of love, friendship, redemption and ultimately faith. Humorous, touching and always entertaining. Featuring Hit Music by Rachael Lampa and Building 429

Fireproof

Story: FIREPROOF is the story of a firefighter, his wife ... and a marriage worth rescuing. While it opened in theaters on September 26, the FIREPROOF movement had begun long before then.

FIREPROOF is the latest movie from the creators of Facing the Giants, a joint effort between Sherwood Pictures (the moviemaking ministry of a church in Georgia!), Provident Films, and Samuel Goldwyn. Last fall's filming in Albany, Georgia was followed by a spring and summer grassroots awareness campaign. In addition, leading marriage and family ministries, church leaders, and business leaders have actively been supporting this film, knowing that marriages would be impacted by it.

At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules. Growing up, Catherine Holt always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter...just like her daddy. Now, after seven years of marriage, Catherine wonders when she stopped being "good enough" for her husband. Regular arguments over jobs, finances, housework, and outside interests have readied them both to move on to something with more sparks. As the couple prepares to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day experiment: "The Love Dare." Wondering if it's even worth the effort, Caleb agrees-for his father's sake more than for his marriage. When Caleb discovers the book's daily challenges are tied into his parents' newfound faith, his already limited interest is further dampened. While trying to stay true to his promise, Caleb becomes frustrated time and again. He finally asks his father, "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?" When his father explains that this is the love Christ shows to us, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. And with God's help he begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife. But is it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever… rescuing his wife's heart.

In the Beginning [DVD]

Denver Buck Denver (Contributor), Phil Vischer (Creator)

Presenting a 13-DVD series from the creator of VeggieTales, Phil Vischer! Each DVD is filled with original music, animation, puppets, and creative writing that will teach kids about God and his Word. The first DVD introduces kids to the Bible and the book of beginnings, Genesis. Kids will learn about the key people in Genesis and the important lessons their stories teach us. Approximately 56 minutes.

Let My People Go! [DVD]

Denver Buck Denver (Contributor), Phil Vischer (Creator)

Presenting a 13-DVD series from the creator of VeggieTales, Phil Vischer! Each DVD is filled with original music, animation, puppets, and creative writing that will teach kids about God and his Word. The second DVD introduces kids to the book of Exodus: the oppression of the Israelites and the birth and rise of Gods chosen leader, Moses. The DVD also answers the question, who wrote the Bible? in a way kids can grasp. Approximately 56 minutes.

Wanderin in the Desert [DVD]

Denver Buck Denver (Contributor), Phil Vischer (Creator)

In Whats In the Bible #3, Wanderin in the Desert, Buck Denver and his cast of friends take us through the next three books of the BibleLeviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomyhelping kids understand how these books fit in with Genesis and Exodus to make up the Pentateuch and to set the stage for the trials and victories of Gods people. The question Did this stuff really happen? is also answered.

From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing and dance and tell Bible stories) comes this third release in the engaging new series that walks kids through the entire Bible! Each DVD is filled with an entertaining cast of characters who bring the most powerful Bible stories to life using humor, creative storytelling, and fun songs. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer on a wild and zany journey and see the worlds most amazing book come to life.

The Mirror Has Two Faces

Barbra Streisand (Actor), Jeff Bridges (Actor), Barbra Streisand

Rose Morgan (Streisand), a shy, plain, middle-aged English literature professor at Columbia University, shares a home with her vain, overbearing mother Hannah (Bacall). When her attractive sister Claire (Rogers) starts preparations for her wedding to Alex (Brosnan), Rose begins to feel her loveless life is empty. Gregory Larkin (Bridges), a Columbia Mathematics teacher who feels sex complicates matters between men and women, is looking for a relationship based on the intellectual rather than the physical. When he overhears Rose's lecture about chaste love in literature, he becomes intrigued and asks her out, and is impressed by her wit and knowledge. He proposes marriage, with the condition it will be largely platonic, with rare sex only if she needs it. The prospect of spending the rest of her life as a lonely spinster living with her mother seems far worse than a marriage on those conditions, so Rose accepts. Rose's attraction to Gregory grows, and one night she attempts to seduce him, much to his annoyance. He had hoped that by then she had given up on the idea of sex, though he admits he initially raised its possibility. He abruptly breaks off their attempt at physical intimacy when he finds himself becoming truly aroused and fears that it will change the safe, comfortable feelings he feels towards Rose. When he departs on a lengthy lecture tour, Rose embarks on a crash course in self improvement. She diets, exercises, changes her hairstyle, learns to use makeup, and outfits herself in an updated wardrobe. When her husband returns he finds a very different woman waiting for him and is too startled to express his feelings before she admits that she made a mistake accepting their passionless marriage, and leaves him. All the while Rose realizes that everyone, including herself, is behaving differently now towards her improved-self, though not always to her liking. Gregory and Rose finally face that their mutual love has not been hindered by Rose's appearance, but by Gregory's unusual theories on marriage and sex, and finally recognize their deep affection.

Barbra Streisand's self-absorbed remake of a 1958 French film stars Jeff Bridges as a college professor tired of sexual politics. He makes a deal with a dowdy colleague (Streisand) that they provide companionship for one another, with no thought of getting into bed. She agrees but soon becomes frustrated, the agreement only reinforcing her unfulfilled desire to have a complete relationship with a man. Mimi Rogers is on hand as Babs's striking sister, and Lauren Bacall received an Oscar nomination for her role as the heroine's selfish mother. The Mirror Has Two Faces is OK, but it becomes an irritating vanity piece for Streisand (who directed as well as stars). Her character constantly gazes upon her own reflection and is told at least a dozen times, one way or another, just how attractive she is. One wants to shout out, we get it already--you're pretty! --Tom Keogh

Essential Video

Barbra Streisand's self-absorbed remake of a 1958 French film stars Jeff Bridges as a college professor tired of sexual politics. He makes a deal with a dowdy colleague (Streisand) that they provide companionship for one another, with no thought of getting into bed. She agrees but soon becomes frustrated, the agreement only reinforcing her unfulfilled desire to have a complete relationship with a man. Mimi Rogers is on hand as Babs's striking sister, and Lauren Bacall received an Oscar nomination for her role as the heroine's selfish mother. The film is OK, but it becomes an irritating vanity piece for Streisand (who directed as well as stars). Her character constantly gazes upon her own reflection and is told at least a dozen times, one way or another, just how attractive she is. One wants to shout out, we get it already--you're pretty! The DVD release presents the film in both widescreen and pan and scan versions, plus a Dolby soundtrack. --Tom Keogh

The Note

When a plane crashes, Newspaper columnist Peyton MacGruder discovers a Note that was meant for the child of one of the passengers. "The Note" shows how dramatically life can change in a spilt second...the need to make a connection and reach out to someone you care about. If only we had a chance for those final goodbyes, to offer words of reconciliation, to say I love you or share regret. Who would you write to if you had only a few moments? What would you say?

The Note is vaguely reminiscent of the 1999 Kevin Costner film Message in a Bottle--in which a newspaper reporter finds a letter in a bottle and tracks down the author. In this movie, newspaper columnist Peyton Macgruder (Genie Francis) discovers a note that appears to have been written by a father to his child just minutes before his plane crashed. Peyton--who lost her own husband in tragic accident--is compelled to figure out who the letter was intended for and deliver it to that person. Floundering at work and unable to find true love, she figures she has nothing to lose. Peyton is the kind of heroine who appears the most comfortable when she is experiencing a bit of misery. As she writes about her progress, she is surprised that her nearly-canceled column is now attracting national attention; readers turn to her column hoping to learn for the identity of the note's recipient. The movie (which was Hallmark's No. 1 rated picture for 2007) is designed to tug at viewers' heartstrings and Francis is more than up to the task to achieve this goal. After spending years owning the character of Laura Spencer on General Hospital, Francis eases into the role, making Peyton believable even in unbelievable situations. Ted McGinley (Married with Children) does a nice, understated job as her colleague and potential love interest. Based on the novel by Angela Hunt, the film is faithful to the film's core. It ends as it should--on a positive (albeit expected) note--with our plucky heroine rediscovering how to love and forgive herself as much as she does others. --Jae-Ha Kim

Note 2: Taking a Chance on Love

When an advice columnist finds that dispensing words of wisdom and accepting them are two very different things in "The Note II: Taking a Chance on Love," a Hallmark Channel Original Movie, in which Francis' advice columnist thinks about heading for a wedding and tries to bond with her long-lost daughter, all the while following the emotional mission a brand-new missive sends her on.

This time, Peyton deals with a note from one of her loyal reader, Eve, who disagrees with one of her advices. This actually leads to a new friendship between the two, which will challenge not only Peyton but Eve to live their lives fully. As for King, he has his hands full with his son's, David, new vocation.

Columnist Peyton MacGruder (Genie Francis) befriends a reader who sent her a note that inspires Peyton to reconsider the choices she's made and her reluctance to accept her boyfriend's marriage proposal. Ted McGinley also stars. Written and directed by Doug Barr.

The Derby Stallion Fifteen-year-old Patrick McCardle (Zac Efron) finds himself in a dilemma when he befriends a has-been horse trainer and is presented with an opportunity to live out his real dream. For Patrick, the choice is easy; telling his father will be the hard part. A former baseball player himself, Jim McCardle dreams that his son will be a baseball star someday, and he truly believes that it is Patrick's dream too. In reality, Patrick doesn't even like the sport. He loves horses and dreams of racing in the Derby Cup. So, when Houston Jones (Bill Cobbs) - one time Derby Cup winner, but currently the town drunk - offers to train him, Patrick works up the courage to ask his parents for permission. Patrick's parents are understandably concerned, but they agree to let Patrick train. His parents aren't his only challenge, though, Patrick must also contend with the current Derby Cup champion, spoiled rich kid Randy Adams, who fights him every step of the way. And, when an unexpected tragedy strikes, Patrick must decide whether to finish what he started or give up altogether. The Derby Stallion tells a story that has been told many times before - a young kid does not share his father's dreams, has to inform his father of this and go after his own dreams, and has to face the rich bully in order to accomplish his dreams. While the moral of the story is positive, the version told in this movie places a high emphasis on winning. Patrick is encouraged to follow his dreams to win, but no wise adult ever tells him that following his dreams is important even if he doesn't win, at least not in so many words (there is one attempt by Houston, who tells him he has a winner's heart, which his arch rival does not have). The film does place a high emphasis, though, on being a good person. Several of the characters in different situations make positive choices and set examples of honesty and integrity.

A Horse for Danny

The heartwarming direct-to-video family drama A Horse for Danny stars a very young Leelee Sobieski ( Joan of Arc, My First Mister) as the precocious 11-year-old title character, and Robert Urich ( Spenser: For Hire) as Eddie, her horse-trainer uncle. Danny may be young, but she is also a race-track veteran -- who knows how scam-artists fix the races, and how to determine when a scam is being pulled. When Uncle Eddie espouses his dreams of riding into glory on the back of a stallion, Danny finds the perfect mare for him -- Tom Thumb. Raising her cash by careful betting, and pooling her money with a friend, Gerald, Danny purchases the horse for Eddie and it turns him into a champion racer. But a number of quick-draw racetrack con artists, including Noel Ferguson, see dollar signs and threaten to steal Eddie's thunder -- first with a botched attempt to purchase the horse, then through more shady means. Directed by Dick Lowry ( Smokey and the Bandit 3), the film also stars country singer Ed Bruce. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Imagine finding a magical kingdom in another world... only to return over a thousand years later, and find it in ruins.

That's the whole idea of "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," a superb sequel to "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe." While it has a climax that goes on WAY too long, this movie shows us the darker side of C.S. Lewis' fantastical world -- with a heavy dose of Shakespearean villains, political intrigue, and some spectacularly epic battles.

It's been 1,300 years in Narnia, and the human Telmarines have invaded and driven the native Narnians underground. Aslan hasn't been seen in centuries.

And when King Miraz's (Sergio Castellitto) wife gives birth to a baby boy, his nephew -- the rightful heir -- becomes an obstacle. Young Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) flees from his treacherous uncle, and is discovered by a band of Narnians. Along the way, he accidentally ends up summoning the ancient Kings and Queens of Narnia -- also known as the Pevensie children, who were waiting at a train station when they were unexpectedly sucked trough a tunnel.

Though initially delighted to have returned to Narnia, the Pevensies are horrified when they find that their once-idyllic land has been nearly destroyed. Caspian has been organizing a ramshackle army of native Narnians, but Peter (William Moseley) finds that fighting an organized, armed force is very different from battling the White Witch. And after a disastrous attack, the Narnians are facing almost certain destruction -- but Lucy (Georgie Henley) is convinced that Aslan can somehow save them, and restore the kingdom to Prince Caspian....

Faith Like Potatoes

Starring: Sean Cameron Michael, Hamilton Dhlamini Director: Reghardt van den Bergh

Angus Buchan's award-winning autobiographical novel is adapted for the big screen by director Reghardt van den Bergh, who traces the story of the rugged South African farmer as he endures remarkable adversity on his quest to discover the true power of faith. Set in the tempestuous hills of the KZN midlands, Faith Like Potatoes follows Buchan from his early attempts to achieve material success, through the personal transformation that follows a series of seemingly insurmountable losses, and a close friendship forged with his faithful Zulu farmhand. Like the potatoes planet in his field, Buchan's faith remains hidden until the harvest, when he learns how the power of faith can help him to begin the personal healing process, and become more accepting of others. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Love Takes Wing

The seventh heartwarming installment in Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly saga! When a plague ravages their small Missouri town, citizens blame the local orphanage. Feisty doctor Belinda Simpson (Sarah Jones) joins forces with Lee (Jordan Bridges), a handsome young blacksmith, to prevent them from shutting it down. Will a righteous cause lead to romance? Stars Cloris Leachman, Patrick Duffy, and Haylie Duff. Approx. 90 minutes.

Janette Oke's "Cherished Love" series continues with this tale of a small town physician who relies on her faith and her friends to get her through the hard times. Dr. Belinda Simpson (Sarah Jones) is still grieving the recent death of her husband when she accepts a new post as town physician in Sikeston. Upon arriving in Sikeston, Dr. Simpson finds that the children at the orphanage run by Miss Hattie Clarence (Cloris Leachman) have been stricken with a mysterious ailment. In Dr. Simpson's quest to ensure that no more children fall sick or die, she discovers that the townspeople blame the orphans for infecting the entire town, and would like to see the orphanage shut down completely. When the locals reject Dr. Simpson based primarily on the fact that she's a woman, she falls back on her faith, and her friendships with her best friend Annie (Haylie Duff) and town blacksmith Lee (Jordan Bridges) to win their trust. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The Butterfly Circus

At the height of the Great Depression, the showman of a renowned circus leads his troupe through the devastated American landscape, lifting the spirits of audiences along the way. During their travels they discover a man without limbs at a carnival sideshow, but after an intriguing encounter with the showman he becomes driven to hope against everything he has ever believed. Starring Eduardo Verástegui (Bella), Doug Jones (Pan's Labyrinth, Fantastic Four) and featuring the debut performance of Nick Vujicic. Masterful storytelling, artistic vision, and a powerful message about the dignity of man, in just 20 minutes.

“The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph!”

Just wanted to let everyone know that "The Butterfly Circus" starring Eduardo Verástegui (Bella) and Nick Vujicic (Life Without Limbs) will be posted on The Doorpost website for viewing for up to one year! It had an online premiere for one day and the film is now available to view online and vote! We appreciate your support for filmmakers who are trying to bring messages of hope to the world! The Butterfly Circus Team

Please go to the following web site to see the entire 20 minute movie:

Or

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS

Tired of people telling you what you can and can’t eat? Disappointed that you have to stomach the same boring foods day in and day out? Waiting for the day when you can just order whatever you want, whenever you want? Well, the wait is over. In 2009, prepare to get served by Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs -- a hilarious adventure of epic… portion sizes. Inspired by the beloved children's book, the film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain!

Space Chimps

From the producers of Shrek comes the hysterical animated family comedy about an astronaut chimp who must save the world. Ham III, the grandson of the first chimp astronaut, is blasted off into space by an opportunity-seeking senator. Soon, the fun-loving chimp has to get serious about the mission at hand: Rid a far-away planet of their nefarious leader. Fortunately for Ham III, two of his simian peers are along for the ride. Written by IMDb Editors Two NASA chimps that are sent to a galaxy far, far away. One chimp has "The Right Stuff," and the other, a good natured goofball, has "The Wrong Stuff." The simian slacker becomes a reluctant hero and learns the true meaning of courage as he and his crewmates, the fearless Lt. Luna and their uptight commander, Titan, risk everything in an effort to save the peaceful inhabitants of a distant planet from the evil dictator Zartog. Blast off to outer space with Space Chimps on DVD. Use this Bible study guide to help create your own mission with your family, small group or friends.

Bible Studay available at:

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

It is the story of one Mr. Fox and his wild-ways of hen heckling, turkey taking and cider sipping, nocturnal, instinctive adventures. He has to put his wild days behind him and do what fathers do best: be responsible. He is too rebellious. He is too wild. He is going to try "just one more raid" on the three nastiest, meanest farmers that are Boggis, Bunce and Bean. It is a tale of crossing the line of family responsibilities and midnight adventure and the friendships and awakenings of this country life that is inhabited by Fantastic Mr. Fox and his friends.

God made each and every one of us with amazing talents and gifts. God also often puts us together with

an eclectic group so that together we can accomplish much, including appreciating those differences and gifts.

The Blind Side

Sandra Bullock (”The Proposal”), Tim McGraw (”Friday Night Lights”) and Oscar-winner Kathy Bates (”Misery,” “Revolutionary Road”) star in Alcon Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Blind Side,” which depicts the remarkable true story of All-American football star Michael Oher. A homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, Oher (Quinton Aaron) is taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential on and off the football field. At the same time, Oher’s presence in the Touhys’ lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle. The Blind Side is based on the life of Michael Oher, an offensive lineman who plays for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. The storyline revolves around the Tuohy family who adopted Oher when he was homeless, and helped him to become one of the hottest recruits for college football in 2004.

Extraordinary Measures

Extraordinary Measures” is the first major motion picture for CBS Films and Harrison Ford's second screen credit as Executive Producer. It is a story based on the true story of John Crowley whose children suffered from a rare disease known as Pompe disease. He gives up a life as a well paid corporate executive to raise money to fund scientific research to find a cure for Pompe. Crowley meets an eccentric scientist names Dr. Stonehill who is working at a small lab in a college. Together they form their own bio-tech company to search for a cure. As CBS Films’ first major motion picture, the producers wisely tempered the budget by focusing on a human story rather than a commercial action film. Certainly it is a film that wants to be much more than a commercial film. It wants to make a statement about life, science, medicine, and the politics behind the pharmaceutical companies. In this respect, it is relatively successful. The message is one that Christians will readily identify with. The value of human life is extolled, as a man struggles to save the life of his children. In one scene, a doctor suggests that if their son dies it could be “a blessing” in disguise, because he will not have to suffer anymore. He even asks if they want to pull the plug. Later, when the child pulls through, Crowley sarcastically retorts, “it looks like we dodged that blessing, huh, doc?” In a generation where our society is rapidly moving towards euthanasia and “mercy killings,” it is refreshing to see the value of human life promoted in a Hollywood film. It is also refreshing to see one of the characters pray to God. As simple as this seems, it has become all too cliche in Hollywood films that the religious character is the villain. Here, prayer is shown as natural and good. This film was inspired by the book The Cure by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Geeta Anand.

Avatar

On Pandora, a planet light years from Earth, there is a substance called unobtainium that is so valuable that humans have traveled to Pandora to retrieve it. The Pandora natives are called the Na’vi, and a group of them are living directly on top of the biggest unobtainium deposit on the planet. Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi giving the best performance of the film) is in charge of removing the Na’vi from the area and retrieving the unobtainium. Militarily, war crazy Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) thinks the best course of action is to remove the Na’vi by force. Conversely, scientist Dr. Grace Augustine ( Sigourney Weaver) suggests a more diplomatic solution. She has developed a method that takes human DNA and creates Na’vi avatars that are basically humans in Na’vi bodies. Augustine feels that if these avatars can earn the trust of the natives, they can talk them into moving off of the wanted land. One of the avatars is former marine Jake Sully ( Sam Worthington), who successfully infiltrates the Na’vi population and is able to learn their ways. If you look deeper, there is Christian message in Avatar, although I doubt it is intended. Jake Sully has to be “born again”, as Na'Vi before he starts making decisions that are righteous. When the movie starts, his goal is to help the corporation, via the military, accomplish its goals. By the time he fully commits to the Na'Vi, his goals change to protect and nurture. He has to commit several acts of faith before that transformation occurs, but I won't spoil what those are. While some have said they thought the plot was too basic and there wasn't much development, I think Avatar is much deeper than just a good effects movie. Like an onion, once you start peeling back the layers, you might find some very interesting nuggets. Note: The content in “Avatar” fits safely within the PG-13 rating and does not push any boundaries. The language is heavy, but fairly standard for a movie involving the military. God’s name is misused a number of times as well as some other profanities. The violence is heavy in some parts of the film, but mostly bloodless. The Na’vi wear very little clothing, and while their bodies do resemble that of humans, there’s nothing graphic, explicit, or even really sexual about their appearance. Also, the Na'vi religion is very naturalistic, as their god Eywa is basically mother nature, and this is lauded in the film.

How to Train Your Dragon

Based on the 2004 book by Cressida Cowell, “How To Train Your Dragon” drops us into a Viking community which is and appears to have always been at war with a horde of dragons. Life in this village centers around this war, and fear and hatred for dragons is promoted for survival. As with most communities, however, there is one unlike the rest, Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel), the peculiar son of the tribe chief, Stoick the Vast ( Gerard Butler), is always out of sync, in the way, and a great disappointment and embarrassment to his father and the rest of the village. After befriending a rare dragon Hiccup names “Toothless,” he starts to realize who he is as he finds his place in the world while discovering that reality is much different from the assumptions of his people. Eventually he must present this truth to others, even though he knows how much it will hurt his father, who doesn’t understand or listen to him to begin with. I found “How To Train Your Dragon” to be charmingly endearing. While initially frightful, Toothless turns out to be as a beloved pet, much like one of my dogs with the appearance of a cat. And likewise, the first scene is dark and foreboding, but we find that the negative beliefs of the people have shaped an attitude that has caused this darkness in which they live and with positive change light rises over the course of the film. “… on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” ( Matt 4:16)

Other life lessons, including loyalty and teamwork, importance of community and family are poignantly presented ( Phil 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.), and I much appreciated that the relationship between father and son was given highest importance and respect. I am reminded that even though our earthly fathers may fail us, we have God our Father who never will never leave us nor forsake us ( Deu. 31:6), who delights in us ( Prov. 3:12 and Psa 147:11) and cherishes our oddities, as He made us each unique ( Psa. 139:13-14).

Leap Year

Nearly every girl dreams of the day when the man she loves will get down on one knee and present her with a jewelry box containing a sparkling engagement ring and ask her to marry him. Anna ( Amy Adams), a successful young businesswoman, thinks that her dream of that romantic day is about to come true, after her friend sees Anna’s boyfriend, Jeremy (Adam Scott) leaving a jewelry store. At a romantic dinner that evening, Jeremy presents Anna with a small jewelry box, but much to Anna’s dismay the box contains earrings, not the much-anticipated engagement ring. Anna is determined not to let her disappointment derail her dream of true love and marriage, so she decides to follow Jeremy to Dublin and participate in the old Irish Leap Day tradition, which allows women to propose to men on Leap Day. Anna’s journey to Dublin brings many surprises when she gets stranded on the other side of Ireland and must recruit the help of small town Irish resident, Declan (Matthew Goode) to help her get to Dublin. As, Anna and Declan, make their way across the island and face many humorous challenges together, including unpredictable weather and small town Irish charm, the bickering pair begin to understand and appreciate one another.

“Leap Year” is a relatively clean, lighthearted romantic comedy that has many positive elements. The many misfortunes that befall Anna and Declan on their expedition through the Irish countryside on their way to Dublin are humorous and fun to watch. Respect for the institution of marriage is seen several times throughout the film as the traditional values of the residents of small town Ireland are exemplified. For example, an innkeeper and his wife refuse to allow unmarried couples to cohabitate in their lodgings. Although Anna and Declan lie about their marital status in order to receive accommodations for the night, they resist their desire to give in to sexual temptation, and they do not make love. We also see several examples of true love and commitment that exists between several married couples that they meet along the way. Anna begins her journey a pampered wealthy businesswoman in pursuit of her successful and materialistic boyfriend, but, as her journey with Declan progresses, she begins to be impressed and humbled by Declan and the other residents of rural Ireland’s focus on character, true love, and commitment to the people they love. By the end of the film she can see that her world of material luxuries and her relationship with Jeremy is unfulfilling, and she realizes that she must follow her conscience and do what she knows to be right

Letters to God

A heartfelt tale of inspiration, hope and redemption, Letters to God is the story of what happens when one boy’s walk of faith crosses paths with one man’s search for meaning—the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them. Tyler Doherty  (TANNER MAGUIRE) is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy.  Surrounded by a loving family and community, and armed with the courage of his faith, he faces his daily battle against cancer with bravery and grace.  To Tyler, God is a friend, a teacher and the ultimate pen pal—Tyler’s prayers take the form of letters, which he composes and mails on a daily basis. The letters find their way into the hands of Brady McDaniels (JEFFREY S.S. JOHNSON), a beleaguered postman standing at a crossroads in his life.  At first, he is confused and conflicted over what to do with the letters.  Overtime he begins to form a friendship with the Doherty family – getting to know not just Tyler but his tough, tender yet overwhelmed mom (ROBYN LIVELY), stalwart grandmother (MAREE CHEATHAM) and teen brother Ben (MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER BOLTEN) -- who are each trying to stand strong against the doubts that come with the chaotic turn their lives have taken. Moved by Tyler’s courage, Brady realizes what he must do with the letters, a surprise decision that will transform his heart and uplift his newfound friends and community –in an exhilarating act of testament to the contagious effect of one boy’s unwavering faith against the odds. Inspired by a true story, Letters to God is an intimate, moving and often funny story about the galvanizing effect one child’s belief can have on his family, friends and community. 

Charlie St. Cloud

Charlie St. Cloud stars Zac Efron as Charlie, a bright young man with a promising future. Charlie’s life is halted when he is unable to let go of the grief of losing his little brother in a drunken car accident years ago. Growing up in a small, seaside yachting village, Charlie is at the top of his high school graduating class with a full-ride sailing scholarship to Stanford in the fall. During the summer, Charlie and his little brother, Sam, practice baseball every evening in the woods at sunset. However, when a tragic, drunk driver takes young Sam’s life, Charlie cannot let go of him. Still seeing visions of his late brother, Charlie promises Sam that he will meet him everyday at sunset to practice. Five years later, Charlie works a job as the caretaker at the local cemetery, close to the woods, so that he can play ball with Sam every day at sunset. Then, one day, Charlie meets Tess, a young yachtswoman who is about to undertake a one-woman sail around the world. When a sailing accident leaves Tess in a life-threatening situation, Charlie must decide between going after the woman he loves or keeping his promise to his little brother. Charlie St. Cloud is a moving, heartfelt drama. While there are some strong, overt Christian, moral elements, such as positive mentions of God and Christian prayer, including prayer to Jesus Christ during a funeral, as well as belief in miracles, forgiveness and second chances, there are also some elements that require caution, especially for younger audiences. There is some light language, and disturbing violence that include teenage drunkenness and a graphic car wreck. That said, this new Zac Efron movie is still an enjoyable drama with uplifting content.

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