Saturday, 07 March 2009

• Movie Reviews

  So we finally discovered the value of Netflix and have been watching movies like crazy the past month. I'm starting to realize I'm a bit of a movie buff, lol, so I decided to write some reviews. Of course, these are just my thoughts and opinions, you may judge it completely different. If that's the case, I would love to hear your thoughts!

  A quick note about movies that were based on novels:  Book lovers hate to see their favorites turned upside down on the big screen. I've found that it's best to watch the movie first, then read the book, so that both can be loved equally

  The Last Sin Eater - Description: Ten-year-old Cadi Forbes (Liana Liberato) lives in an 1850s Appalachian community proud of its faith and its ability to keep secrets close to home. Wracked with guilt over the tragic death of her little sister, Cadi seeks out the only person she believes can help her -- The Sin Eater (Peter Wingfield). Michael Landon Jr. directs and Henry Thomas and Oscar winner Louise Fletcher star in Brian Bird's screen adaptation of Francine Rivers's novel.

  My thoughts: I loved this movie! It's a Christian storyline which always ranks high with me. The only thing I would knock on this movie is some of the thematic elements were, well, pathetic. Nevertheless, it's a movie I will be watching again and I definatly recommend it ****

  Time Changer - Description: Nineteenth-century Bible professor Russell Carlisle's (D. David Morin) new book, which asserts that morality can be taught independent of Christianity, is soon to be published. But a devout colleague (Gavin MacLeod) believes that what Carlisle has written will seriously affect the morals of future generations. To prove his theory, he sends Carlisle more than 100 years into the future, offering him a glimpse of where his writing will lead.

  My thoughts: Good movie depicting today's world and how de-sensitised I believe we, as Christians, have become. The movie starts a little slow, but I think most people will become as fond of the main charactor as I did. The humor made it enjoyable and it's great entertainment (as well as discussion) for the whole family! ***

  Eight Below - Description: When an unforeseen accident forces a trio of Antarctic scientists (Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood and Jason Biggs) to leave behind their team of steadfast sled dogs, the animals must survive a cruel and punishing winter on their own. Revealing his penchant for subzero survival stories, Frank Marshall (Alive) helmed this heartrending drama, which was adapted from a Japanese film (Nankyoku Monogatari) based on real events.

  My thoughts: Heartrending is right! Well made and produced. I fell in love with the beautiful dogs and the fact that it was basd on actual events was incredible to me. My only issues were some foul language and "wordly" lifestyles. ***

  End of the Spear - Description: Many years after his missionary father was speared to death at the hands of Waodani tribesmen, a young man (Chad Allen of television's "Webster" and "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman") returns to the Ecuadorian jungle to meet the native (Louie Leonardo) who murdered his father and learn the truth about his family's legacy. The result is a life-altering experience that brings him closer to the kin of his father's killer.

  My thoughts: Wow. Incredible movie about real life events. I think the description is a bit off though, most of the movie is on the events leading to the spearing of the missionaries and how their families responded with God's love and mercy. Parental discretion is advised for intense violence and native dress. I would highly recommend this movie. ****

  Saving Sarah Cain - Description: 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.

  My thoughts: A great drama for the family. Clean and humorous, I thought this was a very good movie to watch. However my mom and I agreed the oldest daughter's "romance" scene near the beginning of the movie was out of place. It will be a movie I'll want to see again, and if you rent the DVD, be sure and watch the excellent deleted scenes. It's a shame they had to be cut. ***

  Fireproof - Description: Kirk Cameron plays Capt. Caleb Holt, a dedicated firefighter whose marriage to his wife, Catherine (Erin Bethea), has taken a severe turn for the worse and is about to end in divorce. But just when hope seems to be running out for them, Holt's Christian father intervenes, challenging the couple to a 40-day experiment that he hopes will give them a renewed love not only for each other, but also for God.

  My thoughts: I saved the very best for last!!! This movie immediately went on my favorites list after seeing it. The story line was one of the best and most realistic I've ever seen (and I've seen the real thing). This was produced by the same church that did Facing the Giants. The cast and crew were all VOLUNTEERS (except for about ten crew members). I think this DVD belongs in everyone's collection. And whatever you do, don't forget the extras! The deleted scenes were incredible, and "Firegoofs" and "Fireproof in 60" will have you laughing until you cry (at least that's what happened to me ). "Never leave your partner behind" *****

  Hope y'all enjoyed my brief reviews. I really should write them as soon as I see the movie while everything is fresh in my mind. I'll hopefully keep this up so at least I can go back and decide if I want to re-rent one we've seen.

  Take care and God Bless,

  Sarah

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