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Movie Reviews From A Family Perspective
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For
titles released after July 2005.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Magnolia Pictures. A documentary. Directors: Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing
Synopsis: Jesus Camp, a documentary directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, directors of the critically acclaimed The Boys of Baraka, follows Levi (12), Rachael (9), and Tory (10) to Pastor Becky Fischer's "Kids on Fire" summer camp in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, where kids as young as 6 years old are taught to become dedicated Christian soldiers in "God's army."
A growing number of Evangelical Christians believe there is a revival underway in America that requires Christian youth to assume leadership roles in advocating the causes of their religious movement. The documentary follows these children at camp as they hone their "prophetic gifts" and are schooled in how to "take back America for Christ." The film is a first-ever look into an intense training ground that recruits born-again Christian children to become an active part of America's political future.
Review: Though it presents the sincere belief of charismatic Christians, Jesus Camp does so in a smirky, at times mocking manner. It seems bent on warning unbelievers that Evangelicals have a powerful voice in the political world, one that threatens proponents of homosexuality, abortion and other liberal agendas.
With that in mind, it seems strange that Becky Fischer, the religious group leader who fires up little warriors of the faith, thought the completed film was a fair look at her efforts. Ms. Fischer reportedly feels she can use the film as an evangelical tool. I found that conclusion farfetched as the film subtly ridicules her views and tactics. And will someone explain to me why a Christian kids’ camp is being held in a place called Devil’s Lake?
Jesus Camp features Mike Papantonio, an Air America radio host, offering unabashed disdain for Christianity and especially for religious folk who voice their political convictions. Mr. Papantonio comes across so shrill that his “concerns” seem not just anti-Christian, but anti-Christ. What’s more, I kept wondering just how far this guy would go to prevent Christians from expressing social opinions.
Even more disturbing is the children’s myopic view of other church goers. At one point the kids refer to more orderly fellowship services as dead. Understandably, if you’re brought up in a church where people bounce up and down while singing praise songs, a more restrained worship may seem dispirited. But a more subdued worship does not indicate a dead fellowship. These are bright, good kids featured in Jesus Camp, so they must be learning this ignorant view via older members of their congregation.
There’s no question that children need to attend Sunday School and be taught biblical truths, but I become concerned when I see children preaching (as 12-year-old, mullet-wearing Levy does) or a 10-year-old girl approaching unknown adults, asking where they will spend eternity. Despite the sincerity of these children, they come across as fanatical and brainwashed.
Furthermore, everything about the camp, the home life and the schooling is tinged with mocking humor, brought on by the subjects themselves. The kids are heard speaking in tongues, crying over plastic fetuses and saying a Christian alternative pledge of allegiance to a cardboard likeness of George Bush. The grownups’ politics and charismatic allegiance is scrutinized, never the warmth of people who relish the mercy, sacrifice and guidance of the Holy Trinity. And one pastor, Ted Haggard of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, unwisely allowed himself to be a bit too whimsical while unsympathetic cameras videotaped. (Note to pastors being interviewed by filmmakers: if anything you say can be twisted in a Hollywood editing room, it will be.)
After viewing this film, it’s easy to see why the unchurched fear and misunderstand people of the Christian faith.
Rated PG-13 85 min. Distributor: Magnolia
Reuniting
martial arts superstar Jet Li, and producer Bill Kong (Hero) and action choreographer
Yuen Wo Ping (Unleashed), the film portrays martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia,
who became the most famous fighter in all of China at the turn of the 20th
Century. Huo faced incredible personal tragedy but ultimately fought his
way out of darkness and into history, forever defining the true spirit of
martial arts. His self-discovery, and the choices he made, inspired his nation.
Full of himself, our hero learns humility and respect. There are several other positive messages about friendship and self-sacrifice. And though the film consciously belittles the influence of western ways, including the introduction of the Christian faith to mainland China, Huo shows respect for foreigners he battles in the ring.
It's a clean film, full of impressive visual martial arts imagery and several positive messages. The film honors China, presenting its people as put-upon by other nations. (The people of Tibet see the People's Republic as a bit more threatening. The rest of the world may also soon find that nation to not be so docile and peace loving).
I personally found the title ironic. The story is about a man who discovers humility. The lead actor, on the other hand not only places his name above the title, but incorporates it into the title. To be fair, that may have been done for American audiences, without his say-so. Still, it's not a very appropriate way for a studio to honor its central character or the film's theme. It is obviously done to make sure martial arts enthusiasts attend. Honor's one thing, but let's not lose focus on the entertainment industry's true doctrine: the making of money.
PG-13 (one obscenity; there are several graphic battles, staged and choriographed like a video game, but with a definite brutality; several characters, including the lead act out of vengeance; in battle one man is killed; revenge is taken and we see the dead bodies of the lead's family, including a child; some blood during a graphic tournament; the lead tends to overindulge with alcohol until he undergoes life changes; then a point is made that he has stopped drinking; there is a great deal of martial arts activity, aided with camera tricks and magic wires; children should be cautioned not to imitate the violent behavior).
Running
Time: 103 min.
Intended Audience: Older teens and Adults.
For more information visit: www.jetlisfearless.com
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH
Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem. New Line/Warner Bros. Action
adventure/sci/fi. Written by Gavin Scott, Michael D. Weiss, D. V. DeVincentis,
Paul Chart. Directed by Eric Briem. Opens 7/11/08.
FILM SYNOPSIS: Update of the Jules Verne novel, the story centers around a science professor's untraditional hypotheses that have made him the laughing stock of the academic community. But on an expedition in Iceland, he and his nephew stumble upon a major discovery that launches them on a thrilling journey deep beneath the Earth's surface, where they travel through never-before-seen worlds and encounter a variety of unusual creatures. The adventure is presented in 3D.
REVIEW: It’s campy, maybe even cheesy at times, but nonetheless entertaining.
Wall-to-wall action (there’s even a roller coaster ride inside a cave,
ala the second installment of Indiana Jones), with added humorous quips to
ease the tension. And it stimulates the imagination. Exactly what is at the
center of the earth?
This Journey contains positive messages about the need for family, hope, self-sacrifice,
and believing in something unseen. The makers tell their story without crude
or offensive language and both the male and female leads are positive role
models. Certainly not in the league with the Indiana Jones or the Star Wars
entrees, but this is the type of film Misters Spielberg and Lucas pay tribute
to. At times it jolts, at others it amuses. And always, it entertains.
Warning must be given about the incessant, perilous action sequences. While they will keep most on the edge of their seat, the constant peril may be unsuitable for little children. Remember, they take in such screen activity more literally than older viewers. Please be careful what you allow into their young minds – because Hollywood doesn’t.
PG (lots of Saturday morning serial peril, with the leads, including a kid, avoiding death from prehistoric creatures and a dangerous environment; there are several jolting action adventure scenes, but they are always accompanied by amusement to help ease the fright.
Running Time: 90 min.
Intended Audience: Kids 10+
Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Samuel L Jackson, Jamie Bell, Diane Lane. 20th Century Fox. Sci/fi thriller. Opens 2/14/08
FILM SYNOPSIS: Jumper is a science fiction-action-thriller that combines cutting-edge special effects with globetrotting action. In the film, a genetic anomaly allows a young man, David Rice (Christensen), to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war between “Jumpers” and those who have sworn to kill them.
REVIEW: Geared toward a youthful audience by its pounding score that will no doubt sell a bunch of CDs, the intriguing premise goes the way of spirited action adventure rather than dramatic metaphor. For those looking for intense adventure rather than insightful drama, Jumper should satisfy.
As with most films of this era, a liberal dose of abusive language and premarital sex are incorporated as the norm. So, does a glut of anti-biblical directives mingled with Hollywood make-believe influence the culture? Certainly. Does it influence you? Please read the following content of the film, then discuss these subjects with your teens. Though our society is shaped by the media’s teachings and lifestyles, we as Christians are supposed to be guided by a higher power. Hollywood isn’t going to change, but if our youth are instructed in God’s Word, they will be able to see past Hollywood’s hypnotic lure.
PG-13 (five obscenities; a couple of minor expletives, and three uses of Christ’s name by the leads as if it was a mere expletive meant for relieving frustration and fear; as the story progresses, the violence becomes more excessive and prevalent; several people are beaten, electrocuted and killed; there are two implied sexual situations outside marriage; though these situations are not graphically detailed, the statement is once again made that sex is not reserved for marriage; some social drinking; the lead robs a bank in order to secure his lifestyle; he struggles with the morality of the crime, but only briefly; this could have been an important element, but it is avoided, the hero’s wrongs ignored).
Intended Audience: Teens and up.
DVD Alternatives: Time Changer. D. David Morin,
Gavin MacLeod, Hal Linden, Jennifer O'Neill and Paul Rodriguez. Time
travel adventure about a Bible professor from 1890 who comes forward in time
to the present via a time machine. An involving adventure that illustrates
the disaster of moral relativism and the pit a society falls into when it sheds
itself of an ultimate authority, Time Changer is full of Christian
teaching, and contains a powerful, spiritual ending.
Or:
The Time Machine. Sorry, I’d like to recommend the 2002
remake of the H. G. Wells fantasy classic, because it’s newer, but it’s
just awful. The Rod Taylor version from 1960 (old, but in color) has
award winning (for its time) effects and entertains with a leisurely pacing.
Or:
If you are looking for a sci-fi adventure, with more
substance, try: The Day The Earth Stood Still. An alien disguises
himself as human until he can warn officials of impending doom if the world
doesn’t destroy its weapons. Today’s audience may have to
adjust because the substance is in the story, not the special effects, but
it is one of the few science fiction films that acknowledge God. When
the alien is asked if he has the power of life and death, he responds, “No,
that is reserved for the Almighty Spirit.”
Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J. K. Simmons. Fox Searchlight. Comedy/drama. Written by Diablo Cody. Directed by Jason Reitman. Opens in limited release 12/5/07
FILM SYNOPSIS: A smart teen becomes pregnant after her first sexual encounter and decides to have the baby, giving it up to an adoptive “perfect” couple.
REVIEW: Starting out with the same cynical attitude we’ve seen in a jillion teen angst movies, intermingled with lots of biting humor, the film soon reveals a perceptive look at today’s high school crowd, with the lead rather blasé about her world until grownup situations take charge of her emotions. As soon as Juno discovers she’s pregnant, her first notion is to have an abortion (tells you where the society is at, doesn’t it?), but without the filmmakers attempting a flagrant pro-life statement, the sanctity of unborn life quickly becomes apparent.
Ellen Page comes across as a young Janeane Garofalo, sharp tongued and quick witted, but the actress, who last year starred in Hard Candy, as a Lolita type who traps a pedophile in his own home and ruins his life, here allows a vulnerability to shine through her New Millennium toughness. Ms. Page gives a three-dimensional performance as a teenager smarter than her peers in many ways, yet still unaware of the complexities of adulthood. Juno is funny, moving, and completely engaging. That said, it does contain some content now common in theatrical releases. Please read the content (the reason for the rating).
PG-13 (there are several comic sexual comments and references to the unborn baby that cheapen the sex act and new life; that said, those comments are used to establish a youthful ignorance until the sanctity of life takes prominence in the lead’s thinking; around 20 obscenities, mostly the s-word, with a couple of f-words also thrown in by the teenage lead; some of this language is spoken in front of the girl’s parents, as if this were now acceptable speech; there may have been an “oh my God” spoken but I caught no other misuse of God’s name; the girl says “Geez” a couple of times, but I didn’t hear Christ’s name spoken; we see a brief scene leading up to sex between the two teens, with the camera on her legs as she drops her briefs, but the situation does not become graphic or exploitive).
Running Time: 91 min.
Intended Audience: Teens and older
DVD Alternative: March of the Penguins. In the Antarctic, every March, the quest begins for penguins to find the perfect mate and start a family. This courtship begins with a long journey – a trek that will take hundreds of the tuxedo-suited birds across seventy miles of frozen tundra to a location where the courtship will begin. It’s rated G and though it depicts harsh life and death struggles, it does so in a family-friendly way. It’s full of impressive, almost unworldly locations and amazing cinematography, and most importantly, it sends a powerful message concerning the importance of life. Nature is telling us about the sanctity of life. In a time when audiences are subjected to pro messages concerning euthanasia (Million Dollar Baby, The Sea Inside), the need for abortion (Vera Drake), and desensitizing images of violence toward our fellow man (most films), here is a film that reveals creatures in the wild sacrificing all in order to preserve life. This may sound like a strange alternative, but it is a film that shows the sanctity of life.
Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo. DreamWorks. Romantic comedy. W-Ron Bass, Peter Tolan, Leslie Dixon. D-Mark Waters. 9/16/05
David sublets an apartment, not realizing that the former resident is disturbed about someone moving in. The ghost-like Elizabeth is convinced she is alive and that she’s still paying rent. Eventually they form a friendship as they search for the truth about who she is and how she came to be in her present apparitional state. Along the way, they fall in love.
Most attending this film may never have heard of, let alone seen, “Topper,” “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,” or even Steve Martin’s “All of Me.” Therefore, this material will seem fresh. And quite frankly, there are very few films that are original anymore. That’s not important. What is important is finding the right style, mood and artistic touch for breathing new life into a musty genre. The filmmakers have achieved that with “Just Like Heaven.”
The movie subject of ghosts walking among us makes theologians nervous, so I’ll state up front, I don’t believe in ghosts - angles and demons, yes. According to the Bible, there is a spirit world, but there is no indication in God’s Word that the dead hang around to finish up unfinished business. And what we discover here is that this ghost isn’t really a ghost. Her body is in a coma, and Elizabeth’s spirit is hovering about because her body is not yet dead. This brings up an interesting topic – where does the soul go when a body is still on life support?
Slowly Elizabeth discovers that she has missed so much of life. The set-up becomes a metaphor. Indeed, Elizabeth is the metaphor. “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death,” to quote Auntie Mame.
A few jokes are made at the expense of man’s views of the afterlife, such as an inept priest attempting to exorcise Elizabeth from the premises and there are gags about going to the light. If we really do go to the light upon our passing, the thought should be considered awesome, not treated with a trivial jest. That said, I didn’t feel those involved were attempting religious ridicule.
The premise is all about two lonely people finding romance. And to top it off, there is a very positive message about the sanctity of life. Elizabeth, who, as a doctor, has been pro-plug-pulling. Now, living between eternity and earth, she believes in life support. That can be viewed as a statement declaring that the medical community doesn’t have all the answers.
“Just Like Heaven” is funny, touching and life affirming.
PG-13 (one misuse of Jesus’ name and a couple of minor expletives, but I caught no other harsh language; some brief sexuality as a scantily clad neighbor lady comes on to the male lead, but he is not promiscuous, and does not act on the situation as he is in love with another woman; there are a couple of sexual conversations, but not overly graphic; one of two coarse jokes, but the script avoids most crudity; the male lead goes to an occult bookstore looking for metaphysical ways of exorcising the ghost from his apartment; a comic situation stems from an attempted exorcism by an inept priest; though occultic practices are applied for the sake of humor, I didn’t feel the filmmakers were attempting to promote an involvement in these practices; that said, if you’ve decided not to support a film that includes that subject matter, then pass on this one; though this film doesn’t seriously address the occult, don’t let it tempt you into following horoscopes or trusting mediums – “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them,” Leviticus 19:31 NIV, “Don’t act like the people who make horoscopes and try to read their fate and future in the stars! Don’t be frightened by predictions such as theirs, for it is all a pack of lies. Their ways are futile and foolish,” Jeremiah 10:2 Living Bible.
Lindsay Lohan, Chris Pine, Faizon Love, Missi Pyle, Samaire Armstrong, and McFly. Regency/FOX. Romantic comedy. Written by I. Marlene King and Amy B. Harris. Director: Donald Petrie. Opens 5/12/06
Lindsay Lohan plays Ashley, a young professional just out of college. She also happens to be the luckiest woman in the world, who has lived a super-charmed life and has always taken her good luck for granted. When she kisses a handsome stranger (played by Chris Pine) at a costume party, Ashley accidentally swaps her good fortune for his horribly bad luck, and her charmed life turns into a living hell.
It’s a good concept and Ms. Lohan shows promise as a comedian, but the constant slapstick bad luck situations became predictable, then tedious. At one point the unfortunate lead dumps her tattered metal-exposed umbrella into a garbage can. I pointed at the screen and made a zapping sound. Sure enough, the next moment lightening hit the umbrella. A colleague laughed for she was anticipating the same sight gag.
In a recent issue of Premiere magazine Lindsey is quoted: “The character, she’s very Lucille Ball.” Now, the young actress wasn’t comparing herself to Lucy (at least I hope she’s not that delusional); she was just saying her daffy character responds in the same manner to daffy situations as Lucy always did. Of course, Ms. Lohan may someday become as skillful with humorous antics as Lucille Ball. It just hasn’t happened, yet.
Lindsey is looking for the grownup roles and this is supposed to be her entry into the genre of romantic comedy. Just her luck, the script is lighter than air, the cardboard characters less than charismatic and the direction sluggish.
PG ( Poop jokes abound; the first sight gag has a man picking up his dog’s doo-doo with a $5 dollar bill, then the unlucky male lead picking up the dirty money. Later, the unlucky female lead drops her contact lens in a cat box. 7 obscenities and the expression “oh my god” is used at least 10 times. Slapstick pratfalls abound, and with her newly found bad luck, the unlucky lead spends a night in jail, getting a black eye from a fellow inmate; the writers thought this was so hilarious that the situation is repeated later; a man is hit by a cab – this is played for laughs and he isn’t injured. The premise has the lead kissing a man she’s just met while dancing in a club. The lead is seen in her underwear in one brief scene. One implied gay joke. Young women discuss the male of the species, but nothing graphic or lewd. Some people are seen in a club drinking).
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