Movie lists, Movie Reviews
Classic movies for a “date night in”
Five favorite features for a five-star fall night
*****
Fall is here, and it could be just the night to cozy up with that special someone and a great movie. Here are five of editor Jon Dykstra’s very favorites to consider.
Click on the titles for longer reviews that also include the movie's trailer.
Casablanca
Drama
1943 / 103 min.
Rating: 10/10
Eighty years after its release, Casablanca remains in a league of its own. Is it the human drama playing against the backdrop of a world at war, the characters that intrigue us and have us rooting for them despite their flaws and foibles? Is it the tension, the themes, the romance? Is it Humphrey Bogart in a fedora? Whatever the magic, Casablanca really is one for the ages.
The Shop Around the Corner
Drama/Romance
1949 / 99 min.
Rating: 9/10
Before You’ve Got Mail came The Shop Around the Corner. Head salesman Alfred and new employee Klara have two things in common: a mutual annoyance with each other, and secret pen pals they’re both falling in love with. How they eventually find each other, and love, is a journey with plenty of ups and downs. The clever script, humor, and interesting cast of characters has kept this classic romantic comedy on must-see lists.
12 Angry Men
Drama
1957 / 96 min.
Rating: 9/10
In the mood for a good old-fashioned drama? This highly satisfying jury-room classic has the tension, clever dialogue, and interpersonal drama to keep you glued to your seats and make you forget all about the popcorn (maybe).
High Noon
Western/Drama
1952 / 85 min.
Rating: 9/10
So you watched a rom-com last time, and now it’s time for something a little more... rugged?
Gary Cooper, as a sheriff with integrity in a tight spot, and Grace Kelly, as his conflicted fiancée, pull off a multi-layered story that will satisfy you both.
The Song
Drama/Musical
2014 / 116 min.
Rating: 9/10
Well, this one’s not quite a classic (yet)... but it is a stand-out in its genre. However, is this Christian film really a good choice for a “date night in”? It’s loosely based on the story of King Solomon and, well, we all know how that ended! But if you can get through the gritty and pretty devastating part where Jed, the not-so-heroic hero, self-destructs, you’ll find yourself moved and encouraged by the profound experience of grace that ends the movie.
News, Pornography
Free video series to protect families from porn
Parents who want to keep pornography away from their family received a gift early this year. John-Michael Bout and Jacob Valk have produced two new series of videos to do exactly that.
Under the banner of their Into the Light ministry, their nine-episode Parenting & Pornography series helps parents talk to their children about sexuality and pornography from a biblical perspective. As the group shared on their website:
“You may feel nervous, ashamed, scared, or like it’s too late when you approach this topic. Don’t count yourself out. This series is for you.”
And realizing the frustration that many families encounter when trying to take steps to block porn, the group also produced a practical series called TechSafe, featuring tutorials to “equip you to safely live with and enjoy your technology to the glory of God.”
Bout and Valk, both Canadians, previously teamed up to produce the Into the Light documentary, and shared their story on RP’s Real Talk podcast. Both men are currently pursuing higher education at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
To access both series for free, all you’ll need to do is provide them with your name and email at www.intothelightministries.ca. You can watch the TechSafe trailer below.
Today's Devotional
March 22 - The land of Canaan and the new heaven and the new earth
“For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” - Hebrews 11:10
Scripture reading: Hebrews 11:8-16
God is on a mission for His glory to make all things new in a world where His people and His world will once again dwell in His loving presence and be people and places where heaven and earth meet. This means >
Today's Manna Podcast
Whatever is pure
Serving #1167 of Manna, prepared by Rev. D. deBoer, is called "Whatever is pure".
