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Documentary, Movie Reviews, Watch for free

The Long Goodbye: The Kara Tippetts Story

Documentary 2019 / 88 minutes Rating: 10/10 "I feel like I'm a little girl at a party whose Dad is asking her to leave early, and I'm throwing a ...

Movie lists, Movie Reviews

250+ movies Christians can love

Great minds think alike, and the same month I was first compiling this article two of those great minds belonged to a missionary in Brazil and an evan...

Articles, Documentary, Watch for free

12 free must-see docs for Christian families

Documentaries aren’t your thing? Then you haven’t seen these. We’ve got brilliant scholars and scientists sharing, in just a line or two, all th...

Animated, Movie Reviews

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Animated 2023 / 101 minutes RATING: 8/10 Twenty-three years ago, Rocky and Ginger were trying to break out – they had to get off their farm to ...

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Documentary, Movie Reviews

Gender Transformation: the untold realities

Docudrama 85 minutes / 2023 Rating: 8/10 If there are two things this film confirmed for me, it is: Parents need to be our children's primary educators (Deut 11:18-20, Is. 38:19b, Eph. 6:4). At some point, all teens feel awkward, disconnected, and confused, and to compound it, they'll get this sense that there is something different or wrong about just themselves, and that's why they don't fit in. And if mom and dad aren't making it plain that this feeling has been common to literally everyone who has lived before them, a teen may go look for belonging, help, and advice elsewhere, in all the wrong places A public school system that sets out to be deliberately godless is not neutral (Josh. 24:15, Matt. 12:30, Luke 12:49-53, 2 Cor. 6:14-16). In the best case scenario, children won't be told that God is dead, but for 6 hours a day they will be taught that He's irrelevant... to everything. And as this film details, at worst, teachers, school counselors, and school administrators will conspire with child protection services and the police to take your child from you because you are the enemy. Gender Transformation is a docudrama about the lies told to confused children about how they can change their biological sex. It is about the damage done to families when schools "affirm" a child in this delusion, and teach that same boy or girl that if their parents won't affirm them, then those parents are the real problem. This is also about the destruction being done to children's bodies when they are mutilated via irreversible surgeries and chemical experimentation. As a docudrama, we get interviews, but also re-enactments. One interviewee, lawyer Erin Friday, is very motivated to speak up because her own daughter was, for a time, caught up in trans "identification." The most compelling testimony is from parents like Friday, and like Abigail Martinez, whose child was taken from her, with the school, doctors, child services, and police all working against this mother. They acted against her daughter Yaeli, too, by feeding her delusion until she committed suicide. We also hear from various "detransitioners," with the most famous probably being Chloe Cole. These young men and women – still really just boys and girls – share how they got swept up in the lie but now see through it and desperately want to warn others. Their accounts, one after another, are devastating. What makes this all the more compelling are the dramatized parts – short scenes interspersed throughout showing, for example, Chloe Cole telling her mom that she doesn't get it, and that she sure isn't woke. We watch as one of her trans friends encourages her to keep going, and we sit in on counseling sessions, both with an "affirming" counselor and with another who doesn't want to rush into things. Cautions The dramatization can get a bit much when we're taken into the operating room, and the doctors' dialogue paints them as not simply monsters, but idiots, too, not caring how much bleeding was happening. No one was there to witness this conversation, so let's stick to the facts, which are more than outrageous enough already. It's worth noting, too, that this is an entirely secular production, put out by EpochTV, a media organization with Taiwanese roots, that is associated with the Falun Gong religion, but is maybe best known for what it is against: the Chinese Communist Party. In their opposition to Chinese Communism, they do often turn a sympathetic ear to Christian concerns, but here they make it about the money trail. Why are people trying to turn boys into girls and vice versa? They pitch Big Pharma, but miss out on the rebellion at the root of this. God tells us He made us male and female, and this is a twisted attack on His work and His sovereignty. There is also at least one instance of God's Name being taken in vain, and if this were just entertainment, that'd be a reason for me not to review it. But this is quite the eye-opening piece of education, and important viewing even with that notable flaw. Conclusion This is important for how eye-opening it will be – this exposes the evil that's going on in schools, and behind closed classroom doors. But in overlooking the spiritual root of the matter, it is limited in the solution it can offer. So, for example, the focus is on kids. But is cutting off healthy body parts like breasts and penises more sensible so long as it is done to adults? The problem with presenting only the practical problems is that it prompts only practical solutions – it could seem as if the issues highlighted could be solved with more consultation, better research, fuller explanations of the risks, and more parental involvement. But the issue isn't about why this is being done so badly, but rather why it is being attempted at all. Turning boys into girls is akin to telling someone they can become another species. It's a crazy notion that is being taken seriously, and why is that? Only because the world is shaking a collective fist at God. It's only when we recognize the spiritual reality that we can understand the real solution that's needed: Start with God, highlighting how He has made us male and female Afterwards, note how attempts to start with any other standard lead to nonsense. What even is a woman or a man, if gender has no connection to the biology God gifted us? Answer that, world, if you can. Despite its foundational spiritual shortcoming, Gender Transformation: the Untold Realities is worth watching for the facts it does lay bare. It can be rented for $4 US at GenderTransformation.com. ...

Movie lists, Movie Reviews

Adults, why not try a cinematic time travel experiment?

Travel back through 8 decades of film ***** Here's an idea for your movie nights going forward – why not watch a standout movie or two from each decade? It’s not that easy to find quality movies, and even less so when you have Christian standards for what you watch. But if you expand your choices beyond what’s come out in the past year, it gets a little easier. And by watching movies through the decades, you can really see how times (and movies!) have changed. Now, some older movies can be challenging and may demand a little charity from us while watching. The story pacing can be a bit slower, which our dopamine-addicted brains might find hard to handle. The filming style can feel odd or unnatural, especially when it comes to black-and-white movies filmed in a more formal, theatrical style. But the payoff is worth it! A good story is a good story in any decade, and the stories of the past can connect us to values and virtues of those who have gone before us, which are not so common in our modern day. To make it easy for you, we’ve created a list, traveling back in time through almost a hundred years of cinema history! We’ve got suggestions for nearly every decade from the 2020s to the 1930s. All the movies are linked to their reviews, so if there are any cautions, you can see what they are by clicking the links. 2020s C.S. Lewis: the most reluctant convert Few of us haven’t heard of C.S. Lewis, and this film takes us on a journey through his conversion, showing us his wrestling with God. Since so much of the dialogue is taken from Lewis’ writings, it adds that extra layer of authenticity – and it’s shot on location! You might think you know his life well already, but this film tells the story so superbly you are left wanting more. Unsung Hero While this is about the Smallbone family that gave us Christian artists Rebecca St. James and For King & Country, you don't have to know them or their music to enjoy this story of a family triumphing over hard times because of the determination and love of their unsung hero, mom. 2010s The Song This is a Christian film, but not what you usually expect from a Christian film. Loosely based on the story of David and Solomon, it tells the story of a country singer trying to live up to his father. Woodlawn Time for a sports film? This is a based-on-a-true-story movie about the profound effect sports chaplain Hank Erwin had on the football team at Woodlawn High School. It’s set during a time of tension over racial integration in Alabama. 2000s The Ultimate Gift A spoiled, rich young man is challenged when he has to navigate a series of tests his grandfather laid out for him before he can inherit. It turns out his grandfather intentionally created these tasks to shape his grandson’s character. Some of the scenarios in the film are a little far-fetched, but the overall impression this film leaves is sweet and heartwarming. Pride and Prejudice A modern take on a true classic when it comes to romance. And this tale is told without any of the explicit content common to many a romance, and which Christians are rightly uncomfortable with. When Elizabeth and Darcy meet, they instantly dislike each other, but their first impressions of each other turn out not to be the most accurate. Through the film, they grow to know each other better, and themselves. 1990s A Vow to Cherish This film dives into a more difficult part of marriage – when a wife is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her husband, John, has to face the question of whether God is still answering his prayers, especially as other areas of his life start to fall apart as well. Sarah, Plain and Tall Sarah arrives to help out a widower with his children, and over the course of the movie helps the family navigate their grief as well. Will this story end in a romance? 1970s-1980s We don’t have a lot on offer for these two decades. Do you have suggestions? What makes RP movie reviews unique is that they not only need to be good, they need to not take God’s name in vain. So if you have any nominees, please send them on in! 1960s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance This movie has a slower pace, but it’s a classic exploration of the meaning of manhood. By contrasting an independent rancher, a principled lawyer who wants to bring law and order, and a violent outlaw, the story challenges the characters’ ideas of what a man should be. The Miracle Worker This is the Oscar-winning true story of Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf, nearly from birth. She was shut in a world of darkness and silence, until a determined teacher managed to reach her. 1950s Roman Holiday This is the movie that made Audrey Hepburn famous. In it, a princess escapes her royal duties and has adventures around Rome, helped out by a friendly journalist. Will he turn their fun into a story, or kill the story to protect her reputation? The ending might not be as predictable as you’d expect. 12 Angry Men When one juror believes there is a reasonable doubt that the man on trial is guilty, he forces the rest of the jury to stay and reexamine the evidence more closely. A unique movie that takes place all in one room and yet manages to keep the suspense high. 1940s The Great Dictator A lot of people know Charlie Chaplin made a film where he made fun of Hitler, but most of us haven’t seen it! Why not dip your toe into the world of black-and-white films by watching one of the classics? While this format might be more challenging, the story matters even today, demonstrating the effect of persecution and mistreatment. Even in this satirical film, the message gets through. Casablanca Casablanca is one of those classics you hear about all the time, but that you suspect might be overhyped – until you watch it. Familiar tropes (Nazis, spies, lost loves, cynical antiheroes) come together so perfectly it feels like a kind of magic. 1930s The Adventures of Robin Hood This film is consistently mentioned as the classic version of Robin Hood on screen, which went on to influence all the others. No dark and gritty retellings of Robin here! Our review lists four reasons you’ll never find a better version than this one. Conclusion You’ve safely traveled back in time! How did you enjoy the variety of genres and styles of filmmaking? Were you surprised by any plots or characters? We hope you enjoyed your journey! To find even more film recommendations, including many films for children, check out our list of 200+ movies King David might watch....

Movie lists, Movie Reviews

Ten great movies for a girls’ night in

Drama, faith, romance, comedy? It’s all here. ***** Sometimes there’s nothing like gathering a few girlfriends, breaking out the ice cream (we won’t tell), and settling in for a good flick. Here are ten (all highly rated by RP editor Jon Dykstra) for you to consider. Click on the titles for longer reviews and movie trailers. Little Women Drama 1994 / 118 min. Rating: 9/10 This particular version of Little Women pulls off the somewhat quaint and sentimental original story – an American Civil War-era tale of four sisters and their “Marmee” – with just the right mixture of humor and pathos. A great choice for a cozy evening with the girls. The Song Drama / Christian 2014 / 116 min. Rating: 9/10 Loosely based on the life of King Solomon, this is the all-too-human story of likable young country singer Jed King, who wins the heart of the lovely Rose. Then he makes it big (catapulted to fame by a song he wrote for her) and falls prey to all the temptations – including infidelity – of his new superstar status. Light and fluffy it is not, but the script is thoughtfully done (including multiple references to Solomon’s own writings), and the acting and soundtrack are a good cut above most Christian films. And thankfully Jed and Rose’s story ends, satisfyingly, by reminding us of the power of grace. Pollyanna Drama 2003 / 99 min. Rating: 8/10 You’ll be charmed by this somewhat more sophisticated take on the 1913 story of cheerful young orphan Pollyanna, who has her hands full trying to win over the heart of the prickly aunt with whom she’s gone to live. Thankfully, Pollyanna is up for the challenge, and has plenty of kindred spirits rooting for her. If you’re a fan of the book, you’ll find this a faithful adaptation, except that it’s been transplanted to England – but that only adds to the pleasant quaintness. Pride and Prejudice Romance / Comedy 2004 / 104 min. Rating: 8/10 Of course, if you have the 5+ hours, the serialized BBC Pride and Prejudice is a classic choice. If you only have one evening, though, and possibly aren’t all Jane Austen die-hards, try this very fun (if slightly goofy) adaptation. There are a couple of other Pride and Prejudice spin-offs that may catch your fancy as well. Beyond the Mask Christian / Drama 2015 / 103 min. Rating: 8/10 Sometimes you just want a good old 18th-century drama involving a Reformed assassin leading a double life, a young Christian woman who has her doubts about this supposed “vicar” she’s falling for, some American Revolutionary history (hey, even Ben Franklin shows up), and good resulting doses of intrigue, action, and romance. If so, this pretty decent Christian film may be just the one for you. The Shop Around the Corner Drama / Romance 1949 / 99 min. Rating: 9/10 If you’re up for a bit of a trip back in time, try this classic romantic comedy (the original for You’ve Got Mail). 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 an entertaining journey with plenty of ups and downs. Tangled Animated 2010 / 100 min. Rating: 9/10 Sometimes you just need to indulge that inner Disney princess. This refreshing update on “Rapunzel” is one of Disney’s stand-outs, with a heroine and hero to get behind, and a villainous mother-figure to make things complicated for both of them. Casablanca Drama 1943 / 103 min. Rating: 10/10 If all of your girlfriends haven’t yet seen Casablanca, it’s time for an intervention. Eighty years after its release, this WWII drama remains in a league of its own, with a great storyline, characters that intrigue us and have us rooting for them despite their flaws and foibles, and, of course, a love story for the ages. The Giver Drama 2014 / 97 min. Rating: 8/10 This dystopian drama, adapted (quite well) from Lois Lowry’s award-winning novel, is one to sink your teeth into. At times gritty and slightly disturbing, it’s a thought-provoking story, perhaps even more so for Christians – as we see, brilliantly, how human “solutions” to the problems of our flawed world can only lead to devastating tragedy. And we can cheer on the young protagonists who are determined to find a better way, even if they do fall short of recognizing the only One who can truly rescue us. Sarah, Plain, and Tall Drama / Romance 1990 / 98 min. Rating: 8/10 Put on the tea and settle in for this gentle, old-fashioned tale (based on the award-winning novel by Patricia MacLachlan). You might want to keep the Kleenex handy, too, but rest assured that all will turn out in the end for Sarah, young widower Jacob, and the kids....

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....

Animated, Movie Reviews

Tangled

Animated / Family 2010 / 100 min RATING: 9/10 In the original Rapunzel tale, her hair is very long, but still just hair. In Tangled, these long tresses are used as a whip, swing, and even as rope to tie a bad guy up. But the biggest upgrade is that her hair now has the power to restore youth. It's this last addition that caught the attention of a very old witch. Our story starts with Witch Gothel whisking the baby Rapunzel away to a hidden tower deep in the woods. The magical restoration only works if it's adminstered regularly, so the witch wants to keep Rapunzel forever, so the witch can be young forever. Years later, a teenage Rapunzel is still in the tower, but not a captive exactly. As far as she knows Gothel is her mother, and if Mother says Rapunzel needs to stay in to stay safe, then that's what Rapunzel is going to do. Even if she doesn't like it. Then the roguish, handsome, thieving Flynn Ryder shows up, fleeing from this story's version of the police. He's the first man Rapunzel has ever seen, so, quite naturally, she hits him with a frying pan. Was it love at first "clunk"? Maybe not quite the first, but there were clunks to follow, so it might have been one of those. Rapunzel convinces Flynn to help her explore the outside world. Soon this becomes a chase film, with Mother Gothel, and all the King's men, trying to capture one or the other of the pair. As I reread the original Rapunzel fairytale I was struck by how it's more problematic than the Disneyfied retelling. The original has Rapunzel's mom and dad stealing a plant, rapunzel, from their neighbor. Their neighbor is a witch, but still, when did stealing become something the good guys did? In the fairytale, Rapunzel gets impregnated by the prince before they are married, though children might not even realize (parents will clue in when Rapunzel talks about how, for some reason, her clothes are getting tight). So, Disney improved on the original by cutting these elements. Cautions The weirdest parts of this movie are a couple of brief appearances of a small, old, bearded outlaw who wears nothing but a diaper and wings. He seems to be imitating a baby Cupid. Really, really odd but, thankfully, very brief. There's lots of comic violence, with people getting hit repeatedly in the head with a frying pan. No big thing, except if you have kids young enough to think this is something they can imitate. There is an element of magic, but played mostly in a negative light – the witch Mother Gothel is the villain of the piece. Conclusion A niece loves this film and introduced it to our daughters, and in the half-dozen times we've seen it since, we've all enjoyed it every time. It might be a bit too frantic and at times scary for the under-10 group, but for everyone else, this will be a very fun pick for family movie night. Check out the trailer below. ...

Drama, Movie Reviews

12 Angry Men

Drama 1957 / 96 min. Rating: 9/10 A movie that takes place in a single room? All dialogue, and no car chases or explosions? 12 Angry Men might not seem like it has the makings for an amazing film, but whoever I've watched it with over the years has always been impressed. This courtroom drama begins with eleven men eager to declare the defendant guilty – it's an open-and-shut case, so why waste time? But the twelfth (Henry Fonda) isn't so sure. And he isn't willing to convict a man without carefully working through the evidence... even if other jurors were looking forward to their weekend plans. So in the middle of a sweltering heat wave, stuck in close quarters with complete strangers, they start going through the evidence. 12 Angry Men is an absolutely fascinating look at how personal histories and prejudices can play a part in a jury decision. Cautions I can't think of any concerns for this one. There's some racism evident, but the worst language is a juror talking about "those kind of people." This is an adult film in the sense that your smalls aren't going to be interested. But it is a family-friendly film in the sense that kids of any age could be in the room with you and you wouldn't need to worry about what they might see or hear. The closest thing to a caution I can think of is that the 1997 remake has language problems (and isn't close to as good anyway). Conclusion I don't want to geek out on the film, but I will share one neat bit on its cinematography. If you're like me, you don't really note how a film is shot unless it's bad and gets in the way of the story. That said, there is one neat trick used here you might want to look for: watch for how the camera slowly descends as the tension rises. We start just above eye-level, and by the time the climax arrives, lots of shots are now coming from below, giving jurors an ominous shadowed look. It's cool what different camera angles can do. But the reason you should watch it is for what it wrestles with. This is looking at the whole idea of justice, and how apathy, prejudice, and even people's limited ability to logic things out, can shape the verdict. God has told us that it'd be better for a guilty person go free than an innocent man be punished (that, and innocent until proven guilty, are the implications of texts like Deut. 17:6 and Deut. 19:15), but is that how our justice system works? In 12 Angry Men we've got a behind-the-scenes look with a man willing to stand against the room to do what's right. Check out the trailer below. ...

Documentary, Movie Reviews, Science - Creation/Evolution, Watch for free

Mountains after the Flood

Documentary 2023 / 102 minutes Rating: 7/10 The folks who brought us Is Genesis History, have crafted a sequel of sorts. Host Del Tackett is back, and just as inquisitive as ever. Mountains after the Flood looks at areas of the Grand Canyon, and exposed layers around the world, including in our mountains, to show how quickly they were formed. The conventional evolutionary thinking is that all these layers took eons to form. However, there are folds in these rock layers... and how could that be? If these layers took so long to form then they would have been hardened and unable to fold – any bending would have resulted in cracks and fracturing instead. So these smooth folds serve as evidence against the prevailing "long age" dating of the Grand Canyon. But what if, instead of forming over hundreds of thousands of years, the folds were formed quickly in the cataclysmic aftermath of the Flood? Then the layers wouldn't be the result of millions of years, but would have been rapidly formed as the sediment settled during the Flood. And the bending could have happened while the layers were still soft. Under these circumstances we would understand how these still soft layers could have been bent over on themselves without cracking. Mountains after the Flood is more technical than the previous film, and that's part of the point. In addition to exploring the evidence for the Flood, Tackett and his crew are also trying to show what doing good creation science really involves. They want to show its rigor, and highlight its credibility – what they are doing here is following well-established scientific protocols to produce findings that can't be dismissed and need to be contended with. While there's loads of information for anyone already interested in the subject, this is not a film I’d show anyone, kids or adults, to try and get them interested. For that I'd point to the original Is Genesis History (which is reviewed, and can be watched for free, at this link). The producers have all sorts of supplementary material at IsGenesisHistory.com that is well worth exploring. And now they've made Mountains after the Flood available to watch for free, so start watching below! ...

Drama, Movie Reviews

The Shop Around the Corner

Drama/Romance 99 min / 1940 Rating: 9/10 While Jimmy Stewart is best known for his other Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life, this is the one that mom and dad should watch for an in-home date night. Stewart plays the young Alred Kralik, top salesman at the Matuschek and Company giftshop in Budapest. As top salesman, he serves as confidant and all-around-right-hand man to his boss, Hugo Mastuschek. When a young lady, Klara Novak, comes in looking for a job, it is Alfred's sad duty to inform her that there just aren't any positions available. But strangely Alfred's boss, in a fit of independence, decides to override Alfred and hires Klara. From the start, it's clear that Alfred and Klara have a little chemistry, but he decides she isn’t the girl for him. Maybe it was how they first met, but whatever the reason, the two of them just can’t get along. And besides, Alfred already has a girlfriend of sorts. He has a heart-to-heart, mind-to-mind connection with his long-time pen pal, and how can mere physical attraction compare to something like that? It just can’t! Before he rushes off to marry his pen pal, Alfred decides he should probably meet her once first. And it's at this first date that he finds out his pen pal looks a lot like the new store clerk…an awful lot like her! Turns out, Shop Around the Corner is a great counter to the Hollywood notion of love at first sight – this is love done write! Cautions The one caution here regards a backstory and the reason why Mr. Mastuschek decided to override his top salesman. He suspects Alfred of having an affair with his wife. It turns out that while Mr. Mastuschek is wrong about which salesman it is, he is right about the affair, and that drives him to attempt suicide. Thankfully he is saved by the store's delivery boy. This mature topic matter means this isn't one for the whole family, even though it is delicately handled. Conclusion Shop Around the Corner has been in Time magazine's Top 100 Films list, has a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and was popular enough to spawn two remakes. A musical adaptation, In the Good Old Summertime (1949), was done less than a decade later and stars Judy Garland and Van Johnson. This time the two letter-writers are working in a music store. Not as good as the original, but it is a solid 7. Van Johnson isn't as charming as Jimmy Stewart, and near the end even comes off as a bit creepy. That said, it is fun to see how this remake compares and contrasts with the film that inspired it. Another sequel is Tom Hank's You've Got Mail (1998), which was super popular, but which also takes God's name in vain. If you enjoy Shop Around the Corner, you may also like a couple more from the same director, Ernst Lubitsch. His To Be Or Not To Be (1942) is about a Shakespeare acting troop surviving World War II. And Ninotchka (1939) is a comedy about a loyal Russian communist who comes to Paris and falls in love with a man who represents everything about the West that she despises. There are some good and educational laughs in that one! Check out Shop Around the Corner's trailer below. ...

Family, Movie Reviews

Twelve

Family / Sports 2019 / 92 minutes RATING: 7/10 Kyle Cooke is an 11-year-old baseball prodigy who's always the best kid on the field. When he gets cut from an all-star team – the coach picks his own kids instead of the best kids – his already impressive work ethic goes into overdrive. Kyle is going to make his next season the best ever, so he can take whatever team he's on all the way to the 12-year-olds' World Series. That sums up both what's great about Twelve and what's wonky with it too. If you have kids who aren't overly obsessed with sports then showing them a film about a 12-year-old who lives, sleeps, and breathes his sport could be a good bit of inspiration. If they really want to make their high school basketball team, or get onto the junior high cross-country team, then they need to put in the work. They could do with being more like Kyle. But Kyle, and his dad too, are quite a bit too invested in baseball. The saving grace is that theirs is a love-of-the-game kind of obsession and not a win-at-any-costs kind of thing. The dad proves he's too into baseball when he lets his generally solid sportsmanship slip after his son gets cut unfairly from the all-star team. And Kyle shows he's too obsessed in that his life doesn't have anything else to it but baseball. That said, he is respectful to coaches and to his dad. And even though he is by far the best player on his new team, he doesn't have an inflated ego around his teammates. So, the pluses are some fun training montages, cute interactions between him and his big brother (and his big brother's girlfriend, who is rooting for him), lots of drive and determination, and a fairly low tension level, which might be nice for the 10-12 year-old target audience – there's never really any doubt that Kyle is going to go all the way. Cautions The most notable negative is, again, just how seriously this family takes baseball, getting pretty close to a substitute religion, moderated only by the fact that the two boys aren't obsessed with winning (Kyle is super confident he will win, but he doesn't get all stressed out about it). Language concerns are minor: Kyle's brother "X" almost says a bad word, starting off with "bullsh..." before ending on a better note with "....shoes." Dad does it once too. Oh, and if you try to stream this, beware of the 2010 film of the same name which is about drugs, not sports. Conclusion The consensus in our house rated Twelve a solid 7. The one holdout didn't like the abrupt ending and dropped her initial 10 all the way down to a 0 – she wanted a little bit longer with these characters, but the final credits start just a couple of minutes after the climax. So, take that for what you will. If you're looking for sports flick with some good camaraderie, and not too much of an edge, this will fit the bill... as long as your kids aren't as sports-obsessed as Kyle. Check out the trailer below for a good overview of the admirable and the obsessive. ...

Family, Movie lists, Movie Reviews

A century of cinema for your family

20+ great films for you and your kids to time travel through the last 100 years ***** While most other art forms have been around for centuries and millennia, “motion pictures” have only existed for just over a century. Back in March of 1895, two Frenchmen, the Lumière brothers, had a public screening of their black and white, silent, 46-second-long film Employees Leaving the Lumière Factory. And while that was as boring as it sounds, improvements started coming fast and frequently – later that same year they showed a 40-second comedy of sorts, The Tables Turned on the Gardener. The title character is using a hose to water his plants and when the water pressure drops, he looks down his hose to find out why. And that’s when the boy who’d been stepping on his hose lets the water resume – a first go at cinematic slapstick. In the decades that followed we got plot, then color, and eventually sound. Cinema brought different art forms together – writing, acting, costuming, cinematography, music, construction, and more – and it took filmmakers about a quarter century to really figure out how to gel them all. So it isn’t until the 1920s that we get films that begin to stand the test of time, and can entertain still. Now it’s never been that easy to find quality movies for kids, and even less so when you have Christian standards for what your family watches. But if you expand your choices beyond what’s come out in the past year, it does get a little easier. And if you want to mix some education along with your entertainment, then now might be a great time to introduce your kids to great movies of the past. You can show them the ways the world has changed and the ways it hasn’t, and they can learn that newer is not always better! To make it easy to do, we’ve created a list of suggestions for you from movies we’ve previously reviewed. Travel backwards in time from today to the 1920s to see a hundred years of cinema history. And by heading backward one movie at a time, you can slowly get your children used to the very different pace and look of the older movies. All the films that follow are linked to their longer reviews, so if there are any cautions, you can see what they are by clicking the titles. 2020s Paw Patrol: the Movie Who hasn’t heard of Paw Patrol by now? But rest assured you don’t have to have watched the show to enjoy the movie. When an incompetent mayor runs amok in Adventure City, the pups have to help clean up the chaos. This film is good old-fashioned fun. The Super Mario Bros. Movie If your kids are a bit older, they might enjoy this fun romp through the world of Mario Bros. Mario and his brother Luigi get sucked into a strange and colorful land, where Mario has to rescue everyone from the dreadful Bowser. 2010s Tangled This retelling of Rapunzel is a favorite of many. Rapunzel has been told she needs to stay in the tower to stay safe, but when she meets a thief named Flynn, she gets an opportunity to leave and explore the wider world. A highlight is her versatile hair and all the ways she uses it to help her and Flynn get out of tight situations! The Peanuts Movie This movie brings in all the silly fun of the comic and leaves out some of the melancholy. Charlie Brown tries a variety of activities to impress the Little Red-Haired Girl, and is helped out by his friends. Will he succeed? 2000s Pollyanna Orphaned Pollyanna teaches her aunt and neighbors about the “Glad Game” her father taught her – this game involves striving to find something to be glad about in even the most difficult situations. Throughout the movie, things happen that make it very hard for her to stay “glad” – will Pollyanna stop playing her game? Chicken Run This one is for teens and maybe tweens but not younger – a clever claymation homage to the World War II prisoner escape genre, this takes place on a chicken farm, with the hens working together to plan a mass exodus. But they'll have to get past the Nazi guards farmer and his dogs first. This might be more for dads and their lads, but kids with an interest in World War II history should appreciate this. 1990s Little Women Four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, come together through hard times their family experiences, and do their best to grow up into good young women. Toy Story All of the Toy Story movies are worth watching, but the first one came out all the way back in 1995, making it a great fit for the 1990s. Andy’s toys – Woody, Mr. Potato Head, Little Bo Peep, and more – all come to life when no people are around. Then a new toy, Buzz Lightyear, arrives to make Woody jealous. Both adults, and children as young as 12, can really appreciate this one (a bully and his initially creepy toys might be too much for the younger crowd). 1980s An American Tail Animated films are often assumed to be “just” for children, but the best of them use the art form to showcase stories for all ages – which means this could be a great film for the whole family! An American Tail explores the story of immigration, which is something many of us are familiar with as a result of our own family histories with immigration. The Fox and the Hound A fox and a hound meet and become the best of friends... but as they grow up, will their friendship last? They’re told foxes and hounds are natural enemies. This is a classic film with strong lessons about racism contained in it. 1970s The Hobbit While the live-action Hobbit trilogy hit big screens in the 2010s, the initial animated version came out in 1977. It has a lot to offer, and is not split into three parts! The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Who doesn’t love Winnie the Pooh? This movie contains several classic Pooh stories, and is a perfect way to introduce children to Pooh and his friends. 1960s The Incredible Journey Another classic movie based on a book. In this story, two dogs and a cat have to find their way back to their family, who are over 200 miles away. Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates A movie set in the Netherlands! Young Hans has to support his family, but he struggles to afford both food for them all, and medicine for his father. So he enters a 26-mile skating race with a big prize. Will he win? 1950s Jack and the Beanstalk Abbott and Costello, the well-known comedy duo from the 40s and 50s, star in this version of Jack and the Beanstalk. It’s slapstick, so some parental explanation might be needed for kids to get the jokes and comic physical humor, but kids will surely enjoy all the zany antics. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea A mysterious “sea monster” is destroying ships in the ocean, and three men are sent out to discover what it is, and stop it. It turns out not to be a sea creature, but a submarine! The three of them are taken aboard and start to learn all about its mysterious captain... 1940s My Friend Flicka A classic story of the love between a boy and his horse – a wild colt who needs to be tamed, and a boy who daydreams his way through school. Maybe they can both help each other grow up. A few cautions: for children who love horses, the death of a horse in this movie might be a tough watch, and the pace of this movie is slower, especially by modern movie standards. Lassie Come Home A boy is forced to sell his beloved and loyal dog Lassie when his family can’t afford to feed her anymore. Lassie’s new owner takes her to Scotland, but she is determined to find her way home, and goes through some serious adventures on her long journey. 1930s The Prince and the Pauper Stories about switched identities are fun, and this is one of the classic versions. A poor boy and a prince realize they look almost identical, and after they switch clothes they’re both mistaken for the wrong boy. Will the wrong boy end up crowned king? This is a black-and-white film, and is slower paced, but many children 9 and up will enjoy it. The Adventures of Robin Hood This film is consistently mentioned as the classic version of Robin Hood on screen, which went on to influence all the others. No dark and gritty retellings of Robin here! Our review lists four reasons you’ll never find a better version than this one. 1920s Sherlock Jr. We’re getting into movies old enough that some children will find them very, very different from modern movies... that said, most children do enjoy the silent films that are jam-packed with action! This could be a great opportunity to expand their viewing – and yours. Our first recommendation for silent films is Sherlock Jr., which is also free online if you click the title. Seven Chances Another silent film! Jimmie has seven chances to find someone to marry that day, in order to fulfill the conditions to inherit his grandfather’s fortune. Conclusion And that, then, is a collection of 22 films covering just over a century of cinema. If you do end up working your way through this list with your family, please let us know your thoughts, especially on the older ones. What were your favorites? We hope you find some gems! To find even more film recommendations, including many films for younger children, be sure to check out our list of 200+ movies King David might watch....

Animated, Movie Reviews

Animal Farm (1954)

Animated / Drama 1954 / 72 minutes RATING: 7/10 This is George Orwell's classic dystopian tale brought to the big screen. A farm setting is used to highlight a conflict between the "working class" – chickens, geese, cows, and pigs – and the wealthy, represented here by the farmer who owns everything. Orwell was anti-communist, but not blind to the problems of the arrogant elite who abused the poor, so his Farmer Jones here is a piece of work, shown whipping the animals in a drunken stupor. When Old Major, the most revered pig on the farm, calls a meeting, all attend. He gives a rousing speech, calling for solidarity against the oppressive farmer, and equality for all animals. But Old Major doesn't live to see the revolution he has called for – he punctuates his speech by collapsing at the end. But he has inspired action. The animals drive out Farmer Jones, and take over the farm for themselves. However, the animals soon learn the same lessons the poor Russians peasants learned when they overthrew the Tsar: being free of one tyrant isn't the same as being free. The pigs soon take the place of the farmer, because, after all, someone has to show some leadership. The pigs are soon eating the farmer's food, and sleeping in his bed too, even as the rest of the animals remain in the barn. All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others. Caution The cautions are of two kinds. Parents could see the trailer and think this could make for a good family night flick. While the simple 1950s animation does mute some of the violence, there are still creature killed both onscreen and off. At one point it is a full out war between a dozen armed humans and all the animals. Not a lot of blood is shown, but way too much for children. That's okay though, because this really isn't intended for an audience too young to understand the moral to the story. The other concern is that teens, and even some adults, might miss some of the nuance here, in part because of changes to the film that aren't in the book. This is a more hopeful version of the tale that ends with the dictator pig, Napoleon, getting overthrown, trampled to death by the other animals. In the book, it ends with the pigs still in charge, now making deals with the humans, and it is getting hard to tell the humans from the pigs and the pigs from the humans. The film's more hopeful ending was likely made because the film was, in fact, produced by the CIA. They may have wanted it to end on a more "democratic" note, the people rising up against their communist dictator. But Orwell's unresolved ending was likely meant to highlight the growing communist encroachment even in the West. And viewers will not get that from the film. But both book and film do critique the abuses that can happen under the arrogant. Orwell wasn't saying that the West was perfect and that only communism was a problem; he was highlighting that communism wasn't a solution to the problems happening in the West, and would only make things worse. Conclusion This is not a film to watch for entertainment; it rates only middling on that scale. But it is a great presentation of one of the more important novels of our time. At a time when "equity" is thought to be the ultimate goal, it's important to teach the next generation where that road really takes us. So, this would be a great one for 12 to 112. You may also be interested in Animal Farm: the Graphic Novel. ...

Drama, Movie Reviews

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Drama / Romance 1990 / 98 minutes Rating: 8/10 In 1910, Jacob Witting, a Kansas farmer and widower, places a newspaper ad asking for a woman interested “in making a difference” in the lives of his two small children, Anna and Caleb. Sarah Wheaton responds to his ad and agrees to a one-month visit. She brings with her a cat, a collection of seashells and a streak of stubbornness that is the young widower’s match. When Sarah arrives she quickly learns that while Jacob's wife Katherine died six years ago, he is still grieving. He's packed away all his wife's pictures, and blankets, and anything else that reminds him of her. And he hasn't sung since her death. But little Caleb loves to sing and Sarah does too. Anna isn't as quick to warm up to her, but when Sarah arranges to have Katherine's pictures hung back up, she starts to win the little girl over too. Sarah's love for the two children, and her better understanding of what they need pits her against their father, so when the month is done, will Jacob even want her to stay? Or will he start to love her as his equal... and his match? Caution No real cautions to offer. This does deal with the topic of losing a mother, and the children worry that they might lose Sarah at month's end, so there is some tension here that younger viewers might find harder to deal with. Especially when the neighbor goes into labor early and the delivery is not an easy one. But it comes to a beautiful resolution. This is very much a film for the whole family. Conclusion This is based on the book by Patricia MacLachlan which won the 1986 Newbery Medal for best American children's book of the year. It's a loyal rendition, as the screenplay was written by MacLachlan too, and I think it's one of those rare times where the film really does equal the book. It’s a wonderful quaint, quiet, and beautiful flick, sure to bring a tear to your eye. That means some boys might have a bit of trouble sitting through it during the early going, and maybe it just isn't for them. But if they can be settled, with their own bowl of popcorn perhaps, then I can't imagine a lovelier film for a family movie night. ...

Drama, Movie Reviews

An American in Austen

Drama / Romance 2024 / 84 minutes Rating: 7/10 In the opening scene, we discover that Harriet-the-aspiring-author is struggling with writer's block, but her alter ego, Harriet-the-librarian is having quite the day. First a teen patron asks for a recommendation and Harriet gets to introduce the girl to Jane Austen. Harriet briefly hugs a copy of Pride and Prejudice before handing it over. Then Harriet's boyfriend of three years, Ethan, arrives early to take her to an anniversary dinner. But when Ethan pulls off the most romantic surprise marriage proposal ever, Harriet finds herself giving what might be the worst answer possible: "Maybe?" That scene ends with a quick cut to Harriet commiserating with two friends, all three wondering what on earth just happened. When they see a shooting star, one friend suggests Harriet wish for a do-over on the night. But instead, she wistfully declares, "I wish for Mr. Darcy." And that's when it happens. On the cab ride home, Harriet falls asleep, only to wake up in the back of a carriage. She's confused, thinking it's all a rather scary joke. Even when the carriage stops, and she meets the Bennets – mama, papa, and the five sisters who believe that Harriet is their just-arrived American cousin – still thinks it's a prank, some kind of play being put on for her behalf. She only starts to clue in when she notices there are no telephone or power lines, and no planes flying overhead. The shooting star has done its work – she's been transported into Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and soon she's going to meet Mr. Darcy! This will best be appreciated by Austen fans, who will understand the different ways that Harriet's arrival is messing with the original story, and her attempts to get things back on track. There's a fun Groundhog Day homage going on here too, with the way Harriet begins each day. Instead of alarm clock music repeatedly starting off Bill Murray's day, we have a rooster's crow startling Harriet again and again. Like Murray, Harriet has that moment where she realizes she's still there, and she's still stuck, living out another day in this same story. Cautions After realizing that even Mr. Darcy doesn't compare with being loved by Ethan, Harriet looks up to the heavens and offers what's basically an agnostic prayer. She never addresses God or anyone. She seems to be speaking to the sky, perhaps hoping for another shooting star to come by and grant her a second wish. The other caution would be the one you can tack on to every Hallmark movie: the god here is love. And while God is love, love is not god, and to elevate it so is to make an idol out of it. Conclusion We're all Jane Austen fans in this household, and it was that very love that left us split on this creative riff. For the loyalists, it's just annoying to have a ditzy, maverick American walking through the original story and messing things up. But I quite enjoyed how Harriet was both stuck in the story, constrained by what Austen wrote, and yet still able to cause new and original problems for the Bennet household, all while staying within the spirit of the original. This is a Hallmark film, and while still predictable enough, it has a good dollop of creativity that left me wondering exactly how it would all work out. So, safe for the whole family, but best enjoyed by those already well-acquainted with Jane Austen and yet not fiercely loyal to her. You can watch a short scene below... ...

Family, Movie Reviews

My friend Flicka

Family 1943 / 89 minutes Rating: 7/10 All Ken wants is a colt of his own, and seeing as his dad raises horses, that doesn't seem an unreasonable ambition. But all Ken's father wants is for his son to start using his head, and he's not sure when or if that's ever going to happen. The boy's fifth-grade report card is impressive in the worst possible way – Ken managed to get a zero in English. He daydreamed his way right through the hour-long test and never even got started. So it's against his better judgment that stern poppa does indeed give his underachieving son his choice of a colt. But dad is left shaking his head once again when his son picks Flicka, a colt from the most "loco" mare on the ranch – Ken has picked a colt that may not even be tameable! And shortly after getting picked, Flicka proves just as wild as the father feared, running straight into a barbed wire fence. There is a silver lining – the injured colt needs attention, and Ken shows himself both willing and able. Might this daydreaming boy be on the way to becoming a young man? Cautions Parents will want to know that one of the horses, a wild mare named Rocket (Flicka's mom), dies suddenly midway through the film. I was surprised – I figured the horse was just stunned, and even reassured our kids it would recover. But nope. This was shot in World War II so I think the times may have resulted in kids then that were made of a little sterner stuff, so one horse getting killed might have been no big deal to them. But it might be a bit of something to some of our sensitive ten-and-under kids, who have grown up on children's fare where the peril never results in anything permanent. Rocket's death makes Flicka's own brush with death – at one point dad gives the order to put him down – much scarier than it otherwise would have been. Shucks, it seems like there's no guarantees in this movie about who is going to make it to the end. But parents can reassure their kidlings that Flicka will indeed make it. Language concerns are limited to a few "doggone it" and "gee whiz"s. Conclusion One modern-day reviewer celebrated this as a "great movie for kids with no... sex, drugs or cursing." It is that. But it is also an older film that doesn't have the frenetic pacing of most of today's kids' stuff. That means it might test some children's attention spans, but that could be a very good thing. I'd suggest it for 10 and over, but I'm not quite sure whether its hundreds of horses might make this a great one for horse-crazy girls, or whether the death of Rocket might mean they'd be the worst possible audience. I'll also note that in our family of five, three quite liked it, one fell asleep, and one was quite distraught over poor Rocket. So, if you're looking for a sure-fire bet for family movie night, this might not be it. But if you want something from a more decent time, this could fit the bill. It's full of characters with character, whether that's a stern but loving dad, a compassionate capable mom, respectful ranch hands, or even the son, a kid who isn't measuring up but wants to. Check out a brief clip below. ...

Movie lists, Movie Reviews

Our Top 10 movie reviews of 2023

Here are our most popular movie reviews for 2023, ranked in reverse order – this is what our online readers checked out most often over the last 12 months. Click on the titles for the longer reviews and, in some cases, links to watch the film for free online. (For more movie recommendations, be sure to check out our list of "200 movies King David might watch.") 10. Storm and Luther's forbidden letter This children's movie has the 12-year-old son of a 16th-century printer getting chased about by authorities when the family's print shop agrees to print one of Martin Luther's letters. A good bit of fun that can be watched for free online. 9. 2081: Everyone will finally be equal In another free film, we get a peak 50 years into the future in which everyone's outcomes are exactly equal. How is that achieved? By weighing down the strong, and distracting the smart, and marring the beautiful. 8. The Lord of the Rings animated "trilogy" Long before Peter Jackson first thought about filming the live-action version, there were three animated Lord of the Rings movies. And two of them are worth checking out. 7. Incredible creatures that defy evolution The giraffe’s heart has to be strong to get blood all the way up to its head but what happens to all that power when, instead of pumping against gravity, the giraffe dips its head to take a drink? Then the same strong stream of oxygenated blood will be traveling with enough pressure to create some serious brain trauma….except for the amazing shut-off valves in a giraffe’s neck that kick in when it lowers its head! This free film series shows all sorts of animal design features that give testimony to God's engineering brilliance! 6. End of the Spear A true story about five missionaries who wanted to bring the gospel to the Aucas tribe in Ecuador and died trying. It is, however, through their witness that this "Stone Age" tribe was first introduced to God. 5. Sound of Freedom This true story is the film everyone seemed to be talking about was also popular among RP readers too. Tim Ballard once had the disturbing job of hunting down pedophiles, and in the course of his career he busted almost 300 of them. But when his partner challenged him, “And how many kids have you saved?” he couldn't answer. So he set out to start freeing the children instead. 4. Jungle Beat A variety of animal friends try to solve ordinary problems, but do so without being able to communicate via words (animals can't talk, after all). So this is part miming, part explosive action, and it is a whole bunch of good clean innocent fun! With more than 10 hours of it, broken up into 5-minute little skits, parents will enjoy sharing this with their kids again and again. And you can watch it for free! 3. On Earth as it is in Heaven Another free documentary, this one tries to make the case for post-millenialism. You be the judge for how well it does so. 2. The Essential Church John MacArthur's church defied government COVID closures, and it was eventually vindicated in the courts. Here MacArthur and other church leaders try to make that same case – that the Church is essential – but this time to their fellow Christians. 1. The Hiding Place This is Corrie Ten Boom's true story of her World War II role in hiding Jews. Or, more so, it is the story of her family's trust in God, even when the going got very tough – all of them ended up being sent to Nazi concentration camps. But did we need another Corrie Ten Boom movie? Isn't there already a great film version? I needed to find out, and based on the review's popularity, a whole bunch of RP readers need to find out too....

Drama, Movie Reviews

The Great Dictator

Drama / War / Black and White 1940 / 125 minutes Rating: 8/10 Long before Hitler adopted it, Charlie Chaplin made the "toothbrush mustache" famous. Once Hitler adopted it, you might wonder why Chaplin still kept it. Might this 1940 film be the answer? Chaplin had been planning to take on Hitler even before World War II began, and his mustache helped him manage a fantastic impersonation of history's most infamous dictator. Chaplin plays two parts here, the hero and the villain. Adenoid Hynkel, the "Phooey" of Tomainia, a satiric take on Adolph Hitler, the Führer of Nazi Germany, The Jewish barber who fights for Tomainia during the First World War, and then loses his memory for the next 20 years When the barber leaves the hospital to finally return home, he opens up his barbershop, not knowing two decades have passed. He also doesn't understand why a man is painting the word "Jew" on his shop window, and goes outside to stop him. The barber was a soldier just yesterday in his own mind, so he won't stand for this! But two stormtroopers against one barber isn't a fair fight. Thankfully, the fight stops underneath the heroine's apartment window, allowing the beautiful Hannah to make good use of her frying pan, applying a solid "bong" to each stormtrooper's head. This being a Chaplin film, the poor barber gets a misaimed blow too, resulting in a hopscotching staggered dance up and down the street. From the moment we see Chaplin playing both parts, we know that the barber is going to save the day by replacing the "great dictator." But what a ride it is, getting there! Hitler isn't Chaplin's only target either. Benzino Napaloni, the Diggaditchie of Bacteria (think Benito Mussolini, il Duce of Italy), comes by for a visit, and the two compete to see who can be the more self-important. That this comic takedown came out right when Hitler seemed to be unstoppable says something about Chaplin's bravery and his outrage. He wanted the world to know who Hitler really was, even if he needed to use a fictional country, title, and name to do so. It might be worth noting that while Chaplin is best known for his silent films, this is a "talkie." Cautions The only caution would be the topic matter: war and the murderous megalomaniac who started it. But this is also black and white, and satire rather than drama, so some of the most shocking material has been muted by the format. Still, this could be a bit much for the very young. However, if kids know anything at all about the Holocaust, they'll likely be old enough to see The Great Dictator. Conclusion My daughters aren't the target demographic for a 1940s black and white World War II film that stars a talking 1930s silent film star. I was so sure they wouldn't be up for this one that, instead of trying to foist it on them for a family movie night, I decided to watch it on my own while they were busy with friends. But a few minutes in our youngest, 9, wandered by, sat down, and never left. The other two and my wife showed up midway, and after a bit of recap to clue them in, they all enjoyed the second half. So, a good film for the whole family? Maybe... if they're an adventurous bunch. My youngest told me that it helped a lot that I was there to explain some the World War II references being made. She already knew about the Holocaust, so she wasn't surprised that the Jews were mistreated, but to see it, even in this muted manner, did get her indignant. It's one thing to hear about people being picked on and singled out for persecution, and quite another to see even a bit of it. Overall, I would give this two very enthusiastic thumbs up! The film is available in both clear high resolution, and also in a variety of cheap knock-offs, so be sure to get the good one. There's even a colorized version that looks intriguing. Most libraries will have a version on DVD, and you should be able to rent it from places like Amazon. Check out the trailer below. ...

Family, Movie Reviews

Back of the Net

Sports / Family 2019 / 86 minutes Rating: 7/10 Cory Bailey is an American teen science nerd whose next stop is a semester-long trip on a research ship departing from Sydney, Australia. But after arriving at the Sydney Airport, she boards the wrong school bus, and ends up on the wrong campus. Now instead of spending a term studying aquatic life, she's at a soccer academy. And she's never played before in her life. Adults are going to be able to predict where this is going right from the get-go, but no worries mate, because they aren't the target audience. And the pre-teens this is aimed at are going to enjoy Cory's fish-out-of-water experience. This is really just a light, feel-good film, with Cory going from friendless to gaining a bunch of bosom buddies. There's also a charming jock who doesn't really get science, but can appreciate Cory's passion. The Australian accents and scenery also add to the appeal. There is a villain, of course, but even rich girl Edie isn't all that nasty. She's really just misunderstood, don't you see? Cautions The cautions here are mostly of the too-good-to-be-true nature of the story. Cory might have been a fish-out-of-water to start, but by film's end, everything has turned up roses, and in every possible way. Adults will know this isn't realistic, but the pre-teens might need a reminder that even as confidence can often be key, "believing in yourself" isn't some kind of miraculous guarantee of victory. Another concern is the budding romance between Cory and a very nice boy. While there's just one peck on the lips exchanged (and another attempted kiss), Cory's friends do a fair amount of "ooooh"ing to tease Cory. Sure, it's funny, but parents may want to point out that it's also just plain silly: these kids are too young to be thinking of marriage, so they don't need to (and shouldn't be trying to) contend with all the drama that comes with dating. The other cautions include three instances of "Oh my gosh," and a beach scene in which two boys are shirtless (though in long shorts). Conclusion Back of the Net strikes me as a cross between one of the better Hallmark films and an old-school Disney TV movie, or in other words, a sweet if predictable story, with decent production values and pretty good acting. Pre-teen girls will love it, and the rest of us won't mind it. ...

Family, Movie Reviews

The Legend of 5 Mile Cave

Western / Family 2019 / 90 minutes RATING: 7/10 The Legend of 5 Mile Cave begins with a bang, a fleeing cowboy being shot right off his horse by an eagle-eyed sheriff. And it begins with misdirection too: the sheriff looks kind of scary, his posse pretty mean, so are they the heroes? Or should we be rooting for the guy lying at their feet? It doesn't get any clearer when we cut forward 20 years and see an escaping prisoner evade pursuing guards and their bloodhounds. Again, it seems like we're supposed to be siding with the bad guy. What's going on? The main story is about a young farm boy, Tommy Tilwicky, and his widowed mother, Susan, who are taking in boarders to balance their budget. The first to arrive is the escaped prisoner, though now in a decent set of clothes. He can't pay much, but he's willing to help them break in their horses, to get them ready to sell. And he's also willing to tell stories of the West as it was to a boy who can't get enough of pulp-fiction Westerns. Those novels don't get the facts quite right, says the man. And he proceeds to tell Tommy, in bits and pieces, the true story of the infamous "Shooter Green," a gunslinger infamous for a $200,000 stagecoach holdup in which the gold was never recovered. Much of the movie is told in flashbacks, Tommy seizing every opportunity he can to hear more about Shooter. We cut back 20 years again to see Shooter Green doing trick shots to earn some money. We get to watch this boastful young man get his comeuppance when a beautiful young lady bets against him, and the flustered Shooter Green misses for the very first time. It's a cute scene, but had me wondering yet once more, is this film expecting us to root for the criminal? I needn't have worried: Legend has us cheering for the right guy all along, and the mystery is how he could seem so bad at the beginning and be a hero at the end. Cautions For a Western, there ain't much gunplay. Shooter Green does get shot off his horse in the opening scene, and when the stagecoach is held up, three men are quickly shot, however, with little blood seen. There is also a brief bit of gambling, as the trick-shot Shooter is making money off of people betting against him. And that's about it. So this isn't an all-ages family film, but it could be good for everyone 12 and up. Conclusion I've reviewed a few hundred films, and it was fun coming across one I couldn't properly compare to anything I'd seen before. The best I can liken it to is one of the better old Disney movies (think Swiss Family Robinson) crossed with one of the better and funnier Hallmark films. I'm not pitching this as a great movie, just as a solid evening's viewing. It is well-produced and well-acted – kid actors can sometimes ruin things, but the fellow playing Tommy does a decent go of it. It is maybe a teensy bit long, which is why it gets a 7 and not an 8. Check out the trailer below. You can stream it on Amazon.ca and elsewhere. ...

Drama, Movie Reviews

Sound of Freedom

Drama 2023 / 131 minutes Rating: 8/10 Roberto Aguilar has two beautiful children. The charming woman at his door, Giselle, knows it too. In fact, she believes that his 11-year-old daughter Rocio, and his cute-as-a-button 4-year-old son Miguel, might have what it takes to be in the entertainment business. So when she invites Roberto to bring them both by for a photo shoot, the Honduran welder is willing to take the long bus ride into the city, to give his children this special opportunity. When he knocks on the apartment door, the children are invited in, and Roberto is told that parents aren't allowed to stay. He can come back at 7 pm to pick them up. Except, when he returns, they are gone. The charming woman is no talent scout. Giselle has just kidnapped another dozen children for her sex trafficking business. And that might be the last time Roberto ever saw his children, but for one Homeland Security agent. Tim Ballard has the disturbing job of hunting down pedophiles, and in the course of his career he's busted almost 300 of them. But when his partner challenges him, "And how many kids have you saved?" he can't answer. He's had to look through the filth these 300 guys have collected, seen child after child abused, even had to catalogue it for the trials, and he's not been able to save even a single child. But for his own sanity, he needs to start now. "This job tears you to pieces," he tells his boss. "And this is my one chance to put those pieces back together.” What follows is an undercover operation that has no sanction from the US government. Ballard is a highly capable Homeland Security agent, but the children he wants to save are mostly out of country, where his department has no jurisdiction. His boss helps him as much as he can, but in the end Ballard has to cut ties with his government and he goes in with just a couple of new friends who have their own reasons to risk their lives for these children. Sound of Freedom isn't an explicitly Christian film – Roman Catholic Jim Caviezel plays the part of Ballard, who in real life is a Mormon – but there's a reason it appeals to us. What drives Ballard, even still today, is that these children are made in the Image of God, and "God's children not be for sale." Christians will also recognize the Scripture verse Ballard cites when he is about to arrest a pedophile he's had to pretend to befriend in his undercover work. Ballard tells the man: “Better a millstone be hung around your neck and you be cast into the sea than you should ever hurt one of these little ones” (Luke 17:2). Cautions Filmmakers don't tell their audience what's happening; they show it – that's the power of a visual medium. However, some topics are just too grim to show: the real-life Ballard has been left scarred by what he's had to see, and we, as the audience, don't need to share in that misery. Thankfully, the filmmakers were very intentional about educating their audience about child sex-trafficking without exposing us to the full depravity of it. For example, the film's creepiest scene might be the initial photo shoot with Miguel, Rocio, and the other dozen children who have been left with Giselle. The pre-school Miguel has the top two of his polo shirt buttons undone, and the preteen Rocio is seen having red lipstick applied. The children are told how to stand, how to purse their lips, tilt their head, and smile just so. That's already creepy, but what makes it much more so isn't what we see, but rather what we know about how these pictures are going to be used to market the children to "buyers." There's violence, the most graphic of which is a fight scene a minute or two long with two men equally intent on killing each other. Here, too, some "muting" is going on, as we watch the fight through the eyes of a child who has been told not to look. So we hear it, but don't always see what's going on. While there is restraint in what is shown, this is still a film about the sexual trafficking of children. That means lots of people should steer clear. That this is a true story means if you have a soft heart, this could break you. I also wouldn't suggest it for anyone under 16. It is gripping, it is well-acted, it is important, but it isn't really entertainment – this is a film you watch to have your eyes opened. Conclusion As the credits rolled, I was left wondering, Now that I know, what can I do? In a short, post-film plea, actor Jim Cavezial tells us we can help end sexual trafficking by raising awareness. How can we do that? By getting more people to watch the film. That might be a really good idea, but it still has me wondering, what's next? After everyone knows, what do we do then? The film doesn't offer an answer, so I'll pitch a few thoughts: Put the danger in a context - It's good to teach our children to be aware of their surroundings, and good also for parents to be aware themselves. But while some of the real-life footage shown in Sound of Freedom involves drive-by abductions, those are a rarity in the US, and likely Canada too. More often the children are steered into this life by people they trust, or who have some sort of relationship with them. Parents should be more concerned with Giselle-types trying to create bonds, perhaps over social media, than random kidnappings. Stop the sexualization of children – We've got crazy people saying little girls should be able to handle seeing male genitalia in the locker room, and that kids should go to Pride parades even if they have "public nudity and kink." We might be able to shelter our own kids by sending them to Christian schools, but let's not forget about the children who are getting subjected to public school sex-ed, or who are borrowing the books our governments are putting in the teen section of the public library. Lots of fronts in this battle, but closest to home I suspect it might begin with delaying when our own kids get phones and the access that phones bring to the dark side of sexuality. Wait til Grade 8 is a good idea, but I sure wouldn't mind 9 or 10, though any later and parents risk sending their kid out the door at 18 with no guidance on how to use a phone responsibly. Support Christian organizations like SA foundation (Servants Anonymous) that seek to "provide a way out for young women (and their children) that are able to escape the sex trade." Find out more at SAFoundation.com. You can view the trailer below... ...

Family, Movie Reviews, Watch for free

Never Give Up

Family / Sports 2023 / 79 minutes RATING: 6/10 This is great family viewing for the peek it offers into the very different world of the deaf. Never Give Up is the true story of Brad Minns, left deaf by a high fever at the age of three, back in 1968. His parents made the unusual decision at that time, to teach Minns to lip-read and have him try to take on the challenge of a regular school, instead of going to a deaf institution. While his classmates and even his teacher aren't all that welcoming, the game of tennis becomes an outlet and a refuge. Here his hearing loss doesn't make him all that different. It's still not an even playing field – deaf players can't hear how the ball sounds coming off their opponent's racket – but as Minn's first instructor tells him, he can use his eyes and his heart to make up the difference. When Minns beats his big brother, he starts realizing he could become great at this. One of the more unlikely tennis comebacks serves as the backbone to this film – it opens with Minns down two sets, and down five games to none in the third. In flashbacks throughout the match we learn about how he got here and how those early life challenges and triumphs gave him the perseverance to keep fighting even when he's that far down. CAUTIONS The only caution to note would be a hazing scene. When Minns tries out for the US national deaf tennis team, someone hides his rackets right before his first match. Then, after he wins and heads to the showers, they hide his clothes. With no other option, Minns comes to the team meeting "wearing" nothing but a two-foot by three-foot sign which reads "Used tennis balls here." That sounds worse than it is – the signage has him covered more modestly than even the biggest pair of shorts. CONCLUSION I wanted to give this a 7, because our whole family enjoyed it. Who doesn't like a family-friendly, sports underdog story, that teaches you a bit about a different world, and even acknowledges God with a few quiet and respectful nods? But I give 6s for good films that have something notably subpar, and that's the acting here. It's just not very good. It's not so bad that it's annoying, but it is in the range of what you'd find in a low-end Hallmark movie. I'll add that there are some nice production touches too, including the soundtrack featuring Huey Lewis' The Power of Love (playing when Minns was down 40 to love), and some unique "sketched" opening titles. The tennis match itself is solidly shot – believable if not all that suspenseful. So, a 6, but significantly, a 6 that everyone in our family enjoyed. Never Give Up can be viewed for free on RedeemTV here (you do need to sign up for a membership, though at no cost). You can also watch it on YouTube, though with commercials. See the trailer below. ...

Animated, Movie Reviews

Long Way North

Animated / Family 81 minutes / 2015 RATING: 7/10 It's the 1880s, the North Pole has yet to be reached, and a Russian explorer dreams of doing so. But when his expedition disappears, along with his unsinkable ice-breaking ship, the Russian Tsar offers a million rubles for anyone who can find them. No one does. Two years later, the explorer's 15-year-old granddaughter, Sasha, discovers his notes and realizes that everyone has been searching in the wrong area. When she can't convince anyone to listen – and when her prodding angers a Russian prince and harms her family's social status – Sasha steals away on her own to discover what really happened. With the lure of the Tsar's reward, Sasha manages to convince an ice-breaking ship to take her on board. Cautions Sasha is the only one who knew where her grandfather's ship is; all the adults should have listened to her! This "the kid knows best" is a staple in children's movies. but fortunately it isn't pushed all that hard here. And Sasha is also shown being rescued by adults who are cleary wiser in these other areas. The only other caution concerns the moment when Sasha finds her grandfather. He's dead, his body frozen and looking more ice sculpture than corpse, so it isn't all that scary. And it's almost as if everyone knew he couldn't still be alive, so the scene is sad, but not weepy. Conclusion This is a sweet story about a granddaughter's love and respect for her grandfather. What makes it unique is the hand-drawn animation, and the starkly beautiful arctic landscapes. This French/Danish production is drawn in an often lineless form – a carriage in the distance is just a block of color – that's very different from anything you're familiar with. While the first 15 minutes might test the patience of some younger viewers, the director's leisurely pacing gives the barren ice and waves and wind time to entrance us. This could be a wonderful family film for a quiet night when the snow is blowing up against your own front door. ...

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